English/Shopping

Romans concur with Parisians that it is better to be chic than shocking. Consequently, Rome’s shops are full of (usually expensive and almost identical) fine clothes, leathers, shoes and bags. In winter, real fur is still de rigeur. The smart designer shops, where sales assistants are at their snootiest and price tags discreetly absent, are concentrated in the network of streets spanning out from the Spanish Steps. Of these, Via Condotti has most of the big names: Gucci, Max Mara, Valentino, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, Bruno Magli, and Giorgio Armani. Bulgari, number 10, displays glitteringly expensive watches, while Damiani, number 84, stocks alarmingly costly jewellery, worn by Gwyneth Paltrow in recent publicity campaigns and partly designed by Brad Pitt. Nearby in Piazza di Spagna, Dolce & Gabbana, offers slightly more entertaining but equally expensive gear. Fendi has a cluster of boutiques along Via Borgognona, with a wide range of furs, shoes, bags and their ready-to-wear collection. Other big names here are Gianni Versace, Moschino, Tod’s, Gianfranco Ferré, and locally-born and bred ‘Queen of Cashmere’ Laura Biagiotti. In the same area, the TAD conceptstore, Via Babuino 155A, specialises in ‘ethnic-chic’, with departments ranging from furniture to flowers and clothing to music. There is also a hairdressers and a café. On neighbouring Via Frattina, number 23, the glorious Pineider stocks upmarket stationery and desk equipment.

Affordable buys are to be found in the high-street shops lining Via del Corso, Via del Tritone, Via Nazionale and Via Cola di Rienzo. Alternatively, bargains are snapped up in the January and July sales.

The antiques quarters lie along Via Margutta, Via del Babuino, Via Giulia, Via dei Banchi Vecchi and Via de’ Coronari (the pedestrian street organises fairs in May and October when its stores are open late). Bric-a-brac and retro clothes are on offer at the increasingly popular flea markets, the best being Via Sannio (Monday to Saturday, 0730-1300) and Porta Portese (Sunday 0730-1300).

Although there are supermarkets and shopping malls in Rome, including one of the oldest in Rome, the 100-shop Centro Commerciale Cinecittà Due, Viale Palmiro Togliatti 2 (metro stop Subaugusta or Cinecittà on Line A), the Roman shopping style is to visit the local fruit and vegetable markets (Monday to Saturday, 0700-1300) and to dip in and out of delicatessens.

Luxury goods to take home may include assorted vinegar, truffles and olive oil. Castroni, Via Cola di Rienzo 196, sells the culinary riches from Italy’s regions and comforting imports from around the world (including baked beans). The well-established Trimani, Via Goito 20, was founded in 1821 and stocks an excellent selection of Italian wines.

Smaller shops often close for lunch (1300-1630). Larger stores tend to stay open all day (0900/0930-1930). Opening times can be confusing, with many food shops closed on Thursday afternoon (in winter) and other shops not opening until the afternoon on Monday. Summer brings later opening hours (until 2000) but also Saturday afternoon closing and complete closure for at least a fortnight in July, August or September.

Value-added tax (IVA) is 20% on clothing and luxury goods. Foreign tourists from non-EU countries can claim a tax refund, provided they spend at least €155 at the same shop on the same day. Those who are eligible should ask the shop assistant for a receipt (with a description of the articles purchased) and a ‘tax-free cheque’. Upon departure from the EU (no later than 90 days after the date of purchase), these should be presented to customs. Global Refund (website: www.globalrefund.com) can provide more information.

Shops are generally open from 9 or 9:30 to early afternoon and from 3:30 or 4 to 7 or 7:30 -- or 8 in summer. There's a tendency for shops in central districts to stay open all day, and hours are becoming more flexible throughout the city. Remember that although department stores are open Sundays, many stores are not, though this is changing, too, especially in the city center. With the exception of food stores, most stores also close on Monday morning from September to mid-June and Saturday afternoon from mid-June through August.

Italian sizes are not uniform, so always try on clothing before buying, and measure gift items. Children's sizes are all over the place, and though they usually go by age, they are calibrated to Italian children. (Average size-per-age standards vary from country to country.) Check washing instruction labels on all garments (often in English as well as Italian); many are not washable, and those that are may not be preshrunk. Glove sizes are universal. In any case, remember that Italian stores generally will not give refunds and often cannot exchange goods because of limited stock.

The Prada, Gucci, Fendi, and Vuitton bags sold by sidewalk vendors are fakes. An underground network organizes the illegal manufacture, distribution, and sale of these seemingly perfect counterfeits of stylish status symbols. Both manufacturers and vendors are always one jump ahead of the police. If an incredibly good buy in a name-brand product of any kind is proposed to you, examine the goods carefully. Reliable stores sell at the prices indicated by the manufacturers -- so any enormous discount is suspect.

Value-added tax (IVA) is 20% on clothing and luxury goods, but it is already included in the amount on the price tag of consumer goods. If you are not a resident of the European Union, you may be eligible, under certain conditions, for a refund of this tax on goods purchased here -- Tax-Free for Tourists VAT tax refunds are available at most large stores for purchases of more than EUR155.

Always take your purchases with you: having them shipped home from the shop may cause major delays and grief. The mail is partly to blame; the cavalier attitude of some shop owners compounds the problem, especially if you have to correspond with them about why your package hasn't arrived. If circumstances are such that you can't take your goods with you, and if the shop seems reliable, get a written statement of what is being shipped and when and how it will be sent. It's wise when shipping to pay with a credit card.

Saldi (end-of-season sales) can mean real bargains in clothing and accessories. The main sale periods are January 6 through February and late July to mid-September. Most stores adopt a no-exchange, no-return policy for sale goods. At other times of year, a liquidazione sign indicates a close-out sale, but take a hard look at the goods; they may be bottom-of-the-barrel.

If you tire of sightseeing, it's unlikely you'll find time to rest — Rome's selection of trendy stores with the latest fashions is just too tempting. Fans of Armani, Fendi, Ferragamo, Gucci or Krizia will not be disappointed, but big-name designer boutiques are merely the tip of the iceberg. The true joy of shopping in Rome lies in discovering one-of-a-kind items in specialty shops. The city is filled with stores where custom-made goods, particularly shoes and clothing accessories, are produced on-site, often using centuries-old techniques. And each shop gives you the opportunity to take a piece of that ubiquitous Italian stylishness home with you.

Stores are open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4:30-7:30 p.m. Most stores are closed all day Sunday, and some are closed Monday morning. The exception is the Centro Storico: Some shops there are open all day, even on Sunday. In winter, many shops have reduced hours.

Hot shopping areas — Via del Corso, a central street running from Piazza del Popolo to Piazza Venezia, has the best (and some of the most expensive) shopping in Rome. The east side of the street, near Piazza di Spagna, is where you'll find upscale boutiques. Two cross streets, Via Frattina and Via Condotti, are a veritable "who's who" of designer names (with street vendors selling counterfeit wares right in front of the designer they're imitating). To the west of Via del Corso, you can find more reasonably priced men's and women's clothes (still of exceptional quality), and near the Trevi Fountain, you may even be able to find some bargains, especially in shoes and leather goods.

Trastevere, along with the area across the Tiber around the Campo dei Fiori, is where you can find shops with styles appealing to younger shoppers (jeans, clubbing clothes, etc.). A number of designers have opened up shops there before becoming famous.

Via Cola di Rienzo, starting at Piazza Risorgimento near the Vatican, is an excellent shopping area, especially for women's clothing and leather products.

Flowers and food — At Campo dei Fiori market, you'll find beautiful flowers and food delicacies. The best bread maker in all of Rome is located there — try the pizza bianca, considered by Roman cognoscenti to be the best in the city. Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Campo dei Fiori 22 (between the river and Corso Vittorio Emanuele).

Rummage to your heart's content — Piazza Fontanella Borghese, an outdoor market, specializes in prints, old books, knickknacks and Roman souvenirs. Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Via della Fontanella Borghese, west of Via del Corso.

Rome's flea market — You can find practically everything at Porta Portese, from a doghouse to an 18th-century sofa. But don't buy without bargaining, and be extremely wary of pickpockets. Sunday 7 a.m.-2 p.m. It's in a warren of streets and alleys beginning at Ponte Sublicio, on the west side of the Tiber.

Clothing galore — Via Sannio Market offers new and secondhand clothes. Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Near Porta San Giovanni.

Funky Shoe Store (Trastevere)

Moving down Vicolo del Cinque, look for little known gems like Jacche Calzature, a funky shoe store offering sample shoes and those worn in fashion shows for a hard-to-believe price. Outfitting women and men, there are two locations, both in Trastevere: Vicolo del Cinque 24/b and Via Benedetta 9.

In keeping with the area's authenticity of a real neighborhood, plastic likenesses of David and glittery miniature coliseums are absent. Instead, unique shops echo the artisans of the Roman Empire. Turn right at the end of Vicolo del Cinque and make time to visit Polvere di tempo, (Via del Moro, 59) where the unifying theme is well, time.

Interesting curios include handcrafted hourglasses, sundials, globes and kaleidoscopes. The giant 18-hour hourglass alone is worth the trip. If you find yourself longing for some English-reading material, The Almost Corner Bookshop (Via del Moro, 45) carries all types of books and an especially good selection of historical and fictional titles.

Backtrack a short distance to Ferrara, (Via del Moro 1/a-Piazza Trilussa 41). "Upscale" best describes this gourmet food/wine shop and restaurant. A gift-boxed, 100-year-old bottle of balsamic vinegar will set you back about e270. For the rest of us there are reasonably priced Italian specialties including capers, olives, pesto and tomato sauces. Prices range from e0.70 for a chocolate to e900 for a rare bottle of wine.

Ambling up the street behind Piazza Trilussa, be sure to stop in at Checco, (Via Benedetta, 7) a favorite coffee bar of the locals, for an espresso and cornetto or pastry. Try the pine nut torta for something special and if chocolate's your thing, you won't be disappointed with the thick and steamy chocolato caldo. Go ahead and splurge a little when asked if you want it "con panna" - with whipped cream on top.

For excellent pizza by the slice, exit Checco and turn left continuing straight to find La Boccaccia (Via di Santa.Dorotea, 2). This is more an eat-and-run type of place, but is definitely worth finding if for no other reason than to sample the potato and cheese combination. Delizioso!

For a light lunch, cafes and bars feature tramazzini. These white bread sandwiches cut crosswise, with various fillings, are delicious and economical. Pull up a chair at Caffe Settimiana, (corner of Vicolo della Scala and Via di Santa Dorotea) and enjoy lunch while taking in a close up view of Porta Settimiana, a gate in the Aurelian Wall dating back to 1498

Huge street market on Sunday mornings, from very early to around 1pm, on the left bank of the Tiber, between Porto Portese and Stazione Trastevere, centred on Via Portuense. The wares are mainly clothes, both old and new. The second-hand clothing stalls are by far the more popular, with the clothes sorted by type (leathers and furs, jeans, coats, children’s clothes, etc) and piled on large tables with everything at the same (low) price. Tables start at 50c, and range up to 20 euro for high-quality leather and fur. Only in Rome would you find ladies of a certain age, immaculately made-up, and dressed in this season’s mink, enthusiastically rummaging through old clothes.

It gets rougher towards the station, with illegal immigrants -- mainly Balkan rather than black these days -- selling things of little visible value from sheets on the ground, ready to gather everything up and run if anyone in authority appears.

The antiques part is mainly north of the main road, from Via E. Rolli towards Ippolito Niero. This part of the market is mixed in among apartment blocks, with few through roads and many cul-de-sacs, so it’s easy to miss sections. I’m not certain I got around everywhere myself before they started packing up. There’s a good mix of stuff for sale, from flashy imitation gear, through second-hand and household goods, to prints and books, silverware, and pukkah antiques. At the junction of Porto Portuense and E. Rolli there’s the Russian enclave, with Maryoshka dolls, lacquered boxes, amber, Red Army insignia and caps, but also dentist's tools, cameras, and binoculars.

This is a serious flea market, and a good antidote if you’re feeling overwhelmed by culture. Prices vary and are fully negotiable.

Porta Portese may be a unique buying adventure, but there are dozens of markets in Rome. They can pop up on almost any street because everyone seems to have something sell or get rid of, and as the old saying goes, 'one man's trash is another man's treasure'. Navigating through Rome's markets is a bit like touring the city. You have to know where to go in order to find what you're looking for and you have to know which market is open on which day. If you're in Rome on a short visit and can't make the Sunday market, there are smaller mercatini that set up shop daily (except Sundays) from sunrise until two in the afternoon.

The market at Ponte Milvio, located a little off the beaten track, can give you a taste of how the Romans do their one-stop shopping. "Buongiorno, Buongiorno, Buongiorno," the vendors greet customers one by one as the people fill the outdoor isles of the market looking for the freshest pick. You can see piles of lemons and limes mixed together next to avocados, tomatoes and mushrooms. It's a bazaar of fruits, vegetables, linens, clothing and miscellaneous household items. Elderly merchants pull fresh fish from mounds of ice and as the cubes fall to the ground little boys playfully race each other to smash the ice under their feet. Their mothers wait patiently while the merchants weigh the fish and then they lazily move on to the next stand. You can smell the alluring scent of pizza baking in a nearby pizzeria and you can feel the atmosphere of a typical Roman neighborhood.

Located near the Tiber River, you can arrive to the market at Ponte Milvio by taking tram number two from Piazzale Flaminio, just behind Piazza del Popolo, and getting off at Ponte Milvio. Cross the bridge and you will see the market on your right-hand side. You can also take a taxi from the historic center to Ponte Milvio for a little more than $5 (L10.000).

If you're in the market for antiques, there is another open market at Ponte Milvio that is in the specific trade of antique buying and selling. It's only open on the first weekend of each month from dusk until dawn, but it's well known in Rome for having fine antiques dating back through the 1800's.

The market, situated right along the Tiber River, is about the length of a football field and is the perfect scene for a romantic sunset stroll.

If you are limited by time and can't wonder too far from the city's center, the market at Campo de' Fiori is a common tourist hangout and the perfect market for the tourist on the go. Located in the city's center, Campo de' Fiori was once the site for capital punishment and is thought to have the oldest open market in the city.

There are about forty stands in the market filled mostly with fruits, vegetables, spices, nuts, flowers and kitchenware such as espresso makers and pasta presses. You can enjoy outdoor seating at one of the several bars or restaurants that surround the quaint mercatino. Glasses of wine, antipasti and pieces of pizza usually cost anywhere between $2-$7 (L4.000-L14.000) each per person.

However, many tourists and backpackers often simply loaf around the market eating fresh fruits and nuts. Wild berries cost about $3 (L6.000) per basket, grapes $1.25 (L2.500) kg and apples and oranges run about $1.50 (L3.000) kg.

So, if you're a bargain hunter, antique fanatic, garage sale junkie or just a plain tourist and you're headed to Rome, your souvenirs may be waiting at one of the city's open markets.

A morning adventure though the piles and clutter of Porta Portese, Campo de' Fiori or Ponte Milvio is certain to lead you to a scene that is authentically alla Romana.

Cobblestone area next to the Colosseum, the Forum. What makes it special? The very good designer bag knock-offs sold by 20-30 different 'vendors.'

Looking for a very good designer knock off, then look no further. There are Prada, Gucci, Vuitton purses, totes, wallets and back packs scattered all over the area.

The prices the vendors quote are ridiculous. They start off high and it's all about negotiating with them, until you have no dignity left. 20 euros for a small to medium size purse is fair.

Theme: Women's Clothes
Directions: Colosseum, near the Vatican, Spanish Steps

There are plenty of streets to shop in Rome. Alot of them, like Via Condotti (near the Spanish Steps) are way out of the average travellers price range. In other areas, such as along Via del Corso, you will find more middle of the road style shops which are perfect for when you feel the need for some retail therapy. Just remember that a lot of shops close for a couple of hours early afternoon.....this gives you the perfect excuse for a long lunch and a glass of wine or two!

Depends on which country you are coming from - not too bad on the USD or GBP, but if you are on the AUD - ouch!!

Women's Clothing: First-class Leather
Written by CALSF

on September 15, 2004.

You can hardly go wrong shopping for a leather jacket in Rome. There are so many leather shops that it almost makes one dizzy. The best places to shop for some excellent yet moderately priced leather fashions are the stores located on Via del Corso. This is one of the main shopping drags in Rome. All stores can alter your purchases such as belts and jackets. Gazelle is a family-owned outlet store packed with leather jackets, skirts, coats, etc. on the Via del Corso. The owners are particularly helpful and patient in assisting you in your selections.

Leather jackets, coats, wallets, handbags, and belts.

Alot less than in the US for excellent quality and craftsmanship

Theme: Women's Clothes
Address: Via del Corso, 30
Directions: Walk through Piazza del Poppolo onto Via del Corso. Continue on Via del Corso until you see the store.

Women's Clothing: Shopping for Italian Designer Clothings

My favorite boutiques in Rome are: Salvatore Ferragamo at: Via de Condotti 73, Rome. Ferragamo also have a smaller boutique right at the foot of the Spanish Steps. Their shoes are simply to-die for! And they are almost 40% to 50% cheaper than if you were to buy them in Asia! If I can't carry too many boxes of shoes back to Singapore, I'll get them to ship it instead. The sales assistants are friendly and if you buy a few pairs of shoes, they'll even give you a discount (that is, if you manage to charm them enough). La Perla at: Via De Condotti 79, Rome Wearing La Perla lingerie would make any woman feel sexy. But most importantly, it costs 40% cheaper to buy here vis-a-vis shopping in Asia (the worst country to shop in Asia is Japan. Everything is so expensive there!). Missoni at: Via del Babuino 102, Rome I love, love, love Missoni! And the boutique is conveniently located right across the Spanish Steps.

If you come from Asia (like me), most Italian designer clothings and shoes cost almost 50% more than what you would pay if you were to buy it in Italy. I am referring to big designer brands like Gucci, Ferragamo, Gianfranco Ferre, Gianni Versace et al. So, if you ever see an Asian (Japanese or Chinese) shopping at Via Condotti or at Via Veneto like there is no tomorrow... you now know the reason why! ;-) I usually bring along a half-filled luggage so that I can replenish most of my clothes and shoes when I'm in Italy. Sometimes, my girlfriends give me a list of their shopping to do. That's fine for me. I don't mind shopping for them because I enjoy more discounts at these boutiques if I were to buy in bulk.

Theme: Women's Clothes
Address: Via Condotti, Via Veneto... & Spanish Steps

Women's Clothing: two days for shopping
Written by ANNAD on January 25, 2004.

by ANNADItalian style is particular as italian people all shop in this famous square are the best of italian style cavalli gucci dolce & gabbana I love their style

a GUCCI ' bag a Cavalli' jeans a t-shirt of dolce & gabbana a pair of shoes of PRADA ok that's all than you ask to the hotel if they need someone who clean the room (beacause you need money...ah ah) enjoy to ROME is a special place

first of all you need a large credit or a grat husband who want to make you happy

Theme: Women's Clothes
Address: piazza di spagna and lateral streeets

La Rinascente La Rinascente is one of the most famous department stores in Italy and one of my favorite places to shop when I'm in Rome. Usually I'll come to replenish my Princess Marcella Borghese face products and make-up. Yes, I am currently using this Italian brand and I must admit, I love their eye-mask best! Molto buono!

Shoes, Women's and Men's clothes, Cosmetics.... Household products, designer wear etc. They sell everything here!

Expect to pay department store prices and more (for designer products)...

Men's Clothing: SHIRTS ON ROME

You can find quality shirts, tailor maded too, and quite low prices. There a lot of ties too and other accessories. Yuo will meet kindly people who could help you to choose your own shirt or your present for a friend.

The shirts and the ties are really fantastic, you can choose a standard or a tailored-made shirt selected from a variety of collars , fabrics and colors. The shirts are manufactured using the finest fabrics from some of Italy's finest textile companies: Monti and Canclini. Every fine details is taken into account from the buttons to the collar sticks. The ties are so beautiful and you can find colors and models for every day time.

You can buy a fantastic shirt with a tie for about one hundred Euro.

Theme: Men's Clothes
Address: Via Margutta 3 (first floor)
Directions: In the centre of Rome, near Piazza di Spagna

Men's Clothing: Benetton

Benetton is everywhere, and is pretty reasonable price-wise. If you have a 'clothing emergency' due to weather, or you are understandably embarrassed by your sweatpants-based wardrobe, stop by benetton to blend in with the locals.

Theme: Men's Clothes
Address: Every ten feet.
Directions: Campo de' Fiori

This cool mask shop is in Sicily not in Rome unfortunately. Got this cool pix from a friend who went there and found this cool shop. I like these masks sooooooooooo much that I wanna share it with you.

These cool masks are all hand-made. It's got its own unique shape/style that you won't find it elsewhere. Can be very cool decoration in your house. Cool gift with no doubt! If you come to visit me, I don't mind you bring one or two these cool masks as a gift. Tee-hee-hee.....*_^

My friend paid about 20 pounds for this. (it varies according to the size of course)

Theme: Gifts
Address: a samll town in Sicily...(sorry, not very helpful)
Directions: Somewhere in Sicily.....*_* (once when I get more inf. will update it)

Souvenirs (General): Cameos and Glass Bead Jewlery

Very knowledgable, multilingual,very very nice and helpful staff made shopping a pleasure.

Cameos, glass bead necklaces, hand painted glasswares

Theme: Gifts
Directions: Stand on a lower step of the Spanish Steps then look left and across the street . It's a very small narrow store with an electronic locked sliding door.

Souvenirs (General): Woolly Clay Sheep

This shop specializes in many religious articles, including figures for a Nativity scene. I purchased about a half dozen Fontanini figures, less than 10 Euro apiece. They also had these wonderfully realistic clay sheep, which were more expensive, but gave me a great idea to make some when I got back home!!

Religiious articles, statues, and souvenirs.

Theme: Local Craft
Address: Piazza della MInerva
Directions: Santa Maria Sopra Minerva

Piazza Navona is an awesome place to negotiate prices. There are many artists as well as "con-artists" in this area around Piazza Navona (known as the centro storico). I don't really think that there is another Piazza in Rome that can rival this one for atmosphere. For me, it was the social center of Rome because there is something going on day or night. We visited here often. On one of our visits, our friend Huge, an American serviceman, came with us. He saw a "hawker" selling beaded jewelry and wanted to buy a necklace for his wife back in America. Thus began a "NEGOTIATION DANCE of sorts. Hugh was very good. When he thought that the price was too high, he would just walk away. The young artist would run after him and, of course, lower the price.

Hugh was able to purchase the beautiful beaded necklace for a much-adored wife, and the young artist probably got more than he had hoped for. Everyone was satisfied. Allan and I purchased four water-color paintings in this same Piazza. These paintings hang in our Great Room as a reminder of all those joyful visits to the wonderful Piazza Navona.

Depending on the item, the merchandise can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars.

Theme: Jewelry
Directions: Between Via Dei Coronari, Corso Rinascimento, Via D Governo Vecchio, and Via Di S. Maria Dell Anima

		Roma Italy Holidays


Shopping		Porta Portese Market	Best's Shop
Shoppings Street Women's Clothing
Men's Clothing Souvenir
Negotiated Prices
	Romans concur with Parisians that it is better to be chic than shocking. Consequently, Rome’s shops are full of (usually expensive and almost identical) fine clothes, leathers, shoes and bags. In winter, real fur is still de rigeur. The smart designer shops, where sales assistants are at their snootiest and price tags discreetly absent, are concentrated in the network of streets spanning out from the Spanish Steps. Of these, Via Condotti has most of the big names: Gucci, Max Mara, Valentino, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, Bruno Magli, and Giorgio Armani. Bulgari, number 10, displays glitteringly expensive watches, while Damiani, number 84, stocks alarmingly costly jewellery, worn by Gwyneth Paltrow in recent publicity campaigns and partly designed by Brad Pitt. Nearby in Piazza di Spagna, Dolce & Gabbana, offers slightly more entertaining but equally expensive gear. Fendi has a cluster of boutiques along Via Borgognona, with a wide range of furs, shoes, bags and their ready-to-wear collection. Other big names here are Gianni Versace, Moschino, Tod’s, Gianfranco Ferré, and locally-born and bred ‘Queen of Cashmere’ Laura Biagiotti. In the same area, the TAD conceptstore, Via Babuino 155A, specialises in ‘ethnic-chic’, with departments ranging from furniture to flowers and clothing to music. There is also a hairdressers and a café. On neighbouring Via Frattina, number 23, the glorious Pineider stocks upmarket stationery and desk equipment. Affordable buys are to be found in the high-street shops lining Via del Corso, Via del Tritone, Via Nazionale and Via Cola di Rienzo. Alternatively, bargains are snapped up in the January and July sales. The antiques quarters lie along Via Margutta, Via del Babuino, Via Giulia, Via dei Banchi Vecchi and Via de’ Coronari (the pedestrian street organises fairs in May and October when its stores are open late). Bric-a-brac and retro clothes are on offer at the increasingly popular flea markets, the best being Via Sannio (Monday to Saturday, 0730-1300) and Porta Portese (Sunday 0730-1300). Although there are supermarkets and shopping malls in Rome, including one of the oldest in Rome, the 100-shop Centro Commerciale Cinecittà Due, Viale Palmiro Togliatti 2 (metro stop Subaugusta or Cinecittà on Line A), the Roman shopping style is to visit the local fruit and vegetable markets (Monday to Saturday, 0700-1300) and to dip in and out of delicatessens. Luxury goods to take home may include assorted vinegar, truffles and olive oil. Castroni, Via Cola di Rienzo 196, sells the culinary riches from Italy’s regions and comforting imports from around the world (including baked beans). The well-established Trimani, Via Goito 20, was founded in 1821 and stocks an excellent selection of Italian wines. Smaller shops often close for lunch (1300-1630). Larger stores tend to stay open all day (0900/0930-1930). Opening times can be confusing, with many food shops closed on Thursday afternoon (in winter) and other shops not opening until the afternoon on Monday. Summer brings later opening hours (until 2000) but also Saturday afternoon closing and complete closure for at least a fortnight in July, August or September. Value-added tax (IVA) is 20% on clothing and luxury goods. Foreign tourists from non-EU countries can claim a tax refund, provided they spend at least €155 at the same shop on the same day. Those who are eligible should ask the shop assistant for a receipt (with a description of the articles purchased) and a ‘tax-free cheque’. Upon departure from the EU (no later than 90 days after the date of purchase), these should be presented to customs. Global Refund (website: www.globalrefund.com) can provide more information. Know-How Opening Hours Shops are generally open from 9 or 9:30 to early afternoon and from 3:30 or 4 to 7 or 7:30 -- or 8 in summer. There's a tendency for shops in central districts to stay open all day, and hours are becoming more flexible throughout the city. Remember that although department stores are open Sundays, many stores are not, though this is changing, too, especially in the city center. With the exception of food stores, most stores also close on Monday morning from September to mid-June and Saturday afternoon from mid-June through August. Sizing It Up Italian sizes are not uniform, so always try on clothing before buying, and measure gift items. Children's sizes are all over the place, and though they usually go by age, they are calibrated to Italian children. (Average size-per-age standards vary from country to country.) Check washing instruction labels on all garments (often in English as well as Italian); many are not washable, and those that are may not be preshrunk. Glove sizes are universal. In any case, remember that Italian stores generally will not give refunds and often cannot exchange goods because of limited stock. Counterfeits The Prada, Gucci, Fendi, and Vuitton bags sold by sidewalk vendors are fakes. An underground network organizes the illegal manufacture, distribution, and sale of these seemingly perfect counterfeits of stylish status symbols. Both manufacturers and vendors are always one jump ahead of the police. If an incredibly good buy in a name-brand product of any kind is proposed to you, examine the goods carefully. Reliable stores sell at the prices indicated by the manufacturers -- so any enormous discount is suspect. Duty-Free Shopping Value-added tax (IVA) is 20% on clothing and luxury goods, but it is already included in the amount on the price tag of consumer goods. If you are not a resident of the European Union, you may be eligible, under certain conditions, for a refund of this tax on goods purchased here -- Tax-Free for Tourists VAT tax refunds are available at most large stores for purchases of more than EUR155. Shipping Always take your purchases with you: having them shipped home from the shop may cause major delays and grief. The mail is partly to blame; the cavalier attitude of some shop owners compounds the problem, especially if you have to correspond with them about why your package hasn't arrived. If circumstances are such that you can't take your goods with you, and if the shop seems reliable, get a written statement of what is being shipped and when and how it will be sent. It's wise when shipping to pay with a credit card. Sales Saldi (end-of-season sales) can mean real bargains in clothing and accessories. The main sale periods are January 6 through February and late July to mid-September. Most stores adopt a no-exchange, no-return policy for sale goods. At other times of year, a liquidazione sign indicates a close-out sale, but take a hard look at the goods; they may be bottom-of-the-barrel. Shop Rome in a day If you tire of sightseeing, it's unlikely you'll find time to rest — Rome's selection of trendy stores with the latest fashions is just too tempting. Fans of Armani, Fendi, Ferragamo, Gucci or Krizia will not be disappointed, but big-name designer boutiques are merely the tip of the iceberg. The true joy of shopping in Rome lies in discovering one-of-a-kind items in specialty shops. The city is filled with stores where custom-made goods, particularly shoes and clothing accessories, are produced on-site, often using centuries-old techniques. And each shop gives you the opportunity to take a piece of that ubiquitous Italian stylishness home with you. Stores are open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4:30-7:30 p.m. Most stores are closed all day Sunday, and some are closed Monday morning. The exception is the Centro Storico: Some shops there are open all day, even on Sunday. In winter, many shops have reduced hours. Hot shopping areas — Via del Corso, a central street running from Piazza del Popolo to Piazza Venezia, has the best (and some of the most expensive) shopping in Rome. The east side of the street, near Piazza di Spagna, is where you'll find upscale boutiques. Two cross streets, Via Frattina and Via Condotti, are a veritable "who's who" of designer names (with street vendors selling counterfeit wares right in front of the designer they're imitating). To the west of Via del Corso, you can find more reasonably priced men's and women's clothes (still of exceptional quality), and near the Trevi Fountain, you may even be able to find some bargains, especially in shoes and leather goods. Trastevere, along with the area across the Tiber around the Campo dei Fiori, is where you can find shops with styles appealing to younger shoppers (jeans, clubbing clothes, etc.). A number of designers have opened up shops there before becoming famous. Via Cola di Rienzo, starting at Piazza Risorgimento near the Vatican, is an excellent shopping area, especially for women's clothing and leather products. Flowers and food — At Campo dei Fiori market, you'll find beautiful flowers and food delicacies. The best bread maker in all of Rome is located there — try the pizza bianca, considered by Roman cognoscenti to be the best in the city. Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Campo dei Fiori 22 (between the river and Corso Vittorio Emanuele). Rummage to your heart's content — Piazza Fontanella Borghese, an outdoor market, specializes in prints, old books, knickknacks and Roman souvenirs. Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Via della Fontanella Borghese, west of Via del Corso. Rome's flea market — You can find practically everything at Porta Portese, from a doghouse to an 18th-century sofa. But don't buy without bargaining, and be extremely wary of pickpockets. Sunday 7 a.m.-2 p.m. It's in a warren of streets and alleys beginning at Ponte Sublicio, on the west side of the Tiber. Clothing galore — Via Sannio Market offers new and secondhand clothes. Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Near Porta San Giovanni. Best's Shop Funky Shoe Store (Trastevere) Moving down Vicolo del Cinque, look for little known gems like Jacche Calzature, a funky shoe store offering sample shoes and those worn in fashion shows for a hard-to-believe price. Outfitting women and men, there are two locations, both in Trastevere: Vicolo del Cinque 24/b and Via Benedetta 9. In keeping with the area's authenticity of a real neighborhood, plastic likenesses of David and glittery miniature coliseums are absent. Instead, unique shops echo the artisans of the Roman Empire. Turn right at the end of Vicolo del Cinque and make time to visit Polvere di tempo, (Via del Moro, 59) where the unifying theme is well, time. Interesting curios include handcrafted hourglasses, sundials, globes and kaleidoscopes. The giant 18-hour hourglass alone is worth the trip. If you find yourself longing for some English-reading material, The Almost Corner Bookshop (Via del Moro, 45) carries all types of books and an especially good selection of historical and fictional titles. Gourmet Food and Wine Backtrack a short distance to Ferrara, (Via del Moro 1/a-Piazza Trilussa 41). "Upscale" best describes this gourmet food/wine shop and restaurant. A gift-boxed, 100-year-old bottle of balsamic vinegar will set you back about e270. For the rest of us there are reasonably priced Italian specialties including capers, olives, pesto and tomato sauces. Prices range from e0.70 for a chocolate to e900 for a rare bottle of wine. Ambling up the street behind Piazza Trilussa, be sure to stop in at Checco, (Via Benedetta, 7) a favorite coffee bar of the locals, for an espresso and cornetto or pastry. Try the pine nut torta for something special and if chocolate's your thing, you won't be disappointed with the thick and steamy chocolato caldo. Go ahead and splurge a little when asked if you want it "con panna" - with whipped cream on top. For excellent pizza by the slice, exit Checco and turn left continuing straight to find La Boccaccia (Via di Santa.Dorotea, 2). This is more an eat-and-run type of place, but is definitely worth finding if for no other reason than to sample the potato and cheese combination. Delizioso! For a light lunch, cafes and bars feature tramazzini. These white bread sandwiches cut crosswise, with various fillings, are delicious and economical. Pull up a chair at Caffe Settimiana, (corner of Vicolo della Scala and Via di Santa Dorotea) and enjoy lunch while taking in a close up view of Porta Settimiana, a gate in the Aurelian Wall dating back to 1498 Shopping streets: FASHION STREETS The most famous Italian fashion stores, in the centre of Rome: clothing, shoes, jewels... Via del Corso Via Condotti Via Borgognona Via Frattina Piazza di Spagna ANTIQUE SHOPS Antique furnitures: Via dei Coronari Antique furnitures and glasses: Via Margutta Via del Babuino Antique books: Via del Pellegrino TYPICAL GASTRONOMY Via Cola di Rienzo Porta Portese Huge street market on Sunday mornings, from very early to around 1pm, on the left bank of the Tiber, between Porto Portese and Stazione Trastevere, centred on Via Portuense. The wares are mainly clothes, both old and new. The second-hand clothing stalls are by far the more popular, with the clothes sorted by type (leathers and furs, jeans, coats, children’s clothes, etc) and piled on large tables with everything at the same (low) price. Tables start at 50c, and range up to 20 euro for high-quality leather and fur. Only in Rome would you find ladies of a certain age, immaculately made-up, and dressed in this season’s mink, enthusiastically rummaging through old clothes. It gets rougher towards the station, with illegal immigrants -- mainly Balkan rather than black these days -- selling things of little visible value from sheets on the ground, ready to gather everything up and run if anyone in authority appears. The antiques part is mainly north of the main road, from Via E. Rolli towards Ippolito Niero. This part of the market is mixed in among apartment blocks, with few through roads and many cul-de-sacs, so it’s easy to miss sections. I’m not certain I got around everywhere myself before they started packing up. There’s a good mix of stuff for sale, from flashy imitation gear, through second-hand and household goods, to prints and books, silverware, and pukkah antiques. At the junction of Porto Portuense and E. Rolli there’s the Russian enclave, with Maryoshka dolls, lacquered boxes, amber, Red Army insignia and caps, but also dentist's tools, cameras, and binoculars. This is a serious flea market, and a good antidote if you’re feeling overwhelmed by culture. Prices vary and are fully negotiable. Porta Portese may be a unique buying adventure, but there are dozens of markets in Rome. They can pop up on almost any street because everyone seems to have something sell or get rid of, and as the old saying goes, 'one man's trash is another man's treasure'. Navigating through Rome's markets is a bit like touring the city. You have to know where to go in order to find what you're looking for and you have to know which market is open on which day. If you're in Rome on a short visit and can't make the Sunday market, there are smaller mercatini that set up shop daily (except Sundays) from sunrise until two in the afternoon. The market at Ponte Milvio, located a little off the beaten track, can give you a taste of how the Romans do their one-stop shopping. "Buongiorno, Buongiorno, Buongiorno," the vendors greet customers one by one as the people fill the outdoor isles of the market looking for the freshest pick. You can see piles of lemons and limes mixed together next to avocados, tomatoes and mushrooms. It's a bazaar of fruits, vegetables, linens, clothing and miscellaneous household items. Elderly merchants pull fresh fish from mounds of ice and as the cubes fall to the ground little boys playfully race each other to smash the ice under their feet. Their mothers wait patiently while the merchants weigh the fish and then they lazily move on to the next stand. You can smell the alluring scent of pizza baking in a nearby pizzeria and you can feel the atmosphere of a typical Roman neighborhood. Located near the Tiber River, you can arrive to the market at Ponte Milvio by taking tram number two from Piazzale Flaminio, just behind Piazza del Popolo, and getting off at Ponte Milvio. Cross the bridge and you will see the market on your right-hand side. You can also take a taxi from the historic center to Ponte Milvio for a little more than $5 (L10.000). If you're in the market for antiques, there is another open market at Ponte Milvio that is in the specific trade of antique buying and selling. It's only open on the first weekend of each month from dusk until dawn, but it's well known in Rome for having fine antiques dating back through the 1800's. The market, situated right along the Tiber River, is about the length of a football field and is the perfect scene for a romantic sunset stroll. If you are limited by time and can't wonder too far from the city's center, the market at Campo de' Fiori is a common tourist hangout and the perfect market for the tourist on the go. Located in the city's center, Campo de' Fiori was once the site for capital punishment and is thought to have the oldest open market in the city. There are about forty stands in the market filled mostly with fruits, vegetables, spices, nuts, flowers and kitchenware such as espresso makers and pasta presses. You can enjoy outdoor seating at one of the several bars or restaurants that surround the quaint mercatino. Glasses of wine, antipasti and pieces of pizza usually cost anywhere between $2-$7 (L4.000-L14.000) each per person. However, many tourists and backpackers often simply loaf around the market eating fresh fruits and nuts. Wild berries cost about $3 (L6.000) per basket, grapes $1.25 (L2.500) kg and apples and oranges run about $1.50 (L3.000) kg. So, if you're a bargain hunter, antique fanatic, garage sale junkie or just a plain tourist and you're headed to Rome, your souvenirs may be waiting at one of the city's open markets. A morning adventure though the piles and clutter of Porta Portese, Campo de' Fiori or Ponte Milvio is certain to lead you to a scene that is authentically alla Romana. For more complete information on the street markets of Rome Women's Clothing Cobblestone area next to the Colosseum, the Forum. What makes it special? The very good designer bag knock-offs sold by 20-30 different 'vendors.' Looking for a very good designer knock off, then look no further. There are Prada, Gucci, Vuitton purses, totes, wallets and back packs scattered all over the area. The prices the vendors quote are ridiculous. They start off high and it's all about negotiating with them, until you have no dignity left. 20 euros for a small to medium size purse is fair. Theme: Women's Clothes Directions: Colosseum, near the Vatican, Spanish Steps There are plenty of streets to shop in Rome. Alot of them, like Via Condotti (near the Spanish Steps) are way out of the average travellers price range. In other areas, such as along Via del Corso, you will find more middle of the road style shops which are perfect for when you feel the need for some retail therapy. Just remember that a lot of shops close for a couple of hours early afternoon.....this gives you the perfect excuse for a long lunch and a glass of wine or two! Depends on which country you are coming from - not too bad on the USD or GBP, but if you are on the AUD - ouch!! Theme: Women's Clothes Website: http://www.thingstodo-rome.com/brochure/content.jsp?FIELD=Shopping&ADREF=02&sour ce=goog&keyword=shopping%20in%20rome Women's Clothing: First-class Leather Written by CALSF on September 15, 2004. You can hardly go wrong shopping for a leather jacket in Rome. There are so many leather shops that it almost makes one dizzy. The best places to shop for some excellent yet moderately priced leather fashions are the stores located on Via del Corso. This is one of the main shopping drags in Rome. All stores can alter your purchases such as belts and jackets. Gazelle is a family-owned outlet store packed with leather jackets, skirts, coats, etc. on the Via del Corso. The owners are particularly helpful and patient in assisting you in your selections. Leather jackets, coats, wallets, handbags, and belts. Alot less than in the US for excellent quality and craftsmanship Theme: Women's Clothes Address: Via del Corso, 30 Directions: Walk through Piazza del Poppolo onto Via del Corso. Continue on Via del Corso until you see the store. Women's Clothing: Shopping for Italian Designer Clothings My favorite boutiques in Rome are: Salvatore Ferragamo at: Via de Condotti 73, Rome. Ferragamo also have a smaller boutique right at the foot of the Spanish Steps. Their shoes are simply to-die for! And they are almost 40% to 50% cheaper than if you were to buy them in Asia! If I can't carry too many boxes of shoes back to Singapore, I'll get them to ship it instead. The sales assistants are friendly and if you buy a few pairs of shoes, they'll even give you a discount (that is, if you manage to charm them enough). La Perla at: Via De Condotti 79, Rome Wearing La Perla lingerie would make any woman feel sexy. But most importantly, it costs 40% cheaper to buy here vis-a-vis shopping in Asia (the worst country to shop in Asia is Japan. Everything is so expensive there!). Missoni at: Via del Babuino 102, Rome I love, love, love Missoni! And the boutique is conveniently located right across the Spanish Steps. If you come from Asia (like me), most Italian designer clothings and shoes cost almost 50% more than what you would pay if you were to buy it in Italy. I am referring to big designer brands like Gucci, Ferragamo, Gianfranco Ferre, Gianni Versace et al. So, if you ever see an Asian (Japanese or Chinese) shopping at Via Condotti or at Via Veneto like there is no tomorrow... you now know the reason why! ;-) I usually bring along a half-filled luggage so that I can replenish most of my clothes and shoes when I'm in Italy. Sometimes, my girlfriends give me a list of their shopping to do. That's fine for me. I don't mind shopping for them because I enjoy more discounts at these boutiques if I were to buy in bulk. Theme: Women's Clothes Address: Via Condotti, Via Veneto... & Spanish Steps Women's Clothing: two days for shopping Written by ANNAD on January 25, 2004. by ANNADItalian style is particular as italian people all shop in this famous square are the best of italian style cavalli gucci dolce & gabbana I love their style a GUCCI ' bag a Cavalli' jeans a t-shirt of dolce & gabbana a pair of shoes of PRADA ok that's all than you ask to the hotel if they need someone who clean the room (beacause you need money...ah ah) enjoy to ROME is a special place first of all you need a large credit or a grat husband who want to make you happy Theme: Women's Clothes Address: piazza di spagna and lateral streeets Women's Clothing: My Favorite Department Store In Rome! La Rinascente La Rinascente is one of the most famous department stores in Italy and one of my favorite places to shop when I'm in Rome. Usually I'll come to replenish my Princess Marcella Borghese face products and make-up. Yes, I am currently using this Italian brand and I must admit, I love their eye-mask best! Molto buono! Shoes, Women's and Men's clothes, Cosmetics.... Household products, designer wear etc. They sell everything here! Expect to pay department store prices and more (for designer products)... Theme: Department Store Website: http://www.rinascente.it/ Women's Clothing: I could have spend a fortune ... ... for shoes! But as I don't have the Italian standard size (I guess 41 is much to large for female Italian feet) I have saved lots of money. Many shoe shops were along the Via Nazionale Theme: Shoes Men's Clothing Men's Clothing: SHIRTS ON ROME You can find quality shirts, tailor maded too, and quite low prices. There a lot of ties too and other accessories. Yuo will meet kindly people who could help you to choose your own shirt or your present for a friend. The shirts and the ties are really fantastic, you can choose a standard or a tailored-made shirt selected from a variety of collars , fabrics and colors. The shirts are manufactured using the finest fabrics from some of Italy's finest textile companies: Monti and Canclini. Every fine details is taken into account from the buttons to the collar sticks. The ties are so beautiful and you can find colors and models for every day time. You can buy a fantastic shirt with a tie for about one hundred Euro. Theme: Men's Clothes Address: Via Margutta 3 (first floor) Directions: In the centre of Rome, near Piazza di Spagna Men's Clothing: Benetton Benetton is everywhere, and is pretty reasonable price-wise. If you have a 'clothing emergency' due to weather, or you are understandably embarrassed by your sweatpants-based wardrobe, stop by benetton to blend in with the locals. Theme: Men's Clothes Address: Every ten feet. Directions: Campo de' Fiori Souvenir Souvenirs (General): REALLY cool stuff to get!! This cool mask shop is in Sicily not in Rome unfortunately. Got this cool pix from a friend who went there and found this cool shop. I like these masks sooooooooooo much that I wanna share it with you. These cool masks are all hand-made. It's got its own unique shape/style that you won't find it elsewhere. Can be very cool decoration in your house. Cool gift with no doubt! If you come to visit me, I don't mind you bring one or two these cool masks as a gift. Tee-hee-hee....._^ My friend paid about 20 pounds for this. (it varies according to the size of course) Theme:* Gifts Address: a samll town in Sicily...(sorry, not very helpful) Directions: Somewhere in Sicily....._ (once when I get more inf. will update it) Souvenirs (General): Cameos and Glass Bead Jewlery Very knowledgable, multilingual,very very nice and helpful staff made shopping a pleasure. Cameos, glass bead necklaces, hand painted glasswares Theme: Gifts Directions: Stand on a lower step of the Spanish Steps then look left and across the street . It's a very small narrow store with an electronic locked sliding door. Souvenirs (General): Woolly Clay Sheep This shop specializes in many religious articles, including figures for a Nativity scene. I purchased about a half dozen Fontanini figures, less than 10 Euro apiece. They also had these wonderfully realistic clay sheep, which were more expensive, but gave me a great idea to make some when I got back home!! Religiious articles, statues, and souvenirs. Theme: Local Craft Address: Piazza della MInerva Directions: Santa Maria Sopra Minerva Negotiated Prices Negotiating Prices: Social Center of Rome: Piazza Navona Piazza Navona is an awesome place to negotiate prices. There are many artists as well as "con-artists" in this area around Piazza Navona (known as the centro storico). I don't really think that there is another Piazza in Rome that can rival this one for atmosphere. For me, it was the social center of Rome because there is something going on day or night. We visited here often. On one of our visits, our friend Huge, an American serviceman, came with us. He saw a "hawker" selling beaded jewelry and wanted to buy a necklace for his wife back in America. Thus began a "NEGOTIATION DANCE of sorts. Hugh was very good. When he thought that the price was too high, he would just walk away. The young artist would run after him and, of course, lower the price. Hugh was able to purchase the beautiful beaded necklace for a much-adored wife, and the young artist probably got more than he had hoped for. Everyone was satisfied. Allan and I purchased four water-color paintings in this same Piazza. These paintings hang in our Great Room as a reminder of all those joyful visits to the wonderful Piazza Navona. Depending on the item, the merchandise can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. Theme: Jewelry Directions: Between Via Dei Coronari, Corso Rinascimento, Via D Governo Vecchio, and Via Di S. Maria Dell Anima Rome Shopping Tips: