Italy is a country that is well-known for its rich history, art, culture, and cuisine. But it’s also a great destination for shopping, with a wide range of shops offering everything from high-end fashion to local artisanal products. Planning a shopping tour in Italy can be an exciting adventure, whether you’re looking to buy a designer handbag in Milan, taste local delicacies in Florence, or browse unique artisanal products in Venice.
In this blog, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to plan your ultimate shopping tour in Italy. We’ll cover the best cities for shopping, the best shops to visit in each city, the best time to visit, and other tips and tricks to help you make the most of your shopping experience. So, whether you’re a fashionista looking to score the latest designer trends, a foodie looking to taste the best local delicacies, or a culture enthusiast looking to discover unique artisanal products, this blog will provide you with all the insights and inspiration you need to plan your dream shopping tour in Italy.
High quality clothes and other best brands stuff can be purchased in Italy with at least 20% discount in comparison to other countries.
Some tourist companies offer special tours for shoppers, willing to purchase Italian goods. The tours are aimed to take the travelers to the best boutiques and shops, within short weekend break.
The advantage of shopping tours in Italy is that it can be combined with excursions and rest at the beach. Shopping tours in Italy include transfer from the airport to hotel, visiting main shopping centers and boutiques, sales and wholesale stock houses.
Tour companies also offer services of professional consultants to help you with style and on stock purchases if you are business owner.
How to plan a shopping tour to Italy
Planning a shopping tour to Italy can be an exciting and fun experience. Here are some steps to help you plan your trip:
- Choose your destination(s): Italy is known for its high-end fashion and design, so cities like Milan, Florence, and Rome are great places to start. Decide which cities you would like to visit and plan your itinerary accordingly.
- Determine your budget: Italy has something for every budget, but it’s important to determine how much you can afford to spend before you go. Consider the cost of airfare, accommodations, transportation, meals, and shopping expenses.
- Research the best shopping areas: Each city has its own unique shopping districts, from designer boutiques to outdoor markets. Look for shopping areas that suit your style and interests.
- Make a list of stores and items to buy: Once you’ve identified the shopping areas you want to visit, make a list of stores and items you want to purchase. This will help you stay focused and avoid overspending.
- Plan your transportation: Italy has a great public transportation system, but it’s important to plan ahead to make sure you can get to all the shopping areas you want to visit. Consider renting a car or taking a taxi for added convenience.
- Consider hiring a personal shopper: If you’re looking for a more personalized shopping experience, consider hiring a personal shopper. They can help you find the best deals and navigate the city’s shopping districts.
- Enjoy the local culture: Italy is known for its amazing food, art, and architecture. Take time to enjoy the local culture, and don’t forget to take breaks from shopping to soak it all in.
By following these steps, you can plan a fun and successful shopping tour to Italy.
List of best cities for shopping tour in Italy
Italy is known for its world-class fashion and design, as well as its traditional crafts and artisanal goods. Here are some of the best cities for a shopping tour in Italy:
Milan – Milan is known as the fashion capital of Italy and is home to some of the world’s top luxury brands like Armani, Gucci, Prada, and Versace. The city also has several high-end department stores like La Rinascente and Excelsior Milano.
Florence – Florence is famous for its leather goods, jewelry, and handcrafted goods. The city is home to several artisanal workshops where you can see craftsmen at work and purchase unique items like Florentine paper, ceramics, and glassware.
Rome – Rome is home to several luxury shopping districts like Via Condotti, Via Borgognona, and Via Frattina. The city also has several outdoor markets like Campo de’ Fiori and Porta Portese where you can find everything from fresh produce to vintage clothing.
Venice – Venice is known for its beautiful glassware, lace, and textiles. The city is home to several artisanal shops and workshops where you can purchase handmade items like Murano glass and Venetian masks.
Turin – Turin is a lesser-known shopping destination but is home to several unique boutiques and shops. The city is known for its chocolate, coffee, and wine, and has several food markets like Porta Palazzo where you can find local specialties.
Bologna – Bologna is a great destination for foodies and shoppers alike. The city is known for its food markets, specialty shops, and gourmet food stores like Tamburini.
These are just a few of the best cities for a shopping tour in Italy. Each city has its own unique shopping districts and specialties, so be sure to do your research and plan your itinerary accordingly.
Milan is one of the world’s biggest shopping centers, with plenty of brand names designers’ boutiques.
Most of them are located in the center of Milan, in Quadrilatero d’oro. Here you will spend minimum time and efforts for the shopping in Italy.
Best shops in Milan
Milan is known for its high-end fashion and design, and there are many great shops to explore. Here are some of the best shops in Milan:
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – This is one of the world’s oldest shopping malls and is home to some of the world’s top luxury brands. You can find shops like Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and more.
Via Montenapoleone – This is one of the most famous shopping streets in Milan and is home to several luxury fashion brands, including Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, and Versace.
La Rinascente – This is a high-end department store that offers a wide range of fashion, accessories, and beauty products from top brands.
Excelsior Milano – This is another high-end department store that offers a wide range of luxury fashion and design brands. The store is located in a beautiful historic building and is worth a visit for its impressive architecture alone.
10 Corso Como – This is a multi-functional space that includes a shop, gallery, restaurant, and bar. The shop offers a curated selection of fashion, accessories, and design items from both established and emerging designers.
Antonia – This is a boutique that offers a carefully curated selection of high-end fashion brands. The shop has a unique and creative atmosphere and offers a personalized shopping experience.
These are just a few of the best shops in Milan. There are many more to explore, so be sure to do your research and plan your shopping itinerary accordingly.
Best shops in Florence
Florence is a beautiful city known for its rich history, culture, and art. It is also home to many great shops, particularly those specializing in leather goods, jewelry, and artisanal products. Here are some of the best shops in Florence:
Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy – This pharmacy, founded in 1612, is one of the oldest in the world and offers a wide range of high-quality beauty and skincare products made from natural ingredients.
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella – This is another historic pharmacy in Florence that offers a wide range of beauty and skincare products, as well as perfumes and home fragrances.
Ponte Vecchio – This iconic bridge over the Arno River is lined with jewelry shops, many of which offer high-quality handmade pieces. This is a great place to find unique and beautiful jewelry.
Scuola del Cuoio – This is a workshop and school that specializes in leather goods, including bags, wallets, and accessories. Visitors can watch the artisans at work and purchase handmade items.
Mercato Centrale – This is a bustling indoor food market that offers a wide range of local and regional products, including fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and more. It’s a great place to find unique food items to bring home.
Aquaflor – This perfume shop offers a wide range of unique and high-quality fragrances made from natural ingredients. Visitors can create their own custom scent with the help of a perfumer.
These are some of the best shops in Florence.
Best shops in Rome
Rome is a city of history, culture, and style, and it is home to a variety of great shops. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, artisanal crafts, or local food products, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the best shops in Rome:
Via del Corso – This is one of the most famous shopping streets in Rome and is home to many high-end fashion brands, as well as more affordable shops.
Via Condotti – This is another famous shopping street in Rome and is home to several luxury fashion brands, including Bulgari, Gucci, and Prada.
Campo de’ Fiori Market – This historic market offers a wide range of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other local food products. It’s a great place to find unique ingredients and taste some of the best flavors of Rome.
Eataly – This is a large food emporium that offers a wide range of Italian food products, including fresh pasta, cheeses, meats, and wines. It’s a great place to stock up on high-quality ingredients and gourmet treats.
Mercato Monti – This is a weekly market that takes place in a historic building in the Monti neighborhood. It offers a wide range of vintage and handmade clothing, accessories, and other unique items.
Antica Caciara – This is a historic deli that specializes in cured meats and cheeses, as well as other local food products. It’s a great place to find authentic Roman flavors.
These are just a few of the best shops in Rome to visit.
Best shops in Venice
Venice is a city of canals, art, and culture, and it is home to a variety of unique and interesting shops. Whether you’re looking for handmade crafts, local food products, or high-end fashion, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the best shops in Venice:
Rialto Market – This is a historic market located on the Grand Canal and is one of the best places to find fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables in Venice.
Calle Larga XXII Marzo – This is a street in Venice that is home to many high-end fashion boutiques, including Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton.
Libreria Acqua Alta – This is a quirky bookstore located near the Rialto Bridge that is known for its unique atmosphere and collection of books stacked in bathtubs and gondolas.
Carta Alta – This is a paper shop located near the Rialto Bridge that offers a wide range of high-quality paper products, including notebooks, cards, and decorative papers.
Venetian Dreams – This is a boutique located near the San Marco Square that specializes in handmade Murano glass jewelry, as well as other unique artisanal products.
Fondaco dei Tedeschi – This historic building has been transformed into a high-end department store that offers a wide range of luxury fashion and design brands. It’s also home to a rooftop terrace with beautiful views of Venice.
There are many more shops in Venice to explore.
Best shops in Turin
Turin is a beautiful city located in northern Italy and is known for its rich history, culture, and cuisine. It’s also a great destination for shopping, with a variety of shops offering everything from high-end fashion to local artisanal products. Here are some of the best shops in Turin:
Via Roma – This is one of the most famous shopping streets in Turin and is home to many high-end fashion brands, as well as more affordable shops.
Quadrilatero Romano – This is a historic neighborhood in Turin that is home to many artisanal shops, including butchers, bakers, and cheese shops.
Eataly Lingotto – This is a large food emporium located in a converted car factory that offers a wide range of Italian food products, including fresh pasta, cheeses, meats, and wines. It’s a great place to stock up on high-quality ingredients and gourmet treats.
Mercato di Porta Palazzo – This is the largest open-air market in Europe and is home to over 800 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to clothing and accessories.
Carlo E Camilla in Segheria – This is a trendy restaurant and cocktail bar located in a converted sawmill that also houses a design shop selling unique and stylish home goods.
Vinai – This is a historic wine shop located in the San Salvario neighborhood that offers a wide selection of local and regional wines, as well as spirits and other beverages.
These are just a few of the best shops to visit in Turin. Of course, there are many more to explore during your shopping tour in Italy.
Best shops in Bologna
Bologna is a vibrant and historic city located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It’s famous for its food, architecture, and culture, but it’s also a great place for shopping. Here are some of the best shops in Bologna:
Galleria Cavour – This is a high-end shopping mall located in the city center that offers a wide range of luxury fashion brands, including Versace, Dior, and Burberry.
Mercato delle Erbe – This is a large indoor market located in the city center that offers a wide range of fresh produce, meat, cheese, and other local products.
Tamburini – This is a historic deli and grocery store located near the Two Towers that offers a wide range of local and regional food products, including cured meats, cheeses, and wines.
La Vecchia Scuola Bolognese – This is a unique shop located near the Piazza Maggiore that offers a wide range of local and regional artisanal products, including handmade pasta, sauces, and other food products.
Corte Isolani – This is a trendy shopping arcade located in a historic building near the Piazza Maggiore that offers a wide range of shops selling everything from clothing and accessories to home goods and gifts.
Bottega del Tè – This is a charming tea shop located near the Two Towers that offers a wide range of high-quality teas and tea-related products, including tea sets, infusers, and other accessories.
These are just a few of the best shops to check in Bologna. Whether you’re looking for luxury fashion, local food products, or unique artisanal products, Bologna has something for everyone.
What is the best time for a shopping tour to Italy?
The best time for a shopping tour to Italy depends on your preferences and what you’re looking for. Here are some things to consider:
- Sales and Discounts: If you’re looking for bargains, the best time to go shopping in Italy is during the sale seasons, which typically happen twice a year – once in January and again in July. During these times, many stores offer discounts of up to 50-70% off.
- Seasonal Shopping: Italy is known for its fashion, so the best time to visit for fashion enthusiasts is during fashion week, which takes place twice a year in Milan (in February/March and September/October). During this time, you can see the latest fashion collections and attend exclusive events.
- Weather: The weather in Italy can vary depending on the season, so it’s important to consider what you want to do and where you want to go. The spring (April-May) and fall (September-November) are generally mild and pleasant, making them great times to explore the cities and do some shopping. However, the summer months (June-August) can be very hot and crowded, which may make shopping less enjoyable.
- Festivals and Holidays: Italy has many festivals and holidays throughout the year, which can make for a fun and festive shopping experience. For example, during Christmas time, the cities are beautifully decorated, and there are many Christmas markets where you can find unique gifts and holiday items.
Ultimately, the best time for a shopping tour to Italy depends on your interests and preferences. Be sure to do your research and plan accordingly to make the most of your trip.