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
EUR154.94, 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.
