Italy Top to Toe

Serendeepity

Porta Ticinese · Electronic/Techno, General · $$

A must-visit for Milan vinyl lovers, strong on electronic music (techno and house) and on a large Italian selection.

Tip: Open every day, noon to 8 PM on Mondays.

Corso di Porta Ticinese, 100, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

Rossetti Records & Books

Navigli · General, Rock · $$

Not the biggest shop in Milan, but loved for a knowledgeable and kind owner and a mix of records and books.

Tip: Opens at 3 PM on Mondays.

Via Cesare da Sesto, 24, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

Backflip Records

Porta Romana · Punk/Indie, Rock · $$

Small shop where the owner, Federica, helps you discover new bands, and you can listen before you buy.

Tip: Allow time. Visitors lose track of it.

Via Salasco, 17, 20136 Milano MI, Italy

Hours not listed. Call ahead before you go.

SEMM Music Store

Centro Storico · General, Rock · $$

New records and 7-inch singles, with staff who recommend Italian genre music when you ask.

Tip: Opens at noon on Mondays.

Via Guglielmo Oberdan, 24F, 40126 Bologna BO, Italy

Disco D'Oro

Via Galliera · General, Rock · $$

Called the best record shop in Bologna by one visitor, with second-hand 12-inch and 7-inch records to dig through.

Tip: Open Mondays from 10 AM.

Via Galliera, 23, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy

Discobolandia

Beroaldo · General, Rock · $$

The first stop for quality second-hand Italian records, with friendly owners and a varied inventory.

Tip: Opens at 4 PM on Mondays.

Via Filippo Beroaldo, 26/B, 40127 Bologna BO, Italy

Ostia Records

Bolognina · Rock, Metal, Punk/Indie · $$

Small shop with mostly rock and metal, some jazz and punk, and a bin of 45s.

Tip: Open Mondays from 10 AM.

Via dell'Artigiano, 17/d, 40127 Bologna BO, Italy

Move On - Italian Pub & Record Store

Duomo · Rock, General · $$

Pub and record shop with a rooftop view of the Duomo — as much a destination for the view as the vinyl.

Tip: Head to the second-floor balcony for the best view while you browse.

Piazza di San Giovanni, 1/R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy

Rock Bottom records

San Lorenzo · Rock, Jazz, General · $$

Widely called the best record store in Florence, with every record labeled by edition and condition.

Tip: A must for prog and psych collectors — the depth of stock here is hard to match.

Via Giraldi, 16r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Contempo Records

Santa Croce · Rock, General · $$

Looks small from outside but opens into a deep back room stocked with vinyl and CDs.

Tip: Check the used bins in back — regulars say long-searched-for titles turn up there.

Via dei Neri, 15/r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy

Radiation Records - Monti

Monti · Punk/Indie, Rock, Funk/Soul · $$

Central Monti location of Rome's well-known punk and alternative specialist, with reasonable prices.

Tip: Ask staff what they're digging right now — recommendations come with no pressure to buy.

Via del Boschetto, 94, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Millerecords

Esquilino · Jazz, World · $$

Classic Roman second-hand shop known for Italian pressings and a strong jazz collection.

Tip: Ask specifically about Italian pressings — regulars say this is the best spot in Rome to find them.

Via Merulana, 91, 00185 Roma RM, Italy

Discoteca Laziale

Esquilino · Rock, General · $$

Huge, well-organized shop with one of the widest new-release selections in Rome.

Tip: Good first stop if you want new releases before hunting used bins elsewhere.

Via Giovanni Giolitti, 263, 00185 Roma RM, Italy

Gommalacca Records

Via Tarsia · General, Rock, Jazz · $$

Welcoming shop with a variety of genres and an owner who tries to find requests.

Tip: Closed for a lunch break in the afternoon.

V. Tarsia, 56, 80135 Napoli NA, Italy

Sudigiri E-records

Vico Ferrovia · Jazz, World, General · $$

Shop with CDs and vinyl and an owner who helps with finds. A visitor looking for Neapolitan prog jazz got help.

Tip: Closes mid-day for lunch.

Vico Ferrovia, 8, 80142 Napoli NA, Italy

Vesuvius Soul Records

Centro Storico · Soul/Funk, Jazz · $$

Record shop with beers and cocktails, a quiet place to relax with a drink, with the option to choose a vinyl to listen to.

Tip: Closed Mondays.

Vico S. Maria dell'Aiuto, 5, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy

ROOTZ Cafe & Records

Via Bellini · General, Electronic/Techno · $$

Art-filled cafe and record shop with a great atmosphere and good vibes in the evening.

Tip: Opens at 6:30 PM and runs late.

Via Vincenzo Bellini, 11, 80135 Napoli NA, Italy