WTI Magazine #72    2015 November 13
Author : italia.it      Translation by:

Rome is certainly one of the focal cities of Italian shopping tourism. Travelers love taking advantage of its innumerable shops and boutiques in between discoveries of magnificent monuments and cultural experiences. One of the Eternal City's most lusted-after areas is the so-called "Trident," formed by Via dei Condotti, Via Borgognona, Via Frattina and by the adjacent Spanish Steps: the Trident is perhaps the most high-end destination for Roman shopping, with a concentration of renowned jewelers and important Italian and international flagships and ateliers.

Those ready to revel in the city's exclusive boutiques will find Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Ermanno Scervino, Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Chanel, Tiffany, Bulgari, and so many others. Practically all the streets near the Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna), including the charming Via del Babuino that leads to Piazza del Popolo, are dedicated to high fashion and haute couture.

Those looking to window-shop rather than buy should traverse this district anyway, noting the window displays and monuments, and maybe even taking coffee in one of a few of Rome's oldest cafes, particularly Antico Caffè Greco.

If pricey is not your thing, trendy on a budget is the name of the game on the main thoroughfare of Via del Corso, which also hosts the Galleria Alberto Sordi or Galleria Colonna. Shoppers will like the mix of high and low here (think Guess and Pinko), and can browse through chains like Zara, H&M and Italian department store La Rinascente.

Be sure to check out the neighborhood around Campo de Fiori, where Via dei Giubbonari and Via del del Governo Vecchio are lined with a mix of small but locally well-known Roman designers, cult and international underground brands, and some secondhand stores.

Via del Boschetto, then, in the super boho chic Monti district, is tops for vintage lovers. Devotees of small, independent designers will also appreciate Monti for its original finds, whether in its quaint and cool shops or in the Sunday consignment market.

If you find yourself in Prati, just north of the Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica, check out Via Cola di Rienzo and Via Ottaviano. Otherwise, Via Appia Nuova is a huge (mostly low-end fashion bargains) shopping street neighboring the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano.