Venice Recommendations
Venice is in my top two favourite cities in the world. I had not been back since I was an 18 year old with a backpack so taking this trip 38 years later was really greatly anticipated.
A few golden rules that really did make the whole experience so memorable that I hope can provide you with some inspiration for your next adventure.
Wearing the Jess Jacket in Silver
BOOK A WATER TAXI TO GET INTO THE CITY
The trip can be booked in advance E140 for 4 people one way. An investment but such a beautiful way to arrive into this stunning city and the experience is so magical. It's also such a pleasure to sit back and relax after what was a very morning start so treat yourself and arrive by water taxi.
GO IN THE SPRING
We went in early April and were so very lucky with the weather it made all the difference.
BOOK A TOUR
Cristina Pigozza came highly recommended and did not disappoint - such a great way to make the most out of your trip, take you off the beaten track. History, food, shopping we covered it in 6 hours and 20,000 steps. Contact - +39 339 7050550
WHERE TO STAY
We stayed in in Castello. Walkable but not too central, we stayed in a beautiful Air BnB - it's detailed as Home in Costello - “Artist’s Residence in San Marco” on the website / app. But we actually managed to get a great deal as we used credit from a platform we use called “Third Home”- which is a great platform to join if you have a second home.
Next time we will look into staying on the small island of Burano, known for its brightly coloured houses and lace work. You can stay away from the crowds, eat beautiful seafood in the evening explore the islands and get a completly different experience.
Wearing the Zsa Zsa Dress in Black
FOOD
Trattoria alla Madonna
Great mom and pop restaurant that we had a light pasta dish to start and then a whole grilled Turbot and with a house white wine which was pretty spectaclular. Surrounded by so many locals we knew we were in the right place. Cristina (our tour guide) said the seafood risotto was her favourite dish.
Ristorante Quadri
Ok so I wouldn’t choose to go here again as the prices were eye watering however the view from the upstairs dining room over St. Marks Square was breath taking , the interior and the people watching was amazing.
A few American’s in their honeymoon but mainly well dressed Italian’s.
The taster menu with flight of wines (which Jeremy indulged in!) was good but next time I would save my pennies and book lunch downstairs and soak up all the history in a more relaxed atmosphere and ask to take a look at the main dining room upstairs.
Ristorante da Ivo
My preferred resturant of choice. A small intimate resturant that had amazing food yet a relaxed atmosphere. I had a sublime artichoke salad, a pasta vongole and strawberries with balsamic vinegar for desert. Perfection.
Again a few tourists but mainly well heeled Italians and what looked liked ex pat Americans. The staff were experience and it was like watching a dance. Look up at the chandelier as it seemed to have lots of naked topless ladies all over it- slightly strange but hey! Opposite was a great women’s boutique called Pot Pourri.
FOOD TOUR
We normally book a food Tour when we go away and have had some great experiences in Rome and Valencia however- Eat Europe Food Tour Was not one of them- avoid like the plague!! Hey ho the guide was interesting and we learn’t some more history about Venice and explored the Jewish quarter we had not seen!
BARS / CAFES
Merca
A very small wine bar in Campo dell’Erbaria, near Rialto bridge. Tasteful Cicchetti ( Venetian tapas ) and wines- I loves the Sassaia by Angiolino Maule only 3 euro’s a glass and very nice indeed
Enoiteca Mascareta
It opens at 7 pm. A nice wine bar where you can have oysters and traditional food the owner Mauro Lorenzon is somewhat of a legend. The address is :
Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa 5183, near Campo Santa Maria Formosa Booking recommended
Coffee
“LAVENA” in St Marks Square- the best coffee in Venice but take it standing at the counter for E1.50 sit back and observe.
ICE CREAM
Gelati Nico
Located on the scenic Fondamenta Zattre ai Gesuati promenade overlooking the Giudecca Canal- you get the last sunlight of the day and their Ice cream 'nougat sandwich' with whipped cream is a classic.
PLACES TO SEE
- Guggenheim Museum
- Basilica de Fran
- St Maria of Salute Basilica
- St Marks Square
- St. Giorgio Bell Tower
SHOPPING
All the usual high street shops is available, but in my opinion with limited range to small accessories and shoes. Nothing terribly exciting either in terms of ready-to-wear but I did find a few independents which were great:
Optician
Ottica Urbani I bought one cool Aviator black sunglasses I might get made into readers or even purchase a burgundy pair.
Pot Pourri
A good independent. Some great Italian brands and a few styles they make under their own label. Be warned these ladies know how to sell!!
Venician slippers
Iconic velvet slippers made famous by the gondoliers.
I didn’t purchase as they didn’t have my size at the airport but should have bought some dusty pink ones in town. Try www.vibivenezia.it if you can’t wait.
Costume Jewellery
Gloria Astolfo had some interesting pieces - always a sucker for a bold red coral earring!
If you'd also like to explore some local shops I'd recommend going to explore Calle Larga San Lorenzo.
Wearing the Biba Metallic Dress in Silver
THANK YOU
I hope this helps inspire your next trip to Venice. For any further advice on what pieces I wore whilst on Vacation in this beautiful city please reach out!
