Hidden Shopping Gems in Venice
I remember those days when shopping in another city was so amazing. You could walk down any street and could buy things that you would never find at home. A side-effect of our world becoming more global is also that increasingly we find the same shops and brands in any city. It actually does not matter anymore where you go, the same things have basically become available to us anywhere. I look back with some sentimental feeling when I came home from a trip with all the treasures I found. I am still searching for unique pieces (I actually really do not like it when I see somebody with the same outfit or when people know where I got it 😉 ).
Even though it has become more of a challenge to find unique places, on every trip, I dedicate some time to this quest. Today I am going to share the hidden shopping gems of Venice with you. Whether you come to Venice for the Art Biennale this year or just to visit the city, these recommendations by locals and myself will help you find unique memories of your Italy trip.
Fortuny Showroom and Factory
As mentioned in my Ultimate Guide for the Venice Art Biennale 2017, the Fortuny showroom at Giudecca has gorgeous fabrics. I got a really nice notebook for my travel experiences. (Giudecca, 805)
Shary
In the middle of the tourist area in Calle della Mandola, there is this small shop which looks like all the other tourist traps in this street. However, Shary has a beautiful selection of jewellery and accessories at great prices and the owner is extremely courteous. (Calle della Mandola, S. Marco, 3720/B)
Fondaco dei Tedeschi
The building dates back to the early 13th century (!) and was rebuilt after fires in the 16th century. On the one hand, it is a reminder of Venice’s importance as a merchant city, on the other, it shows how this importance has decreased over time.
The Benetton family has renovated this beautiful building and it is a beautiful mix of old and new. The red elevators are a real eye catcher. If you have big pockets for shopping, this is the place to be with all the luxury brands available and beautifully displayed. (Calle del Fontego dei Tedeschi, Rialto Bridge)
Palwer
If you would like to invest in jewellery that is unique and nobody else will have, Palwer is the place to go. Absolutely gorgeous pieces! (Salizada San Samuele 3151)
Michel Letizia
I love the sneakers – they are similar to the Converse Chucks but have a waterproof fabric with really cool prints, such as Italian tiles or flowers. It was quite tough to find the exact location of the shop online again, because it seems that they are quite new. But it is on your way to the Peggy Guggenheim Museum from Accademia Bridge on your right side. And you cannot miss the colourful shop window 😉 (Dorsoduro 860/A)
Trina Tygrett
At this beautiful jewellery boutique near the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, all the jewellery is handmade and you can watch the designer at the store.
I think the ribbon necklace and bracelet are so beautiful! (Dorsoduro, 188; unfortunately, their website is not online at the moment)
Sartoria dei Dogi
The tops and dresses at this boutique are all handmade in Italy and have one thing in common: a hole between below the arms.
While the pieces look unusual on the hanger, they look very lovely when worn and will be a timeless addition to your wardrobe. (Santa Croce, Calle del Tentor 1840-1842)
Venetia Studium
I passed by the shop in the Dorsoduro area at night and the lamps immediately caught my attention.
Unfortunately, they are in the premium price segment, but it is definitely something you should need to see, even if you do not have the big pockets to spend on these beautiful lamps and interior decoration. (S.Marco 2425)
More about Venice
Ultimate Guide to Venice and the Biennale Arte
The Magic of Fabric in Venice – Visit of the Fortuny Factory & Showroom
Day trip from Venice to Burano
Damien Hirst Exhibition at Palazzo Grassi Venice (2017)
More about Italy
All information as of the date of publishing/updating. We cannot accept responsibility for the correctness or completeness of the data, or for ensuring that it is up to date. All recommendations are based on the personal experience of Elisabeth Steiger, no fees were received by the recommended places above.
This is such a helpful list! I didn’t do much shopping when I was in Venice, but I definitely want to go to these places when I go back!
Thanks so much for your lovely feedback. Venice has so much to offer that there might be only little time to shop. But maybe you have the chance next time 🙂
That sneaker wall is rad! The first time I visited Venice it was on a group tour and we were marched around a set of shops with the tour company no doubt scoring a commission on any sales. Would love to go back with time to explore some of these hidden gems!
Oh no! Yeah, it happens a lot in the popular tourist cities. And they try to sell you “genuine” stuff. I really don’t like this mentality of ripping tourists off… Yes, and the sneaker wall is so cool, agree!!!!
Oh my loveliness! Now I really want custom jewelry! What an amazing way to remember a trip to Venice! It’s been years since I’ve been able to leisurely shop while traveling and your post reminded me how fun it is!
Yeah, I know! Unfortunately travelling has become so busy too that we don’t have the chance to do it anymore. But maybe you can fork out some time on your next trip 😉
Ohhh, I want to go to the sneaker shop right now. So many cute pairs! <3
It’s like sneaker heaven! 🙂
Oh my God ! Would love to go back to Venice with enough time to explore those hidden gems 🙂 I didn’t do much shopping when I was there, just an original and beautiful Venetian mask.
Oh, this masks are sooo cool! I didn’t get to buy any of those!