The best food markets in Rome to explore on your next trip

Travelers come from all over the world to see Rome‘s ancient treasures – a fact that was probably highlighted by your Instagram feed this summer. But if marveling at the thousand-year-old oculus of the Pantheon or throwing a euro into the Trevi Fountain are quintessential traditions in the Eternal City, the same goes for shopping and tasting in its countless markets.

Rome is home to more than 100 food markets that range from outdoor produce stalls in neighborhood plazas to sprawling indoor mazes of artisan cheeses, charcuterie and prepared foods. But visiting one is more than picking up a bag of ripe apples or a piece of old Parmesan cheese – perusing the stalls of these markets is a way to support generations-old businesses and experience an enduring slice of Roman culture first-hand.

“Roman Markets epitomizes what we strive to accomplish when building our experiences: connecting curious travelers to local food and people in a way that helps local culture thrive,” said Lauren Aloise, co-founder of Devour Tours, part of City Experiences. The company offers local-led tours that mix food and drink with history and storytelling and, according to Aloise, include “a mix of unique mom-and-pop spots that go off the beaten path and give you a real taste of life in Rome.”

Below, Aloise shares five of her favorite food markets to look for—simmered tripe sandwiches and sliced-to-order porchetta, organic honey and bulk wine, and an unforgettable Roman experience.

Mercato Trionfale

Best for: Fresh products

Rome’s Prati district, which borders Vatican City just west of the Tiber, is home to Mercato Trionfale, the city’s largest food market with over 270 stalls. “Unlike the more touristy Roman markets, Mercado Trionfale is all about fresh food and produce, with selections ranging from fruits and vegetables to eggs, cheeses and homemade pasta,” says Aloise. “Some market stalls have been open since 1924, spanning three generations.” She suggests visiting before or after a trip to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, especially if you’re staying at an Airbnb and planning to cook.

Essential suppliers: Da Peppino for honey, eggs and jams, Da Gustavino for truly local bulk wine and Box 102 where Arsenio and Ivo sell some of the best porchetta.

Mercato Campo de’ Fiori

Best for: Emblematic place and history

The bustling Piazza Campo de’ Fiori market is a short walk from some of Rome’s most famous landmarks, including Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, but its appeal goes beyond its central location. “Dating back to 1869, Mercado Campo de’ Fiori is one of Rome’s oldest food markets, and it still has the informal, chaotic, local feel of a bygone era,” says Aloise, who suggests picking up fruits and vegetables before sitting down. until lunch in a nearby trattoria. Try Salumeria Roscioli or Emma pizzeria, each just a three-minute walk from the market.

Essential suppliers: Don’t miss Signora Franca, one of the oldest product sellers. Right in the square you’ll also find La Antica Norceria Viola, a quaint prosciutto shop that I prefer to the market stalls.

Mercato Testaccio

Best for: Street food and lunch

Located in the heart of a relatively quiet and unassuming neighborhood, Aloise calls Mercato Testaccio “the go-to market when you feel like a taste.” (It’s also the epicenter of Devour’s Testaccio Food & Market tour.) There’s predictably excellent fruit, veg, meat and fish among the market’s 100 or so stalls, but the food prepared are the real draw. “From some of the best al taglio pizzas in town to Rome’s most famous sandwiches, this is a place to come with an empty stomach,” she says. For first-timers to Rome, this is a wonderful place to sample the city’s culinary range, all in one place!” After browsing the stalls, find a table near Max Caffè Piazzetta (box 102) and order a €5 Aperol spritz to accompany your party.

Essential suppliers: Casa Manco (box 22) for innovative and delicious pizzas, Enzo and Lina (box 89) for cold meats and cheeses, Mordi e Vai (box 15) for the famous Roman sandwiches (like stewed tripe)

Mercato Rionale Piazza San Giovanni di Dio

Best for: A truly local experience

Not far from Trastevere, in leafy Monteverde Nuevo, “this bustling market is the perfect spot for people-watching,” says Aloise. “The market has just about everything, including quintessential Italian homewares, and there’s often not a tourist in sight.” It is also a short walk from Villa Doria Pamphili, a 17th-century villa set in Rome’s largest landscaped public park.

Essential Suppliers: In Albero delle Spezie you will find quality dried fruits, nuts and spices.

Mercato di Campagna Amica al Circo Massimo

Best for: Agricultural markets

The open-air, weekend-only Mercato di Campagna Amica al Circo Massimo is a “0 KM” farmers’ market, meaning all its vendors sell items grown or made within a 100 kilometer radius. “The products come from Lazio, the region surrounding Rome, and local farmers and producers are happy to tell you about them,” says Aloise.

Essential suppliers: They change seasonally, but bring your shopping bags to carry goodies like organic honey, fresh mozzarella, local wine, and fragrant olive oil.