Apr 19, 2025

Mercato Testaccio Rome

A trendy food market

""Mercato Testaccio" is the original foodie neighborhood of Rome. My favorite street food kiosks here are 'Mordi e vai' and 'Romeo', for different reasons."

Testaccio is the original foodie neighborhood of Rome. The general markets and the slaughterhouse were the pivotal point of Rome’s foodie scene until last century, while the local food market was held in the main square until a few years ago (check the Piazza Testaccio article), when it was moved to a modern space with beautiful architectural elements recalling waves.

The market houses the original produce stalls that sold their fresh products outdoors, but also many street food kiosks: my favourite is ‘Mordi e vai’, which serves tasty sandwiches stuffed with traditional Roman recipes, and ‘Romeo’, which is run by the Michelin starred chef Cristina Bowerman. Another stand that I like a lot is called ‘Il baratto’: here you can bring clothes, shoes and costume jewelry that you are not wearing anymore and swap them with others of the same value.

After the market, don’t forget to wander around one of the few hoods in the city center that still manages to preserve its genuine soul!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

About this spot

Via Galvani

free

Find your way with 152 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Rome guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Rome

SiTenne

Dressing the past

"SiTenne" in Rome isn't just a vintage clothes shop. I wouldn't have fallen in love with it if it was. You'll always find a perfect, friendly ambience here

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Rudy

Di Giacomo

Apr 21, 2025

CSOA eXSnia

Fight for a better Rome

CSOA eXSnia in Rome is in my opinion one of the most culturally vivid and beautiful places in the city, a 'self-managed occupied social center'...

002-building
Art & culture
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Matteo

Mueller-Thies

Apr 20, 2025

Osteria Dar Bruttone

In the name of tradition

"Osteria Dar Bruttone" in Rome makes some of tastiest carbonara (with or without artichokes) you can get your hands on. Also try their Porchetta...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Max

Giudice

Apr 19, 2025

Cecilia Metella's Tomb

A peaceful garden

"Cecilia Metella's Tomb" is a bit outside Rome's city center, but I love coming here to write among the ancient buildings & the Appia Antica road...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Max

Giudice

Apr 19, 2025

Trajan's Market Walkway

A path through history

"Trajan's Market Walkway" in Rome is a useful shortcut that takes you to Monti, but I use it primarily as a place to stop & soak up the ancient atmosphere.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Alexandra

Turney

Apr 19, 2025

Via Casilina Vecchia

The aqueduct neighbourhood

"Via Casilina Vecchia" is, for me, one of the most intriguing neighbourhoods in Rome. It feels invisible to the rest of the city & forgotten by modernity.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Alexandra

Turney

Apr 19, 2025

Pasticceria Boccione

Historic Jewish bakery

"Pasticceria Boccione" in Rome is not for you if you're after pretty, Instagrammable desserts! But every pastry is just delicious in this Jewish bakery...

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Alexandra

Turney

Apr 19, 2025

La Fraschetta

Cheap wine and a friendly welcome

"La Fraschetta" is a neighborhood hangout in Rome for the locals -- Sandro doesn't get many customers who aren't Italian men in their fifties or older!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Alexandra

Turney

Apr 19, 2025

Via Piccolomini

An optical illusion

Ride a scooter on "Via Piccolomini" in Rome and, as you get closer to St Peter's Basilica, you'll actually see it shrinking instead of growing closer!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Alexandra

Turney

Apr 19, 2025

Villa dei Quintili

Atmospheric Roman villa

"Villa dei Quintili" is an archaeological site on Rome's Appia Antica. Important scenes of my novel 'In Exile' take place here; it's just so atmospheric.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Alexandra

Turney

Apr 19, 2025

Bar Giolitti

A Testaccio institution

"Bar Giolitti" is one of my favorite places in Testaccio, Rome, for a gelato or a coffee at the bar. I also like sitting at one of the tables outside...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Alexandra

Turney

Apr 19, 2025

Chourmo

Cosy bar in Torpignattara

"Chourmo" is a cosy, tiny bar in Certosa, Roma. It's a place to mingle, meet your neighbours over a Campari or a glass of wine. Jazz nights on Saturdays...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Alexandra

Turney

Apr 19, 2025

Heading to Rome?

152 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

152 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Rome

Our team loves Rome

Get to know our other Spotters from Rome

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
25
Filters