Venice Travel Guide

My Updated Guide for where to eat, stay, and wander in the Floating City of Love

The first time I experienced the magic of Venice was back in 2015. Andrew and I had been dating for about two years and planned a three-week backpacking trip through Europe right after I graduated from Long Beach State. It was my first time abroad, and to say it was eye-opening would be an understatement. We hopped all over the map from Santorini, Barcelona, and Florence to Copenhagen, Prague, and Munich, with just one quick overnight stop in Venice.

Even in the span of 24 hours, I was completely awestruck. Yes, I admit it was crowded and touristy, but that didn’t take away from the sheer beauty of the city built on water. I’d never seen anything like it: charming canals, arched footbridges, pastel buildings stacked along the water’s edge, and an unmistakably romantic feel. It’s no wonder they call it the City of Love. Although I’d be lying if I said it was all gondolas and spritzes… I vividly remember us lugging backpacks through the heatwave, getting lost for hours on cobblestone paths trying to find our Airbnb. Let’s just say tensions were high. But once we sat down for some pizza along the glittering Grand Canal, and all was instantly forgotten.

Fast forward to April 2025. A full decade (and a whole lot of life) later, we were back. After a trip to Bolzano and the Dolomites with Loacker (the wafer cookies I’m obsessed with), we decided to extend our stay and return to a place that left such a strong first impression. This time, as we cruised into the city on a taxi boat, I looked around and took it all in. That’s the magic of Venice. And maybe the magic of traveling somewhere twice. Nothing had changed… and yet everything had. The city looked just as I remembered, but I was seeing it through a completely different lens.

Venice is often referred to as La Serenissima which means “the most serene.” It was a nickname originally given to the Venetian Republic in Medieval and Renaissance times, when it was one of the most powerful and peaceful maritime empires in Europe. And while modern-day Venice isn’t exactly serene (thanks to those cruise ships and selfie sticks), there’s still a quiet kind of peacefulness here if you know where to look.

So let’s get into the guide! Aside from our own sentimental reasons for returning, I’ve had so many of you ask for Venice recommendations over the years, and up until now, I’ve had nothing to share. I couldn’t remember where we ate that first time around, and we weren’t exactly seeking out hidden gems in the same way back then. These days, we take our “research” a bit more seriously. In just four days, we walked (and floated) our way through as much of Venice as we could, trying the must-visit spots and stumbling into a few surprises along the way.

It’s one of the only cities in the world where cars aren’t allowed. You get around entirely by foot or by boat. So pack your comfiest walking shoes, and let me show you around: where to eat, what to do, and where to stay in Venice, La Serenissima.

Oh! And one more important thing before we dig in. One of my favorite foodie comfort shows is Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix. In the Venice episode, he shares a quote from baseball legend Yogi Berra: “Nobody goes there anymore, it’s too crowded.” He jokes that it’s probably what sophisticated world travelers would say about Venice. But his takeaway? Some places are touristy for good reason. I’m with Phil on this one.

Where To Eat

Ristorante a la Vecia Cavana - This gem was recommended by our local tour guide and we’re so glad we squeezed it into the itinerary. Warm, cozy, and so welcoming - we could have stayed all night (and almost did!). Their Seafood Risotto with asparagus and saffron sauce was a standout, and the Granseola alla Veneziana (spider crab salad) is a must-order if it’s in season. Whatever you do, don’t skip their table-side dessert!

Ristorante Al Covo - A lovely, family-run spot that came highly recommended by just about everyone we asked, and for good reason! Cesare and Diane, the husband-and-wife team behind it all, are the absolute sweetest. Al Covo is listed in the Michelin Guide, popular with both locals and food-focused travelers, and one of the tougher reservations to snag in Venice. If you can get in, don’t miss the Adriatic sole with artichoke, the spider crab pasta (if it’s in season), and definitely save room for dessert. They’re all made in-house by Diane, who also happens to be an incredible pastry chef.

L’Osteria di Santa Marina - A Michelin Guide pick recommended by Sophie Minchilli (who we trust with our stomachs and souls - and recommend you follow, and do the same!). This spot feels elevated but still cozy. It would be perfect for a special occasion dinner that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The food is rooted in traditional Venetian flavors with creative and modern twists. We ordered the burrata tortelli with prawns and lime, the smoked spaghetti with lobster, and one of the best unconventional tiramisùs of our lives. If you’re a foodie and looking for something elegant yet approachable, this one’s for you!

Trattoria Antiche Carampane - Another Sophie Minchilli rec that quickly became one of our favorite meals in Venice! The vibe is warm and cozy and the menu stays true to tradition, catering to Venice’s working class. It's still run by the same family who opened it in 1983. We started with their hot spritz (you can watch how I recreated it at home in this video!) and the mille-feuille spider crab salad, which was rich, delicate, and slightly sweet. The pan-fried catch of the day was perfectly cooked and crispy, and we finished with the Gianduiotto della Carampane. It’s a frozen hazelnut-chocolate dessert that you CAN’T LEAVE WITHOUT TRYING. If you're craving classic Venetian seafood, this is the place to go.

Vini Da Arturo - We have Phil Rosenthal to thank for this one (Somebody Feed Phil strikes again!), and it lived up to the hype. Unlike most spots in Venice, this place is all about the meat. That’s right, no seafood on the menu, which makes it stand out even more. Ernesto Ballarin opened the restaurant back in 1973. His signature dish, Braciola all'Arturo (vinegar-soaked pork chop), is the definition of simple and delicious. It’s all about the method and preparation rather than complicated ingredients. Come hungry because it’s huge, bold, and just as unique as it sounds. Hani, who now helps Ernesto run the restaurant, personally recommended the filetto and eggplant antipasti. On our list for next time!

Bar All’Arco - In my opinion, this was the best cicchetti and wine bar that we stumbled into during our trip. It just happens to be tucked away in San Polo, one of my favorite charming neighborhoods of Venice. It’s a must for a quick bite on-the-go and a great glass of wine. Try the traditional baccalà mantecato, along with creative combos that feature everything from San Daniele prosciutto and prawns to artichokes, mushrooms, cheese and even fruit. Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend leaving Venice without stopping at this classic Venetian staple.

Al Timon - We popped in for a casual glass of wine and cicchetti along the rio della Misericordia, one of the liveliest canals in Venice. This restaurant is charming and authentic but next time, we’re coming back for their legendary steak platter! The vibes are relaxed and vibrant, especially around golden hour.

Osteria La Zucca - Not a vegetarian restaurant, but vegetables are definitely the stars here. Super charming little spot with tons of flavor and warmth. If you’re craving something lighter (but still delicious), this is your place. Some highlights from their menu include the pumpkin and mushroom lasagna, vegetable platter, flan di zucca (pumpkin flan), and, for the carnivores, beef cheek stew.

Ostaria da Rioba - A slightly upscale gem in Cannaregio that’s located right next to the always-buzzing Il Paradiso Perduto. This restaurant serves classic local dishes with a twist and is perfect for a nice dinner that still feels local and relaxed. Be sure to order their homemade cappellacci (with fossa cheese, potatoes, and zucchini cream) and risotto (with sage, capers, citrus fruits, and crispy red mullet).

Suso - This is one of the most popular gelato spots in Venice, and for good reason! Suso blends their passion for authentic gelato with a modern twist. They offer a variety of innovative and unique flavor combos. There is usually a bit of a line, but it’s worth the wait. Thankfully, there are two locations, one near the Rialto Bridge in San Marco and the other in the Cannaregio district.

Osteria al Fureghin - This cozy restaurant is tucked away on the island of Burano and not to be missed! It’s serving up no-fuss local dishes. The family and staff are warm and welcoming, and the food is simple and made with love. Known for dishes like their fritto misto, grilled scallops, clam linguine, and gnocchi with calamari - it’s a seafood lovers dream. If you’re looking for something simple, their spaghetti pomodoro is wonderful.

Trattoria al Gatto Nero - A casual, family-run spot on the island of Burano that first opened as a tavern in 1946 and was transformed into a traditional restaurant in 1965. I have the wonderful Elizabeth Minchilli to thank for this find - if you aren't subscribed to her newsletter or following her on socials (IG and TikTok), you're really missing out! It’s part of the Michelin Guide and well known for its focus on seafood and seasonal ingredients. The most popular dish here is undoubtedly Risotto alla Buranella (Burano style Risotto) that was invented by fisherman in the 1600’s and is unique to the island. It’s made with Gò (grass gobby fish) to form a unique and flavorful broth.

In Pescaria Vecia - A great little spot on Burano for aperitivo hour. Sunset spritz perfection!

Other Restaurants That Were Recommended To Us By Our Community & Locals We Met On The Island:

Il Paradiso Perduto
Al Grill
Ristorante Da Ivo
Trattoria da’a Marisa
Ristorante Casa Bonita
Trattoria alla Madonna
Ai Garzoti
Osteria Ai 40 Ladroni
Osteria Anice Stellato
Vini da Gigio
Cà D’oro alla Vedova
BEPI ANTICO 54 da LORIS
Osteria Ai Promessi Sposi
Ristorante Al Vagon
Hostaria Bacanera
Drogheria Màscari
Il Diavolo E L’acqua Santa
Antico Forno
Cantina Do Spade
Vineria all’Amarone
Birraria La Corte
Estro
Ca’ Dolfin
Ai Mercanti
Restaurant La Caravella
Ristorante da Raffaele
Cantine del Vino già Schiavi
Ristorante and Caffé Quadri
Trattoria Al Gazzettino
Osteria Al Portego
La Boutique Del Gelato
Osteria Alla Frasca
Rosa Salva - Sts. John and Paul
C’è Pizza e Pizza
Corte Sconta
Nevodi
Osteria da Alberto
Art Cafe Venezia
Al Vecio Portal
La Sete
Jazz Club Novecento 900
Trattoria Busa alla Torre (in Murano)

Where To Drink

Bar Longhi - Located at the Gritti Palace Hotel and set right along the Grand Canal. The outdoor patio of this bar has a wonderful view of the iconic Basilica Santa Maria della Salute. It’s the perfect spot to grab a spritz and take in the view!

Vino Vero - A wine bar in the Cannaregio district with a fantastic selection of natural wines and cicchetti. Bonus points for a super friendly staff and lively atmosphere.

Enoteca Al Volto - An old school wine bar in San Marco that was founded in 1936. It’s quaint and charming, with a vast wine selection. It’s also a great spot to grab some small bites or to even stay for dinner.

Caffè Florian - Established in 1720, this is one of the oldest coffee houses in the world (and the oldest in Italy)! A must while you’re in Venice.

Harry’s Bar - A classic, and the birthplace of the Bellini. Touristy? Of course, but a fun stop nonetheless. For anyone wondering, that tiny glass of liquid is a martini!

Where to Stay

Gritti Palace - Housed in a 15th-century palazzo, this hotel is absolutely stunning, with unique and luxurious rooms that feel straight out of a dream. Staying here was definitely a splurge for us (but made easier thanks to our Marriott Bonvoy points!), even during off-season when the prices tend to be significantly lower than the summer months. I highly recommend taking a cooking class at their Gritti Epicurian School with Executive Chef Alberto Fol. It’s a really special experience and available for guests and non-guests.

Some other hotel options we looked into: Hotel Cipriani (Belmond), St. Regis Venice, Aman Venice, Baglioni Hotel Luna, Palazzini Grassi, Londra Palace, The Venice Venice Hotel, JW Marriott Venice, Ca' Sagredo Hotel, Hotel Ai Reali, Al Ponte Antico, Novecento Boutique Hotel

What to Do

Gondola Ride - It may sound cliché but it’s truly the best way to experience the beauty of Venice. Here are my 3 steps to the perfect gondola ride experience: (1) Grab a spritz to-go for the row, (2) opt for dusk when it's less busy and the waters are more calm (and enjoy the sunset!), (3) find the best gondolier! We met Andrea Greco who was fantastic (you can also check my IG highlights if you’d like to see a recap of our time with him). I can’t stress the importance of going at dusk enough - it was a totally different and more authentic experience than going during the day.

Walking Tour – One of my top recommendations when visiting a city for the first time is to take a walking tour. Local guides share tons of info that you might not discover on your own. They usually provide great tips for restaurants and things to do that you might’ve otherwise missed.

Rialto Market – One of the oldest markets in the world, dating back nearly a millennium. It’s a great place to wander through and taste the local Venetian flavors. Campo Santa Margherita Market in the Dorsoduro district and Mercato di Via Garibaldi in the Castello district are two others that I highly recommend checking out.

Rialto Bridge - This is the oldest bridge on the Grand Canal and for centuries, it was the only one. You’ll almost definitely come across it at some point because it’s a major focal point and one of the most recognizable spots in Venice. The bridge has a distinctive arched design and even has small shops built into it.

Saint Mark’s Basilica - Easily one of Venice’s most iconic buildings. The interior is completely covered with incredible golden mosaics. You really have to see it in person to appreciate how special it is! Its design is a blend of eastern and western culture, being influenced by Constantinople (what is now Istanbul). Head to the upper level to get a panoramic view of Piazza San Marco and the lagoon. It’s such a stunning church and totally worth checking out! Be sure to grab a tour guide ahead of time for this one.

Doge’s Palace - This is another one of the main landmarks in Venice and right next to Saint Mark’s Basilica. It was the residence to the Doge (the head of state of the Venetian Republic), as well as being where the government offices and a jail was located. There’s tons of history packed inside, so having a tour guide here is definitely worth it.

San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower - You'll need to take the Vaporetto (Line 2) to get to this bell tower but it only takes a few minutes. It has one of the best panoramic views of Venice where you can see Piazza San Marco, Doge's Palace, the Grand Canal, and much of the Venetian Lagoon from above.

Cannaregio District - One of the six historic sestieri (districts) of Venice and considered to be a more authentic area of the island. It’s a great place to go if you want to hop around on a cicchetti crawl or just to sit back canal-side with a glass of wine in hand.

Libreria Acqua Alta - The famous bookstore that’s a must-see if you’re a book lover. Just be sure to get there early to beat the crowds!

Traghetto - If you're looking to avoid paying 80-90 euros for a gondola ride, just hop on a traghetto! It only costs 2 euros and gets you across the Grand Canal. Although it’s a really short ride and you may be sharing the extra large gondola with others, it gives you a chance to take a beautiful photo - especially if you go to the one near Rialto Bridge!

Teatro La Fenice - This historic opera house is considered one of the most famous in the world. Even if opera isn’t exactly your thing, it’s the kind of experience that might be worth trying in a place this iconic!

Enoteca Livy Wine - We stumbled into this charming wine shop that’s located right next door to Bar All'Arco. Liviana, the owner, is wonderful and so helpful. She’s a sommelier and has an incredible selection of wines and local products at great prices. A perfect spot for gift shopping!

Gallerie dell’Accademia - A must-visit museum for art lovers. It specializes in Renaissance art and is home to works by the famous Giovanni Bellini and Leonardo da Vinci (including his Vitruvian Man drawing).

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo - A small Renaissance palace with an iconic spiral staircase that's great for photos.

Burano - An island in the Venetian Lagoon that's known for its colored houses and lace-making. Definitely worth checking out if you have some extra time while you’re in Venice.

Murano - Another island in the Venetian Lagoon that’s known for its glass production. We didn’t have a chance to check it out but we definitely will next time!

Get Lost - Ironically, getting lost in the streets of Venice is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the city. Venice’s signature “calles” are the narrow, winding pathways between buildings that characterize the unique history and urban landscape. During our walking tour, we learned about the nizioleti: the historic street signs that adorn the walls of Venetian buildings. The names on these signs often reflect the history, trades, and even legends that are associated with the specific location.

How To Get To Your Hotel

The main arrival destinations around Venice are Santa Lucia train station, Venice Marco Polo airport, or Piazzale Roma (via car or bus). We’ve been to each and there’s no perfect option. With whichever you choose, you’ll likely need to take a water taxi or the vaporetto directly to your hotel (if it’s accessible by boat) or to the nearest stop on the canal.

As I mentioned in my Ischia Travel Guide, check ahead with your hotel concierge to make sure your arrival and departure arrangements are squared away beforehand. I can’t tell you how often we rely on the help of the hotel concierge - they’re the best!

Here’s a sample 2-Day Itinerary with some ideas for how to spend your time in Venice:

Day 1

• Arrive at Venice Marco Polo airport, Santa Lucia train station, or Piazzale Roma

• Take shuttle or water taxi transportation to hotel.

• Check into hotel

• Cross the canal on the traghetto

• Grab some cicchetti at Bar All’Arco

• Stop by next door at Enoteca Livy Wine to shop some local products

• Cross the iconic Rialto Bridge

• Taste some gelato at Suso

• Check out the popular Libreria Acqua Alta

• Drink a Bellini at Harry’s Bar or have an aperitivo at Bar Longhi

• Ride a gondola at dusk

• Dinner at Ristorante a la Vecia Cavana or Trattoria Antiche Carampane

Day 2

• Breakfast at your hotel or Caffé Florian

• Tour Saint Mark’s Basilica and Doge's Palace

• Lunch at Vini Da Arturo or L’Osteria di Santa Marina

• Take the Vaporetto (Line 12) or private water taxi to Burano OR head to Cannaregio to walk around. If you go to Burano, explore the island and check out Trattoria al Gatto Nero for a bite or In Pescaria Vecia for a drink. If you go to Cannaregio, walk around and grab cicchetti at Vino Vero or Al Timon (or Il Paradiso Perduto if it’s the weekend).

• Dinner at Ristorante Al Covo

I hope you enjoyed all this info on Venice and be sure to leave a comment! If you’re looking for more guides, you can check out my Ischia travel guide here. Stay tuned for much more to come!

xx,
Erin