Shopping! My favorite subject. Of all the cities in Europe I have visited, Rome was the least desirable for me to shop. Not because Rome lacks fine goods and high fashion, not for the lack of choices, not for the lack of fine jewelry and leathers, Rome was just too expensive for my budget.

Yes, there are bargain on designer goods to be found. Some much less expensive than prices found on similar goods in the United States. The Italians seem to pride themselves on style, craftsmanship and quality. American are use to buying large quantities of moderately priced clothes from stores such as Gap, The Limited and Banana Republic - Italians purchase less and spend more money on high quality, trendy designer fashion.

No matter what your budget there is always something to buy. Trinkets, accessories, housewares, decoratives and souvenirs can offer a nice remembrance of Rome. For what Rome lacks in bargain shopping, it makes up for in great trattorias, sights and memories.

[shop hours]

Shops open from around 10am to 1pm and from around 3:30 or 4pm to about 7pm. Although many of the shops are closed during the lunch hour, some in the central shopping district remain open all day. Department stores generally remain open during the lunch hour. Many shops close early on Saturday afternoons in July and August. It is best not to plan shopping during the lunch hour, enjoy a trattoria instead! Most stores are closed on Sundays and some close early on Saturdays.

[customs allowances]

Upon returning to the United States, the allowable value on the goods you may bring back into the country is $400. There are many restrictions on items such a perfumes, liquors and food products. American citizens should check the websight of the U.S. Customs Travel Service for all the details. There are no restricts on the value of good you transport within the EEC (European Economic Community). http://www.customs.go

[receipts]

Remember to get a receipt with your purchase. You will find it handy when making a tally of your purchases upon your return home. Customs may also require one if you happen to be inspected upon returning home. You may also want to compare these with your credit card statement when you receive it.

[taxes]

VAT (value added tax) is included in the price of the goods. What you see is what you pay.

[fakes]

Be careful of buying so called "designer" items such as women's accessories and watches off the street. Many, if not all of these items are copies and not the original thing. Don't get ripped!

 

[spanish steps]

This is the "Fifth Avenue" of Rome. In this neighborhood you will find many of the most famous designer houses as well as good restaurants, trattoria and a few cafeteria style cafes. This is popular area for the evening stroll, to go window shopping and perhaps have a glass of wine while enjoying the evening breeze.

Via Condotti - Gucci, Ferragamo and Valentinio.

Via Borgognona - Versace, Fendi, Ferre and Benetton.

Via della Croce - Shops and restaurants that are a bit more affordable than on the Via Condotti and Borgognona.

TIP! C.U.C.I.N.A., Via del Babuino, 118a. This fun shop offers contemporary and traditional housewares from Italy and Europe. At C.UC.I.N.A. you will find everything from tableware to cookware. Why not pick up one of those stovetop espresso makers for authentic Italian espresso at home?

[via del corso]

 

The Via del Corso is the major avenue running from north to south, from the Piazza Venezia to the Piazza del Poppolo. Unlike the neighboring 'designer heaven' streets near the Spanish Steps, the Corso offers all types of boutiques with prices which are more affordable and competitive. Shops here tend to be a bit younger and trendier. Good shopping lines the entire avenue with the best concentration from the Piazza Colonna to the Piazza del Poppolo.

La Rinascente, Via del Corso, at the Piazza Colonna - This is Rome's best department store. La Rinascente sells clothing and accessories for men, women and children. Prices are not cheap here, but they are reasonable. Rinascente carries a mix of private label and designer brands which are often less expensive then in department stores in other major European and American cities. http://www.rinascente.it

The Disney Store, Via del Corso, 216 - Check out the Rome branch of the popular U.S. favorite. For the Diz-noid in search of the latest Disney collectibles, the European branches of The Disney Store carry different product than their American cousin. By the way, the Italians don't cal that mouse character "Mickey Mouse", in Italy he is "Topolino".

Energie, Via del Corso, 407 - If your looking for "up to the minute" fashion, hot Italian jeans or cool eye-catching tops, Energie is the place. Energie carries all the latest trends for guys and gals in streetwear, clubwear and casual wear for the young or those who have the body to wear this stuff. If you are traveling to other European cities, such as Amsterdam or Munich, you may see Energie shops in the trendy shopping districts. Prices are a bit lower in Italy since this is an Italian based retail chain. Check out their cool websight. http://www.energie.it/

[piazza navona/pantheon]

The streets, piazzas and paths around the Piazza Navona are packed with numerous shops selling everything from Antiques to Alessi housewares. In the vicinity of Via Coronari you will find shops selling antiques, modern and traditional housewares. The best streets are the Via Coronari, Via Scorfa and Via Governo Vecchio.

On the streets around the Pantheon, there are numerous shops for souvenirs, collectibles and many other treasures.

[via cola di rienzo]

The Via Cola Rienzo is on the west side of the Tiber River away from the high fashion, trend and tourist traps of old Rome. It is easily reached by exiting the Piazza de Popolo on the west then crossing the Ponte Margherita. This is a typical Roman neighborhood with shops ranging from the supermarcto to clothing stores. You won't see any tourist souvenir stalls here.

Habitat, Via Cola di Rienzo, 197 - Open 3.30-7.30pm Mon; 10am-7.30pm Tue-Sat. This is the Italian branch of the famous housewares store from London. Habitat offers modern, functional housewares and domestics goods at decent prices. http://www.habitat.net