The best places to go shopping in Bologna are great for loading your suitcase with must-have items. Although the city’s legacy dates back hundreds of years, it also offers a forward-thinking outlook, with stylish boutiques and large-scale shopping malls offering great retail options.

Bologna is one of the most appealing destinations in Northern Italy, serving as the capital and largest city in the Emilia-Romagna region. Renowned for its medieval architecture and merchant history, its cobblestoned streets frequently host open-air markets selling wonderfully fresh goods produced in the surrounding area. Head along to these first-rate destinations to experience the best shopping in Bologna.

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    Piazza Maggiore

    Roam the city’s historic town square to find upmarket fashion and cafes

    Piazza Maggiore
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    Piazza Maggiore is Bologna’s most famous square, having served as a community gathering point since the 13th century. Today, it remains a major tourist attraction, with this sprawling town square surrounded by many of the city’s historic landmarks, such as the Basilica of San Petronio and Palazzo d'Accursio.

    Besides these illustrious structures, Piazza Maggiore is home to stellar fashion boutiques, souvenir stalls and cafes. Take a wander along its age-old pedestrian strip to come across high-end stores that provide the ideal gifts to remember your journey. Meanwhile, the square also regularly hosts cultural events like film screenings and live performances.

    Dirección: Piazza Maggiore, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy

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    Mercato di Mezzo

    Wander this ancient marketplace for great local cuisine

    Mercato di Mezzo
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    Mercato di Mezzo is a thriving destination for trying out the region’s high-quality cuisine. With the origins of this food market dating back to medieval times, a 2014 redevelopment breathed new life into the space. For stocking up on incredible ingredients like fresh pasta and locally grown vegetables, there are few better places in Bologna.

    However, don’t think you have to simply load up your shopping bags and leave. The Mercato di Mezzo also offers an outstanding selection of restaurants and cafes with table seating, ensuring you can experience a sumptuous lunch or dinner in the sun.

    Dirección: Via Clavature, 12, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy

    Horario: Friday–Saturday from 10 am to midnight, Sunday–Thursday from 10 am to 11 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Teléfono: +39 379 185 5172

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    Mercato delle Erbe

    Sample local specialities and enjoy live performances

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    Mercato delle Erbe is a bustling indoor marketplace and food court focused on fresh produce and Italian-made specialities in Bologna. Founded in 1910, dozens of stalls offer delicious pasta, cheese, charcuterie, bread and wine, ensuring your next home-cooked meal or picnic rises above all expectations.

    Alongside these local vendors, the Mercato delle Erbe is also well-known for its lively after-dark atmosphere. Just wander into the Altro? food hall to discover numerous tantalising dining options. Plus, the venue also regularly hosts live music from local performers that takes your market visit to the next level.

    Dirección: Via Ugo Bassi, 25, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy

    Horario: Monday–Saturday from 7 am to midnight (closed on Sundays)

    Teléfono: +39 335 597 1753

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    Via Rizzoli

    Browse international fashion brands and encounter street performers

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    Via Rizzoli is an essential shopping destination in Bologna. This major inner-city road, built approximately 2,000 years ago, is now lined with clothing designers like COIN, Max Mara, & Other Stories, and United Colors of Benetton. Meanwhile, you’ll also discover a fine selection of clothing brands capturing the latest international fashion trends.

    There are also several leading footwear stores, including ASICS and Nike, while you can also find a bustling Apple Store catering to big crowds. Once you’ve finished shopping, find a spot at one of the many restaurants and cafes to dine and watch the talented street performances that set about impressing visitors.

    Dirección: Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy

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    Via Indipendenza

    Find much-loved attractions alongside great shopping

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    Via Indipendenza is one of Bologna’s most popular shopping streets, featuring a pedestrian-only design that ensures you can browse the luxurious stores at ease. With this fashionable boulevard known for its classy clothing stores and souvenir shops, most are fronted by a stunning colonnade that stretches along the streetscape.

    This highly regarded street is also where travellers can find many of Bologna’s most renowned landmarks, including the Teatro Arena del Sol and Piazza VIII Agosto. Head along to well-known brands such as Zara, Sephora, and Terranova before making your way around these historic streets to enjoy the city’s top attractions.

    Dirección: Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy

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    Galleria Cavour

    Upmarket retailers and a fashionable cafe

    Galleria Cavour
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    Galleria Cavour is a hugely impressive shopping mall close to the centre of Bologna. Renowned for its striking glass roof and array of upscale retail tenants, it's a great spot for visitors who want to conduct their shopping spree in 1 location.

    Built in 1959, the complex has undergone several renovations over the years to bring it up to modern standards. Now, you can find sought-after brands, including Prada, Versace, and Tiffany & Co. Meanwhile, you can enjoy lavish coffee and cake at the Emporio Armani Ristorante.

    Dirección: Via Farini, 14, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy

    Horario: 24/7

    Teléfono: +39 051 222 621

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    foto de Pietro Zanarini (CC BY 2.0) modificada

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    Parco Commerciale Meraville

    Delve into this sprawling mall for top-quality brands

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    Parco Commerciale Meraville is the largest shopping complex in Bologna, offering visitors an enormous variety of high-street fashion brands, tasty fast-food outlets, and top-notch services. On the city's northeastern outskirts, it takes around 20 minutes to drive from the city centre, or you can catch the bus straight to your destination.

    If you’re looking for some activewear to enhance how you explore the city, heading to Decathlon ensures you can find a great outfit. Plus, there’s a huge Mediaworld for those that need a new pair of headphones or a smartphone upgrade. Alongside the likes of McDonald's, Arisbar and Dispensa Emilia, there’s no shortage of convenient dining options either.

    Dirección: Viale Tito Carnacini, 57, 40127 Bologna BO, Italy

    Horario: Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm

    Teléfono: +39 051 468 4534

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  • 8

    Corte Isolani

    Explore this grand shopping arcade and discover its mysterious secrets

    Corte Isolani
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    Corte Isolani is an example of how many of Bologna’s extraordinary buildings have been transformed into must-visit shopping destinations. Set inside a wonderful 15th-century mansion, this restored gallery now features several exclusive retailers and restaurants that offer a quiet escape from the surrounding areas.

    Stretching between the bustling streets of Strada Maggiore and Via Santo Stefano, Corte Isolani's storied history is conveyed through its 3 mysterious arrows embedded in the bottom of the 3rd floor. With legends about assassins explaining their existence, head along and see if you can spot them all.

    Dirección: Via Santo Stefano, 18, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy

    Horario: 24/7

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  • 9

    L'antico Ghetto Ebraico

    Dive into this neighbourhood’s artistic community

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    L'antico Ghetto Ebraico is a fascinating inner-city district with an intriguing past. Founded in the 16th century as the city’s Jewish Quarter, the area remained relatively undervalued for many years. Today, the neighbourhood has become increasingly associated with Bologna’s burgeoning creative community.

    Today, you can find a wealth of artist studios and handicraft stores lining L'antico Ghetto Ebraico’s eccentric streets. With the area also featuring beautiful original architecture dating from hundreds of years ago, it’s now recognised as one of the most interesting places to visit. Head along to experience its vintage stores, kooky shops, and gallery spaces.

    Dirección: L'Antico Ghetto Ebraico, Bologna, Italy

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    foto de Pietro Luca Cassarino (CC BY-SA 4.0) modificada

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    Quadrilatero

    A time-honoured neighbourhood with a merchant past

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    Quadrilatero is recognised as one of the top neighbourhoods for food-lovers visiting Bologna, as a host of vibrant markets and street vendors provide remarkable cuisine. With the district enjoying a long-standing merchant history, it’s a great spot to engage with the city’s age-old traditions.

    Whether you’re looking for delicious seafood, local meat, artisan cheese or homemade wine, you won’t have a problem finding a delightful stall serving an amazing product. Take a walk through the streets and snack as you go, or head to a restaurant serving delicious dishes made from local seasonal ingredients.

    Dirección: Bologna, Italy

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Hudson Brown | Colaborador/a habitual