Though mega malls continue to sprout up like mushrooms in Rome scouring the street markets for deals still remains a favorite Roman past time.
Ah, yes. There’s nothing like spending a day shopping at the markets, scrounging for goodies that’ll cost you twice the price at the stores. Just bat those pretty eyelashes and ask for a ‘piccolo sconto’ (a small discount) and you’re bound to drop the price down by a euro or two. Now, if you’re a Gucci gal or guy, street-markets are probably not your thing. Unless of course, you’re looking for the knock-offs. Then belli, you’ve come to the right place.
So what’s the downside? Except for the occasional street vendor who might let you try on a shirt in the back of his van (which is not advisable, by the way), you can’t exactly try anything on. Which means, once you’ve bought it, it’s a keeper.
A word from the wise: Get there early if you hate the crowds or show up right before they close to snag last-minute deals from those just trying to get rid of everything before they pack up. Last but not least, bring small bills and/or ’spicci’ (change) which will come in handy when you’re trying to get the vendors to drop the price.
These two are the most famous street markets in Rome:
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Mercato di Via Sannio
Via Sannio (San Giovanni)
Open:Monday-Saturday 7am-2pm
Sells new and used clothes, shoes, accessories and handbags
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Porta Portese
Piazza di Porta Portese (Trastevere)
Open: Sundays 7am-2pm
Sells everything but the kitchen sink. Clothes, shoes, furniture, antiques, collectables, etc.
Photo of market stall originally posted by anniemullinsuk
Topic: Tips and Ideas |
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Tags: Rome, shopping
About the author
After working in Miami as writer and TV producer, Nicole Arriaga decided to trade in the sun and sand for the 'dolce vita' in 2003 and move to Rome. She writes for various publications including The American, and works for a study abroad organization in Rome.
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