The Guide: Venice
There is no place quite like Venice. The city built on small islands, interlinked by canals, not only has a rich history but is culturally diverse. It’s an easily walkable city but many take advantage of the water-based transport to really experience the fullness of the location’s USP. It’s difficult to narrow down but here are our top picks.
It goes without saying but La Biennale di Venezia is one of the most prolific cultural institutions in the world. With a programme that spans across the yearly calendar, events take place in and around the two rotating exhibitions of the art and architecture biennales including the film, dance and music festivals. It’s useful to coordinate your trip with one of the major events but the likelihood that there will be something to see while you’re there is high.
Combo is a contemporary take on a classic hostel. The renovated monastery oozes character with clean, modern additions creating a calm atmosphere and a quiet retreat after a busy day. The multi-arts venue is also home to a restaurant, bar (which is perfect for co-working), events space and radio station. Here you’ll find great food, live DJs, the occasional market and some really nice people. Private rooms are available if you don’t fancy sharing in a dorm.
On the bottom floor of The Venice Venice Hotel is Venice M’Art, consisting of a picturesque restaurant with a terrace overlooking The Grand Canal and a concept store; a go-to destination for design-led products from tote bags, prints and books from independent brands and artists; established and upcoming. Tried and tested for solo dining.
It’s certainly one of our more touristy recommendations but you wouldn’t expect anything else if located in St Mark’s Square. Established in 1720, it’s one of the world’s oldest coffeehouses. It is on the pricier side but you’re paying for the view, the live orchestra and staff who have honed in on their craft, some having worked there for 15 years to transition from white bowtie to black.
This Michelin-starred restaurant presents dishes rooted in tradition, innovated by a young team through new cooking techniques. Using local ingredients, they pay homage to their own name and the open plan kitchen allows you to watch the chefs doing what they do best in a beautifully interior-designed setting which replicates the aim for their food; merging the modern and historic. Visiting their website, you can see exactly where the produce originates from, region by region, adding a lovely touch to the experience of supporting locals and being mindful of what you’re eating.
If you’re in the city for an extended period of time, Venissa is worth the island hop over to Mazzorbo. Dining or staying comes at a cost. If it’s out of your price range but want to enjoy the setting and surroundings, we recommend a vineyard tour or wine tasting which come up a bit more affordable, where you’ll learn about the Venice lagoon heritage.
Seasonal ingredients are CoVino's speciality. Their vegetables, herbs and fish are bought on a daily basis for the freshest taste and honour artisan Venetian suppliers and the wine list is a sight to be seen with over 100 labels of the finest natural wines, a treat for vino connoisseurs. Dining there feels effortless and authentic to the city with a rustic aesthetic that uses bottles, food and appliances as decor.
Originally remodelled by Carlo Scarpa to showcase Olivetti products, the historical building in St Mark’s Square was tastefully adapted with complimentary interior design. Nowadays, it displays Olivetti’s vintage typewriters but the architecture takes pride in place and is open to the public as well as being used as an exhibition space.
Located on The Grand Canal, the museum displays Peggy Guggenheim’s personal art collection spanning modernist works across Europe and the USA. With incredible paintings and sculptures from the likes of Agnes Martin, Barnett Newman, Alexander Calder and Ellsworth Kelly across the gallery walls, the complex also houses a cafe within a greenery-filled courtyard and a balcony that overlooks the waterfront.
A centre for contemporary culture spanning cinema, photography, dance, Fondaziona Prada has two locations in Milan and one in Venice. It’s where modern meets traditional, from exhibits offering new perspectives in the art world to the historic architecture of the venue.
A destination slightly off the beaten track but worth the journey. Bruno is a book store stocking independent publishers, in conjunction with a graphic design studio and exhibition space. The concrete-walled interior is complemented by sleek wooden display tables and is filled with a curated selection of limited-edition books and magazines. They are also founders of BookBiennale, a multi-faceted project centering around research in publishing through interviews, podcasts and products made in collaboration with artists tapping into the cultural happenings of the Venice Biennale and other major events. It’s an ideal spot for art and design enthusiasts with a love of supporting local talent.
Like their sister bar in Lisbon, Vino Vero are experts in serving up natural wine and know how to create a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a solo sipper or coming along as a group, it’s a lovely, vibrant spot in the Cannaregio district. A short walk from the final stop on the island that takes you off back to the airport; Madonna dell’Orto, it’s the perfect farewell drink venue before catching a flight home.
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