548 Best Places to Shop in Italy

This lace and embroidery shop offers a highly appealing selection—from Venice and beyond—that includes fine cotton and linen tablecloths, baby clothing, shirts, nightgowns, sheets, and curtains as delightful and unique as the proprietor herself. Ask to see antique lace.

This is the oldest barber shop in Venice (established in 1924) and Alberto Amato is the third generation of his family to shave, trim, and otherwise spruce up his male clientele. The care of hair and beards (or the removal of same) is his mission; hair treatments, from shampoo to coloring, are all based on natural products, and he is one of the few barbers still using a straight razor.

Step inside this beloved deli for some of the freshest ricotta in town, as well as ham and salami, burrata cheese from Puglia, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Rome's famed pecorino, Sicilian anchovies, and local wines—all served with polite joviality. Although not everything can be imported to the United States, some of the savory delights can be vacuum-sealed in case you want to pack some Italian specialties in your suitcase.

Complete with hand-labeled wooden drawers holding more than 200 varieties of herbs, flowers, and tinctures, Antica Erboristeria Romana has maintained its old-world apothecary feel (it's the oldest shop of its kind in Rome, dating back to 1752). The shop stocks an impressive array of teas and herbal infusions, more than 700 essential oils, bud derivatives, and powdered extracts.

Rome's oldest pharmacy, in business since 1552, produces its own line of skincare products and dietary supplements. The family-run shop's herbs and 17th-century furnishings evoke a store in Harry Potter's Diagon Alley, and although you won't find any potions, the pharmacists can whip up just-for-you powders, syrups, capsules, gels, or creams to soothe modern ailments.

One of the oldest bookbinderies in Venice is known for its historic stampi, hand-printed paper using carved wood plates, which artisans carefully filled with colored inks. Don't let the sporadic opening times discourage you from trying to visit or purchase their exquisite papers.

Dr. Vranjes elevates aromatherapy to an art form with scents for the body and home.

There has been a salumeria (delicatessen) here since 1889. The cheeses, cured meats, and made-to-order panini are top-notch.

Come here for colorful local fashions at reasonable prices; there's also a location closer to the beach, on Via del Brigantino.

Since 1987, Signora Dominga Bruno has been at the helm of this antiques store on Arezzo's fashionable Corso Italia. Head here for fine furnishings, unusual sculptures, and other objets d'art.

This distinguished shop next to the Gallerie dell'Accademia sells old master paintings—originals, not copies—with accordingly rarified prices.

If you love all things nautical, especially if they are old, delve into this exceptional shop full of treasures of ships and shipping. Owner Antonio Afferri has indulged his passion for the great Italian liners by amassing a remarkable collection of their china, silverware, lamps, and fittings such as chandeliers and washstands. Discover detailed ship models, paintings, photographs, and all sorts of nautical curiosities, including a very early deep-sea diving suit.

This salumeria shrink-wraps its own high-quality pork products, making it a snap to take home some salame di cinghiale (wild boar salami). It's also known for its exceptional prosciutto.

On the third weekend of the month, an antiques market happens in and around Piazza San Martino. Vendors unveil their wares around 8:30, and start packing up around dusk. There's something for everyone, including old-fashioned glassware, ancient coins, and furniture—some items are antique, some are just old.

Antonioli raises the bar for Milan's top trendsetters. Uniting the most cutting-edge looks of each season, it is among the fashion-forward concept stores in the city. Aside from Italian brands like Valentino, it also stocks a competitive international array of designers, like Ann Demeulemeester, Rick Owens, Givenchy, Maison Margiela, and Vetements.

Antonioli raises the bar for Milan's top trendsetters. Uniting the most cutting-edge looks of each season, it is among the fashion-forward concept stores in the city. Aside from Italian brands like Valentino, it also stocks a competitive international array of designers, like Ann Demeulemeester, Rick Owens, Givenchy, and Maison Margiela.

A play on the term for Venice's flooding, acqua alta, this tiny but bountiful shop operated by a social cooperative sells natural, fair-trade products, some from Third World artisans (therefore "altra," or "other"). The quality is notably higher than some similar stores, and there is a wide range of items, including shampoo, jam, hand-knitted scarves, reusable cotton cloth to wrap food, herbal teas, coffee, water bottles, and more. If nothing else, buy a bar of the delectable Modica chocolate, made in Sicily following the Mesoamerican cold-processing techniques introduced by the Spanish.

An exclusive address for men's accessories, Argenio is the former supplier of scarves, cuff links, buttons, tiepins, and so forth to the royal Bourbons of the House of the Two Sicilies.

Armani Junior, Emporio Armani, Armani Fiori (flowers), Armani Dolci (chocolate), and Armani Libri (books) are all under this monumental store's roof.

Far from the tourist streets, this little shop is crammed with housewares, soaps and fragrances, delicious sweets, colorful ceramics, one-off Christmas decorations, and other local gift items.

This shop sells scarves as well as blouses and jackets, all handwoven using looms built to ancient specifications. Not only are their products made to a very high standard in wool or silk, but the weavers are part of a social cooperative called Laguna Fiorita that employs the mentally disabled; their families formed the association in 1993. The store also occasionally organizes weaving workshops.

On one of Monti's steeply sloping streets is the small jewelry shop where Tiziana Salzano and Antonio Marino make elegant necklaces and earrings using the finest gold or silver and a combination of semiprecious gemstones. Most pieces are unique, so if you feel something tug at your heart be sure to grab it. They also take orders for bespoke pieces.

This is the largest store for locally made handcrafted goods.

A family firm established in 1855 and known for its traditionally made coral jewelry and artwork, Ascione has a showroom/gallery on the second floor of a shabby wing of the Galleria Umberto. Don't miss the 30-minute guided tour (€5, book ahead), which explains the company's rich history and takes in displays that include Egypt's King Farouk's elaborate wedding gift to his bride, Farida, as well as what many consider to be the most beautiful cameo in existence.

This modest shop is brimming with fantastic small gifts ranging from handmade ceramic volcanoes to tote bags crafted from vintage Italian silk. Assemblea finds artisans throughout the country and makes its quirky creations available in Rome, so every item featured is guaranteed to be made in Italy.

Antonia Sautter's opulent, fanciful display of 18th-century Venetian gowns often causes passersby to pause and ponder. Hers is the atelier of the prestigious Ballo del Doge Carnival ball, along with many other extraordinarily fantastically couture Venetian events. You'll also find medieval-style garments, masks, and accessories behind the curtains inside.

At this upscale atelier, Polish designer Aleksandra Badura creates one-of-a-kind bags that have been featured in magazines like Vogue, Elle, and Glamour, using sustainably sourced Italian leather and exotic skins. Make an appointment through the website to see the collection and you can choose from one of the exquisite bags on offer or customize any of the models, selecting from a wide range of colors and materials.

This is an excellent shop for renting Carnival costumes and buying masks.  

Costumes for sale or rent are inspired by 18th- and 19th-century models, with masks (for sale only) to match. Large sizes are available for both sexes. By appointment only, but well worth the effort.