Venice, a city celebrated for its breathtaking canals and rich history, might not be the first place that springs to mind when thinking about vibrant music scenes or bustling Guitar Shops. Having recently returned to North America after calling Venice home for nearly 11 years, I can offer a unique perspective on the reality of finding musical instruments, specifically guitars, in this iconic Italian city.
The truth is, Venice’s music retail landscape is as unique as the city itself – and increasingly scarce. Currently, Venice is fortunate to have just a single, small music shop tucked away not far from Campo San Polo. To give you an idea of its size, picture a walk-in closet, or perhaps a bathroom in a typical North American home – that’s about the scale we’re talking about. Until recently, there was a second modest establishment, but it sadly closed its doors a few years ago. This decline reflects a larger trend in Venice: the dwindling number of permanent residents. The surge in apartments converted to short-term rentals has significantly reduced the local population, leaving very few to support even these tiny, specialized shops. It seems likely that the surviving guitar shop primarily caters to the needs of local school children and private students, providing beginner instruments and essential learning materials.
For guitar enthusiasts seeking a wider selection, particularly those hoping to discover renowned brands like Martin guitars, Venice itself might prove disappointing. As someone familiar with both the Venetian and broader Italian music scene, I often found myself taking a train journey to Esse Music in Montebelluno, roughly 1.5 hours from Venice. Esse Music reportedly bills itself as the largest music store in Europe in terms of physical space. It boasts an extensive acoustic guitar section and was staffed by knowledgeable people like Walter, who specialized in guitars. Another noteworthy, larger music shop (by Italian standards) can be found in Bologna.
However, if you are traveling from North America with the specific intention of exploring guitar shops to find, for example, a wide range of Martin guitars, it’s arguably not the most efficient use of your time. While you might stumble upon a unique model not commonly found in the US – I recall seeing a Martin 000-28 limited edition exclusive to Italy, beautiful but not exceptionally unique in its specifications – most Italian guitarists would likely find it peculiar for a North American to specifically seek out guitar shops in Italy. After all, Italian music stores often take pride in stocking American brands!
Interestingly, there is one type of musical instrument that you can find more affordably in Venice, even in the small local shop: quality harmonicas. And unlike guitars, harmonicas are incredibly travel-friendly, making them a practical and delightful souvenir for music lovers visiting Venice.
While your quest for guitar shops in Venice might be brief, the city itself offers a wealth of other sensory experiences. To truly appreciate Venice, I highly recommend experiencing it during the early morning and evening hours. If you are an early riser, you will be rewarded with the city bathed in beautiful light, witnessing the authentic rhythm of Venetians starting their day. By 10 am, however, the influx of tourist boats from the mainland and parking facilities begins, transforming the atmosphere considerably. Similarly, in the late afternoon, areas like Riva degli Schiavonni become crowded as tourists return to their shuttle services. It’s worth noting that a significant majority – around 75% – of visitors to Venice are day-trippers, contributing minimally to the local economy.
If possible, find an opportunity to get on a boat – even a vaporetto, the public water bus that circles the city. If your budget allows, consider a water taxi tour of the lagoon for a more personalized experience. Even a water taxi transfer to or from Venice airport, while costly, offers a memorable perspective of the city.
During weekends, and increasingly even on Fridays, the queues for the waterbus to Murano, the famous glass-making island, used to be excessively long. This likely remains the case, and it can also make accessing Burano, further north in the lagoon, challenging or even impossible.
For dining, Osteria alle Testiere is often lauded as Venice’s best restaurant, known for its focus on the freshest ingredients. However, it is tiny, seating perhaps only 20, and reservations are essential. La Patatina is another excellent option, offering outdoor seating on Campo San Giacomo dall’Orio. Antiche Carampane, a discreet and unassuming restaurant tucked away from the main thoroughfares, is known to be a favorite among celebrities like Lionel Messi and Sting when they are in Venice. Lunch there might offer a more relaxed atmosphere, away from the evening buzz of Venetian socialites and celebrity diners.
A local friend once mentioned seeing Sting at Harry’s Bar, although I personally never ventured into Harry’s Bar myself. I was aware of its tiered pricing structure – different menus and prices for regulars versus tourists – and knew that becoming a “regular” was beyond my budget.
Antica Locanda Montin is another historically significant restaurant in a charming location. It is rumored that Hemingway was a patron, and in its heyday, it was a popular gathering spot.
In conclusion, while Venice might not be a prime destination for dedicated guitar shoppers, the city’s charm and unique atmosphere are undeniable. Enjoy your visit, embrace the morning and evening tranquility, and perhaps pick up a harmonica as a musical memento of your Venetian experience. And yes, you are right, I do miss it!
