MAgical Venise

Visiting Venice feels like stepping into a fantastical journey.

From the very first hours in the Eternal City, you can sense how magical and truly special this place is. Floating somewhere between sky and sea, it is a city of unimaginable beauty and strangeness, where time seems to stand still.

In three days, you can visit some of Venice’s must-sees while allowing yourself to get lost in its labyrinthine charm. It’s easy to lose your way among the tangle of narrow streets — the calle and calleta — bridges, and typical Venetian squares — the campo and campiello.

The city is home to countless palaces, churches, and museums. Along the Grand Canal, you’ll admire the palazzi lining this wide waterway. They showcase Venetian-Byzantine, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Witnesses to Venice’s glorious past, their façades are adorned with arches, loggias, colorful marbles, intricate decorations, columns, garlands, and masks casting dramatic shadows.

GETTING AROUND IN VENICE

The city of 416 bridges, 119 islands, and 200 canals is shaped like a large fish sliced in half, crossed by the Grand Canal and connected by four main bridges: the Rialto Bridge, the oldest and perhaps the most famous — often bustling with tourists; the Ponte degli Scalzi (Bridge of the Barefoot), named after the barefoot monks of the nearby Santa Maria di Nazareth church; the Accademia Bridge, offering a breathtaking panoramic view over the canal not to be missed; and the more modern Constitution Bridge, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.

Getting around Venice is fairly easy on foot — the city is almost entirely pedestrian. But for a panoramic ride along the Grand Canal, the best option is the vaporetto (public water bus) or the motoscafo, a faster boat with fewer stops.

Venice’s public transport system, ACTV, offers convenient 24-hour or 48-hour passes — ideal for a short stay in the city.

More private (and expensive) options are also available, such as private water taxis or the iconic gondolas, perfect for a romantic or scenic ride.

VENICE MUST-SEES

Here are some must-see places you shouldn’t miss while visiting Venice:

Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Square: Icons of Venetian power, showcasing stunning architecture and a fascinating history.

St. Mark’s Basilica: A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, home to priceless artistic treasures.

Gallerie dell’Accademia: An outstanding collection of Venetian art from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection: A world-renowned collection of modern and contemporary art, set along the Grand Canal.

Museo Fortuny: A unique museum dedicated to the work of Venetian artist Mariano Fortuny, housed in a magnificent Gothic palace.

Fondazione Querini Stampalia: A house-museum offering an intimate glimpse into Venetian life and culture.

La Fenice Opera House: One of the most famous opera houses in the world, known for its magnificent architecture and top-tier performances.

Ca’ d’Oro: A splendid Gothic-style palace housing a fine art collection and offering breathtaking views of the Grand Canal.

Walk along the Lagoon: Enjoy a relaxing stroll from the Accademia to the Punta della Dogana, with stunning views over the water.

Exploring Venice’s Neighborhoods: Wander through iconic districts such as San Marco, San Polo, Dorsoduro, Giudecca, Castello, and Cannaregio for an authentic feel of the city.

Visit the Islands of Burano and Murano: Discover traditional lace-making in Burano and glass-blowing in Murano — both known for their craftsmanship, charm, and colorful scenery.

VENETIAN CUISINE

With exchanges from the East and Mediterranean influences, Venetian cuisine has witnessed various evolutions that have left a strong cultural imprint. The foundations of Venetian cooking date back to Antiquity. The Romans left their mark by introducing ingredients such as olive oil, fish, and seafood.

The Republic of Venice, which flourished for centuries, was a commercial crossroads between East and West, bringing in a significant influx of spices, dried fruits, and other exotic ingredients. Spices such as pepper, cinnamon, ginger, and other aromatics were imported from the East. Venetian merchants incorporated these exotic ingredients into their cuisine, introducing new and complex flavors that have shaped Venetian gastronomy.

Venetian cuisine also emphasizes local and regional products. Vegetables like artichokes, asparagus, and radicchio, as well as fish from the lagoon, are abundantly used. Due to Venice’s proximity to the Adriatic Sea and the lagoon, seafood plays an essential role in Venetian cooking.

In fact, no visit to Venice is complete without exploring the iconic Rialto Market.

The Rialto Market (Mercato di Rialto) is one of the city’s oldest markets, dating back to the 11th century, and has played a central role in Venice’s economic life since then. The market is especially famous for its lively fish market, where local fishermen sell their daily catch.

Between narrow alleys and winding canals, Venice’s market is much more than just a tourist spot—it embodies the very essence of Venetian life, conviviality, and tradition. It offers a captivating sensory experience where colors, aromas, sounds, and seagulls ! blend in a vibrant harmony.

where and what to Eat in Venice

venetian specialities to taste

Discovering Venetian specialties is an exciting culinary adventure! Venice’s cuisine is rich and diverse, offering a multitude of delights that would take a long time to fully explore. But if your time is limited during your visit, here are some essential Venetian culinary treasures to try:

• Cicchetti: Small Venetian tapas-style bites served in bacari (wine bars).

• Baccalà Mantecato: Creamy whipped dried cod spread on cicchetti – a true delicacy.

• Seppie al Nero & Risotto al Nero di Seppia: Dishes made with cuttlefish ink, like squid cooked in its own ink or creamy black risotto.

• Sarde in Saor: Marinated sardines in a mix of wine, onions, pine nuts, and raisins—a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

• Fegato alla Veneziana: Classic Venetian dish of veal liver sautéed with onions and white wine.

• Baicoli: Thin, crunchy traditional Venetian biscuits, perfect with coffee.

• Tiramisu: The famous Italian dessert layered with coffee-soaked biscuits, mascarpone cheese, and dusted with cocoa.

Top Venetian Food Spots

• Osteria Al Sacro e Profano
  Authentic Venetian cuisine near the Rialto Market. Away from the tourist crowds, the welcoming owner will happily explain his menu of Venetian specialties.
  Address: Parangon, 502, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy

• All’Arco
  My favorite spot in San Polo. A cozy, authentic bar with vintage curtains, marble counters, and rustic decor. The freshest local wine and cicchetti, especially seafood, are served here. Highly recommended for seafood lovers!
  Address: S. Polo, 436, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy

• Cantinone Già Schiavi
  A beloved Dorsoduro institution, popular with locals, students, and tourists alike. Traditional baccaro with a beautiful historic facade and walls lined with wine bottles. Enjoy cicchetti paired with wine or a classic Venetian Spritz.
  Address: Fondamenta Nani, 992, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy

• Osteria Al Squero
  Another great Dorsoduro spot for cicchetti by the water, offering a unique view of the historic gondola workshop, Squero di San Trovaso.
  Address: Dorsoduro, 943, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy

Other favorites include Bacaro Risorto, Caffè Rosso, and Al Merca.