A short and sweet guide to one of the most beautiful, albeit overcrowded with tourists, destinations in Europe. If possible, staying overnight in Venice is one of the most lovely ways to experience the city, as the cruises + tour groups retreat off the island around dinner time.
On my first trip to Venice, my tour guide shared it’s impossible to truly get lost in Venice and I promptly broke off from the group to immerse myself in a day of walking wherever my eyes + nose took me, knowing that I was always a short walk away from the central Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square). Below I’ve listed some must-stop food and drink destinations to stop at along your day of exploring Venice’s 118 small islands.
TravelingKT – Venice Guide for a printout / screenshot version of this guide for easy reference during your travels.
- Stay @ Hotel Principe
- Central, clean, safe – near the main train station (8-minute walk) for easy access when traveling around Italy.
- Stay for the most stunning panoramic view and balconies overlooking the grand canal.
- Walk, walk, walk!
- Don’t forget to look up to marvel at the architecture – in a city that’s existed since the 5th century.
- There are hundreds of shops to explore along the cobblestone streets and across the bridges in Venice. Murano glass, Venetian masks, and Burano lace are notable unique items to purchase from the locals.
- Breakfast @ Pasticceria Dal Mas
- Wide selection of pastries, cakes, and coffee, near the Venice train station when arriving in town.
- There are many small cafes with similar offerings sprinkled around town that are worth discovering + the visit, especially those not on the main tourist-filled paths.
- An Italian style breakfast of a cappuccino and biscotti, croissant, or small pastry is a perfect way to kick off a day exploring.
- Lunch @ Bepe Bigoi
- Homemade pasta served in a take away bowl, where you pick your sauce + meat – for only 5 Euro.
- Grab a bowl (or two) and head to the Grand Canal to find a perch to enjoy your pasta with a beautiful view.
- Better than any bowl of pasta you’d eat along the overpriced restaurants on the Grand Canal!
- Gelato @ GROM
- GROM is known for the best gelato in Italy and there are multiple locations sprinkled across the city.
- One of the most important lessons to take from this guide is to never buy gelato from a location where the gelato is stacked in high piles – no matter how appetizing it looks! High piles = high in preservatives. Photo on the right below for reference.
- Meatballs + Apertivo @ Ca’ d’oro Alla Vedova
- Known for the best meatballs in Venice, grab a drink, mandatory Aperol Spritz or vino de la casa (house wine), and enjoy a plate of meatballs to kick off apertivo – a pre-dinner ritual of drinks and light bites in Italy.
- Aperol Spritzes & People Watching @ Rivo Alto
- Perfect spot for day drinking with a view of the Rialto bridge – prime spot for people watching and boat watching as they cruise down the canal.
- Do NOT eat here – focus on Aperol Spritzes and espressos! Remember, eating along the Grand Canal is overpriced and the food is subpar and catered to mass tourism.
- Evening Gondola Ride @ Rialto Bridge
- Another reason to spend one night in Venice – to enjoy a gondola ride at night!
- Yes, it’s expensive and cash-only, but it’s the one touristy activity that is worth it.
- Bring a bottle of wine or champagne to enjoy on your journey.
- The best spot to grab a gondola in Venice is from the Grand Canal near the Rialto Bridge – kiss your loved one underneath the bridge for good luck!
- This gondola route leads you past many famous Venetian homes, that you’d otherwise be unable to see by foot (ie Marco Polo’s house).
- The Bridge of Sighs is another popular location to grab a gondola but tends to be overcrowded with tourists AND there is not much to see other than the bridge.
- Drinks @ Barcollo Bar
- Lively bar for music + drinks for post-dinner fun if spending the night in Venice.
- Bar is located in a square with other bars + fun local hangout area.
Traveling KT 