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In Rome, shopping is an art form. Perhaps it’s the fashionably bespectacled commuter wearing Giorgio Armani as he deftly zips through traffic on his Vespa, or all those Anita Ekberg, Audrey Hepburn, and Julia Roberts films that make us long to be Roman for a day. But with limited time and no Hollywood studio backing you, the trick is to find what you’re looking for and still not miss out on the city’s museums and monuments—and, of course, leave yourself plenty of euros to enjoy the rest of your trip.
Since you may be pressed for time, knowing how and where to put your best fashion foot forward is crucial. Luckily for shop-till-you-droppers, you can still fit your shopping sprees in between sights. A visit to the Trevi Fountain means not only reliving the movie classic Three Coins in a Fountain, but puts you within striking distance of some of the city's best shopping. Pose for a picture-perfect snapshot at Piazza di Spagna, as you keep your eye on that delicious handbag in the window at Dolce & Gabbana.
There may be no city that takes shopping quite as seriously as Rome, and no district more worthy of your time than Piazza di Spagna, with its abundance of shops and designer powerhouses like Fendi and Armani. The best of them are clumped tightly together along the city's three primary fashion arteries: Via dei Condotti, Via Borgognona, and Via Frattina. From Piazza di Spagna to Piazza Navona and on to Campo de' Fiori, shoppers will find an explosive array of shops within walking distance of one another: a shop for fine handmade Amalfi paper looks out upon the Pantheon, while slick boutiques anchor the corners of 18th-century Piazza di Spagna. Across town in the colorful hive that is Monti, a second-generation mosaic artist creates Italian masterpieces on a street named for a pope who died before America was even discovered. Even in Trastevere, one can find one of Rome's rising shoe designers creating next-century nuovo chic shoes nestled on a side street beside one of the city’s oldest churches.
This chapter will help shopaholics choose the perfect souvenir for someone back home, find a vintage poster, choose a boutique for those molto chic Versace sandals, or rustle up some truffles. When you’re done filling your bags with memories of Mamma Roma, you can be sure of two things: that you’ll be nostalgic for Caput Mundi long after you arrive back home, and that you’ve saved a few coins to throw into that fabulous, famous fountain.
This charming shop near the Piazza Campo de' Fiori sells original and whimsical handmade children's clothing. If you're looking for something truly unique, Rachele (the Swedish owner and designer) makes only two of everything for tykes up to age 12. Your children can make a statement with any of her cute pants, trapeze skirts, or rainbow-color tops.
Sitting in the shadow of the Pantheon, Replay has jeans and T-shirts with that little extra Italian kiss that makes everything fashionable and casual-chic rather than sloppy. Denim styles range from punk to hip-hop, though there are also some jeans with more traditional cuts.
Rome's handiest central shopping mall is this cluster of shops that stays open until 10 pm (even on Sunday), conveniently located right inside Rome's biggest train station, Stazione Termini. In a city not exactly known for its convenient shopping hours, this "shop before you hop" hub is a good spot for last-minute goodies. Stores include ever-popular chains like Mango, Moleskine, and Sephora; bookshops with good selections of English-language best sellers; a grocery store; and a well-stocked food court.
Romanesco is one of the more colorful Italian dialects and a lot gets lost in translation. This creative shop shills humorous mugs, tote bags, and magnets emblazoned with popular local phrases along with definitions not found in any dictionary.
Fans of the brand will think they have died and followed the white light when they enter the Ferragamo stores, where shoes and handbags are displayed on pillars like jewels. The Florentine design house also has ready-to-wear clothes, scarves, and ties. Men's styles are found at Via dei Condotti 65, women's at 73/74. Its splendid luxury Portrait Suites Hotel is on the upper floors.
Here you'll find a fully stocked selection of religious gifts: everything from rosaries and crosses to religious artwork and Pope memorabilia. Founded in 1898, this family business provides a place for pilgrims to pick up a souvenir from the Holy See and also specializes in mosaics. There's another location at the Self-Service Restaurant in Piazza del Sant'Uffizio, 6/7. Both locations are closed on Sunday afternoon.
SBU stands for Strategic Business Unit, a hip menswear label created by the Perfetti brothers in 1993. Just as their last name suggests, the jeans, casual clothing, shoes, and other sportswear sold here are just plain perfetti. Set in a 19th-century former draper's workshop, this is the store where Rome's VIPs buy their soft and supple vintage Japanese denim. The label also does well among A-listers in Paris, London, and Los Angeles.
Whether you're looking for fancy opera gloves or for a fashionable but warm pair to get you through the winter, Sermoneta has a vast selection. Browse through stacks of hand-stitched nappa leather, deerskin, and cashmere-lined capybara gloves in all colors. You can also head upstairs for a custom fitting and then have your gloves personalized with your own initials, logos, or other designs.
This little shop is known for jewelry crafted from authentic ancient Roman coins. There are also unique items like micro-mosaics from the Vatican school and small silver figurines inspired by Rome's many fountains, among other home decor pieces.
Have decorator envy? Head to the flagship store for Limonta, one of Italy's most prestigious and historical textile brands. Here, everything from table linens to duvet covers is made using the rarest and most sought-after fabrics in soft, calming colors. Look for comfy robes and other loungewear as well.
In business for more than 100 years and beloved by many Italians, Superga sells timeless sneakers in classic white or a rainbow of colors. The 2750 model has been worn by everyone from Kelly Brook to the Princess of Wales. There is another location on Via di Campo Marzio.
First opened in 1867 and listed with the Associazione Negozi Storici di Roma (Association of Historic Shops of Rome), Tebro is a classic Roman department store that specializes in high-quality linens and sleepwear. You can even find those 100% cotton, waffle-weave bath sheets that are synonymous with luxe Italian hotels.
At her eponymous shop, Danish designer Tina Sondergaard creates beautiful dresses, skirts, and other clothes with 1950s-inspired silhouettes and bold, colorful prints in premium fabrics. She will personally tailor her designs to fit you like a glove.
In business since 1821, Trimani Vinai a Roma occupies an entire block near Termini Station with one of the city's largest selections of wines from all over the world, plus Champagne, spumante, grappa, and sundry liqueurs. With thousands of bottles to choose from and knowledgeable wine stewards to consult, Trimani will give you the opportunity to explore Italy's diverse wine regions without leaving the city. It also offers gift boxes and will ship almost anywhere in the world.
Valentino fills most of Piazza di Spagna, where the designer lived for decades in a lovely palazzo next to one of the multiple boutiques showcasing his eponymous designs with a romantic edginess—think studded heels or prêt-à-porter evening gowns worthy of the Oscars. Rock stars and other music lovers can also have their Valentino guitar straps personalized when they buy one at this enormous boutique.
Versace's Rome flagship is a gem of architecture and design, with Byzantine-inspired mosaic floors, futuristic interiors with transparent walls, and merchandise that has a sexy rocker-Gothic-underground vibe. Here you'll find apparel, accessories, and home furnishings in designs every bit as flamboyant as Donatella and Allegra (Gianni's niece).
Vintage-clothes hunters, costume designers, and stylists alike love browsing through the racks at this fun, inviting shop, which is stocked wall to wall with funky 1960s and '70s apparel. There's definitely no shortage of goofy sunglasses, flower-power bell-bottoms, embroidered hippie tops, psychedelic boots, and other trippy merchandise from the days of peace and love.
For more than 110 years, the brand founded by Ermenegildo Zegna has been a powerhouse of men's clothing in terms of both construction and fabric. Indeed, to ensure a high standard of quality, Zegna produces all the wool fabric it uses at its mill in the Italian Alps. Although there are also lines of sportswear, shoes, and accessories, this really is the place to splurge on a formal, tailored suit.
