Turin, Italy – A Shopper's Paradise
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With Italy renamed worldwide for its style it is a must-do destination for any serious shopper and Turin, in Piedmont in the north of Italy is no exception.
You're bound to find some shop or other that you absolutely adore, simply by walking the streets. From bargains to top-of-the range designer stores, displays in Italian shops are often nothing short of spectacular, irrespective of price.
And even if you just like window-shopping then you'll find yourself staring into the window of the kitchenware shops, with sparkling chrome espresso makers, ice cream scoops and other kitchen paraphernalia.
Via Roma and Via Po are two elegant streets sheltered by arcades, making them great for shopping in sun or rain, while reminding you of a different age. With modestly marketed shops such as Zara and Mango towards Porta Nuova end of Via Roma, you can also find designer boutiques at the end closest to Piazza San Carlo, and Via Po has the attractive feature of its collection of boutiques, patisseries and cafés displaying all Manner of wares windows located in the supporting columns.
Both streets also have traditional Italian delicatessens with olives, multi-colored, wines and freshly prepared dishes, while you can capture a great deal of old-world charm from the multitude of antique shops too. While on the subject, you should paya visit to look at the Galleria dell'Industria Subalpina, a traditional 19th century shopping arcade.
One of the top streets in Turin for shopping though is Via Garibaldi, which you can get to from fom Piazza Castello. Popular with locales, the street is easy to navigate as traffic has been banned from it. It has all manner of shops, including a good selection of shoe shops, including the simply outstanding Michi (Via Garibaldi, 31), which gives five star service. And if you can not afford the shoes in Michi, you'll be pleased to learn that it has an outlet store a little further up Via Garibaldi.
From Via Garibaldi you can also get to Balon market in Piazza della Repubblica by turning right at Via Bellezzia. Around here on a Saturday morning you'll find colorful fruit and vegetable stalls and the strong scent of fresh basil, as well as clothes, antiques and a flea market. Watch your pockets and handbags though as pickpockets operate in this area do not wander from the main streets, particularly at night.
Finally, do not forget the supermarkets. A tin of Illy coffee is around EUR6.50 and the selection of pasta can be overwhelming. Although you can get pasta at home, Italian pasta really does taste better, and what about some Gorgonzola cheese, fresh Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes or olive paste?