Opening hours. Shops in Italy typically open between 9am and 12:30pm, close for a long lunch, then reopen from 3:30pm until 7:30pm. Some supermarkets stay open through the day. On Thursday afternoons and Sundays, most shops are closed. Some also close on Monday mornings.
Markets and food shops. A daily food market operates in the east of the city centre near Santa Maria dei Servi on Strada Maggiore. Great for fresh food and Italian cheeses -- gorgonzola, mozzarella, mascarpone.
Panificio Vacca Angelo (Via Riva Reno 104, tel. 051-262855) is the best bakery in town for streghe -- typical Bolognese crackers with rosemary, sesame seeds, or pepper. Buy some streghe and gorgonzola from the PAM supermarket across the street on Via Marconi and you have yourself a lunch.
Panificio Osti Giuliano (Via Galliera 34) is another great bakery just west of Via Indipendenza. Try the raviola con la mostarda, a Bolognese cookie with pear and apple jam.
Shopping streets. Via Indipendenza has everything from perfumes to cameras. The fanciest shops are in Galleria Cavour, just southeast of Piazza Maggiore, or on Via Farini nearby. During the whole month of July, shops hold their summer sales.
Market days. On Fridays and Saturdays a big market is held around Piazza VIII Agosto. It has the largest second-hand clothing market in Italy. Be aware of pickpockets.