If there’s one thing competing with Rome tourist attractions and monuments, it is the city’s shop windows. But don’t confine your shopping expeditions to the main commercial areas, pick a map Rome and explore side streets and out-of-the-way areas, to uncover a side of the city often hidden to its own residents.

As any Rome travel guide will explain, there are several shopping districts around Rome’s historical centre, most based around particular streets. The streets between Via del Corso and Piazza di Spagna harbour many designer shops for shoes, clothes and accessories, along with some more affordable shops. Via dei Giubbonari, Via Nazionale and Via del Corso are good for mid-range clothing shops, although quality can be sometimes lacking. If you are looking for antiques or unusual gifts visit Via del Babuino or Via dei Coronari. Finally, favourite among Rome backpapers are Trastevere for designer boutiques and independent shops, and Via del Governo Vecchio for second hand clothes.