Summary
Shopping in Rome is fantastic, whether you are searching for haute couture, antiques, or unique bargains. This guide offers insights into some of the best places to shop in Italy’s vibrant capital.
Shopping for High Fashion
Some of the biggest names in Italian fashion—Fendi, Valentino, and Bulgari—originated from Rome. You will find their flagship stores, as well as boutiques by Prada, Armani, Versace, Ferragamo, Cavalli, Gucci, and many others along the charming streets near the Spanish Steps.
Via Condotti serves as Rome’s main drag for haute couture and “aspirational” window shopping. Moreover, you will discover high fashion beckoning from boutiques located on Via Borgognona, Via Frattina, Via Sistina, and Via Bocca de Leone.
Chain Stores and Mainstream Shopping
If you want to shop where local Romans frequent, several great areas provide a variety of products.
Via del Corso and the surrounding streets present the most evident shopping area. This mile-long street, stretching from Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo, features a diverse array of shops, including the Ferrari flagship store, numerous shoe stores, and popular fashion brands like Diesel and Benetton, as well as department stores like Rinascente and COIN.
Another favorite among Romans is Via Cola di Rienzo in the Prati neighborhood. This long street north of the Vatican offers a similar selection of stores as those found on Via del Corso, but it has significantly fewer tourists, making for a more enjoyable shopping experience.
Outdoor Flea Markets and Antiques
Rome boasts several delightful outdoor markets, flea markets, and antique shops perfect for unique finds. Porta Portese, operating on Sundays from 7 am until 1 pm, stands out as the most important flea market in the city and is also one of the largest in Europe.
At Porta Portese, you can discover everything from antique housewares to secondhand clothing, original art, jewelry, posters, and furniture. Porta Portese is conveniently located at the south end of the Trastevere neighborhood.
Another flea market worth exploring is the one at Via Sannio, situated just a few blocks south of the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano. This market primarily offers clothing and accessories, including designer knock-offs, and operates in the mornings from Monday through Saturday.
Note: It is technically illegal to buy and sell counterfeit items, including designer knock-offs. Consequently, the purchase of such wares could lead to significant fines for both the seller and buyer.
While many great antiques can be found in Rome’s flea markets, there are also specific streets and districts renowned for their antique sellers. Via del Babuino, located near the haute couture shops around the Spanish Steps, is particularly famous for its antique furniture and paintings.
A picturesque street for antique shopping is Via Giulia, which runs almost parallel to the Tiber just west of Campo de’ Fiori. Additionally, you will find several antique dealers in the winding streets at the curve of the Tiber between Via Giulia and Via del Governo Vecchio.
Starting your exploration of this antique district at Castel Sant’Angelo and walking south on the lovely Ponte Sant’Angelo (Angels’ Bridge) is one of the easiest ways to immerse yourself in the rich history and unique offerings of Rome’s shopping scene.
