Rome Outdoor Markets

One of the few things that tourists and locals appreciate with equal enthusiasm are Rome's outdoor markets. You can find real bargains if you're willing to rifle through the crowds and stacks. With early hours on both their opening and closing ends, make sure you set that alarm. It's best to stick to official markets rather than take on merchants who set up shop individually. The fine for buying fake designer products rests on the buyer, not the seller, and can reach into the hundreds of thousands of euro.

Porta Portese, From P. di Porta Portese to P. Ippolito Nievo (www.portaportesemarket.it), The legs of this U-shaped market seem to extend forever and are of markedly different qualities. The longer V. Portuense is occupied by clones—vendors selling the same selection of cheap garments, toiletries, furniture, plastic jewelry, and shoes. We're talking 2m stacks of €2 clothes. If you're not exhausted by the madhouse (reminiscent of the hustling crowds of the Vatican Museums), make it to the antiques section where cooler treasures reside: old comic books, records, jewelry, and furniture. Bus #40 to Largo Argentina and tram #8. Open Su 7am-2:30pm. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Mercato di Via Sannio, V. Sannio (☎06 06 08), Cheap doesn't have to mean mass-produced and homogenous. Head here early to be the first of many to dig through mostly used clothes and items. A refreshing change from the ubiquitous street merchants spattering Rome, this large market is the outdoor equivalent of a New York thrift store. Hipsters rejoice. A: San Giovanni. Open M-Sa 9am-1:30pm. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Campo dei Fiori, Campo dei Fiori Thank God there's a place to buy fresh fruit and vegetables in the midle of overpriced trattorias: the lively Campo makes a great lunch spot if you don't mind the crowds. Giving as much flavor to the piazza during the day as bars give it at night, the market's open stalls vend cheap clothing, produce, fish, and even alcohol—no need to head to San Marino to pick up some absinthe. Bus #116 or tram #8. Open M-Sa 7am-2:30pm. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Mercato delle Stampe, Largo della Fontanella di Borghese The small piazzaand academic assortment of goods keep this market more manageable than most others in Rome—after all, how rowdy can a crowd get around a stack of books? Older crowds weave through the stalls, where you can find a curious selection of used books, old prints, and other dusty articles. Bus #224 or 913 to P. Imperatore or bus #492, 116, or 81. Open M-Sa 9:30am-6pm. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access.