Top 10 Venice Traveler
Top 10 Shopping in Venice
10. Venice Masks
To start off our Top 10 Venice shopping, we’re giving you the best souvenir shop in the city right away so you don’t have to worry about that special gift for grandma. Venice Masks by Alberto Sarria sells a wide variety of gifts, from papier-mache Venetian Carnevale masks to beautiful handmade marionettes. It’s a great spot to get all your gifts bought and wrapped up. We wouldn’t want your great aunt twice removed to feel left out, better get her a puppet too. Open daily 10 Am – 7 PM.
9. Murano Glass
You probably have figured out by now that hand-blown glass has a huge market in Venice, particularly in Murano. But what you probably didn’t know is that there is an enormous gallery housing some of the finest pieces (some for sale) of the region located near San Marco Square. Watch the artists at work and see how the magic is made. But make sure you keep your purse in line, in a store full of glass, ‘you break it, you buy it’ becomes the real deal.
8. Artigianato d'Arte di Vianello Mauro
Following along with our glass-blowing theme is Artigianato d’Arte di Vianello Mauro (don’t worry, getting to the shop is easier than saying its name). This is the studio and shop of one of the best Venetian glass blowers of the era—Mauro. His welcoming approach and passion for glass sets him apart from the others. Stop by his Top 10 Venice glass blowing studio for a demonstration and your pick of a souvenir to take home. Keep it glassy, Venice. Open Mon – Sat 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM and 2 PM – 6 PM.
7. Le Mercerie
A narrow series of streets zigzagging North between the Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge (two of our Top Ten Venice attraction) is known as Le Mercerie, a collection of affordable shops and cafés. If the designer boutiques aren’t your thing and you’re looking for unique, heartwarming gifts, Le Mercerie is a great spot to check. From small markets to tiny trinket stores, this Top 10 Venice shopping district has a little something for everyone. We know you’re going to le-love it. Shops are generally open from 10 AM – 7:30 PM.
6. Campo San Maurizio Mercatino
Alright hipsters, this one’s for you. A stunning and gigantic antique fair occurring only four times a year (that’s right hipsters, talk about exclusive), this Venetian Antiques Fair draws locals and travelers in from all over. Usually taking place in March, June, September, and December, this isn’t your average antique fair. Big name collectors from all over Europe come to wheel and deal their items, so you’re bound to find items you won’t see any where else. Take a break from the wine and come look at cool old stuff.
5. Bottiglieria Colonna
It wouldn’t be Top Ten Venice shopping without a place to buy great wine in bulk, right? At Bottiglieria Colonna, experts hand pick regional wines from small producers along with a series of highly unusual wines from central Italy. But that’s not all folks! This place also sells sparkling wine and liquors in all shapes and sizes. With amazing customer service and reasonable prices, you can stock up on alcohol for days—just make sure you can get it back through TSA if you don’t drink it all. Open Mon – Sat 9 AM – 1 PM and 4 PM – 8 PM.
4. Gilberto Penzo
Have you been scouring the city searching for the perfect gift but keep coming up short? Look no further than Gilberto Penzo, the place selling gondolas out of wood. What better representation of the city on water than a tiny, hand-carved gondola made by a true Venetian? Sounds pretty legit to us. But wait, there’s more! You can also buy model kits so you can make the boats yourself! Get your craft on, you sailor, you. Open Mon – Sat 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM and Sun 10 AM – 5:30 PM.
3. Ca’Macana
One of the most unique Venetian crafts is the masked art that permeates the city. Masks are made in all shapes and sizes and chock-full of feathers and glitter. Ca’Macana stands out from the rest in terms of Top 10 Venice mask shops—they let you take pictures of the masks, compare prices to other stores, and even decorate your own mask! Imagine taking home a Venetian mask that you had a hand in designing, super cool! Open Sun – Fri 10 AM – 7:30 PM and Sat 10 AM - 8 PM.
2. Rialto Market
Alright travelers, get ready for a historical experience! The Rialto Market has been operating in Venice since 1097. You read that right—1097! The Venetians come to this Top 10 Venice market for all their fresh fish, vegetables, flowers, and so much more. The coolest part is that the market is open to the public, so you can visit the market and experience the energy and passion for yourself. Stop by and grab food for lunch, souvenirs for the family, or just people watch—either way you’ll be entertained! Open daily 7 AM – 8 PM.
1. Calle Larga XXII Marzo
Earning the number one spot for our Top 10 Venice shopping is a cluster of streets housing some of the top designers in the world. Located near the San Marco square, designers include Armani, Prada, Gucci—all the big dogs and so much more. If you’re looking to get your fashion on in the floating city, this is a great place to find that killer tie or that perfect pair of shoes. Fashionistas unite!