You’ve probably heard volumes about Campo di Fiori, about how it’s a perfect market square with vendors selling everything from fresh produce and flowers to unique souvenirs. It’s where the locals shop, one enterprising blog told me.
Lies.
Where the locals actually go for their market shopping is absolutely not the overcrowded square with, like, two flower stalls and then nothing but mass produced tourist nonsense. Where you actually want to go for market shopping in Rome is a little harder to get to, but absolutely worth it.
It’s called Testaccio Market, and it’s a gorgeous covered market located on the south end of Rome’s historic center, across the river from the iconic neighborhood of Trastevere.
So what makes Testaccio Market worth the trip? Amazing market counters selling everything from ready made pasta and sandwiches, to fresh produce, to wine by the glass. Unique shops full of genuine Italian souvenir-worthy purchases, and actual Italians doing their daily shopping.
For your adventuring pleasure, here were my three favorite stops at Testaccio Market!
This Awesome Linen Hat Shop
Italian linen is a major seller in Rome, and you’ll see bags, shirts, and hats in shops and stalls all over Rome. But the place that I actually purchased one was an extraordinary hat stall at Testaccio Market.
This one had hats in every single style and color imaginable, and amazing and attentive sales staff who worked with me in a creative mismatch of Italian and English to find a mens-style hat that was small enough to fit me in the exact right color for my complexion. It’s worth it to go out of your way to shop at a place that makes you feel like a truly valued customer.
Handmade Olive Wood Shop
I think my favorite stall in Testaccio Market was this little stall full of hand-carved olive wood treasures. You’ll find an incredible amount of variety here, from tiny hair sticks to massive cutting boards. And I know for sure they’re all handmade because the proprietor was literally sitting inside working on a cutting board when I walked in!
He spoke very little English, but we had a great conversation with my traveler’s Italian. He directed me to a globe he clearly kept in his stall for exactly this purpose and asked me to point out where I was from. An amazing interaction with a local and I got some amazing handmade treasures to bring home with me.
Mordi e Vai
This stand appears on a lot of “where to eat in Rome” sort of lists. “Cheap eats in Rome” lists too. But don’t sleep on this amazing sandwich stand!
This place is everything you want out of a market sandwich stand. You’ll have a variety of options to choose from (even the more outlandish specialties like Tripa alla Romana, aka: tripe and vegetables, if you’re feeling adventurous!) Pair the sandwich of your choice with a bottled beverage and you’ll probably still get change from a ten euro bill. It’s a perfect market
snack, easy to eat on the go and incredibly hearty and filling.
See Rome's Real Market Scene at Testaccio Market!
Testaccio Market is the perfect place to while away a morning or an afternoon in Rome. Get a coffee, or a glass of wine, or a sandwich (or all three!), and browse to your heart’s content. And know that you’re getting an authentic slice of Roman life while you do.
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Love and Shenanigans,
Andi
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