By Lisa T. Bergren

When Emma and I checked into our historic district apartment, the manager kindly encouraged us to head over to Campo de’ Fiori to market. We loved our frequent forays over to the quaint piazza, that once was dominated by flower merchants, but now divides space between touristy t-shirts, vast fruit and vegetable stands, spices, pottery, linens and more.

Motorbikes are not allowed in the square, and when they come through, the merchants and people turn as one to shout at them, laughter behind their eyes. Some vendors are ready to negotiate (not the fruit and vegetable stand owners), so slip on your hard-bargainer tunic and be ready to walk away if you have a final price in mind. On the north side, don’t miss the fantastic bakery and sandwich shop–an inexpensive way to eat in expensive Roma. Grab your food and head west, to find a seat in the picturesque (and much quieter) Piazza Farnese, in which you can munch your lunch. Or stock up on produce and head back to your local apartment to cook for yourselves, as we did.

Here are some photos to whet your appetite…