Where to go shopping in Venice
For a perfect holiday in Venice, plan on dedicating some time to shopping. Venice offers numerous shops of every kind: from souvenirs to traditional crafts, from luxury boutiques to large international chain stores, and it is easy to get lost with so many options. Here are our suggestions on where to go shopping in Venice, for purchasing original made-in-Venice items, and more.
Luxury shopping in Venice
The temple dedicated to luxury shopping in Venice is the T Fondaco by DFS, the world leader in luxury retail. The Fondaco dei Tedeschi is a splendid 5-story building overlooking the Grand Canal in Rialto, with over 200 high-level fashion, beauty, accessory, and gourmet brands to satisfy all your luxury shopping needs.
Alternatively, the Calle Vallaresso and Via XXII Marzo, at the gates of Piazza San Marco, fill their glittering windows with Italian high fashion designers such as Gucci, Prada, Ferragamo, Dolce & Gabbana, Loro Piana, and Cucinelli.
High-end artisanal shopping in Venice
For made-in-Venice items, the best shopping area is Rialto. Under the arcades overlooking Ruga degli Oresi, at the foot of the bridge, you will find small independent clothing and accessories boutiques that continue the traditional weaving and goldsmith workshops of the past with new original proposals. Then there are the "furlane" shops, the traditional Friulian shoes reinterpreted in a contemporary style that has become an authentic must-have.
Made-in-Venice traditional shopping
In addition to the wonderful Murano glass and popular masks, make sure you don't miss a chance to shop for one of Venice's lesser-known products: the centuries-old tradition of Venetian fabric. Bevilacqua, Rubelli, and Jesurum are among the most renowned weaving mills in Venice where you can purchase original, high-quality home accessories as well as purses, bags, and clothing. Then there is the incredible marbled paper made entirely by hand in the workshops of the Campo Santo Stefano area: here the artisan bookbinders have handed down an art form that has enchanted Venice's visitors for centuries. The tradition of Venetian perfume has also continued into the modern era, produced with passion by The Merchant of Venice brand in the splendid apothecaries of Campo San Fantin near Teatro La Fenice and in Strada Nuova in Cannaregio.
The fabulous SALE starts on January 7th. Hotel Cristallo is just a 15-minute vaporetto ride away from the shopping streets of Venice. We'll be waiting for you!