Rome Shopping

Shopping in Rome can be a delightful experience that provides travelers with not only wonderful souvenirs, but also beautiful clothing and creatively unique items. With the many shopping opportunities available in Rome, learning where and when to shop can provide travelers with vital information for planning itineraries.

Most shops in Rome open each day from 9am to 10 am and close each day between the hours of 1pm and 4pm for a mid-day break. They then reopen at 4pm and remain open until 7pm or 8pm. Shops are normally closed on Sundays as well as Mondays for many. If visiting Rome during the summer months, Italians love to spend these days at the beach and may close their shops because of this. Shopping in tourists areas are often the exception to this rule. When purchasing an item in Rome, most shops do not allow exchanges or returns.

For shoppers who are looking for name brand designer shops, visit the boutiques that are located near the Spanish Steps between Via Condotti, Via Frattina and Via Borgognona. These boutiques are filled with Italian fashions offering the latest styles in clothing.

For more affordable prices, there are many other shopping areas to consider. These include:

Monti - Filled with bookstores, art galleries and fashion boutiques, this area is located close to the Coliseum.

Barbering - Visit this neighborhood for moderately priced Italian shoes, clothing and accessories. Located along Via Veneto and Via del Tritone where English language magazines and newspaper stands can be found along with many local cafes.

Repubblica - This area located next to the Termini Station offers bargain prices, but also includes good quality luggage and leather shops.

Campo de’ Fiori - For the open atmosphere of outdoor markets, this area offers fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables as well as unique boutiques and artisan shops.

Via Del Corso - For younger tastes in casual wear, visit the chic Galleria Alberto Sordi Mall. Also in this area is the Piazza della Fontanella Borghese, which is an outdoor street market.

For those who are on a tight budget, Rome has two department stores, Upim and Oviesse that offer discount prices. For Sunday shopping when all other stores are closed, visit Coin and Rinascente for the best department store shopping. For mall shoppers visit the I1Forum Shopping Mall located at the Termini Railway Station, underground where more than 100 stores are located.

The best time of year to visit Rome for fantastic sales (saldi) and great bargains is during the months of August until mid September and from the beginning of January until February.