Most Romantic Shopping in Rome

With the economy in trouble at home and the US dollar so weak abroad, shopping in Italy has got to be about more than just the goods. It's got to be about the experience as well. Rome is full of interesting and picturesque shopping opportunities for your honeymoon or vacation. Of course, for big spenders there are the shops near the Piazza di Spagna. Granted, there are Prada stores in all the world-class cities, but when someone compliments you on your shoes or handbag, it will be much more fun to say "Thanks! I got it in Rome!"And if you are in Rome in July or January, you can take advantage of the Saldi (sales). If you are in the market for antiques, there are several options. For antique books and prints, head to the Piazza Fontanella Borghese for an open-air antiquarian market. Not only will you find works in print, but you will also encounter rare coins, stamps and even jewelry. If you are budget-conscious, any one of the city's flea markets will suit your fancy. The Porta Portese is the largest market in Rome and there you can find any number of second-hand goods from all over the world. Be prepared to sort through some questionable items and to haggle once you've found what you're looking for! (Click here for more on Rome's open-air markets). For more expensive and larger options-be aware that shipping costs can be pretty steep-head to the Via del Babuino near Piazza di Spagna. You'll find countless shops filled with elegant antique furniture, paintings and china. Even if you don't buy anything, strolling down the street with your loved one while perusing beautiful old Italian goods will certainly feel romantic. The Modern Traveler's favorite shopping experience is always Santa Maria Novella, the Florentine perfume shop near Piazza Navona. The profumeria is over 500 years old and the original scent was created for Catherine de Medici. What could be more romantic than buying perfume?
Readers: What's your favorite shopping experience in Rome?

Ways to Save Euros: Antipasti

Food in Rome is diverse, exciting, and can actually be had for a decent price, even in the most popular areas. If you are in Piazza di Spagna and are in the mood for a light lunch, head over to Ristorante alla Rampa (Piazza Mignanelli 18) for an array of antipasti choices such as fried zucchini flowers and prosciutto with melon. A large plate of assorted antipasti can be had for 9 Euros. Add a small bottle of wine and your meal (of appetizers) will be complete. Make sure you go early in the day, as it tends to fill up in the early evening. Another choice for antipasti is L'Orso 80 (Via dell'Orso 33 near Piazza Navona).

Chic Retreat in Rome

The Casa Howard Guest House in Rome is a 10 room hotel in two locations near the Spanish Steps. The hotel is really more like a private residence, decorated with antiques and family heirlooms. Each location has a Turkish Hammam (bath) to help you wash off the day upon your return from sightseeing. 3 of the rooms at the Via Capo Le Case location do not have en-suite bathrooms (the White, Blue and Chinese rooms) but your bathroom is just next to your room and is private, much like in a real residence. The room rates start at 180 Euros in the low season and 220 in the high season. The hotel is part of the Chic Retreats group which specializes in luxurious boutique hotels with less than 30 rooms.

The Best Sales During "Saldi" Season-Fendi?

According to Suzy Gershman, author of Born to Shop Italy, the best place to shop during Italy's twice yearly sale season is the Fendi in Rome (Via Borgogna 39). In January and July, heaps and mounds of discount Fendi items appear at this store (one of the most fabulous in the Piazza di Spagna shopping district) from recent seasons and seasons past. Handbags, shoes, clothing-all at a fraction of the regular price! For more on shopping in Italy from outlets to outdoor markets, see her book-and watch out for her biting wit!

Readers: What are some of the best deals you've found during Saldi season in Rome?

500,000 Colorful Balls Released on the Spanish Steps

On January 16th, artist Graziano Cecchini released 500,000 colorful plastic balls down the Spanish Steps as an artistic commentary on the social problems of Italy. The Italian word for ball is palle, which is also a word for "untruth." Cecchini was detained by Roman authorities shortly after the release of the balls. Cecchini is famous for dyeing the water in the Trevi Fountain red in October of 2007 as a protest for the poor treatment of artists in Italy. Is Cecchini's work art or vandalism?

The Pincio

Perched above Piazza del Popolo in the center of Rome is a charming park called the Pincio. From the Piazza Napoleone on top of the Pincian hill you can look out at the "skyline" of Rome-countless church domes, with St. Peter's the most prominent. The Pincio is a perfect place for a spot of shade on a hot summer day or a leisurely stroll at sunset. If you head south from the park along the ridge of the hill, passing the Villa Medici which is now the French Academy in Rome, you will eventually reach the top of the Spanish Steps and the Church of the Trinita dei Monti.

Max Mara-(Relatively) Reasonably Priced Italian Style

Perhaps you have heard about this classic Italian women’s clothing brand and you aren’t really interested. Well, Max Mara in Italy is not like Max Mara in the U.S. The designs are simple, luxurious, and stylish-and you can actually wear them in your real life. And the prices are always 30% less in Italy. The shop is located at Via Condotti 17-19a near Piazza di Spagna and takes up three storefronts with dresses, sweaters, suits and accessories.

Travel and Leisure: World's Best Hotels-Rome

The January 2008 issue of Travel and Leisure lists the 500 best luxury hotels in the world. On the list are 5 of Rome' s most famous and elegant hotels. If you can't stay at these gorgeous establishments, at least pop in for a cocktail or dinner. The Hotel Hassler came in at Number 1 (and nearly the most expensive) in Rome and is located at the top of the Spanish Steps. Its attractions include celebrity sightings, proximity to the Borghese Gardens, and unbeatable access to the shops on the Via Condotti. Ranked number 2 in Rome is the St. Regis Grand Hotel (a Starwood Hotel), located near the Via Veneto. The Hotel de Russie, known for its gardens, came in at number 3 and is located conveniently between Piazza di Spagna and the Piazza del Popolo. Number 4 by a hair is the Rome Cavalieri Hilton which is located 3 miles from the city center but has a lovely private park and pool (perfect for summertime visitors). Its restaurant, La Pergola, has three Michelin stars. The Hotel Lord Byron came in at number 5. This hotel is located behind the Villa Borghese, so it's best to take a cab or be prepared for a leisurely walk through the Borghese Gardens to get to the historic center.

Where to Shop in Rome-High End

Piazza di Spagna is known for its luxury shops like Gucci, Fendi and Prada. There you can find the designer goods that have made Italy famous. In addition to the big names that seem to be in every world-class city, you will also find lesser known but just as luxurious brands like Missoni, Moschino, Alberta Ferretti and Rene Caovilla. How to maximize your American dollar's purchasing power? Wait until JULY. Almost every store in Italy dramatically reduces its prices for the summer Saldi. July is the time to stock up on your designer shoes, bags, apparel, linens (try Frette and Pratesi)-anything and everything. Diverti te!