Rome Shopping

When it comes to shopping, it would be significantly easier to make a list of what Rome doesn't have than what it does. Fashionista, artista, or “intelligista,” you won't leave Rome unsatisfied, though your pocketbook might be significantly lighter. European chains like United Colors of Benetton, Tezenis, Motivi, and even H and M speckle the city. Those with a taste for high fashion should head to the Piazza di Spagna region, Rome's equivalent of Fifth Ave., which is home to the regular gamut of designer stores: D and G, Valentino, and Prada, to name a few. Smaller (though no less costly) boutiques dominate the Centro Storico. Major thoroughfares like V. del Corso, C. Cavour, V. Nazionale, and V. Cola di Rienzo abound with cheap clothing stores touting a similar collection of tight, teeny-bopper glitz and fare that comes unattached to a brand name. The regions around Termini, Vle. Trastevere, and the Vatican contain a fair number of street vendors selling shoes, lingerie, dresses, and sunglasses, usually for under €15. Established open-air markets will have a bigger selection.

Designer Stores

Time was, the strength of the dollar and relative weakness of Italy’s lira made boutique shopping in Rome a bargain-hunter’s dream. Now Italy’s in on the euro and the dollar has tanked ...more

Boutiques

Shoppers confronting a rough exchange rate ought to pause before they pull out the plastic—it doesn’t make much sense to buy basics here if you can avoid it, and you probably shouldn&rsquo ...more

Department Stores

Everyone needs a department store to stock the basics, whether that means Gucci underwear at discounted prices or jeans and a sweater to cover up at the Vatican. Expect to find everything from makeup to ...more

Shoes

In Italy, you’re only as good as your shoes. And we’re not talking about comfort: Birkenstocks are only sold at religious outfitters. (Jesus wore sandals.) Being glamorously shod is not ...more

Jewelry

Rome boasts an array of jewelers, many of whom carry work that is quite creative. Bulgari’s windows (V. Condotti 11) are the best in Rome, and celebrities are often spotted at Massoni, at the corner ...more

Profumerie

What’s the point of dressing well if you don’t smell nice, too? If you don’t yet understand the importance that Romans place on their profumerie, a quick ride on bus #64 will educate ...more

Stationery

For basic stationery needs, visit one of the many cartolerie that you can find on almost any street in the city. In a pinch, you can find pens and pencils at a tabaccheria or standa, but you may be disappointed ...more

Toys

Al Sogno, P. Navona 53 (☎ 06 68 64 198; www.alsogno.com). Step out of the jungle of tourists in P. Navona and into this magical shop from another time. Children raised on PS3 and Bratz might not ...more

Books

Although you already own the only book you’ll need during your trip to Rome, sometimes it’s nice to read something that’s not so damn witty and irreverent. Via di Terme di Diocleziano ...more

Music

Disfunzioni Musicali, V. degli Etruschi 4 (☎ 06 44 61 984; www.disfu.com), in San Lorenzo. CDs, cassettes, and LPs available, including excellent selections of rock, avant-garde classical, jazz, ...more

Outdoor Markets

One of the few things that tourists and locals appreciate with equal enthusiasm are Rome's outdoor markets. You can find real bargains if you're willing to rifle through the crowds and stacks. With early ...more