Boasting a world-renowned film festival not to mention the Bells of St. Mark’s, there is much to see (and hear) in Venice, a city once described by the New York Times as “undoubtedly the most beautiful city built by man.”
Where to Stay
Shack up at the Bauers L’Hotel (from €420) a stunning five-star art deco hotel. With its outdoor restaurant seating and patio lounge offering a panoramic view of the canal, we sipped on our caffė lattes and leisurely took in the passerby. Situated just steps from Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) as well as endless rows of high-end designer boutiques, the location couldn’t have been better.
Where to Eat
The Bauer’s hotel daily rate included a lip-smacking European-style buffet breakfast, and we couldn’t resist the De Pesis Restaurant’s selection of pasta, risotto and polenta, not to mention the local specialty seafood dishes like squid pasta (from €38).
We dined on a deliciously memorable meal of fish soup, salad and mushroom risotto at Ristorante da Rafaelle (2347, S. Marco, 30124) which is tucked away against an interior canal. And, of course, dinners were always followed by an obligatory gelato.
What to Do
The city has much to offer aside from riding in a gondola. We were thrilled to attend the Venice International Film Festival (individual tickets, €21.50; festival passes, €161.50) and the Biennale Art exhibition (€20). And we were sure to scope out the Peggy Guggenheim Museum with its amazing collection of 20th century art by Picasso, Miro and Jackson Pollock (tickets, €12).
We were also wowed by the magnificent architecture of the Palazzo Grassi — owned by French entrepreneur Francois Pinault — whose contemporary art collection is housed in the Punta Della Dogana (€20 for a combo ticket).
If shopping’s more your speed, snatch up Italian designer wear, including sandals from Tod’s (€186, Albergo San Marco, 877) and Versace sunglasses (€133, Ottica Veneziana, San Marco 263). But don’t forget to bring home some authentic Murano glass jewelry from Regulus (Calle Delle Bande 5379, S. Lio) and Arca (San Marco 378, 30124).
Travel Tips: Water taxis are expensive (€80 being an average fare) so the most economical way of getting around (other than walking) is to purchase a Vaporetto (water bus) pass (72-hour travel card, €33, seven-day travel card, €50, unlimited use).