Shopping
Rome, only too aware of its popularity with international
tourists and investors, is an expensive shopping destination but
some deals can be found on trinkets like crafts, leather goods and
glasswork, to remember the trip by. To find these, look to the
markets of central Rome, which operate Monday to Saturday from 7am
to 1pm. On Sundays, the popular Porta Portese flea market operates
from the Trastevere district. While this market is stimulating for
shopping enthusiasts, Rome has some of the most skilled pickpockets
in the world and visitors are advised to take care with
possessions.
Another reasonable shopping option popular in Rome is the
purchase of books and second hand clothing with an abundance of
stores located throughout the city. Antique shopping is also
pervasive but could prove expensive for those who aren't sure of
what they're doing!
If you have the means, Rome has an assortment of boutique stores
with brands like Prada, Valentino, Gucci and Fendi all represented
in the Piazza di Spagna. The Piazza San Silvestro exhibits Rome's
best jewellers, Bulgari and Martinelli, among others. In Via del
Corso one can find, in addition to an assortment of clothing
department stores, the flagship stores for Ferrari (which is worth
a look if nothing else) and Swarovski, with exquisite
crystal-wrought crafts.
Non-EU tourists can apply for a tax refund of 20 percent on a
slip of €154.94, where spent in one store. Alternatively look
out for stores which participate in tax-free shopping, they will
have a tax-free logo on display.