Porta Portese Flea Market

Every Sunday morning, the streets south of Trastevere transform into Rome's largest and most chaotic flea market. Up to 1,000 stalls stretch along the Tiber from Porta Portese gate to Trastevere station, selling everything from vintage leather jackets and vinyl records to antique kitchenware, military surplus, and dubious electronics. The first stretch near the gate is mostly new clothes (skip it); the treasures are in the middle and far end where dedicated antique dealers set up. Bargaining is expected and part of the ritual. The crowds are thick by 10:00, so early birds get both the best finds and the best elbow room.