|
English Bookstores in Rome...
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.
What do Julius Caesar and
Prada have in common? They both rule by design! Dreaming of
la dolce vita? Make your dream a reality with exclusive itineraries
in the Eternal City: art/architecture, food/fashion, myth/history.
From its impressive past to its fashionable present, we'll show
you both the exceptions and the rules that make Rome a city
like no other. We invite you to visit our website: http://www.urban-iconography.org/
See you in Rome!
|
Go to:
|
