Where the artisans are

Unique gifts can be found at “artisan ateliers, art studios, vintage stores and bookshops,” writes John Brunton at The Guardian. Another excellent resource for shopping local in Venice, is ArtTrav’s list of 28 authentic artisans, all of which “have different specialisations and all share the values of handicraft, focus on materials, attention to details and, ultimately, high quality. Likewise Venezia Autentica are continually adding to their shopping section, which focuses on authentic Venetian arts and crafts, accessories and local food; while Anne Hanley’s lists some of Venice’s best artisanal names in her compilation for The Telegraph as does the Truly Venetian apartments blog and OG Venice in their evolving and exhaustive list.

“Vintage shopping is sometimes the best way to explore a city like Venice,” writes Ione Wang at The Culture Trip. “You’ll meet all sorts of interesting characters, from fashion-forward shopkeepers to local grandmothers.” John Brunton at The Guardian recommends Banco Lotto 10, where all the clothes are “designed and hand-sewn by the female inmates of Venice’s prison on the island of Giudecca.” Urban Adventures shines a light on L’Armadio di Coco, run by a mother and daughter team “who travel the world finding the best vintage pieces from handbags to dresses.” They also run L’Armadio di Coco Luxury Vintage in San Marco where they sell high-end vintage pieces from Chanel and Versace. But “for genuine lovers of vintage style, Venezia Bisnonni Clothing is a newly opened vintage shop in the Santa Croce district focused on 1970s Italian vintage clothing,” reveals OG Venice.