All You Need to Shop in Rome in 2025: The Ultimate Local Guide - Xplrverse

Introduction: Rome’s Shopping Scene in 2025

The first time I arrived in Rome’s Fiumicino Airport (FCO), I was overwhelmed by the shopping options in the Eternal City. I’d done minimal research, assuming I’d just wander into charming boutiques and come away with unique treasures. Instead, I got lost in tourist traps, overpaid for items I could have found for half the price elsewhere, and missed some of Rome’s most exceptional shopping districts. Fast forward to 2025, and after countless visits and actually living in Trastevere for six months last year, I’ve mastered the Roman shopping scene. The city has evolved dramatically post-pandemic, with new boutiques, revitalized markets, and shopping areas that many tourists never discover.

In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned—from the high-end fashion districts to the hidden flea markets where I still find treasures on my monthly visits. Whether you’re hunting for designer labels, authentic Italian crafts, or just everyday items during your stay, this guide will help you shop Rome like a local in 2025.

Understanding Rome’s Shopping Districts

Rome’s shopping landscape is divided into distinctive neighborhoods, each with its own character and specialties. Knowing where to go for what will save you time, money, and frustration.

The Spanish Steps & Via Condotti (Luxury Shopping)

This remains Rome’s premier luxury shopping area in 2025. The iconic Via Condotti stretches from the Spanish Steps and houses flagship stores of Italian fashion powerhouses like Gucci, Prada, and Valentino. The entire area known as the “Tridente” (including Via Borgognona and Via Frattina) is a haven for high-end shopping.

Insider Tip: Even if luxury shopping isn’t your goal, visiting this area is worth it for the people-watching. I like to grab a coffee at Antico Caffè Greco (Rome’s oldest café) on Via Condotti and watch the fashion parade go by—much cheaper than actually shopping here!

Via del Corso (Mid-Range & Fast Fashion)

This mile-long shopping street running from Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo is Rome’s main commercial artery. In 2025, it remains packed with international chain stores like Zara, H&M, and the Italian fast-fashion brand OVS, alongside mid-range Italian brands. The newly renovated Galleria Alberto Sordi shopping mall near Piazza Colonna is worth checking out for its beautiful architecture and decent shopping options.

Since 2023, Via del Corso has become more pedestrian-friendly with expanded sidewalks and reduced traffic hours, making the shopping experience much more pleasant than it was in previous years.

Monti (Independent Boutiques & Vintage)

My personal favorite shopping district in Rome! This once-working-class neighborhood between the Colosseum and Via Nazionale has transformed into Rome’s hippest shopping zone. Via del Boschetto and Via dei Serpenti are lined with independent boutiques, vintage shops, and artisan studios.

The 2024 city initiative to support local artisans has brought even more creative shops to Monti, with traditional craftspeople receiving subsidized rents to preserve Rome’s artisanal heritage. You’ll find gorgeous handmade leather goods, locally designed clothing, and unique jewelry you won’t see anywhere else.

Trastevere (Artisan Crafts & Unique Gifts)

While primarily known for its restaurants and nightlife, Trastevere has developed a fantastic shopping scene. The narrow streets branching off from the main thoroughfares hide artisan workshops where you can find leather goods, handmade papers, and unique ceramics. Via del Moro and Via della Lungaretta have some excellent boutiques.

Since living here in 2024, I’ve discovered that Sunday is actually the best shopping day in Trastevere, with many shops that are closed elsewhere in Rome remaining open to catch the weekend crowd.

Testaccio & Ostiense (Vintage & Alternative)

These formerly industrial areas have become hotspots for vintage and alternative shopping. The 2023 opening of the Mercato Testaccio’s dedicated vintage floor has made this area even more appealing for treasure hunters. Via Galvani and Via Giovanni Branca have some excellent vintage and second-hand shops where I’ve found designer pieces for a fraction of their original price.

Rome’s Best Markets for Shopping

No shopping guide to Rome would be complete without covering its markets. The market culture in Rome is vibrant, and these are the standouts in 2025:

Mercato di Porta Portese

Rome’s largest flea market continues to sprawl through the streets of Trastevere every Sunday morning. Arriving by 8 AM is still the secret to finding the best items before the crowds – a lesson I learned after three unsuccessful visits at midday. The market has undergone some organization improvements since 2023, with better signage dividing it into sections for clothing, antiques, housewares, and books.

Money-saving tip: Vendors are much more willing to negotiate at Porta Portese after 12:30 PM when they’re preparing to pack up. I’ve gotten items for 60-70% off the initial asking price during these final hours. Just remember to use the phrase “Può farmi uno sconto?” (Can you give me a discount?)

Mercato Monti

This weekend urban market in the Monti district showcases independent designers and vintage sellers. In 2025, it’s located in the stunning space at Via Leonina 46, having moved from its previous location. The quality here is consistently high, with everything from handmade jewelry to reworked vintage clothing.

Since 2024, they’ve added a “New Designers Corner” that features rotating pop-up shops from emerging Italian designers. I still cherish a leather bag I bought here from a young Roman designer for €85 that rivals pieces I’ve seen at ten times the price.

Nuovo Mercato Esquilino

This covered market near Termini Station is Rome’s most multicultural shopping destination. The food section is amazing for exotic ingredients, but many visitors miss the clothing and housewares section where you can find unique textiles, handmade baskets, and colorful clothing from around the world at very reasonable prices.

Mercato di Campagna Amica at Circo Massimo

This weekend farmers’ market isn’t just for food—though the produce is exceptional. Around the perimeter, you’ll find vendors selling handmade soaps, olive wood kitchen items, leather goods, and textiles made from Italian materials. The quality-to-price ratio here is excellent, especially for food-related souvenirs like olive oils and truffle products that are significantly cheaper than in tourist shops.

The Best Malls and Shopping Centers in Rome

When the weather doesn’t cooperate or you want one-stop shopping, Rome has several excellent malls and shopping centers. These have expanded significantly since the pandemic.

La Rinascente (City Center)

Rome’s premier department store received a complete renovation in 2022-2023 and now offers an even more upscale shopping experience. Located near the Trevi Fountain, the rooftop terrace provides gorgeous views while you take a shopping break.

The basement level houses a premium food hall that opened in late 2023, featuring artisanal Italian products and a champagne bar. It’s pricey but offers tax-free shopping for tourists (look for the “Tax Free Shopping” signs and ask for the necessary forms).

La Rinascente Departments	Best For	Price Range
Ground Floor	Cosmetics, Accessories	€€-€€€
Floors 1-3	Women’s Fashion	€€-€€€€
Floor 4	Men’s Fashion	€€-€€€€
Floor 5	Home Goods, Design	€€-€€€€
Floor 6	Food Hall & Restaurants	€€-€€€
Basement	Gourmet Food Market	€€-€€€

COIN Excelsior (Via Cola di Rienzo)

For a more moderately priced department store experience, COIN on Via Cola di Rienzo in the Prati district is my go-to. The 2024 redesign has improved the shopping experience with wider aisles and better organization. Their house brands offer good quality at reasonable prices, and they carry many Italian brands that are hard to find internationally.

Porta di Roma

Rome’s largest shopping mall is located in the northern outskirts of the city. With over 220 stores, it’s worth the trip if you’re a serious shopper. The new transport link added in 2024 has made reaching it much easier—the dedicated shuttle now runs from Termini Station every 30 minutes.

I was initially reluctant to venture outside the center for shopping, but this mall offers brands and prices you won’t find in central Rome. Their seasonal sales (January/February and July/August) offer the deepest discounts I’ve found in Rome.

Castel Romano Designer Outlet

Located about 25 km south of Rome, this outdoor mall features discounted designer goods. The selection of Italian leather goods is particularly good. In 2025, they’ve expanded with a new wing featuring more accessible Italian brands. The shuttle bus service from central Rome has improved significantly since 2023, with more frequent departures from the Termini Station area.

Money-saving insider tip: Visit the information desk when you first arrive and show your passport or foreign ID. Since 2024, they offer an additional 10% discount card for international visitors that works at most stores in the outlet.

Specialty Shopping in Rome

Beyond the main shopping districts and malls, Rome excels in specialty shopping categories that deserve particular attention:

Food Souvenirs & Gourmet Shopping

Food items make some of the best souvenirs from Italy, but tourist shops often sell overpriced, mediocre products. Here’s where locals actually shop for quality Italian food products:

Volpetti (Via Marmorata, 47) – My absolute favorite gourmet shop in Rome. Their balsamic vinegars, truffle products, and aged Parmigiano Reggiano are exceptional and priced about 30% less than similar quality items in tourist areas.
Eataly Rome – The multi-level gourmet emporium near Ostiense station has expanded its product range in 2025 to include more regional specialties. The prices are higher than local shops but lower than airport duty-free for similar products.
Castroni (Via Cola di Rienzo, 196) – This historic food shop carries everything from regional olive oils to obscure pasta shapes and international products. Their coffee selection is particularly outstanding.

Italian Fashion at Reasonable Prices

Not everyone can afford Via Condotti prices, but you can still find quality Italian fashion:

& Other Stories (Via del Corso) – Not Italian, but their Rome store carries exclusive items designed in their Italian atelier.
Subdued (Multiple Locations) – This Italian brand offers trendy clothes at Zara-like prices but with better quality.
Tiziano Guardini (Via del Boschetto, 3) – One of Italy’s most exciting sustainable fashion designers opened his first shop in Monti in 2024. His pieces aren’t cheap but represent the future of Italian fashion.

Artisanal Crafts & Souvenirs

Skip the tourist trap souvenir shops and look for these authentic artisanal items:

Bartolucci (Via dei Pastini, 96) – Handmade wooden toys and Pinocchio figures crafted in their workshop. I spent 20 minutes chatting with the craftsman who demonstrated how he carves each piece.
Gammarelli (Via di Santa Chiara, 34) – The Pope’s tailor since 1798 sells beautiful silk scarves, ties, and socks in ecclesiastical colors. A unique Roman souvenir!
Ai Monasteri (Via della Minerva, 21) – Sells products made in Italian monasteries, including incredible liqueurs, beauty products, and food items. The rose petal jam made by the nuns of Santa Rita monastery is mind-blowing.

Leather Goods

Italy is renowned for leather, and these are my favorite places to buy in Rome:

Armando Rioda (Via Fosso di Fiorano, 56) – This workshop in southern Rome requires an appointment, but their handmade leather bags are comparable to designer quality at one-third the price. Call ahead at +39 06 7182 4443.
Pelletteria Artigiana (Via del Pantheon, 66) – Despite its touristy location, this family-run shop offers quality leather goods at reasonable prices. I’ve bought several wallets here that have lasted for years.

Navigating Sales Seasons and Shopping Hours

Understanding when to shop is almost as important as knowing where to shop in Rome.

Sales Seasons

Rome has two major regulated sales periods:

Winter Sales (Saldi Invernali) – Begin the first week of January and last approximately 6 weeks. For 2025, they start on January 4th.
Summer Sales (Saldi Estivi) – Begin the first Saturday in July and last approximately 6 weeks. For 2025, they start on July 5th.

During these periods, you can find discounts ranging from 30-70% off. The best selections are available in the first week, but the deepest discounts come in the final weeks.

Money-saving insider tip: The few days BEFORE official sales often feature “private sales” for regular customers. If you visit shops and chat with staff a week before sales begin, they might invite you to these preview events. This has worked for me at smaller boutiques in Monti and Trastevere.

Shopping Hours

Roman shopping hours can be confusing for visitors. In 2025, many stores have extended their hours, but traditional patterns still exist:

Most shops: 10 AM – 7:30 PM, Monday through Saturday
Small family-owned shops: May close for riposo (afternoon break) from 1-4 PM
Sunday shopping: Shops in tourist areas and shopping malls are now open on Sundays, but many local shops remain closed
August: Many small shops close for 2-3 weeks. The exact dates vary, but the period around Ferragosto (August 15th) sees the most closures

The new Sunday market trend has been one of the biggest shopping changes in recent years. The emerging Sunday markets in Testaccio (first Sunday), Monti (second Sunday), and Trastevere (third Sunday) offer a fantastic shopping experience when many traditional shops are closed.

How to Get Tax Refunds on Your Shopping

One of my biggest shopping mistakes on my first Rome trip was not understanding the VAT refund process. If you’re a non-EU resident, you can get a refund of the 22% Value Added Tax (VAT) on purchases over €154.94 from a single store in a single day.

The Process in 2025

Ask for a “tax-free form” at the time of purchase. You’ll need to show your passport.
The new digital system implemented in 2024 allows many stores to issue electronic tax-free forms linked to your passport number.
When leaving the EU, you must validate your purchases. At Fiumicino Airport, this is now done at the automated kiosks in Terminal 3, which is much faster than the old system.
For paper forms, you’ll still need to visit customs for a stamp after checking bags but before security.
After validation, you can receive your refund:

At refund offices in the airport (they take a commission)
Via credit card refund (processed automatically with the new digital system)
By mail if you send in the validated form

Insider tip: The Global Blue refund office at FCO Airport often has long lines. The lesser-known Tax Refund office near Gate E has shorter waits and sometimes offers better rates. Also, the worst exchange rates are at the airport refund offices—opt for credit card refunds whenever possible.

Sustainable and Ethical Shopping in Rome

Sustainable shopping has grown tremendously in Rome since 2023. Here are some excellent options that are both environmentally friendly and often more affordable than conventional alternatives:

Vintage and Second-Hand

The vintage scene in Rome has exploded, with these standout shops:

Pifebo (Multiple locations) – Their kilo sales (where you pay by weight) can yield incredible deals. I found a vintage Max Mara wool coat for €25.
Mercatino Usato (Multiple locations) – These consignment shops are where Romans sell their used items. The Via Tuscolana location is particularly good for household items and Italian designer clothing at a fraction of retail prices.

Sustainable Italian Brands

Progetto Quid (Via dei Coronari, 14) – This social enterprise employs women from vulnerable backgrounds to create clothing from surplus textiles. Their colorful pieces are uniquely Roman and very affordable.
Regenesi (Via del Boschetto, 54) – Creates beautiful accessories from recycled materials. Their seatbelt bags and tire inner tube wallets make unique, eco-friendly souvenirs.

Money-saving sustainability tip: Most Roman vintage shops offer a 10-15% discount if you bring in an item to sell or exchange. Even tourist-friendly shops like Flamingo in Monti will give you credit for quality items, making your shopping even more affordable.

Tips for Negotiating and Finding the Best Deals

Romans expect some negotiation in certain shopping contexts, but there are unwritten rules to follow:

Where to Negotiate

Flea markets like Porta Portese (negotiating expected)
Independent antique shops (gentle negotiation acceptable)
Some independent boutiques for multiple purchases (polite inquiry about discounts possible)

Where NOT to Negotiate

Department stores and chain retailers
Food shops and supermarkets
High-end boutiques (except during private shopping appointments)

Negotiation Phrases in Italian

“Può farmi uno sconto?” (Can you give me a discount?) – Polite and direct
“Se prendo due, mi fa un prezzo migliore?” (If I take two, will you give me a better price?) – Great for multiple purchases
“È il prezzo migliore che può farmi?” (Is this the best price you can give me?) – Good follow-up question

Additional Money-Saving Tips

Ask about student discounts – Many Rome shops offer 10-15% off with international student ID
Check for tourist discount cards – The Roma Pass now includes shopping discounts at participating stores (marked with window stickers)
Look for “aperitivo shopping” events – Boutiques in Monti and Trastevere often host evening shopping events with complimentary prosecco and special discounts

Shopping Mistakes I’ve Made in Rome (So You Don’t Have To)

Learning from my errors will save you both money and frustration!

Mistake #1: Shopping Only in Tourist Areas

On my first trip, I bought a “handmade Italian” leather bag near the Spanish Steps for €180. Six months later, I found the identical bag in a local shop in Testaccio for €85 with better quality leather. Now I always venture into residential neighborhoods for better prices and authenticity.

Mistake #2: Not Checking Return Policies

Italian consumer laws are different from those in the US/UK. Many shops don’t offer refunds, only exchanges or store credit, and some small boutiques have no return policy at all. Always ask about “cambio” (exchange) and “rimborso” (refund) policies before purchasing. I learned this the hard way after buying shoes that were uncomfortable but non-returnable.

Mistake #3: Shopping at the Wrong Times

I once planned a dedicated shopping day during Ferragosto (August 15) only to find most local shops closed for the holiday. Similarly, arriving at markets at noon means you’ve missed the best merchandise. Now I shop markets before 9 AM and check holiday calendars before planning shopping days.

Mistake #4: Rushing Tax-Free Paperwork

I once lost a €95 VAT refund because I arrived at the airport too late to process my forms. Always allow at least 90 minutes before your flight for tax refund processing, especially during busy tourist seasons.

Conclusion: Your 5-Step Shopping Action Plan for Rome

After numerous shopping trips to Rome culminating in my 2025 visits, I’ve refined the perfect approach to shopping in the Eternal City without overspending or missing the best spots.

Your 5-Step Rome Shopping Action Plan

Plan by neighborhood: Divide your shopping by district rather than trying to cover the entire city in one day. Pair shopping areas with nearby attractions (e.g., Spanish Steps/Via Condotti in the morning, Trevi Fountain in the afternoon).
Start with local markets: Begin your shopping adventure at one of Rome’s markets to find unique items at the best prices. Schedule these early in your trip so you understand the price points and product quality before visiting more expensive shops.
Schedule specific shopping for sale seasons: If your trip coincides with the January or July sales, save your higher-end shopping for these periods. The first weekend of sales offers the best selection, while the third weekend often has the deepest discounts.
Create a tax-free strategy: Keep track of your spending and consolidate purchases to meet the minimum threshold (€154.94) at stores. Keep all documentation organized in a dedicated envelope and familiarize yourself with the refund process at FCO airport.
Build in buffer time: Allow yourself at least one “discovery day” with no specific shopping agenda. Some of my best Roman purchases came from stumbling upon shops in unexpected places. The side streets between Campo de’ Fiori and the Jewish Ghetto are particularly rich in undiscovered shops.

Rome’s shopping scene offers something for everyone—from luxury fashionistas to vintage hunters to food souvenir collectors. The city rewards curious shoppers who venture beyond the obvious spots and engage with local vendors. With this guide, you’re equipped to shop Rome like a savvy local rather than a one-time tourist.

Remember, the joy of shopping in Rome isn’t just about what you buy but the experiences you collect along the way. Some of my fondest memories involve conversations with shopkeepers, discovering family businesses that have operated for generations, and finding that perfect item that continues to bring a piece of Rome into my daily life long after I’ve returned home.

FAQs About Shopping in Rome

What are the typical shopping hours in Rome in 2025?

Most shops are open from 10 AM to 7:30 PM Monday through Saturday. Many smaller, family-run shops still observe the traditional afternoon closure (riposo) from roughly 1-4 PM, though this practice is becoming less common in tourist areas. Shopping centers and stores in major tourist districts now commonly remain open throughout the day and on Sundays.

When are the sales seasons in Rome?

Rome has two official sales periods: Winter sales begin the first week of January (January 4th in 2025) and summer sales start the first Saturday in July (July 5th in 2025). Both typically last about 6 weeks. These sales are regulated by the city government and offer genuine discounts, unlike some “sales” you might find year-round in tourist shops.

Is it worth shopping at Fiumicino Airport (FCO)?

The shopping at FCO has improved dramatically since 2023. Terminal 3’s luxury section now features most major Italian brands, and the prices for cosmetics and liquor are sometimes better than in the city (though fashion items are typically more expensive). The duty-free shops are good for last-minute food gifts like packaged pasta, olive oils, and chocolates. If you have time before your flight, it’s worth browsing.

How does the tax refund process work at FCO Airport?

For purchases over €154.94 at participating stores, non-EU residents can reclaim the 22% VAT. Get the tax-free form at the time of purchase, then have it validated at FCO before departure. The new automated kiosks in Terminal 3 have streamlined this process significantly. After validation, you can get your refund at the refund offices or have it credited to your card. Allow at least 90 minutes before your flight for this process during busy seasons.

What’s the best day for shopping at markets in Rome?

Sunday is the premier market day, with Porta Portese (Rome’s largest flea market) operating only on Sunday mornings. Saturday is the second-best market day, with food markets and the artisanal Mercato Monti in full swing. For the least crowded experience, visit the permanent food markets like Testaccio Market on weekday mornings.

Is bargaining acceptable in Rome’s shops?

Bargaining is expected at flea markets like Porta Portese and with street vendors. It’s acceptable but more subtle in antique shops and some independent boutiques (especially for multiple purchases). Use phrases like “Può farmi uno sconto?” (Can you give me a discount?). However, fixed prices are the norm in department stores, chain retailers, and high-end boutiques.

What are the most unique souvenirs to buy in Rome?

Beyond the usual magnets and keychains, consider: artisanal food products from monasteries, hand-tooled leather items from independent workshops in Monti, vintage Italian fashion magazines from the specialized vendors at Porta Portese market, or traditional stationery and writing instruments from the historic shops around the Pantheon like Cartoleria Pantheon.

How can I find authentic Italian fashion at reasonable prices?

Look beyond the luxury districts to neighborhoods like Monti, Prati (especially Via Cola di Rienzo), and Testaccio for mid-range Italian brands. Department stores like COIN carry quality Italian clothing at moderate prices. For designer items at discounts, visit during the official sales periods or take a trip to Castel Romano Designer Outlet. Vintage shops like Flamingo in Monti offer authentic Italian vintage at reasonable prices.