Image: Last Call – Dolce & Gabbana , Fiumicino Airport, Rome
A trip to the Eternal City has to include some serious shopping – and these days that does not mean a quick trip to the Forum.
Combining sightseeing with shopping is easy in Rome – the main designer shopping district is around the Piazza di Spagna and Via del Corso, but designer shops and independent boutiques are dotted all over Rome. You may think you are on a sightseeing trip, but shopping diversions are plentiful!
On short breaks it is important not to waste a second – and there are shopping opportunities for everyone in Rome, even if you don’t have Beyonce’s bank balance.
Set off from Piazza di Spagna and head for Via del Babuino – you will find designer shops a plenty in the piazza and the Via del Babuino – think Pucci, Versace, Tiffany.
But bargain hunters will also find more affordable shops along the Via del Babuino, including outlet stores offering up to 70% off. Leather jackets and skirts, shoes and bags can be found at reasonable prices, along with cashmere bargains and silk scarves, dresses and shirts.
The Via del Babuino leads to the Piazza del Poplo – and after a morning’s browsing, coffee or lunch are on hand in the piazza.
Once you have supped, walk across the piazza to the start of Via del Corso – the perfect street to spend an afternoon dawdling in, as it offers a whole range of shopping opportunities, from modestly-priced shops like chain stores Piazza Italia and Zara, to independent boutiques, shoe stores and familiar brands like Kipling bags. Don’t miss home grown stores like leather specialist Florence Moon for bags, jackets, skirts and soft suede shawls.
It is also easy to deviate from Via del Corso to the designer stores on the Via Condotti – or the new Fendi store opening in December.
Wander off the Via del Corso to the Piazza Colonna and beyond, and you will soon find yourself immersed in a network of streets full of independent shops and some fabulous bargains. Remember to take comfy shoes – or just buy a new pair.
Visiting Rome with a man who hates shopping? Drag him off to the Trevi Fountain and park him, then head into Angelo’s shoes and bags for some bargain shoe hunting. Round the corner in Via del Lavatore is a branch of La Sella – great for leather presents and his or hers leather bags and wallets.
Or steer him along the Via del Plebiscito off the Piazza Venezia and deposit him in the renowned Erzinio delicatessen for a sandwich or to browse the vino, while you hotfoot it next door to Piazza Venezia – another reasonably-priced fashion boutique with some unique and quirky designs and purse-happy prices.
What to buy in Rome
Leather items, shoes, bags, leather jackets, cashmere, silk scarves, children’s clothes, men’s and women’s fashion items, stylish home wares, Merino glass, vino, cheese and chocolates.
And that’s just for starters!
Can’t get to Rome? For a long weekend in the Eternal City, download ROME ALONE free at Kindle Unlimited (or for just £1.99). Adult content and scenes of gelati, shopping and amore.
Buon viaggio!
Below: Fendi, Marella, Versace, Miu Miu, Pucci, Chanel, Florence Moon, Outlet store on Via del Babuino
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