Rome is more than a beautiful bundle of museums, art, and monuments — it is also a shopping paradise.
After Milan, which remains the undisputed capital of Italian fashion, Rome hosts the boutiques of “big brands,” famous throughout the world. During your shopping in Rome, you’ll find a wide variety of small shops selling traditional products, high streets, department stores and top international designer boutiques.

The city has several shopping streets which are close to Rome main attractions, making it easy to add a shopping afternoon to a sightseeing morning. Here we give you a list of the best shopping streets in Rome to save your time and live a truly enjoyable experience shopping in Rome.

Via dei Condotti- Exclusive Brand Shopping

Designer shopping in Rome happens in Via Condotti, the elegant road connecting Via del Corso (above) with Piazza di Spagna (Spanish steps). Home to exclusive international and Italian fashion houses such as Gucci, Dior, Prada, Bulgari and Dolce & Gabbana, the street is one of Rome’s premier shopping destinations.

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

Via del Corso: Trendy Brand Shopping

Via del Corso, one of the city’s longest streets, is located right in the historic centre of Rome. You can think of via del Corso as Rome’s high street: here you have all the international chains (Zara H&M, Diesel, Massimo Dutti and Pinko, 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 also home to an array of international shoe boutiques offering everything from classic Italian leather footwear to the latest in sportswear chic. Part of the street is pedestrianised.

The personality of Via del Corso changes as you head north from Piazza Venezia: cheap souvenir shops give way to stores the likes of Gap and Lush, and then to higher-end storefronts as you get closer to the Spanish Steps.

Via Vittorio Veneto: an elegant example of Italian style

Via Vittorio Veneto is one of Rome’s most striking streets and its vibrant elegance has been immortalised in Federico Fellini’s classic 1960 film La Dolce Vita, which used the street as its principal setting. This long winding road begins at Piazza Barberini and leads up to the Villa Borghese park at the very top.

The charming avenue is renowned for its café society, stylish hotels, lively bars and exquisite shops, and a walk down this celebrated boulevard will showcase some truly unique and special stores.

If you are looking for handmade clothing, vintage Italian shoes or a high fashion leather bag, this is the right place to buy them all.

At the very top you will also find the prestigious Henry’s Bar that boasts an album full of photo’s at its entrance of celebrities that have graced its entrance.

Via del Governo Vecchio: for vintage shopping lovers

Located just behind Piazza Navona,Via del Governo is a characteristic street, a great place to shop if you like small shops and boutiques.

You can find many clothing stores, even vintage ones, where to look for the trendiest clothes, accessories and shoes. A true paradise for all shopping addicts! But there is something more.

Here you can find unique places, such as Altroquando, an artisan bookshop where you can also taste beers or Caffè Novecento, with its particular atmosphere, where you can start your day with a good cappuccino and a croissant. It’s the ideal place to have a walk!

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 one of best typical restaurants in Rome.

Via Cola di Rienzo -shopping near Vatican

This busy shopping street just behind Castle St. Angelo is home to mid-price shops with a mix of designer boutiques and high street chains. Via Cola di Rienzo is home to familiar brands like Zara, United Colors of Benetton, and Geox.

It’s less crowded than Via Corso but still has a great mix of Italian and international name-brand stores interspersed with local shops.

The largest Castroni store in Rome sells all kinds of packaged Italian speciality foods such as black seppia pasta or chocolate with red pepper . You can also buy coffee to take home with you.

Close to Castroni, there is a gourmet grocery store called Franchi, which shouldn’t be missed if you intend to bring home some Parmigiano cheese, dry porcini mushrooms or other specialities.

Campo de Fiori -the most picturesque and folkloristic market of the city

Campo dei Fiori is probably the oldest market of Rome. Since 1869, every morning, except on Sunday, the square is heaving with colourful stalls selling fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry and fresh fish.

A must-visit for foodies, the market is a feast of gastronomic delights. Here you’ll find everything a food fanatic could possibly dream of – from the most luscious peaches you’ll ever eat to tomatoes bursting with juice and flavour.

The market is also a great place to pick up interesting souvenirs such as locally made limoncello liqueur and artisan delicacies such as olive oil or truffle infused oils.
TIMETABLES
Every day from 6 am to 2 pm (except Sunday).

Shopping in Rome tips:

• Traditionally, shops close between 1pm and 5pm, though in the main tourist areas they often remain open the whole day. Many stores in Rome are closed on Monday mornings, especially the smaller ones.
• Bargain hunters will enjoy Rome’s 2 regulated sales seasons. The first runs from early January until late February, the second in July through mid-August. Every shop takes part in the sales and you can find heavily discounted luxury shoes, clothing, and home goods.
• 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.