Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
What to Buy
Italy's reputation for quality is deserved, and Rome is a splendid place to shop for design-
er clothes, shoes and leather goods. There is also a wonderful array of designers with one-
off boutiques, places to buy bespoke shoes, and jewellery and leather goods. Foodstuffs
are, of course, the tops, and heavenly temples to gourmet snacks abound - delis, bakeries,
pasticcerie (pastry shops)
and chocolate shops. Homewares are another Italian speciality,
and many shops focus on covetable stainless-steel kitchenware and super-sleek interior
design.
High Fashion
Big-name designer boutiques gleam in the grid of streets between Piazza di Spagna and
Via del Corso. The great Italian and international names are represented here, as well as
many more off-beat designers, selling clothes, shoes, accessories and dreams. The im-
maculately clad high-fashion spine is Via dei Condotti, but there's also lots of high fash-
ion in Via Borgognona, Via Frattina, Via della Vite and Via del Babuino.
Downsizing a euro or two, Via Nazionale, Via del Corso, Via dei Giubbonari and Via
Cola di Rienzo are good for midrange clothing stores, with some enticing small boutiques
set amid the chains.
