Perfect Weekend: Venice Travel Guide

Oh, Venice. Beautiful, beautiful Venice. Built on mythical beginnings, this centuries old city has endless charm. Her history is carved in to the ornate Palazzi all over the city, documenting a power state in her own heyday, the centre of trade, wealth and culture. Victorian England flocked at the height from the Grand Tour, with figures such as Ruskin, Turner, Whistler and Sargent meticulously recording everything of the intricate and fascinating art and architecture Venice continues to have to offer.

Nothing has changed. In 2022, Venice continues her legacy of being the cultural capital of the world. 2022 brought the 56th International Art Biennale curated by Okwi Enwezor and launching in May this year, the 15th International Architecture Biennale is set to be a corker. If you’re traveling to the city, here’s what you ought to know:

What to See

The Jewish Ghetto

First settled in 1516, the Venetian Ghetto may be the oldest Jewish Ghetto in the world. Once housing over 5,000 Jews, this small area of the city has Palazzi that rise to eight floors. Now, the Ghetto is a tranquil retreat in the bustling Strada Nuova; located in the Cannereggio district, it is comprised of two small squares, Ghetto Vecchio and Ghetto Nuovo, in which you will discover the Museo Ebraico. A must see, this museum gives you the definitive good reputation for the Jews of Venice and Northern Italy. Most wonderfully however, you'll be able to join among the frequent around the five beautiful synagogues hidden behind ordinary facades.

Head over the bridge from the Ghetto Nuovo to Fondamenta dei Ormesini and abide by it onto Fondamenta della Misericordia. This stretch of water is often forgotten, running parallel to the Strada Nuova, but humming with bars and restaurants it is the perfect spot to promenade on the warm evening.

Top Tip: Go to Vino Vero on Fondamenta della Misericordia; a local hangout, this is actually the place for Aperitivo. Your meals are fresh and also the Prosecco, bubbly!

Rialto Market

The infamous Mercato di Rialto requires no introduction. With fresh produce every single day of the season, make sure you rock up early for the greatest pick. Turn nightfall, the marketplace and Erberia becomes an evening hangout, bustling with bars and restaurants.

Top Tip: Visit Barcollo in Campo Bella Vienna, on the Friday night for the most delicious cocktails and live music.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

In a town renowned for its art it's difficult to pick things to see and impossible to see it all. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is an absolute essential; this sassy lady kick started the international careers of the roster of art royalty, especially Jackson Pollock. Here you are able to immerse yourself in her own priceless collection, gathered throughout her lifetime and experience a lovely, yet unusual, Venetian Palazzo. Be sure you check out the views too!

Top Tip: Take a walk in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection to La Salute and the Zattere in the late afternoon sun. Possess a seat with a bottle of bubbly at the tip of the Punta della Dogana and dangle your feet over the lagoon, watching the sunset over Venice.

Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore

Who doesn't love a great view? You'll witness hoards attempting to climb the San Marco Campanile, but be savvy and hop on the Vaporetto (2) over to Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore. Established in 892 with a Benedictine Monk, maui transformed from a successful monastery towards the home of artillery. Today, the Palladian church houses contemporary art exhibitions alongside masterpieces by Tintoretto, Carpaccio and Bassano. This peaceful little island has a lot to offer, head in the campanile on a definite day which are more stunning views of the city.

Top Tip: San Giorgio is located near the Giudecca Island; a short Vaporetto ride will drop you to this idyllic part of Venice. On Thursday mornings the Giudecca Women's Prison includes a fresh fruit and vegetable market.

The Islands: Murano, Burano, Torcello

With no doubt the area of Murano will be on your itinerary, a visit wouldn't be complete without visiting the sensational glass blowing workshops. Burano, is worth as much attention: a fishing island, the beautiful coloured houses designed so fishermen could find their way home in the early morning fog are without a doubt the main attraction. Also famous for its lace, look out for the local lace making shops! The tiniest of this triptych is the island of Torcello. The oldest island within the Venetian Lagoon, here you will find sights dating back to 600 AD. Including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (639 AD) and delightful Byzantine Mosaics from the 11th Century.

Top Tip: Suit your visit to Burano having a visit to the exceptional Trattoria al Gatto Nero by chef Ruggero Bovo. With fish right out the catch, Ruggero brings you deliciously fresh dishes and sumptuous flavours. You might need a reservation but it is well worth the wait!

Grand Canal

This may sound as an obvious suggestion, but Il Canal Grande is usually overlooked. The primary transport route with the city, this stretch of water has probably the most beautiful Palazzi in Venice and their facades are most definitely worth noticing! Go ahead and take Vaporetto (1) from Piazzale Roma (Bus Terminal) up to Giardini – and through to Lido should you fancy a journey! Tickets for the Vaporetto can be purchased from the Venezia Unica booth.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Dedicated to Saint Rocco, renowned for curing disease, this Scuola evokes wonderful splendour with the work of Jacopo Tintoretto. Narrating biblical stories with utter intricacy, the presentation of Tintoretto's work in this setting is definitely an extraordinary experience. Be sure you pick up among the provided magnified mirrors to obtain a closer look at the ceiling details. Be sure to browse the Chiesa di San Rocco, also located next door.

Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

A cultural highlight the Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is among the largest churches in the city, waiting in the heart of the San Polo district. Titian's famous Assumption of the Virgin towers gloriously above the high altar, accompanied by the works of masters for example Bellini, Sansovino, Vivarini and Lombardo. I Frari is a skill historical haven.

Chiesa di San Zaccaria

Located less than 5 minutes from San Marco square, the facade and interior decoration of this outstanding church is easily the most remarkable and typical types of Venetian Renaissance within the city. Alongside masterpieces by the greats for example Palma il Giovane, Tintoretto, Tiepolo and Titian, this church houses arguably the most important example of the Renaissance sacra conversazione (Virgin Mary and Christ shown encompassed by saints in communication). The San Zaccaria Altarpiece, painted in 1505 by Giovanni Bellini was considered advanced for its time; the vivid colours and marvellous detail in both the figures and their surroundings feel everlasting. This is a must see on your cultural trail of Venice.

Where to Stay

Booking.com

If you want a real Venetian experience, then live just like a local does! Try Booking.com‘s easy-to-use website; it’s fantastic if you wish to possess the whole process sorted for you personally, together with a 24/7 customer service desk. Booking.com is your best bet for diversity – it’s amazing how diverse the financial institution of accommodation is, there’s from a resorted monasteries to chic apartments. Here’s a lot of our top picks from Booking.com:

For Location: Hotel Palace Bonvecchiati

What: Hotel Palace Bonvecchiati is great for location. Located just 250 yards from Venice's Saint Mark’s Square, Palace Bonvecchiati offers contemporary rooms with elegant furniture and ac. There's a gym, Turkish bath and sauna on site. With free Wi-Fi throughout, each room at the Bonvecchiati Palace is spacious and well equipped with a minibar, bathrobe and slippers and television with satellite channels.
Book here
For Luxury: Bauer Palladio Hotel & Spa

What: Bauer Palladio Hotel & Spa is super swanky. Facing St. Mark’s Basin, this 5-star hotel features a large spa as well as an exclusive location inside a 16th-century convent on Giudecca Island. A totally free shuttle connects to Venice’s historic center.Bauer Palladio Hotel and Spa features spacious rooms with air conditioning and historic décor including tapestries, fabrics and paintings. Some rooms have lagoon or garden views. The Bauer Palladio has luxurious gardens where one can enjoy relaxing in lounge chairs or dining outdoors at the Palladio Garden Bar and Restaurant. Generous buffet breakfasts are served indoors or outdoors.

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For an Apartment: Appartamenti A San Marco

What: Appartamenti A San Marco is a self-catering accommodation situated in Venice, 200 yards from Saint Mark's Square. Free WiFi access is available in every area. Each apartment will provide you with a flat-screen TV, ac along with a private bathroom with a hairdryer. The kitchen is fully equipped and features a dishwasher and a microwave. Rialto Bridge is a 10-minute walk from the property. Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station is 1.6 miles away.

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For Style: Hotel Danieli

What: Overlooking Venice Lagoon, Hotel Danieli is a legendary hotel 200 yards from St. Mark’s Square. Each room is spacious and finely furnished. Employees offers an unmatchable service. This award-winning Luxury Collection Hotel is comprised of 3 separate buildings, dating back the 14th, 19th, and 20th centuries, and connected by covered bridges. The closest water-bus stop is just a 2-minute leave. The panoramic restaurant Terrazza Danieli offers amazing views as well as an exquisite menu. Drinks are served in the Bar Terrazza Danieli or even the sophisticated Bar Dandolo.

Castello is a great option for travelers thinking about history, museums andculture.

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Where to Eat

Enoteca Mascareta

La Mascareta comes for foodie and wine connoisseur Mauro Lorenzon. Matching your meal to your wine, Mauro's restaurant produces outstanding food from local produce and distinctive flavours. This little locale is essential eat, indeed!

Top Tip: Located on Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa, make sure you stop by the Libreria Acqua Alta, a bookshop with a twist, before your dinner.

L'Osteria Ai Do Gobbi

Located within the serene district from the Castello, L'Osteria Ai Do Gobbi, serves wonderfully authentic Venetian food of fantastic quality, this locale is a favourite in the region. Within the Arsenale, Do Gobbi is close to the Biennale site and is the perfect place to rest the feet after a long day of Art-Seeing!