Shopping in Bologna: The Ultimate Guide to Markets, Outlets & Artisan Goods (2026)

Bologna is not just about eating; it’s about living well. And in Italy, living well means dressing well and filling your home with high-quality goods.

Unlike Milan, where shopping can feel like a stressful fashion show, shopping in Bologna is a relaxed stroll under the porticoes. Whether you are looking for a handmade leather bag, a vintage designer dress, or just the best vacuum-packed Mortadella to take home, this city has it all.

Here is your ultimate guide to Shopping in Bologna, from the high-end boutiques to the hidden vintage racks.

The Golden Rules: Hours & Siesta

Before you credit card gets a workout, you need to know the schedule. Bologna is traditional.

1. The “Riposo” (Lunch Break): Most independent shops (outside of the main high street) CLOSE between 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM (or 4:00 PM). Plan your shopping for the morning or late afternoon.
2. Sundays: Many small boutiques are closed on Sundays. The big chains (Zara, H&M) will be open, but the artisans will be resting.
3. Thursday Afternoons: Historically, shops in Bologna closed on Thursday afternoons. This is changing, but some old-school spots still adhere to it.

1. The Luxury “Quadrilatero”

The Quadrilatero is the medieval heart of the city, bounded by Piazza Maggiore, Via Rizzoli, Via Castiglione, and Via Farini.

• Galleria Cavour: This is the crown jewel. It is an indoor marble gallery housing the heavy hitters: Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Armani. Even if you aren’t buying, it is worth walking through to smell the expensive perfume pumped into the air.
• Via Farini: The “Fifth Avenue” of Bologna. Walk here to see the best-dressed locals in the city.

2. Leather Goods & Local Artisans

Italy is famous for leather, and Bologna has several artisans who still work by hand.

• Furla: Did you know Furla was founded in Bologna in 1927? You can visit their flagship store on Via Ugo Bassi for high-end bags that are a piece of local history.
• La Vacchetta Grassa: Located on Via Castiglione, this artisan workshop makes incredible leather belts, wallets, and bags right in front of you. You can hear the hammers tapping as you walk in.
• Danigi: A small boutique for unique leather goods that feels very authentically Bolognese.

3. Vintage & “Second Hand” Gems

Bologna is a university city, which means the Vintage scene is huge.

• Friperie: Located on Via San Vitale, this is a curated vintage shop. You won’t find dusty rags here; you’ll find 1970s Gucci bags and perfectly preserved denim.
• La Leonarda: A “Second Life” shop run by a local association. It’s cheaper and more chaotic—great for digging for hidden treasures.
• Via del Pratello: This street is famous for nightlife, but during the day, it has small independent thrift stores.

4. Food Souvenirs (The Best Kind)

You can’t leave “The Fat City” empty-handed.

• Tamburini & Paolo Atti: As mentioned in our Food Guide, these are the temples of pasta and meat.
• The “Travel Hack”: Most food shops in the Quadrilatero will vacuum-pack (sotto vuoto) your cheese and cured meats so you can safely put them in your checked luggage.
• Majani Chocolate: Buy the “Fiat Cremino” (a 4-layer hazelnut chocolate invented for the Fiat car launch in 1911).
• Drogheria Gilberto: A tiny, historic shop on Via Drapperie that sells incredible chocolates, wines, and liquors.

5. Stationery & University Gifts

Since Bologna has the oldest university in the western world (founded 1088), scholarly gifts are popular.

• Unibo Store: Located right under the Two Towers. Buy a hoodie or a leather notebook with the “Alma Mater Studiorum” seal.
• Antica Cartotecnica: For fountain pens, wax seals, and beautiful Italian paper.

6. The Best Markets

• La Piazzola (Friday & Saturday): Located in Piazza VIII Agosto. It is a massive, chaotic market with over 400 stalls. You can find everything from €5 t-shirts to high-quality leather factory seconds. Be prepared to dig!.
• Mercato delle Erbe: While mostly food, there are small stalls inside selling ceramics and household goods. Book here your Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide in Bologna!

7. Designer Outlets (The Big Discounts)

If you want 30-70% off luxury brands, you have to leave the city center.

• Barberino Designer Outlet: Located between Bologna and Florence (about 45 mins away). It’s a beautiful “village” of shops including Polo Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana, and Prada.
• Castel Guelfo The Style Outlets: Closer to Bologna (20 mins by train + shuttle), but focuses more on high-street brands like Nike, Adidas, and Levi’s.

Book here your ticket for the Train + to Barberino Outlet!

How to get your VAT Refund (Tax Free)

If you live outside the EU (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Australia), you are entitled to a refund of the VAT (IVA) tax, which is about 12% of the price.

1. Spend over €154.94: This is the minimum spend in one store to qualify (though some rules are changing to lower this, check the latest signage).
2. Ask for the Form: At the checkout, say “Tax Free, please?” You will need your passport (or a photo of it) to fill out the form.
3. At the Airport: Before you leave the EU (e.g., at Bologna Airport or your final connection), go to the “Customs” or “Global Blue/Planet” desk. Show them your goods and the form. They will refund the money to your credit card or cash.

Summary: Where to go?