Rome Shopping Guide: 6 Areas to Know

Looking for the best shopping areas in Rome? You’re in the right place.

Italians are great at so many things, chief among them is the strong sense in fashion. I mean, the fashion scene in Rome is second to none. For more on what makes this city special, see my full guide to the best things to do in Rome. I find endless inspiration every time I visit the Eternal City and have done my fair share of shopping in Rome as a result. Today, I’ll cover the best places to go shopping in Rome, let’s dive in!

Visiting Rome? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide: Where to Stay in Rome for First Time Visitors (+2 Areas to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in Rome, hands down.

Sales Tax for Shopping in Rome

When it comes to shopping in Rome, there seems to be a bit of confusion around the tax situation. Here’s the gist: the Value Added Tax (VAT) in Italy is 22%, which is applied to purchases of more than €100.

Before boarding your flight, you’ll walk past the VAT Tax Refund offices, you can expect to be reimbursed between 12-14% of the VAT. It’s important to do this before checking your bags because you may be asked to show the goods you’re claiming.

The process is simple, but the lines can be long so arrive at the airport well before your flight.

Note: The retailer is responsible for issuing the reimbursement, so you’ll need to request VAT reimbursement forms while checking out at the store (they’ll need to see your passport to complete the application).

Where to Go Shopping in Rome

Spanish Steps

The area around the Spanish Steps in known for offering some of the best luxury shopping in Rome, playing home to high-end Italian fashion houses (Gucci, Versace, and Fendi) and international designers (Chanel and Hermes).

Streets like Via Condotti, Via del Babuino, and Via Frattina offer a variety of high-end stores, from Italy’s most famous brands to more affordable options. For those seeking tranquility alongside luxury, Via Margutta is the way to go, especially if you enjoy art galleries and antique shops.

Best Stores Near the Spanish Steps

Rinascente

Located between the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, Rinascente is Italy’s premier department store. The mall offers an extensive selection of goods, from high-end fashion to houseware. The store also features a tax-free office for tourists, a food market, and a variety of restaurants on the 6th floor, with rooftop bars offering stunning views of the Eternal City.

gucci

Hailing from Florence, Gucci is an Italian fashion house that has amassed a cult-like following over the past century. The Spanish Steps outpost is their flagship in Rome, so it’s spacious and has a little bit of everything.

Address: Via dei Condotti, 8, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Dolce & Gabbana

Situated near the Spanish Steps, a symbol of Rome’s rich history and culture, this store presents an extensive collection of high-end clothing, accessories, and cosmetics. You can see the latest collections, including ready-to-wear fashion, handbags, shoes, and fragrances.

Address: Piazza di Spagna, 94-100, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Regola

Shopping in Rome’s historic neighborhood, Regola, offers a fun experience that combines the charm of Rome’s ancient streets with unique and artsy shops. This area is known for its quaint boutiques, antique shops, and artisan studios, offering everything from handmade jewelry and fashion to rare books and vintage finds.

Regola’s narrow lanes and picturesque piazzas are home to family-owned shops where you can discover one-of-a-kind items that reflect the rich cultural and historical heritage of Rome, making it a beloved destination for those seeking an authentic shopping experience away from the city’s more commercial areas.

Cool Stores in Regola

Vera Pelle

Vera Pelle is one of many leather-goods stores you’ll stumble across while shopping in Rome. You’ll find the nondescript store a stone’s throw from the Pantheon. The shop doesn’t look like much, but the inside is stocked floor to ceiling with purses and belts.

Address: Via della Rosetta, 5, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Alcott

Founded in 1990, Alcott is a great store for stocking up on trendy basics. If traveling on a budget or forgot to pack essentials like a sweater, socks or a hat, Alcott will give you options to choose from at a price point similar to H&M. Young travelers who like to keep up with current trends will agree Alcott is one of the best places to shop in Rome.

Address: Via del Corso, 286/291, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Flying Tiger

I wish we had Flying Tigers in the states, the Danish brand has a little bit of everything! The offerings span the gamut, from cute cooking utensils to fun notebooks and random trinkets. The store is similar to a dollar store, but the products are much better quality.

Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 46/52, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Campo de Fiori

Campo de Fiori is home to one of the oldest markets in Rome. The lively open-air market offers an array of fresh produce, spices, flowers, and artisan goods. Beyond the market, the surrounding streets are dotted with boutique shops, bakeries, and specialty food stores full of Italian delicacies, handmade crafts, and souvenirs.

Campo de Fiori embodies the traditional Roman shopping experience, blending the charm of outdoor markets. And while you’re in the area, don’t miss the best gelato shops in Rome with the warmth of small-scale, family-run businesses. For bargain shopping in Rome, this place is a gem.

Best Stores Near Campo de Fiori

Campo de Fiori Market

Originally a meadow, the square became a bustling hub of commercial activity by 1869. Over time, it has witnessed public executions, including that of philosopher Giordano Bruno in 1600, whose statue now oversees the square. Today, the market is renowned for fresh produce, flowers, spices and artisan goods.

I’ll be honest and say that the market has turned into a bit of a tourist trap, but you can still come across some great finds. I bought some cashmere scarves here for a good deal. After browsing, reward yourself at one of the nearby wine bars in Rome! The market’s affinity for tourists has also made it a popular place to go shopping in Rome for souvenirs.

Address: Campo de’ Fiori, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Yanni boutique

Yanni is one of the cutest boutiques in Rome. The boutique’s philosophy emphasizes dressing women who wish to feel elegant and stylish without compromising on comfort. It offers a carefully selected range of Italian brands, known for their simple lines, impeccable cuts, and high-quality fabrics​​.

Ancient Pizzicheria Ruggeri

I know I’ve been chatting a lot about clothes, but sometimes the best shopping in Rome is for groceries. At Ancient Pizzicheria Ruggeri (opened in 1919) you can buy everything you need for a midday picnic or your pantry at home. The cheese is especially good!

Address: Campo de’ Fiori, 1, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

104 pandemonium

The store features a mix of international ( Dr. Martens and Adidas) and Italian brands, making it an ideal stop for both casual day-time pieces, such as sweaters, knits, jeans, sneakers, and boots, as well as dressier options for a night out.

Address: Via dei Giubbonari, 104, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Trastevere

This bohemian neighborhood is filled with narrow cobblestone streets and features a variety of small boutiques, artisan workshops, and vintage stores

Souvenir shops and vendors run rampant, and I suggest slowing down enough to see what they have to offer. The neighborhood’s timelessness is also mirrored in the clothing stores in Trastevere, they’re stocked with classic pieces that won’t be going out.

The best shopping in Rome is done by getting lost and stumbling into unassuming stores full of unique finds. Trastevere is the best place to do that since its winding roads are spellbinding.

Great Stores in Trastevere

Coloriage

Coloriage offers a social tailoring workshop that employs migrants and refugees to create clothing and household items from high-quality African wax cottons. It’s not just a workspace but also acts as a free fashion school, providing valuable skills and employment opportunities to those in need.

Address: Via della Lungaretta, 16, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Elvis Lives Trastevere

You wouldn’t expect such a small store to offer so much, but Elvis Lives is brimming with fun clothing and accessories. The store makes unique t-shirts and sells quirky products you’d usually relate to a young, urban bohemian like fun colored backpacks, film cameras and record players.

Address: Via di S. Francesco a Ripa, 27, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Antica caciara

Whether you need a quick snack or want to take a snack back to your hotel, Antica Caciara is the cheese shop you can’t afford to miss. The best part? Prices are extremely reasonable!

Address: Via di S. Francesco a Ripa, 140A/B, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Prati (Near Vatican City)

Across the Tiber River from the Historical Center of Rome, Prati feels less ancient. It’s also where the wealthy locals live, attracted by a quieter quality of life, copious restaurants and some of the best shopping in Rome.

The neighborhood has a fair blend of lavish retailers and bargain level stores, so there’s something at every price point.

Even the vendors that set up shop on the street are known to have some decent finds.

The only thing to note is that Prati is big, roughly twice as big as most of the other neighborhoods I’ve covered. If you want to make a day out of shopping in Rome, I suggest wearing comfortable sneakers since it’ll be a workout.

Best Stores in Prati

Mercato Trionfale

The largest of all of Rome’s markets, Mercato Trionfale has been selling goods in Prati more than 100 years ago. In 2009 the market moved to an indoor location, which admittedly makes it less cutesy or Instagrammable, but the 250+ vendors make up for it.

The market is home to some of the best impromptu shopping in Rome because you never know what’s going to pique your interest. Want some fresh cheese? Or how about a phone charger? Maybe some smoked meat?

Even though the Mercato Trionfale is only a five minute walk from the Vatican, the market is largely void of tourists. The price to quality ratio is hard to beat, when I stayed near the Vatican for a month, half of our dinners were made by ingredients from the market.

Address: Via Andrea Doria, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Coin Excelsior

If you’re visiting Prati and only have time for one store, I suggest Coin Excelsior. The department store is one of the best places to shop in Rome for luxury brands and a fun stop regardless of budget. It’s two stories, so you’ll have plenty to see.

Address: Via Cola di Rienzo, 173, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Bottega Velasca

Men in search of a nice pair of Italian made shoes will find Velasca to be a gem of a store. Although a new company, Velasca has forged relationships with shoemakers across Italy that have decades of experience under their belt.

The results are striking works of leather at a lower price point than other top brands. The shoes are still expensive, but by working directly with the shoemakers Velasca cuts out the middle-man and passes the saves onto you.

Address: Via Fabio Massimo, 93, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Zara Home Italia

Zara Home Italia has some of the best shopping in Rome for home decor at reasonable prices.

Address: Via Cola di Rienzo, 225/229, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Monti (Near the Colosseum)

Monti is the neighborhood that borders the Colosseum, and it’s also home to some of the best shopping in Rome. It’s old, quaint nature meshes flawlessly with the small boutiques that line its streets.

But word to the wise – be prepared for an unofficial workout. Monti is not only the name of the neighborhood, it’s the Italian word for mountain. While you won’t be ascending any peaks, the hilly roads will make you sweat.

Old restaurants and gelato shops will help you rest your legs while enjoying the best shopping in Rome. Trust me, you’ll need to after hiking around with a tote or two full of loot.

Best Shopping in Monti

Kokoro

Small but mighty, Kokoro makes unique women’s clothing. It’s trendy enough to be with the times, but also timeless (and good quality, so it should last a long time).

Address: Via del Boschetto, 75, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Mercato Monti

Mercato Monti, also known as the Mercato Rionale, is a friendly neighborhood stop for snacks, ingredients and souvenirs. You can swing by for a sandwich or simply peruse the stalls, enjoying some shopping in Rome like a local. The market is indoors, you’ll find the entrance on Via Baccina.

Address: Via Baccina, 36, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

White Mood

A bright and modern women’s clothing store. You’ll find both colorful and vibrant or business casual and muted tones and some of the friendliest service you’ll encounter while shopping in Rome.

Address: Via Nazionale, 232, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Best Shopping Streets in Rome

Via del Corso

Anybody who’s been to Rome will agree that Via del Corso is the eminent shopping street in the city. The street begins at the Piazza Venezia and runs a little over a mile, coming to a head at the Piazza del Popolo.

Along the way both sides of the street are littered with stores aplenty, and a steady stream of people enjoying the best shopping in Rome.

Some stores of note that call Via del Corso home include Apple, Armani, Calzedonia, United Colors of Benetton, Ralph Lauren, Ray-Ban, Adidas and Nike.

It’s also one of the most popular shopping streets in Rome thanks to its location. I guarantee a visit to the Eternal City will include crossing the street at least once, and hey while you’re there might as well peruse – right?

Via dei Condotti

The entire Spanish Steps area in Rome is full of luxury stores and designers but Via dei Condotti still stands head and shoulders above the rest. It’s the street that directly faces the steps (which is an iconic view itself).

If you begin along the Via del Corso and head west towards the Spanish Steps you’ll stumble upon stores like Rolex, Bottega Venetta, Hermes, Jimmy Choo, Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, Cartier and more.

Via del Babuino

Another option for those who want the best luxury shopping in Rome without the crowds is Via del Babuino. The half-mile stretch is significantly less crowded than the Via dei Condotti since most tourists will stick to the area around the Spanish Steps.

Luxury stores along Via del Babuino include Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Emporio Armani, Red Valentino and Givenchy. Needless to say the folks shopping here are well dressed and put together.

And while you’re in the area you should take the time to stop by the Fontana del Babuino, for whom the street is named after. You’ll find it at the corner of Via dei Greci and Via del Babuino. It’s one of the six talking statues of Rome, which have been used as a site for anonymous political expression for 500+ years. Dissidents who feared persecution would leave letters on the statues, similar to a bulletin board.

Via cola di rienzo

There are two noteworthy streets in Prati that qualify as some of the best shopping areas in Rome. One is the Via Cresenzio and the other is the Via Cola di Rienzo. I think the latter is slightly better, so let’s chat.

The street begins just outside the Vatican at the Piazza Risorgimento. It runs a little less than a mile before ending at the Regina Margherita Bridge. Since the street is less touristy than the Historical Center this is the place to be if you want to go shopping in Rome like a local.

Best Vintage Shopping in Rome

Vintage shopping has experienced a boom in recent years so it should go without saying that vintage stores are popping up left and right. Vintage shopping in Rome is no different.

Vintage shopping’s rise in popularity is a double edge sword, though. On the one hand the rise in popularity means second hand, designer clothes are easier to come by. On the other, they’re still ridiculously expensive.

So finding a diamond in the rough at a bargain price isn’t as likely, but that doesn’t mean it’s not impossible. To have the best chances at finding a gem you have to visit quality vintage stores; here are my favorite.

Blue Goose

The first place my head goes to when asked best stores to go vintage shopping in Rome is Blue Goose. For such a popular destination it somehow manages to keep its prices reasonable, even on luxury items. They manage to get their hands on a large variety of designer brands and are located just north of the Colosseum.

Address: Via del Boschetto, 4, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Vintage by Retro Trastevere

Trastevere has a true gem in Vintage by Retro. Their selection of clothing is impressive, especially if you like the modern streetwear look. Band tees, hard to find sneakers and jerseys make this one of the best vintage stores in Rome, especially for a young crowd.

Address: Viale Glorioso, 8, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Twice Vintage

Twice Vintage is home to some of the best vintage shopping in Rome if you have no budget. The store has a great selection and they know it, sometimes even charging more than the original retail price. For people who love vintage, collectible clothes no matter the cost Twice Vintage in Trastevere is where you want to be.

Address: Via di S. Francesco a Ripa, 7, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Vintage Subdued

Vintage shopping in Rome is often characterized by pin-balling between small stores and hoping to score. Luckily, Vintage Subdued is a breath of fresh air. Although it’s not huge it’s definitely not small, either. The store has racks that are well stocked and brimming with potential steals at reasonable prices.

Address: Via Lucrezio Caro, 87/89, 00193 Roma RM, Italy

Humana Vintage

Humana Vintage is a chain of Italian vintage stores with three locations spread across Rome. There’s one near the Colosseum, one near the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and another near the Piazza Navona.

Thanks to their widespread success they have access to tons of clothes, which means more options for you. Price-wise Humana Vintage is on par with the rest of the vintage stores in Rome.

Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 199, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Shopping in Rome (Post Summary)

Here’s a quick roundup of the best shopping in Rome:

• Historic Center
  • Vera Pelle
  • Alcott
  • Zara
  • Flying Tiger
• Spanish Steps
  • Gucci
  • Hermes
  • Dolce & Gabbana
  • Tiffany & Co.
• Campo de Fiori 
  • Campo de Fiori Market
  • 104 Pandemonium
  • Bags & Fruit
  • Ancient Pizzicheria Ruggeri
• Trastevere
  • Coloriage
  • Elvis Lives Trastevere
  • Open Door Bookshop
  • Antica Caciara 
• Prati
  • Mercato Trionfale
  • Coin Excelsior
  • Bottega Velasca
  • Foot Locker
  • Zara Home
  • Tommy Hilfiger
• Monti
  • Kokoro
  • Mercato Monti
  • White Mood
• Via del Corso
• Via dei Condotti
• Via del Babuino
• Via Cola di Reinzo
• Blue Goose 
• Vintage By Retro Trastevere
• Twice Vintage 
• Vintage Subdued
• Humana Vintage 

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Map of the best areas for shopping in Rome

Here’s a helpful map with all the stores mentioned in this post.

I hope you found this post on the best shopping in Rome helpful! Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or suggestions.

Cheers, until next time.

Frequently Asked Questions