Shopping in Bologna is the most desired experience. The tourists who come for Bologna Tours get a real taste of shopping in Bologna. Bologna is known for its big shopping complexes and multiplexes. The four main shopping streets of Bologna are Via dell'Indipendenza, Via Ugo Bassi, Via Rizzoli and Via D'Azeglio. These roads lead off Piazza Maggiore in crossroad formation. Here you will find all the big-name Italian designers' clothes and accessories. Besides, there is a provision of antiques and books. The trend in Bologna fashion is led by the student population. It is called the 'utility chic'.
Shopping in Bologna is great fun as Italy is renowned for its high quality clothing. Bologna represents most of it. However, the shops are quite expensive. When you are ready for shopping in Bologna you must be ready for the Italian sales that falls between July/August and December/January. One can bargain a lot in these discount sales. At this time, prices are often slashed by up to 70%. Buying leather goods including jackets, wallets and belts are a safe option in Bologna. You must try the high class souvenir in the form of quality handmade leather shoes offered by the legendary Branchini Calzoleria, Via Castiglione 33.
Buying books is a part of Shopping in Bologna. There is a daily book market in Piazza Maggiore. This book market is open in the mornings during the winter months. An antiques market in Piazza Santo Stefano is open during normal shopping hours that is every second weekend of the month (excluding January, July and August). You will also find a flea market from dawn to dusk, every Friday and Saturday, at the Parco della Montagnola. Another collector's market named Celo' Celo' Mamanca is in the former Jewish ghetto, Via Valdonica and Piazza San Martino. This shop is open every Thursday 0900-1900 (excluding July and August).
Shopping in Bologna includes buying the various fruits of the city. This is best in the Mercato delle Erbe on Via Ugo Bassi which sells fresh fruit and vegetables every morning 0715-1300 and evening 1700-1900, except Sunday. Tamburini, Via Caprarie 1, should be visited if you want to buy homemade pasta, local hams and cheeses.
Before shopping in Bologna make sure of the shop timings. In Bologna, shops open from 0900-1300 and 1530-2000. However, the larger department stores and supermarkets stay open throughout the day. Most of the shops are shut during August, on Thursday afternoon and on Sunday. While buying note that the sales tax varies between 12-14%, depending on the value of the goods purchased.
Travel.mapsofworld.com gives detailed information about Shopping in Bologna and other aspects of Bologna.
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