When in Rome, don’t focus only on beautiful architecture and amazing food, but also take a look at trendy shops selling pieces by up-and-coming designers. Francesca, our local ambassador in the Eternal City, points out some of the hottest spots where you’ll find the best fashion labels and new designers. Even if you don’t buy anything, you’ll see some especially hip and trendy locals!

1. S U P E R – Fashion concept store

Super is one of the shops that locals always visit when strolling in Rione Monti. It’s a small boutique selling carefully selected clothing, shoes, bags, sunglasses and interior design items from all over the world. It’s a great spot for those who appreciate quality and good design. The prices are quite high, but they have fantastic sales.

Photo credit: S U P E R

2. Dorothy Circus Gallery – Pop surrealism exhibition space

As the name of this amazing gallery suggests, you’ll find yourself in a surreal world once you pass through its doors. Expect velvet, baroque, blood red, deep black and angelic white in abundance.

If you love pop surrealism, you’ll definitely enjoy this place. It’s the first art gallery in Rome to specialise in this genre. It also has a good art bookshop that sells monograph books, limited edition prints and art toys.

3. Rione Monti – Trendy shopping and drinking spot

Rione Monti is a hip neighbourhood that attracts a young and creative crowd. Locals like to walk here in the afternoons and shop in alternative boutiques before heading out for aperitifs once the sun has gone down.

From 8 pm, especially on weekends, the square transforms into a vibrant meeting place for hip and stylish people. Although it’s one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Rome, in the past few years it has regained its youth.

Here you’ll find the best alternative boutiques and vintage shops, as well as many good restaurants, bars and takeaway joints. Lose yourself in the alleys during the day or come here at night for a drink with the locals.

Photo credit: Emanuele

4. Mercato Monti – Designer and vintage fashion market

When strolling in Rione Monti on weekends, many locals stop by Mercato Monti to do some vintage shopping and check out new Italian designers. Fashion, accessories, illustrations, artworks and much more are showcased by the designers and artists themselves. If you’re a sophisticated shopper seeking original items, you’ll definitely find something here.

Photo credit: Mercato Monti

5. Suede Store – Urban concept store

This shop attracts young urban culture lovers. Located in the heart of the Rione Monti district, locals come here to look for the latest sneakers and check out great indie and urban magazines.

It’s not simply a shoe shop, but more of a concept store. The design is minimal yet creative, and the selection of sneakers, caps and T-shirts is really alternative. Sometimes they even host DJs and illustration exhibitions.

6. Pifebo – For hipsters and vintage lovers

Pifebo is popular among local hipsters and vintage lovers. It’s always a stopover when strolling in the Rione Monti district. Here you can easily find good vintage clothing, shoes, bags and sunglasses at decent prices.

If you’re addicted to vintage, this is the shop for you. The atmosphere is bohemian, the music is good and the selection is great. It’s not touristy and is a fun place to check out alternative locals, especially on Saturdays.

Opening photo credit: Gabriel Garcia Marengo