6 Independent Shops in Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice to Visit This Summer

Summer is almost here, which means you’re likely knee deep in destination research and trip planning for your upcoming vacation. I know we are! The endless options for restaurants, shops & boutiques, espresso bars, and museums in any city can be extremely overwhelming—tenfold in major Italian cities! So we’ve put together 6 of our favorite speciality shops across Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice. Now there’s no excuse not to bring home a souvenir or two!

If you still haven’t booked your hotels in Italy, now is the time. Reach out for best hotel rates and exclusive complementary perks like food & beverage credits, upgrades, priority check-in/ out, and daily breakfast. If you’ve already booked, we can likely still hook you up!

Chez Dédé Store, Rome

Via di Monserrato, 35, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Founded in 2011 by Andrea Ferolla and Daria Reina, Chez Dédé is a gorgeous concept store near Campo di Fiori filled with handmade and one-of-a-kind home goods, art, clothes, perfumes, and accessories. It’s one of the most beautifully curated stores in Rome, and definitely worth checking out.

Piedàterre, Venice

S. Polo, 60, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy

Campo Santo Stefano, 2806, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

The original masters dedicated to the ancient Venetian slipper, the friulane. Piedàterre has operated since 1952, with a small boutique in Rialto and another in Campo Santo Stefano. Colorful, handmade slippers, traditionally made of velvet, but also offered in canvas densely packed floor-to-ceiling. Our personal favorite; the Mary Janes.

Pettinaroli, Milan

Via Brera, 4, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

Located in Via Brerra, Pettinaroli has been selling stationaries since 1881. Here you’ll find notebooks, ancient maps and globes, antique prints, postcards and greeting cards, and beautiful tanned leather accessories that will last a lifetime.

Micheluzzi Glass, Venice

Ponte de le Maravegie, 1071, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy

Handcrafted in Murano, the island of glass in the Venetian lagoon, Elena and Margherita Micheluzzi (daughters of renowned Venetian glass artist Massimo Micheluzzi) have created a space for incredible vases and glassware. Each glass is blown, shaped, and finished by hand. They're absolutely stunning!

AquaFlor, Florence

Borgo Santa Croce, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Set in a historic Renaissance-era palazzo, down a quaint alley, AquaFlor is an atelier dedicated to perfumery. Fragrances, scented candles, and soaps made on site, and for the most part, from local ingredients. The store is an experience in itself, with many rooms to wander into, each with their own purpose. You can even make your own perfume, simply book a time in advance.

Schostal Originals, Rome

Via della Fontanella di Borghese, 29, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Since 1870, the family run boutique has specialized in the finest basics. Schostal is most known for their colorful pajamas, but they also sell exquisite shirts, socks, shorts, and knitwear. If you have a weakness for classic Italian pj’s, this place is a must. It’s the perfect souvenir to take home.

Image 1: Courtesy of Piedàterre.

Image 2: Courtesy of Chez Dédé Store.

Image 3 & 4: Courtesy of Pettinaroli & Micheluzzi Glass.

Image 5: Courtesy of Schostal Originals.