Where to go shopping in Rome? It seems that everywhere there are places that demand your attention. It might sound a bit obvious, but Rome is a big city. Not only that, the capital of Italy is an incredibly stylish place. In many ways, shopping in Rome doubles up as tourism, as visitors go from one celebrated Italian fashion house to the next.
When it comes to premier shopping, the streets surrounding Piazza di Spagna are the places to go. The area around the Spanish Steps is known as the “Tridente,” or trident, due to the three streets that branch out from Piazza del Popolo. Via dei Condotti in particular has become the international port of call for those in search of major Italian designers and international design boutiques. The glistening avenue continues from the bottom of the Spanish Steps and although it dates back to ancient Rome, now it brims with flagship stores of Italy’s superstar designers.
The street has been the center of Italian fashion and design since 1905 when Bvlgari opened its store at 10 Via dei Condotti and where it continues to be the brand’s most emblematic venue. Bvlgari’s dazzling displays have drawn some of the world’s most discerning clients. Visitors to the store can shop for exquisite pieces, including fine jewelry, watches, eyewear, perfumes and accessories. You can learn about Bvlgari’s history on the first floor of the flagship store, where the story and the evolution of the brand are shown through unique pieces, photographs and sketches.
Today the street is lined with the biggest names in fashion from all over the world. Ermenegildo Zegna was founded in 1910 in Milan and has gone on to dress some of the world’s most fashionable men. From buttery leather jackets to suede shoes and cashmere sweaters, the brand is famous for its luxurious fabrics and sharp tailoring. Head in-store at 58 Via dei Condotti for shopping and also to take advantage of services such as the label’s made-to-measure formalwear, footwear and outerwear.
At Tod’s 53A Via dei Condotti boutique, you will discover the luxurious hand-crafted collections of the Marche brand. Explore the label’s prestigious store which offers classic Tod’s shoes, as well as handbags and accessories for men and women.
Go straight to the Salvatore Ferragamo’s boutique at 65 Via dei Condotti to emulate elegant Italian style and discreet luxury with finely crafted shoes, leather handbags, silk scarves and chic eyewear. The store also showcases the brand’s ready-to-wear collection, from structured blazers to dresses, cashmere sweaters and menswear.
Prada was founded in 1913 in Milan and has grown to become one of the world’s most sought-after designer brands, so be sure to visit the 88-90 Via dei Condotti address while in Rome. Max Mara’s flagship store is located on the famed avenue at 17-18. Customers can browse new collections as well as classic staples, where the store even features a room dedicated entirely to shoes. Other must-visit locations include Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Valentino, Gucci, Moncler and Missoni, in addition to non-Italian luxury stores, such as Hermès, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Montblanc.
After browsing and shopping, stop for a coffee at Caffé Greco at 86 Via dei Condotti and admire the stately architecture of Palazzo di Malta and Palazzo Della Porta Negroni Caffarelli dotted amid the designer stores.
The next parallel street is Via Borgognona, a quieter, yet very elegant cobblestone street where you will also find premiere labels such as Roberto Cavalli. Located at 25 Via Borgognona, this is one of the ultimate destinations for contemporary glamour. Interspersed among the famous names are smaller boutiques housed on the ground floor of 15th to 18th century buildings with pale orange and yellow facades lining the avenue. Eddy Monetti at number 36, is a century-old brand headquartered in Naples that has a devoted following of men looking for high-quality and chic wardrobe staples. Il Bisonte at number 13 is ideal if you are looking for stunning Italian leather bags, purses and accessories that are a true example of traditional artisanship. Continue shopping on Via Frattina to check out stores and boutiques and treat yourself to a glass of wine at Enoteca Regionale Palatium at number 94, exclusively offering wines from the Lazio region.
Not generally considered a shopping street, for a genuine handmade Italian leather bag or pair of shoes, visit the showroom of Fausto Santini at 120 Via Frattina, where the quality and craftsmanship is impeccable and reflected in the price tags. You will find that shoes start at about €350, but their timeless styles are worth the splurge. For the more budget conscious, the designer also has an outlet at 106 Via Cavour.
Once upon a time, it was tradition in Rome for similar stores, studios and vendors to be clustered on one street. The tradition still holds on Via dei Coronari, which is lined with antiques dealers. Located in the historic center of Rome, the street is flanked by buildings of the 15th to 16th centuries, maintaining the character of the Italian Renaissance. It is a wonderful place to browse for vintage prints and maps, the odd antique Roman bust or a little piece of estate jewelry to bring home.
Via del Corso was once the main street in ancient Rome and runs all the way from Piazza del Popolo to Piazza Venezia. This bustling thoroughfare is packed to the brim with stores. Cutting through the center of Rome, it has the highest concentration of stores for all budgets in the vicinity of historic sights. You will find virtually all international brands and a lengthy list of premium stores. For your beauty needs, visit Italy’s very own Kiko Cosmetics at 145 and 484 Via del Corso. You may want to visit one of Rome’s favorite brands for leather goods, Gazelle at number 30. It is near the AS Roma Store at 26 for fans of the soccer team. Alongside flagship superstores you will also find some small family-run shops as well, including some true little gems.
The Galleria Alberto Sordi is a lovely shopping center on Via del Corso at Piazza Colonna, just a few minutes from the Trevi Fountain. It occupies an elegant 1922 building with a soaring glass ceiling and marble floors. In keeping with the upscale setting, the stores are primarily high-end Italian brands including Furla and the famous book store, La Feltrinelli, as well as popular European brands such as Zara. There are coffee bars for a quick bite or an espresso, making it a lovely space to wander around.
The Via Veneto was made famous in Fellini’s film “La Dolce Vita” and today it is the long winding street known for its luxury hotels, cafés, restaurants and shops. There is a range of interesting and unique stores, offering everything from authentic Italian products to high fashion and from souvenirs to richly embroidered household linens. At 130 Via Veneto you will find Luisa Spagnoli; this century-old company is loved by Italians for its contemporary cut of casual classics. Casuccio e Scalera at 189 offers handmade, vintage-style and highly collectable shoes. The latest collection also includes handbags and accessories.
Via del Governo Vecchio is a pretty street that weaves through the Centro Storico, near Piazza Navona. You will find it between Piazza di Pasquino and Piazza del Orologio. Along with boutiques and jewelry stores, it is also filled with charming wine bars, vintage stores and coffee bars that feel untouched by time. Additionally at number 66 you will find what is considered the smallest house in all of Rome.
