Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Artisan Specialities
Your Venice souvenirs may be hard to describe back home without sounding like you're
bragging. 'It's an original', you'll say, 'and I met the artisan'. Venice has kept its artisan
traditions alive and vital for centuries, especially glass, paper, textiles and woodworking.
NEED TO KNOW
Business Hours
Most shops open around 10am to 1pm and 3.30pm to 7pm Monday to Saturday. Some shops in tourist areas stay
open 10am to 7pm daily, while shops off the main thoroughfares may remain closed on Monday morning. Most
Murano glass showrooms close by 6pm. Many shops close for major Italian holidays, and for all or part of
August.
Shipping
Never mind arbitrary airline luggage limits: most home decor and Murano glass showrooms offer shipping ser-
vices at reasonable costs, especially within Europe. On new merchandise, customs duties may apply in your home
country - check before you buy.
Taxes
Visitors from outside the EU may be entitled to VAT sales tax refunds on major purchases (
Click here
).
Shopping by Neighbourhood
»
San Marco
Art galleries, international designers and backstreet artisan showcases.
»
Dorsoduro
Antique shops and fashion-forward boutiques.
»
San Polo & Santa Croce
Artisan studios galore: glass, paper, fashion, gondolas.
»
Cannaregio
High-street retail and artisan bargains.
»
Castello
Cutting-edge artisans and quirky curios.
»
Giudecca, Lido & the Southern Islands
Farmers markets and bikinis.
