Curator’s statement
Venice is a place like no other — a city built on water, with a blend of art, history and culture. From the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica to quiet, less-traveled canals, Venice offers experiences that bring you closer to its heart. This guide will highlight must-see sites alongside lesser-known treasures, blending Venice’s renowned charm with spots only locals tend to know for an unforgettable Venetian adventure.
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Things to do in Venice
St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco): A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture adorned with mosaics and stunning domes. Climb up to the terrace for a beautiful view of St. Mark's Square.
Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale): A grand Gothic palace with incredible art and architecture. Don’t miss the Bridge of Sighs and the impressive chambers.
Rialto Market: A bustling market near the Rialto Bridge with fresh produce, seafood, and spices. It's a wonderful place to experience Venetian daily life.
Burano Island: Famous for its brightly colored houses and lace-making shops, Burano offers a vibrant escape from Venice’s main islands.
Campo Santa Margherita: A lively square popular with locals, filled with cafes and shops, making it ideal for an evening stroll and people-watching.
Jewish Ghetto (Ghetto Ebraico di Venezia): A historic area with synagogues, kosher bakeries, and cultural significance. It offers a unique insight into Venice's diverse history.
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo: Known for its spiral staircase, this small palace is an architectural delight with great views over Venice’s rooftops.
Libreria Acqua Alta: A quirky bookstore where books are stored in bathtubs and boats to protect them from flooding. It’s a hidden gem for book lovers.
Places to eat & drink in Venice
Osteria alle Testiere: A small, cozy restaurant known for seafood specialties. Reservations are a must due to limited seating and high demand.
Trattoria Antiche Carampane: Hidden away from the main tourist paths, this trattoria offers authentic Venetian cuisine. Try the black pasta with squid ink.
Al Merca: Near the Rialto Market, this popular spot offers panini and local wines, perfect for a quick bite.
Cantina Do Mori: One of Venice’s oldest wine bars, it’s known for cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and an extensive selection of wines.
Caffè Florian: Established in 1720 in St. Mark’s Square, this iconic cafe offers a classic Venetian experience with coffee and pastries in a historic setting.
Ai Mercanti: A hidden gem for modern Venetian cuisine with creative dishes that combine tradition with innovation.
Il Ridotto: A Michelin-starred restaurant with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. It's an intimate space perfect for a special dinner.
Pasticceria Tonolo: A local favorite for pastries and desserts, especially during Carnival season when they serve the traditional fritelle.
Bar Longhi at Gritti Palace: A refined bar offering expertly crafted cocktails with a view of the Grand Canal.
Need to know
Unique Experiences:
Gondola Rowing Lesson: Instead of just riding a gondola, try learning how to row like a gondolier. This is a unique experience to better understand Venice’s waterways.
Venetian Mask-Making Workshop: Join a local artisan and make your own Venetian mask, a perfect memento and a fun insight into Carnival tradition.
Classical Music Concert at Scuola Grande di San Teodoro: Enjoy Vivaldi and other classical music in a historic Venetian setting for an immersive cultural experience.
Prosecco Day Trip: Take a boat ride to the nearby Veneto wine region to tour Prosecco vineyards and sample sparkling wines.
Ghost and Legends Tour: Discover the mysterious side of Venice with an evening tour exploring ghost stories and legends in the historic streets.
Murano Glass-Blowing Workshops: Take a short boat ride to Murano Island to watch or even try your hand at glass-blowing in one of the local workshops.
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Angelina Bennici
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Venice page.