Few cities are as celebrated today as Venice, and it's not hard to understand why. The famous city has been a centre of romance for centuries, and it remains so today. Venice is a dream come true and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Now we show you 14 programmes not to be missed when you visit the city of love!
Our next Venice programmes will help you get to know this city a little more deeply, with some handy tips for escaping the crowds and enjoying the delicious food. Let's get started!
1. Grand Canal (Canal Grande)
During the high season, the Grand Canal's water buses can be overwhelmingly crowded, especially in the morning and evening commutes. Avoid the chaos by travelling at night on the Grand Canal, which is a beautiful experience, as all the royal palaces are illuminated to reveal the ceiling frescoes and grand chandeliers!
Another way to get around the crowds of tourists on the Grand Canal is to hire a water taxi. Some boats even serve champagne on board. This indulgence is more expensive than public transport, but it's a great idea if you're travelling with a group and want to indulge in water transport (it's often cheaper than gondolas). Water taxis are also easier to navigate in the smaller, scenic canals. Plus, with few people on board, you can take plenty of photos along the way.
Site location: 30100 Venezia VE
GPS coordinates: 45.435069, 12.327949
Google Photos: Click here
2. Venice Biennale
Every two years, Venice hosts the 'Art World Olympics', bringing curators, buyers and critics from all over the world to the Italian city. The Biennale is the perfect opportunity to see the best contemporary art and learn about what's happening in different countries. However, if you can't make it to the art festival in time, the foundation behind it also organises a number of other cultural festivals, including music and film.
Site location: C. Giazzo, 30122 Venezia VE
GPS coordinates: 45.428907, 12.358198
Google Photos: Click here
3. San Sebastiano
Every year, millions of people queue outside San Marco, waiting their turn to see the fabulous basilica. Why not make a detour to the church of San Sebastiano, home to some of the most important works of the Venetian Renaissance master Paolo Tiepolo? Save Venice Inc, a non-profit organisation responsible for the restoration of countless Venetian works of art and architecture across the city, recently restored Tiepolo's frescoes and has spent over a decade repairing and restoring most of the church.
Site location: Campazzo San Sebastiano, 30123 Venezia VE
GPS coordinates: 45.432026, 12.319802
Google Photos: Click here
4. Carnevale Festival
Every February, the city hosts its traditional carnival, where more than three million people dress up in costumes and dance until dawn. What makes this party different? It dates back to the Renaissance. Venetians wear gilded white masks and the theatrical costumes, from black capes to ball gowns and feathered hats. feathers. They make a special spectacle.
Site location: Cannaregio, 2249/b, 30121 Venezia VE
GPS coordinates: 45.442307, 12.331765
Google Photos: Click here
5. Caffè Florian
Caffé Florian in the heart of San Marco Square is legendary. This iconic slice of Venetian history has been a trademark of royalty since 1720, attracting celebrities from Charlie Chaplin to Andy Warhol over the centuries, and its décor hasn't changed much since the 18th century. Try the risotto, or if you fancy something sweet, the gourmet chocolates, special coffees and ice cream! The terrace is perfect in summer.
Site location: P.za San Marco, 57, 30124 Venezia VE
GPS coordinates: 45.433705, 12.338165
Google Photos: Click here
6. I Tre Mercanti
Tiramisu is a decadent Italian cake dessert, dipped in coffee and layered in cream. . Founded in Venice in the 1960s, its secret recipe was created by the local restaurants and bakeries. The I Tre Mercanti bakery offers 25 different fusion tiramisu, with strawberry, limoncello and passion fruit, but the traditional cocoa classic is a must-try.
Site location: Calle al Ponte de la Guerra, 5364, 30122 Venezia VE
GPS coordinates: 45.436283, 12.339350
Google Photos: Click here
7. Murano Glass Museum
Take time out for a trip to Murano and admire a traditional glassmaker art for which the island is famous! The beautiful, light-changing products are still made by Fornace Ferro glass factory in Murano, where visitors can take a look at an open studio, but you can learn more about the history and the art of glassmaking in the Museo del Vetro in Murano.
Site location: Fondamenta Marco Giustinian, 8, 30141 Venezia VE
GPS coordinates: 45.456577, 12.356965
Google Photos: Click here
8. All'Arco
Looking for a real Venetian breakfast or an afternoon aperitif? All'Arco is the most authentic and the most delicious place in town. People come here mainly for the famous cicheti snack, a different combination of fresh meats, products or cheeses, delicately balanced in small portions on top of crostini cut into small slices. Arrive early in the morning and elbow your way up next to the noisy fish vendors from the nearby Rialto market! They'll be replenishing their cicheti and prosecco long before noon, a truly authentic Venetian custom!
Site location: S. Polo, 436, 30125 Venezia VE
GPS coordinates: 45.438888, 12.334078
Google Photos: Click here
9. Island of Burano
Burano is one of the jewels of the Venetian lagoons. It is about a 40-minute drive from the main island (located about 7 km from Venice), but well worth the day trip. This island is full of houses painted in every colour of the rainbow. According to legend, houses were painted in colour so that sailors could find their way back home from the sea even in the foggiest fog. Take a walk to the 13th century Santa Caterina church and check out local restaurants such as Trattoria Al Gatto Nero, serving fresh seafood and homemade pasta (look for the light blue building).
Site location: 30142 Venezia VE
GPS coordinates: 45.485377, 12.416647
Google Photos: Click here
10. Rialto Food & Wine Tour (Mercato di Rialto)
The Rialto Bridge food market is widely known for its Italian products and homemade pasta. During the tour, you can sample delicacies such as fresh cow's cheese from the Asiago Mountains, pickled seafood and polenta made from olives from nearby Lake Garda. The tour ends in Campo San Giovanni e Paolo, a popular square where you can enjoy a delicious dessert.
For a more in-depth look at the market and the regional ingredients on offer, take a tour of Enrica Rocca's cooking school, where you will be accompanied by a chef and cook typical Venetian dishes!
Site location: Calle Prima de la Donzella, 306, 30125 Venezia VE
GPS coordinates: 45.439678, 12.333670
Google Photos: Click here
11. Castello
Castello is a quiet residential area just 15 minutes' walk from the bustling San Marco Square. In this peaceful neighbourhood you will find quiet canals, exciting shops and food markets. If you're on a budget, venture away from the tourist attractions to Castello!
Site location: Eastern side of Venice
GPS coordinates: 45.435436, 12.341727
Google Photos: Click here
12. Torcello Cathedral
The Torcello Cathedral is a basilica church built in 639 AD, which was the oldest building in Venice. This iconic piece of Venetian-Byzantine architecture is famous for its colourful mosaics: on the altar you will find an 11th century masterpiece in gold leaf, ornate icons of the Virgin Hodegetria and an expressive mosaic entitled "The Descent into Hell". This haunted church is adorned with the skull of Saint Cecilia, which has been preserved here for centuries.
Site location: Via isola di, Campiello Lazzari, 30142 campello VE
GPS coordinates: 45.498398, 12.418913
Google Photos: Click here
13. Rubelli Showroom
In 2018, the famous Venetian textile house Rubelli moved its showroom and historical archives to Ca' Rubelli Pisani in the San Marco district. Founded in 1889 by Lorenzo Rubelli, the company is known worldwide for producing the finest damask and other fabrics, used by international designers such as Roberta di Camerino. Much of Venetian interior design has been influenced by the genius of the Rubelli family. The new space will show how director Nicolò Rubelli developed the company's range of furniture and accessories, while paying tribute to the company's rich heritage with fascinating exhibitions from the archives.
Site location: Ca' Pisani Rubelli, S. Marco, 3393, 30124 Venezia VE
GPS coordinates: 45.434459, 12.330012
Google Photos: Click here
14. Hotel Locanda Canal
Known as the oldest part of Venice, Burano is the island where Ernest Hemingway lived in 1948 to write "Across the River and Into the Trees". He wrote the book at the Hotel Locanda Canal, which is still owned by the same Cipriani family. If this five-star decadence isn't your style, at least stay and order one of the world-famous Bellini cocktails invented by Giuseppe Cipriani in the 1930s (and adored by Hemingway). Venice offers visitors an unrivalled gastronomic and cultural experience. We hope you're in the mood for an adventure in Venice, and have given you some great ideas for activities!
Site location: Fondamenta del Remedio, 4422/C, 30122 Venezia VE
GPS coordinates: 45.436327, 12.340747
Google Photos: Click here
For more content and exciting articles, follow our site, where we regularly update our column to showcase the best programme ideas!