Flea markets: bargains in Rome, right before the holidays

The end-of-the-year festivities will be definitely different in 2020. While we don’t need to remind you (yet again) why that is, there are ways to try and use the strict rules in effect in Rome and Italy to one’s advantage to have a great holiday period in spite of the pandemics.

For instance: in the past few weeks, social media are chock full of appeals about the importance of ditching online shopping in favor of local shops, this year. At the same time, Romans are mourning the (very temporary) stop to Rome’s most famous flea market, Porta Portese, and all Christmas markets.

This is why we have put together the above to come up with a curated list of alternatives: so as you shop you can help both the local economy and yourself, as you’re looking for the perfect gift for your loved ones.

A small note on the Roman flea markets we’ve picked below

Our choices are not just for the occasional tourist wandering the empty streets of Rome at this time: they’re perfect for expats, too.

Plus, consider this post as a placeholder of sorts: Covid-19 will go away, things will go back to normal but these places are here to stay! And if you love shopping as much as we do, they’re the perfect place to visit all year round.

The stores we have picked look more like warehouses than markets (non-food markets are banned for the time being) and can be described as something in between proper flea markets and antiques shops. With a couple of notable exceptions, they sell a bit of everything, from clothing to knick-knacks.

Mercatino – they’re everywhere!

There is a bit of everything at Mercatino, from furniture to used kitchen utensils, with jewelry, electronics and furs thrown in the mix. Understandably, there are items that are very cheap (like second hand vinyl) and some that are not. The caveat is that it’s all very messy, which is fun for those who love a bit of a treasure hunt… but only for them!

The biggest chain of flea markets in Italy, it has several locations in Rome. You can look up the place closer to where you are here.

Vale: there’s a new kid in town

This far, Vale has only one location – in the affluent Talenti neighborhood, north-east of the city center, along the Nomentana way. The format is the same: a bit of everything, but being so new on the scene, the feeling is of a tidier business.

Via Renato Fucini 290 (Talenti area)

Kecé: the alternative to Mercatino

Kecé: a top contender to the Mercatino chain of stores, it has a few warehouses in Rome, with the one in the San Giovanni district being the one closest to the city center.

You can see all available addresses here.

Mezzoni Antichità: don’t be misled by appearances

Roberto Mezzoni has a gruff exterior, and so does his warehouse, which is one subway stop from the Vatican (get off at Cipro): it’s essentially a parking garage, but don’t judge a book by its cover!

This is a fantastic place for all second-hand lovers, even though it’s more of an antique shop (with prices matching the type of store). What’s so great about it is that Mr. Mezzoni uses cheap-priced items to lure customers in: everything from small pieces of jewelry to watches to art catalogues and old board games. Once you’re hooked, he’ll reel you in with paintings, analog cameras, furniture – the whole enchilada!

Via Ruggero Fiore 48 (Cipro/Valle Aurelia area)

Emmaus Roma: charity and vintage go hand in hand

This one is a bit tricky to get to, even though it’s very worth your while. Emmaus is a very prominent charitable organization, which sells pre-used, pre-loved pieces of furniture, items of clothing, household items and so much more! Proceeds from sales go towards Emmaus’ projects for the homeless, drug addicts and more people in need.

Via del Casale de Merode, 8 (Ardeatino/Catacombs of Priscilla area)

Humana: great clothes, but watch out for the prices!

The closest thing to a thrift shop in Rome, in that all sales go to charity. There are several Humana shops in the city, with the most convenient ones right by the Cavour metro stop or by Campo de’ Fiori on Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Even though prices are great, don’t expect to be able to snatch up Gucci bags or Missoni coats for a mere 10 Euros: these guys know what they are selling and it reflects in the price tags!

All Humana stores in Rome are listed here.