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In this guide, you’ll find 11 must-buy Venice souvenirs that are easy to pack, genuinely local, and worth the suitcase space. I’ve added shopper tips—how to avoid fakes, where to buy, VAT refund basics, and what you can bring through customs.
I focused on items that feel uniquely Venetian—quality over clutter. If you want souvenirs with a story, this list is for you.
11 Best Souvenirs to Buy in Venice
1. Murano Glass Drinking Glasses
Handblown on Murano Island, these glasses balance beauty and function. Expect higher prices for certified pieces; they’re heirloom-level keepsakes.
Money-saving option: Venice also sells Murano-style glassware (not certified Murano) that’s stylish and affordable.
2. Murano Glass Figurines
Miniatures of lagoon sea life, gondolas, or abstract forms make elegant décor and pack well if boxed properly (ask shops for shock-proof packaging).
3. Murano Glass Wine Accessories
Wine stoppers and charms are compact, giftable, and won’t murder your baggage allowance. Grab a few for friends.
4. Venetian Masks
Iconic, theatrical, and handmade in artisan ateliers. Many studios also offer mask-making workshops—fun and very giftable as an experience.
5. Magnets
Lightweight, inexpensive, and endlessly varied—from Murano-style glass to mini masks. Great for bulk gifting.
6. Venetian Lace (Burano)
Burano’s handmade lace has a 16th-century pedigree. Authentic pieces are rare and expensive, but museum-grade quality explains the price.
7. Bellini
Born at Harry’s Bar, the Bellini blends white peach purée with sparkling wine. Supermarkets sell bottled versions—much cheaper than airports.
8. Squid Ink Paste (Nero di Seppia)
Recreate Venice’s black pasta at home: stir 1–2 sachets into a tomato-based sauce. Cuttlefish ink is concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
9. Pasta (Bigoli, etc.)
Bigoli is Veneto’s thick, spaghetti-like pasta—traditionally made with duck eggs and perfect with hearty meat sauces. Colorful short pastas make playful gifts too.
10. Wine (Amarone & Soave)
Go red with Amarone (Verona) or white with Soave. Pack bottles in protective sleeves inside checked luggage, not carry-on.
11. Chocolate
Not uniquely Venetian, but Italian chocolates are always a safe, delicious gift. Great for host families or coworkers.
Bonus Picks (English-reader favorites)
Venetian marbled paper & stationery: Notebooks, albums, and prints from historic bookbinders make unique gifts. Look for workshops in Dorsoduro and around Campo Santo Stefano.
Murrina (millefiori) glass jewelry: Pendants and necklaces made from patterned glass canes—lightweight, colorful, and very “Venice.”
Gondolier hat & striped shirt: Buy from the official gondoliers’ clothier near Rialto if you want the real deal (quality is night-and-day vs. street stalls).
Furlane (velvet slippers): Traditionally favored by gondoliers for quiet, sure footing—now a chic fashion item with deep Venetian roots.
Bussolai Buranei (Burano butter cookies): Classic S- or O-shaped cookies—buttery, lemony, and perfect with coffee. Easy to bring home.
Where to Shop in Venice (Quick Guide)
- Murano Island: Workshops and showrooms for certified glass (ask about the Vetro Artistico® Murano label).
- Burano Island: Lace boutiques and bakeries for bussolai; drop by the Lace Museum if you love textiles.
- San Marco & Mercerie: Central shopping streets for paper goods, fashion, and souvenirs.
- Cannaregio: Visit Ca’ Select for Venetian Spritz culture—tastings and exhibits.
Buyer Tips: Authenticity, VAT Refund, Packing & Customs
- Look for the Vetro Artistico® Murano anti-counterfeit sticker; many labels are QR-scannable to verify producers.
- Expect small imperfections (handblown = not factory-perfect).
- Too-cheap “Murano” is usually not Murano.
As of 2024 in Italy, purchases from a single shop totaling €70.01+ may qualify for tax-free shopping (standard VAT is 22%). Ask the retailer for the tax-free form and get it validated before you leave the EU.
- Carry-on: respect 100 ml rules for liquids.
- Checked baggage: pack bottles in sleeves; for the U.S., travelers 21+ may bring 1 liter duty-free (you can bring more, but expect possible duty).
Summary
- Murano glass drinking glasses
- Murano glass figurines
- Murano glass wine accessories
- Venetian masks
- Magnets
- Venetian lace (Burano)
- Bellini
- Squid ink paste (Nero di Seppia)
- Pasta (Bigoli, etc.)
- Wine (Amarone & Soave)
- Chocolate
Enjoy souvenir hunting while soaking up Venice’s history and culture—quality pieces carry memories that last.
Want to go deeper into Venetian flavors? Join a local class or tasting via GetYourGuide.
“Make pasta and tiramisu while sipping wine” is a stylish pick—plus many more activities to explore.
Have a fantastic trip to Venice—thanks for reading!