548 Best Places to Shop in Italy

The sisters who run this discreet store near the Spanish Steps were raised by their tailor father and developed a love of luxe fabrics early on. A fixture in Rome for nearly four decades, Lingerie D'Elia specializes in silky loungewear and is rumored to be where Princess Diana shopped for made-in-Italy lace-trimmed nightgowns.

In the heart of Capri Town, this gallery is a favorite for collectors and enthusiasts of contemporary art, with paintings by local and international artists available to buy. They also have a branch in Anacapri and are responsible for the installations that dot the island in summer months.

For something to wear for a night out, check out Liu-Jo.

Since 1825, several generations of the Calace family have contributed to this prestigious shop's reputation for exquisitely made mandolins. This is an active workshop, so phone ahead for an appointment.

The Neapolitan designer Livio de Simone was famous for his bright, printed-textile designs worn by 1950s and '60s celebrity femmes, and now his daughter, Benedetta, continues the tradition of creating chic, boldly printed fabrics, clothing, and housewares.

Proprietor Lorenzo Villoresi makes one-of-a-kind fragrances, which can be purchased in this sumptuous shop. There's also an on-site museum recounting the history and process of perfume-making.

Lose yourself in this emporium of luxury handbags, suitcases, and travel accessories spread across two floors.

You'll find a delightful selection of delicately hand-painted ceramics in Lucia's studio and shop near the center of Castellina.

Established in 1830, Codevilla is known as one of the best jewelers in the city. They sell top-of-the-line watches and custom jewelry.

Artist Luigi Nappa is behind all the creations for sale here, including clothing, art, furniture, and jewelry.

Luisa Izzo transforms coral into brooches, bracelets, and necklaces at this artisan boutique.

The surreal window displays hint at the trendy yet tasteful clothing inside this fascinating alta moda (high-style) boutique, which first opened in 1929 and stocks the world's top designers. Its atrium restaurant, Floret, is an oasis for vegans and vegetarians with bowls, salads, and cold-pressed juices.

This specialty food shop boasts an impressive array of sauces, as well as wines, grappas, and liqueurs. A picnic can be handily assembled from a huge assortment of local salamis and cheeses.

Since 1995, several flourishing craft projects aimed at teaching professional skills to the inmates of Venice's prisons have borne exceptional fruit. High-quality purses, messenger bags, backpacks, pouches, cosmetic bags, etc., are made of PVC by the men, and a luscious line of natural cosmetics is created by the women using their own herbs and flowers. Solid cakes of shampoo and other hair-care products, bath gel, and creams are chemical-free. Several luxury hotels have substituted the cooperative's line of bath products for brand-name items. The collective's trademark name is "Malefatte," in one sense "badly made," but really a play on the word "malafatta," meaning "wrongdoing." 

Craftswoman and architect Francesca Meratti and a team of local and international artisans combine traditional and contemporary design to create a mix of most-appealing objects, including dishware, carved wooden bowls, jewelry, and ceramic pieces.

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.

One-stop bargain shopping awaits at this collection of stores selling goods by such names as Bottega Veneta, Giorgio Armani, Loro Piana, Sergio Rossi, and Yves St. Laurent. A shuttle bus runs frequently from the center of Florence to the Mall.

One of Rome's preferred shops for those who appreciate exquisite writing materials, Manufactus specializes hand-bound leather journals but also sells such items as wax seals, presses for paper embossing, Venetian glass pens, and ink stamps. There are three other locations on Via della Rotonda, Piazza Navona, and Via dei Coronari.

Since 1997 the "Sea of Paper" has been Venice's best book and gift shop devoted to nautical themes. Books, calendars, navigation charts, and instruments, plus postcards, prints, toys, children's books and games, and even bags made of old sails are among the treasures you'll find here. There is also a wide variety of books on the Venetian lagoon and traditional Venetian boats.

Part of the Max Mara group, Marella is sometimes described as Max Mara's little sister, as it sells slightly more youthful and affordable clothes than the original. Expect elegant, high-quality coats, jackets, and pants; dresses, skirts, and blouses that are often done in colorful prints; and accessories such as shoes, bags, scarves, and sunglasses. During semiannual sales (in January and July), you can find especially good deals. There's also a location near the Spanish Steps on Via Frattina.

The women’s clothing, jewelry, sandals, bags, and other accessories sold here include one-off pieces and island-inspired styles.

It's worth popping in for their super-Positanese floaty dresses and other cotton and linen attire—their second and original shop is at Via del Saracino 16, near the Spiaggia Grande beach.

The beautiful and elegant glass jewelry of Marina and Susanna Sent has been featured in Vogue. Look also for vases and other exceptional design pieces. Other locations are on the Fondamenta Serenella on Murano and in San Polo under the Sotoportego dei Oresi at Rialto.

Count the British royal family among the customers of this shop, which has been selling traditional made-to-measure ties for more than 100 years. It also sells scarves and other small accessories for both men and women.

Lovers of fashion, both Italian and international, appreciate this hip boutique at the Capri Palace, which sells its own upscale items, as well as those by big labels such as Versace, Valentino, Missoni, Trussardi, and Hugo Boss. It also deals in fine ceramics and has a children's clothing section.

The place to go for unique, handmade-in-Rome bathing suits, Marisa Padovan has been sewing for Hollywood starlets like Audrey Hepburn and the well-heeled women of the Eternal City for more than 50 years. Choose from ready-to-wear coverups or suits trimmed with Swarovski crystals, or have the staff help you design a bespoke bikini or one-piece. The chic, cheery boutique also sells daughter Flavia's line of velvet trousers, knit ponchos, silk dresses, and cashmere coverups that make it easy to transition from a day by the sea to an evening on the town.

Since 1974, this super-chic fashion boutique has been celebrating French, Japanese, and Italian designers.

Hailing from Turin, Massimiliano shows his love of his adopted city and Murano glassmaking in his eclectic lamp-work creations. Pop in to see him at work, commission a piece, or browse the glassware, which varies from elegant wine glasses and sculptures to nautical-theme pieces and saucily themed jewelry.