Italy, known for its rich history, art, architecture, and of course, fashion, is a paradise for shopaholics. From luxury boutiques to high-street brands, and from traditional markets to designer outlets, this article will take you on a journey through the best shopping cities in Italy.
Northern Italy: Where Fashion Meets Savings
Northern Italy is famous for its cold climate, but it’s also home to some of the most stylish cities in the country. Milan, Turin, and Bologna are just a few of the many destinations that offer an unparalleled shopping experience.
Milan, Lombardy
- Main shopping streets: Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Torino, Corso Buenos Aires, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, Corso Vercelli
- Shops not to be missed: Wait and See, Mary Go Round, Crossroads
- Outlets near Franciacorta Outlet Village in Rodengo Saiano (BS) and Mantua Outlet
Milan is the fashion capital of Italy, and its shopping streets are filled with high-end boutiques and fast-fashion shops. From luxury brands like Gucci and Prada to more affordable options, there’s something for everyone.
Turin, Piedmont
- Main shopping streets: Via Roma, Via Lagrange, Via Carlo Alberto, Via Po
- Shops not to be missed: San Carlo dal 1973, Bagni Paloma, F.R.A.V.
- Outlets nearby Vicolungo Outlets (no) and Serravalle Designers Outlet (al)
Turin is known for its elegant and refined atmosphere, making it the perfect destination for those looking for high-quality leather goods and fashion accessories.
Bologna, Emilia Romagna
- Main shopping streets: Via Rizzoli, Via d’Azeglio, Via Farini, Via Castiglione, Via Editore, Galleria Cavour
- Shops not to be missed: Linde Les Palais, Samarkand, Mister Gal
- Outlets nearby Fidenza Village (PR) and The Style Outlets of Castel Guelfo (BO)
Bologna is famous for its beautiful arcades, which offer a unique shopping experience. From traditional leather goods to fashion accessories, there’s something for every taste.
Central Italy: Where History Meets Fashion
Central Italy is home to some of the most historic cities in the country, where ancient architecture and art meet modern fashion trends.
Rome, Lazio
- Main shopping streets: Via Condotti, Via del Corso, Via del Babbuino, Piazza di Spagna
- Shops not to be missed: Ge.Co., Mad Zone, Patis Jò
- Outlets nearby Castel Romano Designer Outlet, Soratte Outlet Shopping, and Valmontone Outlet
Rome is a shopper’s paradise, with its historic center filled with high-end boutiques and ancient ruins. From luxury brands like Gucci to more affordable options, there’s something for everyone.
Florence, Tuscany
- Main shopping streets: Ponte Vecchio, Via Tornabuoni, Via della Vigna Nuova, Via del Parione, Piazza Santa Croce
- Shops not to be missed: Lady Jane B Vintage, Flo Concept Store, Moijejoue
- Outlets nearby Barberino Designer Outlet, The Mall, and Valdichiana Outlet Village (AR)
Florence is famous for its beautiful leather goods, which can be found in many of the city’s shops. From high-end brands like Gucci to more affordable options, there’s something for every taste.
Civitanova Marche
- Main shopping streets: Corso Umberto I, Corso Dalmazia, Piazza XX Settembre, Viale Matteotti
- Shops not to be missed: DGM Fashion, Les Tropeziennes Chaussures, Culte
- Outlets nearby Burglar, Brums, Cesare Paciotti, Falc, Igi&Co, King, Marester, Melania, Pompea, Strategia, Mauro Pelletteria, Walk Safari
Civitanova Marche is a great destination for shoe lovers, with many of the city’s shops specializing in leather goods.
Southern Italy: Where Passion Meets Style
Southern Italy is known for its warm climate, rich history, and stunning landscapes. Its shopping cities are just as beautiful, with a focus on traditional markets and local artisans.
Naples, Campania
- Main shopping streets: Corso Umberto I, Via Toledo, Via dell’Epomeo, Via Giordano, Via Scarlatti, Via Filangeri, Via dei Mille
- Shops not to be missed: Nennapop, Oblomova, Marinella
- Outlets near the Royal Palace Designer Outlet (CE)
Naples is a city like no other, with its stunning coastline and rich history. From traditional markets to luxury boutiques, there’s something for every taste.
- Featuring 120 new destinations, this best-selling inspirational travel guide reveals 500 celebrated...
- Completely revised and updated for its 10th anniversary
- Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic's legendary travel writers, this fully...
Bari, Puglia
- Main shopping streets: Via Sparano, Corso Cavour, Via Dante
- Shops not to be missed: Dante 5, Interna 12, Atelier 27
- Outlets nearby Fashion District Molfetta Outlet
Bari is a great destination for formal wear, with many of the city’s shops specializing in traditional clothing.
Cosenza, Calabria
- Main shopping streets: Corso Mazzini, Via Montesanto, Via Caloprese, Piazza Bilotti and Corso Fera
- Shops not to be missed: Just Collection, Mazzocca, Marcos Boutique
- Outlets nearby Outlet VFG Factory Store Praia a Mare, Liabel Factory Outlet Montalto Uffugo
Cosenza is known for its traditional clothing, which can be found in many of the city’s shops. From leather goods to fashion accessories, there’s something for every taste.
Islands: Where Luxury Meets Exclusivity
The Italian islands are a shopper’s paradise, with their stunning landscapes and luxury boutiques.
Palermo, Sicily
- Main shopping streets: Via Ruggero Settimo, Via Maqueda, Via Bandera, Via Roma, Via della Libertà, Viale Strasburgo
- Shops not to be missed: Officine Ahab, Anita Warehouses, Mose Since 1970
- Outlets nearby Sicily Outlet Village in Agira (EN)
Palermo is a city like no other, with its stunning architecture and rich history. From luxury boutiques to traditional markets, there’s something for every taste.
Cagliari, Sardinia
- Main shopping streets: Via Roma, Largo Carlo Felice, Piazza Yenne, Via Manno, Via Sulis
- Shops not to be missed: Prada, Gucci, Fendi
- Outlets nearby Luxury Male Olbia Costa Smeralda
Cagliari is a great destination for luxury shopping, with many of the city’s shops specializing in high-end brands.
Catania, Sicily
- Main shopping streets: Via Etnea, Corso Italia, Piazza Duomo
- Shops not to be missed: Indian Nightlife, Mizzica, Re Midas
- Outlets nearby Sicily Outlet Village in Agira (EN)
Catania is a city like no other, with its stunning landscapes and rich history. From traditional markets to luxury boutiques, there’s something for every taste.
Extra: Where Savings Meet Style
There are many destinations outside of Italy that offer an unparalleled shopping experience.
Lugano, Switzerland
- Main shopping streets: Fox Town
- Shops not to be missed: Armani, Boggi, Borbonese
Lugano is a great destination for luxury shopping, with many of the city’s shops specializing in high-end brands. From traditional markets to outlet centers, there’s something for every taste.
San Marino
- Main shopping streets in the historic center
- Shops not to be missed: Big&Chic, Azzurro Shopping Center, Atlante Shopping Center
San Marino is a great destination for savings, with many of its shops offering significantly reduced prices on luxury brands.
Livigno
- Main shopping streets in the historic center
- Shops not to be missed: Powdershoes, Talacci, Salvadori
Livigno is a duty-free zone, making it an ideal destination for those looking for savings on luxury goods.
Tips and Tricks
- Always research the shop before visiting to ensure it’s reputable and offers authentic products.
- Consider shopping during the off-season (usually November to March) for smaller crowds and lower prices.
- Look for outlet centers or factories that offer discounted prices on high-end brands.
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices, especially at traditional markets.
- Consider purchasing second-hand or vintage items for a unique and affordable shopping experience.
Conclusion
Italy is a shopper’s paradise, with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and luxurious shopping cities. From high-end boutiques to traditional markets, there’s something for every taste. Whether you’re looking for luxury goods or simply want to indulge in some retail therapy, Italy has it all.
