Rome has a unique mixture of old, historic buildings, ancient Roman remains, and all the shops and services that are by now a familiar sight in any major European city. Most of the big name high street brands, such as Energie Jeans, Diesel and The Body Shop are located in Via del Corso, Rome's main shopping street that runs from Piazza del Popolo to Piazza Venezia.
Via Condotti, a small road that leads from Via del Corso to the stupendous Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish steps probably contains the highest concentration of luxury designer stores anywhere in the world. Armani, Versace, Vuitton, Bulgari, Fendi, Yves Saint Laurent.... you name it, they're there. A very entertaining hour can be spent actually going into these shops and checking out what the top stars will be wearing at the next Oscars ceremony. Don't let the grandiosity of the shops and haughtiness of their tuxedoed assistants put you off, after all they can't throw you out for wearing scruffy jeans and trainers!
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