Explore Venice

There are days in Venice when the small city is teeming with tourists, mostly outnumbering the locals and getting to the city highlights may seem like a battle.  The best times to visit, to avoid the worst of the crowds, are Spring and Autumn.  That said however Venice is a jewel box waiting to be discovered.  Here are a few ideas;

Begin in the Piazza San Marco

Begin at the heart of the city in the Piazza San Marco and St Mark’s Basilica, which opens at 9.30am every day.  The Museum of St Mark’s is worth a visit afterwards too with its spectacular views over the piazza.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch before strolling through the Castello district.  Leave the crowds behind and visit Scuola san Giorgio degli Schiavoni.  The Venetian scuoles (schools) were founded as early as the 13^thcentury as charitable and religious organisations for the laity. Sculoa san Giorgio degli Schiavoni is the HQ of the Dalmation community and decorated by Vittore Carpaccio.

Take in some window shopping, or maybe some real shopping, on Calle Larga XXII Marzo, the most upmarket street in the city.

Saunter along the shopping streets of the Mercerie towards Rialto Bridge. Cross over and have an aperitif and dinner in the market district.

Where to stay

Stay at Ca’Sagredo, an historic palazzo on the Grand Canal dating from the 15th Century.  Close enough to the city but far enough away to enjoy a tranquil stay, Ca’Sagredo is not only a wonderful place to stay but a museum in itself, demonstrating 5 centuries of Venetian history.

See Venice on the water

Venice is situated over 120 islands so a trip to one or two should feature in any itinerary. The most popular islands to visit are Torcello, Burano and Murano, a tour of which brings many characteristics of Venice to life. The hour long trip out to Torcello is a treat in itself and the cathedral is well worth a visit.  Burano is the lace making island, easily visited on the way back from Torcello, with its picturesque canals and colourful houses.  Murano, with its colourful glass factories, is the most popular of the islands amongst tourists.  In the past, all glassmakers were required to live on the island to protect the secrets of the glass making industry.  The tradition of making traditional multicoloured glass continues and many pieces are available to buy from showrooms on the island.

Perhaps consider visiting some of the smaller islands too. Take the number 2 vaporetto from San Marco to San Giorgio Maggiore, head to the 18^th Century church and take the lift to the top of the campanile for an incredible view of Venice and the lagoon.  Hop back on the number 2 vaporetto and get off at Zattere to visit the Accademia Gallery where you can see Vittore Carpaccio’s Miracle of the Cross at the Rialto.

Palazzi Ducale, or Doges Palace, is an impressive 15^th Century palazzo typical of the myriad of meeting rooms and formal reception rooms where Venice’s dukes would conduct their commercial activities. This is certainly worth a visit whilst in Venice. Explore the narrow chambers where these aristocrats would work away in cramped darkness.

Wander into Cannaregio for dinner – the bars and restaurants of northern Cannaregio are amongst the best in Venice.

Top tips

Save time and money by booking a vaporetto travel pass and entry to galleries and attractions.  We can of course help you with booking passes and entry tickets.

The Rialto market is the city’s principal spot for fresh produce.  There are also two boat market stalls in Venice – one in campo San Barnaba and the other at the end of via Garibaldi.

Consider a secret itineraries tour of the inquisitors’ courts and dungeons behind the splendid façade of the Doges Palace.

To chat through your trip to Venice, do get in touch.