Best places to stay in Venice
JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
Isola Delle Rose Laguna Di, 30133
This extraordinary five-star hotel enjoys a spectacular (and oh-so private) location on the island of Isola delle Rose. It’s a serene escape from everyday life, featuring 40 acres of lush garden and olive groves, sumptuous rooms and its own canal entrance.
Hotel Giorgione
Calle Larga dei Proverbi, 4587, 30121
Soak up the traditional elegance of Venice at this hotel, housed within a historic 14th-century building a stone’s throw from St Mark’s Square. Rooms are decorated in opulent jewel tones and come complete with original fittings and antique touches.
Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal
Santa Croce, 578, 30135
Enjoy sweeping canal views from your room at this refined spot. There’s also a rooftop bar for al fresco dining, and plenty of classical touches, from pastel colours to Venetian plasterwork and Murano glass.
Best places to eat in Venice
Algiubagio Restaurant
Fondamente Nove, 5039, 30121
Experience a modern take on Italian cuisine at this restaurant, which overlooks the lagoon and dates back to the 1900s. Feast on fillet of beef or succulent duck breast, but make sure to save room for indulgent desserts like tiramisu.
Rio Novo Ristorante
Santa Croce, 278, 30135
Take a rest from sightseeing and drop into this casual spot, which serves up fresh seafood and pizzas close to the Giardini Papadopoli. Enjoy canal views from the sunny outdoor terrace.
La Zucca
S. Croce, 1762, 30135
This modern and cosy restaurant may focus on inventive vegetarian options, but there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Treat yourself to silky tagliatelle with artichokes and Pecorino cheese, or tender duck thigh with tangy apples.
Best things to do in and around Venice
Saint Mark’s Basilica
P.za San Marco, 328, 30100
Discover Venice’s rich and fascinating past at the largest and most famous church in the city. The awe-inspiring Saint Mark’s Basilica is known for its spectacular mosaics (made with 24-carat gold leaf) and impressive domes.
Gallerie dell’Accademia
Campo della Carità, 1050, 30123
Discover pre-19th-century art at this iconic gallery on the south bank of the Grand Canal. Inside, you’ll find work from a huge range of world-famous Venetian artists, from Carpaccio to Guardi.
Rialto Bridge
Sestiere San Polo, 30125
There are four bridges which arc over the canals in Venice, and the Rialto Bridge is perhaps the most famous. Constructed in 1173 and finished in 1181, it connects San Marco with San Polo. Walk over the bridge on foot or admire the ornate structure by taking a gondola underneath it.