Italy is undoubtedly the leading fashion powerhouse in the world. Milan is the fashion capital of Italy, but the official capital Rome also offers a lot of quality and diverse shopping: top brands, important designers, large outlets, and the trendiest markets. The combination of squares, antiquities, history, and art that characterize the city, along with quality shopping that isn’t necessarily expensive – makes Rome a particularly attractive shopping destination.
Shopping Areas in Rome
In Rome, there are several shopping areas worth knowing and visiting:
Via dei Condotti = Luxury!
This street is the most prestigious shopping avenue in Rome. It connects the Spanish Steps with Via del Corso, which is itself a must-visit shopping street. There is no luxury fashion house or renowned designer that does not showcase their latest products in this very special street. Armani, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and Versace are just some of the brands you’ll find. In the shops on this street, no one asks, “how much does it cost.” You enter, look around, try on, and pay.
Excellent side streets for brand shopping are two close streets to Via Condotti:
The first is Via Borgognona – where you can also find top designers who couldn’t make it to Via Condotti. Don’t miss it.
The second is Via del Babuino, which leads from the Spanish Steps – a wonderful street for quality shopping with a variety of high-end brands and designers.
Via del Corso
The main spine of Rome stretches for 1.8 km from Piazza del Popolo to Piazza Venezia. In recent years, it has transformed from a busy street full of cars to an amazing pedestrian area showcasing Roman culture at its best. You will find all the major brand stores in Europe, not just clothing. For those who consider shopping an essential part of their travel experience, this street is a must-see.
Via Nazionale
A long street that begins at its upper end in Piazza della Repubblica and ends at its lower end in Piazza Venezia. It is mainly frequented by Romans and those who have received a warm recommendation (like you) to take a stroll here. Not expensive, with excellent shops that will allow you to return home with great shopping.
Via del Boschetto
The Riomonti neighborhood is the latest buzz in Rome. This charming, narrow, and unique street has recently attracted craftsmen, accessory and jewelry designers, as well as many boutique and vintage shops. Worth a visit.
Via del Governo Vecchio
It emerges from the southern part of Piazza Navona. Known for its many vintage shops, accessories, books, and jewelry. Most of the items are handmade and reasonably priced.
Vatican Area: Via Cola di Rienzo, Via Ottaviano, Via Giulio Cesare
3 fantastic streets for shopping located in the Prati neighborhood near the Vatican. You’ll mostly find locals here and less tourists. A variety of shops of all kinds, completely reasonable prices, and most importantly – be sure to explore the alleys connecting them. You’ll find many delightful surprises there.
Piazza Navona - Via dei Coronari
If you love art, this is the place for you. In the streets surrounding Piazza Navona, you can find many galleries, antique shops, and second-hand clothing stores. For example, on Via dei Coronari, there are still a few authentic antique dealers. On Via del Governo Vecchio, which is located behind the piazza, you can also find a variety of small boutiques and vintage shops.
Trastevere
The shopping area located just across the Tiber River, and in loose translation, its name means “beyond the Tiber.” It has a unique bohemian atmosphere, and you can easily get lost in the beautiful winding alleys while wandering between the trendy boutique shops scattered throughout. Be sure to stop by the market at Piazza San Cosimato, where you can watch locals doing their weekly shopping while haggling with the vendors. The market is open daily from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM (closed on Sundays).
Markets in Rome
Porta Portese
The largest and most famous flea market in Rome. Open only on Sundays from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM. You will find everything: clothes, antique household items, jewelry, posters, furniture, second-hand clothing, stickers, and much more. The flea market is located at the southern end of the Trastevere district.
Via Sannio
Located near the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, you will find clothes, accessories, and vintage items. Open in the mornings from Monday to Saturday.
Antique Furniture in Rome
In Rome, you will find several streets with a concentration of antique shops. Via del Babuino is the most important of them all.
Outlets, chains, and malls in Rome
Outlet stores in Italy are not what we are used to in Israel. They are not stores selling cheap clothes. On the contrary, an outlet in Italy is an open-air shopping center with hundreds of stores from the best fashion brands in Italy and the world. Discounts at outlets range from 20% to 70% compared to prices in the same stores located in city centers and the most prestigious streets. Outlets are always located outside city centers, and getting there is possible by car or through organized shuttles available every day at fixed hours.
The nearest designer outlet to Rome is Castel Romano.
Tourists are entitled to receive a 10% discount card when shopping at the amazing stores located in the area. The card can be obtained for free at the information point at the entrance. Parking is free for those arriving by car.
Opening Hours: Every day 09:15 – 20:00, (it’s recommended to check the website before arriving. Sometimes the hours change)
Address: Via Ponte Di Piscina Copa 64 Roma
Website: https://www.mcarthurglen.com/it/outlets/it/designer-outlet-castel-romano
Shopping Malls in Rome
In Italy, and particularly in Rome, there are several large, luxurious shopping centers that cater mainly to locals. All the major global fashion brands are present, including Zara, H&M, and many other great names. The prices are reasonable, and the variety is extensive. You’ll also find a large supermarket and electronics stores in all of them. Some are closer to the city center, while others are a bit further away.
Porta di Roma Galleria Commerciale Porta di Roma
Website: www.galleriaportadiroma.it
Distance from city center: 30 minutes
Opening hours: Daily, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Address: Via Alberto Lionello, 201, 00139 Rome
Getting there: Bus line 38 from the central station, runs every 5-10 minutes.
Euroma Euroma
A wonderful, spacious, upscale shopping center. All major brands are available.
Website: www.euroma2.it
Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Address: Via Cristoforo Colombo, Corner of Viale Dell’oceano Pacifico, Rome
Getting there by Metro: Line B to Eur Fermi station. Cross the road to where buses 070-700 and 709 leave, which will take you to the mall.
Cinecitta Due Shopping Center
A large, well-known shopping center in Rome. Here you can find numerous stores from the most popular brands in the country, along with additional Italian brands.
Website: www.cinecittadue.com
Opening hours: Sunday-Friday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Saturday: 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Address: Viale Palmiro Togliatti, 2
Getting there: By metro, Line A to Cinecitta or Sabaugusta station.
Parco Leonardo Parco Leonardo
The largest shopping mall in the Rome area. Only 5 minutes from the airport. About 45 minutes from the city center. Over 200 stores of various types. A must-visit, especially for those driving back to the airport. The presence of a large supermarket makes Parco Leonardo the perfect place to stock up on everything you might have missed during your trip.
Website: https://centroleonardo.it
Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Address Viale Donato Bramante, 31/65, 00054 Fiumicino
Getting there: Train FR1 from the airport to Parco station
Important to know:
Most stores operate between 09:00 or 10:00 AM until 07:00 or 08:00 PM in the evening.
Some boutique shops or stores in less central areas (not in large malls or main streets) close between 01:30-04:30 PM or on Monday mornings. Some are also closed during August for their annual vacations.
End of Season Sales – Sales in Rome
End-of-season sales take place throughout Italy during two fixed periods:
Winter: Usually starting from January 5th, lasting about a month and a half or until stocks run out.
Summer: Starting from July 1st and lasting all summer.
VAT Refund in Rome
Non-European Union tourists can enjoy a VAT refund on purchases over 155 euros in the same store. The Italian VAT rate is about 10-12%, which is definitely an important consideration when buying products in Italy.
To ensure you qualify for the refund, make sure to:
- Look for the TAX FREE symbol in the store and confirm with the store staff.
- When paying at the checkout, ask the staff to fill out the TAX FREE voucher with you.
- It is mandatory to request an invoice – not just a receipt. Ensure that your name and passport number are included on it.
- Upon arriving at the airport, look for signs directing you to the tax refund counters. You can also seek assistance at the information desk in the airport.
- Hand over the completed vouchers to the tax refund clerk and make sure they sign them. Occasionally, they may ask to see the items you purchased as part of a routine sample check. Cooperate with them, so it’s important to have the items readily available from your luggage.
- After receiving approval, proceed to check-in.
- With your boarding pass and tax refund confirmation, you can go to the duty-free areas where cash refund positions are located. Keep in mind that you may be asked to part with a few euros as a service fee.
The leading companies in Italy for tax refunds are:
