What to buy in European cities?

[bfap9903]

During my western European cruise ,I'm looking forward to the shoping.Im a man who loves art and fashion.Looking for suggestions of what deals I should look for in,BARCELONA, PISA/FLORENCE,ROME,NAPLES? especially leathergoods.Thanks.

[SonicShip]

Barcelona has great leather goods. I have been in shops that have leather jackets in very colour. Like lime green, red and yellow for example. You would be spoiled for choice.

 

The mens shoes are good. I have brought a few pairs home over the years. Barcelona also has great art.

[SRQSally]

Florence is known for leather. I treated myself to a beautiful leather

jacket in Peruzzi, a leather shop that has both mens and

women's fashions. A wonderful restaurant around the corner, too.

We didn't buy from street vendors...not sure of the quality there :):)

[papcx]

Hi there.

 

Can't vouch for leather goods but in terms of art you'll love it.

 

I haven't been to Pisa but in Barcelona, Rome and Naples you'll find loads of street art.

 

In Rome we sat at a cafe by the Parthenon (sp) watching an artist painting various pictures of the Parthenon, colosseum, Trevi Fountain etc. bought several pictures.

 

In Naples there are loads of artists on the walk from the port. All have pictures of Vesuvius, Pompeii and Naples itself. Bought several.

 

In Barcelona we watched an artist spray paint fantasy images onto old 78" vinyl records. Looking at one from where I'm sat now.

 

 

(Sorry for the poor iPad photo.)

 

All cheap as chips.

 

Enjoy.

[bfap9903]

Thanks everyone for your help

[SAS21]

I too, buy paintings from street artist. Best souvenirs. They are on the walls of my home reminding me every day of my travels.

[cb at sea]

Do some research...a guidebook will tell you all about each country's specialties....

 

That said...what is it you need/want? Don't buy just to spend money! If there is something that you want and need and will make you happy...go for it!

[MicCanberra]

A very interesting topic and as I will be travelling in some of these places next year am keen to read peoples thoughts on the subject.:D

Edited July 18, 2015 by MicCanberra

[markeb]

Can't speak to Barcelona, but Firenze has historically been known for jewelry and leather goods, and better than average street artists. It's also home to the Ferragamo Museum, and the first Officine Panerai boutique. (None of which I could afford when I was in Firenze 20 years ago!) So you can definitely buy Ferragamo goods "at the source" or a Panerai watch at the flagship boutique (for a sizeable mark-up, probably).

 

Pisa, not so much that I remember. No knowledge of Rome or Naples.

[cj_one2000]

you can't take it home with you but gelato anywhere in Italy is soooo good. Leather in Florence. Naples is the birthplace of pizza if I remember correctly and Pisa really is mostly known for the tower so souvenirs related to that are common. Rome is mainly known for the Coliseum and the museums but shopping we found was so touristy in nature it was hard to tell which things were Italian and what was just crap made in China.

[Keith1010]

In Italy look at wood. We have picked up some very special wooden items.

 

Keith

[agabbymama]

From Naples we went to Pompeii and Sorrento. There was a big store in the main square of Sorrento that had the most beautiful inlaid wood objects. They weren't cheap, but they were unusual and something made locally.

 

I didn't plan any large purchases as the dollar to EUR exchange rate was terrible. When you take the exchange rate into consideration, you may or may not find any bargains on leather.

 

There were street artists on the Spanish Steps in Rome that I purchased a small inexpensive drawing from. Also near the Steps we spotted a small family run business with antique jewelry and we bought Cameos for our daughters and granddaughters. The owner was very personable, taking photos with us and even discounted the amount of the VAT tax. When we returned home, we wished we had bought one for ourselves.

 

Only you can decide if you see something that catches your eye at a cost you want to pay. Have a great trip!

[mocrimlaw]

I bought the cutest umbrella in Pisa - they are everywhere outside the Leaning Tower and the vendors are in your face with them. But it has images from all over Italy and I love it. It was cheap and not very windproof though. I used it here in Denver on the 4th of July and everyone was commenting on it.

[zoncom]

Street vendors along Seine offer interesting things.

[texancruzer]

Street vendors along Seine offer interesting things.

 

Hmmmm wrong country I think :D

[texancruzer]

I purchased a wonderful painting in Florence from an artist who set up "shop" along the Arno river…… it is fairly large and cost 10 euros - yep 10.

 

I brought it home and had it framed and it turned out gorgeous…..

 

Bought some watercolor (2) from an artist near the entrance to the Forum in Rome…… one of the Coliseum and one of the Forum……. framed them too !

 

Did not buy any art in Pisa…… I'm sure there is some there tho.

 

Also Barcelona you can find lots of the Sagrada Familia…….

 

As a side note: I collect prints, watercolors and paintings from my travels (or most of them) and have a collection I adore. Everytime I look at them I remember my visits……

 

I am a big shopper and have many items from lots of locations…… that is a big part of the fun of travel for me…… that and eating :eek: