T R A V E L / C I T Y G U I D E S
VENICE
Discover our favourite hotels, restaurants, nightlife and things to do in Venice right now.
This insider's city guide has been a long time in the making. We've eaten in countless Venice restaurants, dined in the best local trattorias, and visited the latest local hotspots. We've also asked the most discerning Venice locals we know to share their favourite local hangouts – whether brand new or classic institutions. We bring you our hand-picked selection of our favourite places in Venice right now.
HOTELS
| VENICE |
Whether you're looking for the ultimate design hotel, a cosy boutique hotel, or an ultra-cool apartment, here is our pick of the best places to stay in Venice.
1. Wow Factor!
AMAN CANAL GRANDE
Arrive by boat in true jet-set style at this glamorous Italian palazzo on Venice’s Grand Canal. The stunning Aman Canal Grande Hotel is set within a breathtaking Venetian palace, bringing a contemporary influence to the palace’s gilded past. Don’t miss a visit to the rooftop terrace which boasts magnificent views of Venice. €€€
Calle Tiepolo 1364, 30125 Venic
aman.com | +39 041 270 7333
2. Romantic ...
CA MARIA ADELE
Set within a 16th-century Venetian Palazzo overlooking a beautiful tree-lined canal in Dorsoduro, Ca’Maria Adele is a feast for the eyes and the senses. A rich, seductive sanctuary of luxury design, the 14 individually-themed rooms are spread across four floors of the building. NB: This is an adults-only hotel. €€€
Sestiere Dorsoduro, 111, 30123 Venice
camariaadele.it | +39 041 520 3078
3. Grand Canal Views ...
CENTURION PALACE
Located in the former convent of the historic Palazzo Genovese, the Centurion Palace is a contemporary sanctuary overlooking Venice’s spectacular Grand Canal waterfront. Hidden away in the picturesque area of Dorsoduro, the hotel is just a short walk from San Marco square and the neighbouring Peggy Guggenheim Museum. €€
Dorsoduro, 173, 30123 Venice
centurionpalacevenezia.com | +39 041 34281
4. Fashionable ...
CA'SAGREDO
Nestled majestically on the banks of the Grand Canal, the 5-star Ca’Sagredo hotel boasts a superb waterfront position overlooking Venice’s iconic Grand Canal. Set within a 15th-century Palazzo, the building was declared a National Monument in order to preserve the untouched beauty of this ancient, noble residence. €€€
Campo Santa Sofia, 4198/99, Venice
casagredohotel.com | +39 041 241 3111
5. Cosy & Stylish ...
CORTE DI GABRIELA
A chic boutique hotel situated only moments from Piazza San Marco, the 11-room Corte di Gabriela is situated in the heart of Venice and lays claim to one of the most enviable locations in the city. The hotel blends designer interiors with 19th-century architecture. Upgrade to a suite and enjoy your own snow-white circular bed. €€
Calle Avvocati, Venice
cortedigabriela.com | +39 041 523 5077
6. Cool Boutique Chain ...
CHARMING HOUSE VENEZIA
One of Venice's coolest boutique hotel chains, the Charming House group boasts three Venice properties, each with its own unique style. The Charming House IQ is home to four designer suites in Venice's Castello district, while the Charming House DD724 is a hidden gem in the Dorsoduro district. €€
Dorsoduro, 724, 30123 Venice
thecharminghouse.com | +39 041 277 0262
7. Classic Institution ...
BELMOND HOTEL CIPRIANI
The Grande Dame of Venice's hotel scene, the classically opulent Belmond Hotel Cipriani boasts a picturesque setting on Giudecca Island, only a short boat ride from San Marco Square. With stunning views of the lagoon, the hotel is steeped in history and is also home to the only Olympic-sized swimming pool in central Venice. €€€
Giudecca, 10, 30133 Venice
belmond.com | +39 041 240 801
8. Fashionable ...
PALAZZINAG
The ultra-chic PalazzinaG is hidden away within a magnificent 16th-century palace which has been transformed by legendary French designer, Philippe Starck into a magical world of mirrors, rare vintage objects and glittering glass sculptures. You’re likely to feel so at home that you’ll never want to leave this jet-set haven. €€€
Ramo Grassi, 3247, 30124 Venice
palazzinag.com | +39 041 528 4644
Average Price of a Double Room: € = Around €100 or less; €€ = Around €200; €€€ = > €300
RESTAURANTS
&
NIGHTLIFE
| VENICE |
Whether you're looking for a fabulous foodie dining spot, the city's best trattoria, or a see-and-be-seen terrace cafe, here is our pick of the best places to eat & drink in Venice right now.
1. Wow Factor! ...
GRAND CANAL RESTAURANT
One of Venice’s most impressive waterfront dining experiences, Grand Canal Restaurant at the Hotel Monaco boasts an exquisite waterfront setting. Nestled within a Venetian palace next to Piazza San Marco, dine in style with Venice’s fashionable crowd while overlooking the glittering canals of Venice. €€
San Marco, 1332, 30124 Venice
hotelmonaco.it | +39 041 520 0211
2. Fresh Seafood …
ANTICHE CARAMPANE
One of our favourite trattorias in Venice, Antiche Carampane is a fantastic place to experience some of the best local seafood in Venice. Hidden away in a quiet residential area of the San Polo district, the restaurant serves delicacies such as the freshest raw fish and shellfish, delicious homemade pasta and one of the best frito misti in town. €€
Rio Terà de le Carampane, 1911, Venice
antichecarampane.com | +39 041 524 0165
3. Local Institution ...
DA FIORE
Situated in an elegantly understated setting overlooking a quiet canal in Venice’s San Polo district, the Michelin-starred Da Fiore will take you on a culinary tour of Venice’s finest local flavours. With all ingredients sourced locally, Venice’s freshest seafood and raw fish feature heavily throughout Da Fiore's contemporary Venetian menu. €€€
San Polo 2202, 30125 Venice
dafiore.net | +39 41 721308
4. Waterfront Setting ...
LINEADOMBRA
When you’re ready to escape Venice’s tourist hordes, enjoy one of Venice’s most beautiful and peaceful alfresco waterfront dining experiences at Lineadombra. Enjoy the sea breeze and the gentle sounds of the water while savouring Lineadombra’s inventive modern Italian cuisine. €€
Dorsoduro, 19, 30123 Venice
ristorantelineadombra.com | +39 041 241 1881
5. Hidden Gem ...
ALLA VEDOVA
Tucked away in a tiny backstreet off Venice’s main pedestrian thoroughfare in Cannaregio is our favourite Venetian bacari, Trattoria Ca D’Oro (affectionately known by locals as “Alla Vedova”). Stand at the bar while enjoying a selection of cicchetti and delicious Italian wines served in tiny “piccolo” glasses. €
Cannareggio, 3912, 30121 Venice
No Website | +39 041 528 5324
6. Local Trattoria …
OSTERIA AL MASCARON
This vibrant trattoria has been serving traditional Venetian fare for over thirty years. Casual, warm and welcoming, Osteria Al Mascaron restaurant and wine bar is the place to enjoy some of the best local cuisine in the city. Settle into this nautical-themed osteria and feast upon the freshest local seafood, seppia nero and creamy panna cotta. €€
Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa, 5225, Venice
osteriamascaron.it | +39 041 522 5995
7. Alfresco Osterias ...
BANCOGIRO
Located in the Rialto Markets district around Campo San Giacometto and overlooking Venice’s vibrant Grand Canal, Naranzaria, Bancogiro and Al Merca are intimate Venetian bacari (casual local eateries) serving delicious bite-sized dishes including polpetti meatballs, frito misto and tramezzini. €
Campo San Giacometto, 122, Venice
osteriabancogiro.it | +39 041 523 2061
8. Mythical Terrace Cafe ...
CAFFE FLORIAN
Located in the heart of Venice’s iconic Piazza San Marco, the Cafe Florian is a Venetian institution to see-and-be-seen. For decades, Cafe Florian’s outdoor terrace has proved as popular with first-time visitors to Venice as with seasoned locals. Settle in as the Cafe’s orchestra serenades the stylish crowd with classic tunes, from Edith Piaf to Frank Sinatra. €€€
Piazza San Marco, 57, 30124 Venice
caffeflorian.com | +39 041 520 5641
9. Classic Bellini's ...
HARRY'S BAR
Step back in time at Harry’s Bar, a Venetian institution that has been serving its world-famous Bellini cocktail since the 1930s. Settle in to the historic atmosphere and watch as dapper white-suited waiters craft Harry’s signature Bellini blend of crisp Italian prosecco and fresh peach. Cocooned in the warm ambiance of Harry’s Bar, you’ll be joining the ranks of a star-studded clientele that has included Noel Coward, Charlie Chaplin, Truman Capote and Orson Welles. €€
Campo Bella Vienna, 213, Venice
harrysbarvenezia.com | +39 346 834 0660
10. Drinks With a View ...
BAR TERRAZA AT HOTEL DANIELI
With an opulent setting on the rooftop of the old-world Hotel Danieli, Bar Terraza offers sweeping views across Venice's lagoon to the nearby Piazza San Marco. Open during the summer months from May to September, Bar Terraza is ideal for a romantic evening pre- or post- dinner aperitif. €€€
Hotel Danieli, Sestiere Castello, 4196, Venice
danielihotelvenice.com | +39 041 522 6480
Average Price of a Main Meal: € = Less than €10; €€ = Around €20; €€€ = More than €30
Average Price of a Drink: € = Less than €10; €€ = Around €20; €€€ = More than €30
SEE + DO
| VENICE |
Don't miss these incredible Venice museums, cultural landmarks and local experiences.
Iconic Landmarks ...
Piazza San Marco is one of Venice's most visited landmarks and is home to a series of fascinating landmarks. The famous Doge's Palace was built in the 11th century and was the seat of both the government and the courts, while also being home to the city’s archives and prisons until the 16th century. A museum since 1923, the palace opens its doors to opulent rooms decorated with works by Veronese, Tintoretto, Tiepolo and Titian. The Basilica San Marco is an ornate Byzantine basilica built in 828 as the Doge's chapel. As the city's tallest building and the icon of Venice's skyline, the towering 99m Campanile in the piazza offers the most breathtaking aerial views of the city and its surrounding lagoon from its panoramic rooftop, where on a clear day you may even be able to see the Dolomite Mountains. Another must-visit landmark in Venice is the Rialto Bridge which stretches across the picturesque Grand Canal. Don’t miss a visit to the nearby Rialto Markets which is held every morning and is famous for its fresh seafood. The Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, commonly known simply as The Frari, is a spectacular Italian-Gothic church which took over 100 years to build and is home to a priceless art collection by Italian masters including Bellini, Titian and Donatello. One of the finest examples of early Venetian Renaissance architecture is the Santa Maria dei Miracoli, 16th-century church nestled in the Cannaregio district of Venice.
Museums & Art Galleries ...
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection displays a breathtaking selection of over 200 contemporary artists - from Picasso and Pollock to Calder and Braque - representing the Surrealism, Cubism and Futurism avant-garde movements. Housed within the former Customs House of Venice, the Punta della Dogana is a stunning contemporary art gallery exhibiting the collection of Francois Pinault, a French businessman and avid art collector. With a rolling programme of exhibitions, the Punta Della Dogana is a haven for contemporary art lovers. Set within an 18th-century Venetian palace on the Grand Canal, the Palazzo Grassi museum hosts a cutting-edge program of contemporary art exhibits (also managed by the François Pinault Foundation).
The Venice Biennale ...
The Venice Biennale is a world famous bi-annual art fair which brings together the leading talent in international film, art, music, dance and architecture since its foundation in 1895. One of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the world, the Venice Biennale promotes the avant-garde, new artistic trends and international events in the contemporary arts. Key highlights of the Biennale include the International Venice Film Festival, La Biennale Art & Architecture Exhibitions, the Festival of Contemporary Music, the Venice Theatre Festival and the Festival of Contemporary Dance within one ambitious cultural program. For more information, visit: labiennale.org
The Islands of Venice ...
The Venice Lagoon is an enclosed bay of islands located off the coastline of Italy and surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, covering a surface area of over 550 square kilometres. Many of these islands are worth an afternoon excursion and can be easily reached by boat, where the inhabitants make a living from either fishing or specialist handcrafts such as lace-making and glassblowing. The islands of Giudecca and Lido are two of the most stylish islands in the region, lined with grand palaces along the waterfront alongside outdoor trattorias and cafes. Lido beach attracts Venice’s sun-seeking crowd during the warmer months of the year, particularly in September during the annual film festival. Torcello island, Venice’s original settlement, is a sleepy island town which is home to the famous Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta and the excellent Locanda Cipriani restaurant. Murano island is perhaps one of the region’s most famous islands, comprising a group of small islands connected by bridges. Murano is renowned for its handcrafted glassware which has been crafted on the island since the 13th century.
Scenic Boat Cruise ...
A quintessential local experience is to enjoy a leisurely boat trip along Venice’s Grand Canal and its endless labyrinth of winding waterways. Venice’s vaporetti public ferry system will ensure that you can easily navigate your way around the city. For a more unique experience, organise a scenic gondola ride around Venice's most picturesque canals. The average price for a 40 minute tour is approximately €80.
O U R O T H E R C I T Y G U I D E S . . .
