Shopping in Venice

Here's Rick's page of VAT information: http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/money/vat-rates-in-europe. But note that jewelry may have a different rate (many countries have a higher tax rate for "luxury" items, as they define them).

It's too bad you will only shop around San Marco, as getting further away from the main drag, especially on the island of Murano, will reap you more reward!

You will have no shortage of temptations. Here is a jewelry note from Rick's Venice book (not in the Italy book): Because jewelry is such a subjective taste, I recommend that you browse around to find the styles and prices that suit you. But if you need help, here are some places to start: Several jewelers can be found under the arcades (behind the chintzy souvenir stands) on the west (market) side of the Rialto Bridge, including Attombri, selling pieces with a classic, filigree-plus-beads look (Sotoportego dei Orefici, San Polo 65; another location on the Frezzaria, San Marco 1179; www.attombri.com). Marina e Susanna Sent sells contemporary designs in two upscale-feeling showrooms (near St. Mark’s next to Campo San Moisè at San Marco 2090, and near the Accademia on Campo San Vio at Dorsoduro 681, www.marinaesusannasent.com). Caron sells handmade glass jewelry, west of the Accademia along Calle de la Toleta (daily, Dorsoduro 1195).

We were in Venice a few weeks ago and there are many small shops around San Marco and other areas in various directions. You will not have time for Murano with only one day and it is not worth taking time away from Venice. I found glass bead bracelets for 7 euros and necklaces for as little as 15 euros. Prices vary but I found some nice things for not much money. Have fun!

Remember that in Venice much of the inexpensive jewelry and most of the cheap glass is in fact made in China.

Check carefully if that is important to you.

Just returned from a trip that included Venice. You can shop as much as you want. if you go just 10 minutes away from St. Mark's square, your savings on the same or better items will be from 25-75% (non-scientific data, but it's hugely noticeable). Glass jewelry is available many places. You just have to walk a bit. and explore some side streets.

We also bought lace from a hole in the wall place. And a leather bookbinder had amazing locally crafted gifts. There is an Il Papiro papershop (a chain) that has other nice paper gifts. Clothing wise, they have everything from designer labels to more boutique shops.

I could look up some of the receipts/stores we visited, but it's really about exploring yourself. Amazing shopping...enjoy!

We found some lovely shops walking back and forth to the Peggy Guggenheim museum...the hole in the wall shops were the best! Have fun!

The crowds around San Marco make shopping there a rather stressful experience. There are shops everywhere in Venice, really, and a lot sell the cheap souvenir glass stuff. So if you're looking for something specific, you might need to do some further research. Rick Steves' recommendations of Attombri and Marina e Susanna Sant are good- they're Italian, and have contemporary designs. Not cheap, but nice to look at!

If you can get past the Accademia, towards the Peggy Guggenheim museum, there are some great shops, especially selling glass jewelry. After going to Murano, I actually found some things in this area.