The stupor of Venice after dark is inversely proportional to the bustle of its shopping streets in the daytime, when vast sums are trawled daily from the tourists' pockets. It's easy to get the impression that Venice's shops are divided at two extremes - geared either to the trinket trade or to expense-account fashion and accessories. The middle ground does exist, however, and it doesn't take too much ferreting around to find it: small workshops all over the city produce a range of reasonably priced items such as bags, masks and decorative papers; unusual prints and books are on sale in a number of shops; and there's even the odd bargain to be picked up amid the antique stalls.

The most famous shopping area in Venice is the Mercerie, a set of narrow streets that links St. Mark's Square and the Rialto. Here you can purchase anything from designed clothing, glass products, handbags, footwear, linens and books. For the greatest selection of traditional glass pieces and lace, take a boat to the islands of Murano and Burano.

Shop Hours: Shops are generally open in the morning from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm, and from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Some places may be closed on Wednesdays, so call before you go or ask your hotel concierge.

Antiques

Art Materials

Books

Clothes

Glass

Jewellery

Lace

Masks

Prints, Postcards, Paper And Stationery

Shoes, Bags And Leather

Miscellaneous