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Shopping

The four main shopping streets - Via dell'Indipendenza, Via Ugo Bassi, Via Rizzoli and Via D'Azeglio - lead off Piazza Maggiore in crossroad formation. All the big-name Italian designers can be found and there is a proliferation of antiques and books. There is a daily book market in Piazza Maggiore during the winter months, an antiques market in Piazza Santo Stefano every second weekend of the month (excluding January, July and August) and a flea market every Friday and Saturday at the Parco della Montagnola. For a taste of Bologna, the Mercato delle Erbe, on Via Ugo Bassi, sells fresh fruit and vegetables every morning except Sunday; and Tamburini, Via Caprarie 1, is the place to buy homemade pasta, local hams and cheeses.

As a rule, shops open 0930-1300 and 1530-2000, although larger department stores and supermarkets may stay open throughout the day. Nearly everything is shut in August, on Thursday afternoon and on Sunday. Sales tax varies between 12-14% depending on the value of the goods purchased. Italy is renowned for its high-quality clothing, but shops are expensive. Italian sales (July/August and December/January) can throw up some great bargains when prices are often slashed by up to 70%. Otherwise, leather goods, including jackets, wallets and belts, are a safe bet. Those living outside the EU can claim back sales tax on purchases over L300,000. On leaving the country customs officials will stamp the official receipt, which should then be presented at the Tax Free Desk at the airport, or sent from home in the envelope provided at the time of purchase.



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