Discover the Best Shopping Spots in Venice: Your Ultimate Guide

In our comprehensive Venice Shopping Guide, we’ll explore the various shopping opportunities that this magical city offers. From high-end designer boutiques and unique artisan workshops to lively markets and charming souvenir stores, we’ll cover the best places to indulge in retail therapy during your trip. We’ll also discuss local Venetian products and handicrafts, perfect for bringing a piece of Venice back home with you. Whether you’re seeking luxury items or simply wish to immerse yourself in the local culture, our guide will help you discover the perfect shopping experience in Venice.

High-End Shopping and Designer Boutiques

Venice is known for its rich cultural heritage, and that includes a thriving high-end shopping scene. Whether you’re searching for world-renowned fashion brands or exquisite Venetian jewelry, you’ll find plenty of designer boutiques and stores to satisfy your desires.

One of the most famous luxury shopping areas in Venice is the area around St. Mark Square (Piazza San Marco). Here, you’ll find prestigious brands such as Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel. These upscale stores showcase the latest fashion trends and cater to an exclusive clientele. A leisurely stroll along the iconic shopping streets, such as Calle Larga XXII Marzo, will lead you to an array of high-end boutiques offering designer clothing, accessories, and more.

Another popular shopping destination for designer goods is the area around Salizada San Moisè, where you can find a mix of international brands and local Venetian luxury labels. Don’t miss the chance to explore Fondaco dei Tedeschi, a beautifully restored 16th-century building that has been transformed into a luxury department store. This architectural gem offers an exclusive selection of designer brands, as well as an impressive rooftop terrace with breathtaking views of Venice.

While high-end shopping in Venice might come with a higher price tag, it’s worth it for the exceptional quality and craftsmanship that these designer boutiques provide. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece to elevate your wardrobe or a timeless souvenir to remember your time in Venice, the city’s luxury shopping scene offers something for every discerning shopper.

Venetian Artisans and Craftsmanship

Venice is a city steeped in history and artistic tradition, and its skilled artisans are an essential part of its cultural fabric. Venturing beyond the designer boutiques, you’ll find a wealth of unique, handcrafted products that reflect the city’s rich heritage and exceptional craftsmanship. From glassblowing and lace-making to leatherworking and mask-making, Venetian artisans continue to preserve their time-honored techniques, ensuring their craft remains an integral part of the city’s identity.

One of the most famous Venetian crafts is glassblowing, with the island of Murano being the epicenter of this centuries-old art form. A visit to Murano’s numerous glass factories and workshops will provide you with the opportunity to witness skilled glassblowers at work and purchase authentic, handcrafted Murano glass products, such as vases, sculptures, and jewelry.

Similarly, the island of Burano is renowned for its intricate lace-making tradition. Here, you can find delicate lace products, such as tablecloths, doilies, and clothing items, all handmade by local artisans. The art of lace-making can be traced back hundreds of years, and Burano’s exquisite lace remains a symbol of luxury and elegance.

In Venice, you’ll also find a variety of workshops and ateliers dedicated to the creation of beautiful leather goods, ranging from bags and wallets to shoes and belts. Many of these workshops also offer customized products, allowing you to own a truly unique piece crafted to your preferences.

Another quintessential Venetian craft is mask-making, particularly associated with the city’s famous Carnival celebrations. Numerous mask-making studios throughout Venice create intricately detailed masks using traditional techniques and materials, such as papier-mâché and gold leaf. These exquisite masks are not only beautiful souvenirs but also embody the city’s rich cultural history.

When shopping in Venice, be sure to explore the work of local artisans and craftsmen. Their exceptional skill and dedication to preserving the city’s artistic traditions ensure that you’ll find unique, high-quality products that are true reflections of Venetian culture.

Souvenirs and Gifts

A trip to Venice is incomplete without bringing home some memorable souvenirs and gifts for yourself or your loved ones. The city offers a wide range of unique and authentic items that capture the essence of Venice, allowing you to take a piece of this enchanting city home with you.

1. Venetian Masks: As mentioned earlier, Venetian masks are intricately crafted and embody the spirit of the city’s famed Carnival celebrations. These exquisite masks make for beautiful decorative pieces or memorable gifts that showcase the city’s artistic tradition.
2. Murano Glass: Authentic Murano glass products, from elegant vases and sculptures to delicate jewelry pieces, are a testament to Venice’s centuries-old glassblowing tradition. These stunning items make for cherished keepsakes or thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
3. Burano Lace: The intricate lace products from the island of Burano are a symbol of luxury and elegance, making them an excellent choice for a special gift. Choose from tablecloths, doilies, or clothing items, all handmade by local artisans.
4. Gondolier Hats and Striped Shirts: The iconic gondolier hat and striped shirt are a fun and recognizable symbol of Venice. You can find these items in various souvenir shops, and they make for a playful gift or unique addition to your wardrobe.
5. Venetian Food and Wine: Venice offers a range of delicious local delicacies, such as traditional cookies like Baicoli or Buranelli, and luxury chocolates from Venchi. You can also bring home a bottle of fine Venetian wine, such as Prosecco, Amarone, or Soave, to share with friends and family.
6. Marbled Paper: Marbled paper is a beautiful and unique Venetian craft, with swirling patterns and vibrant colors. You can find marbled paper products like notebooks, photo albums, and stationery, perfect for adding a touch of Venetian artistry to your everyday life.
7. Venetian Perfumes: Venice is home to several historic perfume houses, such as The Merchant of Venice and Aquaflor Firenze. These perfumeries offer a wide range of fragrances inspired by the city’s history and culture, making them a luxurious and personal gift.

When shopping for souvenirs and gifts in Venice, consider supporting local artisans and businesses. By doing so, you’ll be contributing to the preservation of the city’s cultural heritage and taking home a piece of Venice that is truly special.

Nearby Outlets

For those who love finding luxury items at discounted prices, there is a fantastic outlet shopping destination near Venice, where you can enjoy a day of bargain hunting for high-quality, designer goods.

Noventa di Piave Designer Outlet: Located just a 40-minute drive or a convenient shuttle ride from Venice, the Noventa di Piave Designer Outlet is home to over 150 stores, offering discounts of up to 70% off retail prices. This stylish outlet center is designed to resemble a traditional Venetian village and provides a pleasant shopping environment.

The easiest way to reach Noventa di Piave Designer Outlet from Venice is by car, following the A4 motorway towards Trieste and taking the San Donà di Piave exit. Alternatively, you can opt for the convenient shuttle service that departs from Piazzale Roma in Venice and takes you directly to the outlet. Be sure to check the shuttle schedule and make reservations in advance.

If your trip visits multiple Italy cities, you may also want to check other Italy outlets in the Italy Shopping Guide.

Shopping Tips and Etiquette

When shopping in Venice, it’s essential to be aware of the local customs and etiquette to ensure a pleasant and successful experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your shopping adventures in this enchanting city.

1. Bargaining: In Venice, bargaining is generally not accepted, particularly in high-end boutiques, designer stores, and established shops. However, you might have some success haggling over prices at street markets or with street vendors, although it’s always essential to be respectful and polite in your negotiations.
2. Shop Hours: Most shops in Venice are open from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM, with a break in the afternoon, usually between 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM. Keep in mind that many smaller shops and boutiques may have different hours or may close on certain days of the week, such as Sundays or Mondays. It’s always a good idea to check the opening hours of specific shops in advance to avoid disappointment.
3. Authenticity: Venice is known for its craftsmanship and traditional products, but be aware that not everything sold in souvenir shops is genuine. Be particularly cautious when purchasing Murano glass, as there are many imitations on the market. Look for the “Vetro Artistico Murano” trademark sticker or seek out reputable shops and artisans to ensure the authenticity of your purchase.
4. VAT Refund: Non-EU visitors are eligible for a VAT (Value Added Tax) refund on certain purchases over €154.94. To claim your refund, make sure to ask for a “Tax-Free” form when making your purchase and have your passport handy. Before leaving Italy, you’ll need to have the form stamped by customs at the airport and then either mail the form or submit it to a refund service desk for processing. Check more on the Italy Shopping Guide.
5. Be Respectful: Venice is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and it’s crucial to show respect and appreciation for local artisans and their work. When 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.
6. Carry Cash: While most shops in Venice accept credit cards, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially when shopping at markets or smaller stores. Also, remember that many places may not accept large denomination banknotes, so it’s helpful to have smaller bills and coins available for making purchases.

By following these shopping tips and etiquette guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared for a successful and enjoyable shopping experience in Venice, making the most of the city’s unique offerings and supporting its local artisans and businesses.