Jun.

11

Venice City Guide

venice-lagoon-at-night

Visiting VENICE for the first time is like a water dance of endless grace, history and romance, so I paid more attention to my surroundings than I did to taking photos. Since then, I’ve gotten to know the northern Italian city floating on the sea and have come to appreciate its fusion of art + design both contemporary and historic. However, Venice has become very touristy, so I’m sharing my favorites to insure you experience the best of Venice.

For unique shopping experiences, I suggest skipping the luxury retailers and street vendors, and heading to Venetian shops like Rigattieri for ceramics, Venini for Murano glass, and Bottega Mascareri for Venetian masks. Design enthusiasts will like Carte and Il Prato for paper goods, Chiarastella Cattana for linens, and Venetia and Palazzo Fortuny for gorgeous fabrics. Fashionistas will love Virginia Preo for cashmere, Cristina Linassi for lingerie, and Antonia Miletto for jewelry.

venice-doge's-palace
MUSEUMS + ATTRACTIONS
Sightseeing Tip: Venice is best explored on foot, so bring comfortable walking shoes, grab a good map and don’t be afraid to ride the public ferries.

Basilica di San Marco
San Marco 328
www.basilicadisanmarco.it

The most famous church in Venice with incredible Byzantine architecture.

Fondazione Prada
Ca’ Corner Della Regina
www.fondazioneprada.org

Book at least 48 hours in advance to tour one-of-a-kind art installations.

Gallerie Dell’Accademia
Campo della Carità 1050
www.galleriaccademia.org

A good rainy day option for exploring Italian art.

Lido Beach

For the perfect break from all the art + culture you’ll be consuming.

Palazzo Ducale
San Marco 1
www.palazzoducale.visitmuve.it

The Secret Itinerary tour offers great stories of Venice’s intrigue + history.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Dorsoduro 701
www.guggenheim-venice.it

A museum of modern art curated by the American heiress.

Piazza San Marco

THE gathering place to people watch and take photos with pigeons.

Punta della Dogana
Dorsoduro 2
www.palazzograssi.it

François Pinault’s incredible art collection in a building re-designed by Tadao Ando.

Rialto Bridge + Market
San Polo
www.comune.venezia.it

The oldest bridge crossing the Grand Canal near the must-Instagram seafood market.

San Giorgio Maggiore

The island that’s home to a 16th century church designed by Andrea Palladio.

venice-da-fiore

RESTAURANTS

Al Covo
Castello 3968
www.ristorantealcovo.it

Seafood restaurant popular with foodies and Americans.

Antiche Carampane
San Polo 1911
www.antichecarampane.com

Unassuming trattoria near Rialto Bridge considered one of the best for seafood.

Antico Martini
Campo San Fantin 2007
www.anticomartini.com

Legendary, reasonably-priced and known for its modern take on Venetian classics.

Acqua Pazza
Campo Sant’Angelo
www.veniceacquapazza.com

Considered some of the best pizza in Venice.

Cip’s Club
Giudecca 10
www.hotelcipriani.it

Alfresco dining on the water + incredible views of Piazza San Marco.

CoVino
Calle del Pestrin
www.covinavenezia.com

Traditional Italian offering an innovative fixed-priced menu.

Da Fiore
Calle del Scaleter 2202
www.dafiore.net

Elegant with modern cuisine and excellent wine list. Perfect for special occasions.

Harry’s Bar
Calle Vallaresso 1323
www.harrysbarvenezia.com

Go for the famous Bellini.

Il Figli Delle Stelle
Giudecca 70-71
www.ilfiglidellestelle.it

If you’re staying on Guidecca, a relaxing lunch here is a must.

Impronta Cafe
Dorsoduro 3815
www.improntacafevenice.com

Popular with locals and in-the-know visitors for reasonably priced lunch and dinner.

Met
Riva degli Schiavoni 4149
www.hotelmetropole.com

Read my review here.

Naranzaria
San Polo 130
www.naranzaria.it

Near Rialto Market, so expect fresh sushi and seafood. Great for apertivo too.

Osteria Oliva Nero
Castello 3417
www.olivanero.com

Family-run restaurant serving Venetian specialities elevated with a light-hand.

Osteria di Santa Marina
Campo Santa Marina 5911
www.osteriadisantamarina.com

Serving delicious Venetian classics in a cozy, romantic atmosphere.

Ristorante Quadri
Piazza San Marco 121
www.alajmo.it

Read my review here.

Ristorante Ulivo
Guidecca 33
www.palladiohotelspa.com

Read my review here.

travel venice amanHOTELS
Traveler’s Tip: Hotels range from historic five-stars to chic gems, and services offered vary. Many hotels charge for wifi. Visit hotel websites for free services and room rate specials.

Aman Canal Grande
San Polo 1364
www.amanresorts.com

Contemporary palazzo with secluded private gardens and spacious rooms.

Bauer Palazzo
San Marco 1413
www.ilpalazzovenezia.com

Venetian design and attentive service steps from Piazza San Marco.

Belmond Cipriani
Giudecca 10
www.belmond.com

Glamorous hotel with legendary service perfect for a serene Venetian escape.

Hotel Flora
San Marco 2283
www.hotelflora.it

A fairly-priced hidden gem near Piazza San Marco.

Hotel Monaco + Grand Canal
San Marco 1332
www.hotelmonaco.it

Most rooms offer views of the Grand Canal with 5-star service.

Palazzina G
San Marco 3247
www.palazzinag.com

Style + design reign supreme at this chic boutique hotel designed by Philippe Starck.

St Regis San Clemente
Isola di San Clemente
www.stregisvenice.com

The latest sensation to open in Venice courtesy of Starwood hotels.

Westin Europa + Regina
San Marco 2159
www.westineuroparegina.com

A bit dated, but good mid-priced hotel located near Piazza San Marco.

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