Every Sunday morning, the Porta Portese market stretches south of Trastevere, from the gate of the same name along Via Portuense to the area around Piazza Ippolito Nievo and Viale di Trastevere. Founded around 1945, it is Rome's largest flea market, with more than a thousand stalls of clothing, second-hand goods, books, records and objects of every kind. Entry is free, and stalls set up from 6am and pack away around 2pm. Allow two hours to cover the main part.
Highlights
The stalls of Via Portuense
The heart of the market follows Via Portuense and the neighbouring streets, lined with stalls under parasols. Cheap new clothes, vintage clothing, shoes and accessories fill most of the stands.
Porta Portese gate
Built in 1644 to replace the ancient Porta Portuensis, this gate in the city walls gives the market its name. Its stone arch marks the northern entrance of the market, near the Tiber.
Antiques and collectables
Around Piazza Ippolito Nievo, the stalls become more varied: furniture and old objects, tableware, jewellery, watches, vinyl records, toys and second-hand books. This is the most interesting part for bargain hunting.
A film location
The market appears in Italian films such as Vittorio De Sica's Bicycle Thieves and Pier Paolo Pasolini's Mamma Roma. It remains a Sunday ritual for Romans, well beyond the tourists.
Infos pratiques
Tips
Come early: the best pieces go in the first hours, while late morning is better for haggling. Bring cash in small notes, as many sellers do not take cards, and always negotiate the price. The crowd is dense: keep your bag and phone in front of you, as pickpockets are active here.
How to get there
Via Portuense and Viale di Trastevere, starting from Piazza di Porta Portese, 00153 Rome. Tram 8 from Piazza Venezia or Largo di Torre Argentina, Trastevere/Mastai or Ippolito Nievo stops. Roma Trastevere railway station is about 10 minutes' walk away. Parking is difficult on Sundays: use public transport instead.
Opening hours
Nearby
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