Venice, Italy is one of the most unique places on Earth. It’s a city that was built to flow as beautifully as the water surrounding it. You’ll turn a corner and hit a dead end that goes straight into the canal. It took me a few trips to figure out my favorite places and now I’d love to share it with you, fellow traveler. Venice is a wonderful city for you to wander and get lost in and I hope my simple and easy to read guide will help you wander in the best way!
What do you do? What do you see?
The island of Murano is renowned for its long tradition of glass-making. Ferry-loads of visitors come to explore the Museo del Vetro, which tells the story of glass through the centuries, and to shop for locally crafted souvenirs. Built in the Romanesque style, the Church of Santa Maria and San Donato has a colorful mosaic floor and, according to legend, houses the bones of a slain dragon.
This is an 18th-century waterside palace with a 20th-century art collection & an interior sculpture garden.
This is an iconic cathedral with a cavernous gilded interior, myriad mosaics and an on-site museum.
Rialto Bridge
Ornate covered 16th-century stone footbridge crossing the Grand Canal, with shops & restaurants.
This walled island cemetery was built in the early 1800s, with the tombs of Ezra Pound & Igor Stravinsky.
Ghetto Ebraico – Comunità Ebraica di Venezia
This historic Jewish neighborhood is now home to 2 synagogues, kosher shops & the Jewish Museum of Venice.
These relaxed gardens host art exhibitions & featuring national pavilions built by famous architects.
Santa Croce
Santa Croce is a laid-back, slightly off-the-beaten-track area with a local vibe. After school, kids play in Campo San Giacomo dall’Orio; this square and nearby streets are home to casual eateries serving global cuisine. On the Grand Canal, the imposing Fondaco dei Turchi features exhibits on natural history while the nearby Ca’ Pesaro palace showcases contemporary art and Asian decorative arts.
Dorsoduro
Dorsoduro is Venice’s university district and the streets around the Campo Santa Margherita are filled with unpretentious eateries, indie shops and vintage fashion boutiques. After dark, informal bars draw a young local crowd. Important cultural destinations here include the Gallerie dell’Accademia, for classic Venetian masterpieces, and the waterside Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which houses modern works.
Il Pavone Di Pelosin Paolo
This stationary store is amazing. The guy makes everything by hand- the fancy dyed paper, and woven journals.
Don’t leave Venice without stopping in here and grabbing some blown glass from Murano as a trinket to take home.
What shall I eat?
Relaxed, brick-lined restaurant serving market-fresh fish, handmade pasta & other classic fare.
Stylish restaurant with Venetian cuisine & a decor reminiscent of a ship, plus tables in the garden.
Beautiful place to eat right on the water in Murano.
Casual venue featuring seafood, pasta & pizzas, plus terrace dining with canal views.
Spicy Puppa
If you’re a seafood person, then this is a good spot! All the fish in Venice are so yummy.
Where do I find Gelato?
Gelato di Natura – Campiello de l’Anconeta
Gelateria Polo Nord
Hole in the wall gelato shop.
They have one in Florence too that’s really good.
I hope this gives you plenty to do and see when you go to Venice, Italy! We also have guides for Florence and Rome available with many more guides to help coming soon!
http://The Carnival: A Feast for the Senses