If you're looking for something
new to read or the perfect guidebook to Rome, you have plenty
of options, as Rome is full of well-stocked English bookstores.
Some Italian bookstores also have an English section. Most of
these stores are closed for several hours in the afternoon,
so aim to shop before 1pm or after 4pm. Keep in mind that English
bookstores are also a great place to pick up local publications
(in English) about current goings-on about town.
Ed. note: English bookstores are also wonderful for
meeting other English speakers -- both locals and tourists.
These shops also usually have busy bulletin boards with interesting
expat activities posted. Be sure to take a look!
 |
Anglo-American
Bookstore
Near the Spanish steps, this store is particularly
useful for art and architecture books, and academic
books regarding the history and culture of Rome. Also
a large selection of novels.
Via della Vite
102
Phone: 06 679 5222 |
|
|
The
Corner Bookstore
Long a standby for English books in Trastevere, the
Corner Bookstore has just moved from its original
location and is now larger, neater, and better lit.
The owner, Claire, and her staff are extremely knowledgeable
and helpful.
Via del Moro (in Trastevere)
Phone: 39 06 583 6942 |
|
Economy
Book and Video Center
Near Stazione Termini and Piazza della Repubblica,
this bookstore has a wide selection including used
novels. They also keep a bulletin board with notices
for those seeking work, accommodations, Italian or
English lessons, and more.
Via Torino 136
Phone: 39 06 474 6877
Website: www.agora.stm.it/kem.bookcenter |
|
The
Lion Bookstore
Perhaps the largest of Rome's English bookstores,
this one includes a cafe. The fiction, cooking, art
and architecture, as well as children's selections
are especially good.
Via dei Greci 33
Phone: 39 06 32 65 4008 |
|
|
Shopping...
| Rome
is full of boutiques and speciality shops. Here's
a brief overview of the newest and coolest to hit
the streets lately. Those looking for Italy's standbys
-- Fendi, Prada, Gucci, and more -- will want to
peruse Via Condotti, just below the Spanish Steps.
Slightly funkier, but still high-style offerings
are found on Via del Babuino which stretches from
the Spanish Steps to Piazza del Popolo.
The
listings below provide a sample of what's hip and
cool in Rome these days. Window shopping is a sport
-- as we all know -- and in a new country it's good
to know the rules of games: |
|
Spazio
Sette
This shop is dedicated, especially, though not exclusively,
to modern Italian design. It was opened in the 1970s
and inhabits the palace of a Cardinal. Among the wares
are gorgeous kitchen appliances, dishes and table
settings, furniture, some unique clothing and jewelry.
If you're looking for something beautiful yet useful
to take home from Italy, this may be the place for
you. Brand names include: Alessi, Boda, Ittala, Venini
and more. Closed Monday mornings.
Via dei
Barbieri 7 |
|
Loco
Without a doubt the coolest (and craziest) shoes in
town. Stop here for a glimpse of the future in foot
fashion.
Via dei Baullari, a block north of
Campo dei Fiori |
 |
|
Pianegonda
Very modern but elegant jewelry, all in silver.
Via della Croce 42 |
|
Too
Much
When in Rome, one often finds oneself in need of a
flocked Madonna piggy bank. But where to find such
an item? At Too Much, next door to Piazza Navona,
such items abound. Stop in for novelty gifts to take
home for those who have everything.
Via Sant'Agnese
in Agone, one block from Piazza Navona |
|
TAD
Concept Store
Located on the way between the Spanish Steps and Piazza
del Popolo, the TAD Concept Store is a department
store of high design. Everything that's hot is for
sale here, from exotic fresh flowers to women's shoes,
from lounge music to bath products, from silk covered
futons to Japanese ceramics. And there's a hair salon
and cafe to boot. This is a shopper's must: even if
you don't intend to buy, a browse through this negozio
dazzles the eye.
Via del Babuino 155a |
|
| Italian
gifts under $5.00...
Gift shopping in Italy
need not be expensive if JourneyWomen shop in food markets
and grocery stores. Try some of the following delicious
ideas. You'll have loads of fun finding the products and
your presents will really be "Italian" and unique.
The most centrally-located
grocery store is on Via Giustiniani, the road (only about
2 blocks long) that runs from the Pantheon to Piazza Navona.
It's a gorgeous new store with a gourmet deli counter
and much more.
 Kinder
Eggs
Chocolate eggs with fantastic, elaborate toy prizes inside
them. Kids and adults love them.
Olive Paste
Great for spreading on crackers and even better for making
bruschetta. And it costs a fraction of what it costs outside
of Italy.
Pasta
Most grocery stores sell regular, everyday pasta but they
also sell gourmet pastas that are unusual shapes or colors
or flavors
Pesto
Pre-made pesto in a jar is great in Italy. My mom always
takes lots of small jars back to the US when she visits.
Pasta and Pesto Seasonings
Some stores sell spices, pre-mixed, for various kinds
of pasta and pizza. Look for pizza spices, or spices for
penne all'arrabbiata and other pastas. You can also buy
these in bulk at the spice stands in the market at Campo
dei Fiori.
Teenagers love 'Mental Box'
A little box of mints that has this hilarious name. It
always makes young people laugh.
A pre-teen gift idea
Pick up Aquafresh or Colgate which comes packaged in tubes
with Italian writing.
All items are easy to pack and really fun to bring home.
Happy shopping, everybody! |
| See
Rome, experience Rome...
 Urban
Iconography is a woman-owned, Rome-based company
offering exciting women-friendly tour itineraries in Rome.
We're delighted to welcome them to our Journeywoman's
International Network of classified advertisers and thank
them for all the practical information they have offered
in this article. The following is a copy of Urban Iconography's
ad which appears in our classified section.
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and Prada have in common? They both rule by design! Dreaming
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