Centro Storico
This minimalist, all-white fashion boutique is one of a number of independent stores on and around Via del Governo Vecchio. In its austere, gallery-like…
Must-see shopping in Italy
Vicenza
Drop into Adelina’s studio and laboratory and you’ll find unique handmade contemporary jewellery and homewares fashioned from silver and gold wire, hand…
Siena
Sienese males are a particularly dapper lot, and their sartorial splendor owes much to local artisans such as Alessandro Stella. His handmade men's shoes,…
Venice
Woven, sculpted and crested like lagoon birds, Zanella’s shoes practically demand that red carpets roll out before you. The Venetian designer custom-makes…
Siena
Yearn to own labels such as Fendi, Gucci and Prada, but don't have the cash? This vintage shop just off the Campo may have the answer. Chock-full of…
Matera
Local designer Tommaso Schiuma is the creative imagination behind the unique furniture and accessories in this stylish little shop. From larger pieces…
Venice
Backlit chalices and spotlit vases emit an otherworldly glow at this shrine to Murano modernist glass master Carlo Moretti. Strict shapes contain freeform…
Milan
Stuffy offices beg to be misted with Culti's green-tea room spray, and spice-spiked candles turn ordinary bathrooms into beauty temples. Habits Culti has…
Trieste
Eppinger does the usual, if ever compelling, pantheon of Triestine cakes, but best of all it can do the favourite nut-filled pastries presnitz and putizza…
Alghero
Give free rein to your nostalgia amid the throwback fashions and vintage accessories on display at Frida. From chic sunglasses and denim jackets to…
Trieste
Beautiful supple moccasin shoes in rainbow colours, soft leather sandals and slouchy bags and made-to-last (and love) briefcases fill the windows of…
Oleificio Sociale Cooperativo di Seneghe
Western Sardinia
To stock up on the town's award-winning olive oil, make a beeline for the Oleificio Sociale Cooperativo di Seneghe on the Bonarcado road into town. Prices…
Siena
Inspired by the works of Sienese masters of the 14th and 15th centuries, artists Chiara Perinetti Casoni, Paolo Perinetti Casoni and Michelangelo Attardo…
Lipari
You simply can’t leave the Aeolian Islands without a small pot of capers and a bottle of sweet Malvasia wine. You can get both, along with meats, cheeses…
Palermo
If you're hankering for a handmade Sicilian coppola, this bolthole sells modern, unisex takes on the traditional island flat cap. Most models come in a…
Cagliari
Add a touch of Sardinian style to your wardrobe with a trip to Bistimentas. The shop is a celebration of island costumes and customs with everything from…
Murano, Burano & the Northern Islands
Shuffle past the typical Murano kitsch (glass pandas, parrots in trees etc) and you'll find one of the best ranges of classic stemware on the island. If…
Cagliari
One of Cagliari's best-stocked bottle shops, Enoteca Biondi sells wine and beer from all over the world, as well as a selection of Italian gourmet…
Alghero
Antonio Marras is Alghero’s most famous fashion designer – he has worked as artistic director for Kenzo and is the stylist behind the I'm Isola Marras…
Milan
This city-wide chain of inventive toy stores has been mini Milanese for decades. Given that this is a design city there's a heavy emphasis on Bauhaus…
Alghero
This light-filled boutique on the centre's main shopping drag carries the women's line of ready-to-wear Florentine label Tensione In. Styles change…
Venice
Instead of a souvenir T-shirt, how about taking home a memento of Venetian history: an ancient map of the canal, an etching of Venetian dandies daintily…
Monti, Esquilino & San Lorenzo
Wilma Silvestre, founder of local label Le Gallinelle, designs elegant clothes with a difference. You can browse her chic, laid-back styles and buy off…
Laboratorio Artigiano Maria Teresa Tangianu
Alghero
A bastion of authenticity amid the tourist shops in the centro storico, this place sells genuine handcrafted leatherware. Items range from sober satchels…
Centro Storico
Eyewear becomes art at this modish boutique on Via del Pellegrino. Known for its avant-garde window displays, often styled by contemporary artists,…
Milan
Gallo may spice up its seasonal collections but it’s the perennial striped knee socks in silk, cotton, wool and cashmere that locals love for adding…
Genoa
A historic but fabulously down-to-earth produce market with great local, seasonal vendors. In 2019, a new food court opened, bringing high-end street food…
Mercato Campagna Amica al Circo Massimo
Ancient Rome
This weekly farmers market provides a showcase for regional producers from Lazio and central Italy. Stalls sell all manner of edible fare, including…
Taormina
Local artist Marco Monforte runs this shop specialising in colourful Sicilian tiles featuring hand-painted scenes. Made-to-order ceramics are available,…
Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale
This elegant stained-glass arcade appeared in Alberto Sordi’s 1973 classic film, Polvere di stelle (Stardust), and has since been renamed in his honour…
Naples
Tramontano has a solid rep for its exquisitely crafted, handmade Neapolitan leather goods. Fawn over elegant women's handbags, clutches and totes, as well…
Cosenza
Peruse this interesting store in Cosenza's old town for superb woollen clothing, textiles and homewares from the Lanificio Leo workshop in the southern…
Trastevere & Gianicolo
Polvere di Tempo, or Dust of Time, is an intriguing place to browse and pick up gifts. Take your pick from lovingly crafted hourglasses, globes and pill…
Centro Storico
In his small, cluttered workshop, master craftsman Aldo Fefè patiently binds books and produces beautifully hand-painted notebooks, boxes, picture frames…
Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale
Making leather gloves since 1894, this traditional Roman business retains its walls of original glove drawers, which are filled with examples made from…
Monti, Esquilino & San Lorenzo
Featuring quality fabrics and and a chic 1970s-influenced aesthetic, the clothing designed by Betty Piccirilli and David Anav is a hit with Roman women of…
Umbria
You can't miss the extravagant display of wild boars outside the entrance to this classic gourmet deli, one of the best places in town to stock up on…
Cantina Sociale della Vernaccia
Oristano
Oristano is famous for its fortified Vernaccia wine, and this cantina about 3km north of the city centre is the place to buy it. Most of Oristano’s local…
Naples
One of several city branches of this nationwide bookstore chain. You'll find a modest selection of English-language books and no shortage of Naples…
Taormina
Made in Sicily and not sold anywhere off the island, the colourful earrings, bracelets and pendants of the Isola Bella jewellery line are reason enough to…
