Shopping in Turin

With 18km (11 miles) of arcades, shopping in Turin is a pleasant experience come rain or shine. Many of its stores date back to the 19th century when Turin was the capital of Italy. It is also home to some of the best chocolate shops in the world.

Key areas

The main shopping area in Turin is between Via Roma, the pedestrianised Via Carlo Alberto and Via Lagrange where brands such as Ferragamo, Armani and Dolce & Gabbana can be found.

Elsewhere, Via Garibaldi is home to cheaper fashion stores, Via Po is lined with antiquarian bookshops and vintage record stores, while the district within Via Barbaroux, Via San Tommaso and Via Monte di Pietà is full of craft shops.

The city has many historic chocolate shops too including Peyrano, corso Vittorio Emanuele 11, and Stroppiana, Via Paoli 51. A good selection of Piedmont wines is available from Antico Enoteca del Borgo, via Monferrato 4 and Casa del Barolo, via Andrea Doria, 7.

Markets

Turin regularly holds more than 60 markets that sell everything from craftwork and clothes to fruit, vegetables and wines. Don't miss Europe's largest open-air market, Porta Palazzo, along Piazza della Repubblica, which hawks cheap clothes, accessories and food. Vintage lovers should time their visit with the Gran Balôn, a huge flea market held every second Sunday of the month.

Shopping centres

8 Gallery, at 230 Via Nizza, houses many high street stores and fast food restaurants in an old Fiat car factory in Lingotto.

Opening hours

Shops generally open Tuesday to Saturday 0930-1230 and 1530-1930. Some open on Monday afternoons as well.

Souvenirs

The best holiday mementoes from Turin include fine chocolates, local Piedmont wines, high-end fashion and creaking Italian antiques.

Tax information

Value added tax is 22%. Travellers from outside the EU can claim back sales tax on purchases over €155. Look for the 'Tax Free' stickers in the windows of shops.