The terrain of Rome is crammed with historical attractions and there are always archaeological excavations going on in several parts of the city. This is why you won’t find many supermarkets or malls inside Rome. Instead there are streets and lanes full of innovative and interesting shops each of which appears more fascinating than the last one… shopping in Rome is almost like a treasure hunt!!!
Most of the shopping that one does in Rome is probably be from boutiques or single stores. The shopping scene in Roma is dominated by smaller shops and local Italian sellers and there are a profusion of brands operating through single/ flagship stores. Boutiques and single store establishments are usually closed on Monday mornings though they open around 3 p.m. and conduct business till about 7 p.m. Tuesday to Friday most stores open in the morning around 9.30 a.m. and run till 1 p.m. after which there is the famous Italian siesta. Shops open again around 3 p.m. and close around 7 p.m. Many of the small stores are closed on weekends and some only open on Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Globalisation is sneaking up fast in Rome and on certain touristy areas like Piazza di Spagna you will find that many shops don’t close for lunch and some even remain open on the weekends. Shops are almost always closed after Christmas, on New Year, Easter and Labour Day.
Sale time is twice a year all over Italy and Rome is no exception. There is a winter sale and a summer sale (usually from the first Saturday of July to August).
Though the whole of Rome (and its outskirts) is one big shopping hub… here is a list of the best shopping streets, neighbourhoods and piazzas.
Via Del Corso (Trevi Fountain area)
The narrow longish street that is the central vein of Roma runs from Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo and is undoubtedly the most popular shopping zone of Rome. You will find lots of high street brands here like H&M, Zara, Levis, Mango, Nike and Diesel. There are also little artisanal stores like Alfieri Leather store that stocks fabulous Italian jackets.
Look out for the La Rinascente (a luxurious departmental store) on Via del Tritone that commands more than 150,695 sq. feet of Italian fashion brands at one stop. This is an 8 floor dazzling flagship store with brands like Versace, Chanel, Fendi and Gucci along with gourmet food hall, Michelin starrer restaurant and a stunning rooftop bar. The basement has the Aqua Virgo aqueduct that’s now open for visit to all. This is a water supply system that has been working since two centuries now supplying water to the city’s largest fountains including Trevi.
The Galleria Alberto Soldi shopping centre stands here….the only notable shopping arcade inside Rome. It doesn’t look like a mall at all as the exteriors are those of a historic building. There are lots of small Italian boutiques inside like Boggi, Pinko besides nice departmental stores. Events like the Vogue Fashion Night Out, club fashion shows and shopping sprees happen here. The Galleria Alberto is a nice place to take a lunch/ coffee break as there are numerous restaurants and cafes inside this air conditioned art nouveau arcade. Expect to see stores selling everything from watches to cosmetics to stationary and food inside.
Piazza di Spagna
The area near the Spanish steps is undoubtedly one of the best luxury shopping areas in Rome. If you are interested in high-end shopping then there is really no better area to focus on but there are plenty of high street shopping options too.
Via Condotti is the best luxury shopping street here and is referred to as ‘Champs Elysees’ of Rome. It goes perpendicularly away from Via del Corso and reaches the Piazza Spagna. All the big names like Prada, Gucci, La Peria, Ralph Lauren, Hermes, Chanel and Bulgari (globally acclaimed brands) are lined up here. This street is brilliant during Christmas and New Year’s week with all the spectacular light displays. A great place for coffee here is Rome’s oldest coffee house Antico Caffe Greco. You can continue on your luxury shopping quest down Via Babuino that connects with Via Condotti.
Via delle Carrozze stands to the right of Via Condotti and Via Borgognona to the left and both of these are hubs of true blue Italian fashion. Think of names like Roberto Cavalli, Ermenegildo Zegna, Emilio Pucci, Malo etc….all pure made in Italy brands. These are luxury shopping streets though the focus is predominantly on Italian fashion. These are relatively less crowded than Via Condotti so window shopping here is a pleasure.
Via Frattina lies to the left of via Borgognona and is the perfect street if you want high-end shopping as well as high street shopping. For absolutely fashionable yet decently priced shoes go inside Andrea Fabiani store that stocks great made-in-Italy shoes. Then there is the Fausto Santini store right opposite and they have slightly higher priced ultra-stylish shoes and bags. Luxuriously made and beautiful the products are a good example of Italian utilitarian fashion. For the record, there is another Fausto Santini store near Santa Maggiore and they stock beautiful (but last season) stuff at extraordinarily low prices.
Piazza Navona
Shopping in the dazzling Piazza Navona Pantheon area is a nice mix of upscale and high street.
For upscale shopping there is via di Campo Marzio that stocks upscale brands like Hermes and Davide Cenci. Right opposite the Davide Cenci store there is a shop that sells vintage designer bags like Hermes. Then there is Borsalino…a really elegant hat shop meant for really elegant dressers. Via della Stelletta is one of the best shopping streets in this area and it’s really close to the Pantheon. There is L’utre Chose on this street that sells amazing Italian clothes and shoes and there is Sirni that stocks exclusive bags (you can even custom order one).
Once you are done shopping on this street, you should definitely stop for a croissant at Antico Forno Panificio bakery…after all Julia Roberts shot here when she was filming for Eat Pray Love. Just a few steps away from the Pantheon there is Piazza Capranica with its bevy of wonderful Italian stores. The best of the lot is definitely the fashion revolution leader Degli Effetti that has Comme des Garçons, Viktor & Rolf, and Celine and Lanvin…all known names in the Italian fashion circle. Right next door there is Alessandra Gianetti that stocks minimalist apparel that’s definitely inspired by London and Tokyo fashion trends.
Men shoppers will rejoice in Via del Governo Vecchio that has Kolby….a store which spells that last word in men’s fashion. Then just a few steps away, there is Dafano Omero with its leather jackets, knapsacks, Hawaiian shirts besides a lot of curated vintage stuff. Then there is Delfina Delettrez run by the granddaughter of Adele Fendi. The lady ‘Delfina Delettrez’ creates jewellery/ accessories that combine skulls, botanical items and crystals and diamonds to create Goth jewellery that is sensational to look at.
Another great shopping street in the Pantheon area is Via del Corallo. The Toko store with its jewellery, clothes, bags and hats is the jewel in its crown.
Right behind Piazza Navona is Via dei Coronari that spills over with antique stores and artisanal jewellery shops. There is the Lisa Corti Home Textiles store that sells Asian weaves and textiles. Then there is Essenzialmente Laura which stocks Roman perfumes. Speaking of perfumes there is a really good perfume shop called Al Monasteri on Corso Del Rinascimento. The Elixor dell’ Amore and Elixir of Happiness potions here are something that Romans swear by. Also, shop for exotic products like Cistercian jams and Royal Jelly honey here.
If you have kids then head of straight to Al Sogno on Via Agonale….it has a remarkable collection of toys for kids of all age groups. Mass, puppets, illustrated books, eco-friendly toys and stuffed dollies…this place is charmingly non hi-tech. On Torre Argentina there is Antica Erboristeria Romana (Rome’s oldest herbal shop dated back to 1752) that stocks herbal infusions, floral extracts and teas.
Prati
Prati is one of the most sophisticated neighbourhoods in the city and it’s a treat to simply walk around here while admiring the tree lined lanes and airy boulevards. Via Cola di Rienzo is the best shopping street around here and it has a great mix of upmarket stores. Walk from the banks of the Tiber to the Vatican along this road and explore the Coin Excelsior, Falconieri (cashmeres) and Twinset (denims).
Coin Excelsoir in particular is great as a multi goal shopping stop and is one of Rome’s few departmental stores. It’s a beautiful 3 storied building that has a gourmet supermarket, Tiffany’s, home ware section as well as clothing and accessory stores besides shoes, bags and sunglasses. Liu Jo on this street has feminine, effortless and very elegant fashion wear while Abtart stocks statement pieces and avant garde fashion. For chocolate and gourmet packaged food go to Castroni while for olives and cheeses drop into Franchi on Cola di Rienzo. Abitart boutique on this street stocks eclectic women’s fashion wear.
It’s surprising to note that this chic street also has a buzzing covered neighbourhood market that stocks everything from Prosciutto to vegetables to fresh fruits to cheese. You will find this market….Mercato Piazza Dell Unita near Piazza Dell Unita in Via Cola di Rienzo (it’s closed on Sundays). Also on the same street is the Castroni store that stocks premium Italian goods like special coffee blends, DOCG wines, chocolates, cheeses etc. they even have an in store bar that’s perfect for a gourmet break.
Another larger market (Mercato Trionfale) stocking fruits, meats and cheeses lies in the heart of Prati. This is a selection of more than 200 colour coded stalls in a glass and concrete building. Watch out for the light green stalls…these are farmers selling their home-grown stuff. Right near Mercato Trionfale’s entrance there is da Peppino that stocks nice organic jams and honey
For a more exotic experience you could head off to Via Orazio to visit Bufalallegra that’s a small store stocking a fantastic range of cheeses wit buffalo mozzarella as its star attraction. There is a good selection of salami and cold cuts here and all the bread is sourced from Naples.
Monti
Monti is where you should go for boutique hopping and unique shopping needs. There are great vintage furniture and accessory stores in Via del Boschetto. Carlotta, the owner of one of the best vintage stores here ‘Flamingo’ picks all the pieces herself. Everything here is 1940’s, 1950’s or 1970’s themed though many designer styles and brands are showcased. Another gem on this street is Le NoU which is a couture store meaning that you can have clothes made in your preferred cut and colour…in an hour. The owner Eugina prides herself on extreme versatility and shops readymade garments collection is also noteworthy.
Not far away is Via Leonina that’s full of the vintage vibe. There is Mercato Monti that showcases the new designer tribe of the city. This is a small room but the great sunglass, wrist watch, handbag and accessory collection becomes visit worthy. There is a DJ spinning in the room so overall the Mercato looks more like a club. This is a good place to pick up local craft like dolls, home décor item and art…all of which are made by Roman artists. A lady called Giorgia sells adorable dolls and baby wear here.
Via Leonina also has KingSizeVintage that is filled with actual vintage stuff that really dates back to the 70’s. Think bell bottoms, oversized glares and lots of polka dots and chunky jewellery. For shoes you can drop into Suede on Via degli Zingari and browse through the varied collection ranging from Puma to Nike to Converse.
For vintage leather stuff the best stop is Pifebo on Via dei Serpenti…goods here are authentic, freshly refurbished and affordable. On Via Urbana there is Moll Flanders…a hip consignment store. This shop stocks and sells used designer clothes and accessories and you will find the work of all well-known Italian designers here. Also, on this road is Podre Vecciano managed by the Amoruso family. They sell honey, jams, preserves, olive oil, artisanal beer, truffles, mustard, pate etc…all sourced from their farms in Tuscany. You will also find beautiful kitchen accessories, table ware, ceramics and towels here.
Trastevere
Arguably the coolest neighbourhood of Rome, Trastevere offers some delightful shopping options. There is Carlo Cecchini on Via della Lungaretta that will quickly help you update your Italian fashion quotient with leather goods ranging from bags to shoes to belts and accessories. Then there’s Butcher on San Francesco Ripa that has really cool cuts (but not of meat) of clothes. Both men and women will love their garment lines and their collection of quality shoes. A little away from Butcher, on the same street is Elvis Lives that specialises in national and global brand accessories that include sunglasses, record players, head phones and cool audio equipment. Also on San Francisco Ria is Twice Vintage with its stock of 60’s, 70’s and 80’s fashion.
Don’t forget to walk on to the Piazza San Cosimato where the lively San Cosimato market sits everyday (except Sunday) from 6 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. The market originated somewhere in the 20th century and the vendors here have been running stalls as family businesses since generations. You will find a lovely range of truffles here and a fantastic range of cheeses right from Swiss Guyere to goat cheese Occitan to Fontina from the Alps to locally made ricotta. The San Cosimato is a great place to pick up steaks, cold cuts and handmade loose pasta.
Ostiense
Ostiense is not a shopping hub per se but the Ostiense Piramide area is slowly gathering shopping steam because of the numerous independent shops and boutiques that have opened here recently. The Mercato Ostiense has nice jewellery stores and shoe stores like ‘The Loft’ which stocks wearable at affordable pieces. But the star of Ostiense is definitely Eatataly!!!
Rome is basically a city full of neighbourhood delis and single stores so when you come face to face with the almost mall like multi storeyed supermarket Eatataly…it’s almost shocking. The latest franchise in this supermarket chain opened in Rome (on Via Ottobre) only recently and cleverly used the glass covered abandoned air terminal beside Ostiense Station just a short walk away from the Piramide metro station. The 4 storeyed space is crammed with restaurants, cafes and top quality gourmet food stores.
Anyone with any interest in food shopping should definitely visit Eatataly. Birreria for buying craft beer and Salumeria for cheese and cured cuts are two outstanding stops inside. You can also buy cookbooks, kitchen ware and table accessories inside the supermarket and there are agencies giving free cooking classes too. Visiting Eatataly is almost like taking a food tour …learn about all other wonderful food tours you can do in Rome.
Vatican City
Not far from the exciting Prati neighbourhood is the smallest country in the world….Vatican City!! Once you are done with sightseeing in the Vatican engage yourself by browsing through the eclectic shopping options here.
Drop in to Benedetto XVI International Bookshop that stands on Piazza Pio XII (near St. Peter’s Square). This store stocks a good range of books about the history of Rome and Vatican City. On St. Peters Square there is the Galleria Savelli store…a perfect place to pick up a precious religious gift. Master craftsmen create handcrafted jewellery, crosses, bead necklaces and rosaries…often in precious metals. The best thing about this very old shop (dates back to 1898) is that you can ask your purchases to be blessed by the Pope at no cost.
It’s always possible to dress like an Italian if you go for sharp tailored fits made by the talented craftsmen at Sartoria Carbone (Via Leone very close to the Vatican Museums). There is an exclusive customised range of ties, accessories, suits, shirts and jackets here. On Via Caio Mario 14, there is one of the best leather shops in Rome and the client list includes names like Liz Taylor and Marlon Brando. And on Piazza dell Unita 32, there are a range of designer items right from bags to jewellery to shoes…a healthy mix of brands and independent designers.
Read: Vatican City and its great museums.
Best Outdoor & Flea Markets Of Rome
If you are on a budget then exploring the colourful outdoor markets and flea markets of Rome is a good option. Forage hard and you may find a real steal or a piece of genuine vintage craft or an antique that’s now sold at a fraction of its original price. Be prepared to elbow jostling locals and keep a strict watch on your wallet and purse…Roman flea markets are notoriously filled with pickpockets.
Campo di Fiori market is in many ways the soul of Rome…there was once a flower meadow here and hence the name. Not far away from Piazza Navona, it has been around since 1869 making it the oldest market in Roma. Things you can pick up from the colourful stalls here are dry fruits, spices, legumes, artichokes, truffles, olive oil and finely diced vegetables that are perfect for tourists doing their own cooking in Rome. This is also the perfect place to shop for if you are planning an outdoor picnic in Rome.
Incidentally the Campo dei Fiori square is the only square in Rome without a church. Don’t forget to photograph the huge statue in the middle of the square…it is of Giordano Bruno who was once burnt alive on this square for scandalising the church with his revolutionary ideas about the universe. The Campo di Fiori market is open every day from morning to evening except Sundays.
The biggest flea market in Rome is the Porta Portese and it has thousands of shops that sell everything from postcard to furniture. The market sits every Sunday in Trastevere (9.00 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and starts from old city gate at the end of Via Portuense and goes along Clivo Portuense and Via Portuense and then much beyond that. Come early as it can be unbearably crowded around noon and carry water as your shopping hunt can take hours.
Borghetto Flaminio market on the Piazza del Popolo area specialises in a very distinct strain of items….cast offs from Rome’s rich and famous. There is a whole lot of Prada accessories, Gucci bags and Armani sunglasses to be found here besides lots of designer clothing at really cheap prices. The market sits every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Book lovers should definitely visit the Fontanella Borghese market that’s full of book stalls selling a wide variety of books besides rare prints, drawings, maps and etchings. You will also find vintage magazines, old newspapers, cameras and lovely local art here. Incidentally this market is the perfect place to pick up affordable yet unique gifts for people back home. The market sits from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Monday to Saturday in Largo della Fontanella di Borghese.
Another great market to explore is the Passato e Presente that’s on Via Tino Buazzelli near the fantastic giant murals of SANBA. This is a great place to pick up knick knacks and souvenirs to take home at half the price of all those touristy shops in Roma city centre. You will find lots of postcards of old Rome, ancient buildings, maps, globes and second hand books besides vintage clothes.
Every first and third Sunday of the month the La Soffitta Sotto Portici market sits halfway between the Piazza del Popolo and Spanish steps. This is a good place to pick up vintage scarves, crystal pieces, lace spools and other fashionable items. The market remains open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
If you are lucky enough to be in Rome on the second Saturday of any month then you must visit the old Ponte Milvio Bridge and explore the lovely Ponte Milvio antique market. The makeshift shops sprawl all along the Tiber River and it’s pleasant to browse under the luscious shade of chestnut trees.
If you are interested in the rich produce of Lazio then a trip to the weekend Campagna Amica market (open from 10.30 a.m. to 7 p.m.) is highly recommended. It’s a treat to look at all the honey, olives, cheese, fruit and other produce brought straight from farms to markets. If you want to experience Italy’s farm to table concept or want to support the local farming community…there is really no better way than to shop here.
Shopping Malls On The Outskirts Of Rome
Though there aren’t many malls inside Rome city, its outskirts have many good ones. You need to take about half an hour to one hour ride to reach these malls but it’s worth it. These malls offer huge discounts, regular sales and offers on branded goods. There are large supermarkets, movie halls, food courts and free parking in them. You will also find one or more large supermarkets inside each of them. Shopping malls in the greater Rome area are perfect for mid-range to budget shoppers who would like to explore Italian as well as global brands.
Castel Romano
The outskirts of Rome has the very popular Castel Romano stores….the perfect destination for anyone wanting to shop brands (on discount). This multi storey shopping hub consisting of hundreds of designer stores selling discounted stuff. Sometimes the discounts can be as high as 70%. The location is 25 km away from Rome centre and is at the middle of Agro Pontino…quite near the Tyrrenian coastline.
There are brands like adidas, Antoni Morato Bluemarine, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Carpisa, Diesel, David Naman, Eredi Pisano, Fossil, Fratelli Rossetti, Furla, Gap, Gas, G Star, Guess, Hugo Boss, K Way, Levis, Lindt, Loreal, Moschino, Nike, Pupa, Paul Taylor, Quicksilver, Roberto Cavalla, Salvatore Ferragamo, Sisley, Swarovski, Tommy Hilfiger, United Colours Of Benetton, Valentine, Wolford…the list could go on and on!! Plus you get beautiful views of the Tyrrhian Sea from the complex windows.
Keep an eye on the construction, its beautiful with lots of bars and restaurants, kid’s playground and huge free car park. The street leading up to the shopping complex is covered with hanging umbrellas and is specially eye catching.
They have this VIP Shopping pass that gives its holders an extra 10% discount in participating shops plus a food and drink voucher that can be redeemed in the participating restaurants. The shopping pass will also get you a blue tax refund leaflet. The VIP shopping pass costs around 35 euros.
How to Reach
The best way to reach the Castel Romano outlets which are in the suburbs of Roma is to take the dedicated shuttle. The shuttles operate from 2 different locations in Rome (Via Marsala near the Termini station and Via Ludovisi). Out of the two catching the Castel Romano shuttle from via Ludovisi is a better idea as there are 6 departure times between 9.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. From Via Ludovisi there is usually one time slot for departure i.e. 9.30 a.m.
Either ways, you will reach Castel Romano in about 20 to 40 minutes and the to and fro fare will cost you around 15 euros. Kids under the age 10 (if accompanied by a ticket holding adult) can travel for free.
You can also take a taxi to Castel Romano but it can cost you anything around 45 euros (one way). Or you can drive there in your rented car following the EUR Motorway and then the Colombo Cristoforo street and Ponttina before reaching Castel Romano.
Contact Details
Address: Via Ponte di Piscina Cupa, 64
Phone: (+39) 0650 50050; Website
Euroma 2
Just some kilometres away from Rome city centre lies Euroma 2…a sophisticated shopping complex with glass domes. The mall is meant for generic shopping as there are lots of American brands inside like Yankee handle, Hollister H&M and Apple. You will also find mid-range brands like Intissimo, Harmont and Blaine, Armani jeans, Kiko, Cinti shoes, Primadonna and prices are definitely cheaper than similar stores in Rome city centre.
There is a Coop Giant supermarket inside which will cater to every possible grocery need. The shopping centre has many cafes and a large food court serving good western and Italian food. You won’t find many high-end brands in this complex so this is definitely meant for budget shoppers.
Euroma 2 is open every day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The shopping centre has a huge car park and the first three hours parking is free!! The car park is colour coded making it easy to locate your car.
How to Reach
You need to take the Metro to EUR Palasport Metro Line B and then avail the 10 minute free shuttle bus journey that will take you right to the gates of Euroma 2.
Contact details
Viale dell’Oceano Pacifico, 83, 00144 Roma
Porta di Roma
Like most large shopping outlets in Rome, the Porta di Roma is a little out of the city. Again, a generic shopping destination like EUROMA 2, Porta di Roma has Apple, H& M, Zara, Pull & Bear, Benetton etc. You will also find Alcott, Coin, OVS besides a big Auchan departmental store. Apart from the stores, you will find a 14 screen cinema and a huge Decatlon outlet along with 2 IKEA stores. Unfortunately there are no great restaurants here…only typical mall food stalls. There are regular discounts and sales events going on here. The mall is open every day from 10 a.m to 10 p.m and has ample car parking in its basement.
How to reach
Catch the Bus (80 or 38) from stand F at Termini station and you will reach Porta Roma mall in 40 minutes. You need to get off at the stop called Bene/ Lionelle…the journey will cost you around 1.5 euros only.
Contact details
Address: 201 Via Alberto Lionello, Roma
A travel addict. Still celebrating the day when he quit his high-profile corporate job to pursue his passion for travel writing.