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…
Must-see shopping in Italy
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…
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…
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.
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,…
Venice
There are plenty of high-fashion stores in Venice, but Nina fills a gap with interesting, elegant creations. Owner Daniela Soreca champions Italian…
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…
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,…
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,…
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…
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…
Trastevere & Gianicolo
Mother-daughter duo Ileana and Eleonora Ottini prove creativity is inherited at their quirky boutique. Unconventional statement pieces include punchy silk…
Centro Storico
Danish designer Tina Sondergaard's boutique faithfully follows the formula of her flagship store in the Monti neighbourhood, measuring, sewing and…
Milan
On trend as ever, Premiata's flagship store is designed by Vincenzo de Cotiis. The contemporary interiors provide a backdrop for this historic Marche…
Milan
Claudia Jesi turns her expert eye to vintage menswear in this outpost of Cavalli e Nastri. Expect to find a large selection of tailored suits, boldly…
Milan
Slowear takes its cue from the Slow Food philosophy and markets an ethical stable of menswear labels (Incotex, Zanone) that fit a wearable, timeless and…
Milan
Casadei's signature shoe is called the 'Blade', a dangerous looking steel-heeled beauty in candy colours: lime green, lemon and orange. Milanese girls…
Oltrarno
Florence resident since the '80s, British-born Jane Harman is an antiques restorer with more than 30 years' experience. She's opened this quaint store by…
Milan
This is where the hip and affluent crowd of Milan go to maintain their on-trend wardrobes. It has an eclectic selection that mixes up avant-garde,…
Venice
Mori & Bozzi has been a beacon of light for Venetian shoe lovers for decades. Its fantastic collection of high-quality, funky footwear includes brands…
Milan
Direct from Tokyo comes Milan’s one and only Japanese concept space. Combining a sleek cafe with a homewares and design shop, a co-working area and a…
Milan
Billed as a creative lab for emerging designers, Stiù stocks shoes that are often bold and always on trend. Along with the likes of Swedish Vagabond and…
Murano, Burano & the Northern Islands
Even if you don't have the cash to buy a Venini, pop into this gallery to see Murano glass at its finest. Of the big houses, Venini remains the most chic,…
Milan
With two nimble-fingered seamstresses for grandmothers, it's unsurprising that Sara Scaramuzza’s fashion and homewares showroom is full of colourful,…
San Giovanni & Testaccio
Occupying a modern, purpose-built site, Testaccio's neighbourhood market hums with activity as locals go about their daily shopping, picking, prodding and…
