A LOCAL’S GUIDE TO VENICE

Venice flawlessly delivers on its reputation for romance every time. Constructed on 100 tiny islands in a huge lagoon, this city lets even the novice photographer capture fairy-tale images: an overflowing flower basket on a wrought-iron balcony, a weathered stone palace along a waterfront, a serenading gondolier.  And while a gondola ride may be the iconic Venice experience, seasoned visitors will revel equally in a long stroll along the streets and bridges that crisscross the famous canals. Cross enough canals and wind your way down enough cobblestone alleys and you just might find yourself in a mysterious corner you haven’t yet discovered. Some of the city’s best restaurants, bookstores and unique treasures are tucked away in hidden alleys. That’s the beauty of Venice. You’ll find palatial monuments and modern pleasures such as fresh pasta, leisurely canal-side aperitivos and abundant shopping. It’s the quintessential Italian city to get lost in.

DINE
Antico Martini
Campiello della Fenice, 2007
An absolute Venetian institution, Antico Martini has been frequented by the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Vittorio De Sica and Igor Stravinsky over the years. What began as a café and pre-theater meeting point in 1720 transformed into one of the most refined restaurants in Venice in 1952, and has been enchanting diners with its gourmet Venetian cuisine ever since.

SHOP
Legatoria Piazzesi
Sestiere San Marco 2511/C
Open since 1851, this historic stationery shop that still makes all of their products in or around Venice is one treasure on the main tourist row worth pausing for. Discover hand-printed wrapping paper, diaries, pencil holders, notebooks, stationery, paperweights and more.

EXPLORE
Italian Prosecco Country
Pop the cork on a bottle of prosecco in the region where the grape is grown just north of Venice. You’ll find family-run vineyards offering tours and tastings of the sparkling wine. Try the province of Treviso, only 20 miles north of Venice, or UNESCO-protected Vicenza.

Start planning your Italian adventure now.