Holidays in Venice

Piazza San Marco

Home to the Basilica di San Marco, the Torre dell’Orologio and the Doge’s Palace, Saint Marks Square marks the heart of Venice and you’re bound to be drawn to it in no time. The square has a great energy about it always buzzing with people and plenty to see and do.

Basilica di San Marco

It’s one of the most visited sights in the city for good reason! The Basilica is a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture with its five teardrop domes. Its lavish decoration and intricate gilt mosaics have lead it to be nicknamed the Basilica d’Oro or Golden Basilica. It originated as the chapel of the Doge and became the resting place of Saint Mark in 829. The ornate decorations are in part thanks to a law passed by the Doge in 1075, which required all ships returning to Venice to bring back something precious to decorate the basilica. Spot the spot the “modern” mosaic designs by the likes of Titian and Tintoretto, as you explore this architectural masterpiece. These designs replaced some of the originals between 1500 and 1750.

Harry’s Bar

Harry’s bar has been a popular watering hole for artists, writers and aristocrats since 1929. The home of the original Bellini, Harry’s bar is where Giuseppe Cipriani invented the delicious combination of prosecco and pureed white peaches in 1948 and named it after the 15th century artist Giovanni Bellini.

Murano

Learn about the elite pursuit of the glassmaking artisans of the Venetian Republic with a trip to the island of Murano in the Venetian Lagoon. You’ll find glass-lined streets, factories and shops selling the famous colourful glass. Weekday mornings are the best time to catch the glass blowers in action.

The Venetian Ghetto

This was the Jewish quarter of Venice from the 16th to 19th centuries. Originally, a getto (foundry) it became the living quarters of the Venetian Jewish community. The law restricted them to this district at night and during Christian Holidays. With growing numbers of people and limited space, the buildings grew taller, housing synagogues and publishing houses. It wasn't until Venice joined with Italy in 1866 that full emancipation was gained for the Jewish people of Venice. However, this was short lived with many fleeing before the Nazi occupation. Today, the Jewish Museum brings to life the tumultuous history of Venetian Jews by sharing their stories. The Jewish quarter is a vibrant site of Jewish history, with a distinct Jewish population still living here. Wander through the streets lined with synagogues, restaurants and bakeries.

Venice Lido

The Venice Lido is a small island in the Venetian lagoon which has lovely beaches and great views of the city. Take a break from city life and find a spot on the 11 kilometre coastline. There’s a public beach to the north (come early to get a good spot) or you can choose from one of the paid private beaches.

The Bridge of Sighs

Known as the Ponte dei Sospiri in Italian, the covered bridge passes over the Rio di Palazzo and links the Doges Palace to the Prigioni, the prisons built across the canal in the 16th century. Hence the name, the bridge of sighs, it’s the last thing the prisoners would see before being incarcerated. As you pass beneath, spot the ten faces that decorate its baroque exterior, only one is smiling. If you visit the Doges Palace you can actually cross the bridge, but the best views are from the water.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

If you’ve had your share of Renaissance and are looking for something more contemporary, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is the place to go. It offers a more modern roster of works by mostly European artists from Picasso to Matisse, curated by the eccentric American heiress in the mid-20th century. Think cubism, futurism and surrealism. The gallery's artsy café is a great spot for a tea or coffee break.

Local food & drink to try

Bigoli is the city’s signature pasta. This fat spaghetti is made with buckwheat and duck eggs and served with anchovies and onion.

Spaghetti in nero di sepia is a striking pasta dish is made up of slow cooked squid coated in a tomato sauce, infused with squid ink, giving it a rich black colour.

Fritto Misto are tasty tangles crispy battered fish, calamari and shrimp. It’s usually served up in a paper cone.

Cicchetti is Venice’s centuries old answer to Tapas. Head to a traditional bàcari (bar) for a selection of tasty snacks.

Baccala mantecato is a classic cicchetti dish of slow cooked creamy cod with olive oil pm fresh crispy bread. Best served up with a cool glass of prosecco.

Sarde in saor is a sweet-sour dish with fried sardine fillets marinated in vinegar, onions raisins and pine nuts. The dish dates back to the Middle ages when the fishermen would use this method to preserve the fish. Today you’ll see it on menus as antipasto or as an appetiser.

Spritz ask for a 'spritz con Aperol e Campari' or a 'Spritz Misto' as it's known in some parts of Italy. This is a typical drink of the region. It's a slightly stronger and more bitter version of an Aperol Spritz - the Campari gives it a richer, more sophisticated flavour. Traditionally this should be served with a green olive in it. It's really delicious and definitely worth a try!

Carnivale (19 Feb – 1 Mar 2022)

This spectacular celebration turns the whole city into an array of colour with people in ornate, baroque costumes and masks. Book ahead to attend a masquerade ball or simply enjoy the chaotic and unique atmosphere of the piazzas.

Regatta (5 Sep 2021)

The Historical Regatta is a spectacular flotilla of colourful boats on the Grand Canal with the golden Bucintoro, representing the Serenissima at its head.

Festa del Redentore (late July)

One of the most important traditions on the Venetian calendar, Festa del Redentore combines religious events with family parties and a huge fireworks display.

Venice Film Festival (early September)

This annual event is part of Biennale and is one of the oldest film festivals in the world, attended by numerous directors and world-famous actors.

Hidden Venice

With a city as popular as Venice, it can be hard to find its authenticity. But Cannaregio, Venice’s most northern sestiere, has it in droves. Duck into side streets and you’ll find little bakeries, market stalls and locals going about their everyday life. Head to the oldest Jewish Quarter in the world to see a glimpse into a fascinating history. Evenings are lively with families and friends enjoying drawn-out dinners in Fondamenta della Misericordia.