Destination: Rome
Shop Rome Antiques Art Books Children's Clothes and Toys Fashion: designer Fashion: 'non-label' Interior Design Jewellery Leather Accessories Stationery Shoes Souvenirs and Religious Gifts Markets	Where to Find Antiques If you are looking for antiques (from an old print of Rome to furniture) the most prestigious shops are on Via del Babuino. Another safe and reliable destination is Via Guilia. At the end of May and October, just before and after the blistering heat, Via dei Coronari, which has only antiques, holds its fair. The shops open late, the street is carpeted red and lined with candles. It is a magical atmosphere, perfect for a evening stroll. Opening and Closing Shop opening hours are beginning to change with more all-day and Sunday openings and the traditional August shut-down is weakening as Romans begin to take shorter holidays. Generally, however, it is a Monday to Saturday set-up with a break from 1pm to 4pm. Food shops close on Thursday afternoons and others on Monday mornings. Prices Prices in Rome are not low, a state of affairs that is not helped by the preponderance of small shops, which has made for an inefficient retailing system. The tradition is hard to kill. Italian life is public and the local shop, particularly the foodstore, is a place to chat, have things put aside for you, receive discounts and even credit. As a visitor you can expect to be excluded. VAT Refunds Non-EU citizens spending more than €16 are entitled to VAT refunds, so be sure to buy from those shops displaying the sticker. You will be furnished with a form to present to customs on leaving Italy along with the scontrino (receipt). Do not use or wear the goods first. Department Stores Department stores are not the Italian style. If they are yours, the less touristy Piazza Fiume (not far from Via Veneto) is the best bet. Here you will find the larger of the Rinascente (the other is on Via del Corso) with kitchenware, furnishings and a café and, nearby, the old Peroni beer factory has been lovingly converted into Coin. Souvenir Shopping Characteristic Roman souvenirs consist of copies of the main sights or bronze reproductions of Etruscan artefacts, all of which can be found in most tobaccanists at half the price of the stalls near the sights themselves. Ecclesiastical memorabilia is to be had in the shops in and around Borgo Pio, while shops supplying the religious community are on Via dei Cestari near the Pantheon.	COUNTRY Italy REGION Tuscany & Florence CITIES Rome   Viewing   Top Ten   What To See   Where To ...     Eat & Drink     Stay     Shop     Take The Kids     Be Entertained     What's On When   Practical Matters Florence Naples Venice MAPS World Europe TRAVEL BOOK