A day shopping in Rome
We lack for nothing. Foodie, travel tips, coolest hangouts… but we want our readers to be up to date also about the best boutiques and venues where to do the most crazy shopping when in Rome. The Eternal City (of fashion and style) let’s say, is a mecca regarding craftsmanship, design clothing, art galleries, but also antique workshops and little shops.
So we have set a list of our favorite spots for a day of shopping in Rome.
Italian designers are synonymous with style and accomplishment, all the world knows that. Fashion owes to Italy a lot and Rome is a key point in the map of international style and therefore shopping. Shopping in Rome more than a mere diversion, indeed, is a cultural experience, at the same level of a tour around attractions and monuments. Tourists can find from big griffes to boutiques and vintage shops, scattered in the capital’s biggest boulevards as in the most narrow and off the radar alleys.
As in other cities, different areas offer different goods, but in Rome this multiplicity is even more relevant. For this reason it’s important to know which neighbourhoods are linked with specific products or genres. We can arrange a sort of map with different areas associated to different kinds of shopping goods.
Start Shopping In Rome Italy
We begin from the two biggest and most famous shopping streets in Rome: Via del Corso and Via dei Condotti, running from the amazing Spanish Steps. You can find the greatest high fashion brands there such Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana and many others of their famous competitors offering handmade leather shoes, designer bags, precious jewellery and stylish clothing.
But the whole Via del Corso and its parallel streets have everything for shopping for all tastes and surely it will make happy the whole family: from sportswear stores, very popular chains like H&M and ZARA, to the most refined studios and ateliers that make Rome famous, where you will admire the finest artifacts.
In Via Condotti a must-see is the atelier of Bulgari, since 1905. But there’s something to suit everybody’s fancy. Parallel to Via Condotti runs Via Frattina, that boasts more fashion shops and in the past was the home of Tiffany and Versace. The prices of course are variable, but we are pretty sure you are going to find what is up your alley.
For the ones who prefer a vintage, more original approach, the area around Trastevere and Piazza Navona offers plenty of artisan stylishness and antiquity shops; everything from retrò clothes to Roman eccentricities. In the same zone you will find Campo de’ Fiori, the oldest market in Rome, famous for its food market specialties where you can taste the freshest typical delicacies and dishes.
A special mention goes to Porta Portese Sunday market, a kaleidoscopic and ultra funny place as well as Rome’s market par excellence. With its 1000 stalls, it will offer you almost everything, from chabby chic furniture to rare records. Well-frequented by young people and by collectors searching for rare relics and bizarre objects. A must-go place.
Let’ s go on towards Prati area, to find the well-known Via Cola di Rienzo, Via Ottaviano and Viale Giulio Cesare. This is one of the most important area for shopping in Rome. Next to the many family owned unbranded shops, there are numerous boutiques such as Trussardi, Diesel, Tommy Hilfiger. The biggest department store in the street is Coin.
For a more “pret-a porter” shopping we suggest the Appia Way. Shops of every kind and also famous for the Via Sannio market, situated next to San Giovanni station. With stands on the surrounding streets it sells mainly clothes and accessories of all sorts, up to stage costumes. Don’t be scared by harassing sellers and stalls in series. Go through the market heart and you will make real bargains.
Last stop of our tour is Monti. The perfect spot for handicraft, vintage and handmade clothes. Very original and eccentric boutiques for those who are looking for the rare piece. A tip that could be useful: remember that shops in Rome have different opening hours and most close for a fairly lengthy afternoon break.
Furthermore, many may not be open on Saturdays or Sundays at all, but not in the old town center. Take profit from italian “saldi”, the national term for sales, and book a trip to Rome for this winter, to grab awesome and unique items for a very convenient price.
