In Brescia, shopping is a social ritual, with the local frequently indulging in a leisurely stroll around the piazzas, arcades, churches and palazzos of a city where classic styles mingle with Art Nouveau influences.

Our advice is to start out in the most elegant part of the historic centre, Corso Zanardelli, before wandering down Via Gramsci and Via Palestro to window shop the big-name stores.

If you fancy discovering the local cuisine and customs, walk from Corso Magenta to Piazza della Loggia, where art and shopping coexist in perfect harmony.

The “Màcc de le ure” – the ancient clock that has faithfully told the time on the Torre dell’Orologio since 1581 – will let you know when it’s time to leave.

If, however, you’re a lover of all things vintage, head to the Quadriportico of Piazza della Vittoria, where the antiques market (which runs every second Sunday of the month, apart from in July and August) will let you rummage until your heart’s content.

If you’re still not tired after all that walking, Brescia offers a wide range of ways to pass an evening.

As well as the bars of Piazza della Loggia and Piazza Paolo VI, which are always packed with young people, there’s also a chance to discover the alternative side of Brescia’s nightlife in Piazzale Arnaldo and in the recently regenerated district of Carmine.