VENICE TRAVEL GUIDE
Venice is a floating magical city for architects, designers, and travel enthusiasts alike. Venetian architecture lines the banks of the Grand Canal and weaves along every twist and turn of the lagoon waters.
MUST SEE
PIAZZA SAN MARCO
Piazza San Marco (Saint Mark’s Square) was my favorite architectural highlight of all of Venice. Filled with everything from Aperol Spritz to selfie sticks, the perimeter of the plaza is created by Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark’s Basilica), Torre dell’Orologio (St. Mark’s Clock Tower), and Museo Correr (Correr Museum). Standing proud within the square, the brick Campanile (Bell Tower) rings twice a day. Climb to the top for a birds eye view that will not disappoint!
PALAZZO DUCALE
Right off Piazza San Marco, the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) is the definition of waterfront real-estate goals. Overlooking the water provides alluring views of Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore, gondolas, and water taxi’s docking at the boat station. Around the corner, stop at one of the most photographed spots in Venice the Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs).
PONTE DI RIALTO
Identified as an architectural icon of Venice, the Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge) gradually arches across the Grand Canal at its narrowest point.
GRAND CANAL
Prominently located along the Grand Canal and close to the landmark bridge, you may find the centuries old fish, fruit, and vegetable market, Mercati di Rialto. Discover Venice’s culinary culture.
EAT + DRINK
CAFFE FLORIAN
PRO TIP: Coffee is 33% more if you sit down rather than standing at the bar.
GRANCAFFE QUADRI
Try Cuttlefish with Squid ink sauce or a Violet Artichoke for traditional Venetian cuisine. Contrary to the popular belief that Italians only eat pasta and pizza, Venetian cuisine is mostly seafood!
CAFFE LAVENA
Try a “Spritz Veneziano” AKA an Aperol Spritz. A traditional Venetian cocktail with prosecco, a dash of liqueur, and sparkling water.
ADDITIONAL FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS:
Sacro E Profano (Italian Lunch)
Pasticceria Dal Mas (Bakery)
Pasticceria da Bonifacio (Bakery)
Cip’s Club at Belmont Hotel Cipriani.
Harry’s Bar, home of the original Bellini.
GETTING AROUND (Transportation)
VAPORETTI
If you want to experience the city by boat, hop on one of the Vaporetti (Water Buses), run by ACTV, the public transportation authority in Venice. (Buy a pass at any water taxi station).
WALK
Venice is compact and very walkable. You don’t need to take a water bus unless you plan to travel outside the city center (centro storico) or you want to take in the sights of the Grand Canal.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Float through the city on a Gondola.
Get lost and explore the city without a map.
Check out the area Cannareggio (The Jewish Ghetto)
I found my favorite souvenir at Libreria Acqua Alta, a quirky bookstore with gondolas as book shelves and a few friendly cats. (Pro Tip: Avoid the crowd if you can, by going earlier in the day).
ON MY NEXT VISIT…
Santa Maria Del Giglio
Ca’ Rezzonico
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
Ca' d'Oro ("golden house")
Santa Maria Della Salute
Gallerie Dell’Accademia
Biblioteca Marciana
If you have a couple of days in Venice, plan for a trip to one of the larger surrounding islands of Venice. Burano noted for its lacemaking and rainbow colored homes or Murano, known for its traditional glass-making. I don’t think you can go wrong, as both islands have unique and celebrated character.
