What to Shop for in Rome

There's so much to shop for in Rome. Handmade leather goods are worth the splurge: excellent workmanship and attention to detail are the norm, and you’ll find beautifully constructed jackets, shoes, gloves, handbags, and more.

Antiques and Prints

Rome is one of Italy's happiest hunting grounds for antiques and bric-a-brac. You'll find streets lined with shops groaning under the weight of gilded Rococo tables, charming Grand Tour memorabilia, fetching 17th-century engravings of realistic scenes, and curios—perhaps even Lord Byron's snuff spoon.

Ceramics and Decorative Arts

Unique pottery, beautiful ceramics, and other decorative arts are at the top of a shopper's list when searching for that special souvenir. The best finds are at Rome's many artisan shops tucked away on winding cobblestone streets. Whether you fancy a quasi-authentic Roman mask or a copy of that popular Roman relic, La Bocca della Verità, you definitely won't go home empty-handed.

Clothing

Italians know fashion: that much is indisputable. There are plenty of upmarket flagship stores in Rome, if you're up to Prada, Fendi, or Valentino, but make sure to browse the smaller boutiques, too. You're sure to find a piece or two to liven up your wardrobe.

Vintage Clothing

Looking good needn’t mean looking like everyone else. Rome has a wide range of vintage shops (mainly in the Monti and Navona areas), where you can find some great couture from the Dolce Vita days and other classic time periods. Spend some time going through the racks—you never know what treasures you might find.

Flea Market Finds

Treasure-seekers and bargain-hunters alike will appreciate Rome's mercati all’aperto (open-air markets). Flea markets are great spots to unearth some really good finds, whether you're hunting for something borrowed or something new. Every Sunday, all of Rome tends to gravitate to Trastevere for the Porta Portese flea market, where tents overflow with cheap luggage, new and used clothes, vintage World War II memorabilia, and everything else (but the kitchen sink). Be aware of your belongings at markets like these, as pickpockets abound.

Gloves

You just wouldn’t be an Italian signora without a pair of fashionable handmade gloves, and you’ll find plenty to choose from in Rome. Whether you're looking for cashmere, silk, lambskin, or other types of leather, there is a sea of colors to choose from. Gloves make wonderful presents, too.

Handbags, Luggage, and Leather Goods

Really good, top-quality bags—the classic kind you can carry for years—don’t come cheap. Whether you’re in the market for something high-fashion the Hollywood A-listers are wearing or a one-of-a-kind travel bag, you’ll find plenty of splurge-inducing shops. You’ll also find other types of well-made leather goods in Rome, like wallets, belts, and jackets.

Jewelry

Over the last few years, an array of delightful boutiques featuring unique handmade jewelry have made their debut in the Eternal City. Whether you're in the market for a sparkly something to wear for that special occasion or a practical but priceless piece that looks good for everyday use, don't leave Rome without stepping foot in a specialized oreficeria.

Shoes

When it comes to sexy stilettos, strappy sandals, or stylish stivali (boots), Rome has a scarpa (shoe) for every Cinderella. The best place to get your feet wet is in the swanky Piazza di Spagna area, but other belle boutiques can be found around the Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori areas as well. Scarpe Diem!