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.

• Souvenirs  (some suggestions for truly Venetian gifts)
• Masks Be careful to shop in a store where the masks are handmade and not cheap looking as they might be imported from China
• Glass  If you don’t mind bargaining, we suggest you go on over to Murano to buy glass as you will see the factory where it is made and the selection is unparallel.
• Paper  The hand made Venetian paper is a work of art in itself and you will find a beautiful variety of objects made also with leather incorporated to chose from in many shops around the city.
• Lace  Burano is the island famous for merletto, but you might not be able to get over to the island, so you can also find shops nearby San Marco with a wonderful variety to choose from.
• Wine and Food  You can find shops that sell the wines of the Veneto region and the shop owners are happy to explain the difference to you. Pasta and sauces of the region can also be found in specialty shops or super markets for you to take home.

There are kiosks and carts located near San Marco and Rialto that sell cheap souvenirs, but most of their items are imported and NOT genuine. So don’t be fooled!

Here are some recommendations for shops that sell really unique and specialty items and they are nice too......

Markets

There are a few markets that take place daily, weekly or annually in the city if you are looking for a bargain:

• Rialto market – The city’s famous produce & fish market opens Mon-Sat at 6am and closes around Noon. You will find fresh produce, meat and fish here. Get off at the Waterbus stop “Rialto” and cross the bridge and follow your nose.
• Lido outdoor market - (Tuesdays 7am – Noon) If you are looking for a bargain, then you have come to the right place. This busy bustling outdoor market is worth the trip over from Venice. Clothing, linens, household items, purses, food, cheeses, produce, toys, plants & flowers, etc.... Take a waterbus over to Lido, and grab the autobus B or C (Located on your far right) and get off at the 3rd stop (along with everyone else) and have money ready to shop shop shop!!
• Guidecca market - (Thursdays 7am – Noon) This small market is similar to the Lido one, but good if you can’t make it on Tuesdays. Take the Line# 41 or “82 and get off at Sacca Fisola and follow the flow of people.
• Antiques market – Campo S. Maurizio - A small tiny square with vendors set up selling all types of items from glass, stamps, dolls, jewelry, etc... Usually takes place April, mid-Sept. & the week before Christmas.
• Christmas market - Campo S. Stefano – If you are looking for a unique gift for the holidays, then come to this campo and peruse the quaint stalls selling all sorts of goodies for your eyes to feast on. Starts 3 weeks before Christmas.
• Various outdoor kiosks - Around Carnivale, Easter & Christmas, you will find many sellers have stalls, kiosks, set up all around the area of Rialto (Campo S. Luca, Campo S. Bartolomeo, and along Rialto bridge) and more than usual all along Strada Nova.