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14 Best Places for Shopping in Rome

By Erica Firpo

When it comes to shopping in Rome, the city has everything; the streets are lined with storefronts of every kind and flavor. But luxe international brands and affordable, fast-fashion stores dominate the landscape, so finding those unforgettable, one-of-a-kind boutiques is an adventure. You'll have to traverse neighborhoods and meander down side streets to find that meticulous leather artisan, the incredible contemporary concept store or one-of-a-kind jewelry designer all hidden in plain sight. Step into these shops and you'll find more than just a beautiful gift, you'll find stories from people who live and love in Rome. And the footwork will be worth it—step into one of these artisans' shops and you'll have a chance to see the real Rome.

Salumeria Volpetti Arrow

Salumeria Volpetti is fabulously stocked neighborhood delicatessen with its namesake meats. Gourmet cheeses, meat, wines, olives, pastas, and pates from all over Italy, as well as some great non-Italian finds. You'll see locals doing their regular prosciutto-and-bread runs, and you won't soon forget the smell: Volpetti has a divine and very savory aroma. Befriend the staff—they know everything about everything, and they'll even let you taste before purchase.

Chez Dédé Arrow

Chez Dédé is an incredible, one-of-a-kind, independent boutique that's also a gallery and atelier. The vibe is funky, rebellious, and retro all at once. Here, designer Daria Reina and artist Andrea Ferolla create luxurious silk scarves, bags, homewares, and limited-edition drawings. There's also a curated selection of chic finds from other brands, including Assouline books, decoupage by John Derian, vintage fragrances by Astier de Villatte, and clothing from an assortment of emerging designers.

L’Archivio di Monserrato Arrow

Soledad Twombly, the designer whose work can be found at L'Archivio di Monserrato, is best known for her custom-designed dresses and textiles, along with her collection of hand-selected antique tea sets, Syrian robes, and Tibetan vases. Visitors will be overcome by the feeling of warmth the moment you walk in—it's as if you were always meant to be here. Make sure to ask to see Twombly's personal favorites, and to try on one of the custom-made coats.

Artisanal Cornucopia Arrow

Artisanal Cornucopia sells a well-curated collection of fashion and design pieces by creators that do good by the shop's name. Expect emerging artists you don't know yet, as well as stars as large and renowned as Aquazzura. Make sure to spend some time chatting with owner Elif Sallorenzo; she's down to earth, and full of great advice—about fashion and Rome in general. And be sure to try on a Benedetta Bruzziches bag—it makes a great souvenir.

Castroni Arrow

Castroni is the largest of a family-run local chain of historic emporia selling dry goods, coffee, and gourmet foods. This is where Romans come for their speciality items, from hard-to-find American, Japanese, and British products to traditional and small-batch Italian cookies. There's an incredible selection of pricey caviar, but for something a bit more budget conscious, the front counter has a selection of by-the-kilo traditional Italian candies, from licorice to sugary confections.

Maison Halaby Arrow

Maison Halaby, designer Gilbert Halaby's eclectic atelier and gallery, is a wünderkammer of everything handcrafted by the designer himself: scarves, paintings, tea sets, journals, and, most importantly, one-of-a-kind leather hand bags. The shop is a favorite among fashion-industry types who want something entirely unique, so you'll be in stylish company as you browse. If Halaby likes you, you'll be able to sit down for tea and become his friend for life. Otherwise, be warned, you won't get through the door.

La Tradizione Arrow

La Tradizione is a family-owned food emporium like no other. It's loaded with everything you love about Italy—wine, cheese, meats, pasta, sweets, and more—and it's always busy. Here's where you will find very particular regional Italian specialities: fresh ricotta from Roma, yes; tortellini from Bologna, yes; Tiella from Gaetta, yes; bubbles from Lombardia, yes. When you see something that's particularly hard to find elsewhere, just go for it—it may not come back in stock anytime soon.

Delfina Delettrez Arrow

In jewelry designer Delfina Delettrez's flagship store, the vibe is steampunk-mod thanks to a vintage apothecary boiserie. You'll find all of the brand's irreverent designs, including earrings, cuffs, hair clips, rings, and necklaces, as well as some limited-edition pieces. If you're looking for a souvenir that goes beyond the norm—and adds a little funk into your collection—don't leave without snagging something emblazoned with the brand's signature eye-shaped logo, like the Marry Me Eyes and Lips ring, featuring diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.

Le Gallinelle Arrow

Le Gallinelle, practically a Rome landmark, is a temple to creative, custom-made clothing by designer Wilma Silvestri, whose creations are like hand-stitched, wearable works of art. Tempting though it may be to buy an entirely new wardrobe, if you're looking for one piece make it a printed, three-quarters-length spring skirt—it's something you can wear with anything and anywhere. Silvestri's work over more than 30 years has cultivated a loyal fandom among Rome's old-school hipsters.

Re[f]use Arrow

As its curiously punctuated name suggests, Re[f]use is a one-of-a kind accessories and interiors boutique that's full of quirks and surprises. With fabulous cuffs made from recycled beer cans, armchairs from street signs, handbags from fabric remnants, the shop is all about sustainable fashion made with upcycled objects, waste material, and recycled fabrics. You'll also see plenty of pieces by Ilaria Venturini Fendi—yes, that Fendi.

Antica Cartotecnica Arrow

Antica Cartotecnica, a yesteryear boutique dedicated to the art of writing, is particular about what it stocks: Montblancs and Lamys hang out with vintage Italian pencils, the shop's own custom-made diaries, and other writing-craft delights. Make sure to inspect every cabinet: Antica Cartotecnica is also an unofficial museum that celebrates the history of writing. It's enough to make you want to put away the laptop and sharpen up that old-fashioned cursive.

FG Albertelli Roma Arrow

FG Albertelli Roma is a traditional Neapolitan tailor with a chic, decidedly contemporary style. The shop creates beautiful made-to-measure men's suits, jackets, dress shirts, and ties, as well as its own line of ready-to-wear jersey T-shirts, sweaters, leather and canvas bags, hats and scarves, and fabulous cufflinks— a collaboration with jewelry designer Salini. If you can't afford a whole new wardrobe, just go for a custom-fitted spring overcoat or a personalized dress shirt.

Dario Alfonsi Arrow

Dario Alfonsi is a one-of-a-kind leather craft workshop and boutique where you'll find handcrafted chairs, belts, handbags, as well as restored design pieces. The man behind the magic, for whom the shop is named, is an artisan who expresses himself with his hands—be sure to ask him about his dyeing techniques and about the history of the building. Your fellow shoppers are probably also worth a chat—they'll be a super-stylish, design-conscious bunch on the hunt for pieces to upgrade their living room.

Co.Ro. Jewels Arrow

Co.Ro. Jewels is a tiny atelier and boutique specializing in contemporary jewelry design. Owners Costanza De Cecco and Giulia Giannini create handcrafted art jewelry pieces inspired by architecture, travel, Italy, and more, and the vibe is young, creative, and original. Make it a point to ask for De Cecco and Giannini and find out what projects and collaborations they have coming up, and don't leave without picking up one of the more affordable items, like the Little Beam rose gold ring.

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The 15 best places to go shopping in Rome

It's not a Rome trip without a bit of shopping. Be the envy of your friends back home with our guide to the best

Photograph: Shutterstock

B etween the endless things to do and multiple bowls of pasta you’ll devour on your trip to Rome , you might as well go shopping. Luckily for you, Rome takes shopping very seriously indeed. 

At first glance, you might just expect pricey designer boutiques and jewellers, but you’ll be able to source a ton of vintage and bargain finds too. And if you’re only interested in a spot of window shopping? This is the place. Rome’s best shopping streets are a beauty. Here’s where to go shopping in the Eternal City. 

RECOMMENDED: 🏛️ The best  attractions in Rome 🍝 The best  restaurants in Rome 🏘️ The best  Airbnbs in Rome 🏨 The best  hotels in Rome

This guide was recently updated by Natalie Aldern , a writer based in Rome.  At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines . 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Where to go shopping in Rome

1.  monti.

If you’re going to start anywhere with your shopping, start here, in Monti. This is the place for strolling through cobbled streets, and dipping into vintage shops and little boutiques. One of the hippest neighborhoods in the city, Monti is filled with independent clothing brands, interior decor shops and quaint, Instagrammable eateries. Pulp Vintage, Humana, Pifebo and Blue Goose are all popular spots for one-of-a-kind vintage pieces. Stroll down Via del Boschetto to shop for sartorial styles at Kokoro, global furnishings at Estremi and leather handbags at Sufir. This is the best place to nab a few bits from up-and-coming fashion designers no one has heard of back home.

2.  La Rinascente

La Rinascente, Italy’s iconic department store, has sold luxury goods, fashion and accessories since 1865. It has two locations in Rome: one in Piazza Fiume (near Villa Borghese) and a more central location along Via del Tritone (a stone’s throw from the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps). You’ll find international designer brands, local artisans, cosmetics, home design, dining and more. La Rinascente isn’t just a shopping destination: it’s a cultural hub where modernity means Italian heritage. At the location on Via del Tritone, you should head below ground to floor -1 to see remnants of the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct that dates back to 19BC, and head upstairs to Maio Restaurant & Rooftop for mesmerizing views of the city skyline.

3.  Spanish Steps

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If you think that your trip to Rome simply won’t be complete without splurging on a real Fendi purse, a bauble from Gucci or a wallet from Prada, look no further than the swanky streets fanning out from Piazza di Spagna, or the Spanish Steps. A dizzying amount of credit card debt gets run up on Via Condotti, Via Borgognona, Via del Babuino and Via Frattina because the big players are all here. From Bulgari and Max Mara to Ferragmo and Zegna, the choices are limitless. You'll also find a few local brands squeezed in here, like Il Bisonte which sells leather goods, and plenty of eyeglass shops and perfume boutiques as well. Popular international stores like COS and & Other Stories are located nearby on Via Borgognona.

4.  Via del Governo Vecchio

This pretty street weaves through the Centro Storico, right near Piazza Navona. There are some one-off boutiques and jewellery stores, but the real draws are the vintage finds: several of Rome’s best resale shops are a few doors down from one another. As you leave Piazza Navona, head into Piazza di Pasquino to begin your stroll down this street. Kolby and Wools Boutique sell contemporary menswear, while Silvia and Arlette focus on womenswear. A few of Rome's most popular eateries are located on this street as well for a perfect lunch pause: enjoy thin-crust Roman pizzas at Da Baffetto or classic pastas at Da Tonino. 

5.  Porta Portese

Spending a slow Sunday morning meandering Porta Portese, while guided by whimsy rather than a strict shopping list, is something of a Roman tradition. The weekly flea market is the largest in the city and takes place regardless of the weather. Among the hundreds of stalls erected on the edge of Trastevere you can find new and antique books, furniture, deadstock linens, bins of clothes, handmade accessories, as well as mass-produced baubles. Some sellers have posted prices, but bargaining is both recommended and expected. 

6.  Via dei Coronari

Once upon a time, it was the tradition in Rome – and most everywhere in Italy – for similar stores, studios, and vendors to be clustered on one street. The tradition still holds on Via dei Coronari, a street lined with antique dealers. It’s the place to go for vintage prints and maps, the odd antique Roman bust (or a still-quite-old reproduction), a little piece of estate jewellery or a Biedermeier bedroom set to ship home. A few favorite spots include Essenzialmente Laura for artisanal perfumes, Marta Ray for buttery soft leather ballet flats and handbags, and Lisa Corti for colourful textiles. 

7.  Via del Corso

The name-brand storefronts along Via del Corso include the usual global logos like H&M, Zara and Gap alongside well-known Italian brands like Benetton, Kiko and Intimissimi. This isn’t the best place for a made-in-Rome souvenir, but if you need a pair of jeans, new shoes or just want to shop familiar names, you’ll find them here. If you need assistance with your digital device, be sure to pop into the new Apple store which recently opened in a grand 19th century featuring vaulted ceilings, frescoes and marbled staircases.

8.  Via dell’Oca

A tiny bijoux street tucked away behind Piazza del Popolo, Via dell’Oca has some of Italy's most coveted contemporary artisans and upscale designer boutiques in Rome. You'll find Lucia Odescalchi's avant-garde jewellery atelier next to Patrizia Fabri's dreamy hat workshop which sells dozens of styles for every season and occasion. Hip clothing boutiques include Artisanal Cornucopia, Laura Urbinati and Atelier Bomba — all household names with in-the-know locals. Eau d'Italie, a fragrance brand launched by Le Sirenuse in Positano, also has a shopfront here.

9.  Trastevere

The jumble of streets wedged between Via Garibaldi and Viale Trastevere holds a real treasure trove of one-of-a-kind stores selling gifts, shoes, clothes and oddities. And getting lost during the treasure hunt is half the fun. Don’t miss  18 MQ Vintage Store  for good quality, pre-owned clothes   and  Polvere di Tempo  for antique watches, clocks, sundials, globes and maps. This area is best in the later afternoon when you can hit a cosy bar for an  aperitivo  after your shopping spree.

10.  Via della Scrofa

One of the prettiest streets in Rome, Via della Scrofa has a great mix of dining options, furniture stores and chic boutiques. This is a top area to shop for your pals back home (or just yourself). Container16 Rome is the place to pick up funky kitchen tools, tableware and food books for the gastronomes in your life; Co.Ro. Jewels sells thoughtful jewellery designs inspired by the architecture of Rome; Sirni produces quality leather goods you'll use for decades to come, and Spazioespanso stocks original fashion and accessories for women.

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17 Best Shopping Streets to Visit in Rome

Thanks to the Italian capital’s gigantic size, shopping in Rome is always a fun experience. There are countless shopping streets in Rome, each with its unique draw and personality. The range of options may feel overwhelming, though, so I’ll help you pick your favorite ones.

Bookmark your favorite shops so that, depending on your preferences and budget, you won’t miss any of the fantastic deals or upscale items next time you visit. And get ready for that rush of excitement only a good shopping splurge can make us feel!

Table of Contents

Top shopping streets in Rome

1. via dei condotti.

Via dei Condotti had to top our list not only for being the most luxurious of all shopping streets in Rome but also for its monumental perspective leading up to the Spanish Steps and the Church of Trinità dei Monti perched on top.

From Prada to Gucci and from Dior to Hermès, each of your favorite luxury brands, Italian and international, has a flagship boutique on Via Condotti.

This is a premium spot for jewelry shopping as well, as Bulgari, Cartier, Damiani, Tiffany’s, and Montblanc are all located here too.

2. Via del Corso

Running for a mile through the heart of downtown, Via del Corso is by all accounts the most important shopping street in Rome. There’s hardly anything you won’t find on the street, from books to toys, from lingerie to gelato, and from perfumes to sportswear.

Household names of the retailer world make it a point to open a location here, among which Adidas, Apple, Diesel, Foot Locker, Guess, Havaianas, Levi’s, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Ray-Ban, Sephora, Swatch, Vans — just to mention a few. Fast-fashion titans like H&M, Zara, and Mango wouldn’t of course be left out.

What’s more, Via del Corso, which has ancient origins, is lined with landmarks from all eras of Roman history, including late-Renaissance masterpieces like Palazzo Chigi, the official seat of the Italian government. 

3. Via dei Coronari

Leading from Piazza Navona toward Ponte Sant’Angelo and the Mausoleum of Hadrian on the other side of the Tiber, Via dei Coronari was long Rome’s no. 1 secondhand hub.

Those shops were eventually upgraded into antique dealers, many of which are there to this day. Recently, however, clothing and gift shops have been popping up along Via dei Coronari as well. Leather goods are another common sight along the street.

When you stroll through Via dei Coronari, make sure you swing by Gelateria del Teatro and savor one of the tastiest gelatos in the capital.

4. Via Frattina

The couture brands that didn’t find room on Via dei Condotti, such as Boss, are a mere two blocks south on Via Frattina and the adjacent Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina. Some, like Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, and Max Mara, are on both. 

In other news, Via Condotti’s underrated cousin is the place to go if you want to discover exclusive designers that have yet to go mainstream, such as Patrizia Pepe, and to people-watch at an outdoor table of one of its inviting cafes. 

5. Via del Governo Vecchio

Winding through the southern end of Piazza Navona all the way to the tiny Piazza del’Orologio, Via del Governo Vecchio makes up for its modest size with a quintessentially Roman ambiance.

Vintage items are the street’s main merchandise — here you’ll retrieve both record players and clothes from the 1960s a couple of feet from one another.

There’s also Altroquando, a bookstore specializing in cinema, and a dozen one-of-a-kind shops all along it. Since it still flies under the radar of most travelers, Via del Governo Vecchio makes for a leisurely stroll in downtown Rome — which is always a precious experience.

6. Via Borgognona

Running between Via Condotti and Via Frattina, Via Borgognona makes up with the other two the main luxury shopping hub in Rome.

The narrow, virtually car-free street features beloved, if lesser known Italian brands like Zegna, Marina Rinaldi, Loro Piana, Sportmax, and Malo.

7. Via Vittorio Veneto

Despite being only a shadow of its former self, Via Veneto remains one of the most suggestive streets in the Eternal City.

Winding uphill from Piazza Barberini to Porta Pinciana and Villa Borghese, Via Veneto was the epicenter of Roman nightlife in the golden age between the late 50s and the early 60s and it is shown prominently on Fellini’s La Dolce Vita.

While a bunch of cafes still line Via Veneto, several are actually tourist traps that seek to take advantage of the street’s everlasting fame. Some classics, like Harry’s Bar, withstood the passage of time, and a few recent additions like Ristorante Cadorin are welcome surprises. 

As for shopping proper, Via Veneto has gift shops and elegant boutiques worth a couple of pitstops along the way.

8. Galleria Alberto Sordi

Galleria Alberto Sordi definitely dwarfs all other shopping malls in Rome, both because it’s stunning and because it’s located on Via del Corso in the heart of the historic core.

At the hundred-year-old arcade, you can shop for toys, clothes, and accessories, or simply sit in the cafes to escape the city’s hustle and bustle under the gallery’s stained-glass ceilings. 

9. Via del Babuino

Linking Piazza del Popolo to Piazza di Spagna, Via del Babuino owes its name to the 16th-century statue pictured above, which Romans dubbed “the baboon” due to its scarce beauty, so to speak.

A tad fancier than Via del Corso and Via di Ripetta, with which it forms a trident leading up to Piazza del Popolo, Via del Babuino is home to boutiques of brands like Chanel, Emporio Armani, REDValentino, Tiffany’s, Moschino, Etro, and Kenzo, as well as furniture and art shops.

10. Porta Portese

Standing majestically to the south of Trastevere, Porta Portese is further away from the city center than all the other shopping spots on our list. You can ride tram line 3 or 8 from downtown or walk from Trastevere to reach it. 

A visit to the adjacent Via Portuense is worth it for a simple reason: it has been hosting the largest flea market in Rome every Sunday morning for almost 80 years.

Locals and visitors alike flock to Porta Portese to hunt for clothes, shoes, makeup, jewelry, luggage, decor items, handicrafts, and everything in between. 

Not everyone enjoys combing through the stalls, yet that’s an ultimately Roman experience worth trying out at least once. By the way, if you find something you like, don’t forget to haggle!

11. Via dei Giubbonari

Via dei Giubbonari links the busy Campo de’ Fiori with the quiet Piazza Cairoli and is another hidden gem in the heart of Rome. 

Here you’ll have the chance to shop for clothing and accessories at Intimissimi and Timberland locations or at lesser-known boutiques, which are quite affordable on average.

If you have the time, sit back to sip on an espresso at the lovely Largo dei Librai, a tiny triangular square nestled in Via dei Giubbonari. 

12. Via Margutta

Pocket-sized Via Margutta is a Roman open secret, as it can only be accessed through Via del Babuino. Home to edgy art galleries and trendy restaurants, this is also a great place to buy antiques, jewels, frames, and carpets. 

Given it’s quiet and well-located, Via Margutta can make a prime address for your accommodation in Rome as well. 

13. Via di Campo Marzio

Running parallel to Via del Corso, Via di Campo Marzio winds through the area between the Pantheon and the Mausoleum of Augustus.

This has been one of the city’s main business hubs from ancient times. Today, it features fancy boutiques and antique and homeware shops.

To the north of the charming Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina, Via di Campo Marzio becomes Via del Leoncino, which runs for a few blocks before ending on the side of Basilica dei Santi Ambrogio e Carlo al Corso.

In the surroundings, you should stop by Palazzo Montecitorio, which houses Italy’s House of Representatives, and by Giolitti, one of the finest gelato shops in town.

14. Via del Pellegrino

Via del Pellegrino was historically called Via degli Orafi (i.e. “Goldsmith Street”), which referenced the jewelry shops that once dominated it. Those early businesses were eventually replaced by more modern ones, but many are still devoted to goldwork. 

Along the street, you’ll come across several other shops specializing in handmade items like homeware and furniture, besides clothing and accessories from local designers. 

Stylish bistros like Barnum Cafè, Reserva Restaurante, and Maccaroni complete Via del Pellegrino’s eclectic mix and give the street the aura of a hidden gem.

15. Via del Boschetto

Via del Boschetto is the main shopping area in Monti, a hilly district squeezed between the Colosseum, Trajan’s Market, and the Quirinal Palace. 

This is Rome’s hippest corner and features designer studios, art galleries, and trendy clothing shops. Though not as budget-friendly as the largest shopping streets in Rome, items here are far less pricey than on Via Condotti and its surroundings.

Drop by on a Saturday to hunt for vintage clothes and accessories at Mercato Monti, the capital’s best thrift market. Cafes are yet another of the street’s strong points. 

16. Via Urbana

Together with Via del Boschetto, with which it forms a T, Via Urbana is the main shopping street in the region between Termini train station and the Roman Forum.

This is the perfect spot to shop without crowds bothering you; they will have flocked to Via Condotti and Via del Corso instead.

On Via Urbana, you’ll get to purchase antiques, furniture, handicrafts, and cool clothes you won’t see anywhere else in Rome .

Come back after dark to enjoy a night out outdoors and pub crawl around the street’s laidback cocktail bars.

17. Via Cola di Rienzo

While the surroundings of the Vatican are predominantly residential, Via Cola di Rienzo concentrates the bulk of businesses in the area. 

It links Piazza Risorgimento, which stands less than 2,000 feet from the entrance of the Vatican Museums, to the Tiber and Piazza del Popolo through Regina Margherita Bridge.

Highlights along the street include Benetton, Coin (a high-end department store), Intimissimi (Italy’s most popular lingerie brand), Pandora, Sephora, Swatch, Timberland, Tommy Hilfiger, Zara Home.

Via Cola di Rienzo is also famous for Mercato dell’Unità, a historic produce market where you can get amazing deals on fresh pasta and cold cuts.

The Eternal City was the first capital of Italian fashion. It’s no wonder, then, that a number of shopping streets in Rome have kept the gilded glamor of the olden days and are home to iconic boutiques such as the century-old Bulgari on Via Condotti.

So shopping in Rome can be just as upscale as in Milan if you know where to look. Yet the capital boasts plenty of affordable options too, like Via del Corso and the Porta Portese flea market. Regardless of your taste, your suitcase will definitely be bursting at the seams when you fly home!

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Rome Shopping Guide

If shopping is a must when on holidays, Rome is the place to visit . In Italy’s capital, you’ll find a wide variety of small shops selling traditional products, high streets, department stores and top international designer boutiques.

Traditional products

One of the most popular traditional products to buy in Italy is pasta. Visitors will find all types of pasta of different shapes and sizes, flavour and ingredients throughout the city. The best places to buy Italian pasta are in supermarkets or specialized shops . The most extravagant variations can cost up to € 3 ( US$ 3.20) for a 500-gram bag.

Other products that make great presents are: limoncello, olive oil or vinegar . If you like parmesan cheese , you can get some in Rome, which is normally a lot cheaper and better quality than in the rest of Europe or the US.

If you want to spend as little as possible on these souvenirs, then the best place to get them is in a supermarket , although these are sometimes hard to find in the city.

The Italian love of fashion is well known and the fact is that, although it is not Milan, Rome has some of the best designer boutiques in Italy .

If you’d like to discover these shops, head to Via del Corso, where the most prestigious boutiques are located, or to the streets surrounding Piazza di Spagna , especially Via dei Condotti , where you’ll find Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari or Armani. Then walk to Via Veneto , where there are other stores of the same standard.

If you’re looking for counterfeit products, especially bags, you’ll be surprised at how many people sell these on the popular streets of Rome. It is possible to purchase a Gucci replica bag for € 10 ( US$ 10.70).

Art and antiques

Via del Babuino , connecting Piazza di Spagna to Piazza del Popolo , is famous for its antique and art shops. Via Margutta , which runs parallel to Via del Babuino, is also worth visiting.

Souvenirs and gifts

Souvenir shops and street stalls are found in Rome’s most important tourist spots. If you are good at bargaining, you will be able to get the typical figurines and other souvenirs for great prices.

Department stores

Unlike most capital cities in Europe, Rome does not have many department stores. The closest to the city centre is the Galleria Alberto Sordi , on Via del Corso, near the Piazza Colonna . It opens every day from 10 am to 10 pm.

Street markets

Rome has several very interesting street markets full of traditional products, art, clothes and antiques:

• Porta Portese Market : Only open on Sunday mornings, this traditional flea market that sells from books to clothes to cds is Rome’s largest street market. It is spread throughout the streets of T rastevere Railway Station.
• Mercato dei Fiori : This market is open every morning and mainly sells flowers, vegetables and fruit. It is located in the Campo dei Fiori and is very charming.
• Piazza Fontanella Borghese Market : It opens every morning except Sundays and is specialized in books and antiques. Visitors will find it near the Piazza di Spagna .
• Via Sannio Market : Five minutes from San Giovanni metro station is located Via Sannio Market. It opens on weekdays until 8 pm (approximately). It mainly sells clothes and jewellery .

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Where to Shop in Rome: Guide to the Best Shopping Streets

Written by: Kate Zusmann

Discover an insider guide to the best shopping streets in Rome. You can choose among shopping areas with famous local and international brands, luxury fashion houses, flea markets, or vintage shops with unique souvenirs and accessories.

Here’s the list of the best shopping streets in Rome:

Via del Corso – Most Famous Shopping Street

Via del Corso is Rome’s most famous shopping street, located right near the Piazza Venezia . Every day, thousands of tourists explore a wide variety of boutiques with local and international brands. The street is long, and at its end is ancient Piazza del Popolo with Villa Borghese behind the square. Undoubtedly, spending the whole day on Via del Corso is easy, especially during sales seasons. Popular brands such as Zara , H&M , and Bershka are located there. Moreover, bars, restaurants, and gelaterias are situated on the street.

See a list of the best hotels near Piazza del Popolo .

Via dei Condotti – L uxury Fashion Brands

Via dei Condotti is famous for its luxury fashion brands . The most prestigious international and Italian fashion houses are Prada , Dior , Dolce & Gabbana , Gucci , and others. The street is located near the Spanish Steps and is a perfect choice if you are interested in new season collections of the most popular brands or luxury gifts.

Via Vittorio Veneto – A uthentic Italian Boutiques

Via Vittorio Veneto is famous for bars, hotels, and shops. Many fashions and authentic Italian boutiques offer a wide selection of stylish clothes, souvenirs, and accessories. Moreover, it is a great spot where to buy handmade clothing.

Read also about the Top 25 Souvenirs to Bring Home from Rome .

Via del Boschetto – Local Boutiques with H andmade Items

Via del Boschetto in the Monti area offers many local boutiques with handmade items . The Rione Monti is known for its artisan and ateliers where you can buy handcrafted accessories, jewelry, and vintage clothing.

Fix price transfer from the Fiumicino Airport to Rome

Eliodoro store has an excellent choice of handcrafted jewelries

Via Borgognona – Famous Italian Brands

Via Borgognona is located parallel to the famous Via dei Condotti. It makes sense to visit this street if you are looking for famous Italian brands like Emilio Pucci or Moschino. The area is popular among tourists, and boutiques provide a wide selection of clothes according to the latest fashion trends.

Via del Governo Vecchio – S hops with Vintage Items

Via del Governo is famous for its shops with vintage items . There are bookshops, accessories, and leather clothing boutiques. It is an unforgettable experience, and you will have a chance to buy unique souvenirs of handmade items for great prices.

Via Cola di Rienzo – shopping near the Vatican City

Via Cola di Rienzo in the Prati neighborhood near the Vatican City has a similar assortment of boutiques as on Via del Corso. The street is beautiful and spacious. Its feature is that there are several times fewer tourists than on shopping streets near the Spanish Steps and Piazza Venezia . You will find boutiques as MaxMara , LiuJo, Tezenis, Stefanel, and many others on Via Cola di Rienzo.

Famous Coin Excelsior shopping center with the best fashion, beauty, and homeware brands located on Via Cola di Rienzo

Flea Markets

There are several outdoor markets, flea markets, and spots to buy antiques in the Eternal City.

Porta Portese – Rome’s Biggest Flea Market

Porta Portese works every Sunday from 7 am until 1 pm and is Rome’s biggest flea market. You can find everything there: antique housewares, jewelry, posters, furniture, secondhand clothing, stickers, and many other things. The flea market is located at the south end of the Trastevere district.

Flea Market on Via Sannio

The flea market is right near the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano . There are clothing, accessories, and vintage items. It works in the mornings from Monday to Saturday.

Antique Sellers

There are several streets in Rome where you can find antique items.

Via del Babuino

Via del Babuino is located near the Spanish Steps and offers stores with antique furniture, accessories, and paintings.

If you love shopping and fashion, be sure to check out the Castel Romano Outlet .

Useful Questions/Answers About Shopping in Rome

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Sales Seasons

Sales (Italian: saldi) are held twice a year: in winter and summer. The exact date of sales always depends on the region. All the shops begin sales on the same day.

• Summer sales in Rome: from the first Saturday of July until the end of August
• Winter sales in Rome: from the first Saturday in January until almost the end of February

The capital of the most fashionable country in the world offers many shopping streets with a great variety of stores. The choice of the area depends on your preferences. Undoubtedly, you will stay satisfied with the shopping in Rome.

Author: Kate Zusmann

I have lived in the Eternal City for the past 12 years. They say every angle of Rome has its history, and I'm here to tell you about the most intriguing historical facts and city legends. :)

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Rome Shopping Guide: From Fashions to Flea Markets

Stella Levantesi / TripSavvy

Shopping in Rome is fantastic, no matter if you are searching for haute couture, antiques, or a bargain. Following are a few ideas on where to shop in Italy's capital.

Shopping for High Fashion

Some of the biggest names in Italian fashion—Fendi, Valentino, Bulgari—hail from Rome and you will find their flagship stores, as well as boutiques by Prada, Armani, Versace, Ferragamo, Cavalli, Gucci, and many others along the grid of streets near the Spanish Steps.

Via Condotti is Rome's main drag for haute couture and "aspirational" window shopping, though you'll also find high fashion beckoning from the boutiques on Via Borgognona, Via Frattina, Via Sistina, and Via Bocca de Leone.

Chain Stores and Mainstream Shopping

If you want to shop where regular Romans shop, there are several good places to go.

Via del Corso, and the streets that radiate from it, is the most obvious shopping area. The mile-long street which runs from Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo has all manner of shops, including the Ferrari flagship store, numerous shoe stores, popular fashion brands like Diesel and Benetton, and department stores (Rinascente, COIN).

Another area popular with Romans is Via Cola di Rienzo in the Prati neighborhood. This long street north of the Vatican has a similar assortment of stores to those on Via del Corso but has far fewer tourists crowding the sidewalks.

Outdoor Flea Markets and Antiques

There are several good outdoor markets, flea markets, and places to buy antiques in Rome. Porta Portese, which operates on Sundays from 7 am until 1 pm, is the most important flea market in Rome and is one of the largest flea markets in Europe.

At Porta Portese, you'll find everything from antique housewares to secondhand clothing and music to original art, jewelry, posters, furniture, etc. Porta Portese is located at the south end of the Trastevere neighborhood .

Another flea market to try is the one at Via Sannio located just a few blocks south of the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano. This market sells mostly clothing and accessories, including designer knock-offs. It operates in the mornings Monday through Saturday.

Tip: It is technically illegal to buy and sell counterfeit items, including designer knock-offs. In fact, the purchase of knock-off wares could mean hefty fines for both the seller and buyer.

While you can find many good antiques in Rome's flea markets, there are several streets and districts that are known for their antique sellers. Via del Babuino, near the haute couture shops around the Spanish Steps, is renowned for its antiques, particularly antique furniture and paintings.

An incredibly picturesque street on which to do your antique shopping is Via Giulia, a street which runs almost parallel to the Tiber just west of Campo de' Fiori . You will also find a handful of antique dealers on the warren of streets at the curve of the Tiber between the Via Giulia and Via del Governo Vecchio.

One of the easiest ways to approach this antique district is by starting at Castel Sant'Angelo and walking south on the lovely Ponte Sant'Angelo (Angels' Bridge).

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Best Shopping in Rome

LAST UPDATED BY Maria Pasquale May 20, 2022

Visitors with some retail therapy on their minds will find comfort in knowing that there is a never-ending selection of boutiques and stores in Rome  to meet all your shopping needs. This carefully selected list covers everything from food and specialty shops to clothing, shoes and accessories.

You'll find just about all that you're after in the historical center. Via del Corso is the main shopping street featuring all your Italian and international high street fashion brands and department store La Rinascente just off the main thoroughfare. For high-end fashion from Italian fashion houses like Armani and Prada to international Hermes or Louis Vuitton head to Via Condotti, right by the Spanish Steps and surrounding streets of Via del Babuino, Via Sistina and Via Borgognona.

The Made in Italy brand made famous the world over can still be found, but venture towards small boutiques instead of large Italian chains. And before, during or after your trip, visit stylish online boutique  Issimo  for bespoke lifestyle pieces, home decor or to update your Roman Holiday wardrobe with their vast selection of Italian fashion staples. 

For many Italian and local made items from clothing to leather and shoes, Via del Governo Vecchio and Via dei Coronari (Piazza Navona area) or Via Giubbonari (Campo de Fiori area) will satisfy. You can find a bargain all year round but January and July are your big end of season sales months. So whatever it is you're on the hunt for, this 10Best list is your starting point. Buon shopping!

Davide Cenci

Open in 1926, Davide Cenci is a high-end specialty clothing store where the most affluent of Romans shop. Here one can find a wide range of Italian brand names in cashmere, silk, men's tailored suits, sophisticated women's skirts and trousers. This classy outlet caters for men, women and children and stocks brands like Giorgio Armani, Versace, Burberry, Hogan, Lacoste and Tods. The store located in the heart of the Centro Storico also features leather boots and shoes and children's clothing. Walk in, even just to check out the stylish minimalist fit-out design. BUS: 116, 80, 492, 53, 52. METRO: Spagna.

Recommended for Best Shopping because : Davide Cenci is renowned for its style, class and quality designer brands.

Maria's expert tip : One can find some pretty good bargains here during Rome's summer sales in July and winter sales in January.

Read more about Davide Cenci →

Tucked away on a discreet cobblestone street in the historical center right behind the Pantheon is one of the most sophisticated hat boutiques in all of Rome. The store, Borsalino has been around since 1857 and the stylish fedoras and Panama hats have been donned by stars such as Greta Garbo, Audrey Hepburn and even James Dean - just to name few. Not only are these unique, dashing hats made with the most intricate of detail, they are still created with techniques and machines that are over 100 years old. A piece of shopping history in a modern day Rome. BUS: 116, 80, 492, 52, 53. METRO: Spagna, Flaminio

Recommended for Best Shopping because : Borsalino is one of few stores in Rome steeped in history and still producing quality Italian made goods.

Maria's expert tip : The hat store has two other locations in Rome: one near the Trevi fountain and the other at Piazza del Popolo.

Read more about Borsalino →

Many would say this is the best of all the men's tailors in Italy. For over 50 years, Brioni has provided his fine line of custom and pre-made suits for such celebrities as Clarke Gable and James Bond. Men who don suits by Brioni are flawlessly dressed in ultimate style. There is a capsule women's collection in the Rome flagship store too. The store continues to offer a customised personal shopping experience where shoppers can be measured for the suit of their choice which is generally tailored in a few days. It's the ultimate in style and service in menswear. Metro: Barberini.

Recommended for Best Shopping because : An iconic Italian store and the ultimate in men's style and fashion.

Maria's expert tip : Take advantage of the made-to-measure custom design service.

Read more about Brioni →

Unique international ingredients from floor to ceiling. If you want to make that interesting recipe that calls for special ingredients from an unusual place in the Mediterranean or anywhere in the world for that matter, this is the place to find it. Castroni has a wide selection of specialty and international products. Knowns as the place where many expats in Rome head to for a home feel, it is also well freqented by locals and tourists looking for unique or hard to find food items. They also feature Italian products and everything from biscuits, tea, chocolate, spices and more. BUS to Piazza del Risorgimento, METRO: Ottaviano - San Pietro

Recommended for Best Shopping because : Covering all your gourmet needs while in town and for a taste of Rome to take home.

Maria's expert tip : There are now Castroni stores located across the city, including a very central outpost on Via Nazionale. See the website for a full store listing.

Read more about Castroni →

Like La Rinascente, COIN is an upscale department store located in the Prati area right by the Vatican. The store is actually located on one of Rome's famous shopping streets in Rome on Via Cola di Rienzo. The store has several floors featuring homeware, bedding, men's and women's clothing, children's clothing, shoes and accessories and perfume and make-up. The store boasts a wide range of Italian and international high street designer brands. COIN has two other locations: one in the San Giovanni neighborhood and a smaller installment which is conveniently located within Rome's central train station, Termini. BUS: 492, 81. METRO: Ottaviano, Lepanto.

Recommended for Best Shopping because : Coin department store has all the family's shopping needs covered from clothing to shoes to homeware.

Maria's expert tip : The locations at Termini and Via Cola di Rienzo also feature the famous cosmetics brand MAC.

Read more about Coin →

Mercato Monti

Held every weekend in the area of Monti, this "urban" market is a good place to go shopping if you're looking for a unique gift for someone special, or even for yourself! At Mercato Monti you can find young and old handmade designers who create and sell notebooks, vintage and handmade clothes, jewelry, vintage sunglasses and much more. The artisans sell their products so shopping here gives you a chance to talk to them, making for a more personal shopping experience. Even if there's little chance to take a piece home, make sure you take time to admire the vintage furniture, often expertly restored. METRO: Cavour BUS: 75, 117

Recommended for Best Shopping because : A weekend showcase of eclectic and independent Italian designers under the one roof.

Maria's expert tip : Get there early - it gets quite busy later in the day!

Read more about Mercato Monti →

Famed Italian turned global chain Eataly, touched down in Rome about a year ago. The giant gourmet food store opened up its Rome location in the former air terminal at Ostiense station right alongside Italy's newest and fastest (and private) railway Italo. The Italian culinary complex is the chains biggest store to date. It covers over 17,000 meters of space and is spread out over 4 floors. At the food market, one can shop from over 14,000 different 'Made in Italy' products to choose from and if you're here to eat, it features more than 23 restaurants and snack bars. There are tasting stands where one can sample some of the finest Roman and Italian delicacies while crossing off items on your shopping list. Eataly is like a foodie wonderland and certainly worth a visit during your trip.

Recommended for Best Shopping because : This is Rome's one-stop-shop for eating, buying and learning about Italian food.

Maria's expert tip : Eataly host a wide variety of food and learning initiatives. Visit the website prior to your visit to see if any food events or promotions are taking place.

Read more about Eataly →

La Rinascente

Big American-style department stores never really existed in Rome - until now. The Italian brand gallery, La Rinascente has moved location and this new, designer store is multi-level and will impress the fussiest of luxury shoppers. Located in the heart of Rome, between the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain on Via del Tritone, it features 6 floors (across 14,000 square meters) and sells clothing, shoes, accessories, beauty products and household items. Among many more, you'll find brands like Gucci, Fendi, Michael Kors, Swarovski, Tod's, Stone Island and Lacoste. The new flagship store has brought the first Alexander McQueen to Rome and sells quality, top of the line children's clothing and personal shopping service is available on request. There are a rooftop terrace and a gourmet food court too. METRO: Spagna, Barberini

Recommended for Best Shopping because : The new Rinascente is a well trusted Italian brand of department stores and centrally located, is perfect to meet your shopping needs.

Maria's expert tip : Visit at lunch time and enjoy the diverse offering at the 6th-floor designer food court.

Read more about La Rinascente →

Castel Romano Designer Outlets

Castel Romano is the leading designer outlet complex located a short distance from both Civitavecchia and Rome. From Civitavecchia it's about an 1.5 hour drive away and many local tour operators offer day trip tours with a coach service that meets cruise ships arriving into the port. The outlets feature premium stores for designer wear, formal, casual and sporting wear, cosmetics, accessories, leather goods, shoes, swimwear and home-ware. Just some of the leading brands include Burberry, Guess, Diesel, Swarovski, Calvin Klein, Valentino and Salvatore Ferragamo. There are also restaurants and bars on site. Transport: Visit the website for information about shuttle times from the center of Rome.

Recommended for Best Shopping because : Just 30 minutes from Rome, Castel Romano has all your shopping needs covered.

Maria's expert tip : Visit the outlets' website before you go and sign up for their Privilege Club. It's free and entitles to you all sorts of offers and discounts.

Read more about Castel Romano Designer Outlets →

Founded by Italian lifestyle and luxury hotel guru Marie Louise Sciò, ISSIMO is a chic online boutique with all things Made in Italy . It's the stylish digital extension of the Pellicano world, the iconic hotel group with properties in Monte Argentario ( Il Pellicano ), Lazio coast ( La Posta Vecchia ) and Ischia ( Mezzatorre ). In short, Sciò's dream connects lovers of Italy with its highly skilled artisans, creators and designers. As such, here you can indulge in items you'll find at any of her hotels - from the recognizable striped beach towels to homewares and even the bespoke tiles that adorn their walls and floors. The ISSIMO site and e-store is a playground of style, la dolce vita distilled if you like. And more than that, it's a place where Italy stories are told and travel tips are shared. Get lost in the universe of ISSIMO - you might never want to leave! Purchase luxurious Italian items from clothing to shoes, gourmet food boxes, books and beauty products. And the ultimate gift item that will have you traveling through Italy from anywhere in the world: ISSIMO's customized 'Italian Road Trip' Monopoly featuring stops you can visit on your very own Roman and Italy vacation.

Recommended for Best Shopping because : Your one-stop-shop for chic, luxurious Made in Italy items from anywhere in the world.

Maria's expert tip : For tips and Italian travel inspiration, explore the site beyond your shop.

Read more about ISSIMO →

Born to Italian parents, Maria always knew Rome was her destiny, although she was raised in Melbourne.

An award winning food and travel writer, in addition to 10Best USA Today she also...   More About Maria

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Expert tips.

Maria Pasquale: Rome Local Expert

Maria says, Don't leave Rome without a walk around Trastevere! Get rid of your map and lose yourself in the cobblestone streets - they will enchant you.

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The Best Rome Shopping Guide - Trust My Experience!

By Elyssa Bernard

January 1, 2023

Looking for the best Rome Shopping Guide? You've come to the right place!

Living in Rome means shopping in Rome. I have shopped till I dropped. And then some! 

My Shopping Guide for Rome is the product of years of browsing, roaming, hunting, discovering and shopping the best that Rome has to offer.

Rome Shopping Guide - Everything you need to know

Based on all my years helping visitors (hotel guests, friends, family) with their shopping needs and questions, and doing oh so much research on this topic, here is my list of what you should know about shopping in Rome:

• Which areas or neighbourhoods of Rome are good for shopping ?
• Where can I buy shoes in Rome ? 
• What are some local brands in Rome?
• What kinds of souvenirs can I buy in Rome ? And where?
• How do I get the tax back when I shop in Rome ?
• When do things go on sale in Rome ?
• What are shop hours in Rome ?
• Where are the vintage shops in Rome ?
• How can I get to the outlets in Rome?
• Here's some crucial info you should know, that you probably didn't know you should know. Don't shop in Rome without reading this !

Rome Shopping Guide - Where to Shop

Like any Rome resident, I have my favourite local shops I frequent in my neighbourhood.

But most of the time when I really want to "go shopping", I head for the Rome neighbourhoods where some of the best concentration of shops can be found.

But, they all have very different kinds of shopping:

Spanish Steps - Piazza di Spagna

The area around the Spanish Steps has the highest concentration of shops in the capital.

There are not only the high-end brands such as Gucci, Prada and Armani , but some even more local brands, such as Fausto Santini .

There are even smaller, less expensive shops in the area.

So there is really something for everyone.

And yes, this is really where Romans come to shop. They like good brands, and they like to be see and be seen (who doesn't?) 

Click here to go to my page about Rome Shopping Guide to  Shopping Near the Spanish Steps , where I have lots more details about what the different streets have, and good places for stopping for a break between purchases!

The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome

Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.

In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican , Colosseum , Trevi Fountain , Pantheon , Piazza Navona , Spanish Steps , Castel Sant'Angelo , and much more.

And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.

Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers .

Behind Piazza Navona - via del Governo Vecchio and via dei Coronari

Piazza Navona is one of my favorite places to visit in Rome , and arguably one of the most beautiful.

There are a few shops and restaurants right on the piazza itself, but the best shopping in the area is on two of the streets leading away from here.

Just behind the Brazilian Embassy on Piazza Navona is via del Governo Vecchio , one of my favourite shopping streets for fun boutiques plus great ambiance .

If you walk down this street, you will find plenty of places to stop for a snack or drink, lots of little one-off boutiques, and especially, lots of vintage shops .

When you get to the very end, come back up via dei Coronari .

This used to be known as the street of the antiquari , or antique dealers.

Sadly, that market has died out quite a lot, and there are very few of these original dealers left. But there are lots of fun shops and eateries there too. 

Meandering behind piazza Navona on both or either of these streets is a great way to spend a half or even whole day shopping in Rome.

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Monti - via del Boschetto and via Urbana

When it comes to local, cute neighbourhood shopping in Rome , the Monti neighbourhood is the darling among Rome shopping aficionados.

There are no big chain shops here, and since the area is literally one of the oldest in Rome (going back 2000 years), it has a very old-world, charming feel about it. 

You'll find little cobblestone streets, interesting café's and bistros, and plenty of fun little boutiques.

It is also, along with via dei Coronari (behind Piazza Navona), one of the original streets where all the antique dealers were in Rome (once upon a time.) There are still plenty of these dealers left, and their shops are speckled throughout, mixed alongside the newer and more modern shops.

The best streets for shopping in Monti are via del Boschetto, via dei Serpenti, via Urbana and via Panisperna. 

Love browsing vintage and second-hand stores?

Monti is home to some of Rome's best vintage shops and markets - visit my page here for my recommendations!

No matter what season you visit Rome, here are 4 things never to leave at home:

Disclosure: If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

By the Vatican - via Cola di Rienzo and Prati

Via Cola di Rienzo is a long, wide shopping street that runs between the Vatican and Piazza del Popolo (more or less.)

You will find some bigger brand names, including Tiffany's and the Coin department store.

You'll also find some smaller local shops.

But if you venture past this street into the more residential part of the Prati neighbourhood, you will come across lots of very cute and even innovate shops.

This area includes streets running parallel to via Cola di Rienzo, such as via dei Gracchi and via degli Scipioni, but also the little cross streets. 

Prati is a kind of upscale residential area of Rome, but also one full of accountants' and lawyers' offices, and the buildings are quite grand, so it's also pleasant to wander this neighbourhood and see a different side of Rome.

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Rome Shopping Guide - When Are the Sales

In all of Italy, sales (called  Saldi  in Italian) are held twice a year, and that's it: Once in winter and once in summer .

The exact date depends on the region.

All shops in a given region must begin and end their sales on the same day. 

In Rome,  summer sales  begin usually the first Saturday of July . They go through most of August .

In Rome,  winter sales  begin usually the first Saturday in January . They go through most of February .

Rome Shopping Guide HINT!

How to get a head start on the sales :

If you are here just a few days before the sales officially begin, you may find that some shops will be willing to offer you the sale price if you ask.

But it has to be just before the sales start, and it cannot be a major brand such as Max Mara or Prada, who very strictly follow the rules.

Rome Shopping Guide - What are Rome Shop Hours?

Traditional Italian shop hours go like this: Monday mornings, shops are closed.

They open around 3-4pm, and close around 7-8pm.

Tuesday-Friday, shops are open in the mornings, around 9:30 or 10, until about 1, then close for "siesta", then reopen around 3 or 4, closing again around 7-8pm.

Saturday mornings shops are open from about 10-1.

Then they close again until Monday afternoon.

So in general, shops are closed for "lunch", or from about 1-3/4pm, and from Saturday afternoon until Monday afternoon.

This is still pretty true for small boutiques, and shops in local neighbourhoods.

Globalisation is hitting even Rome, and certainly the shopping zone around Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps).

In this area, most shops stay open through lunch, and all day Saturday.

You will, however, find about half the shops closed on Sundays and on Monday mornings. Some traditions die hard.

Major shopping days in other countries are not shopping days here.

In Italy, a holiday is not a reason to shop.

It's a reason for the shop-keepers and workers to take a holiday.

The day after Christmas is a holiday in Italy.

Shops are closed. New Years Day , shops are closed.

Easter Monday is another big holiday . Shops are closed.

And May 1, the European "Labor Day" holiday , shops are closed. 

Rome Shopping Guide Hint!

Where to Shop on a Major Holiday

If you need to shop on a major holiday when almost everything really is closed (Christmas Day, August 15, Easter Sunday), you can count on the shopping gallery in Termini Train station .

The station is of course open 365 days a year, and is full of shops, many of which are also open, even on those holidays when the rest of Rome is shuttered.

And lately, I'm seeing shops open on Christmas Day, New Years' Day, and Easter Monday in the more trafficked tourist areas of Rome such as around the Trevi Fountain, via dei Giubbonari, via del Governo Vecchio, and via dei Coronari.

Rome Shopping Guide - Where to Buy Shoes in Rome

The best concentration of shopping in general is around the Spanish Steps.

This includes shoe shopping.

Aside from the well-known brands of Prada, Gucci, Tods and Fratelli Rossetti, you will also find more special and local brands such as Fausto Santini (shoes made of soft leather that fit like gloves.)

Less-expensive but stylish and well-made shoes by Spanish brands Geox and Camper are also a good option.

There are Geox and Camper shops all around Rome, including the main shopping sections like the Spanish Steps and Cola di Rienzo.

Want my Rome shopping guide to my favorite shoe boutiques? Here ya go:

• Scarpe Diem - their motto is "useless but beautiful shoes". Indeed. Behind piazza Navona, on Via di Parione 40.
• Fausto Santini on via Frattina - chic, particular, super well made with gorgeous leather. And they have the most wonderful bags, too.
• The Fausto Santini Outlet (oh yes!) - actually run by the original, Giacomo Santini, Fausto Santini's father. Near the Monti neighbourhood, on Via Cavour 103. Photo above.
• Mencucci boutique - right next door to the Santini outlet. Also sells clothes.
• L'Autre Chose - near the Pantheon. They make beautiful clothes too but my faves are their shoes and bags. Their shoes are fabulous and stylish, yet comfortable, and last forever. Piazza Campo Marzio 9-11.

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Rome Shopping Guide - rules to know!

Shopping in Rome (and in other parts of Italy) can be different than what you might be used to. Things to keep in mind so you don't stress while shopping here:

• Italy is less of a customer-service oriented economy than in some other cultures (in particular many Anglo-Saxon countries). Don't be put off by what may seem disinterested, inattentive, or even what might seem rude behavior on the part of sales staff . Ask for help if you need it. Sometimes you will find very helpful and friendly staff. Just not always.
• On the other hand, in some old-fashioned shops , much of the merchandise is not on display and you will have to ask for what you want. This can also be off-putting if you prefer to browse at your own pace. But don't worry if you ask for someone to show you something and then you don't want to buy it. It's routine for them.
• In shops like the one I described above, where you have to ask to see something, you might not be allowed to try it on . This goes for sweaters you could stretch out, blouses you could stain with lipstick, and some lingerie. Yes I know, how can you buy something without trying it on? I usually don't. And this is slowly dying out as larger stores and department stores do allow people to try on everything. Just know you might come across this.
• Exchanges and returns - brace yourself. It can be difficult to return or even exchange something in Rome (and other parts of Italy.) Out and out returns where you get your money back are almost non-existent. The way fiscal policy is run here makes it very difficult for a shop to justify a cash outlay, and often, a return on a credit card can be a Byzantine process involving a fax and several days of waiting. So if you can return something, it will most likely be for a credit in the same shop, i.e. and exchange. Also, if a shop even allows exchanges/returns, it must be within a very short time frame, in its original packaging and unused . So just be careful when buying things in Rome, knowing that it's unlikely you will be able to return it.

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The best shopping in Rome: an insider guide to Rome’s best shopping streets

I love shopping in Rome. The city is generous with shops for all budget, shapes and taste and retail therapy opportunities are easy to find

The city has several shopping streets with clusters of shops and some of them are close to Rome main attractions , making it easy to add a shopping afternoon to a sightseeing morning.

In this article, I am going to share my favorite shopping addresses in the city so you can bring home amazing Italian fashion, a special gift or maybe a bite of Rome’s most delicious food.

Best shopping in Rome: streets vs shopping malls

The first thing to do when planning an afternoon of shopping in Rome is to know what to expect.

In is important to know that Rome tends to have high street shopping opportunities more than shopping malls and large department stores.

Shopping malls and shopping centers in Rome do exist but they tend to be outside of the center and they do not often offer the local shops and Italian brands or the unique find you may be looking for. 

In Rome shopping centers you often have the international brands (H&M, Gap etc) as well as local ones (like Benetton) and while they can be an excellent place to get a bargain, especially at sales time, if you prefer window shopping and a more unique shopping experience, shopping streets are a better choice 

The best shopping streets in Rome

Via del corso – rome city center high street.

A guide to the best shopping in Rome can only start with via del Corso, the large central street that runs from Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo.

Via del Corso Is a beautiful road with a large concentration of shops, sitting beside each other along the whole length of the street, which is significant!

You can think of via del Corso as Rome’s high street: here you have all the international chains (Zara H&M, Diesel etc) but you also have smaller shops and brands that are unique in Italy and the occasional leather shop and family run boutique.

Via del Corso is a solid clothes shopping option if you want a bit of everything: just be mindful that it can be really busy, especially on Saturday afternoon, when the crowds of tourists and local teenagers make it burst at its seams.

Head here mid week or at opening time so you can also see nearby Trevi fountain without the crowds!

Via dei Condotti – best for designer shopping in Rome

Designer shopping in Rome happens in Via Condotti, the elegant road connecting Via del Corso (above) with Piazza di Spagna (Spanish steps).

Here, and in the streets nearby such as Via del Babuino and Via Belsiana, you have all the high end designer shops and you will find Bulgari, Chanel, Prada, Max Mara and all the best fashion brands.

Via Condotti is worth visiting as one of the best shopping streets in Rome but also happens to have a historical cafe worth noting: the Antico Caffe’ Greco, the perfect place for an upscale coffee while luxury shopping in the center.

Via Cola di Rienzo – best Rome shopping near the Vatican (clothing and food)

Closer to the Vatican lies Via Cola di Rienzo, another wonderful shopping street in Rome with a mix of shops to suit most budgets.

Here you have high street shops and international chains but also local shops and boutiques. This is traditionally a more local shopping street and has a good selection of shoe shops too, which other areas lack.

This is a fantastic street for shopping both for clothing and food thanks to the famous gourmet foods shop Castroni, which has been selling delicacies to Romans and tourists alike for decades and never disappoints!

Via Cola di Rienzo and nearby Via Ottaviano departs for just outside Vatican city and they are perfect to visit after a long morning in St Peter and its museums.

Via Urbana and Via del Boschetto – best vintage shopping in Rome

If you are looking to go vintage shopping in Rome, then head to Monti and in particular via Urbana and Via del Boschetto, two great streets for retails but also for charm ( Santa Prassede , one of my favorite hidden gems in Rome is here).

Here you find small and pretty shops for clothes and accessories and at the weekends Mercato Monti, a favorite place for vintage lovers and market goers.

Monti is a wonderful area to visit if you are looking for a unique piece such as vintage sunglasses, accessories or to-die-for bags

Via del Governo Vecchio – one of a kind shops in Rome city center

Located near Piazza Navona, Via del Governo Vecchio is another lovely shopping streets in Rome with small boutiques and some vintage shops that are great for one of a kind type of finds or a special gift.

This is also a street with some lovely food so it is easy to plan a stop here in between a visit to Piazza Navona and dinner in Cul de sac, one of my favorite restaurants in Rome ! 

Via dei Giubbonari – great shopping near campo de’ Fiori (clothing and food)

Via dei Giubbonari departs from Campo de’ Fiori and is one of the first places I go to when shopping in Rome.

Here you have several clothing shops, some local, some with known international brands (Birkenstock , Superdry etc), and you also have one of the most famous food shops in Rome, Roscioli which while not cheap, surely packs a punch in term of quality of their food. (They have two shops beside each other, one is the deli and one their bar/cafe)

Via dei Coronari

If you are looking for antique dealers and design shops, another street not to miss is Via dei Coronari.

Close to Piazza Navona and Campo de’ fiori , this is a street full of charm and as well as shopping opportunities and it also has one of the best gelaterie in Rome , gelateria del Teatro!

Rome department stores

As well as small shops, Rome has some department stores offering a good selection of brands and more local fashion names.

La Rinascente

La Rinascente is one of the oldest and best known department stores in Rome and has several shops in different parts of Rome.

Their flagship store is on Via del Tritone and it is worth a visit both for shopping opportunities and something special or actually 2 special things! The rooftop terrace and the view over a Roman aqueduct, passing just below the store!

In La Rinascente you will find all you expect from a large departments stores including perfumery and cosmetics, women fashion, men clothing and children clothing / toys

Another excellent department store in Rome is Coin, a large shop with a good selection of brands at a variety of price points.

A little like La Rinascente above, in Coin you will find a good cosmetics session, accessories and men and women’s fashion.

Termini Forum

The forum below Rome Termini station is not a department store but it offers such a variety of shops it is worth mentioning it here as it can be a good go-to place if you are short on time and want many shopping options all under one roof (it is also a good place for shopping in case it rains!)

Here you find a bit of everything, from Coin (see above) to international shops such as Lush, Nike, Mango, Intimissimi and more. 

I hope you enjoyed this overview of the best shopping in Rome. Safe travels!

My name is Marta, I am a travel-loving mama born and bred in that messy, wonderful, infuriating, awe-inspiring unbelievably beautiful city that is Rome. A classics graduate and professional travel blogger, on this site I share my insider tips to help you plan your dream trip to Rome, Italy.

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• The Best Markets In Rome

The 11 Must-Visit Markets in Rome

A true jewel of European cities, modern-day Rome still shines with the glory of its illustrious past. Visitors flock to the capital to experience the history, culture, and, of course, world-famous food. There’s truly no better place to discover the real Italy than in the outstanding markets of its capital. Follow our guide to discover the unmissable pop-ups and world-class traders of Rome.

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1. Campo de Fiori

2. Mercato Trionfale

3. Mercato Centrale

Diner, Pizzeria, Restaurant, Dessert

4. San Cosimato Market

Butcher, Market, Italian

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5. Testaccio Market

6. Borghetto Flaminio Market

7. Porta Portese Market

Rome’s largest and most famous market, the Porta Portese Market , is around a mile long and spills over into the surrounding backstreets. Endless stalls and traders in carpets, materials, antique goods, clothing and even pets, ensure no end of browsing in this fabulous flea market. Every Sunday from 5am to 2pm, the market transforms this corner of Rome’s Trastevere region into a buzzing hive of activity. Whether you’re looking for a bargain or not, come to soak up vibrant atmosphere, colors, and noise of cheerful calls and banter from traders. The Porta Portese Market is a good spot to pick up souvenirs cheaply.

8. Fontanella Borghese Market

9. La Soffitta Sotto I Portici Market

10. Campagna Amica Market

Farmers' Market, Market, Italian

11. Piazza Vittorio

Architectural Landmark

This famous covered market close to Termini Station is one of the best places to buy hard-to-find ingredients to use in international cooking, though the market is one of Rome’s largest so you’ll find some of everything within. As soon as you walk into the space you’ll be greeted by vendors selling spices of all shades and colors, a huge array of loose rice, seeds, and grains, uncommon vegetables and more. Piazza Vittorio itself is one of the most multi-ethnic districts in the city so its fitting that the market stocks foods for the local community and it makes for a truly international shopping experience. Recommended by Livia Hengel.

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• Shopping In Rome: 18 Places In 2024 That Will Delight The Shopaholic In You!

10 Jan 2023

Imagine yourself strolling in the popular cobbled streets of Rome with shopping bags from high-street brands in one hand and your favorite drink in another, while you enjoy the city’s sumptuous beauty. Sounds like quite a heavenly & dreamy experience, right? Well, the city of ruins is truly a heaven for Shopaholics and shopping in Rome will let you have this experience for real! Home to top-notch brands, high-street stores, vintage shops, and more, the city has got the best of everything for everyone. So, if you’re planning a trip to Europe, keep this Rome shopping guide handy as it won’t just help you discover the best places to shop in Rome but also unveil the quintessential shopping secrets in Rome!

18 Top-Notch Places For Shopping In Rome

Since the city has got innumerable famous shopping streets as well as malls, here’s a list of the best places to shop in Rome that would definitely offer you a soul-satisfying experience when you’d be shopping in Rome, Italy . Take a look:

• Via Dei Condotti – Branded Italian leather bags
• Via Del Corso – Elegant Dresses
• La Rinascente – For Branded Cosmetics
• Via Cola Di Rienzo – For Street Shopping
• Via Dei Coronari – For Vintage Articles
• Via Del Governo Vecchio – For Souvenirs
• Via Del Boschetto – For Handicraft items
• Via Margutta – For Art Galleries
• Castel Romano – For Designer Outlets
• Via Frattina – For Italian Leather Shoes
• Via dei Giubbonari – For Leather Shoes And Boots
• Chez Dede – For Bags, Designer Scarves, Vintage Fragrances
• L’Archivio Di Monserrato – For Antiques, Designer Dresses, Robes
• Maison Halaby – For Designer Leather Bags
• Artisanal Cornucopia – For Artsy Clothes
• Castroni – For Coffee Lovers
• Le Gallinelle – For Old School Homies
• Re[f]use –  For Recycled Items

1. Via Dei Condotti: For Branded Italian Leather Bags

Image Source

For the best experience of shopping in Rome, Italy , head out to the popular Via Dei Condotti. This street is well-known for the best designer outlet shopping in Rome and features top-notch brands like Gucci, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and more, that would not only treat the shopaholic within you but also leave you in awe.

Location: Via Condotti, 00187 Rome, Italy Best For: Branded Italian leather bags

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2. Via Del Corso: For Elegant Dresses

Looking for the most popular spot for shopping in Rome, Italy ? One of the longest streets in the city, this is the best place to be if you wish to go for dress shopping in Rome . Offering high-street Roman stores and international brands like H&M, Zara and more, Via Del Corso is one shopping place you just cannot miss on your Rome trip!

Location: Via del Corso, Rome, Italy Best For: Elegant Dresses

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3. La Rinascente: For Branded Cosmetics

Irrespective of how many streets you explore, your Rome holiday would stay incomplete without luxury shopping in Rome at some of the finest brands in a shopping malls in Rome, Italy. La Rinascente is home to this multi-brand luxury store which houses everything from cosmetics to home decor, and offers all of it under one roof.

Location: Via del Tritone 61, Via Dei Due Macelli 23, 00187 Rome, Italy Best For: Branded Cosmetics

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4. Via Cola Di Rienzo: For Street Shopping

If you are planning to visit Rome and want to shop somewhere away from the hustle & bustle of the city, Cola Di Rienzo is your place. The most popular street amongst the locals, it offers a mix of international and Italian brands. Make sure you visit this place if you wish to enjoy affordable shopping in Rome .

Location: Via Cola di Rienzo, Prati, 00192 Rome, Italy Best For: Street shopping

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5. Via Dei Coronari: For Vintage Articles

One of the oldest and yet the finest streets in Rome, Via Dei Coronari is known for selling exemplary antiques and is must visit in the Rome shopping guide . If you are going out for shopping in Rome on a budget , this is the best place for you! It houses vintage shops that would take you back to the old Roman times.

Location: Navona, Pantheon, Campo de’ Fiori Best For: Vintage articles

Suggested Read: 7 Places To Visit Near Rome To Spice Up Your Italy Vacation

6. Via Del Governo Vecchio: For Souvenirs

This cobbled street is located just behind the beautiful Piazza Navona and is known for being home to high-quality Italian brands. From good quality leather to extraordinary souvenirs, you would find everything here that you won’t find anywhere else. Just don’t forget to check out the vintage shops! We believe we have answered your question, where to go shopping in Rome for a luxurious experience. 

Location: 00186 Roma RM, Italy Best For: Souvenirs

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7. Via Del Boschetto: For Handicraft items

Situated in the beautiful neighborhood of Monti, this street is popular for its artisanal shops. While it has various handicraft boutiques, Kokoro is a one-stop shop that sells such colorful handcrafted materials that you would not want to leave empty-handed! It is everyone’s go-to place for luxury shopping in Rome .

Location: 00184 Roma RM, Italy Best For: Handicraft items

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8. Via Margutta: For Art Galleries

A beautiful small street marked by the presence of hanging plants, art galleries , and small shops, Via Margutta is the place that would offer you the most blissful shopping experience. It is everyone’s go-to place for affordable shopping in Rome . Also, if you plan to go shopping in Rome on Sunday , this is undoubtedly the best place to visit and pamper the art lover within!

Location: Centro Storico, Via Margutta, 00187 Rome, Italy Best For: Art Galleries

Suggested Read: 20 Romantic Things To Do In Rome With Your Amore!

9. Castel Romano: For Designer Outlets

For the best outlet shopping in Rome , reach out to the Castel Romano outlet which offers famous designer brands like Michael Kors, Roberto Cavalli, Nike, and more at 30 to 70% off throughout the year. Also, it has a beautiful setting surrounded by cafes & restaurants that would enhance your shopping experience! It is everyone’s go-to place for best shopping in Rome .

Location: Via del Ponte di Piscina Cupa, 64, 00128 Castel Romano RM, Italy Best For: Designer Outlets

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10. Via Frattina: For Italian Leather Shoes

Home to the most famous stores like Fausto Santini, Andrea Fabini, and more, this street is known for the best shoe shopping in Rome . It is situated near the popular Spanish Steps and is also one of the most-visited places for shopping in Rome . Just don’t forget to get a ‘Made in Italy’ pair of shoes for yourself while you’d be here! It is the best place for shopping in Rome Italy .

Location: 00187 Roma RM, Italy Best For: Italian leather shoes

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11. Via dei Giubbonari: For Leather Shoes And Boots

Located in the middle of the Jewish Ghetto and the Campo de’Fiori, this place is one of the best places to go for cheap shopping in Rome . Lined up with small shoe shops and affordable clothing boutiques, this is an absolute paradise for the people who want to indulge in some endless shopping. This place is known for the chains of small businesses and also famous for being one of the best shopping areas in Rome . 

Location: Near Campo de’ Fiori Best Known For: Leather shoes and boots

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12. Chez Dede: For Bags, Designer Scarves, Vintage Fragrances

The Chez Dede is one of its own kind of independent boutique which is also a gallery and atelier. Featuring a funky and retro vibe, this place is mostly visited by people who are looking for some designer scarves and many more which are designed by Daria Reina and Andrea Ferolla. One can also find things like bags and homewares which are chic. There are things available from other brands which include Assouline books and vintage fragrances. People looking for the best shops in Rome can visit this one once.

Location: Via di Monserrato, 35, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Best Known For: Bags, Designer scarves, Vintage fragrances

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13. L’Archivio Di Monserrato: For Antiques, Designer Dresses, Robes

This boutique is owned by the designer Soledad Twombly who is famous in the fashion industry for her custom-designed dresses and textiles. This place has some of the amazing collection of designer dresses, antique tea sets, Syrian robes and also Tibetan vases which are worth spending a penny. This boutique also stands out to be one of the best shopping places in Rome . 

Location: Via di Monserrato, 150, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Best Known For: Antiques, Designer dresses, Robes

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14. Maison Halaby: For Designer Leather Bags

Adding to the list of antique galleries stands the Maison Halaby which is owned by designer Gilbert Halaby. Inside the shop one can find all kinds of handcrafted things like scarves, paintings, tea sets, and journals. Alongside that there are leather hand bags which are just out of the latest fashion closet. If you’re thinking where to go for shopping in Rome , this is one of the best shops to enjoy a shopping spree.

Location: Via di Monserrato, 21, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Best Known For: Designer leather bags

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15. Artisanal Cornucopia: For Artsy Clothes

When you are done with shopping at the markets, you can head to the famous boutiques in Rome ‘because they are worth every visit. For the latest designer fashion, try Artisanal Cornucopia. It is one of the best places for shopping in Rome . You will find artists checking out the items there and you can have a nice convo with the owner while shopping there who could suggest you about good clothes and other stuff.

Location: Via dell’Oca, 38/A, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Best for: Designer clothes and bags

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16. Castroni: For Coffee Lovers

Is Rome good for shopping ? Well, that is not even a question to ask because it is known for its shopping haven across the world. Apart from clothes and accessories, if you want to buy other things like gourmet, coffee and more then Rome has a very famous and ancient shop called Castroni. You will find a huge crowd here buying Italian, American, British cookies that you might not find anywhere else. It is definitely a treat for those who love something different.

Location: Via Cola di Rienzo, 196/198, 00192 Roma RM, Italy Best for: Coffee, cookies

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17. Le Gallinelle: For Old School Homies

If you are an old school and headed for Rome shopping , then there can be no more perfect place than Le Gallinelle for you. The shop is owned by the famous designer Wilma Silvestri who has been rocking old school for the past 30 years. You will come across hand woven, embroidered, printed clothes that will compel you to buy it all.

Location: Via Panisperna, 60, 00184 Roma RM, Italy Best for: Old school clothes

Suggested Read: Honeymoon In Rome: A Guide To The Capital City’s Most Romantic Experiences

18. Re[f]use: For Recycled Items

Still thinking where to shop in Rome ? Refuse is the other name for everything quirky. Run by the famous Fendi, the shop uses such things to make clothes and accessories that you would not even have dreamt of to be used so like beer cans, remnants of fabric and waste materials. You can buy handbags of recycled objects and flaunt it to your friends!

Location: Via della Fontanella di Borghese, 40, 00186 Roma RM, Italy Best for: Clothes and accessories made from waste materials

Suggested Read: Rome Travel – The Eternal City To Travel To Once In Your Lifetime

Tips For Shopping In Rome

1. While many stores in Rome are closed on Monday mornings, especially the smaller ones, some of the stores remain closed for a few hours in the afternoon as well. So, make sure you check with the locals and pick the right time for shopping. 2. Getting a change in Italy is quite difficult. So, try to keep the exact change with you if plan to pay in cash while shopping there. 3. The international brands like Prada, Gucci, and more sell selective items to non-European citizens on which VAT can be claimed by the customer. So, make sure you carry your passport and ask the sales assistant for help to fill out the required form at the time of making the purchase. 4. If you are looking for local Italian artifacts and jewelry on your Rome trip, head to Via Del Boschetto as it’s the best place in the city to buy accessories. 5. Last but not least, try and make a list of things to buy in order to have an easy & convenient shopping experience.

Further Read: 8 Beautiful Villas In Rome To Indulge In A Royal Experience On Your Next Vacay!

Your shopping experience in Rome will not be an ordinary one as the city offers stunning things to buy which will excite your soul even more! So, plan your Italy trip with TravelTriangle right away, and head out on the most unique shopping spree.

Go beyond the obvious spots for shopping in Rome and stay on the look out for haute couture stores, antique shops, and bargain outlets. Watch our Rome travel video to see what we mean. Are you prepared to have your mind blown in Rome?

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping In Rome

What is famous in Italy for shopping?

Italy is famous for buying cheese, Italian leather bags and Italian leather shoes.

What time do the shops close in Rome?

The shops in Rome close around 8 PM.

Is there a Primark in Rome?

No, currently there is no Primark store in Rome.

What is the main shopping street in Rome?

Via del Corso is the main shopping street in Rome.

Via Cola di Rienzo is the main shopping street in Rome. It is considered as the best place for shopping all over Italy.

What should I buy in Rome?

You should buy handicrafts and art pieces in Rome.

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Rome , Shopping in Rome

The best shopping streets in rome.

After almost 10 years in this city, I am often asked where my favorite stores are in Rome. While I do have a few tried and true favorites that I return to often, I am much more of a window shopper. I will browse a lot before making a coveted purchase, so I make the most of my time by beelining to areas that have several good shopping options nearby. Regardless of your budget, there are wonderful places to shop in Rome.

Rome doesn’t have any one-stop shops or malls unless you are willing to go to the suburbs. That means that if you really want to indulge in retail therapy, you should stick to certain neighborhoods to maximize your options. From high street to high end, here is where to shop in Rome:

High street: Via del Corso

If you are going to talk about shopping in Rome, there’s really no getting around Via del Corso. This massive boulevard, which runs from Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo, is filled with stores from top to bottom. While the city center of Rome (thankfully) lacks any real shopping malls, Via del Corso is where you will find the highest concentration of stores near the historic sights. It is the equivalent of Rome’s high street – with major brands like Zara, H&M and Nike taking up serious real estate. However, even though there are superstores here, you can still find small family-run shops as well. I particularly like these little gems, like the Alfieri Leather store with artisan Made in Italy jackets (Via del Corso 2). Expect large bustling crowds which sometimes spill into the road itself when the sidewalk becomes overrun.

High end: Via Condotti

Running perpendicular away from Via del Corso, Via Condotti leads directly to Piazza di Spagna. With the highest concentration of luxury brands, this is the elegant street to shop if money is no object. Browse at Bulgari, or set down some serious change at Gucci or Chanel. Or, simply join the crowds for a spot of window shopping and admire the always chic displays that line one of Rome’s most exclusive streets. For a small splurge, stop for coffee at the city’s oldest coffeehouse: Antico Caffe Greco (an institution now at risk of eviction thanks to the area’s high rent). As an added bonus, hang a left when you arrive at the Spanish Steps and continue the luxury shopping down Via Babuino.

Upscale chains: Via Cola di Rienzo

Prati is known for its wide boulevards and tree lined streets. The most famous street in the area is also the best for shopping – Via Cola di Rienzo. Running from the river and finishing near the Vatican, the main thoroughfare has upmarket chain stores that match the upscale clientele of the neighborhood. Expect Italian stores like TwinSet and Falconieri, but be sure to stop into the Coin Excelsior department store for clothes and much more.

Funky boutiques: Via Urbana and Via del Boschetto

Most of the streets above have major well known brands, I prefer Monti for more unique boutiques and one of a kind purchases. The best streets for shopping in this part of Rome are Via Urbana and Via del Boschetto, which run perpendicular to each other. Urbana has boutiques like my beloved lol , as well as vintage shops. On the weekend, you can also pop into Mercato Monti. Via del Boschetto, on the other hand, has great accessory stores and drool-worthy retro furniture shops.

Affordable smaller brands: Via dei Giubbonari

Set between the Jewish Ghetto and Campo de’ Fiori, Via dei Giubbonari is lined with small shoe shops and affordable clothing boutiques. There are a few chains in the mix, but for the most part these are small businesses. I am still sad that my favorite shoe shop disappeared off this street, but there are a few others (like Angelo’s) to substitute for the loss of my go-to Made in Italy boot store.

A Dolce Vita Melting Pot: Via dei Coronari

Via dei Coronari is one of the most beautiful streets in Rome. I head here for ice cream at Gelateria del Teatro , but like to window shop along the way. I absolutely adore some of the small jewelry shops and artisan perfumery Essenzialmente Laura , but there are also a few shoe stores and luxury antique shops thrown in for a good mix of a real Roman shopping experience.

A mix of old and new: Via del Governo Vecchio

Located near Piazza Navona, I love walking down Via del Governo Vecchio. Not only does the street have some of my favorite wine bars in Rome (Cul du Sac and Il Piccolo ), it is also packed with lovely shops. There are small boutiques that range from reasonable to splurge-worthy, and a good selection of vintage stores as well.

P.S. Italy’s saldi (sales) happen twice a year, in January and July. It’s worth keeping in mind if you are planning to do a lot of shopping in Rome!

Outlet Shopping in Rome

The best shopping in Rome is in the city center, but if you are so inclined, you can also make the trip to shop at the Rome outlets. Just be warned that the Castel Romano Outlet Stores require dedication because you need to drive out there or take the shuttle which leaves from Via Marsala outside Termini Station at 10 am, 12:30 pm, and 3 pm and costs €13 for a return trip. If you are on an Italian bargain hunt it might be worth it – there are over 140 stores, including Burberry and Valentino, and they all offer steep discounts up to 70% off.

For more recommendations on where to shop in Rome, you can download the Discover Rome app !

Natalie is a food and travel writer who has been living in Rome full time since 2010. She is the founder and editor of this blog and prefers all of her days to include coffee, gelato, and wine.

19 thoughts on “ The Best Shopping Streets in Rome ”

We were in Rome last week and took a class at studio Cassio in Monte. This was such a fun morning. Learned so much and got to do a mosaic. Not sure if anyone else has done this but can’t wait to bring our Grandaughter back

Sounds really interesting! Monti is a great neighborhood

Loved the Monti district and the Mercato Monti on Saturday (and Sunday). Picked up two pairs of new, old stock 80’s Giorgio Armani sunnies from one of the weekend vendors. Favorite little coffee shop in this district was La Casetta a Monti, which is housed in a ivy covered building, totally adorbs.

Same! It is a lovely part of Rome with great shopping. And La Casetta is adorable!!

Will be there in July for the big sales, besides the places mentioned is there anywhere else that I should check out for big bargains?

I really like the sales at Furla – I think they are great value for what you get!

Natalie give jess information on that large flea market on sunday I think, it is in the next neighborhood, I walked there, its been awhile. I got LOTS of bargains there, they were closing down , before I got even half way up one side of it,

Thank you so much Natalie! This has been really helpful. I am here in Rome for the first time with my daughter staying at a BNB. Our host is out of town & his English, as well as our Italian are not helping much through phone or text. We know nobody here. You made Rome much more fun for us. We went to almost all the places you mentiomed & got lovely stuff. It feels as if we are guided by a friend. The only two places left are: Theatro gelato, & the outlet mall, but we still got time… not sure about money though… hahaha! 🙂

Yay! I am so glad that you had a great time shopping and exploring

Going to rome in september 2019 natalie…there is soo much to see and do!!!…can you give us an idea…would love to attend a opera or ballet in a opera house…2 of us arriving 15 departing 19…doing the vatican with private guide on 16th….loooove shopping and restaurants too…staying at bnb in centre of city

I’m going then ! Look out for a handsome older man it could be me so give me a wave!

My husband and I will be honeymooning in Rome in May. I would love to find him a nice, affordable leather jacket. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks!

Sorrento! Go for a day trip by train leather shops in all the side streets. Beautiful jackets, gloves and bags. I never miss Sorrento on my trips to Roma.

We r staying at Marriott What will b near by cheap shopping street , plzz if u can say

Hi Seema – there are several Marriotts in Rome but I suggest Via del Corso as the main shopping area.

Going to Rome over Christmas. Any advice would be great!

Hi Natalie, My daughter and I are planning a trip to Rome the week before Christmas 2021. Any suggestions for Special Christmas celebrations and hints for managing the pandemic. We are vaccinated and understand we will need to test negative before boarding our plane.

Hi! Christmas in Rome is beautiful but it is really hard to know what will be allowed this year. Perhaps the market at Piazza Navona will take place. You can search the site for “Christmas” for some ideas.

Keep Continue…..

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What to Buy in Rome – 15 Great Rome Souvenirs and Where to Find Them

How can you bring a piece of your Roman holiday to your friends and family back home that are and will probably remain jealous for a long time? What are the best gifts you can bring home from Rome to surprise and make everyone happy?

Among the many fun things to do, drawing a list of what to buy in Rome is often a traveler’s favorite. Finding the best souvenirs from Rome is a great way to bring home nice memories and gifts your friends will love.

Are you still wondering what to buy in Rome? Here is our selection of the best gifts from Rome and where to find them!

Table of Contents

Rome Souvenirs for Foodies

Guanciale, pancetta, porchetta. All these Roman and regional cured meats are a treat for your meat-loving friends. You can use them for cooking, for example, guanciale if you want to make the perfect Amatriciana , or porchetta if you want to make the hearty sandwich you had as a cheap, on-the-go lunch in Rome .

While these are pretty famous and easy to find in most food stores, there are other regional cold cuts that are definitely less famous and available in the market. But how many know about the “ coppiette di Bassiano ” (dried pork meat)? Or the Roman mortadella that is actually quite different than Bologna’s one? These are treats that you can find in gourmet food shops like Volpetti in Testaccio or La Norcineria Iacozzilli in Trastevere, or in local food markets such as the Campagna Amica held on the weekends near the Circus Maximus.

In Rome, you can buy all types of Italian cheeses, from Parmigiano Reggiano to gorgonzola. But if you want a Roman product, you should definitely go for a good-quality Pecorino Romano DOP. You can use this in chunks to make your daily cheese platter out of the ordinary or grated to make the perfect tonnarelli cacio e pepe .

Pecorino is a sheep-milk cheese that can be more or less aged, and since it’s the regional pride, you can find it also in different flavors including walnuts, saffron, black pepper, chili, or the fantastic version with truffles. Other types of cheese you can buy in Rome as gifts are the fresh caciotta and the fresh stretched curd Fiordilatte , both made with sheep or goat milk, and the fresh ricotta, even though the latter is quite difficult to pack and carry.

The best places where you can buy the traditional cheeses that will make fantastic Rome souvenirs are local delis such as La Norcineria in Trastevere and Volpetti in Via Marmorata, or the fantastic food markets including Mercato Trionfale in Via Andrea Doria and Mercato Testaccio in Via Galvani.

Wine – What to Buy in Rome for Your Epicurean Friend

The famous wines from the Castelli Romani towns will be a very appreciated gift from Rome for any wine lover. You can find wines from every Italian region in most food stores, but if you want the highest quality, you should look for an “enoteca”, which is a wine shop. Some good enoteche in Rome are Buccone (Via Ripetta 19/20), Enoteca Costantini (Piazza Cavour 16b), Enoteca del Frate in the Prati neighborhood (Via degli Scipioni 122) and Enoteca Ferrara in Trastevere (Piazza Trilussa 41).

Artisan chocolate

If you want to buy artisan chocolate in Rome as a gift, I suggest that rather than picking one from a store shelf, you go to the source, the lovely SAID dal 1923 chocolate factory in the San Lorenzo neighborhood (Via Tiburtina 135). Plenty of flavors, daring combinations, unusual shapes, and for sure picturesque gift packaging. While deciding what to buy in Rome, at SAID’s, you can also have a quick lunch or, if you go in the evening, an aperitif with an ambrosial chocolate-flavored cocktail.

Gourmet food

Central Italy is famous for its truffles, so in Rome, you can buy delicious truffle-based products, especially pasta sauces and creams. You can find these in several artisan food shops including Castroni in the Prati area and Volpetti in the Testaccio neighborhood.

But if you want to buy a little piece of the actual truffle mushroom, I recommend trying your luck at the Campagna Amica food market that takes place every Saturday and Sunday near the Circus Maximus. This is, out of question, one of my favorite food markets in Rome where you can find also other regional specialties and are a great place to visit in Rome when it rains . These include goat dairy products, olive oil, wines, bread, pasta made with local ancient grains, and what to buy in Rome if you want to impress your connoisseur friends.

Sweets and Pastries

We all know how much Italians love to end their meal with a dessert. Even if I am always careful about what I eat, I often welcome a little sweetness after lunch. The whole country boasts a great tradition of cakes and cookies, and a nice package of traditional sweets is one of the favorite souvenirs from Rome you can bring your friends and family.

Even though there are industrial versions of traditional sweets in many store chains, I suggest you opt for smaller shops, bakeries, or delis for a larger choice and definitely better quality. While fresh pastries such as cornetto and maritozzo can only be consumed in loco, there are sweets that can totally be packed and become easy things to buy in Rome.

Some of the typical pastries belonging to the old Roman tradition easy to pack either in your carry-on or hand luggage are Pangiallo Romano made of different kinds of nuts such as almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts, with the addition of honey and raisins, Panpepato, a different version of the Pangiallo enriched with chocolate and spices, Mostaccioli, a very old recipe that ancient Romans used for weddings, and Torrone Romano, also dating back to the ancient Rome and enriched with pistachio, almonds, and chocolate.

Some of the places I recommend you buy your sweet gift from Rome are Valzani, a great pastry shop in Via del Moro in Trastevere, and Antico Forno Roscioli, historic bakery in Via dei Chiavari near Campo de’ Fiori.

Fashion Gifts from Rome to Wear

Handmade jewelry.

Even though in Rome you can find all big jewelry brands such as Bulgari, Morellato, and Cartier, if you are wondering what to buy in Rome as a unique piece, I suggest preferring the local artisans still up and running despite the big store chains competition.

In the very city center, right in the Tridente area, visit Bottega Franchi (Via Ripetta 156) operative since 1962, for some wonderful, original pieces including rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pins, and sculptures. While near Piazza Navona, visit Cristiana Perali (Via dei Banchi Vecchi 60) for sophisticated pieces of jewelry including a collection devoted to Roman historical symbols such as the amphorae, the cobblestones, and olive tree leaves.

If you are into a more contemporary design, Anna Retico Design ‘s boutique and workshop in Trastevere (Vicolo del Cinque 13) exposes her collection of colorful necklaces, rings, and earrings in every shape and unusual material including rubber, PVC, and nylon!

Leather Goods

If you are a fan of leather accessories, visit at least once the Artigianino stores. Founded in 1991 with a workshop in the Appian Way, it’s now present with a few stores around Rome, including in the Centro Storico (Via del Corso 527/A) and in the Piazza Navona area (Via del Governo Vecchio 129). Bags, small purses, wallets, belts, keyrings, backpacks, and other types of accessories made of high-quality leather from Tuscany in a large range of colors and elegant shapes. Here, you can secure fantastic gifts from Rome for your trendiest loved ones!

Christian Rosary

What’s a better place than the Vatican to buy a Catholic rosary? Between the gift shop of the Vatican itself and the myriad of religious goods stores lined up in the neighboring alleys, you can find rosaries of every color, shape, and type of beads, from the most precious ones to plastic rosaries for a budget gift from Rome.

From the shops in Via di Porta Angelica, Borgo Pio, Borgo Vittorio, and Via del Mascherino, a rosary, whether it’s a precious jewel or a simple one, is definitely what to buy in Rome if you have a spiritual friend or relative.

Handmade Hats

Do you have friends and family with unconventional tastes and daring fashion trends? What about an artisan handmade hat as a souvenir from Rome? Browse the beautiful creations of Patrizia Fabri Antica Manifattura Cappelli and be sure that you will find something perfect. Founded in 1936 by a Tuscan family of hat-makers and taken over by fashion designer Patrizia Fabri, here they sell hats for every occasion and style. You can find them in two venues in Rome, Via degli Scipioni 46 in Prati and Via dell’Oca 34 in the Centro Storico right next to Piazza del Popolo.

Home + Décor Souvenirs from Rome

Religious art.

Not just rosaries and beads but also decorative objects, paintings, calendars, and all types of collectibles available in the stores around the Vatican and Borgo quarter are among the favorite souvenirs from Rome. You will find something for every style and budget, from cheap plates to decorative crosses and sculptures.

Viterbo Ceramics

If you are planning also a day trip from Rome and are still behind with the gift shopping, why don’t you head to Viterbo? In this magical city, strolling around its medieval San Pellegrino quarter, you can find stunning ceramics, all typical of the area and strictly handmade. As a matter of fact, you will likely see the artisans working as often their workshop is located in their store.

We loved the store of Cinzia Chiulli Percorsi Artistici (Via San Pellegrino 27), a feast of artsy homeware and décor made according to the new and old Tuscia tradition. Whether you want some small and easy to pack, affordable for a little token, or an important, expensive gift, here you will be spoiled for choice. This is what to buy in Rome as a gift for someone you know has an artsy personality and fine taste.

Fridge Magnets

Who said that all your souvenirs from Rome need to be expensive? What to buy in Rome if you want just a small token but nothing too demanding? You can find fridge magnets of different colors, dimensions, shapes, and subjects all over the city. There are naturally more around the tourist landmarks with the images of the main highlights, but you will find some also in other neighborhoods, and probably less tourist-looking, maybe representing some Roman dish or Roman tradition.

It might be hard to believe, but even in the 2.0 era, in Italy, you will find plenty of paper postcards, and if you are still looking for ideas of what to buy in Rome, with a nice, artsy postcard you are likely to surprise your friends. Whether you want to send them or bring them with you, one of the best Rome souvenirs really is good, picturesque, old-fashion postcards.

You will probably find them around popular landmarks, but also in stationery shops around the city. Postcards are professionally taken photos so if you really want good memories of your trip and don’t have a camera, they make for a fantastic gift from Rome for yourself, too!

If you need help writing them, check out this great tutorial on how to send souvenir postcards !

Hand-Painted Paper

This is one of the very original and exclusive gifts to buy in Rome. All types of objects such as little chests of drawers, picture frames, photo albums, and personal diaries are decorated with artistic hand-painted paper. These Rome souvenirs can really adapt to anyone: from a simple notepad to a daily agenda, hand-painted objects make for thoughtful and quite inexpensive gifts from Rome.

Of course, you can buy pretty things in store chains and shopping malls, but let’s face it, when they are made in small artisan shops, they look, feel and smell different, and a connaisseur will totally tell. The place I recommend for this type of Rome souvenir is the historic shop of Aldo Fefé (Via della Stelletta 20b) near the Spanish Steps so in the hearty of any Rome classic tour.

SAVE IT FOR LATER? PIN IT TO YOUR BOARD!

About The Author: Angela Corrias

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15 Unique Shops in Rome From Souvenirs to Second Hand Books

By: Author The Working Line

Posted on Published: April 7, 2024  - Last updated: April 10, 2024

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There are quite a few hidden, very unique shops in Rome I’ve been meaning to share with you lately; places to buy Rome-inspired souvenirs, second hand clothes, and much more – that no one tells you about.

If you’re looking for the best things to buy in Rome, I’ll include some items I think you shouldn’t miss out on in this guide.

And from rare and used books to vintage clothes and even Pantone-inspired prints, you’ll find it all here!

As I currently live in Torpignattara, one of Rome’s best street art neighborhoods, what I mostly do when walking around the area is checking out stencil art and graffiti.

However, there are a few very unique shops in Rome located in this area, and this will be the first of this guide.

If you’re looking to purchase really unusual souvenirs from Rome, I’ve gathered the shops I have visited, and still visit to this day when I want a new mug, second hand books, or Rome-inspired sweatshirts.

Let’s get to it, and you’ll hopefully find new shopping spots you didn’t think of!

Most Unique Shops in Rome: Rometone, Torpignattara

The Rometone shop in Torpignattara is the first unusual shop I felt like mentioning – a very secret shop nestled at the end of a street in the East End of Rome.

Established in 2020, Rometone offers all kinds of Rome-inspired prints, T-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs and more.

The prices are very reasonable, too, and since the products are immaculately beautiful, if you’re looking for things to do in Torpignattara, I’d say a visit to the Rometone shop is a must on your bucket list.

Read: The Most Magical Parks & Gardens in Rome

Most Secret Shops in Rome: Pucci Tiziano Gioeilli, Via del Boschetto

Let’s start by saying that Via del Boschetto is one of the prettiest streets in Rome, along with Via Panisperna at the end of the street.

Then, let’s continue by saying that if you’re looking for secret shops in Rome, you’d do well to pop by Pucci Tiziano Gioielli on Via del Boschetto for custom-made jewelry.

The Pucci Tiziano Gioeilli shop and workshop are a feast for the eyes, and I have actually gotten two silver rings custom-made there, that I never take off as they are so beautiful.

The prices are incredibly reasonable considering you’re in one of Rome’s best jewelry shops, and in the workshop of an artist on top of that!

Read: The Most Enchanting Gardens Near Rome

Most Unique Shops in Rome: Bibliotèq Tea Shop near Campo de’ Fiori

Bibliotèq Tea Shop is one of my favorite secret shops in Rome, and easily accessible on foot from Campo de’ Fiori.

If you are a tea lover, don’t overlook a visit to the very tiny Bibliotèq Tea Shop, and from green to black tea and artistic infusion recipes, you’ll find everything you need to cozy up at night.

Despite the high quality of the tea (which make for really trendy gifts to bring back from Rome), the prices are very reasonable – 3.50 euros for 50g, and 7 euros for 100g bags on average.

You will also find at the Bibliotèq Tea Shop various kinds of biscuits and sweet treats, and my favorite – the 750 mL mugs, one of which I purchased during my last visit to the shop.

Read: The Best Free and Unique Things to Do in Rome

Best Shops in Rome: Antica Libreria Cascianelli

There are many things to see in Rome for book lovers; beautiful libraries, bookshops, and even a Fountain of Books!

Thrift books lovers, pay a visit to the Antica Libreria Cascianelli, one of the best hidden gems in Rome , and a shop that almost doubles as a museum.

In the back of the shop, a second room is filled with desks, sculptures, paintings and all kinds of memorabilia that will strongly remind you of Wunderkammer places.

A small wonder not that far from Via del Corso, one of the most famous shopping spots in Rome , nor from Campo de’ Fiori’s market!

Read: The Most Instagrammable Places in Rome

Most Unique Shops in Rome: Rome is More, Testaccio

Testaccio is one of the best shopping areas in Rome, along with offering plenty of green spaces and street art pieces – that’s definitely a neighborhood to visit when traveling to Rome for the first time!

And while you’re at it, pop by Rome is More, a small, secret shop tucked a few minutes away from the Testaccio Market.

There, you will find plenty of Rome-inspired souvenirs, from tote bags printed with suppli or a nasone to a Roman to English dictionary and beautiful prints.

Whether you’re looking for souvenirs to bring back home to your loved ones or something small to treat yourself, you’ll find it at the Rome is More shop.

My favorite items?

The tote bags, and Carbonara and Cacio e pepe candles.

If you get hungry, pay a visit to the Testaccino coffee shop for small sandwiches and pastries, which also makes for one of Rome’s best study cafes before lunchtime.

Read: The Most Secret Places in Rome

Best Shops in Rome: Cameo Italiano

On Via dei Crispi, you will find another one of the coolest jewelry shops in Rome, Cameo Italiano.

The cameo is one of my favorite symbols in jewelry, and while it is one you will usually find in vintage jewelry shops, Cameo Italiano has achieved the unachievable by blending history and modernity in lines and shapes.

As such, if you’re looking for unique shops in Rome selling jewelry pieces you won’t see anywhere else, Cameo Italiano is it.

Since these are high-quality materials and gemstones used in the Cameo Italiano pieces, it requires a certain type of budget, but it is still, in my opinion, quite affordable considering the premium quality of the jewelry.

Read: The Best Places to Study in Rome

Most Unique Shops in Rome: Elvis Lives, Trastevere

The shops in Trastevere are some of my favorites; they have that edgy and sunny vibe that defines Rome so well – and one of them is Elvis Lives.

Located on Via di San Francesco a Ripa, one of the most famous streets in Trastevere, Elvis Lives sells all kinds of unique Rome-inspired souvenirs.

I’ve only discovered the Elvis Lives shop in Trastevere a few weeks ago, and immediately fell in love.

So much so that I got myself an edgy keychain and an Amor/Roma print, clean and beautiful even in a minimalist home.

Then, if you’d like to buy makeup in Rome but never know where to go, pay a visit to the OVS shop on Viale di Trastevere – you’ll be able to find all kinds of Essence, Catrice, Wet n Wild and Makeup Revolution makeup there.

But before that, for some proper Roman breakfast, visit the Caffè Trastevere coffee shop – they have a small terrace from which you can observe life passing by while enjoying ginseng caffè.

Read: The Most Instagrammable Restaurants in Rome

Best Shopping in Rome: Mercatino dell’Usato, Porta Maggiore

For proper thrift shopping in Rome, the Mercatino dell’Usato in Porta Maggiore is a shop you absolutely cannot miss.

From old records to sculptures, cutlery to second hand books and even high-end designer clothes and handbags, the Mercatino dell’Usato has it all.

There are several branches around Rome, with the Porta Maggiore branch being the biggest, and if you find yourself more East, the Largo Preneste branch is quite spacious as well.

Those of you always on the lookout to find new flea markets in Rome will love the Mercatino dell’Usato – especially for books and second hand designer bits!

And if you’d like to find something even cheaper in terms of clothes, do pop by the Porta Portese Flea Market on Sunday mornings.

Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Rome

Most Unique Shops in Rome: Il Cortiletto Di Gabellini Giuliana, Lungotevere

Il Cortiletto Di Gabellini Giuliana is a tiny shop along the Tevere in which you will be able to purchase all kinds of eclectic ceramics and porcelain pieces ranging from sculptures to pots.

The very colorful shop summarizes the essence of Rome, in my opinion, with artistic pieces you could spend hours observing – provided you enjoy pottery and ceramics.

We’re here in one of the most secret shops in Rome, located between Castel San’t Angelo and Via del Corso – once you are done visiting, take the short walk to Palazzo Altemps.

This is one of Rome’s most beautiful palaces, and one you cannot miss, if only to see the gorgeous frescoes surrounding the courtyard!

Read: The Best Rooftop Restaurants in Rome

Most Unique Shops in Rome: Acqua e Sapone, Torpignattara

The Acqua e Sapone shop in Torpignattara is one of my favorites, and it’s easy to understand why – as an ex-makeup artist very much still in love with makeup, it can be tough to find makeup shops in Rome.

There are a few that include Sephora, MAC Cosmetics and Kiko, and if there’s another one I can recommend, it is Wycon Cosmetics, one of the best Italian makeup brands ever brought to us.

In the Acqua e Sapone shops (they are scattered around Rome), you will also find makeup brands harder to find in Italy; Maybelline, Max Factor, and L’Oreal, namely.

You will also find there Pupa Milano and Deborah Milano, two amazing Italian beauty brands, which happen to sell excellent lip duos with a waterproof top coat.

Acqua e Sapone is one of the most unique shops in Rome in that they also sell products for the home, as well as perfume; your perfect spot to go beauty shopping when in town.

Read: The Best Vegan Restaurants in Rome

Best Shops in Rome: Kik, Torpignattara

A few streets away from where I live in Torpignattara, you will find another really great – and affordable shop, Kik.

Its collections includes cheap clothes and home decor, stationery, and even gardening tools.

If you come from Europe, you probably know about the Action shops – the Action eyeshadow palettes are some of my favorite products there, and, surprise, surprise, there is an Action shop in Malatesta, 10 minutes away from Torpignattara.

Well, if you know about Action, you will love to discover the Kik shops – the home decor items and kitchen tools are really cheap, and quite trendy too!

Read: The Best Halal Restaurants in Rome

Most Unique Shops in Rome: Free Move, Torpignattara

Free Move in Torpignattara is another shop I love visiting; I used to roller skate in London and Barcelona, until I broke my leg last year and had to stop for a while.

There are few places to go roller skating in Rome; unlike the aforementioned cities, renowned for their roller skating scene.

However, I have found a few, and all that was left was actually finding roller skating shops in Rome – my favorite is Free Move.

In there, you will also find skateboards and all kinds of protections and accessories revolving around the skating life.

We are close to two of my favorite food spots as well:

• Double Wide Bar, which offers some of the best breakfast in Rome
• Pizza e Fantasie Napoletane on Via dell’Acqua Bullicante, which cooks up some of the best pizza in Rome, Neapolitan-style

Plus, in many streets around this very secret shop, and if you’d like to discover some of Rome’s best street art , you will find many murals and street art pieces worth a glance!

Read: The Best Jewish Ghetto Restaurants in Rome

Best Shops in Rome: Bialetti Shop, Termini Station

The Bialetti shop on the lower level of the Termini station is probably one of the least secret shops in town, but in my opinion, a Bialetti coffee machine, a moka, is one of the must buys in Rome.

Bialetti releases new models and colors seasonally, and if there’s one item you should bring back home, it’s a pack of the Bialetti coffee with either the vanilla or hazelnut flavor.

These are both amazing coffees to make at home, and while Bialetti is a famous brand, a visit to the shop will make any coffee lover happy.

In addition, there are quite a few must-visit shops in the Termini station to visit afterwards, which include Bottega Verde for their great hair and body products, Kiko Milano and Wycon, as well as Parfois for costume jewelry.

Read: The Best Restaurants in Trastevere

Most Unique Shops in Rome: Tigota, Torpignattara

When I see how many amazing shops there are in the Torpignattara neighborhood, I often think there’s almost no reason to actually leave the area – everything I might need is there!

This include the Tigota shop, another branch of which you can also find in the Mercato Testaccio – an amazing home and beauty shop!

Tigota sells many natural and independent beauty brands, from face creams and serums to makeup brands, in addition to scented candles, many (many) soap brands, and cleaning products.

Amongst the brands to look out for in Tigota, I Provenziali is my own personal must-purchase.

The I Provenziali products are on a whole other level, whether we’re talking about hair serums, lip balms or body creams.

Tigota is also another one of the most unique shops in Rome in that you will also find drugstore makeup brands which are hard to find in Italy; this include Revlon, Rimmel and Max Factor.

Read: The Best Pasta Restaurants in Trastevere

Best Shops in Rome: Bambole, Flaminio

Bambole, also called la Casa della Bambola on Via Flaminia, is a strange shop that you wouldn’t expect to see in such a posh neighborhood .

And yet, its addition to the Roman shopping scene in 2011 makes the Flaminio neighborhood even more interesting.

At Bambole, you can either buy a new doll or get an old one repaired, as well as purchase all kinds of small toys, sculptures and even plush toys – no Jellycat there, but rather, pieces of history.

Whether you are a collector or just enjoy very unique shops, Bambole is one to discover absolutely before visiting a free museum or finding cheap eats in the surroundings.

Read: The Best Bakeries in Rome

There you have them, all the most unique shops in Rome, of the kind you shouldn’t miss out on whether you’re looking for budget shops or unusual Rome souvenirs!

Hopefully, you’ll have found here all the addresses you needed to make your trip to Rome even more enjoyable.

Shopping in Rome is one of my favorite activities, especially when I’m not looking for new secret spots and hidden gems that no one’s told you about.

For proper souvenirs from Rome, my recommendations are definitely Rometone, Rome is More and Elvis Lives.

However, if you need more stuff in terms of home decor, Kik is a great shop to visit.

And for makeup, Tigota and Acqua e Sapone are two beauty shops I can’t live without!

Until next time!

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Sam is a certified fashion makeup artist, a freelance writer, a blogger and a digital nomad. Since 2019, she roams around the world, from London to Rome and shares her knowledge about makeup, scented candles, travel, blogging and the digital nomad lifestyle.

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How to Plan an Unforgettable Trip to Rome, According to Local Experts

Whether your tastes swing towards art and architecture, high-end shopping and dining, or browsing markets and munching on street food, it’s an exciting time to visit Rome.

Elizabeth Heath is a writer and editor living on a hill in Umbria, from where she writes about travel in Italy, the rest of Europe, and farther afield.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Best things to do, best shopping, best nightlife, best restaurants, best time to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

For me, the Eternal City is eternally fabulous. No matter how crowded it gets, how dysfunctional its current government is, or how many bad pizzas there are in ratio to good ones, Rome remains. It’s persisted and resisted for more than 2,775 years, and even at this ripe old age, Rome is still evolving. 

It’s an exciting time to visit Rome, and even for people who live there, the flurry of post-pandemic activity in the travel sector has been dizzying. “Archaeological sites that have been fenced-off for years are now accessible to visitors, there’s a host of innovative new tour options, and I can barely keep up with the number of absolutely stunning luxury hotels that have opened ,” says Travel + Leisure contributor and Rome resident Laura Itzkowitz, who also writes about Rome in her newsletter, The New Roman Times . “It’s a delight to see so much investment in the city and so many new ways to experience it.” 

No matter how you decide to see the city or whether your tastes swing towards art and architecture, high-end shopping and dining, or browsing markets and munching on street food, Rome gives you options. We asked Itzkowitz and some other Rome travel experts to weigh in on their favorite places and experiences to recommend in eternal Rome.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Swoon over the cityscape. Few things are as romantic as Rome at night from a vantage point like the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola or the Capitoline Hill.
• See marble turn to flesh. At the Galleria Borghese, Bernini’s lifelike sculptures are a gazillion times more impressive than what you remember from art history class. 
• Do the Full Monty of Italian dining. Bring your appetite and go big, with antipasto, pasta, main course, and dessert at a homey trat like Da Enzo da 29.  
• Get up early. At least once during your stay, request an early wake-up call to discover a deserted city. ArcheoRoma can lead the way. 
• Shop at a market. If you don’t buy produce, trinkets, or street food at a real Roman market like Testaccio or Campo de’ Fiore, have you been to Rome? 

Courtesy of Bettoja Hotels

Palazzo Vilòn

If there’s one thing our experts agree on, it’s that Palazzo Vilòn luxury apartment is the most sumptuous new address in Rome. Nicole Bono, luxury travel and events planner with Bono Events International says, “When they open the doors for you, your jaw will drop.” Gary Portuesi, a T+L Top Travel Advisor with Authentic Explorations , says that at Vilòn, “you get to live like a Roman aristocrat in an intimate palazzo in the best neighborhood.”

Singer Palace

“I'm in love with the Singer Palace these days,” says Bono of this 19th-century beauty in the former Singer sewing machine headquarters. “It's family-owned, and that is felt with every single detail in this property. You're truly cuddled from the moment you walk in the door till your last Spritz before you leave.”

Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel

T+L readers’ favorite hotel in Rome is also a hit with Portuesi, who raves about its “with its unique and secluded Mediterranean tiered secret garden walking distance from the Spanish Steps, Fontana di Trevi and Piazza del Popolo.” The hotel’s Stravinskij Bar remains one of Rome’s most elegant locales for a cocktail.  

Hotel Mediterraneo

Every time I exit Termini Station, I sigh with comfort at the sight of this trusty four-star in a fascist-era Art Deco building. Stepping through the doors feels like stepping back in time, in a good way, with old-school service, a delightful lobby bar, and humongous suites, some with skyline views of Rome.

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

Basilica di San Clemente

For a real sense of how Rome’s history is layered like a lasagna, head to this church near the Colosseum — or rather, underneath it. An atmospheric archaeological area beneath the not-too-shabby 12th-century church holds an even earlier Christian church, which lies on top of a pagan altar and an ancient Roman apartment building.  

ArcheoRunning

If you’re a runner, join archaeologist, guide, and running enthusiast Isabella Calidonna on an early morning jogging tour through Rome's truly magical empty streets. (Trust me, it’s okay if you run slowly.) If you’re not a runner, don’t sweat it — she’ll be happy to do the same informative tour at a walking pace. 

Via del Governo Vecchio

Spend a late afternoon vintage shopping on my favorite street in Rome , then stick around for an aperitivo, followed by pizza and gelato. If that trifecta of Roman drinking and eating isn’t enough, this splendid street near Piazza Navona has a buzzy but manageable bar-hopping scene. 

Largo Argentina

Want to stand at the very site (or very near it, anyway) where Julius Caesar lost his life? Long visible only from street level and best known as a cat sanctuary among picturesque ruins, the archaeological area at Largo Argentina site is now open to the public, thanks to funding from Bulgari . The Curia of Pompeo, where Caesar got shivved, stands near the ruins of four ancient temples.

Galleria Borghese

Reserve your tickets in advance and prepare to be overwhelmed by the beauty here, both of the ornate salons of this noble palace turned art museum, and the amazing works inside, including Bernini’s spellbinding "Rape of Proserpine" and several Caravaggio paintings.

Testaccio Market

This sprawling covered market in the working-class Testaccio neighborhood offers an authentic slice of Roman daily life. Even if you’re not shopping for clothing, produce or fresh fish, stop for some of Rome’s best street food, especially a suppli at Food Box or a drippy panino at Modri e Vai. 

Itzkowitz is a fan of this artisan jeweler in Monti and even had owner Antonio design a pair of custom earrings for her wedding. If you don’t have time for a made-to-order bauble, the shop has many original designs, many of which feature colorful gemstones.

Essenzialmente Laura

For a real only-in-Rome gift or souvenir, Portuesi refers friends and clients to the perfumery of Laura Bosetti Tonatto, who’s made custom scents for celebrities, royals, and aristocrats, including Queen Elizabeth II. “You can create your own perfect perfume or find the scent you love,” he says. 

La Bottega del Marmoraro

It’s hard to imagine a store like this anywhere else — a tiny workshop on pretty Via Margutta where stone carver Sandro Fiorentino tinks away at marble plaques by hand. “I love to bring out-of-town visitors here,” says Itzkowitz. “Prices start at around 15 euros, which means you can find an affordable, handmade souvenir.”

Courtesy of Hassler Hotel

Fontana dell'Acqua Paola

Some of the best things in Rome are free, including the views from this monumental fountain high on the Janiculum hill. It’s one of T+L’s top underrated things to do in Rome . Fans of the Oscar-winning film “Rome, the Great Beauty” will recognize this majestic spot.

This classy bar offers great cocktails and light bites with a sublime view. “A table there in the stunning Piazza di Pietra,” says Bono, “with the incredible Roman columns all lit up is truly magical, and it feels like it's just there for you."

Hassler Hotel 7th Floor Terrace

The recipe for an unforgettable Roman evening: Start with panoramic city views from atop the Spanish Steps, stir in a specialty cocktail, garnish with some elevated aperitivo fare, and drink it all in at one of our favorite family-run hotels in Italy and one of the absolute best in Rome.

Da Enzo da 29

Despite its near-legendary status and the long lines for a table (Enzo doesn’t take reservations), Itzkowitz says a meal here is “worth the wait and lives up to the hype — every time.” She’s a fan of the handmade tonarelli cacio e pepe but says that the food here is consistently good across the menu. 

Trattoria Da Cesare Al Pellegrino

This new-in-2023 sister property of a neighborhood favorite in residential Monteverde brings hearty, traditional Roman pasta and meat dishes to the centro storico. “Run, don't walk,” says Bono, “because this city location is super charming, and tourists haven't found it yet.”

Pro Loco Pinciano

Portuesi says you’ll feel like a local at this super-casual pizza and pasta joint just outside the city walls, where the emphasis is on ingredients and wines sourced from the surrounding region on Lazio. Charcuterie platters are delicious and abundant here. 

L'Antica Pesa

Regularly named one of the best restaurants in Rome, this Trastevere culinary landmark is, per Portuesi, “a standard and consistent classic” and worth crossing the river for. Head here for a special dinner or when you’re ready to go big (before going home, maybe?) and order an appetizer, pasta (primo), meat, and dessert for the full Italian dining experience.

You’ve heard all the warnings about visiting in high summer, but if that’s the only time you have to visit, Itzkowitz says to do as the Romans do: rest in your cool hotel room in the afternoon and venture out again in the early evening. Bono agrees that summer can be...sticky but adds, “Those summer sunsets on a rooftop with an Aperol spritz certainly make for that 'Dolce Vita moment' we all crave.”

Portuesi recommends November, as it’s still relatively warm and the crowds have thinned out; January, when sale season starts; or April and October. “Tourists might still be there, but the colors of spring and autumn are amazing, and temperatures are on the warm side.” I love visiting in January or February when the crowds are much more manageable, and if you’re lucky, you can catch some lovely, crisp, sunny days.

Most visitors fly into Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino Airport (FCO). From there, you can take a 30-minute non-stop train to Termini, the central station, and take a taxi, Metro, bus, or tram to your accommodation. A cab from FCO to anywhere inside the Aurelian Walls costs 50 euros. Ride-sharing services other than Uber Black are not available in Rome. 

Rome’s historic center is primarily flat and highly walkable. Many visitors take the Metro to reach the Vatican Museums, then walk back into the city from there (or take a cab from St. Peter’s Square). 

Buses and Metro, both run by ATAC , are also reliable ways to get around, though depending on the distance, walking may be faster. Note that taxis in Rome cannot be hailed on the street. Instead, they wait at taxi stands or ranks generally located near tourist areas. 

I strongly recommend against renting a car in Rome, as traffic and parking are a mess and the centro is a maze of one-way streets, many of which are pedestrian-only. If you pick up a car in Rome for a more extended tour in Italy, make sure you have your route mapped out in advance — and nerves of steel. 

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Where Is the High End Shopping in Rome?

By Alice Nichols

Rome, the capital city of Italy, is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and unparalleled shopping experience. From luxury fashion brands to high-end boutiques, Rome offers a plethora of options for those seeking a top-notch shopping destination.

The Spanish Steps

If you’re looking for a high-end shopping experience in Rome, the Spanish Steps area should be your first stop. Situated in the heart of the city, this iconic location is home to some of the most prestigious fashion houses in the world.

The famous Via dei Condotti is where you’ll find luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Bulgari.

The elegant storefronts and beautifully displayed collections make strolling along this street a truly indulgent experience.

Don’t miss out on exploring the smaller streets off Via dei Condotti as well. Via Borgognona and Via Frattina offer a mix of international brands and local designers, providing unique options for discerning shoppers.

Piazza di Spagna

Adjacent to the Spanish Steps is Piazza di Spagna, another prime location for high-end shopping. This bustling square is home to flagship stores like Valentino and Fendi.

The luxurious window displays are sure to catch your eye as you wander through this fashionable district.

For those with a penchant for jewelry, make sure to visit Bulgari’s flagship store on Via dei Condotti. Known for its exquisite designs and impeccable craftsmanship, Bulgari offers an extensive range of jewelry pieces that are sure to leave you spellbound.

Tridente District

The Tridente District encompasses an area around Piazza del Popolo and is known for its upscale shopping scene. Via del Corso is one of Rome’s busiest shopping streets and offers a mix of high-end brands and affordable fashion options.

While exploring the Tridente District, make sure to visit Via Margutta.

This picturesque street is famous for its art galleries and is a haven for art enthusiasts. It’s also home to boutique stores that showcase unique fashion pieces, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking something out of the ordinary.

Once the symbol of ‘La Dolce Vita,’ Via Veneto still exudes a glamorous charm that attracts luxury shoppers. This iconic street is lined with upscale hotels, fine dining establishments, and high-end boutiques.

While strolling along Via Veneto, you’ll come across renowned fashion brands like Salvatore Ferragamo and Versace. The elegant storefronts and sophisticated atmosphere make it an ideal destination for indulging in luxury retail therapy.

The Vatican Area

No trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to the Vatican area. While primarily known for its historical and religious significance, this area also offers excellent shopping opportunities.

Head to Via Cola di Rienzo, a bustling street that features a mix of international brands and local boutiques.

Here you’ll find prestigious names like Max Mara and Liu Jo alongside Italian specialty stores. Take your time exploring this vibrant shopping district while marveling at the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance.

In Conclusion

Rome offers an unparalleled high-end shopping experience with its diverse range of fashionable districts. From the Spanish Steps to Piazza di Spagna, Tridente District to Via Veneto, and even near the Vatican area, luxury shoppers will find themselves spoiled for choice.

So whether you’re searching for iconic designer labels or unique pieces by local artisans, Rome is undoubtedly a city that caters to every discerning shopper’s desires. Indulge in the world of luxury fashion and immerse yourself in the timeless elegance that Rome has to offer.

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I'm from Rome. Visit these 9 underrated, less-crowded monuments instead of the Colosseum and the Vatican.

• I'm from Rome, Italy, and always see tourists visiting the same crowded sites.
• The Colosseum and Vatican are must-sees for first-time visitors, but the city has more to offer.
• Check out the impressive Stadium of Domitian, Largo di Torre Argentina, or Castel Sant'Angelo.

Growing up in Rome , I've become accustomed to skirting the hundreds-thick crowds that form outside iconic monuments like the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums — the Eternal City is, after all, one of the most popular cities to visit in the world .

Although I believe both monuments are must-sees for first-time visitors , the Italian city is home to many other sites that are just as historic and awe-inspiring.

Plus, with Italy's tourism numbers already hitting record levels last year, avoiding crowds will likely be as important as ever this summer.

On your next trip to Rome , forgo the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums and check out these underrated, less crowded monuments instead.

Palazzo Altemps

Located steps away from the iconic Piazza Navona square is Palazzo Altemps , a 15th-century aristocratic villa that was inhabited by the Altemps family for centuries.

It may look plain from the outside, but inside, there is a large courtyard framed by marble statues and rooms and ceilings decorated with ornate frescoes and mosaics.

Palazzo Altemps also houses a large collection of ancient Roman and Greek sculptures that once belonged to several Roman noble families.

I've noticed very few people there the times I've visited, and it felt like I had the entire palazzo to myself despite it being in one of the city's busiest areas.

Baths of Diocletian

If you've ever wondered how the Romans bathed, then the Baths of Diocletian are a must-see site.

The massive archeological complex, located near the Termini train station, was built by the emperor Maximian between 298 and 306 CE.

At its height, the roughly 32-acre complex could welcome up to 3,000 people. Today, the area comprises the remains of the baths, a museum, and a church and charterhouse.

Much of the space is open to the elements, so I would recommend only visiting on a nice day.

Trajan's Market

Trajan's Market , widely considered to be the world's first covered shopping mall, is one of my favorite ancient Roman sites in the city because of its history and well-preserved state.

It sits squarely along the Via dei Fori Imperiali, a long road stretching from the Colosseum to Piazza Venezia.

Built by Emperor Trajan around 105 CE, the multi-level structure once housed a library, offices, and shops.

The remains of wall frescoes and geometric floor mosaics can still be seen in the ground-floor stalls. At the top of the structure is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Rome.

Castel Sant'Angelo

Towering over the Tiber River just outside of the Vatican City is Castel Sant' Angelo . The ancient structure was originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian around 139 CE.

Over the centuries it was used as a fortress, military barracks, and a prison, the remains of which can still be seen inside today.

I've been visiting the site since I was little, and love the panoramic view of the Tiber River and the dome of Saint Peter's Basilica from its top, especially at sunset.

I also enjoy the structure's small, open-air café and restaurant overlooking the scenery, which is ideal for those who may need a break from all the sightseeing.

Largo di Torre Argentina

Positioned in the center of one of the city's busiest intersections is a small archaeological area made infamous for being the location of Julius Caesar's assassination.

The archaeological complex holds the remains of four temples and a theater dating back to the Republican period.

The archaeological area also serves as a cat sanctuary for the city's strays — it's not uncommon to see groups of them lounging around the ruins. They're cared for by local volunteers who accept donations by way of an Adoption at a Distance program .

Parco degli Acquedotti

The Parco degli Acquedotti, or the Park of the Aqueducts, extends for nearly 600 acres just outside of Rome.

Also a popular spot for cycling, dog-walking, and picnics, the massive park comprises the remains of ancient Roman aqueducts that carried fresh drinking water from the mountains and into the city.

It's one of my favorite places to visit on warm spring or summer days for a walk and to escape the city for a bit, and it's particularly beautiful at sunset.

Galleria Doria Pamphilj

This museum in Rome's historic center houses the city's largest private collection, which was assembled by the Doria, Pamphilj, Landi, and Aldobrandini families.

The palace is currently owned by the Doria Pamphilj family and is located just off Piazza Venezia, on the trendy Via del Corso.

Galleria Doria Pamphilj is known for its ornate, frescoed walls and antique furnishings, as well as a large collection of oil paintings and sculptures from masters such as Velàzquez, Caravaggio, and Bernini.

Villa Medici

The mid-16th century Villa Medici is a haven for art lovers.

The villa is atop Pincio Hill, which offers one of the most romantic panoramic views . It sits on many acres of green area, including various Renaissance-style gardens decorated with pine trees, flower beds, obelisks, and fountains.

Although Villa Medici is famous for housing thousands of historic drawings, prints, sculptures, tapestries, and furniture pieces collected by noble families over the centuries, its crown jewel is its decorative arts library.

Stadium of Domitian

About 15 feet below Piazza Navona lie the nearly 2,000-year-old ruins of the Stadium of Domitian . It once housed Roman athletics and gladiator games and is thought to have seated at least 30,000 people.

This is, in my opinion, one of the most overlooked ancient Roman sites in Rome , likely because its unassuming entrance is tucked away and easy to miss.

As it's underground and much cooler, it's one of my favorite sites to visit during the city's scorching summers .

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An Easy Travel Guide to Rome, Italy

V isiting the Eternal City for the first time? Rome is one of the most visited cities in Italy and we created an easy travel guide to Rome so that you know the best things to see and do.

In this post, we’re sharing all we’ve learned from our vacations in Rome to help you plan your getaway. We’ll cover the most popular neighborhoods, the best things to see and do, how to get around in Rome, the best time of the year to visit, how to get to central Rome from FCO Airport, and tips for traveling.

Where is Rome

Rome is located in the region of Lazio, near the and is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations in Italy. It has the highest population of all cities in Italy and sits about 1 hour from the western coast.

And when it comes to tourism, it’s no surprise that visitors from around the globe travel to Rome to see its beauty and Renaissance art, experience Roman cuisine and Italian cooking , shop the fashion capital, discover the piazzas and fountains, explore the historical landmarks, or even practice Italian phrases that they’ve learned.

The various neighborhoods are the most widely visited by tourists because they are where most attractions can be found. Traveling through the city is easy on foot, but you should also consider the Rome sightseeing bus or the Rome golf cart tours .

The Best Time of Year to Visit Rome

Rome can be extremely uncomfortable in the summer months (primarily June through September). In April and May, the spring temperatures are nice, the mornings are cool, and by noon you probably won’t need a jacket.

The Best Things to See and Do (by Neighborhood)

Each neighborhood of Rome has museums, churches, gardens, parks, and iconic spots to visit. This list gives a brief description of each district, and helps you understand what to see in each neighborhood. It will come in handy for deciding where to stay in Rome while planning your trip.

You may need to take public transportation to reach a specific neighborhood depending on where you stay. However, once you arrive, the area is completely walkable and getting from one point of interest to another is easy.

Modern Center

This neighborhood is located around Via Veneto and the Spanish Steps, the Modern Center neighborhood combines classic and contemporary influences. It has a mix of upscale boutiques, trendy cafes, and luxurious hotels, making it a hub for shopping, dining, and experiencing the modern side of Rome.

Palazzo del Quirinale

Complesso delle Quattro Fontane

Trevi Fountain

Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica a Pallazo

Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri

Castro Pretorio

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria

Museo e Cripto dei Frati Cappuccini

The heart of Rome’s historic center, the Old Rome neighborhood captivates with its cobblestone streets, charming piazzas, and awe-inspiring landmarks like the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

Scalinta di Trinita dei Monti (Spanish Steps)

Museo dell’Ara Pacis

Campo de’ Fiori

Palazza Farnese

Piazza Navona

Museo di Roma Palazzo Braschi

Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi

Chiesa di Sant’Agnese in Agone

By far this is the most popular neighborhood in Rome for travelers. Trastevere is a bohemian neighborhood located on the west bank of the Tiber River. It is known for it narrow, winding streets, nightlife, and charming piazzas. Trastevere has a lively atmosphere with trendy bars, and traditional trattorias.

Villa Farnesina

Galleria Corsini

Basilica di Santa Maria

Orto Botanico

Home to the iconic Colosseum, the Colosseum neighborhood in Rome immerses visitors in ancient history as they explore the grandeur of the Roman Empire, marvel at ancient ruins, and soak in the architectural splendor of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Roman Forum

Palatine Hill

Bocca della Verita

Circo Massimo

Piazza Venezia

Altare della Patria

Aventino – Tastaccio

Testaccio is a historic working-class neighborhood that has transformed into a culinary hotspot. It offers a vibrant food scene with traditional trattorias, gourmet restaurants, and a bustling food market.

Basilicia di San Giovanni

Terme di Caracalla

Knights of Malta Keyhole

Esquilino – San Giovanni

Located near Termini Station, the Esquilino neighborhood is a melting pot of cultures and flavors. Known for its diverse immigrant communities, Esquilino is a mix of ethnic restaurants, colorful markets, and architectural gems like the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore

Palazzo Massimo alle Terme

Museo Nazionale Romano

Basilica di San Pietro in Vincole

Nomentano combines residential tranquility with commercial areas. This neighborhood is characterized by its leafy parks, elegant villas, and the iconic University La Sapienza. There is a mix of students, locals, and dining. Nomentano has a relaxed and intellectual atmosphere.

Sapienza University

North Center

The North Center neighborhood of Rome, encompassing areas like Villa Borghese and Parioli, presents a more tranquil and residential atmosphere. With its leafy parks, elegant villas, and cultural institutions like the Galleria Borghese, this area provides a peaceful retreat from the city center.

• Museo e Galleria Borghese
• Villa Borghese
• La Galleria Nazionale
• Museo Nazionale Etrusce di Villa Guilia

Vatican City

Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world and the spiritual center of Catholicism. Home to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, this iconic neighborhood offers a rich blend of religious significance, magnificent art, and awe-inspiring architecture.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Vatican Gardens

Vatican Museums

Castel Sant’Angelo

Southern Rome

The southern part of Rome is less touristy and has an authentic atmosphere that portrays a taste of local Roman life. From food markets and traditional trattorias to vibrant street art and a strong sense of community, Southern Rome provides a glimpse into the city’s everyday charm.

Via Appia Antica

Catacombe di San Sebastiano

Catacombe di San Callisto

Museo Capitoline Centrale Montemartini

How to Get Around Rome

Getting around the cobbled-stoned streets of Rome is not hard. I’ve walked, biked, and bused throughout Rome and loved it! All are great ways to get around and the method you choose depends on how much time you have and your personal preference.

I recommend the  Big Bus Tour  or a Golf Cart Tour in Rome if you are short on time or if you booked your travel in the dead heat of summer (which can be intensely hot).

With these tours, you’ll see all the top Rome attractions with audio commentary in your language of choice. If you choose an open top tour bus, the added benefit is free wi-fi and for 3 extra euros, you can use your ticket for two days (it is worth it).

When it comes to seeing Rome, walking can not be avoided especially when getting to an attraction that require climbing hilly pathways or navigating ancient streets. In my opinion, being on foot is one of the best ways to travel in Rome.

Exploring the narrow streets can lead you to the most marvelous pasta, the creamiest gelato, or the most perfect pasta! I highly recommend visiting the Trastevere neighborhood for  Italian street food . 

Public Transportation

This is the best option for getting to a part of town that is more than 20 minutes on foot, especially if visiting a museum or park. Save your energy and use public transportation for less than 2 euros. You can purchase them at the tobacconist store.

You will need to validate your ticket upon boarding the bus (it’s an honor system). Getting caught with an un-validated ticket can result in a fine. You should also use a really good map of Rome. 

Bike or Vespa

Peddling around the city on your own time feels so liberating. Bike rental is very affordable and is an enjoyable way to experience the outdoors, get some exercise to make up for all the  Italian breakfasts  that you eat, and explore Rome.

You can find rentals for as little as 13 euros for 24 hours, complete with lock, for a standard bike. The price for e-bikes is higher.

Getting around on a two-passenger scooter is loads of fun!  Rent a Vespa to skirt traffic or explore outside the city. They can be rented by the hour or day. This will make your trip to Rome memorable as you travel in true Italian style!

How to Get to Central Rome from FCO Airport

There are several options to get from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport to the center of the city. I found the train to be the quickest and most affordable especially if you’ve had a long day of travel and want to get to Termini station.  

The most economical way to get from the airport to the city center is via a shuttle bus service from the airport. You can travel conveniently between Rome’s city center and the airport and take pleasure in a stress-free arrival or departure from the city.

The ride takes about 50 minutes and departures run from the airport every 30 to 40 minutes so you have time to collect your luggage. Shuttles stop in Terminal 3’s arrivals section. Look for the respective service at the arrival platform.

Terravision offers a shuttle service for less than 8 euros it’s quite popular. The buses are air-conditioned and there is no cost to bring your luggage aboard. It goes directly to Termini station with no extra stops. 

Another option is the public transportation system, which costs about 6 euros. The bus stops multiple times in the city center, including one close to the Vatican and one at Termini Station, throughout the 45- to 1-hour one-way trip.

Buses halt in Terminal 3’s arrivals section, at number 14. You can purchase tickets at the airport desk or online. 

A taxi is quite expensive. It will set you back almost 50 euros and the ride takes just as long as a shuttle service (about 50 minutes). You can find the taxis at the arrival level of Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.

The Leonardo Express train is less than 20 euros and runs every 15 minutes during peak periods. It is operated by Trenitalia and the ride takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

If you wait to collect your luggage, and then make your way to the window or kiosk to purchase your ticket, note that many others will be doing the same. Hate long lines? You can purchase tickets in advance and be ready for validation after boarding the train.

I can’t recommend a car rental unless you plan a day trip and need a set of wheels. Rome is completely walkable. Not to mention, even Italians know that finding a parking space can be a hassle.

Tips for Visiting Rome

I adore visiting Italy. And no trip would be complete without seeing some of the most iconic and historic spots in the Eternal City.

Don’t make the mistake (that I made on my first trip) and skip these incredible spots! Fortunately, I was able to see them on return visits!

Whether you are visiting the Vatican for the first time or returning because you tossed a coin into the Trevi fountain, these Rome travel tips will come in handy to make your stay enjoyable.

• Be prepared! Read these tips on the essentials for an international flight .
• Think comfort when flying coach , it will help you stay calm and confident.
• Beware of scammers, pickpockets, and panhandlers. It’s a thing in Europe and it can happen when you least expect it. 

So, what are you waiting for? Book that flight to Rome and thank me later.

More From Forbes

12 things to eat and drink when you are in rome.

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Rome, Italy - April 6, 2019: Cityscape and generic architecture from Rome, the Italian capital. ... [+] Cafes and restaurants serving traditional Italian doof and drinks.

The Eternal City is a culinary delight to visit at almost any time of the year. While some of the city’s special treats are seasonal—so think of springtime for things like artichokes and asparagus—many are available all year long. The warm, sunny spring months are almost always the best time to visit before the city gets untenably hot and full of tourists.

I spent several precious years savoring the truly unique wines and foods of the Lazio region and love heading back a few times a year to revisit them. So here is an introductory list, but not necessarily, a complete list.

1) Iced coffee is a must in Rome after great meals taken alfresco. It comes with a big dollop of sugar added as Romans say, “Life is bitter, so at least we can take our coffee sweet.”

Caffè shakerato in a tall wine glass, in an outdoor italian cafe. Cold shaked coffee with a foam ... [+] made in a shaker with ice. Rattan chair on background.

2) Gelato is divine in a number of places, Giolitti near the Pantheon, is a personal favorite. Stay away from the odd flavors like the bright-blue colored “Smurf,” version for kids. Also, good gelato should lie flat in its tub and not be mounted in sky-high tuffs.

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Display of assorted ice creams in metal tubs in a shop or ice cream parlour

3) When the fava beans hit the markets in Rome, you will see them in abundance on menus. They are often just served in handfuls in their husks with hunks of fresh Pecorino Romano.

Broad beans on white background

4) The Jewish community is an old one in Rome. Many of its residents still live in the Ghetto , next to Trasvestere, and the area features some great local restaurants: Piperno and Da Giggetto are two of my favorites. Carciofi alla Giudea are a classic, pan-friend artichokes whose leaves are delicately pressed to the pan so they come out crunchy.

Roman fried artichokes (jewish style) with flakes of sea salt on a wooden table.

5) Zucchini blossoms, the flowers that grow off the end of the plant, weren’t familiar to me before I lived in Rome. However, Italians never waste any part of the plant, or the animal. So, these seasonal treats are stuffed with mozzarella and anchovies and served gooey and fried.

Zucchini flowers

6) Another springtime treat, only found in Rome, is puntarelle. It’s a curly green vegetable in the chicory family served in an anchovy sauce (anchovies are big in Roman cuisine).

hands holding puntarelle (asparagus chicory), italian vegetable

7) Moving onto the first courses Carbonara, Amatriciana and Cacio e pepe are the classic Roman triptych. The first is made with eggs and guanciale from the pig’s cheek, the second in a red sauce with guanciale again and the last is really a grown-up mac and cheese.

8) Diving into main courses straccetti, or little strips of beef, are a favorite in Rome and can be served with mushrooms or arugula. Another crowd favorite, which is not my cup of tea, is tripe or other classic innards from the cow. Tripe can be tossed on pasta or served up on its own.

trippa alla romana or roman style tripe with fresh tomatoes and pecorino cheese

9) The Lazio region, where Rome is located, isn’t yet famous for many well-known wines: although the wine scene is changing. The refreshing white from the Castelli Romani, was good enough for the Pope so you might want to try it as well. It’s perfect on a hot day with almost anything except serious red meat.

Traditional italian carbonara pasta with bacon and eggs

10) Brutti ma buoni are cookies unique to Rome. They are, as the name “ugly but good,” conveys pretty funny looking resembling a big pile of uncooked cookie dough, to make a polite comparison. But they are crunchy, addictive and delicious. It is perfect way to end a meal.

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