Deciding on what to buy when in Venice? You’re in luck!
Venice is a city rich in history, art, and culture, making it an enticing destination for souvenir shopping. However, it’s essential to be mindful of what you purchase to ensure you’re getting authentic, high-quality items that truly represent Venice.
By choosing authentic, locally made souvenirs, you’ll not only take home a piece of Venice’s rich culture and history, but you’ll also support local artisans and preserve the city’s heritage.
Here’s a guide on what souvenirs to avoid and what to buy instead.
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Read here how to get from Venice airport to city center and how to get from Mestre to Venice
WHERE TO STAY IN VENICE
Accommodation in Mestre for a dorm can go up to €15-20. And while a hotel that is a double room in a budget can go up to €40-60.
If you want to get cheap accommodation you can stay at Mestre 5 kilometers far from Venice and take the train to reach Venice’s city center only 5 minutes ride and €1.50.
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Does Venice have good shopping?
What to buy in Venice – Venice is a shopper’s paradise with its winding streets and abundance of boutiques, crafts shops, and markets. There are high-end stores as well as small family businesses, so everyone can find something to their liking.
Whether you’re looking for designer clothes, souvenirs, or traditional Venetian masks, you’ll be able to find them in Venice. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion or racks of inexpensive clothes, this is the place to be.
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Venice is known for shopping of masks
Venice is known for its masks, shopping, and its canals. The city has a rich history that is evident in its architecture and culture. There are plenty of things to do in Venice, such as visiting museums, taking gondola rides, or simply strolling along the narrow streets.
One of the main draws for visitors to Venice is the opportunity to purchase traditional Venetian masks. Masks have been worn in Venice during carnival time since medieval times and continue to be popular today.
You can find all sorts of different masks made from a variety of materials including paper-mâché, glass, and plastic. If you’re looking for something unique souvenir from your trip to Venice, purchasing a mask is definitely worth considering!
Another activity that many people enjoy doing when they visit Venice is shopping. There are some great places to shop for clothes, accessories and other souvenirs in this vibrant city. From upscale boutiques on St Mark’s square to small specialty stores tucked away down side streets, there’s sure to be something that catches your eye while browsing through Venetian shops!
How many days in Venice is enough for shopping?
If you merely want to explore a portion of the city and the key attractions, two days in Venice may be sufficient. However, if you truly want to discover not just the city but also its environs, you need to spend at least three days in Venice.
If you’re looking to do a bit of shopping while in Venice, there’s no need to worry – you can definitely fit it all in within a couple of days! The city has plenty of great stores and flea markets where you can find everything from souvenirs to high-end fashion items.
When it comes to shopping in Venice, there’s definitely no shortage of options. You can find everything from handmade jewelry and traditional Venetian masks to vintage clothing and coins at the Original Venice Shop.
What Souvenirs Not To Buy in Venice – Souvenirs to Avoid
Cheap, Mass-Produced Murano Glass
Why Avoid: Many shops in Venice sell mass-produced glass items labeled as “Murano glass” that are actually made in factories outside of Italy. These items are often of low quality and do not reflect the craftsmanship for which Murano glass is famous.
What to Buy Instead: Invest in authentic Murano glass from reputable stores or directly from workshops on the island of Murano. Look for a certificate of authenticity to ensure you’re buying the real thing.
Carnival Masks Made from Plastic
Why Avoid: Many of the inexpensive carnival masks sold in Venice are made from plastic or cheap materials, often mass-produced in other countries. These masks lack the artistry and tradition of genuine Venetian masks.
What to Buy Instead: Purchase handmade papier-mâché masks from artisan workshops. These masks are crafted by local artists using traditional techniques, making them unique and high-quality souvenirs.
Tacky Gondola-Themed Trinkets
Why Avoid: Items like keychains, magnets, and other small trinkets featuring gondolas are often mass-produced and of low quality. These souvenirs are generic and don’t capture the true essence of Venice.
What to Buy Instead: Consider buying a small, hand-painted gondola model or a photograph or painting of a gondola scene by a local artist. These items are more meaningful and artistically significant.
Fake Designer Goods
Why Avoid: Venice, like many popular tourist destinations, has vendors selling counterfeit designer goods. Purchasing these items is illegal and supports unethical practices.
What to Buy Instead: If you’re interested in fashion, explore Venice’s many boutiques that sell high-quality Italian leather goods, such as handbags, belts, and shoes. These items are stylish, authentic, and long-lasting.
T-Shirts and Other Generic Apparel
Why Avoid: T-shirts and other clothing items with generic Venice-themed prints are typically low-quality and widely available elsewhere.
What to Buy Instead: Look for locally made textiles, such as scarves or ties, featuring Venetian lace or traditional designs. These items are more unique and reflect the region’s rich textile history.
Souvenirs to Buy
Murano Glass
What to Look For: Authentic Murano glass is handcrafted on the island of Murano and known for its vibrant colors and intricate designs. Whether you choose glass jewelry, vases, or sculptures, make sure to buy from certified shops that offer a certificate of authenticity.
Handmade Venetian Masks
What to Look For: Artisan-made masks are crafted from papier-mâché and painted by hand, often decorated with gold leaf, feathers, and other embellishments. These masks make beautiful decorative pieces and are a genuine representation of Venetian culture.
Venetian Lace
What to Look For: Burano lace is world-renowned for its delicate, intricate designs. Look for lace items like doilies, handkerchiefs, or even clothing made by local artisans on the island of Burano.
Venetian Paper Products
What to Look For: Venice has a long history of papermaking. Purchase beautifully crafted notebooks, journals, or stationary featuring marbled paper or traditional Venetian designs. These make elegant and practical souvenirs.
Handcrafted Jewelry
What to Look For: Venice is home to many talented jewelers who create unique pieces using traditional methods. Look for jewelry made with Murano glass beads or Venetian gold, which are both beautiful and representative of Venetian craftsmanship.
Art and Prints
What to Look For: Venice has inspired artists for centuries. Consider buying a painting, print, or sketch from a local artist depicting Venetian scenes. This not only supports local artists but also gives you a piece of Venice’s beauty to take home.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.