Living in Rome can be expensive – real expensive. Thank goodness for the bancarelle (“stalls”). The bancarelle offer a huge variety of goods – from kitchen supplies to winter coats to electronics to man’s ties! Your shopping options are endless. And because the vendors rotate their locations daily, you get different stalls in your neighborhood each day.
You can find the “same” clothes at a banacarella for far less than at that fancy shop on Via dei Corso. We’ve purchased GEOX shoes at a bancarella for less than half the price of the GEOX store down the street.
The bancarelle allow the average Italian a more economical option.
The prices allow locals to shop OFTEN… and that’s necessary because “looking good” is important! Staying “in season” can be a challenge on a limited budget. The bancarelle probably offer the best “buys” in Rome.
Most of the bancarelle are located near metro stops, or on major street corners in parts of town that many tourists do not get to. You won’t see them by the Pantheon or the Colosseo, but head off into the many neighborhoods that encircle centro Rome and they are quite prevalent.
We’re fortunate to live near the Ottaviano and Cipro metro station… so we have many, many options. Often, my wife will get off the metro at the Ottaviano stop so we HAVE to walk by the bancarelle on our way home.
Prices range from 50 cents to 50 euro… but most items are under €10. If you purchase more than one item, you can often “bargain” for a lower price on the second or third. I tend to avoid the one-euro clothing tables. You really have to dig through these. And saying that, when shopping at a bancarella it sometimes pays to be a little assertive! It can often get VERY crowded.
Don’t confuse the bancarelle with the guys whose goods are laid out on the street, or are standing holding a collection of “Prada” purses. The bancarelle are regulated by the City of Rome and are legal. If you buy from guy with goods laid out on a sheet, you could be fined…. not the case at a bancarelle.
So when in Rome, do as the Romans do – head for your nearest bancarelle… dig in and save!
Shopping in Rome, my wife’s passion – She should probably write a book. Above our some great guides for shopping in Italy. Click on any to get more information. For more reading materials or travel accessories, head to our Travel Store, Magellan’s Travel Supplies, or look in amazon.com. Non-USA Guests can search for travel accessories at amazon.co.uk.
Shopping in Rome, my wife’s passion – She should probably write a book. Above our some great guides for shopping in Italy. Click on any to get more information. For more reading materials or travel accessories, head to our Travel Store, Magellan’s Travel Supplies, or look in amazon.com. Non-USA Guests can search for travel accessories at amazon.co.uk.
Let Me Coach You, if you’re looking for travel assistance or some help creating an iitinerary! If you want to build your own vacation, please feel free use the information in the articles of the Ron-in-Rome website to help plan your next trip. If you need consulting, head to the Coaching page; For a list of all articles on this website, head to the Postings page. Or use the SEARCH Box, on the top right of each page!
Header: Nasoni – Photos by macubu
Kaoru, you might try Oviesse, a lower cost store somewhat similar to TJ Maxx. As far as a hair dryer you can get those ay any small electronics/appliance store. They are all over town. You might look for Euronics, a common electronics store. Google and find one close to your accommodation. I’ve taken folks to a small electronics store on Via Arenula near Largo Argentina. Sometimes even the larger grocery stores sell hair dryers.
I always enjoy reading your posts !
Quick question regarding shopping. Does Italy have stores comparable to TJ Maxx or Marshalls that we have here in the US? By this, I mean stores that sell decent quality items at reduced prices (compared to department store prices).
Also, on my trips to Italy I always see many stores selling home goods and small appliances but I’ve never found a store selling hairdryers. What kind of stores sell hairdryers in Italy? Maybe certain pharmacys? Where in Rome would be a good store to visit?
thanks Ron
It’s nice post. Thanks. Have a good day. Cya.
Great, just what I was looking for. I will definitely stop by the bancarelle. Thanks for the tip, Ron!
great blog thank you
Greetings, Ron- I had emailed you several weeks ago, wondering about a change in location for the Mercato di Piazza Vittorio Emmanuele. Anyway, I just wanted to update you, for what it’s worth. I did find the new location. The Market has moved indoors to an old Milk plant on Via Principe Amadeo @ Via Ricasoli, just a block East of Pza Emmanuele. Not a big deal, but based on the effort you put into your website, I thought you might appreciate the feedback. Again, thanks for your insights. We look forward to our 2nd visit to Rome next week. Thanks for your help. Jim