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Well worth a visit, especially for the massive discounts (30–50%) on men’s and women’s clothing.

This historic café on the main piazza has been a local living room (and site of rebellious debates) since the 16th century.

Fancy hearing a string quartet composed entirely of Stradivarius instruments? Cremona’s Teatro Ponchielli is about the only place in the world where this happens regularly.

Good coffee, gelato (ice cream) and panini . Tables ranged under an arcade across the piazza from the prettiest Duomo façade in Lombardy.

The discount factory outlet for the famed homewares designer. Get 30–50% off here and at similar outlets on the same road – Bialetti (No. 106) and Fratelli Piazza Effepi (No. 242) – and Alessi (Via privata Alessi). Look for slight irregulars (sformati ) for bigger savings.

One of Italy’s top tailors of men’s suits since 1911 – this warehouse outlet holds a staggering array of choices (over 1,000 suits, 1,500 jackets etc) at 35% off the usual prices.

Little round tables and Guinness on tap just a few steps off the main square.

Wood-floored shop from 1836 selling its own sweets, torrone (nougat), cordials, liqueurs, candied fruits and “cherries with spirit”.

Old-fashioned wine bar with glass cases and a marble cutting board in the front, and a more private back room and tiny, plant-filled courtyard to the side. Dabble with a little wine tasting of your own and some splendid little snacks.