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Venice is a captivating city of canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture. Its romantic atmosphere, unique culture, and rich history make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a truly unforgettable experience.
In October, My Mum and I embarked on an unforgettable, self-guided trip to Venice and embraced its rich cultural heritage and charm. Here, we share our tried and tested experiences in this fabulous water city to help you maximise your time visiting.
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Top Sites to Visit:
1. St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco) is the main square in Venice. Surrounded by stunning architecture, including St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, the square offers a vibrant atmosphere, with live music, outdoor cafes, and bustling crowds. It is the heart of Venice and a perfect spot to soak in the city's unique charm.
2. The Grand Canal is the main waterway in Venice and a must-visit for its stunning views and unique atmosphere. Take an iconic gondola ride along the canal to admire first hand, the beautiful palaces, churches, and historic buildings that line its banks. This is the perfect way to glimpse into the city's rich history and architectural beauty.
Book here: Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal
3. Cross the Rialto Bridge: one of the most famous bridges in Venice, spanning the Grand Canal. It is a hugely popular spot for tourists and offers panoramic views of the canal and surrounding buildings. Built between 1588 and 1591, the 157- foot bridge is the oldest in Venice and it also happens to be one of the most popular instagram spots in the city! Don't forget your camera! 📷
4. Visit the quaint nearby islands of Burano, Torcello & Murano. Murano is famous for its centuries-old tradition of glassmaking. Take a tour of the glass factory to see skilled artisans at work and learn about the intricate process of creating beautiful glass art. Burano is known for its vibrant and brightly coloured houses. Take a walk through its streets and marvel at the colourful facades, which make for great photo opportunities. Burano also has a long tradition of lace-making, and the Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum) showcases the history and art of lace production on the island.
5. Enjoy a Venetian Cicchetti experience. Sample the local cuisine by hopping from one bacaro (wine bar) to another, trying small plates of traditional Venetian snacks called Cicchetti ( similar to Spanish tapas). Cicchetti can include crostini, fried seafood, marinated vegetables, and more. Cicchetti are best enjoyed with a glass of local Venetian wine. Ask the bartender for a recommendation or try a traditional Venetian wine like Prosecco or Spritz.
Where To Stay in Venice
Venice offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget. From luxurious five-star hotels to cosy bed and breakfasts, there is something for everyone. I highly recommend staying in the city centre. If you find yourself too far outside of that, you’ll end up back in the land of cars and buses, which ruins the magic of Venice.
Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a budget-friendly stay, be sure to check out my selection of accommodation below with 'exceptional' ratings , highly recommended by travellers globally.
High Budget Luxury Option: Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel
A luxurious and iconic hotel located on the island of Giudecca. With breath-taking views of the lagoon and the city skyline, this historic hotel offers unparalleled elegance and comfort. From its beautiful rooms and suites to its world-class dining options and stunning pool, Hotel Cipriano provides a truly unforgettable experience if you're seeking a luxurious stay in Venice.
High Budget Luxury Option:Baglioni Hotel Luna- The Leading Hotels of the World
A luxurious and historic hotel located in the heart of Venice. With its elegant rooms and suites, impeccable service, and stunning views of the city, it offers a truly memorable stay. The hotel's central location makes it convenient for exploring Venice's famous attractions, while its refined dining options and spa facilities provide the perfect retreat after a day of sightseeing.
High Budget Luxury Option: The Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel
A truly exceptional place to stay. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and impeccable service, it offers a luxurious and unforgettable experience. The hotel's elegant rooms and suites are beautifully appointed, and its waterfront location provides breath-taking views of the Grand Canal. From its Michelin-starred restaurant to its luxurious spar, The Gritti Palace offers a truly indulgent stay in the heart of Venice.
Mid-Range Option: Palazzo Veneziano
A modern and elegant hotel located in the heart of Venice. With its stylish rooms and suites, attentive service, and stunning views of the city, it offers a comfortable and memorable stay. The hotel's central location makes it convenient for exploring Venice's famous attractions, while its rooftop terrace provides a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful views.
Mid-Range Option: Hotel Palazzo Keller (We stayed here and highly recommend!)
A charming and cosy hotel located in the heart of Venice. With its comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and convenient location, it offers great value for money. The hotel's traditional Venetian decor adds to its charm, and its proximity to popular attractions make it an idea choice to explore the city.
Mid-Range Option: Be Mate Ponte di Rialto
A stylish and modern hotel located near the iconic Ponte di Rialto in Venice. With its comfortable and well-appointed rooms, friendly staff, and convenient location, it offers a great stay. The hotel also provides amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a 24 hour front desk and a bar.
Budget-friendly Option: Riva del Vin Boutique Hotel
A charming, stylish hotel located near the Rialto Bridge. With its comfortable rooms, views of the canal, friendly staff, delicious breakfast, and a cosy atmosphere, the Riva del Vin is a perfect choice for a memorable stay.
Budget-friendly option: Unahotels Venezia Adults Only
A modern and stylish, adults only hotel located near the Santa Lucia Train Station and the Grand Canal. It offers comfortable rooms, excellent service and a delicious breakfast.
Budget-friendly option: Rosa Salva Hotel
A charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Venice. With its elegant rooms, friendly staff and central location near to St Mark's Square, it offers a convenient and comfortable stay. The hotel's breakfast is highly praised, featuring delicious pastries and coffees.
What to eat in Venice
When in Venice, be sure to try some of the city's culinary delights. Start with a plate of cicchetti, small bite-sized snacks typically enjoyed with a glass of wine. Indulge in a traditional dish like risotto al nero di seppia, a black squid ink risotto. Don't miss the chance to savour a Venetian specialty like sarde in saor, marinated sardines with onions and raisins. Finish off your meal with a slice of tiramisu, a classic Italian dessert.
Where to eat in Venice
Venice is a city that offers a wide range of dining options for all budgets. Here are some recommendations for high, medium, and low budget restaurants:
High Budget Option: For a luxurious dining experience, you can visit Osteria da Fiore. It is a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves traditional Venetian cuisine with a modern twist. The average cost per person is around €150
Mid-range Budget option: If you’re looking for a mid-range restaurant, Osteria alla Staffa is a great option. They serve delicious seafood and pasta dishes at an affordable price. The average cost per person is around €30
Low Budget option: For a budget-friendly meal, you can try Bacareto da Lele. It is a small bar that serves delicious cicchetti. The average cost per person is around €5
In conclusion, Venice is a city like no other, offering a unique blend of history, culture and romance. With my ultimate 72-hour guide, you can make the most of your time in this enchanting city. From exploring iconic landmarks like St Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge to indulging in delicious Venetian cuisine, and taking a gondola ride through the canals, Venice promises an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags and get ready to uncover the secrets of this magical city.
Happy Travels!
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