The Culture of Shopping in Rome: A Complete Visitors Guide

With our complete guide you can discover the best spots for shopping in Rome, from luxury boutiques to malls for locals and even hard to find thrift stores!

If you like shopping, well then welcome to Rome! It is a city where ancient history meets modern fashion, street markets, malls and everything in between! If you come to Rome and you are on the hunt for some designer brands, handmade Italian leather, vintage finds or unique souvenirs, shopping in Rome is an adventure on its own.

From the luxurious streets of Via del Corso and Via dei Condotti to the buzzing weekend flea markets like Porta Portese, this guide will take you through the best shopping experiences in the Eternal City. 

Also, if you’re wondering about VAT refunds, tipping etiquette, or the best malls that surround the city, we’ve got options that might not have considered.

Shopping In Rome: What To Expect

Shopping in Rome is more than just a quick transaction, it is a unique experience. Italians take their fashion, craftsmanship and even their street markets seriously. Here’s what you need to know:

• Luxury Meets Tradition – The phrase “Made in Italy” is not just a label, it’s a guarantee of high quality combined with Italian designs that are loved around the world. Whether it’s a leather bag handmade by a craftsman, a perfectly tailored suit or gourmet olive oil, you can expect high quality. You can read more about why “Made in Italy” matters in this article: “The “Made In Italy” Label Leads To Quality Italian Products”.
• When to Go Shopping? –  If you are coming to Rome and looking for the best time for deals, then January & July are your best bet. These seasonal sales help get rid of inventory making space for the new merch. For seasonal shopping, Christmas time might be for you. Piazza Navona and other markets around the city turn into a festive wonderland. Check out if Christmas is the right time for you: “The Christmas Market In Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy”.
• VAT Refund for Tourists – If you’re a non-EU tourist, you may be eligible for a VAT refund on purchases over €154.94. Check out: “Know How To Get VAT Refund In Italy, If It’s Possible”.

High-End Shopping In Rome

If you’ve ever dreamed of shopping like a celebrity, or pretending like an Influencer, Rome is the place to do it. Some of the biggest names in fashion, like: Gucci, Prada, Fendi, and Bulgari, call this city home to their flagship stores.

Where to Find Luxury Shopping?

Want Designer Shopping For Less?

You don’t need to spend top dollar at the boutiques that we’ve been pointing towards. Shop like a local and consider an Outlet mall. In fact, check out the Castel Romano Designer Outlet just outside the city, where you can score up to 70% off luxury brands. Since it is outside of the city, read more about reaching Castel Romano in this article: “Rome’s Castel Romano Designer Outlet Is A Great Experience”.

If you still have questions, check out this article: “Good Shopping In Rome – Answering Frequently Asked Questions”.

Shopping Malls In Rome: A Convenient Experience

If you think that spending the day hopping from store to store is a bit too much for you, no problem. Rome has some fantastic shopping malls where you can find everything under one roof. (read: A Rome Shopping Mall Is A Great Experience For Tourists)

Top Malls To Visit

• Cinecittà Due – Lower-end shopping experience with great deals. Don’t go out of your way to come here, but if you are in the neighborhood, check it out.
• Euroma2 – Stylish and modern with all the big brands. This mall saved my bacon during a vacation on which my phone’s battery died.
• Porta di Roma – Probably the most complete shopping experience with additional stores, like IKEA, right outside and a wide range of dining options.
• Galleria Alberto Sordi – Historic architecture meets shopping right in the center of Rome.

There are other malls that you can check out, many of which cater to a specific customer. For example, flying soon, or do you have a long layover? Don’t miss Da Vinci Mall near Fiumicino Airport for last-minute buys. Find the best airport mall with this article: “The Best Shopping Mall Near The Fiumicino Airport In Rome”

Again, this shopping center caters to the travelers to (and from) Rome. Rome’s central train station, Termini has a surprisingly broad selection of stores on all three levels that should not be avoided. Here are some examples of train station shops to check out: “Rome’s Train Station Shops Are Some Of The Best In Rome”.

Affordable Shopping In Rome: Hidden Gems And Local Finds

Do you think Rome is only for luxury shopping? It wouldn’t be a surprise if you did. The reputation of high-end shopping brands and stores is legendary, but you should definitely think again! 

Some of the most popular shopping in Rome happens in affordable markets and second-hand stores. But, where to find budget-friendly shopping? There are flea markets, like Porta Portese Market, which is the biggest flea market in Rome.

There are also thrift stores packed with vintage one-of-a-kind treasures. You can discover the best thrift stores in Rome after reading this article: “Thrift Stores In Rome Are Great For Affordable Souvenirs”

Just to be clear, affordable shopping is everywhere in Rome, you just have to know where to look! For more of our suggestions, check out: The Best Affordable Shopping In Rome Is Around Every Corner”

Must-Buy Items In Rome: Cool Souvenirs And Unique Finds

In addition to shopping at some of the best known brands in the world, shopping in Rome includes artisanal crafts and one-of-a-kind treasures. Here are some of the options you should consider in Rome , and across Italy:

• Leather Goods – Hand-crafted bags, belts, and shoes.
• Hand-Painted Ceramics – Rome has some beautiful ceramics, but if you are traveling around Italy, be sure to check out what Florence and Sicily have to offer as well.
• Perfumes and Skincare – Italian beauty products are world class.
• Food and Wine – Be sure to check on what you can legally bring into your home country, but foods, wines and liquors, like: truffle oil, limoncello, and aged balsamic are fantastic souvenirs.

Need an out-of-the-box gift idea? Check out this article: “Cool Things To Buy In Rome That Can Be An Amazing Gift”.

Common Questions About Shopping in Rome

Even after all this, you might still have a couple of questions about shopping in Rome that we haven’t answered. Before you go on your shopping spree, here are some frequently asked questions that might help:

• Do Shops Close For Siesta? – Even though a siesta is in Spanish, many smaller family run shops close in the middle of the day. In Italy, this is called a Pausa (think: Pause). The concept is that of taking a break from 1:00PM until 4:00PM avoiding the mid-day heat, enjoying a leisurely and long lunch and even enjoying the possibility of taking a nap. This way the store will remain open until at least 8:00PM.
• Is Haggling Allowed? – If you are at a flea market or street market, then yes. In fact, you better haggle otherwise they will certainly be taking advantage of you. In stores, however, it is unlikely there will be haggling. You can try, but it probably won’t be successful.
• Is It Better To Pay In Cash Or Card? – If you are paying for a low cost item, something under €5, then cash would be preferred. In fact, coins are even more preferred. Beyond that, unless otherwise stated, there are no problems using a credit card.

If you have any more questions, be sure to check out the articles we’ve linked above. If none of those answer your questions, take a look at this FAQ we created: “Good Shopping In Rome – Answering Frequently Asked Questions”

Are You Ready To Shop In Rome?

Shopping in Rome is an experience like no other. Whether you’re strolling down a luxury shopping street, exploring a local flea market or hunting for the perfect souvenir, there’s something for everyone.