Top Shops Rome

­Rome is one of our favorite European cities – and one of the most accessible. Where else can you spend a morning walking in the footsteps of Julius Caesar, viewing the masterpieces of Raphael and Michelangelo, and seeing the papal seat of power- followed by an afternoon of power shopping and dining on gourmet food, or downing cups of espresso standing up for a quick caffeine fix? No other city offers the same heady blend of architecture, art and vibrant street life.

And although Rome is known for its ancient wonders, which should not be missed, it is also a thrivingly modern city, with a hip hotel, bar and restaurant scene. The Eternal City is also home to some of the best boutiques in Italy. While it is easy to find your way to the big name brand stores, there are plenty of smaller boutiques which specialize in hand-made goods and unusual items.

This special guide to the Top Shops of Rome has been put together by the travel specialists at Chicago-based Select Italy. Launched in 1997, the firm’s president, Andrea Sertoli, has been named to Travel + Leisure's "A-List" of top travel agents for eight years in a row. Select Italy can organize anything and everything to do with Italy, from villa rentals to Ferrari tours and bespoke shopping trips – as well as half day tours to various cities. For more information call (800) 877-1755 and in the meantime, enjoy this insider’s shopping guide to Rome.

Dal Co'
If you want to feel like a film star from the days of the Dolce Vita, order a pair of custom-made shoes from Dal Co.' Ava Gardner and Audrey Hepburn were both fans of this gorgeous footwear, which is available only in Rome. The process works like this: you choose the style you prefer, a gentleman comes to trace your foot, three days later you return for a fitting, and within a week your made-to-measure shoes are ready. Prices start at about $300.

www.dalco-roma.com

Address: Via Vittoria, 65
Rome 00187
Phone: 06-69940682; 06-6786536
Hours: Open Tuesday to Friday 10:00AM-7:30PM, Saturday 10:00AM-1:00PM, Monday 3:30PM-7:30PM; closed on Sunday.
Nearest Landmark: Spanish Steps

Bulgari Outlet
Bargains galore can be found at the Bulgari outlet in an anonymous shopping plaza on the outskirts of Rome. The outlet carries end of series and unsold items at 40-50% discount: expect to find handbags, home furnishings, scarves,
sunglasses and modern silver, as well as the prestigious handmade jewelry for which Bulgari has been famous for over 100 years. It's located in a first floor shop above the Conbipel; there's no sign but ring the bell.

Address: via Aurelia, 1052 Rome
Phone: 06-6617071
Website: www.bulgari.com
Hours: Open Monday-Saturday, 10:00AM-6:00PM; closed Sunday.
Nearest Landmark: right outside Rome, on the road to Civitavecchia

AVC
For many shoppers, the pinnacle of Italian design and fashion involves shoes. Roman Adriana Campanile designs chic and surprisingly affordable footwear that are distinctly Italian. In addition to the store in Via Frattina, her to-die-for
shoes are available at nine AVC branches throughout the city, including Piazza di Spagna, 88; Viale Paroli, 178 and an outlet shop at Largo del Pallaro, 1. For the guys, there's a shop dedicated to men's shoes in the Galleria Colonna.

Address: Via Frattina, 141 Rome 00187
Phone: 06-6790891
Hours: Open daily from 10:30AM-7:30PM, on Sunday from noon-7:30 PM.
Nearest Landmark: Spanish Steps

Enigma
This high-end jewelry store near the Spanish Steps is owned by Gianni Bulgari, a scion of the jewelry family.  Both the store and its prices are appropriately lavish but the pieces feel special, not mass produced. The 'Modern Ethics' line is inspired by the decorative arts of 1920's and 1930. It features stylish jewelry in silver, pink gold and white gold set with diamonds.

www.enigma.info

Address: Via Margutta, 61A
Rome 0018
Phone: 063218358

Hours: Open 10:00AM-7:00PM; closed on Sunday.
Nearest Landmark: Spanish Steps

Diego Percossi Papi
Shop for a bespoke necklace or ring designed and handmade by Diego Percossi Papi; this skilled goldsmith can also transform your antique jewelry into a new and original piece.

Address: via Sant'Eustachio, 16
Rome 00186
Phone: 06-68801466

www.percossipapi.com

Hours: Open Monday 3:00PM-7:00PM, Tuesday to Friday 9:30AM-7:00PM, Saturday 9:30AM-1:00PM; closed on Sunday.
Nearest Landmark: Pantheon

Lavori Artigianali Femminili
Children' s clothing stores pepper the city, but none is on the level of Lavori Artigianali Femminili, catering to the moms of little princesses (real ones!) for more than half a century. Choose a miniature cardigan or smocked christening dress, all exclusive to the store.

Address: Via di Capo le Case, 6 Rome 00187
Phone: 06-6792992 / 06-6781100
Hours: Open Tuesday to Saturday 9:30AM-1:00PM and 3:00PM-7:00PM, Monday
3:00PM-7:00PM; closed on Sunday and in August.
Nearest Landmark: Via Sisitina/Spanish Steps

Cravatterie Nazionali
This shop on the central Via Vittoria is crammed with high-end ties that make nice (and very packable) gifts to take back home.

Address: Via Vittoria, 62 Rome 00187
Phone: 06-69922143
Hours: Open 9:30 AM-7:30PM; closed on Monday morning and all day on Sunday.
Nearest Landmark: Spanish Steps

McArthur Glen Designer Outlet
Romans and visitors alike flock to the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, 10 km (6 miles) outside the city limits. Housed in a mock ancient Roman setting, the complex offers more than 90 stores selling major labels at prices 30-70% lower than normal. Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, Salvatore Ferragamo, La Perla and  Zegna are some of the brands you’ll find here.

www.mcarthurglen.com

Address: via Ponte di Piscina Cupa Castel Romano
Phone: 06-5050050
Hours: Open daily 10:00AM-10:00PM.
Nearest Landmark: from Grande Raccordo Anulare ring road, take Exit 26 to
Via Pontina, SS148, towards Pomezia; exit at Castel Romano

Sermoneta
No one is ever in a hurry at Sermoneta, an old fashioned linen store where the clerks lovingly remove every one of the Jacquard dish towels imprinted with recipes so you can choose the colors at your leisure.
Address: Via del Tritone, 168
Rome 00178
Phone: 06-6795488
Hours: Open 10:00AM-7:30PM; closed on Monday morning and all day Sunday.

Ibiz
Elisa Nepi designs leather bags, wallets, and smaller objects like fun leather key chains in the shape of colorful calla lilies, butterflies, or roses that are handmade right on the premises of her small shop near the Campo dei Fiori. They're light, packable, and make great gifts. A Select Italy favorite!

Address: Via del Chiavari, 39
Rome 00186
Phone: 06-68307297
Hours: Open 9:30AM-7:30PM; closed Sunday.
Nearest Landmark: Campo de' Fiori/Largo Argentina