It’s a place where artisans thrive

“In Venice, the line between art and craftsmanship blurs,” writes Victoria Pope in The Smithsonian. “The delicacy of a Murano goblet, the fluidity of a Fortuny silk gown speak to an exquisite sensibility and a matchless quality that is the legacy of guilds formed in medieval times.” Venice is also “awash with tacky carnival masks and Murano glass made in China,” points out The Guardian, but it’s away from the tourist boutiques that “unique gifts can be found.” And then there are the textiles -- “from the San Marco tapestries to lace exhibits at a small atelier on Burano island, visitors can see textiles everywhere in Venice today,” reports Liza Foreman at the BBC.      

Some of the best Venetian shops can be found in Lonely Planet’s list of standout shopping spots; Conde Nast Traveler and The New York Times also have good Venice shopping lists, and if you’re looking for advice on where to wander to find your own treasures, Venice for Visitors gives an overview of different shopping areas. Local insights are offered by OG Venice, which focuses on locally owned shops and artisanal products, while resident Venetian Nicoletta provides a handy guide to food shopping at Naturally Epicurean.