10 best places to shop in Rome, ranked by local shopping expert

Open in 1926, Davide Cenci is a high-end specialty clothing store where the most affluent of Romans shop. Here one can find a wide range of Italian brand names in cashmere, silk, men’s tailored suits, sophisticated women’s skirts and trousers. This classy outlet caters for men, women and children and stocks brands like Giorgio Armani, Versace, Burberry, Hogan, Lacoste and Tods. The store located in the heart of the Centro Storico also features leather boots and shoes and children’s clothing. Walk in, even just to check out the stylish minimalist fit-out design. BUS: 116, 80, 492, 53, 52. METRO: Spagna.

Tucked away on a discreet cobblestone street in the historical center right behind the Pantheon is one of the most sophisticated hat boutiques in all of Rome. The store, Borsalino has been around since 1857 and the stylish fedoras and Panama hats have been donned by stars such as Greta Garbo, Audrey Hepburn and even James Dean – just to name few. Not only are these unique, dashing hats made with the most intricate of detail, they are still created with techniques and machines that are over 100 years old. A piece of shopping history in a modern day Rome. BUS: 116, 80, 492, 52, 53. METRO: Spagna, Flaminio

Many would say this is the best of all the men’s tailors in Italy. For over 50 years, Brioni has provided his fine line of custom and pre-made suits for such celebrities as Clarke Gable and James Bond. Men who don suits by Brioni are flawlessly dressed in ultimate style. There is a capsule women’s collection in the Rome flagship store too. The store continues to offer a customised personal shopping experience where shoppers can be measured for the suit of their choice which is generally tailored in a few days. It’s the ultimate in style and service in menswear. Metro: Barberini.

Unique international ingredients from floor to ceiling. If you want to make that interesting recipe that calls for special ingredients from an unusual place in the Mediterranean or anywhere in the world for that matter, this is the place to find it. Castroni has a wide selection of specialty and international products. Knowns as the place where many expats in Rome head to for a home feel, it is also well freqented by locals and tourists looking for unique or hard to find food items. They also feature Italian products and everything from biscuits, tea, chocolate, spices and more. BUS to Piazza del Risorgimento, METRO: Ottaviano – San Pietro

Like La Rinascente, COIN is an upscale department store located in the Prati area right by the Vatican. The store is actually located on one of Rome’s famous shopping streets in Rome on Via Cola di Rienzo. The store has several floors featuring homeware, bedding, men’s and women’s clothing, children’s clothing, shoes and accessories and perfume and make-up. The store boasts a wide range of Italian and international high street designer brands. COIN has two other locations: one in the San Giovanni neighborhood and a smaller installment which is conveniently located within Rome’s central train station, Termini. BUS: 492, 81. METRO: Ottaviano, Lepanto.

Held every weekend in the area of Monti, this “urban” market is a good place to go shopping if you’re looking for a unique gift for someone special, or even for yourself! At Mercato Monti you can find young and old handmade designers who create and sell notebooks, vintage and handmade clothes, jewelry, vintage sunglasses and much more. The artisans sell their products so shopping here gives you a chance to talk to them, making for a more personal shopping experience. Even if there’s little chance to take a piece home, make sure you take time to admire the vintage furniture, often expertly restored. METRO: Cavour BUS: 75, 117

Famed Italian turned global chain Eataly, touched down in Rome about a year ago. The giant gourmet food store opened up its Rome location in the former air terminal at Ostiense station right alongside Italy’s newest and fastest (and private) railway Italo. The Italian culinary complex is the chains biggest store to date. It covers over 17,000 meters of space and is spread out over 4 floors. At the food market, one can shop from over 14,000 different ‘Made in Italy’ products to choose from and if you’re here to eat, it features more than 23 restaurants and snack bars. There are tasting stands where one can sample some of the finest Roman and Italian delicacies while crossing off items on your shopping list. Eataly is like a foodie wonderland and certainly worth a visit during your trip.

Big American-style department stores never really existed in Rome – until now. The Italian brand gallery, La Rinascente has moved location and this new, designer store is multi-level and will impress the fussiest of luxury shoppers. Located in the heart of Rome, between the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain on Via del Tritone, it features 6 floors (across 14,000 square meters) and sells clothing, shoes, accessories, beauty products and household items. Among many more, you’ll find brands like Gucci, Fendi, Michael Kors, Swarovski, Tod’s, Stone Island and Lacoste. The new flagship store has brought the first Alexander McQueen to Rome and sells quality, top of the line children’s clothing and personal shopping service is available on request. There are a rooftop terrace and a gourmet food court too. METRO: Spagna, Barberini

Castel Romano is the leading designer outlet complex located a short distance from both Civitavecchia and Rome. From Civitavecchia it’s about an 1.5 hour drive away and many local tour operators offer day trip tours with a coach service that meets cruise ships arriving into the port. The outlets feature premium stores for designer wear, formal, casual and sporting wear, cosmetics, accessories, leather goods, shoes, swimwear and home-ware. Just some of the leading brands include Burberry, Guess, Diesel, Swarovski, Calvin Klein, Valentino and Salvatore Ferragamo. There are also restaurants and bars on site. Transport: Visit the website for information about shuttle times from the center of Rome.

Founded by Italian lifestyle and luxury hotel guru Marie Louise Sciò, ISSIMO is a chic online boutique with all things Made in Italy. It’s the stylish digital extension of the Pellicano world, the iconic hotel group with properties in Monte Argentario (Il Pellicano), Lazio coast (La Posta Vecchia) and Ischia (Mezzatorre). In short, Sciò’s dream connects lovers of Italy with its highly skilled artisans, creators and designers. As such, here you can indulge in items you’ll find at any of her hotels – from the recognizable striped beach towels to homewares and even the bespoke tiles that adorn their walls and floors. The ISSIMO site and e-store is a playground of style, la dolce vita distilled if you like. And more than that, it’s a place where Italy stories are told and travel tips are shared. Get lost in the universe of ISSIMO – you might never want to leave! Purchase luxurious Italian items from clothing to shoes, gourmet food boxes, books and beauty products. And the ultimate gift item that will have you traveling through Italy from anywhere in the world: ISSIMO’s customized ‘Italian Road Trip’ Monopoly featuring stops you can visit on your very own Roman and Italy vacation.