If you are looking to plan a city break over the coming months and you are looking for a destination that perfectly combines beautiful surroundings with an unbelievable wealth of things to see and do (from museums to galleries, architectural gems, historic sites, activities, parks, and more), a great culinary scene, and also some excellent shopping, then the Eternal City is, without a doubt, one of the best options around. For a taste of that Dolce Vita, a vacation rental in Rome is just the thing, as it truly is a place that lives up to its name. Rome is always lovely, always fascinating, always a good idea, and always a perfect place to indulge in a bit of retail therapy. And, while there are plenty of interesting independent boutiques, elegant flagship stores for some of the world's best-loved labels, buzzing shopping streets, and more to be explored, a shopping trip is never complete without a visit to a local market. Wouldn't you know it? Rome happens to also have one of the best markets we've laid eyes on! A contemporary, well-oiled gem with the freshest of produce and some really cool traditional and new retailers, if you're planning a getaway in Rome and you're thoroughly exploring her shopping scene then you should definitely make time to visit the Nuovo Mercato di Testaccio, or Testaccio Market.
One of the best food markets in Rome today and home to some incredibly stylish shops, Testaccio Market in the Testaccio Quarter has been utterly transformed in recent years. Formerly shambolic and untidy, it is now a very smooth operation with a little bit of something for everyone and just lots to see...and eat! Among the oldest markets in the city and a neighbourhood fixture for over 80 years, Testaccio Market was moved to its current location back in 2012 and, with the move, became the more orderly beast that it is today. Glass-covered, bright, clean, and charming, the market is made up of nearly one hundred different stalls and retailers, many of which have been run by the same families for generations.
One of the best food markets in Rome today and home to some incredibly stylish shops, Testaccio Market in the Testaccio Quarter has been utterly transformed in recent years. Formerly shambolic and untidy, it is now a very smooth operation with a little bit of something for everyone and just lots to see...and eat! Among the oldest markets in the city and a neighbourhood fixture for over 80 years, Testaccio Market was moved to its current location back in 2012 and, with the move, became the more orderly beast that it is today. Glass-covered, bright, clean, and charming, the market is made up of nearly one hundred different stalls and retailers, many of which have been run by the same families for generations.
If you visit in the morning, you will likely encounter lots of locals who are stopping by to fill their pantries at the various traditional food-sellers dealing in baked goods, cheese, cured meats, produce, fish, and more. Come lunchtime, the market fills with students from the architecture school nearby who come to fill their bellies at the takeaway stalls. As such, it is clear that food is an important part of this market and you will be able to stock up on delicious local, seasonal produce at incredible rates, more pricey but excellent meat and seafood staples, wonderful traditional street foods (the brisket, tripe, and kidney sandwiches and braised artichoke sandwiches from Mordi e Vai are particularly famous) like pizza by the slice and pasta, and, increasingly, a small number of some more trendy takeaway food stalls selling everything from sushi to vegan burgers. If you're choosing to eat at the market, you will find seating at the centre, allowing everyone in your group to get exactly what they want and then to meet and eat together, all for about €5–6 per person! Furthermore, there are even places to get a drink if you've dined, relaxed, and are looking to fully unwind, with an aperitivo of wine from about €3, with free snacks.
Then, there are the other types of stalls selling clothing, gifts, and more. One of the most popular is Cesare's Shoes (established all the way back in 1958), where you will find incredible, high-quality shoes that were made in Italy at amazing price points, but there are multiple stands that offer beautiful, well-made shoes and accessories, and particularly leather goods. There are also some stalls selling clothes, in general, including Il Baratto, where you can purchase vintage clothes and accessories, and the Baby Store, where you can purchase children's clothes. If you're out to complete a whole new look, you'll be interested to know that there is also a hair salon among the stalls called Spuntarelle. Finally, there is a florist and plant store run by Franco Lacuele for the past fifty years with the freshest and loveliest blooms and several homewares stores. Among these is Sweet Home, where you can buy stunning bed linens, towels, pajamas, and more, and Cocci and Madeira, where you can stock up on vintage and reworked items of furniture and décor.
Then, there are the other types of stalls selling clothing, gifts, and more. One of the most popular is Cesare's Shoes (established all the way back in 1958), where you will find incredible, high-quality shoes that were made in Italy at amazing price points, but there are multiple stands that offer beautiful, well-made shoes and accessories, and particularly leather goods. There are also some stalls selling clothes, in general, including Il Baratto, where you can purchase vintage clothes and accessories, and the Baby Store, where you can purchase children's clothes. If you're out to complete a whole new look, you'll be interested to know that there is also a hair salon among the stalls called Spuntarelle. Finally, there is a florist and plant store run by Franco Lacuele for the past fifty years with the freshest and loveliest blooms and several homewares stores. Among these is Sweet Home, where you can buy stunning bed linens, towels, pajamas, and more, and Cocci and Madeira, where you can stock up on vintage and reworked items of furniture and décor.
Locals often say that once you start shopping at Testaccio Market, you're ruined for anywhere else and it's the only place you'll want to go and we can see why. Not only is it a bright and lovely venue that has lots of lovely stalls to browse all in one place and under a glass roof to suit all weather conditions, but is also a whole day out in one spot! Wander the clothes and homewares stores to find some gorgeous once-off pieces and some bargains, grab some lovely foodie bits to prepare back in your luxury villa in Rome later on, fill up on whatever sort of street food takes your fancy once you've worked up an appetite, and then follow it up with dessert, coffee, a drink, or all of the above – why not if you're on holidays in Rome, right? It all sounds good to us! Not touristy at all and beloved by locals, this is a wonderful market to visit if you want a real taste of life in this part of Italy.
Testaccio Market
Via Aldo Manuzio, 66b, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
+39 333 715 6290
info@mercatoditestaccio.it
Opening hours:
Opening hours for specific stalls vary but the times for the market itself are as follows.
Monday to Saturday, 7am to 3.30pm.
Closed on Sunday.
Testaccio Market
Via Aldo Manuzio, 66b, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
+39 333 715 6290
info@mercatoditestaccio.it
Opening hours:
Opening hours for specific stalls vary but the times for the market itself are as follows.
Monday to Saturday, 7am to 3.30pm.
Closed on Sunday.