Navigating the Roman markets can be a difficult mission for travelers. With tourist traps so cleverly disguised and no way to tell what’s authentic or not, it can get pretty hectic. No worries world traveler, I have put together a little guide describing some of the best markets in Rome! So whether your staying in these areas or not, these markets are worth a trip (or two)!
If you’re looking for..The largest street market in Rome
Stop by the Nuevo Mercato Trionfale (Via Andrea Doria 3) ! This market is famous for the abundance and diversity of their items for sale. Need to pick up some groceries? They got it! Fruit, meats, vegetables, fish, nuts, eggs, cheese, Oh my! Need to pick up some things for your home? Maybe a cooking pot, lamp, the occasional chair, they got it! But do you also want to pick out some new jewelry and maybe a tie? They got it! Since this is the biggest street market in Rome, there’s no limits on what you might find.
The ambiance of this market is lively and social. With some vendors ready to explain their well rehearsed sales pitch and others just leisurely sitting at their booth its a very casual scene. Most vendors know some english, enough to sell you what you need. But on the off chance that you cannot communicate at all with your vendor, it might be time to pick up your Italian Vocab book and learn a thing or two. The vendors will greatly appreciate the effort and will be less likely to apply any hidden “tourist tax”.
If you’re looking for...Organic Straight from the Farm Produce
Visit the BioMercato farmer’s market (Citta dell’Altra Economia Complex, Testaccio). The most unique thing about this market is that the vendors are the farmers who grew the food! Talk about some fresh finds. The market offers organic food products from the Lazio region of Italy to be sold by its producers directly to the customers. This is all part of a slow food movement in Italy to combat the growing culture of fast, unhealthy food. These farmers stand by the idea that slow, organic food is better in taste and quality.
This market has a much more calm demeanor in comparison to other Roman markets. There will most likely not be any vendors trying to coo you to their station and give you a whole story on why their produce is the best. Rather you get to walk around and see the quality for yourself. Never handle the food without asking the farmer. But if you want to sample it they are more than happy to give you a taste. Also an important thing to. Know about this market is that a the products will be a bit more expensive than what you have seen at other markets. This is because slow food is a more costly process than factory made produce. Remember you’re paying for the quality!
If you’re looking for...A Historical market Experience
Find the statue of Giordano Bruno in Campo de’ Fiori. There you will find an open air market that dates back to the 1800s! This open air market used to be a place where merchants and traders would go after their long journeys to sell the exotic goods they gathered from abroad. Now a days you can find anything from fruits and spices to souvenirs and household goods. How the times have changed.
This market has a similar environment to the Nuevo Mercato Trifonale. Maybe even more social since it is such a hot spot. Many vendors will try to lure you to their stand over their competitors so it can be a little daunting. But if you think you’re up to the task and love a good history lesson, this is the spot for you.
If you’re looking for...Exotic spices
Go on down to the Nuevo Mercato Esquilino. This place is a gold mine for those hard to find spices that you crave. Their authenticity is marked by the serve yourself bags of spices they have lined up rather than prepackaged factory bags. The bright colors and smells make you feel like your in India rather than Italy! Apart from spices this market also sells produce, meats and cheeses. But in reality, stick to what they’re known for and get yourself something you know you wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else.
Price wise this market is fairly cheap, surprisingly. And the vendors are normally non Italian natives so be sure to bring your translating app to figure out any questions you might have. Most of the vendors do know English but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. This market it a relaxed and quiet place. With lots of chances for accidental bumping into a huge bag of rare spices. So moms, when you’re visiting this market just leave the kiddies at the hotel.
That wraps up my Roman Market Mash Up! Hopefully you guys got some good ideas from it! Until next time travelers!
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