Murano glass from island workshops
Must-SeeBuy ON Murano island from workshops with the "Vetro Artistico Murano" trademark. Watch the glass-blowing demo first. Venini, Barovier & Toso, and smaller fornaci are authentic. Most "Murano glass" in Venice is fake.
Carnival masks from artisan makers
Must-SeeCa' Macana, Tragicomica, and La Bottega dei Mascareri make real papier-mâché masks. Mask-making classes (€55-75) let you create your own. Avoid the €5 plastic masks everywhere.
Burano lace
Must-SeeReal Burano lace is handmade and expensive. The Museo del Merletto shows the tradition. Most "Burano lace" in shops is machine-made — ask for "fatto a mano" and expect to pay accordingly.
Gondolier-striped items from Venetia Studium
Must-SeeFortuny-style pleated silk scarves, lamps, and accessories. Venetia Studium and Bevilacqua produce genuine Venetian textiles with historical techniques.
Venetian paper from Legatoria Piazzesi
Must-SeeVenice's oldest paper shop (since 1851). Block-printed paper, journals, and stationery using traditional wooden stamps. On Campiello della Feltrina near Campo Santa Maria del Giglio.
Bottom line
Go to Murano for glass, Burano for colour (if not lace), and the Dorsoduro for masks and paper. Everything near San Marco is overpriced and often fake.