Shopping in Rome | A Guide to the Best Boutiques in the Eternal City
Imagine strolling through the cobble stone, sun-kissed streets of Rome. Endless side streets line the eternal city with hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered behind every turn. While Via Condotti is the main shopping street of the city for designer staples, you will find creative and unique pieces in other areas if you know where to venture. Navigating Rome can be made easier if you plan in advance, but be sure to leave some time to get lost in its ancient streets for a truly magical experience. Following are some of our favorite small businesses that uphold Italian standards of fine craftsmanship, attention to detail and aesthetic prowess:
Jewelry | Materie
Via del Gesu, 73
Local jewelry artisans craft unique and modern pieces at this boutique near the Pantheon. Common industrial materials are transformed into wearable art through expert craftsmanship and creative vision.
Perfume | Profumum
Via della Colonna Antonina, 30
Find a signature scent that will forever remind you of the eternal city. This airy boutique favors fine perfumes over mass produce scents. The shop also carries curated bath salts, body oils, hair products and soaps.
Homeopathic | Antica Erboristeria Romana
Via di Torre Argentina, 15
Since the 1700s, this location has served as a dispensary. The aged wood is imbued with the subtle fragrance of healing herbs. Explore homeopathic tonics, vitamins, ointments and teas for well-being. The knowledgeable staff can help guide you.
Children’s Clothing | Rachele
Vicolo del Bollo, 6/7
This charming boutique offers handmade clothing for children and babies. The Swedish designer and owner can often be found at her sewing machine, using natural fibers to craft cheerful and unique pieces for little ones.
Interior Design | Sciam
Via del Pellegrino 55
Colorful glassware from Egypt and Syria lines this beautiful shop near Campo Dei Fiori. An archway leads to an adjoining middle eastern café and restaurant from the same owner.
Eyewear | Mondello Ottica
Via del Pellegrino 98
Continue your treasure hunt at this beautiful optical shop with sophisticated style. Roasrio Mondella, dubbed the “priestess of eyeware” will help you select the perfect frames
Women’s Clothing | Piccoli Sorrisi
Via San Francesco a Ripa 60
Piccoli Sorrisi translates to little smiles. This woman’s clothing store offers apparel and accessories that are simple yet sophisticated. Beautiful natural fibers such as silk, linen and cotton produce high quality garments. Designers (and sisters) Paola and Simona Canali use signature ribbon to embellish dresses suits and handbags.
Men’s Clothing | FG Albertelli Roma
Genuine bespoke suits, jackets, shirts and ties are crafted at FG Albertelli. Shirts are cut by hand on the premises, without resorting to the use of machinery.
Bookstore | The Almost Corner Bookshop
Via del Moro 45
This friendly little bookstore is an institution in the cozy neighborhood of Trastevere. The English language bookshop serves nearby students of John Cabot University and visitors to Rome alike. Have a chat with the helpful owner Dermot O’Connell as you explore a wide range of fiction and nonfiction stories for all ages. Stop at this local bookshop to pick up some reading material for your continued travels.
Practical tips for Shopping in Italy
Generally, shops are open in Italy between the hours of 9:00am-1:00pm and 3:30pm-7:30pm, but each shop will vary. Most shops are closed on Monday morning. During the summer, hours can shift to 10:00am-2:00pm and 4:00pm-8:00pm. To avoid any disappointment, make sure to consider Italian holidays when shops may be closed and call in advance to be sure.
