Venice, a city celebrated for its breathtaking canals and rich history, might not be the easiest place to find everything a traveling musician needs, especially if you’re searching for a “Guitar Shop Near Me”. Having spent over a decade living in Venice, I’ve learned firsthand about the unique landscape of this iconic city, including its surprisingly limited options for musical instrument stores.
The reality is, Venice is quite small and increasingly tailored to tourism rather than local residents. This shift has significantly impacted local businesses, including music shops. Currently, Venice supports only one tiny music store, tucked away not far from Campo San Polo. To give you an idea of its size, imagine a walk-in closet – that’s about the scale we’re talking about. There used to be another small shop, but it sadly closed down a few years ago. The primary reason for this decline is the dwindling number of permanent residents in Venice. The rise of short-term apartment rentals has pushed locals out, reducing the customer base for specialized shops like music stores. As a result, the remaining shop likely focuses on serving local schools and students with beginner instruments and essential supplies.
For serious guitarists or those seeking a wider selection, Venice itself might be underwhelming. During my time there, I often had to venture outside the city to find more comprehensive music stores. One notable option is Esse Music in Montebelluno, approximately 1.5 hours by train from Venice. Esse Music claims to be the largest music store in Europe in terms of floor space. They boast an extensive acoustic guitar section and are known for knowledgeable staff, like a helpful person named Walter I remember. Another larger music shop, by Italian standards, can be found in Bologna, though this is also a considerable journey from Venice.
However, if you’re traveling from North America with the specific intention of finding rare or unique guitars in Venice, particularly brands readily available in the US like Martins, it might not be the most fruitful endeavor. While you might stumble upon a model exclusive to Italy, like a Martin 000-28 I once saw, it’s unlikely to be significantly different from what you can find back home. In fact, Italian guitar shops often take pride in stocking American brands. An Italian guitarist might even find it amusing that someone from North America would come to Italy specifically seeking out American guitars!
Interestingly, there is one musical item you can find in Venice, even in the small local shop, at a reasonable price and quality: harmonicas. And unlike guitars, harmonicas are incredibly travel-friendly. So, if you’re a harmonica player, Venice might offer a pleasant surprise.
Beyond the quest for musical instruments, Venice itself is an experience best enjoyed at certain times. The mornings and evenings are truly magical. If you’re an early riser, you’ll witness the city bathed in beautiful light, and you’ll see Venetians going about their daily lives before the tourist crowds arrive. By 10 am, however, Venice transforms as tourist shuttle boats from the mainland begin to unload masses of visitors, which can make the city feel quite congested. Similarly, in the late afternoon, areas like Riva degli Schiavonni become packed again as tourists return to their shuttles. It’s worth noting that a large percentage of Venice’s visitors only stay for a few hours and contribute very little to the local economy.
To truly appreciate Venice, getting on a boat is essential. Even a ride on a vaporetto, the public water bus that circles the city, offers a unique perspective. If your budget allows, a water taxi to explore the lagoon is an unforgettable experience. Even the water taxi transfer to or from Venice airport, though costly, is a memorable introduction or farewell to the city.
Be aware that on weekends, and sometimes Fridays, the lines for the waterbus to Murano, the famous glass-making island, can be excessively long. This congestion can also make it difficult, or even impossible, to reach Burano, another beautiful island further north in the lagoon.
While in Venice, if you’re looking for exceptional dining, consider Osteria alle Testiere. Reputed to be the best restaurant in Venice, it’s a tiny establishment that focuses on the freshest seasonal ingredients, but reservations are essential due to its limited seating. La Patatina is another good option, offering outdoor seating on Campo San Giacomo dall’Orio. For a taste of celebrity-approved dining, Antiche Carampane is a discreet and unassuming restaurant favored by figures like Lionel Messi and Sting when they are in Venice. Lunch there is generally more relaxed than dinner, which tends to attract a ভিড় of Venetian socialites and visiting celebrities.
A local friend once mentioned seeing Sting at Harry’s Bar, a famous spot in Venice. However, I personally avoided Harry’s Bar because it operates with different seating areas and price lists for regulars versus tourists, and I knew becoming a regular was beyond my budget.
Antica Locanda Montin is another historically significant restaurant in a charming location. It’s rumored that Ernest Hemingway frequented this establishment, as it was a popular gathering place in its heyday.
In conclusion, while Venice is a captivating city, finding a “guitar shop near me” within Venice itself presents limitations. You might need to expand your search to nearby towns or consider purchasing harmonicas as a more readily available musical souvenir. However, the beauty and unique experiences Venice offers are undeniable. Enjoy your visit and perhaps consider exploring the Venetian lagoon with a soundtrack of your own making, even if your guitar has to wait for a shop further afield.
