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Neighborhood Notes: Spanish Steps & Tridente

Shopping Via Condotti and the Tridente

A Guide to Luxury, Style & Roman Elegance

A bustling Roman shopping street filled with tourists and local pedestrians near the exquisite Rome Luxury Suites

Shopping in Rome’s Tridente area means immersing yourself in the city’s most elegant shopping district. Centered around Via Condotti, Via del Corso, and Via del Babuino, this historic triangle between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo blends international luxury brands, Italian craftsmanship, and hidden boutiques. It’s the heart of Roman style — refined, vibrant, and deeply rooted in history.

 

 

The Tridente: Rome’s Most Iconic Shopping District

 

 

Shopping in the Tridente area of Rome, which includes the iconic Via Condotti, is like stepping into the beating heart of Roman elegance and style. This area is named after the three main streets—Via del Corso, Via del Babuino, and Via di Ripetta—that fan out from Piazza del Popolo, forms a triangle (or "trident"). It’s known for its mix of historic charm and high-fashion glamor.

 

Perfectly positioned between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo, the Tridente has long been the preferred shopping ground for aristocrats, artists, and international tastemakers — and it remains so today.

 

 

Via del Corso: The Pulse of Roman Shopping

 

Via del Corso, is a bustling street that caters to everyone. You’ll find big, familiar stores like Zara, Mango, and Sephora—perfect if you're looking for something trendy and accessible.

 

Running straight through the historic center, Via del Corso connects everyday Roman life with global fashion, making it one of the city’s most animated shopping streets.

 

But just off Via del Corso, there are charming side streets with hidden gems—small boutiques selling handmade leather goods, designer scarves, and unique jewelry. The craftsmanship and quality stand out immediately.

 

These quieter lanes reward curiosity and patience — ideal for travelers seeking something personal rather than predictable.

 

 

Via Condotti: Where Roman Luxury Takes Center Stage

 

For more upscale shopping, Via Condotti is where the luxury brands reign supreme. Think Gucci, Prada, and Valentino—all in elegant storefronts that make you feel like you’ve stepped onto a fashion runway.

 

Anchored by the Spanish Steps, Via Condotti has been Rome’s most prestigious shopping address since the 18th century, once frequented by European nobility and Grand Tour travelers.

 

The whole vibe of Via Condotti is refined yet bustling, a mix of international travelers and well-heeled locals shopping for dazzling fashion, sleek handbags, and jaw-dropping jewelry. With the iconic Spanish Steps as a majestic backdrop, you can’t help but soak up the energy of Roman luxury.

 

Even if you leave with just a small token from one of these designer brands (or nothing at all), you feel like you’ve been part of something quintessentially Italian.

 

 

Via del Babuino: Quiet Sophistication & Artistic Flair

 

But don’t stop at Via Condotti - Via del Babuino is a quieter stretch, but it’s filled with a mix of high-end boutiques, chic art galleries, and antique stores.

 

Linking Piazza di Spagna to Piazza del Popolo, Via del Babuino offers a more understated vision of luxury — thoughtful, cultured, and effortlessly elegant.

 

The vibe is more understated, perfect for when you want something unique and sophisticated, without all the high-energy buzz of the designer flagship stores. There’s also a sprinkling of cozy little cafés where you can take a break, sip a perfect cappuccino, and just people-watch.

 

Babuino means "baboon," and the street is named after an ancient statue of a baboon that sits near the middle of it. It’s one of those quirky little details that make Rome so charming.

 

Just behind the statue, the historic Fontana del Babuino reminds visitors that in Rome, even shopping streets carry centuries of stories.

 

 

Shopping as a Roman Way of Life

 

Shopping in the Tridente is more than just buying things—it’s about experiencing the lifestyle. Whether you’re indulging in some high-end retail therapy on Via Condotti or discovering hidden gems in the surrounding streets, you feel like you are part of something quintessentially Roman: a blend of history, fashion, and flair that you just can’t find anywhere else.

 

Strolling, pausing for coffee, admiring façades, and observing the rhythm of the street are just as important as the purchases themselves.

 

 

Stay at the Heart of Rome’s Shopping Scene

 

Staying in the Tridente means stepping directly into this world of elegance and discovery. From Margutta 19 and Babuino 181, Rome’s finest shopping streets are just moments away — allowing you to explore at your own pace, morning or evening, without ever feeling rushed.

 

 

Plan Your Shopping Walk

 

Be sure to check out our favorite shops on our Neighborhood Map, curated by our team to highlight ateliers, galleries, and addresses that reflect the true spirit of the Tridente.

 

Our concierge is also happy to assist with:

  • Personalized shopping itineraries
  • Private boutique appointments
  • Tax-free shopping guidance 
  • Art, antique, and jewelry recommendations