Shopper’s Guide To Rome

Rome is an excellent city for shopping. From crowded local markets to major fashion houses, the city has something for everyone.

So, whether you're looking for a designer handbag, an antique print or just some cheap souvenirs, here is your guide to getting the most out of shopping in Rome.

Traditional Markets

Traditional Roman food and produce markets offer a glimpse into local color and customs, and can be a great place to pick up unique, low-priced souvenirs. The most famous, and oldest, market in the city is the Campo de' Fiori market, which dates back to 1869. Popular with tourists, the market is a great place to pick up olive oil, balsamic vinegar or fresh produce.

Other more local markets include Piazza dell’Unità Market and the international Piazza Vittorio Market. The Piazza San Cosimato Market in Testaccio is small but full of interesting snacks. Stop by Volpetti, one of Rome's greatest charcuteries, while you're in the area.

High Fashion

If you can name an Italian fashion house, then you can find their flagship store in Rome. For those with massive budgets, this is the perfect city to pick up a designer outfit or handbag.

Most of these expensive designer's shops are clustered around the Spanish Steps. Via Condotti is Rome's equivalent to Fifth Avenue and is home to Hermès, Armani, Bulgari, Roberto Cavalli and Ferragamo among others. Nearby side street Via Borgognona has Fendi, Dolce &Gabbana, Laura Biagiotti.Tiffany's and Versace are on Via Frattina.

Unique Boutiques

For funky original jewelry and clothes, head to Via del Boschetto in the hip neighborhood of Rione Monti. Here you can discover small designer shops, vintage clothing, hand-made jewelry and hip handbags, all at reasonable prices. Notable stores to look for are Ashanti jewelry, Kokoro and Pulp, a boutique with new and vintage clothing.

Shopping Malls

Many locals prefer to skip the high fashion streets and head straight for the shopping mall. This is the place to check out many mid-price Italian fashion chain stores like Miss Sixty, Benneton and Furla. Rome has four major shopping malls, each of which contain more than 200 stores, restaurants and a cinema. These are: the Mall of Euroma, Mall of Porta di Roma, Mall of Roma and Mall of Parco Leonardo.

Flea and Antique Markets

Rome is home to one of the largest flea markets in the world, the Porta Portese. Open Sunday afternoons from 2pm to 7 pm in Trastevere, one of Rome's oldest neighborhoods. This is the place to find nearly anything, from clothing to souvenir knick-knacks to electronics. Prepare to bargain and remember that in Italy it is illegal to purchase knockoff designer goods.

There are a few upscale antique shops along Via Margutta and Via del Corso. Antique hunters can also try the Mercato delle Stampe, the “antique print market” which is open in the mornings Monday-Saturday and offers antique books, prints and engravings.

What sort of items do you buy when you travel?

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