Travelers planning a trip to Venice often wonder where they can find the best shopping spots in the city. Whether you’re interested in luxury brands, unique artisanal crafts, or charming souvenirs, Venice is rich in shopping opportunities that cater to all tastes and budgets. This guide will walk you through the best places to shop, ensuring you come home with a piece of Venetian magic.
High-End Shopping and Designer Boutiques
If you’re fascinated by luxury and high-end fashion, Venice won’t disappoint you. The city is a hub for some of the most prestigious designer brands globally. A great place to start your shopping spree is around St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), a prime location for upscale boutiques. Here, you can find an impressive lineup of fashion giants like Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel. These boutiques feature the latest fashion trends and cater to an exclusive clientele, offering everything from designer clothing to exquisite accessories.
Another notable shopping street is Calle Larga XXII Marzo. This elegant street leads you to a myriad of high-end stores, making it a must-visit for fashion enthusiasts. Fondaco dei Tedeschi, a beautifully restored 16th-century building, stands as an architectural gem in Venice’s shopping scene. This luxury department store not only offers an array of designer brands but also allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of the city from its rooftop terrace.
Venturing further, Salizada San Moisè also boasts an impressive collection of international brands and local luxury labels. Shops in this area often have exclusive collections that aren’t available elsewhere, making your purchase even more special. High-end shopping in Venice may come with a hefty price tag, but the craftsmanship and exceptional quality make it worth every euro.
Venetian Artisans and Craftsmanship
While designer boutiques offer modern luxury, Venice is equally renowned for its rich history of artisanship. Many tourists overlook this aspect, but venturing beyond the luxury stores can lead you to fascinating treasures created by skilled Venetian artisans. These crafts offer a glimpse into centuries-old traditions that remain integral to Venice’s cultural identity.
One of the most famous crafts in Venice is glassblowing, and no place is more synonymous with this art form than Murano. The island of Murano has been the epicenter of glassblowing for centuries. Visiting the numerous glass factories and workshops here allows you to witness amazing glass blowers at work. They create everything from vases and sculptures to intricate jewelry, each piece a testament to their unparalleled craftsmanship.
Similarly, the island of Burano is a sanctuary for lace-making. The intricate lace products from Burano, such as tablecloths, doilies, and clothing items, are handmade by local artisans, each piece reflecting a history that dates back hundreds of years. Burano’s lace is often considered a symbol of luxury and elegance, making it an excellent choice for a unique gift.
Leatherworking and mask-making also play significant roles in Venetian artisan culture. Numerous workshops throughout Venice specialize in handcrafted leather goods, offering products ranging from bags and wallets to belts and shoes. Many of these workshops even offer customization services, allowing you to have a unique piece crafted to your specifications.
Venetian masks are another quintessential item closely tied to the city’s famous Carnival celebrations. These intricately detailed masks are crafted using traditional techniques and materials like papier-mâchĂ© and gold leaf. They serve as beautiful souvenirs and decorative pieces, embodying centuries of Venetian cultural history.
Souvenirs and Gifts
No visit to Venice is complete without bringing back some memorable souvenirs. The city’s markets and stores offer an array of unique and authentic items that encapsulate the essence of Venice, perfect for gifts or personal keepsakes. Venetian masks, for example, are intricately crafted and symbolize the city’s famed Carnival celebrations. These masks make for beautiful decorative pieces or memorable gifts.
Murano glass products are another popular choice. From elegant vases and sculptures to delicate jewelry pieces, these stunning items are a testament to Venice’s rich glassblowing tradition. Authentic Murano glassware comes with a trademark sticker, ensuring its authenticity.
Burano lace is also a must-buy. The intricate lace products from Burano make excellent gifts, whether it’s a tablecloth, doily, or clothing item. Each piece is handmade and symbolizes luxury and elegance.
You’ll also find a variety of Venetian food and wine. Traditional cookies like Baicoli or Buranelli and luxury chocolates from Venchi are delicious options. You can also take home a bottle of fine Venetian wine like Prosecco or Soave.
Other unique souvenirs include marbled paper, often used for notebooks and stationery, and Venetian perfumes from historic perfume houses like The Merchant of Venice. These luxurious fragrances are inspired by the city’s history and make for a personal gift.
When shopping for souvenirs and gifts in Venice, it’s worth supporting local artisans and businesses. This not only helps preserve the city’s artistic traditions but also ensures you’re buying something truly special.
Nearby Outlets
If you’re someone who loves finding luxury items at discounted prices, the Noventa di Piave Designer Outlet is a fantastic destination not far from Venice. Located just a 40-minute drive or a convenient shuttle ride away, this outlet offers over 150 stores with discounts of up to 70% off retail prices. Designed to resemble a traditional Venetian village, the shopping environment here is both stylish and pleasant.
Reaching the Noventa di Piave Designer Outlet is straightforward. If you’re driving, follow the A4 motorway towards Trieste and take the San Donà di Piave exit. There’s also a shuttle service that leaves from Piazzale Roma in Venice, taking you directly to the outlet. Be sure to check the shuttle schedule and make reservations in advance.
The outlet features a range of luxury brands, making it a haven for bargain hunters. Whether you’re looking for high-end clothing, accessories, or home goods, Noventa di Piave Designer Outlet has something for everyone.
For those planning to visit other cities in Italy, there are other outlet shopping destinations worth exploring, adding an extra dimension of retail therapy to your trip.
Shopping Tips and Etiquette
Navigating the shopping scene in Venice can be a delightful experience, especially if you’re aware of local customs and etiquette. Here are some tips to make your shopping adventures even more enjoyable.
Bargaining is generally not accepted in Venice, especially in high-end boutiques and established shops. However, you might find some room for negotiation at street markets or with street vendors. Always be respectful and polite during these encounters.
Shop hours in Venice vary, with most stores open from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM, often closing for an afternoon break between 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM. Smaller shops and boutiques may have different hours or may close on certain days of the week. It’s always a good idea to check opening hours in advance to avoid disappointment.
Authenticity is another crucial aspect to keep in mind. Venice is known for its craftsmanship, but not everything sold in souvenir shops is genuine. When purchasing Murano glass, look for the “Vetro Artistico Murano” trademark sticker to ensure authenticity. Opting for reputable shops and artisans will guarantee that you’re buying the real deal.
Non-EU visitors are eligible for a VAT (Value Added Tax) refund on certain purchases over 70,01 Euros. To claim your refund, ask for a “Tax-Free” form when making your purchase and keep your passport handy. Before leaving Italy, have the form stamped by customs at the airport and submit it to a refund service desk or mail it for processing.
Respect is paramount in Venice. Whether you’re visiting workshops or observing craftsmen at work, be mindful of their space and avoid disrupting their process. Always ask permission before taking photographs or touching their creations.
While most shops in Venice accept credit cards, it’s always practical to carry some cash, especially when shopping at markets or smaller stores. Note that many places may not accept large denomination banknotes, so having smaller bills and coins is helpful.
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a successful and enjoyable shopping experience in Venice, ensuring you make the most of the city’s unique offerings. For more insights on planning your shopping itinerary, check out our detailed guide on Venice in one day.
What Souvenirs to Buy in Venice?
Venice is famous for its high-quality craftsmanship, making it an ideal destination for unique souvenirs. When wandering through the city, you’ll find a wide selection of products that reflect Venice’s rich cultural heritage.
Venetian masks are one of the most popular and symbolic souvenirs. They come in various designs, from simple to elaborate, often adorned with gold leaf, feathers, and intricate paintwork. Purchasing a genuine handmade mask from a reputable workshop ensures you’re taking home a piece of Venetian tradition.
Murano glass is another iconic souvenir. Authentic pieces range from small trinkets to large, intricate sculptures. Whether you opt for vases, jewelry, or decorative items, Murano glass makes for a stunning keepsake.
For a touch of elegance, consider buying Burano lace. This delicate lace, made on the island of Burano, is available in various forms, including tablecloths, doilies, and clothing items. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted, making it a luxurious and thoughtful gift.
Leather goods are also highly sought after in Venice. Whether you’re looking for bags, wallets, or belts, handmade leather products from Venetian workshops are known for their durability and quality. Many shops offer customization services, allowing you to commission a piece tailored to your preferences.
Venetian food and wine make excellent gifts as well. Traditional cookies like Baicoli and Buranelli, luxury chocolates, and fine wines like Prosecco or Soave are all delicious reminders of your trip. Venetian marbled paper is another unique item. Used for notebooks, photo albums, and stationery, these beautifully patterned papers add a touch of artistry to everyday items.
Supporting local artisans and businesses when buying souvenirs ensures you’re getting authentic products while contributing to the preservation of Venice’s cultural heritage.
Whether you’re drawn to the allure of high-end boutiques, the craftsmanship of local artisans, or the charm of memorable souvenirs, shopping in Venice offers something for everyone. By exploring the city’s diverse shopping landscape, you’ll find treasures that allow you to take a piece of Venice back home.