Shopping in Europe
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Conti Stefano
This permanent market stall (inside Mercato Centrale) is the place in Florence to taste and buy bitter and spicy, typically Tuscan olive oil on white plastic teaspoons; don't hesitate to ask for help and advice.
reviewed
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Casini Firenze
One of Florence's oldest and most reputable fashion houses, this lovely boutique across from Palazzo Pitti keeps its edge thanks to American-Florentine designer and stylist (she does personal wardrobe consultations) Jennifer Tattanelli.
reviewed
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Cantina Bocelli
reviewed
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Antico Setifico Fiorentino
Precious silks, velvets and other luxurious fabrics are woven on 18th- and 19th-century looms at this world-famous fabric house where opulent damasks and brocades in Renaissance styles have been made since 1786.
reviewed
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Alessandro Marzetti
reviewed
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Alessandro Gherardeschi
Distinctive men's and women's shirts and blouses, short- and long-sleeved, in dozens of designs - floral, cupcakes, vintage cars, all sorts! - is what this colourful little designer boutique near the river sells. Count on paying €80 to €140.
reviewed
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Alabaster Workshops
Volterra is known as the city of alabaster, and has a number of shops specialising in hand-carved alabaster items; many of these double as ateliers where the artisans work. Among the best are Opus Artis; Paolo Sabatini; and the atelier of sculptor Alessandro Marzetti. To watch alabaster being carved, head to alab'Arte.
reviewed
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Société Anonyme
Near Mercato di Sant' Ambrogio, this urban concept store turns to London's Brick Lane, Berlin's Mitte and other hip neighbourhoods for inspiration. Look for its list of brands chalked on the board outside (and the Shared Platform design gallery next door).
reviewed
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Slow
Beautiful objects for the home in the main, all crafted from natural or recycled materials by local designers.
reviewed
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Tienda Librería de la Alhambra
This is a fabulous shop for Alhambra aficionados, with a tasteful selection of quality gifts including excellent coffee table–style tomes, children’s art books, hand-painted fans, arty stationery and stunning photographic prints which you select from a vast digital library (from €14 for A4 size).
reviewed
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Marie
Come here for your flamenco frills, together with all the accessories you could possibly need to complete that authentic polka dot look, including bangles, shawls, hoop earrings and fans.
reviewed
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La Oliva
For a superb range of quality deli items with an emphasis on fine wines and olive oil.
reviewed
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Horhor Flea Market
reviewed
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Granada Vinos
This small wineshop has an excellent selection of vintages from around Granada and Andalucía, as well as the rest of Spain and further afield, including Argentina and Chile. The owner holds wine-tasting courses and one-off tasting sessions.
reviewed
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Daniel Gil de Avalle
This longstanding music store specialises in exquisite handmade guitars. Step inside and you may well see the guitarrero (guitar maker) at work. Sheet music also available, with an obvious emphasis on flamenco.
reviewed
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Casa del Libro
Part of Spain's oldest bookshop chain, this branch is spread over four floors and stocks plenty of multilingual fiction and guidebooks (including this one).
reviewed
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Baco
If you’ve enjoyed sampling the food that much (and who hasn’t?), then you can take some of it home with you from this wonderful deli stocked with quality local food products such as olives and olive oil, jamón, cheeses and bacalao (salted cod).
reviewed
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Artesanías González
Specialises in exceptionally fine examples of marquetry, ranging from small easy-to-pack boxes to larger pay-the-overweight-allowance chess sets.
reviewed
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Alquímía Pervane
A fragrant hole in the wall near the top of this Moroccan-themed street with its teashops and hookah pipes, selling a wide choice of wonderful oils in pretty bottles, plus rose water and similar.
reviewed
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Alcaicería
Formerly a grand Moorish bazaar where silk was made and sold, the stalls are now taken up with souvenir shops. The setting is still very reminiscent of the past, however, especially in the early morning, before the coach tours descend. You can still see where the gates once stood at the entrances, there to guard against looting and closed at night. The narrow streets inside were then patrolled by watchmen.
reviewed
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Place aux Huiles
Stock up on olive oil, truffles and retro beer La Cagole de Marseille.
reviewed
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La Palanquée
reviewed
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Fragonard Maison
Perfumery Fragonard now has an extensive range of homewares blending Provençal prints with contemporary designs. You'll find bags, tablecloths, bed linen and beautiful accessories in its boutique, as well as candles and soaps from its main product stream.
reviewed