Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Sorry! We don't have any recommendations for Venice right now.
It’s no secret that Venice offers some excellent shopping opportunities, but the best of them are often not the most conspicuous. Look beyond the ubiquitous street vendors and the hundreds of virtually indistinguishable purse, glass, and lace shops that line the calli, and you’ll discover a bounty of unique and delightful treasures—some might be kitschy, but much will show off the high level of craftsmanship for which Venice has long been known.
Alluring shops abound. You'll find countless vendors of trademark Venetian wares such as Murano glass and Burano lace; the authenticity of some goods can be suspect, but they're often pleasing to the eye regardless of their heritage. For more sophisticated tastes (and deeper pockets), there are jewelers, antiques dealers, and high-fashion boutiques on a par with those in Italy's larger cities but often maintaining a uniquely Venetian flair. Don’t ignore the contemporary, either: Venice's artisan heritage lives on in the hand and eye of the today’s designers—no matter where they hail from.
While the labyrinthine city center can seem filled with imposing high-fashion emporiums and fancy glass shops, individual craftspeople often working off the main thoroughfares produce much of what is worth taking home from Venice. In their workshops artful stationery is printed with antique plates; individual pairs of shoes are adroitly constructed; jewelry is handcrafted; fine fabrics are skillfully woven; bronze is poured to make gondola décor, and iron is worked into fanali lanterns; paper is glued, pressed, and shaped into masks; and oars and forcola oarlocks are hewn and sculpted in the workshops of remér wood craftsmen.
Beloved of artists and celebrities, this traditional printer creates handmade business cards, stationery, and invitations using vintage letterpress machinery. You can choose from the selection on offer, or have your own custom-designed and shipped to you at home.
A long-established treasure trove of unusual books, historic prints, and quirky postcards spills out of this crammed bookshop onto the pretty campo by the Miracoli church.
This small wine shop by the Canale Cannaegio is lined with flasks, and the friendly owners give tastings to help you decide which of the Veneto vintages you wish to buy.
Swing by the carpentry workshop of Piero Dri to see how he crafts the remi (oars) and fórcole (rowlocks) that adorn the city's gondola and Voga alla Veneta flat-bottomed boats. With his walnut-wood off-cuts, Piero creates gorgeous sculptural pieces to purchase.
Hailing from Turin, Massimiliano shows his love of his adopted city and Murano glassmaking in his eclectic lampwork creations. Pop in to see him at work, commission a piece, or browse the glassware, which varies from elegant wine glasses and sculptures to nautical-theme pieces and saucily themed jewelry.
These weekday markets stretch along the busy canal and nearby Strada Nova, where locals come to pick up fruit, vegetables, and fish.
The largest costume-rental showroom in town has outfitted many a period film (including Casanova). They have nearly 7,000 choices ranging from the historical to the fantastic, including thematic costumes ideal for group masquerades.
The enticing selection of tasteful Murano glass accessories, figures, and chalices at Rose Douce includes jewelry made with antique Murano beads and braided gold.
One of three outlets in Venice, this Roman business inspired by travel and ethical goods is filled with unusual gifts and fashion accessories, from recycled aluminum jewelry and scarves to men's wallets and hats.
Sign up for Travel Tips & News
Thank you for your interest!
