Italy is home to legendary ancient cities with magnificent architecture, deserted islands with crystal-clear water and secret blue lakes, Florence is a cradle of Renaissance architecture and rich museums, Venice with its romantic glow and gondolas, Roman ruins and beautiful beaches, Greek temples and the world’s largest number of World Heritage sites, delicious handmade pasta and a wide variety of cheeses … Have I forgotten something? Oh yes! And, of course, the shopping! Italy is the cradle of fashion and style with different kinds of markets, antique shops, designer outlets, malls, outlets and high-end boutiques.
Here you can buy everything you need (and don’t). In this article we give you the best shopping tips on the best buys, bargains and how to shop smart. According to the survey ( International Guidelines on Travel Issues ) we conducted among our users, shopping is one of the most pressing issues for many world travellers. Together with our locals, we managed to combine shopping tips from all over Italy. So here it is.
The best cities for shopping in Italy
Rome
Whether you’ve come to Rome to buy designer clothes and chic handbags or something cheap and stylish, Rome is one of the best shopping cities in Italy. Rome is home to everything you could wish for. Next to the best Italian designer shops and boutiques you can find stalls and independent shops. We have chosen the best locations to indulge in shopping and get the best bargain.
Food
Paciotti Salumeria (Via Marcantonio Bragadin 51, 00136 Rome) is the most popular food shop among tourists. It is run by three brothers who are always extremely helpful, knowledgeable, funny and polite. The shop is full of high quality food products at a reasonable price. From balsamic vinegar and antipasto to lightly salted ham and cheese, the Paciotti Salumeria is sure to leave no one indifferent.
Clothes and accessories
Via Condotti and Piazza di Spagna is Rome’s main designer shopping area. Here you can find shops of famous designers from all over the world. Look out for celebrities who love spending time here. Also, next to the high-end boutiques, you will be able to find fantastic restaurants and dining rooms.
Make sure you don’t miss Caffè Greco as this historical place was loved by Goethe, Stendhal and Byron. And, you know, every time you eat at these places, you get goosebumps and feel this special connection to history and the people who had an impact on our literature and art.
Shopping Centre
The Galleria Commerciale Porta di Roma (Via Alberto Lionello 201, 00139 Rome) is one of the largest shopping centres in Rome with over 200 shops housed there. On two floors you will find everything you could possibly need, from electronics to sports goods.
Flea Market
Domenica Mercatino del Borghetto Flaminio (32 Piazza della Marina) is a mecca for fashionistas. It’s all about bargain hunting, fashionable clothes barely worn, vintage items and handmade furniture and accessories. It is open from 10am to 7pm on Sundays, so make sure you don’t miss it during your shopping hunt in Rome.
Venice
Jewellers
For magnificent vintage Italian jewellery, visit Le Gioie di Bortolo (Campo di San Bartolomeo 5536, San Marco). The variety and design of jewellery and accessories will leave no one indifferent.
Venetian masks
Venice is famous for its carnival held in February each year. Although it is a secret event, the popularity of the carnival and Venetian masks is impressive. For beautiful masks, go to Mondo Novo (Rio Terà Canal, Campo Santa Margherita, Dorsoduro 3063). This mask maker specialises in papier-mâché and custom-made works of art. The cheapest masks cost from around $20 to $30. Even if you don’t end up buying a mask, this shop is definitely worth a visit.
Murano glass
Locals recommend that the best Murano glass is produced by Venini . It is handmade, it is authentic, it is luxurious, it is unique.
Antique shopping
For extraordinary service and a wonderful variety of antiques go to Gioielleria Eredi Jovon ( Sestiere San Marco 5325 , 30124 Venezia). Although a family-run business, this shop offers exceptional customer service and an unforgettable experience.
Milan
Designer clothes
Milan is a shopping mecca and home to many designers. To immerse yourself in the frenzy of high-end shopping, explore the Quadrilatero d’Oro (‘golden rectangle’). Milan’s high fashion is embedded in this square that includes Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni, Via Sant’Andrea and Via Montenapoleone.
Shopping Centre
The oldest and most famous shopping centre in the world is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, opened in 1867. It is located right next to the Duomo. This glass-roofed arcade houses major brands such as Prada, Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
Shops in Milan
If you can’t wait to spend a fortune on designer labels, head to the city centre for small-scale outlets like Outlet Corso Como 10 (Porta Garibaldi), D Magazine (Via Montenapoleone) and Il Salvagente (Via F.lli Bronzetti 16, Milan).
