Rome, the Eternal City, is not only home to ancient history and breathtaking architecture, but also to a vibrant vintage and second-hand scene. Its charming streets are sprinkled with shops overflowing with unique finds, offering a delightful blend of nostalgia and contemporary style. Let’s dive into the world of vintage shopping in Rome!
A City’s Changing Style
Rome’s vintage scene has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent years. Once a city where finding authentic vintage pieces was a rare feat, now it boasts a plethora of charming boutiques and markets catering to every taste and budget. This shift can be attributed to a growing appreciation for sustainable fashion and the allure of one-of-a-kind treasures.
Where to Discover Your Vintage Gems
Navigating Rome’s vintage scene can be an exciting adventure, so let’s explore some of the city’s best-kept secrets. This list will lead you to the best vintage shops and second-hand stores, offering everything from high-end designer pieces to everyday finds at bargain prices.
Monti: A Vintage Lover’s Paradise
The Monti neighborhood is a true vintage haven, brimming with independent boutiques and hidden gems.
- Moll Flanders: This shop blends new and used clothing, shoes, and accessories for both men and women, offering a diverse selection of styles.
- Lesley Luxury Vintage: With two locations in Rome, this shop specializes in high-quality pieces from renowned designers, primarily for women. You’ll find an array of designer bags and accessories here as well.
- Blue Goose: This vintage boutique is a haven for unique finds from top fashion brands. You’ll find only women’s clothing and accessories in this charming shop.
- L’Armadio di Oliver: This delightful shop offers pre-loved children’s clothes for ages 0-10, featuring mainly French and Danish brands.
Beyond Monti: More Vintage Delights
Venture beyond Monti to discover other fantastic vintage spots:
- Twice Vintage: Located in the vibrant Trastevere neighborhood, this shop offers a diverse collection of men’s and women’s clothing and accessories in a fantastic location.
- Vintachic: This shop specializes in vintage wedding dresses and other special occasion attire. You’ll also find a selection of vintage men’s suits, shirts, and accessories, along with rental options!
- Pifebo: With two locations in Rome, this shop has become a go-to destination for vintage enthusiasts. You’ll find well-curated rooms filled with shoes, bags, leather jackets, jewelry, and more.
High-End Vintage and Designer Finds
- Ciao Vintage: This family-owned business buys and sells high-end luxury designer bags and accessories, along with antique pieces.
- Revolution Vintage: This shop specializes in high-end vintage bags and accessories from top brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Prada.
More Affordable Vintage Treasures
- Flamingo Vintage: This fun and colorful shop offers a great selection of vintage women’s clothing and accessories.
- Omero e Cecilia: This eclectic shop offers a diverse range of vintage finds, so be prepared to spend some time browsing!
- Le Vesti di Messalina: This shop primarily caters to men, offering classic brands, athletic wear, leather jackets, and denim.
- Cinzia: This charming shop features vintage clothing and accessories for women, focusing on pieces from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s.
- King Size Vintage: This shop is a treasure trove for vintage men’s wear, specializing in sportswear and athleisure clothing from top brands like Versace, Gucci, and Ferragamo.
Second-Hand Delights and Affordable Finds
- Humana Vintage: This chain has several locations across Italy, including three in Rome. They collect clothing donations, sending suitable items to Africa and selling the rest at affordable prices to support their humanitarian projects.
- Sitenne: This shop offers a fantastic selection of men’s and women’s second-hand clothing, costume jewelry, accessories, and shoes at very affordable prices.
Exploring Rome’s Vintage Markets
Rome’s vibrant markets are a must-visit for any vintage enthusiast. Here are some of the best:
- Mercato Monti Urban Market: This weekend indoor market in Monti is more than just a market; it’s a haven for vintage fashion and unique finds. You’ll find a diverse selection of artists, stylists, and designers running stalls with top-quality vintage and second-hand clothing and more!
- Via del Governo Vecchio: This long shopping street behind Piazza Navona is home to numerous vintage shops, offering a wide array of vintage and second-hand goods. It’s a fantastic place to browse and discover hidden treasures.
- Porta Portese: This massive market takes place every Sunday, offering a vast selection of items, from antiques to vintage clothing.
- Via Sannio: This daily street market is a great place to find inexpensive and used clothing, along with other unique items.
- The Vintage Market Roma: This traveling market holds regular events across the city, featuring vintage clothing, handmade crafts, vinyls, art pieces, and more.
- Mercatino del Usato: This chain of second-hand shops and antique markets is a treasure trove of vintage finds. You can even browse and buy online!
- Borghetto Flaminio: This large outdoor flea market takes place every Sunday near Piazza del Popolo, offering a jumble of everything from jewelry to clothing, from “junk” to name brands.
Rome’s Antique Scene: A History Buff’s Paradise
Rome is also a haven for antique enthusiasts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich past.
- Ponte Milvio Antiques Market: This market takes place every Sunday, offering a wide array of antique treasures overlooking the Tiber River.
- Mercato delle Stampe: Located near Piazza Navona, this market is a haven for antique books, vintage prints, stamps, and other small antiques.
- Via dei Coronari: This charming cobblestone street is a true antique lover’s paradise. While many antique shops have closed over the years, there are still plenty of dealers left to explore.
- Via del Boschetto: This street in the Monti neighborhood is another great place to discover antique furniture and lighting shops.
Discover Rome’s Vintage Treasures
Rome’s vintage scene offers something for everyone, from the fashion-conscious to the history buffs. So, grab your map, explore the city’s charming streets, and let your vintage journey begin!
