The narrow streets of Venice are lined with beautifully arranged windows that cannot fail to tempt shoppers, and the city has the additional bonus of being truly pedestrianized. Few cities of similar size have such a wide variety of goods to browse through as you explore the fascinating and diverse neighbourhoods. There is still a strong artisan tradition in Venice, and alongside glass and lace you will find high-quality fashion and leather goods, antiques and jewellery.
The greatest concentration of Italian name fashion brands is west of Piazza San Marco on and around Calle Larga XXII Marzo, Calle Vallaresso and Frezzeria. For less high-flying clothes, shoes, accessories and jewellery, hunt around the narrow streets between S. Marco and Rialto, particularly Le Mercerie and around Campo S. Luca.
The Strada Nova is a long street on the Northern part of the city that starts near the train station and is a great place to shop and eat too and explore another part of the city. If you want to shop in an area that has some really unique shops off the beaten track, try the area of San Polo, on the other side of the Rialto.
For the chef and food lover, a visit to the Rialto Fish and produce market is a must! You will see fish so fresh they are still moving on the crushed ice and varieties found only in the Venetian lagoon. The produce is a great option for snacking while walking around the city. Open Tues-Sat (6am-Noon)
There is no shortage of workshops and showrooms full of Murano glass, particularly between S.Marco and Castello and, of course, on Murano itself.
