The northern tip of the Adriatic Sea is home to the unique Venice, a sought after destination in Italy, considered to be one of the prettiest cities in the world. It keeps its singularity as a city developed over tree trunks in the muddy grounds of a lagoon and that is subject to tides that overflow its charming piazzas. Venice’s quintessential architecture, romantic canals, lovely… Read more »
Local: Venice
Murano is a nearby small island where the famous and colorful glasses of the same name are produced. It is in Venice’s lagoon, not far at all and easily accessible by taking any of the many boats around the canal near the Doge Palace. Once there, head to Rio dei Vetrai, where you will find many houses making and selling the pretty glasses, then visit… Read more »
The Accademia, an old time school of arts and one of the first in the world to develop art restoration, has turned into a museum of pre-19th Century Venetian art. A visit to this museum is a perfect way to better understand the history of Venice, with its many paintings and other forms of art. It holds some important masterpieces by Carpaccio and Tintoretto, both… Read more »
This wonderful historical building, one of the most famous in Venice, has become a new hotspot for high-end shopping, quite a different experience from the many stalls and souvenir shops in neighboring Rialto Bridge. The interiors are spectacular and a signature of famous Koolhaas, who perfectly mixed the renaissance essence of the building with a magnificent contemporary style. Labels like Burberry, Fendi and Gucci can… Read more »
We are not merely suggesting that you should visit St Mark’s Square, obviously. Even if you have been to Venice before, the Piazza is so fabulous that visiting every time you are in town is essential. However, during the day Venice can feel invaded by day-trippers, who arrive by train or cruise ships to spend a few hours in the Piazza, go for a gondola… Read more »
Colorful Burano Island is home to the famous hand made Venetian laces. Its enchanting little streets, with canals and brightly colored buildings, have not been in travelers’ lists for long, but little by little people have started to avoid packed San Marco during peak hours to enjoy other Venetian sites, like Burano, during the day. Burano is a wonderful half-day tour and the island is… Read more »
This delightful little gem, tucked away in a small alley, is quite difficult to find, but the lines at the front give away not only its location but the assurance that good food is being prepared there. To appease your appetite while you wait outside for your table, waiters bring out to the alley pans with small dishes containing typical starters like gnocchi or a… Read more »
Probably one of your best meals in Venice would be at the Antiche Carampane, specialized in seafood, for which the city is famous, but with a modern twist. It is not exactly a fancy or fashionable restaurant, but rather a relaxed and lively family run setting that has become famous for its excellent quality of food. The menu changes regularly, given that they focus on… Read more »
This family run pasticceria has been around for quite some time, according to the family’s own account for over a century. It is a traditional pastry-making venue, an ideal place to stop for coffee and cakes, but they also sell chocolates and other sweets. There is more than one shop in town nowadays, we stopped more than once at the one conveniently located on the… Read more »
The Fiore has become a well-known venue in Venice, and even though it carries Osteria in its name, it is actually more of a distinguished Michelin starred restaurant serving traditional food with a modern twist. We were lucky enough to find available the seasonal granseola (crab meat) for starter, a Venetian delicacy not easily found in some seasons. Main courses included a delicious cod as… Read more »
Marciana was a good surprise for our lunch near Piazza San Marco, an area understandably surrounded by tourist traps. This small eatery, just steps away from the famous piazza and an unpretentious modern flair, delivers very good food, considering its location. We started with some vongole pasta, prosciutto and melon, and scampi (prawns) in purple onion, all appetizing. Following the starters, we had fun with parpadelle… Read more »
Osteria alle Testieri is in almost all experts’ lists when they talk about Venice, but do not expect a starred restaurant with in vogue spheres and foams. This osteria has been operating for decades and has a traditional bias in its offerings. The menu depends on the day since the Testieri cooks whatever comes fresh from the markets. In general you can find different kinds… Read more »
Da Raffaele is a traditional Venetian restaurant with typical food and a lovely canal front terrace, perfect for outdoor seating, weather allowing. The ambiance is cozy with objects on walls, wooden furniture, flowers on the balcony and delightfully tranquil canal views. Everything we ordered was tasteful and delicious, the Zuppe de Cozze (the Italian version of Moules et Frites), the carbonara (one of the best… Read more »
The Rosa Salva is one of the best 3-star hotels in town, and we would actually rate it a “3-star premium”. If you are staying in Venice for a short period of time and willing to stay close to the main attractions of the city, the location of this property is perfect, a 5- minute walk to St Mark or the Rialto. The hotel has… Read more »
The Villeggiatura is a very small inn offering a homey stay near the busy markets and streets of the Rialto. This charming option, with a somewhat residential feel, is in the center of Venice in the San Polo area. The many shops and restaurants around it make it easy to enjoy the city, particularly considering it is also near another of Venice’s top attractions, the… Read more »
This small and simple three-star boutique hotel is a rare find in Venice: well-located, near most of the city’s attractions (a 10-minute walk) and has lovely gardens and a patio, an almost impossible find at hotels in town. Do not expect an upscale stay, as everything about the Sant’Antoni is simple but pretty. The friendly reception staff will welcome you straight into the hotels hallmark,… Read more »
The Ai Realli is well located in a tiny square on a quiet street, something of a rarity in busy Venice. It is near the Rialto and just a 5-minute walk to San Marco. The property’s style is typical Venetian, with gilded chandeliers, metallic moldings and depictions of celestial elements. Contrary to a good amount of hotels in town, Ai Reali has used of good… Read more »
Right by one of Venice’s most photographed canals, The Splendid is on a busy corner of the town center and a short walk to most of the city’s popular attractions. Considering the property is located in the oldest and most demanded part of town, do expect busy days around the hotel. Evenings are a lot more peaceful and you will be strategically located to explore… Read more »
Should you be willing to enjoy a quieter side of Venice whilst making the most of the city, the Palazzo Veneziano could be a good option. It is located in Dorsoduro, an area away from the epicenter of the city’s attractions, but still close enough: a 20-minute walk to Piazza San Marco or the Rialto, and close to restaurants and shops in San Polo and… Read more »
The Orient inspired boutique Novecento, off a busy central street, is quite a change from what you usually get in terms of style in Venice. And this is not its only attraction: the extremely attentive and courteous staff, led by the family who own the hotel, make you feel like a cherished guest. A smart décor and cozy atmosphere add to the allure, as well… Read more »
