Taormina
A bastion of 'Made in Italy', Dieffe offers sharp edits of men's threads, shoes and accessories from unique local and mainland artisans. Expect to find –…
Must-see shopping in Italy
Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale
Unique 'made in Rome' scents are what this artisanal perfumery is all about. Natural perfumes are oil-based, contain four to eight base notes and evoke la…
Santa Croce
Traditional Florence comes to life in this enchanting biscottificio artigianale, an artisan biscuit-maker where cantuccio (crunchy, almond-studded…
Milan
The sheer size of this shop is a clue to just how much Italians love this label – Aspesi outerwear is de rigueur for mountain and lake weekends, while its…
Venice
Booty worthy of pirates is displayed in the fishbowl-sized window display: a ring with a constellation of diamonds in star settings, a tiny enamelled…
Genoa
A showcase of Ligurian creativity, Temide sells works by local artists and artisans, including delicate ceramics, eye-catching jewellery, colourfully…
Sorrento
Well worth seeking out, this place sells distinctive inlaid-wood items made in Sorrento by the same family of craftsmen (and women) for three generations…
Santa Maria Novella
'Writing the Future' is the inspired strapline of this iconic stationery company, in business in Florence since 1714. Stendhal, Byron, Shelley and Dickens…
Sorrento
This is the Sorrento branch of Neapolitan leather workshop Bottega 21, known for its stylish, handcrafted leather goods. Shop for fetching totes, handbags…
Venice
If you're wondering where Cinderella goes to find the perfect ball gown or Prince Charming his tights, look no further than this fairy-tale wonderland. An…
Porta Garibaldi & Isola
For the ultimate rock 'n' roll–biker look, drop into this renowned silversmith for a custom-look wallet chain, a braided leather-and-silver bracelet and…
Genoa
This whimsical concept store has a trove of thoughtfully curated garments and one-of-a-kind accessories. You'll find soft cotton shirts and espadrilles by…
Vatican City, Borgo & Prati
A throwback to a more elegant age, the atelier-boutique of milliner Patrizia Fabri offers a wide range of beautifully crafted hats. Choose from the off…
Porta Garibaldi & Isola
This quintessential gentleman's clothing store has been a cornerstone of men's fashion since 1976. Owner Ermanno Lazzarin's impeccable style is reflected…
Milan
Fashionista Benedetta Bevilacqua seeks out breakthrough designers with an eye for bold colours, unique prints and sharp shapes, which she presents with…
Rapallo
A short stroll from the waterfront, this delightfully enticing deli is packed to the ceiling with delicacies from the Italian Riviera and beyond. You'll…
Milan
This gorgeously colourful shop is known for its high-end vintage clothes and accessories (which are priced accordingly). It specialises in lovingly…
Trieste
This very lovely sugary boutique sells every imaginable sweet treat from its period vitrines. Engage in the impossible task of choosing between fruit…
Centro Storico
After a visit to this charming shop, you'll be reminded of it every time you have a cup of tea. Set up like an apothecary with ceiling-high shelves and…
Syracuse
The theme is marine at Fish House Art, a quirky gallery and shop swimming with whimsical, beautifully crafted objects inspired by the sea. It's a showcase…
Centro Storico
This chic boutique in a belle-époque-styled interior offers a curated selection of both vintage and contemporary designer accessories, fashions, homewares…
Venice
Lost your sunglasses on the Lido? Never fear: Ottica Carraro can make you a custom pair within 24 hours, including the eye exam. The store has its own…
Santa Maria Novella
It was a hat made by Siena milliner Grevi that actress Cher wore in the film Tea with Mussolini (1999); ditto Maggie Smith in My House in Umbria (2003)…
Como
Como’s largest and best food market is this Fascist-era covered market crammed with fruit, veg, meat, bread and cheese purveyors. One hall is entirely…
San Lorenzo & San Marco
From the shabby-chic floor – partly original tiles, partly bare paint – to the retro-inspired fashion, this clothing and accessory boutique for women is…
Milan
This antiques market is the city's most scenic market. Set along a 400m stretch of the pretty Naviglio Grande, it has stalls from over 380 well-vetted…
Treviso
Yes, this is the shop of the legendary Pinarello cycling brand, manufacturers of some of the best handmade road, track and cyclocross bikes, including 13…
Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale
One of several stylish boutiques on Via dell'Oca, Elif Sallorenzo's chic concept store showcases exclusive handmade pieces by Italian designers alongside…
Oltrarno
Cutting-edge fashion is what this trendy concept store, incongruously wedged between tatty old artisanal workshops on an Oltrarno backstreet, sells. It is…
Trieste
Founded in 1777 by a Swiss immigrant who was on to the potential of Trieste's free-port status, Bischoff is one of Trieste's – and the world's – longest…
Milan
Designed by Studio Urquiola, the Triennale's bookshop stocks beautifully produced architecture, design, graphics, fashion and photography books as…
Verona
Despite its modern demeanour, this leather showroom is the artisan studio of Mario Gastaldi, who handmakes all the leather products downstairs. His…
Udine
The one-stop menswear shop stocks everything a sartorially inclined man could want: clothes, scarves, belts, bags, hats and a range of shaving creams and…
Trastevere & Gianicolo
Head to this mammoth flea market to see Rome bargain-hunting. Thousands of stalls sell everything from rare books and fell-off-a-lorry bikes to cheap…
Naples
Pimp your fingers, wrists or neckline with Mattana's meticulously detailed creations for men and women. The studio's DNapoli line is especially intriguing…
San Giovanni & Testaccio
This super-stocked deli, one of the best in town, is a treasure trove of gourmet delicacies. Helpful staff will guide you through its extensive selection…
Parma
An arsenal of strung-up Parma ham hangs above the counter at Silvano Romani's temple of swine, one of Parma's absolute best for cured meats: prosciutto,…
Porta Garibaldi & Isola
Daughter of industrial designer Achille Castiglioni, Monica Castiglioni has a deep understanding of materials and proportions. To this she adds her own…
Genoa
Evoking all the exoticism of far-flung travels to North Africa and beyond, this tiny shop has shelves packed with jars of fragrant spices, nuts, colourful…
Duomo & Piazza della Signoria
The bold and colourful resin jewellery of Angela Caputi, at work in Florence since the 1970s, is much loved by Florentines. Eye-catching costume gems and…
