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?

The Via Giulia is 500

One of Rome's most elegant streets, the Via Giulia, is celebrating its 500th birthday this summer. The street, built by Pope Julius II, was originally part of a building program around the Vatican. The street runs almost parallel to the Tiber River for a spell, but does not have the traffic of the Lungotevere, the thoroughfare which brings traffic north along the river. The Via Giulia is lined with churches and palazzos-one even belonging to the Medici family. Many of these churches and palazzos, usually closed to the public, will open this summer in celebration of the quincentenary. See the website devoted to the events (unfortunately only in Italian) or read more about the sights on the Via Giulia in a recent New York Times article.

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.

de Medicis and Detroit

You may have read in the New York Times that Detroit is among the 53 Places to Go in 2008 (#40-and Rome wasn't even on the list!). The newly renovated Detroit Institute of Arts is one of the reasons that the city was included. In addition to impressive French, African and American collections, the museum houses extensive Medieval and Renaissance works from all over Europe. In particular, there is one gallery devoted to the patronage and influence of the Medici family. Not only was this Florentine banking family famous for its financial prowess, but many of its members married royalty (depicted is Eleonora of Toldeo by Agnolo Bronzini, 1550, member of the Spanish royal family who married Cosimo de Medici in 1539) and even became cardinals and popes. Countless artists in Renaissance Florence and Rome flourished through their support. The DIA gallery not only depicts portraits of various members of the family, but also objects from the workshops of the many artists, such as Donatello, who enjoyed the backing of the Medicis. Don't miss the models of Gian Lorenzo Bernini's fountains for Piazza Barberini in Rome and the exhibit on the "The Grand Tour," which portrays the journeys that wealthy young men would take to Italy in the 18th century-and the paintings and sculptures they brought home with them. Naturally, don't forget to visit the Classical gallery, where you will find Roman jewelry and Greek vases (and a demonstration of mixing wine with water, a necessity for those strong ancient vintages).