I read where there is a fruit and vegetable market at Campo de? Fiori from Monday to Saturday in the early morning.

Looking for rants and raves. Is it worth an hour or so on a four day second visit to Rome?

Would also appreciate recommendations for other places to visit, perhaps markets that go beyond just produce.

It is definitely worth an hour visit on any trip to Rome. And the market is not limited to produce or even to food. I love markets and am glad we visited Campo de Fiori - it is not out of the way.

Although it's been a few years, I absolutely second Mamc's opinion -- we went early in morning & it's one of our best Rome memories (our 1st & only visit to Rome, but hoping to return).

Markets are always the best part of a city and Campo de Fiori is one of the best things you can do in Rome. Don't miss it. Buy one of those little gadgets that makes potatoes into squiggles--or not, but go.

Yes, go, it's fun for 30-60 minutes. We picked up some fresh fruit for our trip that afternoon, and a couple of knickknacks for little gifts there too. Half the fun was getting there because we found other shops to explore on they way.

I agree with the above postings and if you want a real experience go to the Porta Portese market on Sunday morning. Its on the west side of the Tiber. Don't go if you're claustrophobic.

Thanks for the replies.

Below is a blurb about another one. Has anyone been to it?

Trionfale Food and Flower Market. It is in a little-known 19th century middle-class neighborhood called Prati, north of the Vatican, where the streets are safe and you don't have to watch your pocketbook.

Does anyone know how late the market goes each day? Do they stay open through lunch?

ttt

Thanks so much for all the great info -lots of good choices. Glad andy saw the post late last night. This really opened up an intesting new activity for me.

vivaldi-- Have a blast and post when you get home telling us which markets were GREAT!~

andy,

Thanks for the great info!! We will be there in mid October and I can't wait for the markets. Can you tell me what website that info came from?
Deb

abqdeb--

here's the link- I did a google:

http://www.romeby.com/tourist/tour3.htm

and

http://www.italyhotels-rome.com/tour...les_market.htm

Agree that the market at Campo dei Fiori is good, they sell other things as well as fruit & veg. It's worth it for the atmosphere. The Campo is about a 10 min walk to Piazza Navona where there are stalls set up selling paintings and touristy stuff. Good spot for a gelati and people-watching.
I wouldn't recommend the market at Porta Portese, I was very disappointed, it mainly sells junk. Put it this way, there were 4 of us (including 2 women itching to buy) and we bought not one thing. It's also very difficult to leave, once you start heading through you have to keep going which takes time and the market is very crowded.
Kay

Any rants or raves about these markets or additional ones to try?

Would also welcome recommendations for
mid-range "shopping streets" (clothes, books, homewares, food) not filled with tourists. Not looking for expensive designer stuff.

For ordinary, non-designer shopping, try via Cola di Rienzo on the Vatican side of the Tiber.

Thanks Eloise, your tip also lead me to this one:


COIN

Piazzale Appio 7, San Giovanni (06 708 0020). Metro San Giovanni/bus 16, 81, 85, 87, 186, 218, 810, 850.
Open 9.30am-8pm Mon-Sat.
Credit AmEx, DC, MC, V.

A reliable department store, with some bargains - especially at the make-up counter. Romans go there for sensible skirts or sheets that last, but also for mid-range high-street fashion. There?s an excellent houseware department, and sturdy kids? clothes. The Cola di Rienzo branch has a supermarket

You're welcome, Chat Noir.

The following Web site has the names of all or most of the shops on both sides of via Cola di Rienzo, and if you know even a little Italian, you should find it easy to understand:

http://www.romecity.it/Viacoladirienzo.htm

Blunauta, incidentally, was recently mentioned in a New York Times travel column for its selection of lovely sweaters and sweater sets.

P.S. The above Web site has all kinds of other useful information about Rome.

Topping

somehow we (3 females) lucked out at Porta Portese last May - it's a huge market on the west side of Tiber - fun for a few hours sunday(only) morning before afternoon lunch at the Pantheon! We picked up 2 nice scarves, 3-4 nice tops for about a euro each and i picked up a unique top for 1 euro that I still wear today - it's a bit dressier and I get favorable comments on it each time!