If you visited Italy, the city of Rome, then one of the indispensable activities there will surely be shopping. Fashion designers around the world recognized the fact that shopping in Rome is one of the best, because now it is Italian designers who "set the tone" on many fashion shows. Such Italian brands as Fendi, Gucci, Valentino, Prada dress monarchs, presidents, show business stars and famous athletes.
Where in Rome shopping?
One of the most famous streets in Rome, where many boutiques and shopping centers are located - Via del Corso. There are excellent products for every taste, where you will find a wonderful price-quality ratio - the prices here are quite democratic.
In addition, be sure to visit the Via dei Condotti, adjacent to the Plaza of Spain. There is a huge number of retail stores. It is here that you will see showcases of such brands as Armani, Dolce and Gabbana, Prada, Versace and many others. The shops here are the most expensive, but the brands are the most famous. Shopping on this street in Rome rightfully has the status of elite.
A lot of privileged shopping centers of the city are located near Navona Square, creating a huge choice.
There is one street that attracts in Rome all the lovers of shopping - Via Nazionale. On both sides there are a huge number of boutiques, among them Bata, Falco, Sandro Ferrone, Elena Miro, Max Mara, Giess, Benneton, Francesco Biasia, Sisley, Nanini and others.
If you are interested in budget shopping, go to the market Mercato delle Puici near the square Porto Portese, which is the largest market in Europe.
Shopping in Rome - outlet
A huge selection of branded goods for every taste and purse offers Roman outlets, which, like everywhere else, are taken out of the city.
One of the most important and famous outlets of Rome, Castel Romano, was opened in 2003 and is located 25 km from the center. It covers an area of about 25 thousand square meters. m. and offers items of famous designers and designers, however, like in any outlet, all branded goods are sold at significant discounts, which sometimes reach as much as 70%. The size of them depends on which collection you get the thing from - the latest or the last one.
The main wealth of this outlet is 113 boutiques of leading brands such as Calvin Klein, D & G, Nike, Fratelli Rossetti, Levi's - Dockers, Guess, Puma, Reebok, La Perla, Roberto Cavalli and others. The choice here is simply excellent, but the products are of high quality and very much in price. In addition to clothing, the outlet offers an excellent selection of linen, leather goods, accessories, perfumes and cosmetics.
Shopping in Rome - tips
If you are going to go to Rome in order to successfully skimp, you will certainly find our tips useful:
- Go to Rome in the sales season. The largest sales are held twice a year, and their schedule is regulated by the state. According to observations, the most profitable shopping in Rome - in January and February and in July and August. At this time, discounts range from 15 to 70%. But keep in mind that the amount of discounts also depends on the popularity of the brand and the location of the store. In the center of the city in the most famous boutiques of big discounts almost never happens. Although the very period of sales lasts for two months, please note that the best is bought in the first week or two. But at the end of the period the discounts are the most "delicious".
- If you came to shopping in Rome outside the period of sales, for example, in March, April or May, but want to buy branded items at discount prices, you should visit Rome outlets.
Bargaining in the shops of Rome is not accepted. This rule does not apply to markets and small shops, where you can ask for "fare sconto". In large shopping centers prices are fixed, but if you notice something defective, such as a tightening, a stain or a loose seam, feel free to ask for a discount. In design stores, discounts are not mentioned at all. - Tourists from countries that are not part of the EU are entitled to a refund of VAT. The return amount will be about 15% of the value of purchases and it is paid when leaving the EU borders. In order to get the VAT back, you must submit checks for payment of the goods, Tax-free, which you will be given at the store upon request, a passport, and also, in fact, purchases. The maximum amount of refund is three thousand euros.