When pacing through the historic Roman streets, countless marble monuments will catch your eye – their smooth, white surfaces scenically clutching the sun’s rays.
However, once you pass the stoic Roman Forum and grandiose Piazza Venezia, you’ll be met with countless stores and boutiques offering unique and authentic shopping experiences. These shops are not only intriguing but also as historic as Rome itself with many of them dating back centuries.
From artisan workshops to independent boutiques to gourmet shops, Rome’s shopping scene is unmatched if you’re looking for a genuine Roman shopping day.
In this article, we’ll give you our insider tips of where to shop ‘til you drop in the Eternal City without lingering by global chains.
So, grab your coat and a solid pair of walking shoes – it’s time to shop!
Explore independent fashion boutiques
There’s nothing quite like shopping in Rome and unearthing the many independent fashion boutiques nestled among the cobblestone streets. While Italy is renowned for its couture fashion houses, lesser-known Italian boutiques offer new and modern takes on those classic silhouettes we all know and love.
With many items being hand-made or one-of-a-kind, these specialty stores are rarely found on the main shopping streets and require an insiders’ eye to find. Their location also means they’re often emptier than name-brand stores, making them the perfect respite during peak shopping hours as you slowly peruse their selection of bespoke garments.
We recommend stopping by Gente Roma on Via del Babuino, found in the heart of the Tridente area, to browse for exclusive clothing and accessories by emerging brands. You may also want to check out Altaroma during event periods to discover the latest trends and upcoming designers.
Dive into traditional craftsmanship
Aren’t into clothing? No worries! Rome has far more shopping opportunities to offer apart from garments.
Italy has a millennia-old artisan culture, with some workshops dating back generations. While you’ll find many copy-cat Italian crafts around the world, these bespoke artisan workshops are unique in that you can find one-of-a-kind pieces that merge traditional techniques with modern styles.
For instance, Bottega Mortet, located near Campo de’ Fiori, crafts high-quality fountain pens and other writing instruments that make the perfect gift for professional or studious friends, or a lovely addition to your desk.
If it’s Italian leather you’re interested in, visit Eredi di Peroni, near Piazza Venezia. This generational leather workshop meticulously handcrafts all of their goods using ancient techniques, ensuring every piece of leather is cured, colored, and cut to perfection. From wallets to purses to shoes, this historic leather shop has it all – offering the perfect keepsakes for your time in Italy.
Hunt for bookstores and antique shops
When in Rome, sometimes the best idea is to ditch the museums and Basilicas, and instead, wander carelessly through the streets. Allow the ancient roads to lead the way as you make your way to the breathtaking historic center or lively Trastevere.
Here, feel free to explore the alleys, weaving in and out of English bookstores and antique shops. These hidden gems hold some of Rome’s greatest treasures whether you’re looking to spend a little cash or enjoy an afternoon of browsing.
Located in Campo de’ Fiori and named after the iconic dystopian novel, Libreria Fahrenheit 451 is home to countless rare and niche books, many of which are in English. Cozy and intimate, this bookstore is the perfect place to spend an hour in after a lazy Italian lunch. Pick up some good reads or even an interesting piece of art before gathering the energy for a little antique shopping.
A brisk 10-minute walk is all it takes to reach Piazza Navona where Antroquando, an eclectic antique store, will be waiting for you. Browse their seemingly endless collection of books, vinyl records, and vintage prints as you admire the store’s fascinating layout and decor. If you’re feeling parched, you can even descend to the lower floor for a quick drink at their in-house pub!
Savor gourmet specialties
All that shopping can inspire quite the appetite! Excite your palate with authentic Italian nibbles. Rome is renowned for its street food – as affordable as it is delicious. Allow your senses to linger through bakery windows, hovering above steaming pizza, crispy cookies, and savory treats.
When wandering around the Jewish Ghetto, take a five-minute walk to Roscioli to browse their selection of fresh pastas, local wines, and Italian cheeses. Then, hop on the tram to continue to Volpetti, found in the vibrant Testaccio district. Here, you’ll find yourself surrounded by cured meats and local delicacies. Sink your teeth into a fatty piece of prosciutto or a flaky cornetto while admiring the quaint Testaccio Square.
These delicious moments speckled across Rome aren’t only culinary, but also cultural, as every bite carries a rich history sometimes reaching back millennia.
Opt for sustainable shopping
Now more than ever, people are intent on ensuring their shopping trips are slow and sustainable, allowing them to purchase a few goodies without harming the Earth. Believe it or not, Rome is the perfect destination for sustainable shopping since, by nature, the Italian lifestyle is low-waste.
We recommend making your way to the Vatican district of Prati and stepping into the Eco Art Shop. Here, you’ll find recycled design items from jewellery to home decor. Alternatively, you can head to the hip Monti neighborhood and peruse Reuse Rome for upcycled clothing and accessories boasting brave new designs.
In the chaos of Rome, these sustainable shopping trips offer a unique opportunity to lower your carbon footprint and slow down your consumption. Take the time to appreciate where the wares have come from and the ingenuity that went into making them.
Practical tips
Per Italian tradition, Romans take a short afternoon siesta after lunch. Shopkeepers are not exempt from this habit, and you’ll see that many businesses, especially smaller ones, are closed for lunchtime. Their closing hours are typically from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, but it’s always best to douche-check before making the journey there.
If you’re looking for an adorable and authentic neighborhood to stroll around, we suggest making your way to the quaint neighborhood of Trastevere, meaning ‘across the river’ due to its proximity to the Tiber river.
We also recommend checking out the Jewish Ghetto, Monti, and Prati for these cozy cobblestone streets, authentic ambience, and variety of unique stores boasting bespoke Italian finery.
If you’re keen to see Rome’s key neighbourhoods (and get a little shopping done while you’re at it), we recommend planning an itinerary that combines shopping and sightseeing so you can make the most of your time in Rome – filling your cup and shopping bags at the same time!
Conclusion
While a Roman holiday on its own is enough to make your heart swell and entice your senses, there’s nothing a little shopping can’t make better. The Eternal City’s unique stores aren’t only eye-catching, but they also offer authentic local experiences and unforgettable finds that will serve as souvenirs for your time in Rome for generations to come.
The next time you’ve got the shopping bug in Rome, check out our personalized shopping tour. Our local shopping expert will lead you to local stores that best fit your taste from eclectic boutiques to couture shops.
Experience (and shop!) the real Rome with Walks Inside Rome’s shopping tour!
