Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NEED TO KNOW
Opening Hours
»
Most city-centre shops: 9am to 7.30pm (or 10am to 8pm) Monday to Saturday; some close Monday morn-
ing
»
Smaller shops: 9am to 1pm & 3.30 to 7.30pm (or 4 to 8pm) Monday to Saturday
Prices & Sales
Good quality costs money, so to grab a bargain, you should try to time your visit to coincide with the
saldi
(sales).
These don't take place as often as in other countries and are a real event as everyone tries to grab a bargain.
Winter sales run from early January to mid-February and summer sales from July to early September.
Payment & Receipts
Most shops accept credit cards and many accept travellers cheques. Note that you're required by Italian law to
have a
ricevuta
(receipt) for your purchases.
Taxes & Refunds
Non-EU residents who spend more than €155 at shops with a
'Tax Free for Tourists'
(
www.taxrefund.it
)
sticker
are entitled to a tax rebate. Fill in a form in the shop and get it stamped by customs as you leave Italy.
ONE-OFF BOUTIQUES & VINTAGE
Best for cutting-edge designer boutiques and vintage clothes is bohemian Via del Governo
Vecchio, running from a small square just off Piazza Navona towards the river. Other
places for one-off boutiques are Via del Pellegrino and around Campo de' Fiori. Via del
Boschetto, Via Urbana and Via dei Serpenti in the Monti area feature unique designers
and jewellery makers. Head to San Lorenzo for edgy arts and crafts; you can preview
Antiques
For antiques, Via dei Coronari, Via Margutta, Via Giulia and Via dei Banchi Vecchi are
the best places to look - quality is high, as are the prices.
Artisan Works
Rome's shopping scene has a surprising number of artists and artisans who create their
goods on the spot in hidden workshops. There are several places in Tridente where you
