Rome is undoubtedly a fashion haven.
The city blends history, art and fashion seamlessly, providing the most immersive and picturesque backdrop for turning shopping from a chore or errand into an experience.
Tourists have access to a unique combination of cultural visits and high quality shopping in Rome. This fashion capital gets it alluring pull from its selection of luxury boutiques to traditional markets. There is something to suit all tastes!
Is Rome good for clothes shopping?
Rome is a paradise for all fashion lovers.
Italian products are revered all over the world for their quality materials and/or for their iconic status.
It is the birthplace of Haute Couture such as Gucci, Versace, Prada, Valentino and more globally renowned names.
There is a lot of attention to detail given to materials, which is precisely what reflects Italian elegance.
Apart from luxury fashion houses there are a lot of family-run, artisanal boutiques that provide the most celebrated Italian products. Some of these goods are:
- Leather products
- Tailored suits for men and women
- Silks and scarves
- Knitwear, particularly cashmere
- Lingerie
- Shoes
- Luxury accessories such as jewellery and sunglasses.
Rome is also teeming with vintage markets that sell both Italian and international treasures over the decades, making it one of the most exciting ‘treasures chests’ to peruse through!
What is the famous shopping street in Rome?
Via dei Condotti is the most famous luxury shopping street in Rome.
With its beautiful Baroque-style architecture present in the buildings running on both sides of the street, you instantly get a feeling of opulence before you have even entered any of its stores!
Via dei Condotti runs from Piazza di Spagna to another shopping street called via del Corso. The emblematic piazza- that has made its way into so many films and media- is a perfect stop for a tourist break between the shopping spree.
Some of the most notable fashion houses have their flagship stores on Via dei Condotti. These include Gucci, Prada and Valentino to name just a few.
The famous Roman jewellers Bulgari have their flagship store here too, which has been running since 1905.
The presence of these stores on Via dei Condotti means that celebrities and members of royalty often shop here. You may be able to witness some of these stars during your own shopping trip!
The little details of Via dei Condotti are what make it even more immersive! For example Caffe Greco, which is Rome’s oldest cafe historically popular amongst writers and artists, is located on this street. It’s the ultimate affluent refreshments experience!
Where do Romans go shopping in Rome?
You can imagine however, that not all Romans shop from Via dei Condotti. Even those who are interested in haute couture don’t exclusively shop there.
The aforementioned Via del Corso, which links to Via dei Condotti, is a very popular shopping street. It holds a mix of some high-end fashion names, local Italian boutiques and international chains like Zara, Nike, Sephora and more.
This makes it the perfect place for all kinds of shopping needs.
Via Cola di Pienzo is another very popular street amongst the Romans. It is located on the other side of the Tiber River in the Prati district. It is similar to Via del Corso, with some international brands, but it also has a lot of affordable Italian brand names than those on Via del Corso.
Porta Portese, located close to the neighborhood of Trastevere, provides one of the most authentic Roman shopping experiences. It is the biggest open-air market for clothing in the city, open only on Sunday mornings. The reason why it is always bustling with people is because of its incredibly cheap prices- clothing items can go for 1-3 euros as well!
It is perfect for those who are into vintage shopping as well, with some of the most unique bags, jackets and home decor items to be found! A lot of tourists who love fashion make sure to make Porta Portese a stop on their trip.
Where to shop in Rome: A neighborhood guide
Rome is more vast and expansive than what it is commonly perceived. The city has many key shopping areas scattered around, each with its own unique shopping identity;
- Centro Storico: This is where Via dei Condotti and Via del Corso are located. The streets in and around the historic district contain hidden ateliers and high-end vintage boutiques for you to explore. This is where you will find a lot of one-of-a-kind gems.
- Trastevere: This is arguably the most trendy and urban area of the city, which reflects in the fashion of those who walk its streets. Although it is best known for food and entertainment establishments, it has a few vintage stores and other boutiques that offer unique products like embroidered and painted custom leather jackets.
- Monti: This neighborhood has a very bohemian atmosphere, which is reflected in the shopping it has to offer. It is known for large vintage shops that also sell American vintage items by the decade. It also houses a few concept stores that focus on art, home decor and lifestyle products as well as fashion.
- Testaccio: This area is extremely local and very down-to-earth in its character. Here you can find affordable versions of timeless Italian goods such as textiles and linens.
Some lesser known areas that are perfect for shopping are:
- Via dei Coronari: This and other adjoining streets make the holy grail for incomparable antiques and collectibles. Rome isn’t just known for its clothing and fashion shopping!
- Pigneto: This urban neighborhood sells more alternative fashion items, in contrast to elegant Italian styles. There are a lot of independent, youth-run ateliers.
- San Giovanni: This is a more residential area of Rome. It includes some hidden spots for shopping which are mostly family-run businesses. It also has some malls and outlets for bargain hunters.
One of Rome’s most famous and expensive streets: via Veneto
If Via dei Condotti sounds luxurious to you, then you haven’t yet been introduced to Via dei Veneto.
This street is located in the Ludovisi district and runs from Piazza Barberini to Piazza di Porta Pia. It creates the most idyllic, picture-perfect backdrop for shopping with its lush green boulevards, tall, elegant buildings and stunning window displays.
Some of the fashion brands located here include Gucci, Prada and Fendi.
The street also has a mix of art galleries and iconic bars such as Harry’s Bar, making it feel like one large, lush ecosystem of its own.
Plan your shopping in Rome
This fashion capital can be a bit overwhelming to navigate, which is why Walks Inside Rome has designed a private shopping tour of Rome! With an experienced guide who has equal parts knowledge about the histories of the city and what Italian-Roman fashion has to offer, you will be in the best of hands.
We will guide you around the city to visit fashion houses, artisans and local boutiques. We will help you shop as the Romans do!
