Trastevere & Gianicolo
Designer Livia Risi designs women's clothes for that elusive sweet spot: elegant daily wear that's super-comfortable to wear while being both stylish and…
Must-see shopping in Italy
Monti, Esquilino & San Lorenzo
The international branch of Italy’s ubiquitous bookseller has a splendid collection of books in English, Italian, Spanish, French, German and Portuguese…
Duomo & Piazza della Signoria
Luxurious writing paper, origami and pop-up greeting cards and other lovely paper products entice customers into this thoroughly modern stationery…
Trieste
Windows full of vintage treasures lure curious passersby into this Aladdin’s cave where you can find 1950s signage, good-as-new Artemide lamps, pinball…
Oltrarno
Exquisite hand-made hats crafted with extraordinary passion and creativity by Austrian-born, Florence-based designer Reinhard Plank is what this tiny…
Alghero
If you're looking for a souvenir, this well-stocked showroom specialises in traditional Sardinian craftwork. You'll find everything from rugs and…
Verona
The flea market fills Piazza San Zeno and the surrounding streets, and is a feast of art nouveau light fittings, gramophone players, Fascist-era bike…
San Lorenzo & San Marco
Workshop and showroom of the talented Carla Macis, this eye-catching boutique – dollhouse-like in design – specialises in very feminine 1950s, '60s and …
Friuli Venezia Giulia
Levi Gregoris' prosciutto is known for its sweetness and perfume and you can buy as much as your heart and stomach desire at his Bottega del Prosciutto,…
Turin
Europe's largest food market has hundreds of stalls, including a large open-air market with a separate undercover local and organic produce area, and a…
Matera
The eponymous Elisa and Janna are (respectively) an Italian goldsmith and sculptor and a Swedish gemologist who combine precious stones with salvaged…
Oltrarno
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…
Santa Maria Novella
Ornella Aprosio fashions teeny-tiny Murano glass and crystal beads into dazzling pieces of jewellery, hair accessories, animal-shaped brooches, handbags,…
Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale
In a prominent location opposite the Spanish Steps, this boutique showcases clothing produced by the iconic Italian clothing brand famed for its…
Naples
One of several branches around town, Gay Odin is famous for its delectable artisanal chocolates.
Centro Storico
The second Centro Storico shop of this high-quality artisanal leather goods company.
Duomo & Piazza della Signoria
This independent Anglo-American bookshop has served expats and travellers alike since 1979. Its extensive selection of new and secondhand titles in…
Duomo & Piazza della Signoria
Housed in a former medieval tower, Torre D’Arte is filled with colourful clothing and accessories made by Italian artisans. Silk scarves, cashmere ponchos…
Milan
Every fashionista in Milan frequents Antonia – and not just because of the sleek design and 17th-century palazzo (mansion) location. What makes it special…
Monti, Esquilino & San Lorenzo
Seek out a secondhand steal at Pifebo, the city’s top vintage boutique. Shelves and racks brim with sunglasses, boots, clothing (including lots of denim),…
Milan
Millayne bonnets were all the rage in the 15th and 16th centuries, so much so that they gave the city its name. Founded a few centuries later in 1888,…
Duomo & San Babila
Milanese make-up powerhouse, Kiko, commissioned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma to design their flagship store complete with LEED-sustainable certification…
Venice
There are plenty of high-fashion stores in Venice, but Nina fills a gap with interesting, elegant creations. Owner Daniela Soreca champions Italian…
Porta Garibaldi & Isola
This massive outpost of the uber-cool Australian surf-and-biker brand is a testament to Isola's current movida (cool). Browse among the hand-built…
Oltrarno
Giulia and Antonio work from their diminutive studio by Piazza Tasso creating contemporary fashion and accessories – funky leather sunglasses, gloves or…
Milan
The brainchild of San Franciscan Hilary Belle Walker, Bivio is a buy-sell-trade store offering top quality 'pre-owned' fashion at a fraction of the…
Venice
This interior design store has sumptuous fabrics, contemporary design products and sleek fittings and furnishings for sale. The charming owner, Carla…
Duomo & San Babila
Italy's most prestigious department store doesn't let the fashion capital down – come for Italian diffusion lines, French lovelies and LA upstarts. The…
Milan
Taking a leaf out of the concept-store book, Nicola Kitharatzis has created this classical music wonderland, a huge 350-sq-metre space where enthusiasts …
Oltrarno
Once a mechanic’s shop, this workspace for contemporary jewellery-makers brings Florence’s rich history of expert goldsmithing right up to date. The large…
Milan
Home-grown talent Gimmo Etro founded his fashion brand in 1968 and it's still run by the family. Contrary to the usual Milanese penchant for minimalism,…
Corso Magenta & Sant'Ambrogio
Those dashing about town between sights and fashion shows may miss this old-school shop which is an architectural slice of life from 19th-century Milan…
Oltrarno
Find contemporary women’s fashion in this tiny showroom, home to dynamic designer duo Livia and Vivian, who design trousers, tops and ethereal dresses in…
Milan
If you can’t face the teetering heels modelled in the Quadrilatero d'Oro, opt for Cecilia Bringheli’s handmade loafers in a rainbow range of soft suede,…
Milan
With a focus on vintage technology, Nipper feels like a mix between a period newsroom and a games arcade. The shop is the brainchild of Alfonso and…
Oltrarno
This upcycling store stocks cute and quirky items, unique homewares and one-off custom-made furniture for the design curious – think along the lines of…
Corso Magenta & Sant'Ambrogio
Since 1955 Calé has been a creator and purveyor of artisan fragrances. Its own-brand range embodies the sophisticated, minimalist Milanese style, with…
Porta Garibaldi & Isola
In 1913 Luigi Zaini opened his first chocolate factory and this sweet-filled store is located where it once stood. Although you’re welcome to wrap your…
Duomo & Piazza della Signoria
Historic biscotti makers Biscottificio Antonio Mattei have opened a central Florence museum and cafe dedicated to its cantucci biscuit to celebrate its…
Centro Storico
Danish designer Tina Sondergaard's boutique faithfully follows the formula of her flagship store in the Monti neighbourhood, measuring, sewing and…
