Hello, <BR> <BR>I'm going to be in Rome in September. Anyone know where I can go to find leather (jackets, purses, shoes etc.) at a good deal? I don't want to get ripped off as a tourist. <BR> <BR>Thanks.

Think of Rome as like NYC or Chicago. It isn't like you would buy a leather jacket on the street there, would you? Probably not. If you want an idea of the prices, visit a department store like Coin, and get an idea of what things cost. (It was nice, like Lord&Taylor or Hechts) There are many many specialty shops in Rome. Especially on the weekdays, you'll see little places that weren't open on Saturday or Sunday. (Sigh, I'm thinking of a shop with exquisite hand-made shoes near the Pantheon??? I know I couldn't have afforded them, but someday maybe...) I digress. You can even be well prepared just by knowing what you'd pay at home for say, a lovely handbag. Then judge by the quality and craftsmanship when you shop in Rome. Prices are well marked in the shops. After exploring the outdoor markets in FLorence, we found we were better prepared to find what we wanted in the small shops. There (in Florence) they did bargain---I don't believe it's quite the same in Rome, but we really didn't do much more than window shop there!

Thanks for a great reply Diane.

From my experince with bying leather in Mediterranean region and Turkey, it is better to stay away from the flea-markets and street vendors, also bazars. They are ripoff. And often pushy. <BR>At sales time try good boutiques, or department stores, when sales are off - stick with middle-range boutiques. <BR>Try to find the location of the discount shops via internet - that's what I usually attempt to do. <BR>Follow your guts, but compare some prices before you buy.

Hi Jane! Although I agree with others, I really want to suggest you going to the market at San Giovanni (take Metro - stop with the same name). There is an enormous covered market where you can buy wonderful second hand clothes and linen BUT also the most beautiful NEW leather jackets - quite a number of stalls have them - some sellers are pushy - just walk on, and find one who is not! The variety is unbelievable - good quality, and they are dirt cheap! As far as handbags and shoes are concerned, stick to the shops! <BR> <BR>Please give this market a try! And visit the church right behind it - San Giovanni in Laterano - personally one of my favourites! <BR> <BR>Enjoy! <BR>

Hi Helen <BR> <BR>Can you post the days/hours of this market. It sounds like my kind of place! <BR> <BR>By the way, I never cease to be amazed at the usefulness of this website. Imagine, Helen in Pretoria giving good travel tips about Rome to this fellow traveler in California.