Oh, Venice. There are few cities that can claim such a priceless history, art, and lifestyle as Venice can. It is truly magical. I went to Venice for the first time this past winter, and the moment you get off the plane into your first water taxi, you feel like you’re dreaming. Everything is absolutely unreal and exuberating with beauty. It was frigid when I went, but that also makes it a little bit more fun. Running through the rain to find the closest trattoria or cafe to grab a hot chocolate, or mulled wine. Don’t get me wrong, Venice is incredibly touristy, but you can do Venice in a way that’s calmer and understated. Venice is for dreamers, and romantics — it’s like walking into a different world.

To Stay:

Hotel Flora - A time capsule filled with antique luxury, located in Piazza San Marco.
The Gritti Palace - A Marriott Bonvoy hotel, right on the canal. Beautiful large rooms, with great service and incredible views.
Aman Venice - If you’re looking for a pricey splurge fantasy moment, this is it.

To Eat:

El Dolfin - Not even sure if this is the correct name, BUT, we went to this restaurant at least three times during our time in Venice. It had the most wonderful staff and incredible fish. You must order the fish soup, to do for. We went there for breakfast one day, we were hooked.
La Zucca - Cute & cozy little restaurant with seasonal Venetian dishes with vegetarian leanings.
Dal Nono Colussi - A generationally-family owned pastry shop that will allow you to indulge in all your sweet cravings.
Ristorante Glam - If you’re looking to have an extremely elegant night, this is the restaurant.
Birraria La Corte - Pizzaaaaaaa!
Gelateria Nico
L’Bacaro de’ Bischeri - Incredible sandwiches. MUST. GO.
San Giorgio Café

To Drink:

Campo Santa Margherita - This piazza is definitely a place filled with night-life, and students. There’s a collection of bars that have loads of young people at night, and are always guaranteed fun.
Harry’s Bar - Classic is an understatement. The original Ciprani’s opened up in 1931. It’s essential to get a bellini. Never ate here, but if you want to keep going in the Ciprani spirit, they have a great (but pricey) dinner.
Bar Longhi - A stylish old-world hotel cocktail bar with incredible views of the Grand Canal. A good spot for an apertivo to watch the sunset before dinner.
Vino Vero - An intimate canal front wine bar.
Venice Jazz Club
Orange - Thursday night karaoke!

To Do:

Sullaluna - Quaint, cute bookstore.
Rialto Fish Market - Open every day, but NOT Sunday & Monday (don’t eat fish on Tuesday, not fresh). Definitely go to get an incredible Venetian cultural experience.
Gondola Ride - Embrace your inner tourist for the afternoon.
Burano & Murano - Take a trip to these nearby islands. It’s definitely a tad touristy, but it’s beautiful and filled with lots of traditional glass and lace-making and its colorful buildings.
Vintage Shopping - Surprisingly enough, there are a number of vintage jewelry and clothing shops around Venice. They might not like that much on the outside, but definitely worth walking in and seeing what you might find.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection - A modern art museum in Peggy Guggenheim’s old apartment (which is gorgeous). I don’t love modern art, but this collection is exquisite.
Gallerie dell’Accademia - If you love art, worth it.

To Know:

If you’re wanting to escape crowds, winter or early spring is best. However, know it gets incredibly cold.
The Vaporetto is the public transit system in the city and operates on 20 different lines all through the town.
Water taxis can be found at the airport, train, bus station, and Piazza San Marco. Otherwise, they must be booked in advance.

Xx,

Stella Rae

Venezia, Italia