Rome's luxury district starts right here

At the foot of the Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti begins Italy's most exclusive shopping district. Via Condotti is its signature street: one storefront after another from the great Italian and international maisons. All around, a grid of elegant streets — Via Borgognona, Via Frattina, Via del Babuino, Via Bocca di Leone — forms Rome's luxury "quadrilateral," where shopping is as much an experience as it is a purchase.

The streets to know

  • Via Condotti: the main artery, home to the great fashion houses, fine jewelers, and historic Italian maisons.
  • Via Borgognona and Via Frattina: elegant parallel streets lined with high-end fashion and accessories.
  • Via del Babuino: running toward Piazza del Popolo, mixing boutiques, antiques, and design.
  • Via Margutta: art galleries and ateliers, bohemian charm right beside the luxury.

Beyond the boutiques: the historic cafés

Shopping here comes paired with tradition: the Antico Caffè Greco (1760) on Via Condotti, one of the oldest cafés in Europe and a haunt of artists and writers; and Babington's Tea Rooms at the foot of the steps, an institution since 1893. A stop is part of the experience.

Castel Romano Outlet: luxury at a discount

If you're after the big names at outlet prices, pair your day with a visit to the Castel Romano Designer Outlet, south of Rome: over 200 premium and luxury brands. It isn't easy to reach by public transport — it's a classic destination for a private driver. → Private Rome tour by car with driver

A carefree day of shopping in Rome?

My Rome Driver takes you with a private driver between Via Condotti, the city center, and the Castel Romano outlet: your driver waits between boutiques and handles the bags. Fixed price, door to door.

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Practical shopping tips

  • Hours: many boutiques open around 10 and close at 7–7:30 pm; some close in the early afternoon or on Sunday mornings (check ahead).
  • Tax free: non-EU visitors can claim a VAT refund on purchases above a certain threshold — ask for the form in the shop.
  • Sales: winter (January) and summer (July), with dates set by the Lazio Region.
  • With a driver: the easiest option when you've got bags — no hunting for a taxi loaded with shopping, no ZTL to deal with.

Frequently asked questions

Where do you shop for luxury in Rome? In the district around Piazza di Spagna: Via Condotti (the main street of the great maisons), Via Borgognona, Via Frattina, and Via del Babuino. It's Rome's luxury "quadrilateral."

What's on Via Condotti? The boutiques of the great fashion houses and fine jewelers, both Italian and international, plus the Antico Caffè Greco (1760). It's Rome's most prestigious shopping street.

Is a driver worth it for shopping in Rome? Yes: the district is inside the ZTL, and with bags in hand taxis are inconvenient. A private driver drops you near the boutiques, waits between stops, and can take you to the Castel Romano outlet, which is hard to reach by public transport.

How do you get to the Castel Romano outlet from Rome? The Castel Romano Designer Outlet is south of Rome and poorly served by public transport: the easiest solution is a private driver who takes you there, waits, and brings you back with your purchases.

Can tourists get a VAT (tax free) refund? Yes: non-EU visitors can claim a VAT refund on purchases above a certain threshold. Ask for the tax free form in the shop and follow the procedure at the airport on departure.

Read also

Book a driver for shopping in Rome

Fixed price · Waits between boutiques · Castel Romano outlet too

Article #246 · Category: Experiences · Updated: May 2026