Venice, Italy
Best Places to Stay
- Luxury: Aman Venice, The Gritti Palace, Belmond Hotel Cipriani
- Mid-range: Hotel Casa Carlotta, Ai Artisti Hotel, Hotel Giorgione
- Budget: Generator Venice, Plus Venice Hostel, Olimpia Hotel
Best Places to Eat
- Fine Dining: Oro, Ristorante Da Ivo, Antiche Carampane
- Traditional Venetian: Osteria Alle Testiere, Trattoria da Romano, Cantina Do Spade
- Cicchetti (Venetian tapas): Cantina Do Mori, Osteria Al Bovo, Taverna San Trovaso
- Seafood: Ristorante Vecio Cavalletto e Canonica, Osteria Alle Testiere
- Sweets: Pasticceria Tonolo, Dal Mas, Rosa Salva
Best Sites to Visit
- St. Mark's Square: St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, Campanile, Torre dell'Orologio
- Grand Canal: Gondola ride, palazzos along the canal, Rialto Bridge
- Islands: Murano (glass blowing), Burano (lace and colorful houses), Torcello
- Neighborhoods: Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, San Polo, Castello
- Churches: Santa Maria della Salute, San Zaccaria, Santi Giovanni e Paolo
- Museums: Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Accademia Galleries, Palazzo Ducale
Sample 2-3 Day Itinerary
Day 1: St. Mark's & Grand Canal
- Morning: St. Mark's Basilica (early to avoid crowds), Doge's Palace
- Afternoon: Campanile for panoramic views, Torre dell'Orologio
- Evening: Gondola ride at sunset, dinner in Cannaregio or Dorsoduro
Day 2: Islands & Local Exploration
- Morning: Boat trip to Murano (glass factories), then Burano (lace shops, colorful houses)
- Alternative: Torcello for ancient churches and peaceful atmosphere
- Afternoon: Explore Dorsoduro (Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Campo Santa Margherita)
- Evening: Cicchetti crawl in Campo Santa Margherita or Campo San Barnaba
Day 3: Hidden Venice & Art
- Morning: Explore Cannaregio (Jewish Ghetto, Chiesa della Madonna dell'Orto)
- Alternative: Gallerie dell'Accademia for Venetian masterpieces
- Afternoon: Visit a mask-making atelier, or explore the lesser-known Castello district
- Evening: Farewell dinner with a view of the lagoon, perhaps at a restaurant on the Fondamente Nove
*Note: Get an ACTV travel card for vaporetto (water bus) access. Venice floods (acqua alta) can occur, especially in fall - check tide forecasts. Wear comfortable shoes for lots of walking and bridges.*