Shopping – All our local tips

Red carpet, please! When you enter this bookstore you will feel like you have just stepped in Hollywood, Cinecittà or any movie set theater. From a €0.50 postcard to a €2,500 autographed photo book, everything on sale here is exclusive. Magnets, DVDs, books, original posters, vintage and modern, some pieces are rare and unique, such as special collection films, blow-ups by Michelangelo Antonioni, Andy Warhol’s Vinyl or The Chelsea Girls, or other limited edition pack of films at excellent prices starting from €9.99, including rarities like The Bad Lieutenant with Harvey Keitel.

Art and photography are connected to the movie jet set biz. Gigantic books published by Taschen are one of the unique items of this store: When I was a child I sat on my father’s lap during a boxing match with Champion Cassius Clay, later converted himself to Muhammad Ali.

An autographed photo book about his life on and off the ring is on sale for €3,000, a book of very special dimensions: 50cm per 50cm. You can find other mega books with Leni Riefenstahl, David LaChapelle and Jeff Koons pictures worth €2.500. Underground, recherché books and videos are a must for people that love movies

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AltroQuando | Shopping | DVD € 9.99
via del Governo Vecchio 80 | City center | +39066879825
10:30 – 01:30 daily

Vintage bijoux and other 1960/70s objects such as hair grips and claws and accessories, armchairs, lamps, chandeliers and other pieces of furniture. I highly recommend you to visit this shop. You may want to take back home a piece of History.

Raffaella Poncini is a refined lady and a born antiquarian. She has lived among rare and precious objects since she was a child and she has created a successful career thanks to her family heirlooms and her innate knowledge and passion for ancient art and archeology. A life dedicated to deep and attentive study on fine art. “Things that are able to survive through centuries and different epoques can be easily adaptable to our everyday modern lifestyle and homes, hence they continue on living forever”, Raffaella told me when I first visited her art gallery shop. With a big smile on her elegant face she showed me around, explaining details and history of each piece: I was struck by a dainty 17th century night-table with a precious craquelure and the vintage bijoux by US designers such as Jomaz, Shreiner and Kenneth J. Lane who made jewelry for Jackie Kennedy and Hollywood stars. In the picture, a collection of vintage bijoux, including 1970s Chanel necklaces.

It is stirring to see an ancient piece survive and resuscitate after having gone through the sufferings of life.”Sometimes I find objects that have been mistreated and kept in dark dusty cellars, and by restoring them I bring them around”, Raffaella’s eyes brighten when she explains that each object in her shop is carefully chosen and delicately repaired. All is absolutely original and certified.

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Antiqueria | Art & culture, Shopping | Vintage earrings € 40.00
Via Flaminia vecchia 666 | Parioli & Flaminio | +393316362042
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 19:30

Fabiola runs it. She is one of the most adorable people in this old Roman neighborhood.

Why not buy an Italian book to take back home as a cultural souvenir?

At the bar counter, the list of wines by the glass is not much of a great variety I must admit, but they are good at least. The food is homemade: cous cous, vegetable quiches and pies, tarts and little pizzas, sandwiches mostly vegetarian and many other snacks including cakes at times.

People who hang out here are mostly intellectual-radical type of individuals. The furniture is totally random, although I believe it has been chosen with a method that looks like not being one. It is vintage like the neighborhood. Post World War II kind of design, just like most of the buildings that have been either rebuilt or restored after the neighborhood was completely shelled by US aircrafts during the harshest conflict. Now, it is considered one of the trendy-bohemian areas in town.

If you want to do as the Romans do, this is one of the real Roman places to pick.

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Bar-à-book | Bars, Shopping, Snacks | Drink including buffet food € 10.00
via dei Piceni 23 | S.Lorenzo & Pigneto | +390696043014
Tue – Sun 16:00 – 01:30 | Oct – May: Brunch on Sun 12:00 – 16:00

Bella Calzature is a shoe shop and therefore loved by many women. The store is in the north part of the city so in theory it should be less crowded. But the store is so popular that people are attracted like bees to honey, especially during sales season (in January-February and June).

I went there during the winter sales started and stayed there for a long time since there was so much to choose from and I could not decide which pair of shoes to bring home with me.

After a very difficult decision (if you are a woman that loves shopping you will understand how hard the decision is), I picked two cool boots; one brown and one black so that they matched anything that I have in my closet.

I come back here often, even if there are no sales going on just because of all the different shoes to decide from, it is like a shoe heaven and I always leave with a new pair!

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Bella Calzature | Shopping | Boots on sale € 35.00
Piazza dei Giureconsulti,38 | Vatican & Prati | +390666000213
Mon 16:00 – 20:00, Tue – Sat 10:00 – 12:00 & 16:00 – 20:00

Elido and Rossana are a lovely couple, husband and wife coworkers. They own a chic tailor boutique specialized in handmade suits and shirts. But you can also find ties, scarves, belts and other elegant accessories for men and bespoke women suits as well. Elegant cotton fabric is also on sale if you want to have your shirts made by your own tailor, otherwise Rossana will create one for you starting from €240. I had a wonderful navy blue suit made here and every time I wear it people recognize its exclusive material and style.

This store is famous worldwide. Celebrities, politicians, religious and ordinary people that appreciate quality and class are devoted customers. Many tourists however come back to visit Ettore, a friendly white English bulldog who stood at the door welcoming the clientele. He has died some years ago. When I used to pass by with my moped he would hop on to have a ride around the neighborhood. He was like a son to the owners, abundantly graceful, dignified and poised and was the main attraction of the street. I miss him so much. He was a friend.

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Camiceria Mattioli | Shopping | Bespoke men shirt € 240.00
via della Stelletta 30 | City center | +39066873359
Mon – Sat 09:30 – 19:30

In times like these, when world capitalism is being questioned ever more so, an interesting place to visit is the Città dell’Altra Economia. This is an entire cultural center devoted to the promotion of an alternative type of economy: organic agriculture, fair trade, renewable energies, reuse and recycling, responsible tourism, and ethical finance.

CAE was inaugurated in September 2007 during the administration of Rome’s former mayor Walter Veltroni. It is located in a portion of Rome’s former slaughterhouse and cattle market in Testaccio. The buildings have been completely renovated so as to be eco-compatible and sustainable.

Within the center, you will find a “bio-restaurant” serving only organic food, a “bio-coffee shop” serving espresso, cappuccino and teas from fair trading partners, a fair-trade natural foods store as well as a reuse and recycle store selling objects and works of art made from recyclables.

There are also representatives from companies operating in the renewable energies, responsible tourism, and ethical finance sectors available to provide information and services. Last but not least, there is an “open communication” section focusing on the use of technologies and free-license software to foster the sharing of knowledge across peoples.

CAE offers a series of events, including book presentations, readings, concerts and fairs. Be sure to check CAE’s website regularly or subscribe to its newsletter. The bio-bar offers a Euro 5 after-hours “aperitivo” on Friday evenings from 19:30 – 21:30. The bio-restaurant offers a Euro 20 special three-course organic meal deal on Sundays at lunch.

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Citta’ dell’Altra Economia | Coffee & tea, Relaxing, Shopping, Restaurants (Organic)
Largo Dino Frisullo | Testaccio & Ostiense | +393488059332
Tue -Sat 10:00 – 20:00, Sun 10:00 – 19:00

Via Sistina is a street filled with shops and a theatre, it is conveniently located in the heart of Rome and reachable either by METRO A-Barberini stop or via the Spanish Steps. At the middle of the street you, at Via Sistina 22, can find a tiny jewelry store called Cotton Club. It’s right in front of the Sistina Theatre.

They have a lot of silver and gems such as amber. You can either buy for yourself or as great classy gifts to bring back. The store is very tiny but it is definitely worth it, make sure to check out their own production section as you will find great creative pieces.

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Cotton Club | Shopping
Via Sistina 22 | City center | +39064870698
Winter Mon – Sat 10:00 – 20:00 | Summer 10:00 – 20:00 daily

I believe shopping is an investment and night shopping is fun.

This store is also open in the evening and till late at night four days a week. If you are strolling around the piazza Navona area you should walk to this hi-tech shop where you can find design kitchen accessories, small furniture, cute original gifts to bring back home.

It is specialized in wine glasses, decanters, wine portable coolers and other technical utensils and equipment, for example, tools to measure wine temperature. I bought plates, spoons and forks and various kitchen and house implements, hardware in general, also particular gadgets that make my home fun, colored, lively, fashionable and stylish.

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DcubeDesign | Shopping
Via della Pace 38 | City center | +39066861218
Mon – Wed 11:00 – 21:00

Something in between an hair saloon and a concept store, Paliotta Hair is must if you want to indulge into a real treat!

Located near Campo de’ Fiori, it offers to its guests far more than just a perfect hair fix: from clothing to accessories, from a collection of international magazines to russian reknown Kusmi teas, in their colorful, fancy metal boxes. And don’t forget to take with you one of the imported products containing cannabis and caviar: looks like they are the real best on the market for an healty scalp and glorious hair!

P.S. Giuseppe’s pet, Nuvola, is part of the decoration, and the overall experience!

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Giuseppe Paliotta Hair Saloon | Coffee & tea, Relaxing, Shopping
PIazza della Cancelleria, 70 | City center | +39066869154
Tue – Sat 10:00 -18:00

Time of “granita” again”!

What is the “granita di caffè”, you will ask? Well, take their espresso (rumored to be the best in the city, unless you prefer their bitter rival, Caffè Sant’Eustachio. I don’t.), add ice and basically it, somehow, becomes this frozen yet soft blend that is just delicious… you must try it.

Many claim “granita” is more appropriate having during the warm season…forget about it, it’s good all year around! Anyway, the warm season has arrived in Rome and, now…there is NO excuse for anyone coming to Rome not making a stop here!

It is best served with fresh whipped cream; here they are sooo good to make that, too. Very indulgent. But you can always claim you need some caffeine to keep with the jetleg, or the Rome jet-set you may meet by strolling down the streets surroundings this Caffè. Get one, and get happy.

Ah, before I forget: the espresso and cappuccino are equally worth your visit! During the hot season you may want to try the shakerato (iced coffee mixed with sugar and crushed ice, shaken until it becomes thick and frothy).

Coffee ground on-site is available for purchase and can be shipped worldwide.

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Gran Caffè Tazza d’Oro | Coffee & tea, Shopping | Granita con panna € 2.50
Via degli orfani 84 | City center | +39066792768
Mon – Sat 07:00 – 20:00

A small glass door that opens on a sleek, chinese corner. Maybe the best in town. Elegant, quiet, intimate and…delicious!

Green T is very different from any other Chinese restaurant in town. Expensive too, for anyone used to stuff him/herself with just a couple of notes.

During lunchtime they have a fixed menu that ranges from 8 euro (quick meal) to 17 euro (fish menu), it also offer an “a la carte” menu, with deli from all around China.

It’s open at lunch & dinner time (12.30-15.00; 19.30-24.00), it also offer tea, Chinese design objects, books, clothing, and a very special experience.

P.S. perfect for a date!

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Green T | Coffee & tea, Shopping, Restaurants (Chinese) | Lunch from € 8.00
Via Piè di Marmo, 28 | City center | +39066798628
Mon – Sat 12:30 – 15:00 & 19:30 – 00:00

THE NEW SPRING/SUMMER COLLECTION IS COMING SOON! And the previous one is still there, equally nice!

This time my selection isn’t a location, not only, at least. It goes straight to a person. His name is Gilbert El Halaby, he is Lebanese and he’s damn good at designing bags, jewels, bijoux and any other accessory you may think of to lift up your look! Kind and charming, he made is dream come true by opening a shop of fashion accessories in the very heart of the Italian capital, just a few steps away from the Pantheon, in the narrow Via del Seminario.

His creations are still affordable, yet absolutely unique, with a top end flavour that can lift any girl’s mood instantly. The perfect gift from Rome for your dearest one!

The shop itself is a real gem: interior design and décor, again by Gilbert, attracts you in like a mermaid song (and let you wonder if the furniture and decorations are on sales, too – yes, some are!)

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Halaby | Art & culture, Shopping | From € 10.00
Via del Seminario | City center
10:00 – 19:30 daily

Il Papiro is a neat bookstore next to my house in the north area of Rome. I like to come here because they have a vast selection from the new bestsellers to any genre you can find. I am an avid and fast reader so I like to come and check out the books and I always find something such as thrillers, mystery and real life stories, plus I like the feel I get when I enter the store it has a nice feel to it and very relaxed with bar stools in front of the registrar and in the back a nice little corner for children.

I also was able to buy different books for my ninety four old grandma who loves to read mystery novels and was also satisfied with the readings! The owners, which are brothers, are very friendly and helpful too if you cannot find what you are looking for they will go out of their way to get it.

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Il Papiro | Art & culture, Shopping | Mystery Novel Book € 9.40
Via Cassia 901/G | Cassia & Montemario | +390630316424
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 13:00 & 16:00 – 20:00

Every woman knows how important it is to wear a comfortable bra. Wear the wrong one and, by the end of the day, you will know the true meaning of torture.

Many women, however, also don’t want to trade-off style and aesthetics for comfort. Bras are the quintessential garment to feel feminine. It is pleasant when you wear something appealing and stylish. And what better place to find stylish, fashionable underwear than in Rome?

For both these reasons, comfort AND style, you should visit Riccardo’s lingerie store. Who is Riccardo? Riccardo is a 37-year-old guy who is truly an expert in lingerie. Why? He’s been immersed in bras and underwear since he was a teenager. His mom, Jole, owned a little lingerie store and, as is typical here in Italy, kids help out in the family business. One may have thought that gender would have been an obstacle but this has not been the case. Riccardo’s competence has grown over the years and, now, he runs his mom’s small, cluttered, unpretentious shop and gives his aficionado customers all sorts of advice.

After listening to his customer’s needs, he recommends the models he thinks are most appropriate for one’s size, shape and tastes. Needless to say, narrowing down the choice in the end will be difficult simply because his suggestions will have been so right on target. To renew your lingerie, for a great shopping experience and to dismiss old gender stereotypes, go shopping at Riccardo’s.

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Jole Shop | Shopping | A bra € 30
Via Emanuele Filiberto 227 | City center | +390670492626
Mon – Sat 09:30 – 13:30 & 16:00 – 20:00

At first sight, as the store’s name suggests, you would think that you are entering a normal store selling household and kitchen items.

In reality, though, Kitchen is something more. It is the ideal place for both the cooking buff and the perfectionist. While having different needs from those of a professional cook, both seek the most suitable tools to give free reign to their passion and creativity.

While the store isn’t very big, you will be able to find many useful items that you never knew existed, or whose function you will not immediately understand.

In addition to odd chestnut roasters and futuristic salinity measurers, you will find beautiful aluminum Agnelli cookware, copper pots, woks made of a good half centimeter of iron, practical and durable salad-spinners, bizarre-shaped tools to separate egg yolks from egg whites, knives, dishes, glasses, kitchen towels… the list is simply too long! All this is offered with an eye towards design. This makes a simple saltshaker an object that is worthy of being shown off on your table.

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Kitchen | Shopping
Viale degli Ammiragli 10-12 | Vatican & Prati | +390668802244
Mon- Sat 09:30 – 13:00 & 15:30 – 19:30

Le Terre di AT is Angela Torcivia’s pottery boutique where I have bought charms and necklaces, vases and cups and I am sure you can find the object that you might be looking for. I like stopping here also just to have a chat with Angela, who is a very pleasant artist.

Her art is modern yet combining ancient shapes. Objects of different colors, for every kind of taste. Ceramic jewels, teapots, dishes, bowls and many different original items, including sculptures and pieces to hang on your wall or to beautifully decorate your home.

If you want something made specifically for an occasion or any particular article, such as tiles or pavements, or even a little bijoux, just ask. It will take a while, of course, because everything is handmade, with love and passion.

You can also find many creative artistic pieces made with the Raku technique, very Zen and Japanese, asymmetric and irregular, unpredictable and random, hence just like the neighborhood where her art studio-gallery is located. Now and then, she organizes courses:raku and do-in days.

Her mobile telephone number is +3906491748.

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Le Terre di AT | Art & culture, Shopping | teapot+cup € 30.00
via degli Ausoni 13 | S.Lorenzo & Pigneto | +393406916969
Mon – Sat 16:00 – 20:00

Italian pop singers and actors buy wine here. Rome’s top class hotels order cases of different kind of wine and champagne here for their clientele. And, I buy wine and delicacies here, too. You can find what you want, all kinds of wines from all over the world, from everyday wine at reasonable prices and good quality, to exclusive €2000,00+ a bottle wine.

I came here the first time for a wine tasting, rather a champagne tasting: three vintages by Veuve Clicquot, my favorite French Champagne. There is a little space indoor and outdoor dedicated to these events. You can compare a number of wines and judge the quality by tasting it yourself or be guided by an expert.

Wine, obviously served in appropriate wineglasses and at the right temperature, will come along with tarts and matching finger food that best exalts its taste. The most precious wine is kept in wine coolers and cellars.

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Lucantoni | Shopping | a tin box of gianduiotti € 10.00
largo Vigna Stelluti 33 | Parioli & Flaminio | +39063293743
10:00 – 13:00 & 16:30 – 19:30 daily

Every third Saturday of the month, there is a small farmers’ market in the San Paolo neighborhood. Here, you will find organic vegetables, bread, jams and honey, soap and lotions.

In the food section, one of my favorites is Vittorio’s vegetable spreads stall.
I stumbled across this stall by chance, some time ago with a friend and remember the fun we had trying the different samples. “Try the broccoli spread, it’s great!”. “No, you try the eggplant, olive and peppers spread! This is simply delicious!” We went back and forth for quite some time and truly had a difficult time narrowing down the choice to select only a few to buy. Now, I am an loyal customer. In addition to making great gifts, these vegetable creams are a useful resource to have in your cupboard when hungry guests unexpectedly show up at your door. They can be used as bruschetta topping but also as condiment for pasta or risotto.

Vittorio’s farm is located in the southern part of the Lazio region, in the area around Cassino. He produces these small jars of pleasure with truly high quality ingredients. Here is a list of some of my favorite spreads: artichokes, broccoli, eggplant, hot chili peppers (truly hot!!), zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, olives and nuts, and porcini mushrooms.
Oh, one last thing: I forgot to mention that Vittorio’s jams and preserves are also excellent. I recently tried his hot chili (peperoncino) jam -sweet and hot at the same time. Simply delicious.

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Mercatino Contadino di San Paolo | Shopping | One for € 5.00
Via Valeriano 3 F | Testaccio & Ostiense | +390659648311
The third Sat of the month 10:00 – 17:30

This is a historical market that has its origins in the early 1970’s. It is located near a wonderful Church: The Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano. I like coming here because of the variety of things that you can find and great deals on clothes that are made with good quality material. If you are in the market for some leather jackets at a reasonable price here is the place to go and remember to negotiate a little for a better price!

Here you can buy fishing equipment, clothes from all seasons all for really low prices.

To reach the Mercatino you can take the Metro A and get off at S.Giovanni

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Mercatino di Via Sannio | Shopping | belt € 5.00
Via Sannio | City center
Mon – Fri 08:00 – 13:00, Sat 08:00 – 18:00

The New York Times once offered it as the ‘best money saving tip’ for Rome when visiting the Eternal City on a budget. But I think you should visit the Esquilino market (better known as the Piazza Vittorio market) not only for its cheap groceries, but also to witness Rome’s slow progression into a multicultural city, catering to the diverse needs of immigrants.

The market used to be one of Rome’s most important and traditional markets. It was located outdoors at the center of Piazza Vittorio and used to be run mostly by Italian –or rather Roman- vendors. As the Esquilino district evolved into a largely immigrant neighborhood, (it is now seen as Rome’s Chinatown), the market was moved indoors in a former milk plant just east of the piazza, and its vendors, as well as its shoppers, are now almost exclusively immigrants.

The Esquilino market is an interesting place to visit to immerse yourself in an exotic atmosphere. Here, you will be able to puzzle at the odd shapes of some vegetables; you will be overpowered by the bright colors and strong smells of spices; you will be frazzled by the din of a multitude of different languages.

Mostly, after having purchased 26 different types of rice and an equally high number of different spices, you will have had a different experience of the ever-evolving Eternal City.

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Mercato di Piazza Vittorio | Shopping |
Via Principe Amedeo | City center
Mon – Sat 07:00 – 14:00

Just like Robert Neville in I am Legend, I seem to be immune to the virus afflicting many women: the shoe craze -the irresistible urge to buy shoes of every kind at any moment of the day and fill your closets with them. Yet, I am sympathetic to the Imelda Marcos urges that overcome some of my best friends.

Thus, many a Saturday morning is spent in the shoe corner of the Testaccio market. Here, you will be able to buy designer shoes at bargain prices. Why? Supposedly, these are shoes ‘da campionario’ (from samples, trade shoes). I simply think they probably buy large stocks at special prices.

In any case, Saturday morning is when the market stalls replenish with new merchandise and so you will have more of a choice and higher probabilities of finding your shoe-size. You also have to be ready to battle with similarly crazed women, who have to get their shoe-fix for the day. This, of course, happens between 7:30 and 8:30 am. So long for taking it easy and sleeping in on the weekend.

The shoe stalls are only a section of the Testaccio market, which is also a good place to go grocery shopping. So, if you are allergic to shoes, don’t worry, there is plenty to look at while your friend/s satisfy their shoe craze.

Saturday morning is the recommended time to do shoe shopping for the novelties and the variety but the shoe stands are open everyday during market hours.

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Mercato di Testaccio | Shopping
Piazza Testaccio | Testaccio & Ostiense
Mon – Sat 07:00 – 13:00

Once you’ll get to know Misty Beethoven and Ornella, owner and manager, you won’t regret to have missed that exhibition or that monument…

If you are in the mood for love, sensuality and an insight into your most secret desires, you cannot miss a visit to this shop. Actually, I feel uncomfortable call it just “shop”, as there’s so much to Misty than just items on sale.

It is all about vision, sensuality, dream and self-awareness. Step in and boost your self-esteem and your self-confidence: just any girl should – at least once! – wear those sexy Vivienne Westwood leather boots or that Agent Provocateur lingerie. Ornella carefully selects only what she likes the most; she loves to make sure guests can enjoy what’s better for them, from latex outfit by Atsuko to lace corsets or perfumes, scented candles or massage oils…

The shop is a little gem by itself. Bold colors and leopard print decorated the walls whilst lingerie, erotic bijoux and sex toys are just left around, on the velvet couch or coming out from the drawers with apparent nonchalance, as it was a lovers’ bedroom…Occasionally, Ornella runs Burlesque and strip tease lessons, dj set, sensual aperitivo and special events. Check out the website for more info!

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Misty Beethoven | Shopping | Free
Via degli Zingari, 12 | City center | +39064881878
Mon 16:00 – 20:00, Tue – Sat 11:00 – 20:00

Monello Accessories is a tiny shop in the Appia area and it is easily reached by the subway at the Furio Camillo stop. I stumbled upon this store with a friend and as soon as I saw the items they had in the exposition window, I immediately fell in love with it.

The prices of the store are competitive especially since they are not in at too touristy side of the city. The store is very unique and has a lot of different accessories; in particular with the colors that are in fashion now the purple and the pinks but of course you will find classic colors such as black and beige. My friend bought herself a cool black and white ring, and I went a few days later again and I got a small speedy purse and purple dangling earrings with less than 20 Euros! And I got a lot of compliments on the earrings too.

This is definitely a cute little store to go visit.

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Monello Accessories | Shopping | Dangling earrings € 5.50
via Appia Nuova 444 | Appio Tuscolano
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 20:00

I cannot stand Italian soccer, its players and all the fuss around it, but I like watching football matches in England and Germany, because the players appear to be real athletes and not protagonists of the jet set. Apart from the game itself, I am fond of all the soccer outfits and uniforms, badges, emblems, scarves, caps and gadgets.

This small, cute museum-like store, with a floor that looks like a soccer field in miniature, sells soccer items, including old traditional emblems of each Italian team. The coat of arms are made in Italy, of course, in the Marche region which is famous for making heraldic and symbolic objects made of marble and alabaster. Cost: €60.

Soccer shirts cost €65. Even if you are not a fan of any football team it is fun and trendy to wear one of these original shirts. I like the colors of Great Britain’s teams: Arsenal, Manchester, Liverpool, and one of my favorite is Italy’s Lanerossi Vicenza. You can also go for the “Azzurri” Italy’s national team shirt, from the black one worn only once in 1938, to the 1982 shirt when Dino Zoff was the goalkeeper, till nowadays. Caps for €20 and vintage shoes are also a good idea for a gift.

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Old Soccer | Shopping | Soccer shirt € 65.00
via di Ripetta, 30 | City center | +39063219448
10:00 – 20:00 daily

This is a great place for bargain shopping.

You can stay here as long or little as you want, depending on how much you like shopping in markets.

Here you can find anything from children’s shoes to shirts, jeans and bags and to fruits!

A lot of the items are real name brands for really low prices, sometimes as low as € 1.00 per item.

I like starting the day here around 08:00, when it is still not packed with people and do some shopping and catching up with friends.

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Olimpico | Shopping | shirt € 1.00
Piazza Gentile da Fabriano | Parioli & Flaminio
Fri 08:00 – 13:00

Thinking about a souvenir to carry home? Instead of going bankrupt with expensive designers goods or going tacky with plastic Colosseum reproduction, why not thinking about some pasta? It will leave your dearest happy, and you too if you manage to be treated for dinner, then…

Pastateca is the latest positive vibe in the pasta business in town. A fantastic place for those who are passionate for eating well, with original products that come from all over the country.

There is not only an infinite variety of pasta, also hand-made but also a large selection of high quality olive oils, pesto, sundried tomatoes, conserves, honey, dried mushrooms, truffles cream,.

If needed, your purchases can be vacuum packed, so that the items you are buying for your travel back will hit home safely. Clients are welcomed with appreciation and full attention, and the staff is always ready to advice you or recommend the b

est products to suit your preferences.

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Pastateca | Shopping | Free
Via della Vite, 44-45 | City center
0645491431

Ponte Milvio is one the most ancient bridges of Rome. It was built on a point where the ancient roads Via Cassia and Via Flaminia joined to allow to cross the river Tiber.

The bridge is famous for 3 reasons: the first is that every Sunday in the area under the bridge and along the Tiber there’s a big market of antique stuff; the second is that, on the tower of the bridge there’s a door which you can use to go upstairs and visit the inside exposition, which changes very often and is not advertised anywhere.

The third and most known reason of the importance of Ponte Milvio is that’s the place of roman lovers! After the roman author Federico Moccia wrote his book “Tre metri sopra il cielo” in 1992 and published only in 2004, where the protagonists promise themselves eternal love locking a padlock on the central lamp of the bridge and throwing the key in the Tiber.

Many young Romans and people from other parts of Italy have come here to lock their padlocks to the central lamp of the bridge and to promise eternal love.

This loving ritual was so successful that in 2007 the lamp broke in the middle and fell down for the excessive weight of the padlocks!!! Nowadays the broken lamp was replaced with new lamp and now is forbidden to lock padlocks to the lamp, but just in front of it there is a long chain where you can lock your padlock and promise eternal love to your sweetheart….

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Ponte Milvio | Art & culture, Shopping
Ponte Milvio | Parioli & Flaminio
24 hours daily

In the heart of Ponte Milvio there’s a brand new mall. The “originality” of this shopping mall is the fruit, vegetables and meat markets. These markets used to be on the streets and have been there for decades but with the opening of the mall they have been transferred inside. So rain or shine, people can still go grocery shopping and do some personal shopping as well.

During the summer it is nice because the mall is air conditioned, and during the winter months it will be a nice distraction from the rain. The first time I ran into the mall was during the atrocious heat in the month of August. A friend and I had a drink and did some nice shopping in the mall nearby.

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Ponte Milvio Mall | Shopping | Cotton pants € 25.00
Via Riano 15 | Parioli & Flaminio
10:00 – 20:00 daily

This is the most famous flea market in Rome; it is an enormous market that extends from Portuense to Via Ippolito Nievo (a parallel of Trastevere).

Here you can find absolutely everything, from clothes to bicycles to furniture. You can find anything that you (don’t) need, from second-hand painting to antique books published in the 19th century in the about 4000 stands that it holds. Here you can actually barter for a better price too.

Make sure to go early before it gets too crowded. I like to go once a month to bargain shop on a nice Sunday morning.

To reach it you can take Metro B to Marconi then the 170 bus or Metro B to Piramide and then take the 280 bus.

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Porta Portese | Shopping | painting € 15.00
Piazzale Portuense to Viale Trastevere | Trastevere
Sun 07:00 – 13:00

Ilaria Venturini Fendi, from the Fendi family, and her creativity are behind this project. Run by Carmina Campus, it is aimed to make bags, accessories, furniture and design objects by using rejected materials or re-use existing ones.

They are not reconverted through industrial processes, which would imply the use of chemical agents. Every type  of material is considered (…) and worked by expert italian hands. Its original use is forgotten and brand new, beautiful objects come to life.

Carmina Campus and RE(f)USE are an excellente example of sustainable, yet incredibly chic shopping. Every object is designed and realized by italian artisans, and is an absolute jewel. May you be thinking of taking some design pieces back home, do not miss a stop at the shop!

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RE(f)USE | Art & culture, Shopping
Via Fontanella Borghese, 40 | City center | +390668136975
11.00-19.00

Freshly made tortellini, ravioli, fettuccine, gnocchi, lasagne, cannelloni, and crepes. This is what you can find at Renzo e Lucia’s, a fresh pasta shop in the San Paolo-Garbatella area.

There are lots of fresh pasta shops around Rome but what makes Renzo e Lucia so special is that their pasta is really, truly damn goood!! Additionally, it is also a rather good value for the money.

Quality foods are not hard to come by in Italy but sometimes they might as well be sold in a jeweler’s store. At Renzo e Lucia, instead, quality meets good value. This is so evident that people from all over Rome come to shop here.

At Christmas time, when everybody needs to buy their cappelletti for the first course of the traditional Christmas meal (cappelletti in brodo), you can see a crowd outside the shop: people religiously holding onto their queue-number and patiently waiting their turn to be served.

A friend I know buys large quantities of tortellini every time she is in my neighborhood. She then stores them in her freezer until she is ready to use them. “Tortellini in brodo make such comfort food and it’s great to have the best kind at hand throughout the winter” she once told me. So, if you also want your comfort food at hand, Renzo & Lucia is a great place to stock up on it.

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Renzo e Lucia Pasta all’Uovo | Shopping | 1 kg fresh tortellini € 11.00
Via Giustiniano Imperatore 288 | Testaccio & Ostiense | +39065414572
Tue – Wed & Fri – Sat 08:00 – 13:00 & 16:00 – 19:30, Thu 08:00 – 13:00

The Roscioli’s are a real institution in town. Since three generations they have been backing one of the best “pizza” in town. Roman pizza: plain, thin, and slightly salted, it is the real traditional snack for any Roman.

The “Forno” has been there for ages. Lately, it has been “expanded” to include a deli shop and a wine risto-bar. Anything is absolutely excellent: from wines to cheese, from cold cuts to the creative finger food made out those ingredients.

Fresh bread, tasteful specialties and delicious wines are served every day in accordance with the best Roman traditions.

Service is usually quick (so it can represent a good option for a fast lunch) but may be, sometimes, too quick. Don’t take it personally, Romans may be like that, just let them know.

Should you wish to have dinner there, you’d better make a reservation a little in advance, as the place is pretty small and very popular. And if you are considering bringing home a few presents, this is the perfect place to buy some bottles or a selection of local cheeses.

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Roscioli | Bars, Shopping, Snacks, Restaurants (Lunch) | Wine & Snack € 18.00
Via dei Giubbonari | City center | +390668307895
Mon – Sat 12:00 – 15:00 & 20:15 – 00:00

Almost every Italian will admit that going to the post office in Italy is a veritable PITA. Anyone who does not have masochistic tendencies will try to avoid this ordeal if possible. After all, bills can now be paid online and stamps can be purchased at tobacco stores. Plus, who still writes letters and postcards anyway?!

Having said all this, I must admit that the post office in Piazza San Silvestro is one hell of a post office. Entering it is like stepping back in history. Located on the ground floor of a 14th century building, it features sublime Renaissance frescoes and pieces of frieze on its walls. What other post office in the world would be decorated with such ancient works of art? Of course, there are also ATMs and other technological machinery, but all this is very well integrated in the setting.

Indeed, I think that Poste Italiane (Italian Postal Services) -as much as it has an awful reputation- has done an excellent job at renovating and utilizing this historical setting for its purposes. The layout of the post office is quite user-friendly and all booths and stands are clearly labeled, using the yellow color code that now characterizes the Poste Italiane brand.

So, while I would normally tell you to avoid any post office “come la peste” (like the plague), this will be the exception that proves the rule. Go in, have a look, buy some stamps or withdraw some money. All this while being immersed in Renaissance splendor.

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S. Silvestro Post Office | Art & culture, Shopping
Piazza San Silvestro 19 | City center | +390669737213
Mon – Sat 08:00 -19:00

Sciuscià is the Italian dialectal word for “shoeshiner”. Once a depreciated role in much of Western countries, as it recalls of bad times when children tried to earn an (important) wage for their family in many countries throughout the world (it used to be very common right after war times and during economical downturns), it was celebrated in a famous neo-realistic movie by Vittorio De Sica, a masterpiece of its times. Nowadays, it has become a much more interesting job, whose clients are often selected among the wealthier and most demanding.

And the job itself has become much more interesting…Have a look at Sciuscià Chic, in central Rome, and you’ll find it out! Rosalinda Dallago, ex model and incredibly charming, has taken this job to a completely new level. Politicians from the next door Parliament buildings, important arabic business men, world famous actors and VIPs from all over the world, when in Rome, hand their shoes to Rosalinda, who takes very good care of them and make them look as they were brand new.

If you want to experience something really unusual, do not miss a visit to her tiny, old fashion shop next to Montecitorio (Parliament building): Rosalinda will take care of your shoes, too! Whether they are old Birkenstocks or sneakers, or your lovely designer purchase, she will take the best out of any pair, and will entertain you with her incredible stories.

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Sciuscià Chic | Art & culture, Shopping | From € 15.00
Via in Lucina, 16 | City center | +390668892302
Mon – Sat 11:00 – 19:00 (Closed some Sat. Check with the shop for holidays)

Drink from a shoe. Have you ever strolled on high heels after having a drink? Try one here. The owners offer an aperitif from 18:00 – 20:00. If you are a shoe nut this is the place to visit. You name it they sell it.

Elegantly extravagant, luxurious, red carpet shoes and sandals, with fur, beeds, feathers, leather straps, reptile, diamonds, stones, shiny accessories, maculate boots, velvet, silk, high heels, low heels, shapes, materials, colors for everyone. Buy a pair of shoes here. Then walk down the cobble stone streets of Rome. Watch your heels! You might not, but they could be happily tipsy.

A shoe is worth anything and it is never a folly. As I say, shopping is an investment. This place is a bank of ballet flats, open-toes, sabots, sling-backs, spike heels, square-toed shoes, wedge heels, Mary Janes, pumps, platforms, mules, buskin, stacked or stiletto heels and many more. You must add a piece to your collection. And if you haven’t started one yet, start from here.

Connoisseurs will recognize masterpieces by Courtney Crawford, Sigerson Morrison, Rupert Sanderson, Giorgina Godman, René Gutenberg, just to name a few. Time will add more value to these exceptional artworks. These are not shoes just to walk in, but shoes that talk, outstanding shoes that have personality, charisma. Impress the people who “look down” on you!

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Smalto, Shoes & Wine | Shopping
Via Urbana 12/a | City center | +39064882049
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 20:00

A fountain pen that knows how to love, a ball point pen that knows how to make business, pens nothing but pens to write and draw. I have a collection of pens and here is where I got some of my favorite ones. From silver to titanium, from celluloid to wood, you can find pens made for every occasion, for every kind of words you want to write out with different colored inks. From €50 to €2000, you can spend as much as you want to fill a sheet of paper with words that have a meaning.

If you are a business man or a sophisticated lady or just a fan of pens like me, you cannot go away from Rome without buying a pen here. Maybe you would go for one of the Limited editions by Aurora, Caran d’ache, Cartier, Montblanc and other well-known brands, including Omas, Parker and Waterman.

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Stilo Fetti | Shopping | Sophisticated fountain pen € 50.00
via degli Orfani 82 | City center | +39066789662
Mon 15:30 – 19:30, Tue – Sat 09:00 – 13:00 & 15:30 – 19:30

N.B. 2009 Spring-summer collection is absolutely HOT!

In recent years, Rome’s Via del Babuino has become the coolest place to shop in the Eternal City. However it happened, this is now the place you want to be if you’re in the mood for a bit of upscale shopping.

And the hippest store on the street is indubitably this one! Conceived as a home, it will seduce you with emerging designer fashion (while you’ll still find the major fashion labels, the store specializes in harder-to-come by designers), fragrances, flowers, interior décor, home design, art and anything that may come up to your mind, and to theirs, too! It is definitely a must for anyone shopping about contemporary Rome.

The store also features a hair salon by Roberto D’Antonio. The bar serves gourmet lunches and to-go bags for local (hip!) office workers of the area. Music lovers will find an in-house mix-ologist and a good selection of lounge, house, trip-hop and nu-jazz music.

Staff is helpful, professional and very caring. Can you sense it’s among my favorite spots in town?

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TAD | Shopping
Via del Babuino 155/a | City center | +390632695131
Mon 12:00 – 19:30, Tue – Fri 10:30 – 19:30, Sat 10:30 – 20:00, Sun 12:00 – 20:00

Talco is one of my favorite stores in my neighborhood, I like it because I can walk there from my house but also because it is a small boutique and you tend to get more of a unique and good service which is different from the big and crowded stores of the downtown area of the city, as you can talk to the retail associate and make small talk as you decide what to buy or just to window shop.

The stores prices have a wide range but sometimes they do have nice discounts, last year I bought one of my favorite items in my wardrobe and it is a black vinyl raincoat with a hood and big pockets and I used a lot and still do during those rainy days and it still looks new. For summer I usually buy some of their tops which are classic and trendy at the same time and look great when going out.

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Talco | Shopping | Vinyl Raincoat € 99.00
Via di Grottarossa 181 B | Cassia & Montemario | +390633264662
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 13:00 & 16:00 – 20:00

One of Rome’s best kept secrets. A mix of period and recycled objects that inject vitality and energy to a 24hrs (almost) place: juicy breakfast, yummy lunch, gourmet dinner (reasonably priced!) and wine/drinks/deli all day around.

Located in one of the hippest area in town, the fashionable Rione Monti (together with the Pigneto area, the neighbourhoods that most recall an idea of a “Village”), it’s simply perfect for a quick break or for a longer chat with friends or a beloved one. Surrounded by art galleries, vintage shops and artists atelier, it also good for a stop during an intensive shopping session.

Service is discrete and relaxed, yet attentive and professional and food is absolutely respectful of the local tradition. Owners and chef try to keep it as organic as possible; all products are supplied from local farmers, and so is the wine list, that features lables selected among the many quality ones offered by the greater Rome area.

Lovely: all the furniture is on sale! Should you like the chair you’re sitting on, or that vintage side table…

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Urbana47 | Bars, Shopping, Snacks, Restaurants (Organic) | Meal from € 25.00
Via Urbana, 47 | City center | +390647884006
11:00 – 02:00 daily

This is one of the trendiest street for shopping, I recommend just window shopping unless you can afford it!

Definitely pass through Via Condotti to go towards the Spanish steps, all the designer shops are located here from Trussardi to Prada to Armani, Bulgari, Ferragamo and Dolce & Gabbana and Jimmy Choo just to name a few. I sometimes go inside the shops and pretend that I can afford the items and pretty much day dream of owning some of the products…a woman can dream after all!

I just adore window shopping and admire the artistic way these shops display their products, and hope that one day I can go inside and purchase their items!

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Via Condotti | Shopping
Via dei Condotti | City center
Mon 16:00 – 20:00, Tue – Sat 10:00 – 20:00

No matter if you got to Rome by yourself, with friends or with your other half…it’s always time for adding that extra vibe to your stay. ..or just to explore the “other” you…

Forget about those pinky, tacky sexy shops. ZouZou is charming, ironic, friendly, chic and sleek far beyond one’s expectations. Created by a bunch of intelligent and smart ladies, it is  “from women, for women”, meant to help them (and their partners) to explore senxuality from different points of view.

Whether you’re searching for a sex toy,  books, lingerie or just a special gift for your lover (chocolate, massage oils, candles, etc.), at ZouZou you will find courtesy, irony and a welcoming smile.

More than a shop,  I’d rather evaluate it as a philosophy. Burlesque dancing nights and courses are held every now and then, and so are special events such as readings, dj set, erotic writing classes. Lush, glamorous and so, so feminine… don’t forget to take a look at the dressing room by Rafael Vanegas, who decorated with its unique style.

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Zou Zou | Shopping | Free
Vicolo della Cancelleria 9 | City center | +39066892176
Mon – Sat 11:00 – 20:00