Rome Hotels

Most shops in Rome are closed daily between 12.30 and 16.30. They stay open until about 21.00 every day. Clothing shops are usually closed on Monday mornings, in summer on Saturday afternoons. Groceries shops are closed on Thursday afternoons. Most museums and shops are closed on the following dates: 1st of January, 6th of January, Easter Monday, 25th of April, 1st of May, 29th of June, 15th of August, 2nd of November, 8th of December, and on the 25th and 26th of December. When you are shopping, it is best to compare the prices between the different shops as these may vary. Credit cards are usually accepted, though only if the price is over 20 Euro. Tax is always included in the price. The area between Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo is the core of the shopping area. Via Condotti is where all the exclusive shops are located. In the Via Frattina, Via Borgognona, Via Vittoria and Via della Croce the less expensive shops are established. In the Via del Babuino you can find furniture and glass shops. You can find book and art shops in Via del Pellegrino. Some of these shops still function as atelier. For English books you can go to Via Torino 136. The best streets to find genuine Roman shops (such as fabric and leather shops) are: Via di Ripetta, Via Giulia, Via del Corallo, Via dei Coronari, Via Campo Marzio, Via Leoncino, Via del Governo Veccio and Via dei Banchi Vecchi.

Markets

Beware of pickpockets! The opening and closing hours are never very reliable, as they often depend on the weather and the mood of the vendors.

Campo dei Fiori This old Roman market vends fish and vegetables. Open every day except on Sundays. Piazza campo dei Fiori.

Portaportese This immense market sells everything you are looking for. It is the most famous and largest market in Rome. Open on Sundays, from 05.00 to 14.00 Piazza di Portaportese, Trastevere.

Mercato di Via Sannio New and used clothes and shoes are sold here at low prices. Open Monday to Saturday from 08.30 to 13.30. Via Sannio. (near metro station San Giovanni.) Mercato delle Stampe You can find old books and collectibles here, but be prepared that almost none of the merchants speak English. Open Monday to Saturday from 08.00 to 12.00 Largo della Fontanella di Borghese. A large book market is located in the vicinities of the train station Roma Termini.

Shopping centers

Cinecittà Due This shopping center sells everything you are looking for. Via Vincenzo Lamaro,Tel. 06 7220910

Centro Commerciale I Granai This shopping center sells next to everything, from furniture to perfume. There are good parking facilities. Via Tazio Nuvolari, Tel. 06 51955505

Centro Commerciale La Romania This is the largest 9and most crowded) shopping center with over 140 shops. There are good parking facilities. Via Enrico Ferri, Tel. 06 72670001

Souvenirs

Rome is one of the only cities in the world where you can find souvenirs which are nicely made! The souvenir shops can be found in the tourist area, but they are notoriously expensive. But you can find much cheaper souvenirs such as postcards or posters in the gift shops which are scattered around the city.