10 Best Things to Do in Piazza Campo de' Fiori, Rome

When visiting Rome, you should not miss the popular Piazza Campo dei Fiori, which is full of tourist and local charm. Its attractions are somewhat different during the day and at night, but the atmosphere always remains lively and there are several things to do. Just go ahead and try them!
10 Best Things to Do in Piazza Campo de' Fiori, Rome

Other popular activities in Rome

More about: 10 Best Things to Do in Piazza Campo de' Fiori, Rome

The capital of Italy is famous for its squares filled with fountains, statues and monuments with beautiful architecture and a lot of history behind them. Piazza Campo dei Fiori in Rome is one of the city's main squares, thanks to its past and its interesting present-day features.

If you visit, you will find lots of locals and tourists, especially when the daytime market is open. Strolling through the square and its adjacent streets will allow you to discover significant works of art and excellent places to spend some time and/or try Italian food. To give you an idea of where to go once you arrive, here are a few recommendations.

1. Enjoy a gastronomic tour of its lively and varied market

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

One of the best ways to discover the true flavour of Rome is through a food tour of Campo de' Fiori, Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto, where, in addition to sampling traditional dishes such as pasta, wine and artisan ice cream, you can also visit the famous open-air market in Campo de' Fiori (on the morning tour option).

This market, considered one of the most central and lively in the city, is open every day from 7:00 to 14:00 and is the perfect place to discover the key ingredients of Italian cuisine: cheeses, cold cuts, fruits, spices and more. On the tour, the guide will explain the history of the market and its local importance, and you can even taste some fresh products.

The route continues to other iconic sites such as the Jewish ghetto, Via dei Baullari, Tiber Island and the Trastevere neighbourhood, and includes several tastings, gourmet stops and personalised attention thanks to the small group format (maximum 12 people).

Tip: if you want to include the market in your experience, choose the morning tour (otherwise, you will visit the shops in the area).

Book a food tour of Campo dei Fori

2. See the Giordano Bruno monument

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

The Giordano Bruno monument is one of the most striking sights 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 behind this statue, located in the square, will intrigue you because of the lesson it teaches. Giordano was a cosmologist and mathematician who opposed certain dogmas. For example, a Catholic dogma stated that the planet Earth was the centre of the universe.

It stated that everything else revolved around it, something that Bruno rejected, saying that there was no centre. Because of this, he was imprisoned, tried and killed where his statue now stands. Therefore, this monument is a representation or reminder of the right to freedom from 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

3. Spend a pleasant time in a café

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

Having a drink in an Italian-style café is a quiet but pleasant way to pass the time. Before or after exploring the market or the surrounding streets, you could pop into a café. There are several options that serve as a refuge to rest a little from your busy tour of the square.

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

  • Taba Café: It's right in front of the square and has a great rock vibe and a very welcoming atmosphere. They have a terrace, the staff are very friendly and they're open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. You can order craft beer, cappuccino, cocktails, macchiato or any other drink.
  • Roma Beer Company: Located across the square, its prices are more affordable and its terrace is cool. They offer different types of coffee, drinks, appetisers, and even food with good service. They are open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.

4. Take photos at the beautiful Fontana di Campo de' Fiori

Fontana di Campo de' Fiori| ©Wikimedia
Fontana di Campo de' Fiori| ©Wikimedia

The memories you make at the Fontana di Campo de' Fiori are sure to be treasured. So, be sure to bring your camera and take some photos of yourself in this beautiful place. Its appeal is such that many foreign tourists visit and admire it as one of the most important fountains in Rome.

The original was built in 1590, with a basin shape that gives it a unique style. The current fountain 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.

5. Watch a film at the Cinema Farnese

Cinema entrance| ©Dugong Films
Cinema entrance| ©Dugong Films

The Cinema Farnese offers a high-quality film programme, including educational films that are very informative. To choose what to see, you can easily consult their website. There you will also find information about the excellent film festivals in different languages organised at the cinema.

The films are available in their original languages. As the selection of films is generally excellent, I recommend a visit. You will mainly be able to see classic films that evoke memories of some very interesting times.

It is also a very comfortable place with plenty of space, quite elegant and beautiful. The seats allow you to sit comfortably with an excellent view of the screen. Even the tickets give you a hint of what you are in for, with the phrase "Enjoy" printed on them.

6. Have fun at a bar with good drinks

Enjoying the drinks| ©Tembela Bohle
Enjoying the drinks| ©Tembela Bohle

Want to know how to spend your night in Rome's Piazza Campo dei Fiori? The best way to do it is by spending 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 one anywhere else.

Plus, if you want to experience Rome's great nightlife, there's no better place than this. In fact, this area is famous for its wide variety of bars and pubs offering creative alcoholic beverages. Here you can sample exotic drinks prepared to your liking. An essential stop on any night tour of Rome.

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

  • The Drunken Ship: The prices are not very high, they have a variety of beers, good music and it is usually very busy. You will be well looked after by the smiling and helpful staff, at the tables outside if you prefer. What's more, if you are a student, you will receive a discount.
  • Gastone A Kampo: A friendly bartender who knows how to mix good drinks in a fun atmosphere. The rest of the staff are just as friendly, making it a pleasure to be there. Plus, the views are unbeatable, thanks to the outdoor tables.

Book a food tour of Campo dei Fori

7. Take a stroll through the surrounding streets

Snowfall in Campo dei Fiori| ©Nino Guarnacci
Snowfall 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 around them, you will relax, see interesting scenes and buy things. This is because the area around the piazza is full of shops.

Therefore, walking around them is the answer to the question of what to see and do in Rome. These streets are steeped in history, and their names are representative of what used to be done there. Some examples are as follows:

-Key makers – Via dei Chiavari.
-Coffers makers – Via dei Baullari.
-Hat makers – Via dei Cappellari.
-Crossbow makers – Via dei Balestrari.

8. Delight your palate with authentic Italian ice cream

Long live ice cream!

Long live ice cream| ©Rahul Pandit
Long live ice cream| ©Rahul Pandit

As part of the privileged list of the best squares in Rome, there are several places of interest near Piazza Campo de' Fiori. Among these are some of the best ice cream parlours in Rome, where you will love to order your favourite flavour or one you have never tried before.

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

  • Maravé Gelateria: Located on a corner across from the square, it offers its customers more than just vanilla. The place is bright, tidy, clean, and has courteous and efficient staff. Going there is more than just a visit; it's a new experience of rich flavours.
  • Sweet Gelato Roma: One block from the square, it offers plenty of freedom to customise and combine flavours with toppings. Among the featured flavours are hazelnut, mango, pistachio and lemon meringue. The prices are good, as they are calculated by weight, and the atmosphere is nice.

Book a food tour of Campo dei Fori

9. Visit a well-known bookshop with a cosy atmosphere

Libreria Fahrenheit 451| ©2post
Libreria Fahrenheit 451| ©2post

If you love reading and want to pick up some interesting books, don't miss this bookshop. Fahrenheit 451 Di Kaos Di Gabrielli Catia is opposite Piazza Campo dei Fiori in Rome. Its cosy, beautiful atmosphere, combined with the books themselves, will transport you to different places and events.

I recommend you visit it so that, like me and many others, you can immerse yourself in a good read. Once you start reading the books they have, you will lose track of time and have a great time. Of course, if you want to buy literary works to read at home, you can do so too.

This independent library is like an open door that gives you access to imaginative freedom. On the other hand, the decoration, organisation and layout of the books make them easy to find. The diversity of used and antique books also gives the place a unique and characteristic touch.

10. Enjoy a delicious dinner at a quality restaurant

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

There are many restaurants where you can sample Roman cuisine, offering a variety of dishes that will delight your palate. This is because Piazza Campo dei Fiori in Rome is a tourist area. You can have dinner with your partner, as there are several romantic places in Rome

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

  • Antica Hostaria Romanesca: Exceptional service in a traditional, historic and original setting. More importantly, the food is really good and they don't just serve the typical pizzas and pastas. If you go, you can order and try some lesser-known Italian dishes.
  • La Carbonara: The name refers to the restaurant's most famous dish, 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 friendly waiters.
  • Giordi Ristorante: Large terrace with a beautiful, informal atmosphere and tasteful background music. The menu features a variety of traditional Roman drinks and dishes that are well worth trying, as well as delicious desserts. These are served by polite, friendly and efficient waiters.

Book a food tour of Campo dei Fori

Reviews from other travellers

4.9
· 416 Reviews
  • I
    I.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto are full of aromas and formidable histories that give Rome today a unique gastronomic identity. Thank you for this tour.
  • M
    M.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    What a lot of history there is in Rome and its food! Fantastic experience.
  • P
    P.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    Very good excursion!
  • L
    L.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    I knew that Campo de' Fiori was an exceptional market with a great reputation, but having the opportunity to go and buy was fantastic.
  • C
    C.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    I loved Rome and its food. I had a lot of fun on this trip.