Places we love in Venice
Since July, 2011 we've been coming back to Venice every year. It's a dream that keeps returning. We're looking forward to exploring it together with you. Here's a short list of our favourite places and things to do here. Most importantly: slow down and enjoy!
where to stay:
Dorsoduro, Cannareggio and Castello neighbourhoods are least touristic, more authentic
Antica Locanda Montin, inexpensive, full of art, with beautiful garden
Pensione Accademia, classic
Pensione Seguso, family run, great location and atmosphere (Artem's favourite)
Pensione Calcina, great location and service
Casa Caburlotto, affordable albeit ascetic
There are also a few independent rentals in the same building as our venue: Option 1 / Option 2 / Option 3 / Option 4
where to eat:
Paradiso Perduto in Cannareggio, bohemian, fun, delicious (Florin's favourite – caccio & pepe pasta)
Al Covo in Castello, local, charming
Antiche Carampane, good Venetian food
Gato Nero, great place on Burano
Villa Seicento, delicious, local, great garden, near the church on Torcello
Florian, the one and only (go an hour before closing to avoid crowds)
Ai Schiavi (Al Bodegon) in Dorsoduro, the best cichetti bar! (Artem's – and Angelina Jolie's – favourite)
Corte Sconta in Castello, local cuisine
Rosa Salva in front of Ospedale, good tramezzini
Bar Alla Toletta, best tramezzini!
Trattoria dalla Marissa, unique, delicious no choice 50 euro per person fish menu
La Palanca, best lunch on Giudecca
Cantina Aziende Agricole, one of the cheapest and best all day kitchens in town
best bakeries:
Majer
best ice cream:
Il Doge, Artem's favourite
Alaska, local flavours!
Gelateria Nico’s, the best terrace in Venice, good tramezzini and ice cream
what to see:
Ca D’Oro, the finest of fine art & architecture
Accademia, Venetian masters
San Giorgio Maggiore, stunning church, stunning view from the tower, stunning vaporetto ride
Biennale di Venezia, astonishingly large, legendary art event
Redentore Garden, amazing gardens!
Madonna dell'Orto, one of the loveliest churches
Palazzo Mocenigo, Venetian fashion of the past
Ca Rezzonico, XVI century Venice
Ca Pesaro, Klimt and co.
San Pantalon Church, the biggest painting in the world?!
Peggy Guggenheim, modern art
Palazzo Grimani, classical sculptures (Florin's favourite)
San Zaccaria Church, Bellini!
Punta della Dogana, contemporary art
Palazzo Fortuny, amazing atmosphere (Artem's favourite)
Scuola San Roco, Tintoretto
Palazzo Ducale, the history of Venice
Torcello Island, the origin of Venice
San Michele Cemetery, always the calmest place in Venice
Sant'Erasmo Island, beaches and artichokes
San Lazzaro degli Armeni, very interesting visit to the Armenian monastery can be arranged by email
Pellestrina Island, unspoiled beaches
Beaches of Lido, spoiled but classic
Certosa Island, for those who have seen it all!
what NOT to see, do or eat:
- For your own peace of mind, avoid Strada Nuova, Rialto and San Marco from noon to 7pm. Instead, stroll along Zattere and Fondamenta Nuova, visit San Michele, Torcello and Pellestrina.
- Please, avoid buying souvenirs (magnets, masks etc.) from street vendors and shops. It's all made in China and sold by enslaved immigrants. Instead, consider local artisans like La Bottega dei Mascareri and Paolo Olbi. Fancy local slippers "friulane" make a great gift or souvenir – Artem's favourite is Piedaterre.
- Pizza, pasta & Aperol are not Venetian. Carpaccio, tramezzini, cicchetti, bellini & Select are.
- Please, be careful making photos on those picturesque steps leading to canals. One of us has learned just how slippery and dirty they are... Want to guess who?
what to read & watch about Venice:
Watermark by Joseph Brodsky (read by Artem over 20 times!)
Venice by Jan Morris
Dangerous Beauty about Veronica Franco
The Aspern Papers by Henry James (takes place in Palazzo Gradenigo)
Death in Venice by Thomas Mann/Luchino Visconti (Florin's favourite)
