Campo de' Fiori View

Even if you're not planning to buy much, Campo de’ Fiori is a nice place to wander and get a feel for another side of Rome. The square feels completely different at night, when restaurants and bars fill up and people sit outside. In the morning, the market is open, usually daily from about 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. There are fresh fruits and vegetables, spices, olive oils, pasta, cheeses and other local products, plus plenty of little souvenirs and gifts. I found the prices for spices and gifts better than at many nearby tourist shops. Worth a stop.

There was a good range of fresh fruit and vegetables, and plenty to photograph. As a visitor, I liked that this open-air market gave me a glimpse of local life as well as things to take home as a reminder of the trip. I can't say whether the prices are fair, but seeing so many locals shop there makes me think they probably are.

On my way to lunch at Osteria da Fortunata, I walked through Campo de’ Fiori and found a square full of color and energy. It was one of Rome's liveliest spots. The stalls had vegetables in shades I'd never seen, cheese wheels, fresh fruit and loads of limoncello bottles, some in really funny, eye-catching shapes. It felt busy and authentic, with lots of local character. I bought a quarter kilo of pecorino, and it was absolutely worth it. That visit even inspired me to try making carbonara the authentic Italian way once I got home. Even a quick walk through is a lovely way to take in the flavors, colors and everyday life of Rome.

Campo de’ Fiori is a lovely square in Rome's historic center, and we went twice on this visit. I'd recommend seeing it in both daylight and evening because the mood is completely different. In the daytime there's a lively market with touristy and less touristy things to buy. Come back at night for dinner or a drink and to watch the fire shows. The square's past is interesting too. It used to be a place for public executions, and now it's full of life.