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Italy’s hottest shopping draw is of course fashion. Milan is home of the country’s fashion industry, but Rome is the main Italian bazaar where the threads are put on the market. Here you can find the ultra chic garments of celebrated designers. Other than garments, Italy is pre-eminent in the production of quality glassware, furniture, jewelry, leather and porcelain goods crafted by the most prestigious designers and manufacturers in the world.

The quality is high and so are the prices. This is especially so when considering all the taxes and add-ons that so inflate the cost of goods bought in Italy.

Rome Shopping Guide

Rome is overrun with international fashion boutiques, a true shopper’s paradise. Fashion items are most alluring but other than clothing, you’ll find tempting jewelry, antiques, books and home wares. But rents in Rome are very high and so are prices. You’ll need inside info to get the best bargains.

For the ultimate in windows shopping, the area around via Condotti at the foot of the Spanish Steps is the place to go. This is Rome’s best shopping street but prices are astronomical. Here’s you find all the classic outlets with their baroque or neoclassical facades – Armani, Prada, Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci and the other grand names of shopping lore.

For more exotic and less pricey gifts, head for Via Francesco Crispi. You can get there by following Via Sistina 1 long block from the top of the Spanish Steps.

For antiques, head to Via dei Coronari. It’s a narrow pedestrianized street near Piazza Navona. The 500-meter long thoroughfare is lined with antique stores and galleries.

photo credit: Cebete

For the true Roman experience, you have to visit one of the city’s many markets. The Sunday morning flea market at Porta Portese is an overcrowded event where you can buy almost anything. It’s held on via Portuense south of the Porta Portese gate. Beware of pickpockets.

From Monday to Saturday, the morning market is in via Sannio, just outside the Roman walls by San Giovanni in Laterano. Here you can browse huge volumes of cheap clothes.

Milan Shopping Guide

Milan is an ultimate for fashion freaks and a paradise for shoppers. Milan’s boutique-lined streets offer some of the world’s most exquisite and exclusive styles, dominating the cutting-edge of design. Via Montenapoleone is the core of the Milan’s Fashion District, called in Italian “Quadrilatero della moda” made of Via Della Spiga, Via Manzoni, Via Sant’Andrea and Via Montenapoleone. All major Italian fashion designers have their main shops here: Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Kenzo, Krizia, Prada, Valentino, Versace, Vuitton or Zegna. Milan offers a never say enough attitude for every flavor of life and is a remains a hot favorite among tourists around the globe. photo credit: realSMILEY

Venice Shopping Guide

Venice has long been a place of trade and remains a busy retail center. Though the big name fashion houses are well-represented, the joy of shopping in Venice lies in hunting down those local novelty items that evoke the spirit of La Serenissima.

Despite Venice lacks shopping streets to compare with those of Milan or Rome, if it is brand name fashions you are after, Venice won’t disappoint. You can find the boutiques of the famous Italian labels at the Merceri, the Venice’s busiest shopping thoroughfare which runs all the ways from the Piazza to the Rialto Bridge.

However, it would be a shame to spend your time in Venice buying things that could be found in other places. Far better to look for something uniquely Venetian. And what could be more uniquely Venetian than a Carnival mask? Carnival is held in February but the masks are produced year-round in Venice’s many small workshops. You can get everything from full size porcelain masks with a hefty price tag to inexpensive ornaments such as silver earrings in the shape of carnival masks. photo credit: ezioman

Another uniquely Venetian product is the fabulous glassware from the Island of Murano. These include such items as vases, clocks and wine bottle caps. And you can also get decorative items such as rings, bracelets or pendants made out of the delightful colored glass. These can be very inexpensive and make great souvenirs of Venice. Other local specialties include porcelain dolls, Burano lace work and marbled paper which is available at various small outlets such as the renowned Legatoria Piazzes. 

For other items, Calle della Mandola is the place to browse books and glass beads. And Campo Santo Stefano is the square for antique hunting.

Shopping Tips

• Shopping tour

One big draw for Italian tourists on a luxury travel trip is the shopping tour. Consider booking one of these guided tours, instead of charging off on your own. These shopping tours offer travelers a more comfortable way to “shop ‘til you drop.” Most of these tours include transportation to several different shopping districts and stores. Your guide will speak both English and Italian, in order to mediate your shopping experience.

• Money

Your major credit cards, such as American Express, Visa and Master Card, will work. But keep in mind that most American credit cards will charge a hefty currency fee, and use the most unattractive exchange rates. The best way to be safe and save money would be to use a combination of Euro Travelers Checks, Euros in cash and a credit card. Pick Pocketing can be an unfortunate reality of modern travel, so spreading the type of money you carry is the best choice.

• Opening Hours

Most stores and shops in Italy have operating hours that can be considered different, at least in comparison to what is expected in the United States. Normally, most Italian shops are open from 9 am to 1 pm. Stores are usually closed between 1 and 3.30 pm., to allow employees a chance to have a family lunch. Stores usually reopen around 3.30pm, and finally close around 7.30 to 8 pm. In large cities and tourist areas, there is a tendency to stay open from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm, with possible variations from town to town.

• Shopping etiquette

Keep in mind that shopping etiquette in Italy is much different than in the United States. When shopping for clothing, take note that many stores will not allow shoppers to try on shirts and blouses. Also, there is a size discrepancy, so make sure that an attendant measures your body before you purchase. It is also customary to tip attendants if they are personally assisting you with fittings and selection. Whether shopping or relaxing in a small luxury hotel, a customary tip can go a long way.

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Written by Editor under Attractions, City Guides, Europe Vacation.

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