Shopping in Rome

Overview
First of all, keep in mind that a shopkeeper's idea of business hours may not be the same as yours. Don't be surprised to find a shop inexplicably closed in the middle of the afternoon on the whelm of the boss. Also, remember that shop workers need vacation too, and they usually take it in August. So, if that's the month of your vacation and you have in mind the particular shop you want to frequent, it may be a good idea to contact the store manager ahead of time to learn the store's vacation schedule.

Look for good deals on your favorite designer clothing, linens and leather goods.

The European Value Added Tax (VAT) is included in the final price of your purchase. Keep all receipts of your purchases so you can receive a refund before leaving Italy. The refund in actuality comes from the seller who sold you your purchase, however, in behalf of the seller are tax free shops at major airports that will issue the refund. The total price of the goods, which must be for personal use only, has to exceed 154,94 Euro (VAT included). The refund is limited to travelers whose home country is not a member of the European Union.

Food
Supermarkets are mostly open from morning till night but the traditional family-owned butcher shop or grocery or bakery generally closes for several hours after lunch before reopening briefly late in the day. The traditional shops are closed on Sundays but you will find most supermarkets open.

The vegetable markets are also closed on Sundays. Monday through Saturday they shut down in the early afternoon.

Clothing and Antique Furniture
You can use the Spanish Steps as a landmark for shopping as many streets near the Steps house fashionable shops. The piazza at the foot of the Spanish Steps has boutiques offering fashions by many of the labels that have come to define Italian clothing such as Versace, Armani and Prada. Via Francesco Crispi has less costly shops and is near the summit of the Spanish Steps. Also nearby is Via Sistina. Other areas with good shopping include Piazza Barberini, Via dei Coronari, Via Margutta and Via Del Governo Vecchio.

Antique furniture lovers should stroll down Via dei Coronari amd Via Giulia. The selection is impressive but so are the price tags. An Antiques Fair is held twice a year in Via dei Coronari, in October and May.

Bargain Hunting
If you want to stretch your vacation dollars a little farther, try one of the many outdoor flea markets. Held mostly on weekends, with an emphasis on Sundays, the markets offer clothes, furniture, handcrafts, books and other sundry items. One of the most popular is the flea market at Porta Portese which features mostly clothing items. Another is the Underground which is more for collectors and sets up shop below ground in the Ludovisi parking area from fall through mid-spring. During the warmer months its in the Piazza di Spagna.