24 Must-Have Venice Souvenirs: What to Buy in Venice
Are you planning to visit Venice? Well done to you; you will love this city full of charm, antiques, mystery, and history. In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about what to buy in Venice, from gifts for your friends and family to authentic Venice souvenirs.
If you love shopping, do yourself a favor and leave some room inside your luggage to purchase everything you will fall in love with (I am sorry, but unfortunately, you won’t be able to take home a fascinating “Gondoliere”).
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Avoiding Fake Venetian Souvenirs: Bringing Home Authentic Memories (Not Mass-Produced Trinkets)
Let’s talk souvenirs! Bringing home a little something to remember your trip is a time-honored tradition. But in Venice, with its abundance of tourist shops, it can be tricky to distinguish authentic Venetian crafts from mass-produced imitations.
As a super-organized traveler (and someone who appreciates quality!), I’m here to help you navigate the souvenir scene and ensure you bring home genuine Venetian treasures—not cheap knock-offs that will fall apart as soon as you get home.
Because, let’s be honest, nothing triggers post-vacation disappointment like realizing you’ve been duped into buying a fake souvenir.
The Problem with Fake Souvenirs in Venice:
Fake Venetian souvenirs are often mass-produced in other countries and then sold in Venice as if they were authentic. They’re usually of poor quality and don’t represent the true craftsmanship of Venice. Plus, buying fake souvenirs supports unethical business practices and doesn’t benefit the local economy.
How to Spot Fake Venice Souvenirs:
- Low Prices: If a souvenir seems too good to be true, it probably is. Authentic Venetian crafts are usually not cheap. Mass-produced imitations are often sold at significantly lower prices.
- “Made in China” Labels: Check for labels that indicate the country of origin. If you see “Made in China” or another country other than Italy, it’s a clear sign that the souvenir is not authentic.
- Identical Items in Multiple Shops: If you see the exact same items being sold in multiple shops at the same price, it’s likely that they’re mass-produced.
- Poor Quality: Examine the item carefully. Look for imperfections, poor finishing, or cheap materials. Authentic Venetian crafts are usually made with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail.
What to Look For (Authentic Souvenirs from Venice):
- Murano Glass: Authentic Murano glass is made on the island of Murano, near Venice. Look for items with a certificate of authenticity or purchase from reputable shops on Murano. Be wary of very cheap glass items, as they are likely imitations. Real Murano glass has a certain weight and clarity.
- Burano Lace: Burano lace is renowned for its intricate designs and high quality. Look for items made with fine thread and meticulous stitching. Again, be wary of very low prices.
- Venetian Masks: Authentic Venetian masks are often handmade and decorated with elaborate details. Look for masks made with high-quality materials and intricate designs.
- Paper Goods (Stationery, Journals): Venice has a long tradition of paper making and bookbinding. Look for beautiful stationery, journals, and other paper goods made with high-quality paper and traditional techniques.
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Where to Buy Authentic Souvenirs:
- Shops on Murano and Burano: If you’re looking for Murano glass or Burano lace, the best place to buy it is directly from the artisans on these islands.
- Reputable Shops in Venice: Look for shops that have been in business for many years and have a reputation for selling high-quality goods.
- Artisan Workshops: If you want to see how Venetian crafts are made, visit artisan workshops. You can often purchase items directly from the artisans.
What to Buy in Venice: 24 Unique Souvenirs
1. Handmade Carnival Mask in Venice:
Venice Carnival Masks are probably the most famous things to buy in Venice. They can be crazy expensive (I’m talking about thousands of euros) or cost you only 5 euros (in this case, they might not be from Venice).
The most important thing is to buy original ones made in Venice. And you will see so many beautiful masks in Venice you won’t know which one to buy.
They are made in many colors, shapes, and prices, so don’t worry if you are on a budget. There are some beautiful for as little as 10/15 Euro each. At the shop Tragicomica Venezia, you can find every kind of Carnival mask, so remember to add a stop to your Venice itinerary!
Another famous shop where you can buy Venice Carnival Masks is La Bottega dei Mascareri, which opened in 1984 and is located close to the famous Rialto Bridge.
This family-run shop is known among Hollywood celebrities thanks to the excellence and creativity of its masks. Some have even been used for films or featured in the prestigious California Shakespeare Festival.
Its owners, brothers Sergio and Massimo Boldrin create artwork masks, putting all their knowledge and creativity into each mask’s design and creating genuine masterpieces that vary in price.
Check out the Carnival Mask Workshop to create your own Carnival Mask.
Ditch the selfies at the Rialto Bridge and unleash your inner masked marvel with a Venice Carnival photoshoot! Imagine twirling in a Venetian dream, mask & gown, snapping Insta-worthy pics, and crafting your masterpiece at a mask workshop (no, not THAT kind of masterpiece…unless?). Trust me, your followers will flip, and your travel anxiety? Ciao bella, arrivederci!
Travel Tip: If you arrive in Venice too early for your check-in or your departure time is too many hours after your check-out, and you need a place to store your luggage, check out Radical Storage in Venice, a website that shows you all the safe places to keep your bags while still exploring Venice.
Plan Your Vacation in Venice
Check out all my articles in the “Most Complete Guide of Venice” and get all the information you need to make your next travel successful.
2. Murano Glasses:
We have seen the world-famous Murano glass in tourist places. Murano Island is where these famous jewels were made for the first time, and you will find only the originals at an excellent price.
You will wish to afford to buy many of the items listed, including chandeliers, vases, glasses, necklaces, bracelets, and so much more, to redecorate your home completely.
Is a Murano Glass Factory Tour Worth it?
Absolutely yes! I advise you to book a Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat, where you will assist with every detail behind the incredible art of Glassblowing. It is worth it because I did it, and I loved it.
Travel Safety Tip: As soon as you book your next adventure, buy good travel insurance in case you need to “unfortunately” delay, extend, or cancel your trip. I usually find good deals on VISITORSCOVERAGE for up to 1 month of trip length and SAFETYWING for longer trips. They are insurance companies that cover everything related to your travel.
3. Burano Lace:
Burano lace, needle lace made on the island of Burano, has a long-established tradition of needle-lace making, though precise historical records are lacking. Real Burano lace takes a long time; even the smallest piece could take weeks to finish. Just one tablecloth may cost up to $500 or more.
I advise booking a Venice St Mark’s, Doge’s Palace, Murano & Burano Day Tour, where you will see both Murano Glass and Burano Lacemaking, visit Doge’s Palace and the St Mark’s Basilica, 30 30-minute Gondola ride, and transportation to the islands. It is an incredible experience to reserve in advance, which will save you time,
4. Buranei/Bussolai cookies:
This delicious Burano cookie is a typical doughnut-shaped cake of the island, also known as buranelli. The sweet has a combination rich in nutrients, such as eggs, flour, sugar, and butter, which, after having been cooked, have long durability.
In the past, these Burano cookies were prepared by the fishermen’s wives when they were moving away from home to go fishing for long periods.
If the sailors couldn’t have good nutrition, the bussolà could give them all the energy to deal with the sea life. You will find artisan sweets in Venice, so be prepared to walk a lot to burn all the calories.
European Travel Alert! If you are from the US and want to travel to Europe, from 2025 you must complete an ETIAS visa waiver form before your trip and pay the €7 ($7.25) fees. This easy-to-complete form should give you instant approval, but it’s recommended that travelers plan and submit their forms a few weeks before their departure date.
5. Baicoli di Venezia:
Baicoli (English: golden oval) is an Italian biscuit originating in Venice. Baicoli gain their name because their shape resembles a sea bass, which in the local dialect is called baicoli. Today, Baicoli are served with coffee and zabaglione, which can be dipped.
These dry, delicious desserts were particularly suitable for efficiently storing during the Venetian merchants’ long trips afloat, with a delicate and straightforward taste. They are ideal for dipping in chocolate, coffee, tea, zabaglione, and dessert wines (of course, Italian Wine).
6. Handmade Shoes:
Venetian handmade shoes are stronger and more durable than machine-made shoes. The artisans who make these shoes spend a lot of time making a pair, whereas machine-made shoes are produced in larger quantities, which makes the difference.
A couple of shoes go through several stages of manufacturing that make them so unique. Look at them in Venice, and if you like shoes, see them as a very comfortable souvenir to take back home. See Vladi shoe shop in Venice.
Fancy Wine in Venice?
Look at the best Venetian wine tasting. There are so many different wines; try only the best ones!
If you are a cooking lover like me, always looking to try different recipes, try this fabulous Small-group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Venice. You will feel so satisfied that you will feel like a local.
7. Venice Fabrics:
Looking for a souvenir that truly captures the essence of Venice? Consider its stunning fabrics. Bevilacqua is one of the city’s most famous art fabric shops. They still weave their fabrics in Venice using 18th-century wooden looms—a truly remarkable sight.
The showroom provides a glimpse into their craftsmanship, and if you’re looking to purchase authentic Venetian textiles, you’ve come to the right place.
8. Leather Bags and Gloves:
One of the reasons Italian leather is highly appreciated is its quality. Italy is famous for producing high-quality leather, and artisans use only all-natural vegetable and plant-based extracts to manufacture Italian leather.
Because it isn’t mass-produced, it takes much longer than the cheaper factory-made alternatives. That’s why an authentic handmade leather item could be perfect if you want a nice gift for yourself or a friend.
What better occasion than your Venetian holiday? A good idea is to find the perfect glove shade to look super stylish next winter.
Fanny Gloves Shop: Calle dei Saoneri, 2723, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
9. Gondolier’s Hat:
This can be a lovely gift to take home for your loved one or your father. There is only one store in all of Venice, and it is located in the Campo San Maurizio area. In Campo San Salvador, near Rialto and Campo San Bartolomeo, there is the Millinery of Giuliana Longo, the only producer of all the hats of the gondoliers of Venice.
Giuliana Longo Modisteria: Calle del Lovo, 4813, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
10. Handmade Wooden Puzzle:
Wooden Puzzles are an excellent gift for the puzzle enthusiast and lover of folk art. They feature a printed canvas that is installed on wood. You will see several options to choose from.
Experience the personality and charm of these historic and scenic places with a one-of-a-kind wooden puzzle.
Signor Blum Shop: Campo San Barnaba, Sestiere Dorsoduro, 2840, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
11. Handmade Wooden Boats and Ships:
Handmade wooden models of Venetian boats are made using the same wood types and following the same technique, with a long reconstructive study behind them. About them, I would like to name one of the best you can find in Venice. His name is Gilberto Penzo.
His models have been bought by private collectors and from Museums of naval history, such as the ones in Rome, Como, Chioggia, and Rovigo.
Once this model was used to define the actual boat in advance, you can buy one and have a great and original decorative object.
Gilberto Penzo: Calle Seconda dei Saoneri, 2681, 30125 San Polo, Venezia.
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12. Doorknockers:
The beauty of Venice is in its details. You will see many fascinating doorknobs that add mystery and charm to the Venetian houses. You will instantly question why the owner chose a specific figure and what it expresses.
Enjoying so many little details in an ancient city like Venice can be fun, so always keep your eyes open and look around. If you see an attractive little alley, go and explore (unless it is nighttime and you travel alone, safety first).
You never know what beauty is hidden in every corner of Venice.
Valese Fonderia Artistica Shop: Calle Fiubera, 793, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
13. Italian Perfumes:
Who doesn’t like a fragrant, expensive, exotic Italian perfume? You are going to Italy, so what could be a better souvenir than an Italian perfume to take home with you? It could also be an expensive gift for your loved one or friend that will be appreciated.
The Merchant of Venice: Campo S. Fantin, 1895, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Do you need help finding a good Hotel in Venice? Read the Best Hotels in Venice with a Canal View, where I list the best hotels for every budget. On the Complete Guide of Venice, you will find everything you need to know before visiting this amazing city!
14. Second-Hand Books:
There is a famous shop in Venice that looks like every tourist passes by at least once during their visit to Venice, and its name is Acqua Alta.
It is worth a visit, with so many books to choose from and the perfect Instagrammable stairs at the back made entirely with books. You will find it full of tourists trying to take the best picture (I went there in the afternoon and to take this picture above I had to queue for 10 minutes).
The shop was full of people waiting in line. Suppose you wish to take a great picture without feeling the pressure of the owner telling you to speed up and pushing other people in front of your camera (I had to kindly ask the owner to stop pushing people up the stairs to be able to take this picture above without anyone else in it). In that case, you should go there early, when they open at 9 a.m.
Most tourists go there to take pictures, so look at the books too. I am sure you will find something exciting to take home with you.
Libreria Acqua Alta: Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa, 5176b, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy.
15. Pasta:
Do you like pasta? Who doesn’t? Good for you, my dear traveler, because you can buy authentic handmade Italian pasta in Venice and take it home.
You will find it made in many shapes and different colors (made with the addition of a natural colorant; it can be tomatoes, spinach, beetroot, etc.). So leave some room in your luggage and take home some authentic Italian delicacies.
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16. Prosecco and Bellini:
Prosecco hails from Northeast Italy, though its heartland is a small region in Veneto called Conegliano Valdobbiadene. While consumers often equate it with widely available commercial-quality fizz, access to Italy’s finest sparkling wines is rising.
The Bellini cocktail was invented between 1934 and 1948 by Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of the famous Harry’s Bar in Venice.
He named the drink the Bellini because its unique pink color reminded him of the toga of a saint in a painting by 15th-century Venetian artist Giovanni Bellini and consisted of fresh peach juice and sparkling wine Prosecco.
17. Cured Meat:
Italy makes some of the best-cured meat on the planet. Do you like prosciutto crudo, mortadella o salame? If yes, you will be in the perfect place to buy everything you like and take it home. Just make sure you can take it to your country.
18. Olive Oil:
The Italians produce some of the best extra virgin olive oils globally. Olive oil is known for its health benefits. According to Dimitrios Boskou, an Olive Oil Chemistry and Technology author, Italian virgin oil has a higher cycloartenol level than Spanish pure olive oil. Hence, you are in the correct country to buy some.
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19. Italian wine:
Of course, I added Wine to this list. You are going to Italy, after all, and Venice is in the region of Veneto, a highly productive wine region in northeastern Italy. The broader area comprises Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia (where I am from), and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol. These are known collectively as the Tre Venezie, after the Republic of Venice.
In Veneto, two different wine areas are distinguishable—an eastern part close to the Venice Lagoon between the hills of Treviso. The plain of the Piave River and the Adriatic coast are typical places where the famous Prosecco (Glera) is produced.
Other varieties are grown like Merlot, Carmenere, Verduzzo, Raboso Piave, Refosco, Tocai, Verdiso, and Marzemino; and the western part, close to Garda Lake and the city of Verona, famous for the wines based on the varieties Corvina, Rondinella, Garganega, Trebbiano of Soave, and Oseleta.
In the central part of Veneto, winemaking transitions between the varieties and styles of the Eastern and Western regions. In that area, you can find the Colli Euganei, the hills close to Padua, a special Mediterranean microclimatic zone; it is even famous for producing Moscato fior d’arancio, a sparkling dessert wine.
Another area in the North-center of Veneto, close to Asiago, is Breganze, where the dessert wine Torcolato is produced with the Vespaiolo grape. After everything I just told you about the wine regions around Venice, don’t you fancy a good glass of wine?
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20. Grappa:
The distilled pomace obtains Venetian Grappa and is fully enclosed in the Atlas of the traditional Agricultural Products of Veneto. It is always the guest of honor at the end of dinner at the Italians’ table.
Grappa is a traditional drink thanks to its long history tied with its native territory and the vast success that has delighted the most polished palates for centuries.
While in Venice, check out the Poli Distillery, where you will find all the best Grappa and other Italian liquors.
Poli Distillery Shop: Campiello de la Feltrina S. Marco, 2511B, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
21. Swiss dark chocolate with grappa center:
In the same shop where I highly recommend you buy local Grappa and other Italian liquors, The Poli Distillerie also sells these delicious chocolates filled with Grappa.
I bought one, and I must say it was delicious (obviously, you have to like liquors to like it, too). This could be a great souvenir in Venice or a gift for someone who loves chocolate and Grappa.
22. Limoncello:
Traditionally, Limoncello is made from the zest of Femminello St. Teresa lemons, also known as Sorrento or Sfusato lemons. Lemon zest (peels without the pith) is steeped in rectified spirit until the oil is released.
The yellow liquid is mixed with simple syrup (water and sugar). In Venice, you can find it in many shops and supermarkets. Still, my favorite shop is Nino and Friends, where they sell different kinds of Limoncello and other delicious Italian sweets.
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23. Italian cookies:
Italian cookies are delicious. The best place to buy them is in one of the Nino and Friends shops in Venice.
There, you will find every kind of sweets. They also sell chocolates and spreadable creams, such as chocolate, hazelnut, pistachio (my favorite), and more. I encourage you to buy some Limonoro dragee selection, made with almonds and flavored with cappuccino, lemon, chocolate, and much more.
Or the Limonoro cookies, filled with lemon cream (my favorite), chocolate, coffee, pistachio, and other delicious creams you will love. Inside the shop, they also offer some free tasting of their products, like these cookies. So go ahead and try some.
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24. Photo paintings:
If you want to purchase some fabulous Venice prints, this is the right shop. He is not the artist, but he sells the works of five other Venetian artists.
These prints are unique, the perfect souvenirs to keep on your living room wall to never forget your great travel to Venice.
Dinamo Manufatti: San Polo 2599/a 30125, Rio Tera’ dei Nomboli, 2768/a 30125 Venice.
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Xoxo Valentina
