Testaccio Market (Mercato Di Testaccio)

The basics

Although the market is under the mass-tourism radar, the Testaccio neighborhood has a reputation as a foodie destination. Guided walking food tours of the area and market can make finding local specialties much easier and help you overcome the language barrier to engage with vendors. You can also visit on your own to shop for everything from street food such as pizza al taglio (Rome’s signature takeaway pizza) to local produce, fresh meat, flowers, and vintage clothing.

Things to know before you go

• Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours exploring the market’s 100-plus stalls; a numbered grid system helps you navigate them.

• Need to take a load off? Find seating next to the coffee bar in the center of the market.

• The market moved into new digs—contemporary by Roman standards—in 2012.

How to get there

Testaccio Market is in the heart of Testaccio, a relatively low-key neighborhood in south central Rome across the Tiber River from the famous Trastevere neighborhood. The closest metro stations are Piramide and Colosseo, both serving the Blue B Line. You can access the market from entrances on Via Beniamino Franklin, Via Alessandro Volta, Via Aldo Manuzio, and Via Lorenzo Ghiberti.

When to get there

The market is open Monday to Saturday from 7am to 3:30pm. Arrive earlier in the day, ideally well before noon, to shop for local produce, meat, and seafood, as vendors can run out of the best goods in the afternoon. Spring and summer often bring festival-like events with music that can keep the market open well into the night—visit the market’s online calendar of events for details.

How to visit the archaeological ruins under Testaccio Market

Underneath Testaccio Market lies a small archaeological site consisting of ancient Roman storehouses and amphorae (an ancient oval vase once used for storing wine), which is the unofficial symbol of the neighborhood. To visit the ruins, you can book 45-minute tours via the market’s website, typically scheduled once or twice a month during spring and summer.

Ways to explore

While the market is under the mass-tourism radar, the Testaccio neighborhood has a reputation as a foodie destination. Walking tours of the area and market can make finding local specialties much easier, and help you overcome the language barrier to engage with vendors. You can also visit on your own to shop for everything from street food such as pizza al taglio (Rome’s signature takeaway pizza) to local produce, fresh meat, flowers, and vintage clothing. Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours exploring the market’s 100-plus stalls; a numbered grid system helps you navigate them.

Accessibility

The market is wheelchair and stroller accessible, though the height of the stalls may cause people using wheelchairs some difficulties.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Cash (and credit cards are also accepted at many stalls), a tote bag

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layered clothing if you’re visiting outside of summer

Not allowed

This is a local market, so don't expect signs to be in English or vendors to speak English.

Amenities

ATMs, communal seating, bike racks

Address

Testaccio Market is in the heart of Testaccio, a relatively low-key neighborhood in south central Rome across the Tiber River from the famous Trastevere neighborhood. It’s a little far to walk from the historical center, so drive or use public transportation to get there.

Driving

Follow Via Marmorata or Viale Aventino into the Testaccio neighborhood, then head onto Via Galvani; use the parking garage under the park, or look for street parking around the market.

Public transportation

Take the #83 bus from the historical center to the Zabaglia/Galvani bus stop around the corner from the market. While you can take the metro B line to the Piramide station, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the market.

Best times to visit

Come in the morning to shop before the vendors start to run out of their best goods.

Best days to visit

Go on a weekday if you can, since the market is closed on Sundays and gets very busy with locals on Saturdays.

Best months to visit

Visiting outside the summer months of July to September is usually best, both to avoid the heat and the crowds, but also because many locals go on vacation in August and fewer stalls may be open.

Special events

The market often plays host to concerts, pop-up venues, block parties, and holiday celebrations. Check its events calendar to see the schedule.