Bologna's Shopping Areas (Self Guided), Bologna

When it comes to shopping, Bologna walks tall amid grands like Milan or Rome, with a harmonious mix of international chains, exclusive boutiques, luxury stores and open-air markets lining the streets in the city center, offering a wealth of international fashion, designer brands and top quality local delicacies in rich supply.

Shopping here is particularly pleasant on weekends when Zone 'T' (via Rizzoli and Via Independenza) and the streets east of Piazza Maggiore (which is a great place itself to browse – with craft shops, specialty delicatessens, cafés and wine bars) are closed to traffic, yielding way to the stalls with seasonal fruit, fresh fish and seafood, prosciutto, mortadella salami and so much more – for a true taste of Bologna! Some of the outlets, however, follow a somewhat unusual schedule: being closed on Thursday afternoon and Sunday.

The main shopping streets, leading off Piazza Maggiore, are Via Indipendenza and Via Rizzoli. The latter – a historic road built 2,000 years ago – is where most of Italy's high-end designer names have their storefronts. While the former is one of Bologna's main shopping areas with a variety of clothing stores, eateries, and fine wine sellers.

If you prefer a town market to luxury shopping, don't miss a stroll around the Mercato di Mezzo – a central location for trade and good food since the Medieval times.

Another one of the city’s most popular food mercatos is Orefici Market – well worth considering for a choice of Italian specialties and regional delicacies.

Whether you are a nostalgic old-style shop fan, a street market lover, or a luxury brand addict, this self-guided tour will cater to your needs, leading you to some of Bologna’s top shopping locations, reflecting the best the city has to offer!