Venice Shopping Tips by suvanki Top 5 Page for this destination

Studio D'arte Vio: Paintings sculptures and Graphics

CANNAREGIO

Wandering around Cannaregio on my last day of my trip to Venice, I found this interesting shop. The window was crammed full of terracotta plaques, stone sculptures and paintings and drawings of Venetian scenes. Although I wasn't intending buying anything, I decided to have a look inside.


I was soon drawn to some small terracotta plaques depicting the symbol of Venice- The Lion of Saint Mark. (This trip more than ever, I'd been looking out for the different versions to be seen around Venice (and Treviso). I selected one that would easily fit into my case, and was about to pay, when I spotted some drawings of canal scenes. (yes it's one of those shops where you keep spotting something new, that causes even more decisions about what to buy).

I found one that I liked, and asked the shop owner where it was (I can't remember the name of the canal at the moment) as I'd recognised the scene from my wanderings around Venice.

I asked him if the sculptures had all been made locally-they were all created in this shop. The business had been started by his Grandfather, with the skills and business being passed down through the generations.

I enjoyed shopping here, and hope to return again to purchase some more pieces of Venetian art from this pleasant young man.
My plaque was wrapped carefully in bubble wrap and my print was placed onto a piece of corrugated cardboard, before being placed in an envelope, with the shops business card

Open 10.00- 1300 and 14.30 - 1900

UPDATE -I was very pleased to receive an e-mail recently, from the chap I spoke to in the shop-He wrote to thank me for my review on his shop, and he's joined VT!!!
He's now VTer gioeolo !!!! I hope that he'll add some tips about Venice etc.

What to buy: Paintings and drawings of Venetian scenes.

Terracotta sculptures - all sizes and with historical or religious themes.

Buy your items from a local craftsman, rather than something mass produced or imported.

What to pay: From a few euros upwards.

My terracotta plaque was 5 euros and my print was 10 euros

Address: Rio Tera de la Madalena Cannaregio 2100/A 30121 Ve

Directions: VAPORETTO- S. MARCUOLA

This street leads onto Strada Nuova. It is near the church of La Maddalena

Other Contact: fax +390412760522

Phone: +39 041710040

Theme: Art

Website: http://www.studioartevio.com/index.php?main_page=about_us

Bakery Volpe?: Kosher Bakers shop Food, wine and sweets Review

CANNAREGIO
VAPORETTO - GUGLIE
Wandering around the streets and campos of the Ghetto, I realised that I was feeling a bit hungry. The display in this bakers was very enticing. Inside it smelt wonderful! A mix of sweet and savoury scents.
I managed to restrict myself to the soft sweet bun in picture 3 and a savoury patty, which I wolfed down before I remembered to take a photo. My second experence of eating kosher food in less than 24 hours-I'd eaten at Gam Gam - Venices best known Kosher restaurant the evening before.

Apparently, although the food sold in this bakery is all certified as kosher, the owners aren't Jewish-so the shop will sometimes open at times that Jewish shops remain closed such as Shabbat (The Sabbath).

The food shops/restaurants have certificates on the wall showing that the Chief Rabbi has inspected the ingredients and preparation of the goods, and is satisfied that this is in accordance with the kosher standards and laws.

The Rabbi doesn't bless the food or equipment to 'make it kosher'.

My knowledge of kosher foods is very limited-I was aware that certain foods are forbidden such as pig - or any animal that isn't cloven hooved, or is cud chewing. Also that meat products and dairy are kept seperate. I found this
LINK for info on KOSHER/KASHRUT Dietery laws etc was quite an interesting introduction to Judaism

Some typical cakes made in here include "Orecchiette di Amman", which are filled with fruit, "Bisce", which are an S-shape. "Zuccherini" and "Sweet Azime" are donut shaped.

There were various types of breads, biscuits, cakes, savouries, cheeses, pizza, plus plenty of dry goods and drinks including kosher beers.

Opening hours: Sundays from 09.00 - 13.30pm, Mon-Fri from 07.30 -13.00 and 17.00- to 19.30 Closed on Saturday.

What to pay: I spent a couple of Euros

Address: Calle de Ghetto Vecchie, 1143 Cannaregio

Directions: Cannaregio Canal, near the foot of the bridge find Gam Gam restaurant. Pass through the narrow street at the side of the restaurant, head forward and you'll spot the bakery on the left side of the street

Phone: +39 041 715178.

Theme: Food and Drink

Mari & Monti S.N.C.: Wellington (Wellies) Boots for the Aqua Alta

On arrival at my accommodation on Christmas Eve 2009, I was strongly advised to go and buy some rubber boots, as Venice was expecting yet another High Tide - The 3rd night running!The expected depth was about 1.5 metres or higher. (Higher than the raised platforms that were in place around the city ready for the tidal waters.)

I was advised that 10 Euros would be a good price to pay.

Well I hadn't expected to be out shopping for wellies- I wanted to wander around off the beaten track (and I was on a tight budget) Also- I had my own wellies in my car boot back at East Midlands Airport- For those who attended Ricky52's Halifax Fish Chips and Mushy Peas VT meet, they might just remember them!!

Ah well! I headed through the nearby Campo Di Santa Margherita, and off down one of the streets leading off this popular square - I wasn't sure where the best place to look for wellies would be. It wasn't too long before I came across a brightly lit street, and this shop, which had 3 pairs of wellingtons in the doorway-Hoorah!

Well I finally purchased a distinctly un stylish black pair for 13 Euros - The lady in the shop spoke very little English, which was more than my Italian/Venetian.

So I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening, walking around Venice in increasingly heavy rain carrying around this shopping.

That night, at around 22.00hours, a loud siren echoed around my room- The Warning for the expected Aqua Alta, followed by 4 signals- indicating the level would be 140cm or higher. (see my Warnings and Danger tip) My wellies were nearby - pheeew!

Christmas Morning, I dressed, ready to venture out in the floods - Before getting my wellies out of their packaging, I decided to check how high the water was outside my accommodation - The ground floor was wet, but most of the water had drained away now- out on the Fondamente- a small amount of debris and a few small puddles indicated the earlier flood- so with mixed feelings, I left my wellies in my room and set off to explore.

During my 4 day visit, I hadn't worn them at all- I was carrying Hand luggage only, and couldn't find room for them in my case - I'd have to try and return them. Hmmmmm- where was that shop???

I'd kept the receipt, but there wasn't a street name - I headed to Campo di S. Margherita, and hoped I was heading in the right direction. I didn't recognise the street, but decided to carry on a bit further. Then I remembered that I'd taken a photo of the shop- if I found that, the previous pics might give me a clue. I stopped, and was just looking for my camera, when I noticed- I was standing nearly opposite the shop!!!Mari & Monti- which I now realise isn't the shop owners names, but- 'Sea and Mountains'

The same lady was in the shop - With some difficulty I tried to ask for a refund, but this wasn't going to happen - in the end I exchanged them for a hat!

Later, I saw some wellies that 'Have my name on them'!!!! - In an opticians shop on the Cannaregio Canal! I'm still in 2 minds whether to splash out 34 Euros when I return to Venice next month- Pic 4!!! UPDATEWhen I saw them close up, they weren't as nice as I'd thought-especially not for the price

I understand that at times of Aqua Alta, it is possible to purchase strong plastic bags to wear over your shoes - some hotels will loan boots too.

What to buy: Wellington Boots- These range in price and style.

Umbrellas are on sale in most gift shops- nearer to the door when it's raining or is imminent. Street Hawkers and Market stalls are another source. Then there are some pretty expensive/ classy ones in the designer shops around San Marco. I did spot a thoroughly impractical large brolley, with a nice carved wooden handle, and scenes of Venice, which I quite liked

There were some bright and unusual brollies on the market stalls on Strada Nuova.

- Though I'm not so sure of the hazards of wielding an umbrella through the narrow alleys and streets - surprised they've not been banned by the Mayor yet - There's always time I suppose!!!

What to pay: I was told 10 Euros is a good price- mine cost 13 Euros.
I saw some brightly coloured sheepskin lined boots for 59 Euros!!(pic 2) and some others for 49 Euros (pic 3) in a shop next to Ferrovia (S. Lucia Train Station)

Address: Dorsoduro 3814 Venezia

Directions: Off Campo di Sant Margherita - The street near the war memorial - head along here to the end, then I think I turned Right, then Left - It's somewhere between the Campo and Fondamente de Calle Bernardo (This was my next photo after the shop!)

Phone: 041 2440227

Theme: Women's Clothes

Street Sellers: Fake designer bags Street Sellers (fake products) Review

Look in the Venice 'Warnings and Danger' tips and you'll see many tips about the illegal bag sellers. These (mainly African Immigrants) sell fake designer handbags, and don't pay taxes.

I've happily passed by these chaps with their selection of handbags either displayed on a sheet on the floor, or hung from their arms. They loiter in the main tourist rat runs. Some have given me a fright appearing from the shadows!
I've had no intention to buy a bag, but I've usually acknowledged their presence, with a ' Thanks, but No Thanks' and a friendly Bye! - (and count my blessings, that I'm not having to earn my living this way!)

So, Christmas 2007, I'm wandering between Scalzi and Lista di Spagna, minding my own business, and passing by one of these handbag 'stalls' when I catch sight of a red bag - it was the size and shape I'd been looking for.

I only hesitated for a minute, but the salesman recognised a potential customer. - He picked it up and shouted only 40 euros madame ! I laughed and carried on, but he then shouted 20 euros. I was just converting this to sterling in my head, when there was a quick movement of the 'stall/ sheet' being gathered up and this chap and his accomplices making a run for it. Presumably, the police had been spotted

Well I was a bit miffed- I'd taken a liking to the bag, but I wasn't going to run after them. ;-) Instead I continued wandering a bit further.

Less than 10 minutes later I was retracing my steps along Lista de Spagna, intending to get a vaporetto back to my hotel.

I was surprised to see 'the stall' back as if undisturbed, and the stall holder recognised me -"20 Euros madame"?

Awww what the heck - I liked the bag, it was a decent price, I knew it was fake/ illegal - but It wasn't as if I was robbing the 'real designers' - There's no way that I would be paying hundreds of Euros for their stuff, and they weren't freezing their butts off out in the cold, like these lot - So I handed my 20 euros over, wished him a Happy Christmas and laughed as he said "these are a Thousand Euros in the shops" - as if!!!

Ok, so back home, I unwrap my bag, and I realise that it's got a 'Prada' badge on one side.

From the outside, it's quite a nice bag - inside, the material is pretty cheap, and the stitching's not great - so obviously not 'designer Prada'

Now my dilemma is, not that I've purchased an illegal item, BUT- If I go out carrying this bag do I look like
-A) a wannabe WAG ? or even worse,
-B) someone who's brought a designer bag, thinking that it's the real thing, and it's so obviously a fake - even to a blind man!!!

My solution is to carry it with the badge towards me, so no one need know!!

On a more serious note- I've read that not only are these hawkers likely to be fined, but anyone caught buying these bags is also subject to a hefty fine!

For anyone wanting to purchase a legal bag, but not at designer prices, there are a few shops selling reasonably priced bags. I found one during my recent visit, opposite Ferrovia train station, which had a variety of styles/ colours/ prices!

Theme: Other

Dolceamaro - cioccolateria artigianale & enoteca: Hand made chocolates Food, wine and sweets Review

CANNAREGIO

I came across this enticing shop while wandering around Cannaregio on Christmas Eve, and couldn't resist going in to buy some of the hand made chocolates on display. There was so much choice-I was 'The kid in the sweet shop'.

The shop was divided into smaller rooms, all stocked with high quality Italian produce - wines, champagnes, balsamic vinegars, olive oils, herbs, jams and preserves, coffees, teas, pastas etc.
There were some very smartly attired locals perusing the goods, and stocking up on Christmas gifts, and wine.

The lady behind the counter was also very elegant, and a bit intimidating (like those women who work on the expensive cosmetics counters in department stores!)

I was trying to decipher how much the chocolates were, whether they were sold by weight or per item from the different notices on the counter. The woman asked how many chocolates I wanted, when I replied that I didn't know - (I wanted to select a few, but wasn't sure how much this would come to) - she sneered and said that she needed to know, so that she knew what size bag to put them in. I selected about 8 chocolates- including limoncello, rose, coffee, and chocolate fillings. My selection came to just under 6 euros.

I enjoyed eating these back in my hotel room , and managed to restrain myself from eating them all at once!

There is another branch of this shop in San Marco sestieri near Campo San Bartolomeo
Sotoportego de la bissa, S. Marco 5415. Tel 0412413045

What to buy: Hand made chocolates, dragees, pralines, nougat.
Locally produced wines
Champagne

To buy as gifts or to treat yourself!

What to pay: From around 1 euro, to enough to upset your bank manager!

Address: Campo S. Canciano, 6051 Cannaregio

Directions: VAPORETTO- Ca'd'Oro, RIALTO.

1/2way between Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santi Apostoli

Other Contact: dolceamaro-ve@libero.it

Phone: 0415238708

Theme: Food and Drink

on Lista di Spagna: Vending Machines - 24 hour pharmacy!

I came across this vending machine, while wandering along Lista di Spagna, (on the right hand side of the street) On closer inspection it was stocked with a variety of pharmaceuticals such as moisturiser, soap, toothpaste, paracetamol, elastoplasts, condoms etc.

I wasn't sure of the prices - I didn't have any coins on me, otherwise I might have had to buy something just for the novelty value!

What to buy: a place to head at all hours for 'forgotten items'

What to pay: Not sure - probably cheaper to buy from supermarket or pharmacy

Address: Lista di Spagna

Directions: walking from Scalzi into Lista di Spagna, the machine was on a wall on the right hand side, can't remember how far down

Theme: Other

A useful momento of your trip to Venice

A year or so ago I decided to stop buying 'souvenirs' from my trips, instead I decided to buy something useful, that I might use on a regular basis, but would still remind me of my trip.

On one trip to Venice I came across this kitchen shop which was holding a closing down sale.
I had mixed feelings - a chance to find a bargain for me, but another locals shop 'going under'

There were quite a few people in the shop, browsing the goods- I was pleased to find some Le Creuset casserole dishes at a bargain price-but then realised that I would have problems carrying them in my luggage-the money saved would probably have been spent on excess baggage charges.!

I did find something that I'd wanted for a long time though- a stove top coffee maker (10 euros)- and in an attractive pistachio green colour. I also purchased a few pottery spoons (1.50 euros each), similar to ones that I'd seen in a restaurant. This came to 19 euros altogether!

So now I've got a reminder of my trip to Venice each time I use my coffee maker . I also purchased a tin of Illy coffee from the airport.

What to buy: 'Everyday items' with an Italian flavour such as coffee cups, kitchenware, table linen etc.
Look for 'Sales' where you might find a bargain.

What to pay: From a few euros upwards

Theme: Other

SU.VE: Supermarket Markets and supermarkets Review

I was pleased to find a supermarket fairly near to my hotel, so that I could stock up on a few snacks to eat in my room. My breakfast was quite basic , so i purchased some yogurts (1.20 euros for 4 pots) potato crisps (1.10 euros for a large packet) praline chocolate (3.50 euros) fruit juice (1.05 euro and 1.10 euros) clementines (3 euros) and a packet of biscuits (2.95 euros).

This supermarket also stocked a selection of wines, beers and spirits, cold meats, cheeses as well as tinned goods etc. There was also a selection of toiletries.

Some info on Supermarkets in Venice
Also
Click Here

What to buy: Drinks for your room, or to take home - probably a lot cheaper than at the airport

Crisps, chocolates, fruit, biscuits etc,

What to pay: From less than 1 euro upwards.

Address: Castello 5811/18 Venezia

Phone: 041/5229138

Theme: Food and Drink

Marco Polo Airport -: Bottega dei Sapori Food, wine and sweets Review

Once I've 'checked in' I head for the shops of this airport - sometimes stopping for a small ice cream from the well stocked stall.

Bottaga dei Sapori is my favourite shop-stocked with 'the best food and wine from Italy and abroad' - (their blurb!)

I usually stock up on presents such as Italian biscuits and chocolates for family and friends, then usually treat myself to something. Coffee, Bellinis, Prosecco, cheese etc.
My next visit I'll have to buy a bottle of Aperol so that I can enjoy my evening spritz!

You can purchase gifts from Florians, The Cipriani and Harrys Bar here too.

What to pay: From a few euros to as much as you (and your bank Manager) like.
There are sometimes reduced items.

Address: Boarding Area Marco Polo Airport

Directions: Through Security check, La Bottega is in front of you, next to Culto caffe e Cioccolato

Theme: Food and Drink

Campo San: Venetian Masks Venetian Masks (carnival etc) Review

On my visits to Venice, I've come across many 'Venetian masks' I've still not been tempted to buy one yet - but I have one at home that I bought in Sheffield for a local 'Masked Ball' - which has a made in Venice tag
Crossing Campo San Tomo, I came across this shop, and was mesmorised by the works of art in the window. I could see a young man at the back of the closed shop working on a mask.

I guess if You want a quality crafted mask, this is a place to visit. There were no prices on the masks displayed in the window - another clue that these are quality pieces, and aren't going to be cheap.

to be continued..

Theme: Local Craft