Benvenuto! That’s Italian for, “Welcome!” You’ve finally made it to Italy after all that planning. The country is filled with many sights to see and things to do. And there’s certainly no shortage of shopping. But traveling is expensive.
You’ll want to travel to Italy on a budget. But you won’t want to miss out on some amazing shopping in Italy. Let’s face it: when in a foreign country, you must do some shopping.
If you’re wanting to do some Italian shopping but aren’t sure where to find the best shopping in Italy at affordable prices, then we’re here to help. Continue reading for a quick guide on shopping in Italy on a budget!
Make a Stop in Venice
A stop in Venice, Italy is a must whether you plan to shop or not. But since you do plan on shopping, it’s an absolute must for you! It’s the capital of the Veneto region located in Northen Italy.
It’s built on a lagoon on top of more than a 100 small islands. But the most unique thing about Venice is that there are no roads, only canals. And it’s home to the popular Grand Canal and some special shopping options!
Antique Shopping
Gioielleria Eredi Jovon is located at Sestiere San Marco 5325, 30124 Venice. It’s a family-owned business with exceptional customer service and an amazing collection on antiques. You can also find antiques at Mercatino Delle Robe Da Mar, a local Venice market.
Jewelry And Venetian Masks
Places like Casin dei Nobili and Mondo Novo are ideal for finding authentic masks. It’s important to know that some shops will sell imitation masks made in China so keep a lookout and beware of these. Custom masks are available and although pricing can get expensive, there are cheaper options for budget-friendly shopping.
For jewelry options, head over to Le Gioie di Bortolo. No item’s design is the same. You’ll have a truly unique piece of jewelry when you arrive home.
When in Rome
Rome is known for some of the best shopping in Italy. It’s the capital of the country. And it’s filled with history, art, architecture, culture, and most of all, shopping! Whether you’re looking to shop at designer stores or local markets, you’ll find what you need in Rome.
Clothing Shopping
Affordable Italian clothing is available on Via Cola di Rienzo. It’s a shopping street that remains pretty busy. There’s a mix of mid-priced shops and designer shops throughout the street.
And it’s home to a department store called, Coin. This is where you can browse through clothing options at a department store price.
Food Shopping
One of the most beloved food options by tourist is Paciotti Salumeria. It’s owned by three brother’s who provide excellent customer service and are always happy to help. Their store is full of reasonably priced high-quality foods.
So you won’t want to pass it up. The variety of food items is so large that they’re sure to have something for you and at a cheap price!
Flea Market
For true bargain hunters, the Mercatino del Borghetto Flaminio is the place to be. It’s one of Rome’s local flea markets. You can find anything from barely worn designer clothes to handmade accessories.
And what’s better than bringing home a handmade item from Italy? Close to nothing! If planning to visit this flea market, you’ll want to head over on a Sunday.
Mercatino del Borghetto Flaminio is open on Sundays from 10:00 am-7:00 pm. And it’s a budget shopping experience you can’t miss out on!
Seek Fashion in Milan
Milan is usually known for its high fashion shopping experiences. And some of the best high-end shopping in Italy can be done here. For more information on high-end shopping, visit this travel blog.
But shopping in Milan doesn’t have to be expensive. There are some options out there for those Italian shoppers looking for budget-friendly prices.
Shopping Outlets
Located in the city center are small local shopping outlets ready to offer you glorious finds at even more glorious prices. Corso Como 10 Outlet and D Magazine are two outlets located in this area that provide affordable shopping options.
There is also a Prada outlet named, “Space” that is located between Milan and Florence. The outlet can get quite crowded.
But it’s for a good reason. Prada items in the store such as clothing, shoes, and accessories can all be purchased at 60%-70% off retail price. Word of advice, arrive before the outlet opens.
But don’t stop here. There’s a variety of outlets within Milan and just outside Milan that provide their shoppers with designer items at a cheaper price.
Shopping Malls
When visiting Milan, you need to take some time to explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It’s the most famous mall in the world. And it opened in 1867 and is topped with a glass roof.
It consists of many historical shops. So it’s worth the stop even if you’re just going to observe. Most of the shops have so much history that they resemble museums more than shops anyways!
General Guide to Bargain Shopping in Italy
Discount and outlet stores sell at cheaper prices annually. So they don’t run sales. But Italy’s normal stores usually run sales that offer 70% off their retail prices on designer shoes, clothing, and more in the months of January and July.
And be sure to ask store managers if their store qualifies for “Detaxe.” If you’re a visitor to the country and plan on returning home, then you can receive a refund on taxes paid while visiting. But there is a minimum purchase of 154.95 EUR, which is around $175 USD.
Budget-Friendly Shopping in Italy
When shopping in Italy, you’ll want to find the best deals possible but without sacrificing quality. So keep this guide in mind when planning your trip to this wonderful country. And you’ll have no problem finding the things you need at a price you want!
And if you enjoyed reading our guide to the best shopping deals in Italy, then you’ll want to check out our other guides as well. Browse our online magazine for some more healthy lifestyle tips.