Just because Christmas is over, it doesn’t mean you have to refrain from spoiling yourself or from indulging in a January shopping trip: you never know, you might even pick up a bargain or two! And if a really special shopping trip is what you are yearning for, why not combine it with a city break away in beautiful Rome? Whether you want to shop for designer dresses or less expensive chic fashion, Rome has some of the best places to shop in Italy, which is famous for its classic designers and its High Street gems, as well as its independent boutiques that cater for all budgets.
Via Condotti and the Spanish Steps – A Designer Haven
This is the place for those of you wanting to shop designer. Prada and Armani vie for attention here and Gucci boasts stunning window displays. Whilst serious shoppers will need their credit card at the ready, those of a more conservative nature can still enjoy engaging in a little window-shopping, people watching and celebrity spotting.
Via Cola di Rienzo
This busy street is the High Street lover’s dream. Full of mid priced shops and an eclectic mix of designer boutiques and High Street offerings, there is something for everyone on this street. COIN is the big Roman department store here and well worth spending an hour or two browsing in.
Via Del Corso
Another place boasting great high street shops, this long narrow street is right at the heart of Rome’s historic centre and only a short walk from some of the big attractions such as the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. Evenings are the best time to take a stroll here when you will join the other avid shoppers seeking out the likes of Mango, Diesel and Zara. There are also some wonderful bookstores on this street and the rather beautiful Galleria Alberto Soldi shopping centre.
Porto Portese Flea Market
Markets are often considered a true reflection of a place and this flea market, the largest in Rome held every Sunday morning, is no exception. The mix of second hand and new goods, antiques, foods and general market fare is more than enough to keep the budding shopper busy for a couple of hours.
EurRoma2 and Castel Romano Outlet
This rather up and coming shopping centre in the EUR area of Rome is elegant and chic with decorated glass domes and an unusual, yet sophisticated style. Full of chain stores and designer shops, this place also boasts some lovely cafes and fine restaurants. All indoors this is the place to go when the January weather has you looking for somewhere out of the cold.
How to Get There in Rome
Rome is an undisputed European hub and very accessible from all major cities in Europe, including London, Paris, Barcelona and Madrid. The two main airports here, Rome Ciampino and Rome Fiumicino are well served by most major airlines and if you book your on-going transfer to your hotel, you are destined to arrive in a timely, efficient manner, and ready to get out there and hit the shops. Shuttle Direct takes great pride in providing a reliable service that meets the needs of the no-fuss traveller.
Where to Stay
Hotel Pelliccioni – If you are staying in Rome and looking for budget friendly accommodation you won’t go wrong with Hotel Pelliccioni, conveniently located 200m form the main train station in the city. Wi-Fi and a buffet breakfast are complimentary and every room has a minibar, hairdryer and TV. Close to the Coliseum and Trevi Fountain, this hotel boasts a good location, is comfortable, and is conveniently accessible to Piazza Vittorio with a metro station only 600m away.
Hotel Smeraldo – Right in the heart of central Rome this mid priced hotel, with free Wi-Fi and air conditioning has a roof terrace that overlooks the historic heart of the city. Stay in Hotel Smeraldo and you will be treated to a flat screen TV in your room, private bathroom and complimentary toiletries. A 5-minute stroll from the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, this hotel, in an eclectic and atmospheric part of the city is also very close to a great selection of lively bars and restaurants.
Grand Hotel Plaza – If you are really treating yourself on your trip to Rome, why not choose to stay in the Grand Hotel Plaza? Located on Via del Corso, this modern hotel combines contemporary with tradition and features marble bathrooms and high ceilings. Air conditioning, free WI-FI and private balconies with views of the city are provided in every suite and the Terrazza dei Limoni restaurant is perfect for a relaxing drink with 5-star views of the Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese.
