Shopping Without Borders
We will help you update your wardrobe in the boutiques of Milan, Florence, and Rome or find great deals in outlet malls.
| Shopping in Italy: Your Guide to the Perfect Spree For centuries, Italy has been synonymous with impeccable style, exquisite craftsmanship, and innovative fashion. It is the birthplace of "Made in Italy" – a label that represents not just a point of origin, but a guarantee of quality, attention to detail, and the use of superior materials like fine leathers, luxurious silks, and premium wools. Shopping here is a unique experience that combines the thrill of discovering the latest trends with the pleasure of investing in timeless pieces. Beyond the world-famous luxury boutiques, Italy offers incredible value. You can take advantage of seasonal sales and, as a non-EU visitor, benefit from the VAT refund (tax-free) program, which can save you up to 12-14% on your purchases, making luxury more accessible. When planning a vacation or shopping trip, it is essential to account for the national holiday Ferragosto, which traditionally stretches over the last two weeks of August. During this time, the business and commercial life of the country grinds to a halt: many shops, boutiques, and artisan workshops close for vacation, with their owners heading to the coast. The city streets empty out, while the beaches and resorts are packed with Italians themselves. Regarding regular opening hours, it's worth remembering: most Italian shops open from 8:00–9:00 AM and work until 7:00–7:30 PM, breaking for the traditional siesta from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Large shopping centers and supermarkets in big cities sometimes have longer hours—until 8:00–9:00 PM. On Sundays, almost all shops are closed; exceptions can be large retail complexes on pre-holiday days (e.g., the last Sunday before Christmas), while small private shops often close as early as Saturday afternoon. |
Milano
Undoubtedly, Milan is the world's fashion capital. It is here that the famous Fashion Week is held twice a year, where leading brands set new trends. These trends, sometimes imperceptibly, begin to define the style even of those far removed from the world of high fashion.
For shopping connoisseurs, Milan is home to the main meccas of style. Luxurious boutiques and flagship stores of the world's fashion houses await you in the famous "Quadrilatero della Moda" (Golden Quadrilateral) – the streets Via della Spiga, Via Montenapoleone, Via Sant'Andrea, and Via Manzoni. For more accessible and youthful shopping, the bustling Corso Vittorio Emanuele II is perfect.
For shopping connoisseurs, Milan is home to the main meccas of style. Luxurious boutiques and flagship stores of the world's fashion houses await you in the famous "Quadrilatero della Moda" (Golden Quadrilateral) – the streets Via della Spiga, Via Montenapoleone, Via Sant'Andrea, and Via Manzoni. For more accessible and youthful shopping, the bustling Corso Vittorio Emanuele II is perfect.
Roma
Unlike business-like Milan, shopping in Rome is a unique blend of high fashion, colorful markets, and atmospheric local boutiques.
The Roman equivalent of Milan's "Golden Quadrilateral" is Via dei Condotti and Piazza di Spagna. Here you'll find flagship boutiques of Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, and other giants.
The main street for mass-market shopping is the lively Via del Corso. Here you will find huge Zara, H&M, and Mango stores, as well as Italian brands like Intimissimi, Tezenis, and United Colors of Benetton.
Castel Romano, located 25 km from Rome, is one of the city's oldest and most famous outlets. It features over 200 mid-range and premium shops. A key feature of this outlet is that it's open year-round without days off—the only exception being Christmas Day.
The Roman equivalent of Milan's "Golden Quadrilateral" is Via dei Condotti and Piazza di Spagna. Here you'll find flagship boutiques of Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, and other giants.
The main street for mass-market shopping is the lively Via del Corso. Here you will find huge Zara, H&M, and Mango stores, as well as Italian brands like Intimissimi, Tezenis, and United Colors of Benetton.
Castel Romano, located 25 km from Rome, is one of the city's oldest and most famous outlets. It features over 200 mid-range and premium shops. A key feature of this outlet is that it's open year-round without days off—the only exception being Christmas Day.
Firenze
The oldest and most recognizable place in Florence is the Ponte Vecchio bridge — the first bridge to appear in the city. Since the 16th century, it has been adorned with jewelry shops run by orafi — skilled gold and jewelry masters whose craft is recognized worldwide.
The Oltrarno district is famous for its leather workshops, where you can buy high-quality handmade goods, while the central Via de' Tornabuoni is lined with boutiques of Italian fashion houses.
For systematic purchases of high fashion, head to The Mall outlet, located 30 minutes from the city. It offers discounts on past collections from leading luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, and Balenciaga.
The Oltrarno district is famous for its leather workshops, where you can buy high-quality handmade goods, while the central Via de' Tornabuoni is lined with boutiques of Italian fashion houses.
For systematic purchases of high fashion, head to The Mall outlet, located 30 minutes from the city. It offers discounts on past collections from leading luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, and Balenciaga.
Molto altro... (And Much More...)
Naturally, Italy isn't limited to these three cities.
For example, in Sorrento and on the island of Capri, pay attention to handmade ceramics and majolica with bright traditional patterns, as well as the famous lemon liqueur "Limoncello."
In Venice, unique purchases include items made from Venetian glass from the island of Murano, handmade carnival masks, and luxurious fabrics.
Sicily is famous for its Moorish-style ceramics, especially from the town of Caltagirone, and exquisite wines.
In Piedmont, look for the precious white truffle from Alba, noble Barolo and Barbaresco wines, and refined Turin chocolate.
In sunny Apulia, traditional souvenirs include linen and cotton fabrics.
And don't forget Faenza, whose first ceramic workshops date back to the 11th century AD.
For example, in Sorrento and on the island of Capri, pay attention to handmade ceramics and majolica with bright traditional patterns, as well as the famous lemon liqueur "Limoncello."
In Venice, unique purchases include items made from Venetian glass from the island of Murano, handmade carnival masks, and luxurious fabrics.
Sicily is famous for its Moorish-style ceramics, especially from the town of Caltagirone, and exquisite wines.
In Piedmont, look for the precious white truffle from Alba, noble Barolo and Barbaresco wines, and refined Turin chocolate.
In sunny Apulia, traditional souvenirs include linen and cotton fabrics.
And don't forget Faenza, whose first ceramic workshops date back to the 11th century AD.
