Veneto is one of Italy's most diverse and captivating regions, stretching from the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites in the north to the Adriatic Sea in the east. Home to Venice, Verona, and Padua, it blends iconic art cities with rolling wine hills, thermal spas, and pristine alpine landscapes. From the canals of La Serenissima to the ancient Roman amphitheater of Verona, Veneto offers an unmatched tapestry of history, cuisine, and natural beauty.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Murano Glass
Hand-blown glass from Murano island — from delicate vases and jewelry to elaborate chandeliers. A genuine Murano piece is a lasting and authentic Venice souvenir.
Price: €15–2,000+
Where: Murano island furnaces and showrooms; Venezia Autentica certified shops in Venice
Venetian Carnival Masks
Hand-painted papier-mâché or leather masks in traditional Carnival styles — Bauta, Medico della Peste (plague doctor), Colombina. Quality ranges from tourist tchotchkes to fine artworks.
Price: €15–300+
Where: Artigiani maskmakers in Dorsoduro and San Polo; Ca' Macana workshop
Amarone della Valpolicella
One of Italy's greatest red wines, produced in the hills north of Verona from dried Corvina grapes. A bottle of quality Amarone is the finest possible Veneto souvenir.
Price: €25–200+
Where: Valpolicella winery cantinas; Enoteca Segnalaghi in Venice; wine shops (enoteche) in Verona
Prosecco DOCG
The famous sparkling wine from the Conegliano Valdobbiadene hills. A Prosecco Superiore DOCG or Rive single-vineyard bottling makes a special gift.
Price: €10–40
Where: Wine shops throughout Veneto; direct from cantinas on the Prosecco Road
Burano Lace
Handmade needle lace from Burano island — one of Italy's finest textile traditions dating to the 16th century. Authentic pieces take weeks to produce and are correspondingly priced.
Price: €30–500+
Where: Burano island lace workshops and the Museo del Merletto
Fortuny Fabric
Luxurious hand-printed Fortuny fabrics in the tradition established by designer Mariano Fortuny on the Giudecca island. A unique and prestigious Venetian textile.
Price: €150–1,500+
Where: Fortuny showroom on Giudecca; select fabric stores in Venice
Venetian Spices
Venice was built on the spice trade — packs of saffron, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper from the Rialto market echo centuries of Venetian trading heritage.
Price: €5–25
Where: Rialto market spice stalls; Drogheria Mascari in Venice
Bassano del Grappa Ceramics
The town of Bassano del Grappa in Vicenza province has been producing distinctive yellow-and-green majolica ceramics since the 18th century.
Price: €15–150
Where: Bassano del Grappa workshops and the town's ceramics shops
Grappa di Bassano
Italy's national spirit distilled from grape pomace — Bassano del Grappa is the home of the finest grappa producers including Poli and Nardini.
Price: €15–80+
Where: Poli Grappa Museum shop in Bassano; Grapperia Nardini on the famous Ponte Vecchio
Venetian Art Books and Maps
Venice has an extraordinary tradition of fine publishing and printmaking. Antique maps and prints, art books, and beautifully designed Venice stationery make distinctive gifts.
Price: €10–200
Where: Libreria Acqua Alta; Alberto Valese Ebru marbled paper studio
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Rialto Market (Mercato di Rialto)
Venice's legendary market operating for over 1,000 years. The Pescheria (fish market) is extraordinary; the Erbaria (produce) is colorful and fragrant. Vendors sell lagoon fish, seasonal vegetables, and fresh herbs.
Where: San Polo, Venice (near Rialto Bridge)
Hours: Tue–Sat 7AM–1PM
Piazza delle Erbe Market, Verona
Verona's daily produce market in its most beautiful piazza, surrounded by Renaissance palaces. Flowers, fruit, vegetables, and souvenirs in a stunning historic setting.
Where: Piazza delle Erbe, Verona
Hours: Daily 8AM–1PM except Sunday
Prato della Valle Market, Padua
One of Italy's largest markets held in Padua's great elliptical square. The Saturday general market and the third Sunday antiques market are both worth attending.
Where: Prato della Valle, Padua
Hours: Saturday 7AM–2PM (general); 3rd Sunday of month (antiques)
Mercato di Campo Santa Margherita, Venice
A small neighborhood market in Venice's most vibrant campo, selling produce, fish, and local specialties to residents.
Where: Campo Santa Margherita, Dorsoduro, Venice
Hours: Mon–Sat 7AM–1PM
Mercatino delle Pulci, Padua
Padua's monthly antiques and flea market in the twin piazzas of the city center — excellent for vintage items, books, and curiosities.
Where: Piazza della Frutta and Piazza delle Erbe, Padua
Hours: 3rd Sunday of month 8AM–6PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Mercerie, Venice
The series of narrow streets connecting Piazza San Marco to the Rialto, historically Venice's main commercial artery. Today a mix of high-street fashion, souvenir shops, and a few remaining quality artisan stores.
Best for: Mainstream brands, masks, and Murano glass
Calle dei Fabbri and San Marco area, Venice
Concentrated designer and luxury brands near Piazza San Marco — Prada, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, and high-end Italian fashion brands.
Best for: Luxury fashion and Italian designer brands
Via Mazzini, Verona
Verona's main pedestrian shopping street through the historic center with a mix of Italian fashion brands, boutiques, and cafes.
Best for: Italian fashion brands and window shopping
Corso Palladio, Vicenza
Vicenza's beautiful main boulevard lined with Palladian palaces and a mix of high-quality boutiques, goldsmiths (Vicenza is Italy's jewelry capital), and coffee bars.
Best for: Italian gold jewelry (Vicenza is the center of Italian jewelry production)
Via Umberto I, Padua
Padua's main shopping street connecting the train station to the historic center with fashion chains, bookshops, and local stores.
Best for: Everyday Italian fashion and local shops
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Centro Commerciale Le Barche
Large modern shopping center in Mestre (Venice mainland) with major Italian and international brands, cinema, and restaurants. Convenient for practical shopping before or after Venice.
Hours: Mon–Sat 9AM–9PM; Sun 10AM–8PM
Adigeo, Verona
Verona's largest shopping center with over 180 stores, IKEA, a food court, and cinema multiplex — on the south side of the city.
Hours: Mon–Sun 9AM–9PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is not customary in Italian shops — fixed prices are standard
Markets may accept a slight discount for bulk purchases or politely asking 'è il miglior prezzo?' (is that your best price?)
Negotiate only at antique and flea markets where it is more expected
Murano glass: buying directly from the furnace on the island is generally better value than Venice souvenir shops
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Antiques over 50 years old require an export certificate from the Italian Ministry of Culture. No restrictions on wine and food for personal use within EU limits.
Tax Refund: VAT refund (Tax Free shopping) available for non-EU visitors on purchases over €154.94 at participating shops. Show your passport and ask for a Tax Free form.
Duty Free: Within the EU: no duty-free allowances. Non-EU visitors: liquor limits apply at home country customs.
Shipping: Most Murano glass shops offer international shipping for large or fragile items. Expect €30–100 for standard international parcels.