Rome Shopping – Shops, Stores, Best Buys & Inside Tips

Rome Shopping

Tourists from around the world come to Rome, Italy, to walk its ancient streets, kiss in front of its fountains, and spend money in its shops and restaurants. If Paris is the heartbeat of Europe, Rome may be its pulse. Before you visit, take some time to learn shopping tips from travelers, and make the most of your trip to the Eternal City.

Negotiate

Walk into a department store in the United States and offer to buy an outfit for a price that’s lower than what’s listed on the tag, and you’ll likely find yourself laughed at, criticized, or both. Not in Rome. In Italy, vendors welcome honest and fair offers for the goods they sell. Piazza Navona, in particular, is a hot spot for discounted clothes and souvenirs. Be wary, however, as some less friendly vendors may try to sell you counterfeit, copycat items. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Know Where to Find Worthwhile Souvenirs 

Tourists love their souvenirs, and there are plenty to buy in Rome. Outside of the typical postcards and keychains, tourists can find unique, creative gifts for family and friends. On side streets, you can find embroidery, flutes, and magnets. At the top of the iconic Spanish Steps, local artists sell caricatures, photos, and oil paintings. Ranging from a few Euros to several hundred, you can find a wide range of artwork here and throughout the city. As you stroll past the Trevi fountain, keep your eyes open for amber jewelry and handmade necklaces. Besides clothing and jewelry, Rome also sells some of the best wine and olive oil in the World. Without much effort, you can find one of a kind mementos. Of course, if you want to stick with less out of the box ideas, don’t worry. It’s not hard to find t-shirts, coffee mugs, and mousepads as well.

Via Condotti 

Via Condotti is one of the most famous shopping streets in Rome. Perpendicular to the Spanish Steps, some of the best designers in the world have stores here. Even if you’re like most of us and can’t afford to even touch, let alone buy the clothes you see in the windows, Via Condotti is still worth a visit. You’ll struggle to find an area with a larger number of well-known designers and brands anywhere else. While you’re there, stop for a cup of coffee or espresso at Antico Caffe Greco. A popular celebrity hangout, who knows who you’ll see while you’re there.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about shopping in Rome.