Modena
Modena's best shop for balsamic vinegar represents 20 or so DOP producers belonging to the strictest and biggest of the three consortiums affiliated with…
Must-see shopping in Italy
Turin
A neighbourhood icon since 1958, this tiny family-run shop and deli draws gourmands from near and far, who fawn over the delectable cheese counter (over…
Volterra
Stefania Socchi's husband Daniele is a professional truffle hunter, and sources the tasty fungi that are used to produce the products sold in this shop…
Naples
Neighbour to one of Italy's most esteemed music conservatories, this erudite bookshop fills with the sound of practising musicians. Most new and vintage…
Lucca
The perfect accompaniment to a mid-morning coffee and a gift to take home, buccellato is a traditional sweet bread loaf with sultanas and aniseed seeds,…
Perugia
Inside a 13th-century Franciscan church, fourth-generation weaver Marta Cucchia is one of the few artisans still working with 19th-century Jacquard looms…
Naples
Family-run Scriptura is a must for artisanal leather goods made using high-quality Campanian leather. Its range includes handbags, satchels, duffel bags…
Monterosso
Several generations of one family create and sell the beautiful ceramics on display at this shop on Via Roma. Vases, bowls, jugs, platters and decorative…
Venice
Quite simply one of the best book shops in the city. Owner Claudio and his knowledgable and friendly team can guide you to the book or author you never…
Naples
In her heavenly scented workshop, Pina Malinconico crafts handmade slabs of soap that look as beautiful as they smell. Lined up under low-slung lights,…
Turin
This sprawling flea market has brought street merchants to the north of Porta Palazzo since 1857. It's both fascinating and overwhelming, but can turn up…
Syracuse
Using Tuscan leather and recycled materials like bike tyres, inner tubes and old army tents, artisans Kal and Giuliana create durable, handmade leather…
Florence
A 10-minute walk east of Santa Croce brings you to this much-heralded shoe shop, showcase for the colourful and often-times whimsical New Kid label by…
Bologna
This shop in Bologna's famed Quadrilatero neighbourhood specialises in beautifully packaged boxes of traditional Bolognese tortellini stuffed with…
Asad Ventrella: Contemporastudio
Naples
Asad Ventrella is one of Naples' most talented, respected names in jewellery design, producing statement-making wearables that are equally playful,…
Naples
While the late Annibale Oste made a name from himself as a visionary sculptor and designer, son Vincenzo wows aesthetes with his extraordinary jewellery…
Como
On one of Como's most atmospheric streets, Lopez Vintage lures you in with its whimsical window displays. Inside, the tiny jewel box of a shop has elegant…
Oltrarno
Affordable luxury and Tuscan craftsmanship are perfect bed companions at this sustainable-fashion boutique for women. Swedish couple Linda and Adam…
Catania
Engineer by day, fragrance maestro by night, Antonio Alessandria indulges his passion for scents at his lavish little perfumery. You won't find mainstream…
Milan
Alberto Crivellenti’s bespoke bicycle company produces the Rolls Royce of bicycles, using braze-welded steel; some have hand-sewn detailing in deerskin or…
Milan
Milan’s hottest new milliners are Antonina Nafi de Luca and Elena Todros, who artfully craft Madagascan straw golf hats, towering silk turbans and custom…
Milan
Serious handbag aficionados need look no further than this superbly curated vintage store, which specialises in bags and accessories from high-end brands…
Milan
Bibliophile Andrea Oioli’s beautiful book gallery is full of antiquarian treasures, collectable 20th-century editions and graphic artworks. Here, books…
Syracuse
In her island workshop, French artist Hélène Moreau channels her love of Sicily and the Mediterranean into her work, hand-painting stunning, one-of-a-kind…
The Veneto
Freelance journalist Giorgio Tassotti started his printing works in 1958 after seeing an exhibition about Bassano’s world-famous Remondini printers. With…
Milan
Although Milan made prêt-à-porter fashionable in the 1960s, the made-to-measure habit remained ingrained and most Milanese have a personal seamstress or…
Ragusa
Located in an up-and-coming pocket of the modern city, concept store 'The Ants' stocks products designed and crafted by artists, artisans and architects,…
Venice
Gianni Basso doesn't advertise his letterpressing services: the calling cards crowding his workshop window do the trick. From Microsoft COO's to…
Naples
The late Livio De Simone put Capri on the catwalk, dressing Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O in his bold, colourful creations. Inspired by the island, summer…
Venice
This internationally recognised Venetian brand has been turning out timelessly classic clothes and coats since 1961. Named after the sandbanks that dot…
Naples
In business since 1780, Cilento is as much a slice of Neapolitan history as it is a gentlemen's atelier, run by the eighth generation of the same family…
Stingo Antica Manifattura Ceramica
Naples
For more than 300 years the Stingo family has produced the intricately decorated majolica tiles that adorn the floors of prestigious hotels, public…
Venice
Turn your TV den into a grand salon at Bevilacqua, purveyor of fine soprarizzo silk-velvet brocades, damasks and tassels to Europe's grandest palaces and…
Atelier Segalin di Daniela Ghezzo
Venice
A gold chain pulled across this historic atelier doorway means Daniela is already consulting with a client, discussing rare leathers while taking foot…
Oltrarno
No Florentine shopping spree is complete without a fantastical mooch around the flagship store of the city's most celebrated jewellery designer, Angela…
Venice
Keep your eyes peeled for Enzo Aboaf’s wonderful Ghetto gallery filled with rare original copperplate prints and etchings of the Ghetto and Venice. In…
Trastevere & Gianicolo
The fresh ricotta is a prized possession at this century-old deli, and it's usually gone by lunchtime. If you’re too late, take solace in the luscious…
Milan
Master hatter Giuseppe Borsalino opened the first store of what would become his empire in 1857. Still Italy's most famous headgear, the iconic rabbit…
Centro Storico
Tailoring bespoke business shirts since 1967, this atelier and boutique is an essential stop for many regular visitors to the city. It's possible to…
Lucca
Included in many a guided walking tour of the city, this hardware shop has been in biz since 1949 and sells everything from traditional truffle, oyster…
