Shopping in Italy
Italy is known as one of the most fashionable countries of the world. While travelling around the country you will find clear evidence of its old legacy in its shopping complexes and markets. Shopaholics will love the experience of Italy.
Italy is home to some of the world's finest designers. The country's fashion industry has seen immense progress; as a result you can find some great clothes and accessories here.
Shopping in Italy is a wonderful experience. Read our Italy Shopping Guide below and learn about the best deals and places to shop in Italy. If you get hungry whilst shopping, stop for a traditional meal in one of the tasty Italian restaurants. For further local shopping information, visit out Sardinia Shopping Guide.
Italy Shopping Guide
Numerous chain stores like Coin, La Rinascente, Standa and Upim have a presence in various towns and cities. You get excellent varieties of clothes for both men and women. Take your pick from dresses, gloves, shoes, shirts, silk ties; splurge on lacework, leather goods like handbags, boxes, cases, and luggage; pick and choose from a wide range of, jewellery, ceramics, woodwork, gold and silver hems, straw, glass, embroidery and crystal ware.
You can also buy some excellent products like perfume bottles, vintage furniture, military paraphernalia, botanical prints, powder boxes and buttons. Do visit the flea and antique markets in Italy, where you get good bargains on men's hats and antique biscotti tins of the1940s. Angelo Feroci, Franco Borini, Massimo Maria Melis, Pescheria Gelmetti, Le Gru and Galleria del Disco are some of the finest places for a unique shopping experience in Italy. An essential part of an Italian vacation are trips to various shops and markets spread across the country.
Tuscany
The city of Florence provides visitors with plenty of opportunities to shop. Visitors can check out the 100 individual factory outlet stores of such labels as Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli, Bulgar, Tod's and Richard Ginori that make shopping here a not-to-be-missed experience.
Tuscany is known for its crystal, leather goods, lace and terracotta and also has factory outlets of big names like Fendi, Prada, Armani and Gucci. Whatever it is that you are looking for - souvenirs, art, bargains or antiques, you will find it here. With heavy discounts of over 50% on retail prices you may end up saving what you paid for your trip!
There are exclusive outlets where you can purchase fashionable clothing, house ware, souvenirs, Tuscan gifts, accessories and footwear that showcase the spirit of Tuscany and its history. Most of the exclusive Tuscany souvenirs come with personalized postcards, enabling you to make a gift special with a personal message. You can even mail these from Italy.
There are shops for capodimonte ceramics, arts and crafts, Tuscan pottery, wedding and anniversary gifts, fashion bags, hats and exclusive Florentine hand crafted items, cookbooks, art and travel guides. Locally sourced good quality natural fabric is used to make quality clothing in Tuscany.
Tuscany is famous for its tasty and good quality olive oil. Remember to pick up some delicious varieties of olive oil mixed with herbs, condiments like basil, pepper and oregano. Prices depend on the quality and brand.
Florence shops are home to several historical names in fashion like Emilio Pucci, Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo, giving you an opportunity to buy the kind of outfits and accessories that you may have only dreamt of. In addition to top designer clothes and accessories to wear on special evenings you can buy some vintage souvenirs to furnish your apartment or buy some delicacies to please your taste buds and those of your friends.
Visitors interested in silver and gold jewellery can visit Ponte Vecchio and its numerous small shops. The streets of Via Maggio sell antiques like objects d'art and furnishings dating back to the 16th century.
