This list was created by the team at Italian Fix.
We’re professional travelers and we organize Italian travel for thousands of guests on our tours or consults.
Italy is a paradise for shoppers, offering everything from high-end fashion and luxury goods to local markets for food and crafts. Whether you’re searching for designer pieces, artisanal crafts or unique antiques, this guide will help you navigate Italy’s diverse shopping scene.
Save the VAT Tax:
Did you know that when you buy an item in Europe, you’ll pay a tax called VAT? It can be as high as 27%. The exact rate ranges depending on what you’re buying and where. You can get the VAT refunded, provided that you reach the spending threshold and submit your refund correctly.
Here is how to get a VAT refund:
- Request the tax-free form from the shop. (You need to reach the spending threshold.)
- To maximize savings, consider purchasing smaller items at one shop (like a department store) so you reach the spending threshold.
- Bring a photo of your passport when you shop — as residents are not allowed to get this refund and you’ll need to prove your identity.
- Keep your receipts and forms and you’ll need to get them stamped at customs on exit. If you are visiting multiple European countries, you can use the customs at your port of exit (train, plane, or ship).
- Keep your items on you when you exit the EU — bring them in your carry-on.
- Give yourself extra time in the airport, as the customs process can slow (imagine how long the line-up will be in Rome on a Saturday morning).
You can also download an app via GlobalBlue. They have Italy-specific rates listed here.
Specific Dates When Clothing Is On Sale:
There are 2 seasonal sales in Italy — summer and winter! Sales in Italy are regulated by the government of each region and they determine when the sales period happens. Generally, if you’re traveling in January and July, you’ll see all the sales for a period of 30-60 days. It’s actually illegal for a retailer to hold a sale outside of the official sale dates, so things are very deeply discounted at that time. The word “sale” in Italian is “saldi”.
1. Best Cities for Shopping
- Milan – The fashion capital of Italy, Milan has luxury shopping districts like Via Montenapoleone and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Don’t miss the outlets in the surrounding areas for designer discounts.
- Rome – Home to Via Condotti for high-end brands, as well as Porta Portese, the city’s most famous flea market, where you can find vintage treasures.
- Florence – Renowned for its leather goods, Florence has markets like San Lorenzo and high-end boutiques along Via Tornabuoni.
- Venice – Known for Murano glass and Burano lace, Venice offers charming specialty shops and traditional markets like Mercato di Rialto.
- Naples – A hub for handmade shoes, tailored clothing, and suiting.
- Every City – Has excellent food items that are regional; small and large grocery stores are perfect places to shop for food items you can take home in your luggage.
2. Markets
- Porta Portese (Rome) – A vast Sunday market with everything from antiques to vintage clothing in the Trastevere neighborhood.
- Fortezza Antiquaria (Florence) — Antique market on the third Saturday & Sunday of each month (not in July and August). In the gardens of Fortezza da Basso, in Viale Strozzi.
- Mercato di San Lorenzo & Mercato Porcellino (Florence) – Both are famous for leather goods and souvenirs but are very touristy.
- Mercatone dell’Antiquariato (Milan) – A monthly market filled with vintage finds and artisan crafts. Last Sunday of the month.
- Via Fauchè Street Market (Milan) — Tuesdays and Sundays. Food, clothes and household.
- Campo de’ Fiori Market (Rome) – A vibrant daily market (not Sundays) featuring fresh produce, spices, and local products. Most tourists – arrive early.
- Ballarò Market (Palermo) – One of the oldest markets in Sicily – a wild ride! Also, try Capo Market, which is less intense.
3. Very Italian Brands & Boutiques
Multiple Locations:
- Bottega Veneta – Luxury leather goods.
- Brunello Cucinelli — Luxury & Sustainable Clothing
- Rinascente — Department Store.
- Eataly — Food.
- Fabriano — Stationery.
- Alessi – Beautifully designed homeware.
- La DoubleJ — Clothing & homewares.
4. Florence:
- Alessandro Dari — Otherworldly jewelry and objects d’art.
- Scuola del Cuoio – A famous leather workshop offering high-end handmade products.
- Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy – One of the oldest pharmacies in the world, selling unique perfumes and skincare products.
5. Milan:
- 10 Corso Como – Concept Store
- Cavalli e Nastri – Designer Vintage
- Antonia – Boutique
- Wait & See – Boutique
- Quadrilatero d’Oro — Not a store, but a shopping district (a collection of streets, like Via Montenapoleone) that has luxury brands and boutiques.
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II — Covered arcade right across from the duomo.
6. Rome
- Campo Marzio – Specializing in Italian stationery and leather accessories.
- Brandizzi – Vintage & modern watches
- Chez Dede — Concept Store.
- AltroQuando — Bookstore & Pub.
- LolRoma — Concept Store.
- Sacripante Art Gallery — Art, Design, Fashion, Bar.
7. Iconic Souvenirs to Bring Home
- Leather goods (Florence) – Handmade bags, belts, and wallets.
- Marble papers (Florence) — Stationery and books.
- Murano glass (Venice) – Beautiful handcrafted glassware, from vases to jewelry.
- Italian ceramics (Everywhere! But Amalfi Coast & Sicily are the most iconic) – The best for luggage schlepping are smaller items, like dessert plates. But most places will ship home.
- Limoncello (Amalfi Coast) – A refreshing lemon liqueur famous in southern Italy.
- Truffle products (Umbria & Tuscany) – Truffle-infused oils, sauces, and salts.
- Designer Goods – Global brands like Prada, Gucci, and Armani are good buys, but also shop the non-global brands for excellent value. Ask local Italian women (the well-dressed ones) what brands are famous in the cities you’re traveling to. Locals are generally open to chatting while they are drinking coffee or standing at a bar.
- Wines & Liqueurs — Each location has its own specialties. Many stores will ship it home.
8. Other Tips
- Bargaining “light” is common in markets – You can ask for “the best price” at outdoor markets. But bargaining is mild, so don’t bargain hard, as this is considered rude.
- Check authenticity – Look for certifications when buying leather goods, Murano glass, or other artisan products. Knockoffs are made in China and sold to unsuspecting people.
- There are fake goods – Street vendors selling counterfeit designer items is normal; just know they are not real.
- Claim VAT refunds – Non-EU tourists can get tax refunds (follow the paperwork rules at the top of the page).
