11 Best Places to Shop in Bologna, Emilia–Romagna

Background Illustration for Shopping

Bologna is a good place to buy wine. Several shops have a bewilderingly large selection—to go straight to the top, ask the managers which wines have won the prestigious Tre Bicchieri (Three Glasses) award from Gambero Rosso's wine bible, Vini d'Italia.

Nostalgia 1968—Galleria Antiquaria

Fodor's choice

Fascinating emporium run by the amiable antiques dealer Giorgio and family, specializing in procuring and selling exquisite jewelry and precious objects for the home since 1968. Even if you don't purchase one of their choice pieces, it's worth exploring the ever-changing collection of rings, bracelets, artworks, vases, and clocks.

Roccati

Piazza Maggiore Fodor's choice

Sculptural works of chocolate, as well as basic bonbons and simpler sweets, have been crafted here since 1909.

Eataly

Piazza Maggiore

At this lively shop—the original location in the now international Italian cuisine empire—with an attached bookstore, you can grab a bite to eat or have a glass of wine while stocking up on high-quality olive oil, vinegar, cured meats, and artisanal pasta. On the top floor, you can have a full-fledged trattoria meal, but what you can't have is anything decaffeinated: it's considered "chemical." There's a second entrance on Via Pescherie Vecchie.

Via degli Orefici 19, Bologna, 40126, Italy
051-0952820

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Enoteca Italiana

North of Piazza Maggiore

Consistently recognized as one of the best wine stores in the country, Enoteca Italiana (established 1972) lives up to its reputation—as it says, "every good bottle has a good story"—with shelves lined with excellent selections from all over Italy at reasonable prices. In addition, the delicious plates of cured meats served with wines by the glass, make a great light lunch.

Galleria Cavour

South of Piazza Maggiore

Opened in 1959, the upscale Galleria houses many of the fashion giants, including Armani, Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Tod's.

La Baita Vecchia Malga

Piazza Maggiore

Fresh tagliolini, tortellini, and other Bolognese pasta delicacies are sold here, along with sublime food to eat at small tables here or take away. The cheese counter is laden with superlative local specimens.

Via Pescherie Vecchie 3/a, Bologna, 40124, Italy
051-223940

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Majani

Piazza Maggiore

Classy Majani has been producing chocolate since 1796. Its staying power may be attributed to high-quality confections that are as pretty to look at as they are to eat.

Via de' Carbonesi 5, Bologna, 40123, Italy
051-234302

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Mercato delle Erbe

Piazza Maggiore

This food market and food hall that opened in 1910 bustles year-round.

Mercato di Mezzo

Piazza Maggiore

This former fruit and vegetable market has morphed into a food hall. Various stalls offer the best that Bologna has to offer, and the Bolognesi are gobbling it up. Order from whatever place strikes your fancy, and sit anywhere there's room. There's a second entrance on Via Pescherie Vecchie.

Via Clavature 12, Bologna, 40124, Italy
051-228782

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Paolo Atti & Figli

Piazza Maggiore

This place has been producing some of Bologna's finest pastas, cakes, and other delicacies since 1868. There's a second branch at Via Drapperie 6.

Via Caprarie 7, Bologna, 40125, Italy
051-220425

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Scaramagli

University area

Friendly owners run this down-to-earth midsize wine store.

Strada Maggiore 33, Bologna, 40125, Italy
051-227132
Shopping Details
Closed Thurs. afternoon and Sun.

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