Whilst the Italian city of Naples comes with a number of popular shopping centres and arcades, such as the Galleria Umberto I next to the Teatro di San Carlo opera house, visitors will also discover a number of appealing markets spread around the city. These not only offer the chance to pick up some authentic souvenirs and quirky gifts, but they also provide the opportunity to mingle and interact with the local Italians.Markets in Italy are known as 'mercatos' and in Naples, the most popular are to be found around both the Piazza Antignano and the Piazzale Tecchio, as well as along roads such as the Via Imbriani and the Via Pignasecca.
Based within the old moat next to the Castel Nuovo and the Piazza Municipio, the Flower Market (Mercato dei Fiori) is well worth looking out for, with its many thousands of colourful blooms being sold at wholesale prices from dawn onwards. Nearby and a useful place of reference is the departure point for ferries heading to neighbouring islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea, such as both Corsica and Sardinia.
Mercato dei Fiori (Flower Market)
Address: Castel Nuovo, Piazza Municipio, Naples, Italy
This atmospheric daily market starts every morning at sunrise and features many stalls, full of fresh flowers and small plants.
Open: daily
Pignasecca Market
Address: Via Pignasecca, Naples, 80134, Italy
With fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood and many tasty delicacies, this 'mercato' is open daily and provides a great place to buy inexpensive food.
Open: daily
Bidonville
Address: Piazzale Tecchio 52, Naples, 80125, Italy
Tel: +39 (0)81 725 8311
Full of second-hand goods, interesting objects and general bric-a-brac, this market takes place twice a year in the pavilions of the 'Mostra d'Oltremare'. With good parking, anyone is welcome, whether you are selling, buying or simply browsing.
Open: mid-March and mid-July
Casa in Fiera
Address: Piazzale Tecchio 52, Naples, 80125, Italy
Tel: +39 (0)81 725 8311
Full of furnishings, handicrafts, antiques, ceramics and works of art for the house and garden, this popular, seasonal market is held in the exhibition complex of 'Mostra d'Oltremare di Napoli'. Parking is available nearby.
Open: early December
Cosmed
Address: Piazzale Tecchio 52, Naples, 80125, Italy
Tel: +39 (0)81 725 8311
Held in the 'Mostra d'Oltremare' pavilions, this makeup and perfume fair attracts great interest in Naples. There are usually many international brands and products on sale here, together with demonstrations by leading makeup artists and hairdressers.
Open: early October
Fiera della Casa
Address: Piazzale Tecchio 52, Naples, 80125, Italy
Tel: +39 (0)81 725 8311
With everything that can be used in the home, this summer fair takes place at the 'Mostra d'Oltremare di Napoli' complex, both inside and outside.
Open: mid-June to early July
Mercatino Antignano
Address: Piazza Antignano, Naples, 80127, Italy
This open-air market sells a wide range of goods, including fresh food and also clothing items. Prices tend to be cheap here and bargains can definitely be found.
Open: Monday to Saturday - 08:30 to 13:30
Mercatino di Posillipo
Address: Viale Virgilio, Naples, 80132, Italy
Situated on a picturesque street lined with trees, this market is full of clothes and general household goods. There is an enormous amount to choose from, including many genuine bargains. Of note, parking is available nearby.
Open: Thursday - 08:30 to 13:00
Mercatino di Via Imbriani
Address: Via Imbriani, Naples, 80121, Italy
This small market specialises in items of clothing, including underwear, swimming costumes and some designer goods - all at low prices. Parking facilities are available.
Open: Monday to Saturday - 08:30 to 14:00
Napolipizzafest
Address: Piazzale Tecchio 52, Naples, 80125, Italy
Tel: +39 (0)81 725 8311
This popular festival is held every year in September, when long-established pizza-makers in the city come here to sell many traditional and modern pizza creations. There are also demonstrations and stands selling kitchen equipment, giving tips on why Naples has become so well-known for its wonderful pizzas.
Open: early September
