Where to Geaux Eat, Stay, and Play in Venice, Italy
Discover the best places to stay, eat, and drink in Venice, Italy. From luxury hotels and top attractions to Michelin-recommended restaurants and local travel tips, this guide has everything you need for the perfect Venetian getaway.
Venice, Italy, is unlike anywhere else in the world. Built on more than 100 islands and connected by canals and bridges, the city is a living masterpiece. Whether you’re gliding down the Grand Canal, sipping a Bellini where it was first created, or wandering through centuries-old piazzas, Venice is a destination that captivates every traveler.
St. Mark’s Basilica & Piazza San Marco
The golden mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica sparkle in the sunlight, while the square outside hums with life. Visiting here feels like stepping into Venice’s beating heart.
Doge’s Palace & Bridge of Sighs
Once home to Venetian rulers, this palace dazzles with Gothic architecture and opulent chambers. The Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace to the old prison, is steeped in legend and offers one of the city’s most iconic photo ops.
Grand Canal Cruise
The best way to admire Venice’s palazzi is from the water. Whether you choose a vaporetto or a gondola ride, gliding past centuries-old mansions and watching life unfold along the canal is unforgettable.
Rialto Bridge & Market
This bustling hub combines shopping, photography, and foodie delights. The nearby market is the place to sample local produce, seafood, and Venetian specialties.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Housed in an unfinished palazzo, this museum showcases works by Picasso, Pollock, Dalí, and more. It’s a treasure trove for modern art lovers in a city known for classical beauty.
San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower
Skip the crowds at St. Mark’s Campanile and head here instead for sweeping views of the lagoon and Venice’s skyline.
Venice offers everything from historic palaces to boutique hotels tucked away on quiet canals. These top-rated hotels provide comfort, luxury, and proximity to the city’s best experiences:
The Gritti Palace (San Marco)
Once the home of Venetian nobility, The Gritti Palace embodies timeless luxury. The Michelin-starred restaurant, Club del Doge, is reason enough to stay, but its unbeatable views of the Grand Canal seal the deal.
Hotel Danieli, a Luxury Collection (San Marco)
A Venetian icon, this 14th-century palace is dripping with grandeur—from gilded ceilings to opulent chandeliers. Just steps from St. Mark’s Square, it’s ideal for travelers who want to be at the heart of the action with a rooftop terrace offering sweeping lagoon views.
Hotel Antiche Figure (Santa Croce)
The Hotel Antiche Figure is a boutique property that combines Venetian charm with warm hospitality. It is located right on the Grand Canal near Piazzale Roma and convenient for arrivals and departures while still walking distance to the heart of Venice.
Palazzo Veneziano
The Palazzo Veneziano Hotel is located on the Zattere waterfront in Dorsoduro, offering tranquil canal-side charm with vaporetto access at its door—just one stop from St. Mark’s Square. The rooms are elegant and some with private jacuzzis or terraces.
Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel (Santa Croce)
The Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel is situated in a beautifully restored 16th-century palace on the waterfront, within comfortable walking distance of the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square. It delivers a refined blend of historical elegance and modern luxury—ideal for discerning travelers seeking sophistication with convenience.
Nolinski Venezia – Evok Collection
The Nolinski Venezia is located on Calle Larga XXII Marzo, just steps from Piazza San Marco and Rialto offering immersive modern-luxury design in a former stock-exchange building, featuring Art Deco touches, Murano details, a rooftop pool, spa, and an intimate library bar
Venetian cuisine is rooted in seafood, fresh produce, and centuries of culinary tradition. Here are some of the best restaurants in Venice, beloved by travelers and critics alike:
Ristorante Al Covo
Enjoy a candlelit dinner by the canal at Ristorante Al Covo known for its fresh seafood and local wines. It is family-run and Michelin-recommended, Al Covo is a wonderful place to try cicchetti (Venetian tapas) alongside fresh fish dishes.
Osteria Fanal Del Codega
Nestled in Fondamenta del Forner, just off the Accademia Bridge in San Polo, it offers a charming canal-side setting. Ideal for romantic dinners, seafood lovers, or anyone looking for a magical dining experience in a classic Venetian setting. Listed among Venice’s top restaurants. Quick Tip: Book in advance and request a canal-side table for the most magical evening.
Osteria Enoteca San Marco
This a charming spot offering a modern twist on Venetian classics, close to Piazza San Marco. It’s a favorite go-to spot in guidebooks and restaurant roundups, frequently recommended for Venetian comfort food paired with excellent wine.
Ristorante Quadri (San Marco)
This Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking Piazza San Marco. It pairs Venetian classics with modern twists. The tasting menu is an experience, and the view is as impressive as the food.
Antiche Carampane (San Polo)
This restaurant is hidden down a quiet alley and a local favorite that avoids tourist traps and serves some of the best seafood platters and fried moeche (soft-shell crabs) in town.
Venice knows how to do drinks in style. Here are the best spots to sip like a local.
Caffè Florian (Piazza San Marco) has been open since 1720, this is the oldest café in the world. Its gilded interiors, live orchestra, and prime Piazza San Marco location make it a must for coffee lovers and romantics.
Torrefazione Cannaregiois a specialty coffee roaster loved by Venetians. The rich espresso and slow brew options make this the best spot for a morning caffeine fix before a day of exploring.
Harry’s Bar
A UNESCO cultural landmark and birthplace of the Bellini cocktail. Yes, it’s pricey, but sipping a peach-and-prosecco Bellini where it was invented is a quintessential Venetian experience.
Cantina Do Mori
A historic bacaro with wood-paneled walls and copper pots hanging from the ceiling. Grab an ombra (small glass of wine) and cicchetti shoulder-to-shoulder with locals.
La Caravella
Housed in the elegant Hotel Saturnia, it features a nostalgic interior reminiscent of a traditional Venetian ship and a charming, flower-filled courtyard for al fresco dining or after dinner cocktails.
Venice Transportation tips!
- Transportation From Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) to hotel: the most iconic and convenient way to arrive to your hotel from the airport is by water taxi which takes you directly to your hotel if it has a dock.
- Alilaguna Water Bus Routes connect the airport to San Marco, Rialto, Guglie, Fondamenta Nove, and Lido.
- Venice has two train stations: Venezia Mestre and Venezia Santa Lucia.
- Venezia Mestre (Mainland Station) which is located on the mainland, about 10 minutes by train from Venice Santa Lucia. Major hub for regional and high-speed trains connecting Venice with Milan, Florence, Rome, etc. Fondamenta Nove, and Lido.
- Venezia Santa Lucia (Island Station) is Right on the Grand Canal in Venice itself. Step outside and you’re immediately in the city—boats, gondolas, and vaporetti await.
- If your hotel is on the islands → Arrive via Santa Lucia, not Mestre.
- If you’re planning day trips (Padua, Verona, Trieste) → Mestre can be a better base since trains are frequent and fast