Shopping in Milan, Italy: 6 Places for Retail Therapy

For high-fashion retail therapy, Milan, Italy is a must stop for authentic, quality designer wear, shoes, bags and accessories. This northern Italian city is Italy's fashion capital for women, and men as well. This is where to go for Prada, Armani, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and other high-end labels. You can also find furniture, housewares and designer vintage clothing.

Below are 6 places to stop and shop, or just window-shop. And where to stop and have a cup of coffee when you need to sit and people watch - and take in the spectacular views in Milan - Milano - which is also the financial capital of Italy.

Shopping Stops:

1 - La Rinascente - Located in the city center, in this big eight-floor department store, you can do plenty of window-shopping and with no pressure. Visit the basement design shop for high-end labels. Then visit the top floor for the Italian food market, sushi bar, and view of the Duomo, Italy's white-marble Cathedral (it took five centuries to complete).

2 - The Gold Quarter (Quadrilatero D'Oro) - This high-fashion district is in an elegant area of Milan comprised of four streets: Via Manzoni, Via della Spiga, Via Sant'Andrea and Via Montenapoleone. The major top fashion shops will be found here. It's worth a stroll just for window shopping.

3 - IL Salvagente - There are bargains to be had, relatively speaking. This long-established designer outlet store has three floors filled with items for both women and men.

4 - Spazio Rossana Orlandi - In addition to fashion, this is where to go for Italian designed furniture and housewares. Previously a tie factory, it is located on a quiet street and you will have to ring a doorbell to gain entry.

5 - Cavalli E Nastri - For those that love vintage fashion, you can find it here at this shop located in the Brera district. Find clothes, accessories, and handbags from as far back as the 19th century.

For A Cup Of Coffee:

Pasticceria Marchesi - Established in 1824, in this beautiful, historic building, is where you can stop for a cup of authentic (and excellent) espresso. And you have every right to eat the handmade chocolates, as well as all the pastries you want. Then you can continue to the historic shopping arcade (below):

Additional Shopping - Worth a Look-See:

6 - Galleria Vittorio Emanuele ll - Visit this historic shopping arcade to enjoy its neo-classical iron and glass sculpture with its massive glass dome. Named after an Italian King, it was opened in 1867, and is described as a nerve center for shopping. It links the Duomo to La Scala, the opera house.