Food and Shopping in Italy
Few countries connect daily life so closely to food and craftsmanship as Italy. Every region has its own flavors, specialties, and artisanal traditions, shaped by history and passed down through generations. Traveling here is not only about seeing the sights, but also about tasting authentic dishes and discovering the artistry behind what Italians create and sell.
In the north, rich cuisine reflects Alpine influences. Milan, the capital of Italian fashion, pairs world-class shopping with a culinary culture rooted in tradition. Along Via Montenapoleone and elegant side streets, luxury boutiques and Italian designers showcase the country’s signature style, while historic bakeries offer breads and pastries prepared to age-old recipes. Nearby, Turin and Piedmont are celebrated for truffles, gianduja chocolate, and fine textiles, while Bologna is famed for tortellini, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and balsamic vinegar.
Central Italy offers both artistry and taste. In Florence, visitors can shop for leather goods, gold jewelry, and olive oil, with much of it produced in small family workshops. Venice is home to Murano glass, Burano lace, and unique seafood dishes, while Rome blends designer shopping near Via Condotti with food shops and traditional markets.
In the south, food and crafts reflect Mediterranean abundance and bold character. Naples and the Amalfi Coast feature seafood, citrus, and pizza, alongside cameo jewelry and hand-painted ceramics. In Puglia, towns like Lecce and Bari highlight handmade pasta, olives, and paper goods inspired by local motifs. Sicily, with Palermo and Catania, offers lively produce markets, hand-painted ceramics, embroidered textiles, and wooden crafts rooted in island traditions.
Exploring food and shopping in Italy is about more than buying or tasting. Each encounter connects you with local culture, turning every meal or purchase into part of the journey.
Recommended Tours in Italy
Opening Hours in Italy
Shops in Italy usually open around 9:00 a.m., close in the early afternoon, and reopen later in the day. In cities like Milan and Bologna, many stores stay open all day. On Sundays, most shops are closed except in tourist areas. Grocery stores and pharmacies often follow different hours. Hours may change during holidays, and smaller towns often keep a more traditional schedule.
Dining Hours in Italy
Lunch is typically served between 1:00 and 2:30 p.m., and dinner begins after 7:30 p.m. In cities, restaurants may offer longer hours to accommodate visitors, but in smaller towns, fixed mealtimes are still common. Some restaurants close between lunch and dinner service. Booking ahead is recommended for popular spots, especially in places like Milan, Lecce, or Palermo.
Making Payment in Italy
Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops across Italy. Smaller businesses, markets, and cafés may prefer cash, especially in rural areas. ATMs are widely available and allow for easy cash withdrawal. It is useful to carry small denominations for taxis, small purchases, or tipping. Euros are the official currency, and foreign currency is not usually accepted.
Tax free shopping in Italy
Non-EU visitors can claim a VAT refund on eligible purchases over a set amount when shopping at participating stores. The minimum purchase amount and procedure vary, but shops will provide the required forms at checkout. To complete the refund process, present your passport, receipts, and the completed form at the airport when departing. Your guide can assist with finding stores that offer tax-free shopping and explain how to claim your refund.
What to buy in Italy
In the north, Milan stands at the heart of Italy’s fashion industry. Along Via Montenapoleone and in elegant boutiques, you’ll find luxury clothing, accessories, and homeware by both international and local designers. Turin and Piedmont are known for gourmet treats such as gianduja chocolate, truffles, and fine textiles, often beautifully packaged for gifting. Nearby Bologna highlights food, with shops selling fresh tortellini, balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and cured meats, many sealed for travel.
Moving into central Italy, Florence and Tuscany specialize in leather goods, gold jewelry, and hand-bound paper, much of it crafted in small workshops around the Oltrarno district. Venice offers Murano glass, Burano lace, and Venetian masks, while Rome blends high-end boutiques near Via Condotti with artisan shops, gourmet food stores, and vibrant markets.
Further south, Naples and the Amalfi Coast showcase cameo jewelry from Torre del Greco, coral pieces, and the colorful ceramics of Vietri sul Mare. In Puglia, particularly Lecce and Bari, you’ll find linen, olive oil, and handmade paper goods inspired by the local countryside and religious motifs. Sicily, with cities like Palermo and Catania, offers hand-painted ceramics, embroidered textiles, and wooden crafts that carry strong traditional patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do shops and markets usually open in Italy?
Most shops open around 9:00 a.m. and close for a few hours in the afternoon before reopening later in the day. Markets usually open earlier, especially in smaller towns. In larger cities, many shops stay open through the day and into the evening.
Can I use credit cards everywhere in Italy?
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, especially in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. In rural areas, markets, and small cafés, cash is often preferred. Carrying some euros in small denominations is useful for everyday purchases.
What are some typical things to buy in Italy?
Italy is known for regional foods, olive oil, wine, ceramics, leather goods, textiles, and handmade paper. Each region has its own specialties. In Bologna, food products are a highlight. In Palermo or Lecce, you may find embroidered linens or ceramics.
Are there vegetarian options in traditional Italian restaurants?
Yes. Many Italian dishes are based on vegetables, grains, and cheese. Common vegetarian options include pasta with tomato or pesto, risotto, grilled vegetables, and fresh salads. Your guide can help explain menus and communicate any dietary needs.
Can I bring food products home from Italy?
Many packaged food items such as cheese, pasta, and cured meats are sealed for travel and allowed through customs, especially if declared. Check specific import rules for your home country before buying. Your guide can recommend shops that prepare products for international travel.
How do I claim tax-free shopping in Italy?
Non-EU visitors can claim VAT refunds on eligible purchases over a set amount. Ask for a tax-free form at the store, then present it along with your receipts and passport at the airport before departure.
Our local expert in Italy
How Finest Journeys Enhances Your Food and Shopping Experience in Italy
Finest Journeys connects you with seasonal dishes, trusted local producers, and regional markets. Your guide helps explain traditional ingredients, arrange tastings, and point out quality goods worth buying. With private transport and local insight, you experience everyday food culture and shopping in a way that feels practical, informed, and easy to enjoy.