Rome's Piazza Campo dei Fiori: all you need to know before you visit it

When visiting Rome, you shouldn't overlook the popular Piazza Campo dei Fiori which is full of tourist and local charm. Its daytime and night-time attractions are somewhat different, but the atmosphere is always lively and there are plenty of things to do - just give it a try!

Luisa María Lugo

Luisa María Lugo

8 min read

Rome's Piazza Campo dei Fiori: all you need to know before you visit it

Famous Piazza Campo dei Fiori | © Circum Navigation

Italy's capital is famous for its squares filled with fountains, statues and monuments with beautiful architecture and a lot of history in the background. Rome's Piazza Campo dei Fiori is among the top squares in Rome, due to its past and its interesting current features.

If you visit it, you will encounter many locals and tourists; especially when its daytime market is open. Strolling around the square, and its adjacent streets, you will discover significant works of art and excellent places. Here you can spend some quality time and/or sample Italian food. So that you know which ones to go to once you've made your trip, here are some recommendations.

Enjoy a stroll through its lively and varied market

Enjoying the market square| ©Mike Kire
Enjoying the market square| ©Mike Kire

Without a doubt, the most outstanding attraction of Rome's Piazza Campo dei Fiori is its lively market. This is the most central and largest of the capital's open-air markets. Here you will find fresh produce of all kinds, including fruits, cheeses, meats, vegetables and other high-quality foods.

In some cases, they will even give you free samples to taste. You will also find a variety of items that you can buy as souvenirs to take home with you when you return. Naturally, admission is free and you are free to visit the market on any day of the week.

The hours during which most of the stalls are open are from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. Although there are stalls that continue working until later, the entire market closes between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm. If you want to have the best experience of all, I recommend going at around 9:00 am and walking around.

Book a gastronomic tour of Campo dei Fori

See the Giordano Bruno monument

Giordano Bruno Monument| ©Wikimedia
Giordano Bruno Monument| ©Wikimedia

The Giordano Bruno monument is one of the things that will catch your attention in Rome's Piazza Campo dei Fiori. Around it you will find several places where you can enjoy the pleasures of life. But this impressive sculpture is a reminder of the dark events that took place there.

The story surrounding this statue, located in the square, will intrigue you with the teaching it conveys. Giordano was a cosmologist and mathematician who was against certain dogmas. For example, a Catholic dogma said that the planet earth represented the centre in the universe.

It said that everything else revolved around it, something Bruno rejected, saying that there was no centre. Because of this, he was imprisoned, tried and killed where his statue stands today. Therefore, this monument is a representation or reminder of the right to freedom of oppression and expression, something that will be explained to you on any of the tours of Rome that include this square in their itinerary.

Book a tour of Rome's fountains and squares

Spend some quality time in a café

Preparing a Caffe| ©Chevanon Photography
Preparing a Caffe| ©Chevanon Photography

Having a drink in a café with an Italian flair is a quiet but pleasant way to pass the time. Before or after your tour of the market or the surrounding streets, you could pop into a café. There are several options that serve as a haven to take a break from your busy tour of the square.

It is preferable that you choose one of the places that have a terrace, so that you are outside. That way, you'll have a good view of Rome's Piazza Campo dei Fiori, and you won't miss anything that's going on. There are 2 very popular places in the area that you might consider choosing when you go there:

  • Taba Café: It's right across the street from the square and its rock 'n' roll atmosphere is top notch, very cosy. They have a terrace, friendly staff and are open from 8:00 to 2:00. You can order craft beer, cappuccino, cocktail, macchiato or any other drink.
  • Roma Beer Company: Located on the other side of the square, its prices are more affordable and its terrace is cool. They offer different types of coffees, drinks, snacks and even food with good service. Opening hours are from 10:00 to 3:00.

Take a photo at the beautiful Campo de' Fiori Fountain

Campo de' Fiori Fountain| ©Wikimedia
Campo de' Fiori Fountain| ©Wikimedia

The memories you make at the Fontana di campo de' Fiori are sure to be treasured. To do so, it is a good idea to bring your camera and take some photos of yourself in this beautiful place. Its attraction is such that many foreign tourists visit it and admire it for being one of the most important fountains in Rome.

The original was built in 1590, with that basin figure that gives it a unique style. The current one is a copy of the one designed at that time by the artist Giacomo Della Porta. It still retains its attractive details and is located on the west side of the square.

Watch a movie at the Cinema Farnese

Entrance to the Cinema| ©Dugong Films
Entrance to the Cinema| ©Dugong Films

The Cinema Farnese offers a high quality film programme with educational and instructive films. To choose what to see, you can easily consult their website. There you will also see that they organise excellent film festivals in different languages.

The films are available in their original languages. Since the selection of what will be shown is generally excellent, I recommend you to go there. You will be able to see mostly films that are classics, evoking memories of some very interesting eras.

It is also a very comfortable place with enough space, quite elegant and beautiful. Their seats will allow you to sit comfortably, with an excellent view of the screen. Even their tickets introduce you to what you will get, by using the phrase "Enjoy it" on them.

Have fun in a bar with good drinks

Enjoying the Drinks| ©Tembela Bohle
Enjoying the Drinks| ©Tembela Bohle

Want to know how to spend your evening in Rome's Piazza Campo dei Fiori? The best way to do it is to spend your time in an entertaining bar with good drinks. I assure you that having a drink in the Italian capital is not the same as having a drink anywhere else.

Besides, if you want to experience what the great nightlife in Rome is like, there is no place more perfect than that. In fact, this sector is famous for its wide variety of bars and pubs that offer multiple creative alcoholic beverages. Here you will taste exotic drinks that will be prepared to your liking. An essential stop on a night tour of Rome.

Whatever the case, just make sure to include one of these places on your list:

  • The Drunken Ship: Prices are not too high, they have a variety of beers, good music and there are usually a lot of people. You'll be treated well by the smiling and helpful staff, at the little tables outside if you prefer. Also, if you are a student, you will receive a discount.
  • Gastone A Kampo: A nice bartender who knows how to mix good drinks in a fun atmosphere. The rest of the staff is just as nice, making it a pleasure to be there. Plus the views are unbeatable, thanks to the outdoor seating.

Book a night Segway tour of Rome

Take a stroll through the surrounding streets

Snow in Campo dei Fiori| ©Nino Guarnacci
Snow in Campo dei Fiori| ©Nino Guarnacci

Rome's Piazza Campo dei Fiori is surrounded by several beautiful streets. If you take the time to stroll through them, you will relax, see interesting scenes and buy things. That is because the area around the piazza is an area with several shops.

Therefore, walking through them is an answer to the question of what to see and do in Rome. These streets are full of history and the names they have are representative of what was done in these streets. Some examples are the following:

-Key Makers - Via dei Chiavari -Coffer Makers - Via dei Baullari -Hat Makers - Via dei Cappellari -Crossbow Makers - Via dei Balestrari -Crossbow Makers - Via dei Balestrari.

Delight your taste buds with an authentic Italian gelato

Long live gelato| ©Rahul Pandit
Long live gelato| ©Rahul Pandit

Being part of the privileged list of the best squares in Rome, near Piazza Campo de' Fiori there are several places of interest. Among these are some of the best gelato shops in Rome where you'll love to be** to order your favourite flavour or one you've never tried before.

If you go to the Italian capital during its hot summer, eating a gelato will be refreshing and delightful. In fact, if you're like me, even if you go during the cold days you'll be craving gelato. Satisfy your craving for such a treat in Rome's Piazza Campo dei Fiori by entering:

  • Maravé Gelateria: Located on a corner facing the square, it offers its customers more than just vanilla. The place is bright, tidy, clean and staffed by courteous and efficient workers. Going there, more than a visit, will be a new experience of rich tastes.
  • Sweet Gelato Roma: 1 block from the square, it offers a lot of freedom in customising and combining flavours with toppings. Among the outstanding flavours are hazelnut, mango, pistachio and lemon meringue. The prices are good, as they are calculated according to weight and the atmosphere is nice.

Visit a well-known bookshop with a cosy atmosphere

Fahrenheit 451 Bookshop| ©2post
Fahrenheit 451 Bookshop| ©2post

If you are a lover of reading, and want to get some interesting books, be sure to visit the bookshop. Fahrenheit 451 Di Kaos Di Gabrielli Catia is in front of Piazza campo dei Fiori in Rome. Its cosy and beautiful atmosphere, together with the reading, will transport you to different places and events.

I recommend you to visit it so that, like me and many other people, you can immerse yourself in a deep reading. When you start reading the books it has, you will get lost in time and you will have a good time. However, if you want to buy literary works to read them later at home, you can still do so.

This library, which is independent, is like an open door that gives you access to imaginative freedom. On the other hand, the decoration, organisation and distribution of the books makes it easy for you to find them. The diversity of used and antique books also gives the place that particular and characteristic touch.

Have a delicious dinner at a quality restaurant

Visiting Antica Hostaria Romanesca in Piazza Campo dei Fiori| ©HostariaRomanesca
Visiting Antica Hostaria Romanesca in Piazza Campo dei Fiori| ©HostariaRomanesca

There are many restaurants where you can try Roman gastronomy, as they offer a variety of culinary dishes that will please your exquisite palate. This is because Piazza Campo dei Fiori in Rome is a tourist area. You can have a dinner with your partner, as there are several romantic places in Rome

Of course, not all of them can guarantee the same quality of service and food. In the same way, the atmosphere and prices vary from one place to another. So that you are not overwhelmed by so many alternatives to choose from, here are 3 recommendations to compare and I recommend this post on where to eat in Rome.

  • Antica Hostaria Romanesca: Exceptional service from the staff in a traditional, historic and original setting. Most importantly, their food is really good and they don't limit themselves to the typical pizzas and pastas. If you go, you will be able to order and taste little-known Italian dishes.
  • La Carbonara: Its name indicates the most famous dish of the place, but it also stands out for its ravioli, tiramisu, cannelloni and pasta all'amatriciana. The place is elegant, central, classic and discreet, with reasonable prices and waiters who have a friendly personality.
  • Giordi Ristorante: Large terrace with a nice, informal atmosphere and tasteful music in the background. Its menu has a variety of drinks and traditionally Roman dishes, worth trying, and delicious desserts. These are served by polite, friendly and efficient waiters.