Whether you’re dreaming of perusing through some exclusive Italian fashion houses (lucky you!), rolling up your sleeves and fishing through vintage sales, or want to kit out your home with some antique homeware and furniture, you’ll find a shop to suit your style here.
So without further ado, here’s our complete guide to shopping in Rome:
1. Monti
Before we dive into the many chic boutiques and shops here, let’s start with a bit of a history lesson. Until the 1940s, the stylish Monti district of Rome was actually anything but! Known as an impoverished outlaw slum that was ravaged by crime, the working-class folk who lived in this area even had their own dialect – Monticiano. The region was called Suburra back then and was situated below the city.
Fast forwards a few decades and Monti is one of the most happening and expensive areas in Rome. There’s something around every corner – think quirky boutiques and gourmet shops to peruse at your leisure.
Want to shop ‘til you drop in Monti? The main shopping roads are Via del Boschetto, Via Panisperna, Via Leonina, and Via dei Serpenti.
Our favourite shops in Monti:
- LOL: this on-trend concept boutique features a range of unique high-end apparel that’s effortlessly chic and the epitome of fresh, cool-girl style
- Le Gallinelle: literally translated as ‘the hens’, this space used to be a poultry shop! Nowadays, it’s a boutique run by designer Wilma Silvestri and is one of the most sophisticated shops in the region
- Pifebo: if you’re shopping on a budget, Pifbo is the place for you. Famous across the city for its high-end products as low(ish) prices, this cool boutique is a great place for picking up some unique treasures
- Kokoro: looking for something no-one else has? Kokoro is known for its one-of-a-kind clothes, handmade from high-quality fabrics
2. Via del Governo Vecchio
A bustling street packed with wine bars, coffee shops, and of course, an array of stores and boutiques, Via del Governo Vecchio is easily one of the best places for shopping in Rome. Located near Piazza Navona, the name ‘Governo Vecchio’ means ‘old government’ and is steeped in history. Until the 1700s, the papal government was based at No. 39 Via del Governo Vecchio, making it one of the most important places in Rome’s colourful past.
Nowadays, Via del Governo Vecchio is a shopper’s heaven, jam-packed full of quaint boutiques selling an array of unique and beautiful products. Here are some of our favourite shops on Via del Governo Vecchio:
- Tempi Moderni: fans of vintage fashion will love this funky little boutique. This one-of-a-kind store features some stunning vintage jewellery from the roaring 20s, as well as some seriously cool pop art prints
- Abiti Usati: looking to bag a bargain during your trip? Abiti Usati is one of those stores where you just know you’re going to leave with your shopping bags piled high. Get your 60s and 70s fashion fix here
- Omero and Cecilia Vintage: this cute husband and wife-owned quaint boutique has been at the forefront of the Rome vintage style scene for 30 years. Peruse and discover a range of pieces, sourced from all over the world
3. Via dei Coronari
Situated in the historical centre of Rome, Via dei Coronari is an ancient street that’s 500 metres long and full of character. Oh, and it’s a brill place to get a bit of retail therapy too! It’s just steps away from the famous Piazza Navona, so you could combine the two during one day of your trip to the Eternal City.
Now, onto the shops! Did you know that Via dei Coronari is famous across Italy for having some of the finest antique shops in Rome? Here you’ll find a treasure trove of old and upcycled furniture (it’s a great place to kit out your home if you have the space), artwork, and jewellery.
Our favourite shops in Via dei Coronari:
- Galleria dei Coronari: if you’re looking for something to liven up your living space, this is the place. Founded over 25 years ago, this unique shop specialises in antique sculptures and other works of art
- Blu Old Sheffield: Ready to go on a treasure hunt? Discover a gorgeous selection of antique silverware through this shop’s unique blue doorway
- Art Deco Gallery: Founded in 1986, Art Deco Gallery is jam-packed full of antique sculptures, furniture and fine pieces of art – perfect for finding that perfect gift for someone special (or yourself!)
4. Via Cola di Rienzo
Cafes? Check. Coffee shops? Check. Enough clothes shops to ensure you’ll need an extra suitcase for your journey home? Check. Via Cola di Rienzo is a shopper’s paradise. Located in the stylish Prati neighbourhood, Via Cola di Rienzo also boasts a backdrop of some of Rome’s most iconic monuments (Castel Saint’Angelo and the Vatican can be seen in the distance). Plus, this quiet street is not far from the Sistine Chapel, so you could indulge in some retail therapy after seeing those magnificent frescoes.
But anyway, onto shopping! Via Cola di Rienzo has an eclectic mix of international brands and quaint Italian boutiques to peruse at your leisure. Here are some of our favourites:
- Abitart: famous for creating playful apparel and avant-garde accessories, Abitart is owned by designer Vanessa Foglia. Here you’ll discover a range of statement pieces, as well as a selection of furniture update your home aesthetic
- Falconieri: Looking for some cool and comfortable knitwear? Look no further than Falconieri. Luxurious cashmere and beautiful designs are this boutique’s speciality
- Liu Jo: Elegant pieces with a modern twist is what this super-cool boutique specialises in. Here you’ll discover a range of natural shades. high-quality fabrics, and stylish, wearable pieces
5. Trastevere
Just like Monti, the Trasevere region has working-class routes and would not have been considered a particularly desirable area until its revamp in the 1970s. Film stars and artists began to take notice of the area during this time, and eventually, Trastevere became one of the most sought-after places in Rome. Here you’ll find a wide array of shops, restaurants, bars, and galleries in a maze of winding cobbled streets, speckled with medieval architecture.
Trastevere is one of Rome’s most renowned shopping districts, with a range of shops to browse. Here are some of our favourites:
- Elvis Lives: The ultimate vintage adventure, Elvis Lives is a funky concept boutique that’s full of hidden treasures – think Marshall headphones and pastel record players
- The Butcher: Looking to roll up your sleeves and discover some seriously stylish apparel? Whilst The Butcher might not sound like an uber-chic boutique, we can assure you’ll find nothing but high-quality clothing here
- Carlo Cecchini: Dreaming of some new accessories? You’ll find a unique selection of super cool bags, belts, and other finishing touches at this modern shop
Getting Around
Whilst it might be tempting to just hop in a taxi to get around the Eternal City, using public transport is easy once you know-how! The best way to visit all the shopping districts in the city centre is to use the metro, which has three lines through the city and stops off at most major tourist attractions.
To save on your transport costs, it’s worth getting a daily or weekly metro pass. This also means you won’t have to worry about buying a ticket every time you want to hop on the metro. Oh, and it’s open from 5:30 until 23:30 during the week and until 01:30 on weekends – so there’s plenty of time to shop ‘til you drop!
Another way to get around Rome is by the urban railway, also known as the Ferrovie Urbane. It’s made up of three lines that complement the metro in the city. Tickets for both the metro and the urban railway lines can be bought at any metro station, newsstand or convenience store.