Shops in Rome are generally open from 9am to 1pm, 9:30am in the center of the city, and reopens from 4pm to 7:30pm.  There are however a few exceptions: I must break every shopaholic’s heart by saying that clothing stores in Rome are closed on Sunday and Monday mornings. I know it hurts it’s when you still have lots of money right? But then, they follow the general hours of opening and closing.

For those gluttons shopping their stomachs through Rome, food stores are open from 8am to 1pm and reopen from 5pm to 7:30pm. Sadly though, that on Sundays and Thursday afternoons, these gluttons must take a break since food stores are closed during these days, except during summer since they are close on Saturday afternoons and Sundays. Vegetarians in Rome  must wake up early to catch the outdoor fresh vegetable markets such as Campo de’Fiori which is open from 7am to 2pm Mondays to Saturdays. Supermarkets on the other hand are 8am to 8pm all day, including Sundays.

Shoppers must consider the last two weeks of August as a summer holiday break for these shops as well as for their pockets.

If you’re looking for the best finds for clothes and the latest trends in Rome, you might want to try visiting the area between via del Corso and via del Babuino in the vicinity of the Spanish steps. Many of the posh shops and haute couture boutiques can be found in that area: those of Armani, Prada, Gucci, Ferragamo, Bulgari Jewelers, Cartier Jewelers, Swatch, Mont Blanc and La Perla can be found in Via Condotti. Other shops you must check out at the side streets of Piazza Mignanelli, Piazza di Spagna, Via Borgognona,  Fontanella Borghese, Via del Babuino and places surrounding the vicinity.

One top shop of hats that has a significant collection of hats worn by famous people such as Mussolini and Trilussa can be found at 7 Via Minghetti, the Fratelli Vigano men’s shop which dates back its existence back to 1873.

For those shoppers who would want to stick to a strict budget, Rome offers the lower cost clothing shops. You’ll find these budget friendly yet trendy stores near the Vatican centered on Via Cola de Rienzo and Via Ottaviano.

Cookware and kitchen wares are also very much affordable and available in Rome. You can check out C.U.C.I.N.A. at 65 Via Mario de’ Fiori for kitchenware and cookware that you might ever need and ‘Gusto at 7 Piazza Augusto Imperatore for cookbooks that will offer a variety of recipes that will surely satisfy your taste.

There are still a lot to see and a number of shops to go to in Rome. Just be ready to walk and have your feet sore as you empty your pockets in one shopping getaway of a lifetime!

European cities to visit in summer, suggestion 1: Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland is a great alternate to visiting London, England. It’s not that I’m discouraging you to choose London as one of the European cities to visit in summer but the city can be overcrowded and the weather hot. Edinburgh is temperate. And if you choose to travel here, you can enjoy the world famous Edinburgh Festival, featuring arts, comedies, movies, movies and other entertainment. Edinburgh is one of the best European cities to visit in summer if you want to immerse yourself in the culture.

European cities to visit in summer, suggestion 2: Barcelona

I chose Barcelona as one of the European cities to visit in summer because it can satisfy travellers with different tastes. You can enjoy superb beaches and numerous sites to visit. It’s a lovely city with amazing architecture. It’s also one of the best European cities to visit in summer because of the marvellous weather conditions.

European cities to visit in summer, suggestion 3: Venice

Venice is another of the great European cities to visit in summer as it is full of mysteries and paradoxes. It’s an amazing city of canals and palaces, gondolas, festivals and a very long history to learn from. The only downside to choosing Venice as one of the European cities to visit in summer is if you are easily tired of the constant celebration. But honestly, what’s wrong with being happy? However, you can make a short ride to Lido Island to have your escape but still be in one of the best European cities to visit in summer.

European cities to visit in summer, suggestion 4: Prague

The next of the European cities to visit in summer on my list is Prague. The city isn’t all about the great architecture and bright photos. Prague is also the heart of Europe. It’s one of the greater European cities to visit in summer for pubs and dining services. There’s a huge variety of beer and traditional food. Grabbing a break in Prague will definitely leave you with pleasant memories of one of the amazing European cities to visit in summer.

European cities to visit in summer, suggestion 5:  Amsterdam

Amsterdam is definitely one of the more fun European cities to visit in summer. It’s a city of great mixtures of old and new. What makes the site great is that it still manages to look harmonically. During the summer, you can enjoy the Grachtenfestival, a celebration of music and boat performance on one of the most spectacular canals in Amsterdam.

There’s my list of European cities to visit in summer. Feel free to share your list of Europeans cities to visit in summer if you think mine isn’t all right.