283 Best Places to Shop in Italy

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.

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 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. A hidden secret, aficionados should not miss the guided tour (€5, book ahead) describing the company's rich history, with displays including Egypt's King Farouk's elaborate wedding gift to his bride Farida and what many consider the most beautiful cameo in existence.

Capri tailors produce high-class linen clothes for adults and children at this beautiful atelier. Nothing is left to chance in the handmade finishing on the classic white-and-beige linen and other more colorful creations.

Wind your way through the Albergheria district and this historic market, where the Saracens did their shopping in the 11th century—joined by the Normans in the 12th. The market's name is said to come from nearby Monreale, named Bahlara when Arab traders resided there, and it remains faithful to their original commerce of fruit, vegetables, and grain. These days the stalls are dotted with bars and outdoor restaurants where you can sample the produce, but the market has lost none of its authenticity—just keep a close eye on your belongings in the crowd. And go early: the action dies out by 4 pm most days.

Go to this famous market for bargains on secondhand books, antiques, and clothing. There is good browsing to be had among the stands, which spill out of Borgo Dora onto the surrounding side streets. During the second weekend of every month, the market extends its hours into Sunday, becoming the so-called Gran Balon. (Be aware, however, that the market is also famous for its pickpockets.)

High-quality shoes, bags, and clothing can be found every morning at this market in Chiaia that also has a large section of foods, spices, fruits, and vegetables.

"Made in Italy" is the trademark of this popular shop that showcases the fashions of top-name designers.

Leather goods are popular items in small shops along the main streets; one good option is Bazar Florio, whose fair and friendly owner's stock includes handbags, wallets, and backpacks.

A good selection of affordable clothes can be found at Benetton, which continues to represent easy Italian chic to most of the world.

The kingpin of milliners, Borsalino has managed to stay trendy since it opened in 1857.

Considered by many to be the Cadillac of fedoras, the dashing version by Borsalino has been a staple of the fashionable Italian man since 1857, adorning the heads of many silver-screen icons, including Humphrey Bogart (who donned one in Casablanca) and Harrison Ford (as Indiana Jones). Few hats are made with such exacting care and attention, and the company's milliners still use machines that are more than 100 years old. Borsalino also has boutiques near the Pantheon and Piazza di Spagna.

Most people want to buy gold when they come to Florence (for which it is justly famous). That said, Brandimarte, which has specialized in exquisitely crafted silver objects since 1955, is well worth a visit.

An institution in timepieces since 1900, Brinkmann made the clocks for the city's funicular stations.

A landmark wineshop inside the former coach house of a noble Roman family, Buccone has shelves that stretch impressively from floor to ceiling and are packed with wines and spirits ranging in price from a few euros to several hundred for rare vintages. The historical atmosphere has been preserved in the original wood-beam ceiling, long marble counter, and antique till. You can also buy jams, pasta, and packaged candy—perfect for inexpensive gifts. A simple lunch is available daily, as are aperitivo and dinner (though reservations are required for dinner). However, it is the atmosphere and wine list rather than the food that makes the old shop noteworthy. For that reason, consider booking (a week in advance) a guided wine tasting that features highlights from many of Italy's important wine-producing regions.

Bulgari (also seen as Bvlgari) is to Rome what Tiffany is to New York and Cartier is to Paris. The jewelry giant has developed a reputation for meticulous craftsmanship melding noble metals with precious gems. In the middle of the 19th century, the great-grandfather of the current Bulgari brothers began working as a silver jeweler in his native Greece and is said to have moved to Rome with less than 1,000 lire in his pocket. This store's temple-inspired interior pays homage to the jeweler's ties to both places. Today, the mega-brand emphasizes colorful and playful jewelry, as evidenced by such popular collections as Bulgari-Bulgari and B.zero1.

The posh brand showcases its internationally famous jewelry on posh Via Filangieri.

Missoni knitwear is the main draw at Cabó.

Still in operation after four generations, this Florentine institution sells antique jewelry and makes pieces to order; you can also get old jewelry reset here.

For home-decorating ideas and useful kitchen utensils in classic or more contemporary forms, Casa Mia is the ideal stop.

If you don't feel like paying Galleria Cavour prices, this mall is about 20 minutes outside Bologna. It includes more than 50 stores, among them such top brands as Swarovski.

This fragrance shop has been in the business of heavenly scents for more than 50 years. In addition to offering an array of labels like Acqua di Parma, Bois 1920, Bond No. 9, and Comme des Garçons, the store has courteous, multilingual staffers who know the merchandise, making a shopping experience here a lot more pleasant than a dash through duty-free. There are three locations around the city: two on Via Frattina and one on Via Oslavia in the Prati neighborhood.

In a city where it seems just about everybody carries an expensive leather bag, Cellerini is an institution.

The colorful ceramics at this gorgeous factory showroom along the Amalfi Coast road east of Positano include vases, plates, decorative tiles, wall hangings, and outdoor sculptures. The shop also has a small boutique in hilltop Scala, along the coast.