Shopping tips for Rome: Italy is considered the land of fashion. The Fashion Week is held two times a year in Milan and many Italian brands and designers are world famous. Rome offers fashion enthusiasts more than just an opportunity to equip themselves with the latest creations. On this page you will find out the best places to go shopping in Rome.
Shopping tips for Rome: Where can I go shopping in Rome?
Tourists have many possibilities to shop extensively in Rome. Apart from well known shopping streets, there are also malls in which you can find just about anything.
How long are the shops open in Rome?
Italians love siestas, at least according to the stereotype. For small independent shops, there’s definitely some truth to it. A private shoemaker is likely to close for a few hours during midday. The big stores and brands, however, have no lunch break.
The shops in Rome usually open at around 10 am. On the other hand, they are open until 8 or 9 pm.
Shopping in Rome: Famous shopping streets in Rome
The most famous shopping street in Rome is probably the Via del Corso. It is more than 1,5 km long and offers a myriad of shopping opportunities for every budget. On the Via del Corso you will find all the brands that are known in other big European cities. For example, you can shop at Zara or Benetton.
In addition to famous brands, you will also find Italian brands that are unknown abroad. Altogether, the district along the Via del Corso is a true paradise for shopping fans.
The streets branching off of Via del Corso invite for more shopping. The following streets are descending to the Spanish Steps and form the “Tridente”: Via dei Condotti, Via Borgognona, and Via Frattina.
In the Via Condotti, you will find boutiques of Italian, French and international designers, all lined up one after another.
Shopping malls in Rome: My shopping tips!
The Galleria Alberto Sordi is situated at the Piazza Colonna and was inaugurated in 1922. It houses many famous brands such as Furla, Massimo Dutti, Calvin Klein, and many other important names. A visit to the interior of the mall is worthwhile even if you’re not looking for anything in particular. Indeed, the Galleria Alberto Sordi has not changed since 1922!
Shopping streets near the Vatican City: Relaxed shopping in Rome!
Shopping near the Vatican City in Rome is very recommendable. Compared to the Via del Corso, it is far less busy. In the surrounding area of the Vatican City are the Via Cola di Rienzo and the Via Ottaviano which both offer a great selection and variety of stores in each price range.
Shopping in Rome: Where are the flea markets and vintage shops in Rome?
If you are looking for vintage stores in Rome, look no further than the Via del Boschetto. This neighborhood is known for its large offer of vintage and secondhand shops. Almost every weekend you can find a flea market somewhere in the streets of the Rione Monti in Rome.
The big flea market Borghetto Flaminio is open every Sunday between 10 am and 7 pm at the Piazza della Marina. It is the most beautiful flea market in Rome and always worth a visit. If you are interested in antiquarian books, you should explore the Mercato dell’Antiquariato di Fontanella Borghese. This book market takes place at the Piazza Borghese and is open everyday except in August.
Shopping in Rome: Street vendors in Rome – Beware of counterfeits!
There are many street vendors in Rome who sell almost everything from Colosseum miniatures, pope mugs, clothes to leather goods. However, many of them sell fake designer bags and other counterfeits. The sale of these products is strictly prohibited in Italy and the sellers are risking a heavy fine if they are caught by the police. The penalty may reach up to four figures.
Over the last years, many Rome visitors have noticed that there are fewer street vendors in the historic city center. Indeed, the city has declared to fight against them. Even the gladiators in front of the Colosseum had to withdraw. But this doesn’t mean that they don’t exist anymore!
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