Shopping Tips: Italy

Italy is a shopper’s paradise. With so many destinations to choose from, follow our tips for making the most of your shopping trip to Italy.

If you’re looking for luxury goods, visit Via Condotti in Rome for high-end fashion stores, Quadilatero d’Oro in Milan for chic boutiques or Via de’ Tornabuoni in Florence for famous designers.

If you plan to shop in the markets, be prepared to haggle. Vendors expect shoppers to bargain, so go from stall to stall to compare prices. Make sure you let the vendors know you’re comparing and they may lower the price on the spot. Overall, the southern part of Italy tends to have lower prices than northern cities. Take this into account when putting together your budget. Be cautious if you stop at a shop during a tour. Oftentimes the tour guide gets a cut from the shopkeepers, who raise the prices to accommodate. Try shopping for unique items away from the hustle and bustle at places like grocery stores or hardware stores.

Each city has its own unique offerings. Florence’s luxury stores reside on the streets in the historic center. For souvenirs, visit the central market. Naples excels in handcrafted goods. Stroll through the historic district to see artists at work. Rome has a wide variety of shopping experiences from designer shops to outlet stores to flea markets and everything in between. Along the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento boasts many charming shops. Venice is a popular tourism destination, offering everything from cheap souvenirs to one-of-a-kind antiques.

Tourists in Italy can apply for a VAT tax refund on merchandise. Be sure to ask the store for a receipt and tax-free form when purchasing clothing, jewelry, sunglasses, glassware, wine and other alcohol. Bring the completed form to the airport to receive the refund.