14 Best Shopping in Venice, Italy

All the one-of-a-kind clothes and bags on sale at this vintage-inspired boutique were designed and created by residents of the women's prison on Giudecca island.

Scarves and shawls for all come in myriad colors, textures, designs, and shapes. They've been a perennial favorite of Venetians and travelers alike since they opened in 1945.

Cobbler-designer Giovanna Zanella Caeghera creates whimsical contemporary footwear in a variety of styles and colors. She was a student of the famous Venetian master cobbler Rolando Segalin.

This is a treasure trove of papier-mâché objects, panels, and masks designed for the theater stage. Their masks have starred on catwalks and in commercials and films, including Casanova, Gambit, and Eyes Wide Shut. Mask-making classes are offered by appointment.

Paolo Brandolisio's workshop is a lofty tribute to his craft; this is where Brandolisio apprenticed with his famous mentor, Giuseppe Carli (spot photos of him and a youthful Paolo dotting the walls). Gondoliers' oars await pickup, piled underneath the skylight; you can purchase a tiny hand-carved oarlock as a very special souvenir.

If you're looking for an authentic Venetian mask, this is the place to come. Owner Stefano and his talented team of artists create exquisite handmade masks that can be custom-ordered if you don't see what you want, as well as shipped worldwide.

This friendly neighborhood enoteca has an excellent array of regional wines plus a selection of craft beer and spirits, chocolate, and other gourmet treats.

Luca Sumiti carries on the work of his father, Maurizio; traditional wrought-iron chandeliers and lamps come unadorned, gilded, or tastefully enameled in bright colors. Here you'll also find conspicuous, five-foot-tall wooden sculptures of mori veneziani (Venetian Moors).

Carrying on the traditions of his adopted city, this craftsman makes traditional wrought-iron chandeliers, wall lamps, and Venetian lanterns, either plain black or gilded (like in the old days), in his tiny workshop near Campo Santa Maria Formosa.

This shop should not be missed if you are looking for soft leather bags that are a perfect match for almost any outfit, handmade leather shoes, or quality belts.

A charmingly old-fashioned shop has no dressing room: you'll have to make do in a tiny corner behind a folding screen. The top-of-the-line silk lace shirts, are well worth the trouble, as are the lace cooking aprons.

What distinguishes family-owned and -operated Scheggi di Arlecchino is that many of their masks are inspired by the works of famous painters, including Picasso, Klimt, and de Chirico, to name but a few.

Pop in and see Michele at work in his workshop and browse the wonderful glass creations, including various jewelry pieces and glass-ball bottle stoppers. The vibrant handcrafted objects here are far more affordable than in many overpriced glass outlets in Venice.

Fresh foods, including farm-fresh cheeses and other dairy products, are available at the morning market near the Giardini della Biennale. There's also a handy Coop supermarket nearby.