Italy Shopping
Italy must be the most famous place in the world to do shopping. The most popular names in fashion seem to be Italian from Valentino to Versace. Milan is probably top of fashion forward cities in the world and has every boutique you could ever want and every designer. But, besides fashion, Italy’s biggest cities have lots of other amazing buys that have been made in their particular culture for ages.
Rome offers shops of every kind. It is the country’s capital, which gives the shopping a kind of mix of items from fashion to famous Italian leather. Rome has a great mixture of all Italy has to offer in the way of shopping. Via Nazionale is one of the busiest streets in all of Rome. Here you can find those famous names that make Italy famous for fashion, but it also houses a ton of leather shops. If you are looking for something a little more unique, head down to Via Sistina where the locally owned shops reflect the styles and passions of their owners. Here you can find something truly unique. But, if you are looking to do some shopping with the rich and famous head for Via Condotti where Rome houses some of its most expensive shops.
Florence seems to fit famous shops into every nook and cranny of the city. Everywhere you turn you seem to run into Gucci or Prada or some other fabulously expensive boutique. Across from the Duomo you will find a street lined with different shops selling everything from handbags to sports equipment. The really chic shopping areas stretch between Piazza della Republica and Piazza della Signoria. Here you will be able to buy that Gucci purse you’ve been eyeing or just window shop. One great thing about Florence shopping, however, is the open-air markets that seem to exist in every corner of the city. The most visited one is probably right between Piazza della Replulica and Signoria. Here you can find really cool and eclectic jewelry, fancy handmade scarves and great leather bags. If you are searching for something a little more unique, this is the place for you. Plus it is fun to barter with the sales people. Beware, however, of vendors selling from a blanket or makeshift board right outside these markets. It is illegal to buy anything from these guys and you could end up with a fine.
Venice is world famous for its beautiful glass and extravagant furniture. Shops all over Venice display some of the most beautiful glass pieces you will ever see. If you find something you like that needs to be shipped back to you at home it can be pretty expensive, but small glass souvenirs are largely available and easy to carry home with you in your bags. While it may not be feasible to take any of the furniture home with you from Venice it is extremely fun to window shop. Some of the pieces look like they came straight out of a fairly tale…just like the rest of Venice. Venice is also world famous for its beautiful hand crafted lace so keep your eye out for it as it is sold in many of the shops that line the streets.