Shopping in Rome: Shopping Streets, Markets, and Tips

RRome – An antique column might suddenly appear between two storefronts. Shopping in Rome ranges from the fashion stores on Via del Corso, the city’s main shopping street, to luxury boutiques near the Spanish Steps, vintage shops in Monti, and the markets along the Tiber. The best way to enjoy a stroll is to pick a neighborhood and take your time exploring the side streets.

Trying on a bag, browsing a bookstore, and picking up a packet of coffee later on: You don’t need a tightly scheduled shopping day in Rome to do that. What you do need, however, is a plan for which neighborhood suits your preferences. This guide takes you through shopping streets, department stores, and small shops, and includes addresses, regular hours of operation, and four walking routes on Google Maps. For the sights in between, our Rome Guide.

Via del Corso: Shopping in Rome on the Main Shopping Street

Via del Corso connects Piazza del Popolo—the large square at the northern end of the historic center—with Piazza Venezia at the Vittoriano. Its straight path makes it easy to find your way around: You can start in the north and work your way south, shop by shop. If you’re mainly looking for clothing, shoes, or accessories, this is a great place to get an initial overview without having to constantly switch neighborhoods.

The Corso is particularly well-suited for a first visit to Rome when you have a variety of shopping needs. Major brands and familiar retail concepts make it easier to find a specific size or a replacement for something missing from your suitcase. If you’re looking for an unusual, one-of-a-kind item, I’d also recommend exploring a side street or another neighborhood. A central location alone says little about where a product was made.

You’ll need to plan for walking here, too. On the Corso, people are standing in front of store entrances, others are stopping to take pictures, and traffic is crossing at the side streets. Tackle one side of the street at a time instead of crossing over for every storefront. If you only have two hours, choose one section and one detour; for the entire route, including try-ons and a break, half a day is more comfortable.

You can find more background information about the street in our Guide to Via del Corso. For this shopping trip, it’s especially worth asking yourself: Are you looking for something specific, or do you want to browse and see what catches your eye? In the first case, save the store; in the second, keep your options open.

Condotti, Frattina, and Babuino: A Tour of the Tridente

The Tridente is the area south of Piazza del Popolo. Luxury fashion and jewelry are concentrated around the Piazza di Spagna; Via dei Condotti leads directly from the Corso to the Spanish Steps. For window shopping, this is one of the most rewarding short stretches in the city: in a small area, you can compare store displays, materials, and the different styles of the fashion houses.

After that, stay on the parallel streets. Via Borgognona, south of Via dei Condotti, and Via Frattina, located a little further south, complete the loop. Via del Babuino leads from Piazza di Spagna back north to Piazza del Popolo. This creates a continuous walking route where you don’t have to return to the Corso after every boutique.

If you’re planning a major purchase, I’d recommend checking with the store about the model you want before your trip. This makes it easier to confirm availability and get advice; a photo of the display window doesn’t guarantee that your size will be in stock. When shopping for clothes, you should bring the shoes you’ll be wearing with them later. When trying out a bag, it’s a good idea to carry it with your usual contents and test the closure, weight, and interior compartments.

This area is great even on a tight shopping budget. A stroll costs nothing, and especially with the elaborately designed storefronts, just looking is part of the fun. For more detailed information on luxury shops, read our Article about Via dei Condotti. Still, I wouldn't treat the side streets as mere connecting routes: that's often where you first realize which style really interests you.

Galleria Alberto Sordi and Rinascente: Two Different Shopping Destinations

Halfway down the Corso, you’ll find the Galleria Alberto Sordi near Piazza Colonna, the square with the Column of Marcus Aurelius. This covered shopping arcade is a great stop if you want to combine fashion with books or toys. The current list of stores includes Uniqlo, Mango, Calvin Klein, the Mondadori Store, and Hamleys, among others. This makes the Galleria a great option even for a group with diverse interests.

To the east of there is Rinascente at Via del Tritone 61, a large department store featuring fashion, cosmetics, design, and gourmet foods. There’s a second entrance at Via dei Due Macelli 23. Here, you can compare several brands all under one roof. If you’re planning a specific purchase, make sure to head straight to the relevant department first; otherwise, the hour will be over before you’ve even started trying anything on.

A visit to Rinascente includes an unusual stop: in the basement, a section of the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct is on display. Upstairs, you’ll find dining options and a panoramic terrace. You can work these stops into your visit for a break without turning your shopping day into yet another sightseeing itinerary. Keep in mind the different hours: The stores and the Food Hall don’t close at the same time.

Where can you find vintage clothing and small labels in Rome?

For vintage shopping, Monti is worth a visit—the historic neighborhood between Via Nazionale, the wide shopping street east of the city center, and the ancient forums. The shopping area is centered around Via del Boschetto, Via degli Zingari, and Via dei Serpenti. Here, you can spend an afternoon differently than on the Corso: browsing individual shops instead of a long row of large chain stores.

One specific spot is Pifebo at Via dei Serpenti 135/136, a vintage store selling clothing and accessories. The selection also includes sunglasses. With vintage clothing, condition is more important than the number on the size tag: Check the lining, seams, zippers, and any worn areas on the collar or sleeves. Trying items on is especially helpful because older styles may fit differently than your current favorite brands.

Pick out a few places you’d like to visit in Monti and leave time for a second round. You don’t have to buy that eye-catching item from the first store right away. If you’re still thinking about it after your break, you can go back specifically to check it out. For a pleasant route, start at the Cavour Metro station on Line B and walk along Via Leonina into the smaller side streets. The map below shows you this route.

Prati: Fashion and Delicatessen Shops Along Via Cola di Rienzo

Prati is located west of the Tiber River, near the Vatican. Via Cola di Rienzo is the main shopping street here; Via Ottaviano and Via Candia round out the shopping experience. This area is a great choice if you’re looking for clothes, shoes, or something to take home after visiting the Vatican. You can reach Prati via the Metro A, getting off at Lepanto or Ottaviano.

Castroni, located at Via Cola di Rienzo 196/198, is a great reason in itself to make the trip. This Roman grocery store carries coffee, tea, sweets, and specialty items from Italy and other countries. So if you’re looking for a souvenir from the region, be sure to check the origin carefully. The selection is international; just because you’re shopping in Rome doesn’t automatically mean the product is Roman.

When it comes to coffee, a simple question helps: Will it be brewed at home in a moka pot, an espresso machine, or a filter? Have the beans ground to the right consistency, or take them whole. For edible gifts, I’d prioritize shelf life and packaging over decorative boxes. Something that tastes good after the trip usually leaves a lasting impression—more so than a pretty bag.

Campo de’ Fiori: Food and Souvenirs in the Morning

Campo de’ Fiori is the market square south of Piazza Navona. The traditional market takes place Monday through Saturday in the morning. Fruit, vegetables, and flowers are sold here alongside groceries and items for visitors. If you want to experience the square as a market, make it the first stop on your tour; a late-afternoon aperitivo will show you a different side of the same place.

When shopping, it’s worth taking a closer look before paying: Where does the product come from, how much is in the package, and how is it packaged? For oil, spices, and candy, you can compare two similar sizes. For items sold by weight, clarify the quantity and final price. The store’s well-known name doesn’t replace these questions.

Plan your shopping around the rest of your itinerary. You shouldn't have to carry fresh or perishable food around town for hours. For the last day of your vacation, non-perishable, well-sealed items are more practical. Our Guide to Campo de’ Fiori It also explains the location and history of its Giordano Bruno monument.

Governo Vecchio and Trastevere: Time to Explore the Side Streets

Via del Governo Vecchio, west of Piazza Navona, is another great spot for secondhand fashion and smaller shops. South of there, Via dei Giubbonari runs from Campo de’ Fiori to Piazza Benedetto Cairoli. You don’t need a long list for this part of the old town: pick a street, stroll down it slowly, and decide whether to turn at the next intersection.

Cross the Ponte Sisto, the pedestrian bridge over the Tiber, to reach Trastevere. In this neighborhood, it’s worth taking a stroll between Piazza Trilussa—the square right next to the bridge—and Via del Moro. This route is especially pleasant if you want to end a day of shopping with an evening in the neighborhood. Detailed information for your subsequent visit can be found in our Trastevere Guide.

Located at Via del Moro 59 is Polvere di Tempo, a small workshop and shop specializing in hourglasses, sundials, and compasses. It’s the perfect place to find a gift that comes with a story to tell. Ask for an explanation of how the item you’ve chosen works and how to transport it safely. If you’re buying a delicate hourglass, it’s worth asking about suitable packaging or shipping options.

Polvere di Tempo is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.; the store is closed on Sundays. This lunch break is a good example of why it’s more important to check the specific address you’re looking for than to assume that everything in the city center is always open.

Porta Portese: Sunday is flea market day

Porta Portese is Rome’s large Sunday flea market on the southern edge of Trastevere. The stalls are spread out along Via Portuense, Via Ettore Rolli, and Piazza Ippolito Nievo. Amid the clothing, books, records, and everyday items, the real appeal here is the search itself. A set shopping list is less helpful than having plenty of time and being willing to return even if you don’t find anything.

I’d set aside a Sunday morning for the market and then plan just a quick stroll afterward. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, stopping often to look through boxes or at tables. Take your time examining an interesting item before discussing the price: For a bag, for example, the interior and the fasteners are important, while for a plate, it’s the visible condition. Higher-priced collectibles require more expertise than a spontaneous stroll while on vacation.

Small bills and a closed purse are handy. Agree on a meeting spot with your companion in case you lose track of each other among the rows. The stalls don’t all open and close at the same time; the morning is the best time to ensure a smooth visit. Porta Portese and the Campo de’ Fiori food market are two different destinations with different market days.

What makes a good souvenir from Rome?

A good souvenir is one that suits the person receiving it. For someone who enjoys cooking, coffee or a carefully selected specialty might be a better choice than an item featuring a city motif. Someone who draws or keeps a journal might appreciate some paper and a good pen. Before you go shopping, decide on a rough size and budget; that’ll make it easier to choose from among all the lovely little items.

For stationery, Vertecchi at Via della Croce 70 is a great place to stop by near Piazza di Spagna. The store carries paper, stationery, and art supplies; the Pen Shop is located nearby at Via Belsiana 8/9. That way, you can work it into your tour of the Tridente neighborhood. A notebook also makes a nice souvenir for yourself if you’d like to jot down a few observations during your trip.

When it comes to items that look handcrafted, it’s worth asking about the manufacturer. “Sold in Rome,” “Italian design,” and “Made in Italy” are different claims. If you’re interested in a special piece, ask for an explanation of what work was done on it locally. This makes the purchase more interesting and helps you put the price into perspective. The right decision isn’t necessarily the cheapest option, but rather a piece that you’ll enjoy using later on.