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Venice’s most original papiermâché masks. A monstrous bear’s head might hang alongside a gloating Tutankhamun, but the speciality is Carnival costumes. Masks for the film Eyes Wide Shut (2000) were made here.

Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly and Elton John have all happily spent time (and more) in this plush boutique of glittering marvels. Three generations of craftsmen have thrilled those who can afford it with breathtaking pieces, such as their blackamoor brooch in ruby and gold or diamond and platinum.

A triumphant showroom of exquisite lace and embroidery, founded in 1870. Ask to see the “back-up copy” of the delicate lace tablecloth commissioned by Queen Margherita which took 10 years to complete. The firm first acted as a trade school for poor girls.

Don’t expect Venetian glass animals here, rather innovative platters and vases of great simplicity and style. Since its 1921 beginnings, Venini’s award-winning design team has included top names Carlo Scarpa and Gae Aulenti.

String together your own necklace in this great shop. Dazzling kaleidoscopic baubles range from traditional gay murrhine, to blown globes sprayed with gold and silver, Chinese ceramics and African bone beads.

Feel like jet-black tagliatelle ribbons made from cuttlefish ink for dinner? Or perhaps the blue Curaçao variety or the multi-coloured Carnival masks? These are only a taste of more than 40 imaginative pasta shapes by Rizzo – a marvellous souvenir.

It’s impossible to walk past the stylishly dressed windows of Coin without being impressed. Centrally located close to the Rialto GPO, this branch of Italy’s largest department chain has an elegant clothing range and sleekly designed homeware.

Venice’s past contact with the Orient is conjured up by the sumptuous handmade furnishings in this showroom. A blend of computer technology and traditional techniques is used for the brocades, damasks and silks.

Photo albums and address books in rainbow-coloured marbled paper and leather at reasonable prices, by one of the original craftsmen in Venice.

Excellent multilingual selection of literature and miscellany focusing on Venice. Also serves as a tourist information point and box office for cultural events.