Saturday markets in Rome

Hi TM,

Do you mean the Campo de' Fiori market? If so, they usually set up by 7 AM and stay most of the day until about 4 PM or so. Saturday is included.

Winter hours will vary of course compared to the warmer months. I've been to Rome only in December. If you want, catch the skylinewebcam (Rome time) -- it's amazing to see them set up and then break it down. https://www.skylinewebcams.com/en/webcam/italia/lazio/roma/campo-de-fiori.html

At nightfall, Campo takes on a different persona. It's a hangout for many -- bars and restaurants and shops. Also, you may catch the professional street musicians -- they play some haunting melodies as well as some rock style -- Pink Floyd, Led Z., and a few others whose names escapes me right now. I first saw them at The Pantheon (Piazza della Rotonda.) A treat and wonderful memory for sure. I also caught them at Piazza Navona.

Make sure you say "Ciao" to Bruno.

It can be a fun walk through around Campo. I really didn't see any big bargains that knocked my socks off. It depends on what you're looking for. (Also, the little side streets/alley ways have a lot of restaurants and stores to browse or gift shop.)

Some items I noticed were over priced or no real bargains -- Espresso pots, Limoncello (you can get anywhere in Rome in liquor stores, gift shops, even supermarkets), ceramic items (most likely imported), clothes. But maybe you'd find spices, if that's your thing, or something unique that catches your eye. Perhaps you can strike a deal of some sort with the seller.

So, a lot of items can be bought in regular super markets, gift shops or corner markets. But, if you're looking for vegetables and the like, maybe you find something you'd like.

Be a little cautious of street vendors selling knock offs or items "on a blanket or table" (here and there.) Some may be legit, who knows? I saw some tables that were set up around the attractions and merchants. No one said anything. So maybe they have a license? These people were mostly jewelry artisans or photography/paintings.

But, there are a lot guys selling Pashminas who walk around the Piazzas showcasing them. In the colder months and winter, they are a bigger draw. It has been cautioned to not buy from street vendors because the buyer could be fined. But, I saw so many buying the scarves, so really don't know.

I was a 'bad girl' one night a couple of years ago. I totally blame the Limoncello and my giddiness of being in Rome! JK! One eve, around dusk or so, I was sitting on a bench at Navona watching the crowd and enjoying the beauty of the fountains.

One scarf seller came around and asked me to buy. I said no. His scarves were 8€. Hmm. Others were selling them for 5€. I spied a very unique one on his arm -- black and cream-colored -- very pretty scroll design --resembled hand stitching. (Yep, a total "girly-girl") lol. It was different than the plaid ones being sold; and the material was different too; rayon type. Probably why it was "more Euro" - who knows, lol.

He kept saying 8€. No. Then he went to 7€. No. I counter offered with 5€. He came back with 6€. lol. No. I said if he wants the sale, it's 5€ or never mind. He relented and accepted 5€. Yay! He chuckled and wished me a good night. No Italian police chasing me through the Piazza.

I'm not sure if I answered your question, LOL, but, I love Rome and my many, many wonderful memories.

Now I know what I am buying for a souvenir of Rome. I am going to find a pashmina for 5 euro from a vendor in the piazza. I love buying scarves on my travels, so whenever I wear them it reminds me of good times.

Now I know what I am buying for a souvenir of Rome. I am going to find a pashmina for 5 euro from a vendor in the piazza. I love buying scarves on my travels, so whenever I wear them it reminds me of good times.

Ha ha Cindy. As I was writing my story, I was laughing (I could still picture the whole scene.) Actually, even though the black and cream one I got was different, the plaid ones were pretty -- some had pink tones, some white, some tans/browns, some blues. That year in Rome in December, it was really cold. I saw a lot of those Pashminas. lol.

I have a ton of scarves - love 'em also, but the one I got was different as mentioned.

Last year same time frame, it was very warm (by at least 10-15 degrees) for a couple of days. Phew! People were carrying jackets and coats, no scarf sellers. But, it rained for a bit and then humid! Ugh. The umbrella men (same guys) were out, lol.

The Campo di Fiori market is pretty junky but I go every time I visit Rome. There is a fantastic spice stand that I love. The guys that run it are fun too.

Best market in Rome in Mercato Trionfale. It is a covered market and locals go there. We shopped there at least monthly when we lived in Rome. It is HUGE with stunning variety. For a slice of Roman culture, it is worth the trip.

Thank you all. Not necessarily looking to buy anything but looking to experience some of what the locals do. That being said, the scarves are a great idea and easy to pack.

Hey TravelMas,

Have fun picking out Pashminas or scarves. I don't know when you'll be in Rome, but, if you don't see the "Piazza guys," try looking into little "no brand name" stores -- they will have purses and scarves/Pashminas hanging out their doorways to attract buyers. .

Near Campo de' Fiori, on one of the little side streets is a little store that sells knit scarves, sweater jackets, sweaters, ponchos, vests, hats, etc. That was in December. So, I'm not sure if they change the inventory to accommodate the season. Their color themes were based on muted tones of blue, brown, green, ivory, purple, and two shades of grey. They had some blazers too. Their prices were very reasonable.

I got some "lacy look" (like a crochet or looser knitting) woolen scarves, scalloped edging (no fringe.) Tag inside "Made In Italy." Not sure if it was 100% made in, but eh, for 10€, it was worth it to me. Very pretty. A nice souvenir or gift. I got compliments when I wore them this past NE winter.

The store is cute store; very small. They had mannequins on the cobblestone walk 'modeling' some of their clothes.

I have my receipt and can look up the addy and post it here for you or anyone who may be reading the thread.

I'll post it later.

Update: If anyone is interested in the store: Moresco 78 SrL - via dei Giubonari 78, Roma 00186

here is a picture of the store: https://www.google.com/maps/uv?hl=en&pb=!1s0x132f604f4c16aedb%3A0xcd3cfb6e7d919e5a!2m22!2m2!1i80!2i80!3m1!2i20!16m16!1b1!2m2!1m1!1e1!2m2!1m1!1e3!2m2!1m1!1e5!2m2!1m1!1e4!2m2!1m1!1e6!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipP457b7CHhzbNFNZ4Ny5NVyJKm7OIVKO_oaweB0%3Dw119-h160-k-no!5sMoresco%2078%20SrL%20-%20via%20dei%20Giubbonari%2078%2C%20Roma%2000186%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipP457b7CHhzbNFNZ4Ny5NVyJKm7OIVKO_oaweB0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj52Lmhz4XiAhWqVN8KHfmWAdcQoiowCnoECA8QBg

if by chance you are there on a Sunday there is a huge market in Trastevere open till 2pm