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[zurichtooslo]

Day 19, 8th Sept, Milan

Today, the 5 of us were booked to do a 6 hour walking tour which included a visit to Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. It had rained over night so the others decided to catch a taxi to the meeting point. I was more than happy to walk so I left a bit earlier. Early morning is a lovely time to wander the streets as there is never many people about. The attractive columned walkways near the Duomo.

Milan feels very safe to walk around. The police were all ready early morning  near the square and on the other side were army vehicles and personnel. You see a combination of the two groups around but they aren’t in your face.

I thought I might visit the Duomo seeing no one was around and went over to where the line started but you needed tickets. I said I wanted to go to Mass so I was directed to the other side and after a security check went straight in. A good little tip to know. This was the main organ.

It is a fairly intimidating structure with all its columns. 52 to be exact. One for every week of the year.

Outside in the Plaza. The front was all covered in scaffolding last time I was in Milan with Danielle in 2007. It was covered for cleaning between 2004 to 2008. It is very white looking now.

It took me about half an hour to walk to the meeting place and the sun had come out by that time. Charles was our guide who was a Frenchman but had lived in Milan for 11years and taught English. He was fabulous and as we all wore earpieces he just talked as we wandered the streets. Very entertaining but informative. This Needle, Tread and Knot sculpture outside the train station was to symbolise trains going through the tunnels and the thread were the colours of the different metro lines. It also referenced Milan’s influence in the fashion world.

70% of people in Milan own their own apartments and many are very green. If you look up as you walk the streets you see many green gardens on balconies and rooftops.

As it turned out we were to visit a few of the places I had found yesterday but as I loved them so much it was interesting to visit them again and get a lot more details about them. This was the outstanding church and convent. The road outside was once a canal.

The public church area. The painting behind the altar was added later. That area was once open into the convent area but after a visit by an Archbishop it was closed in by the painting. The nuns could still see through the grill underneath.

As the highlight of this tour was going to be a visit to The Last Supper there were a lot of references or copies of da Vinci’s work in other places we visited. Charles was able to educate us about his impact on the religious world. Leonardo used a very different style for his paintings which at first was very shocking to the art world and the church but then painters followed his lead.

The organ in the nun’s section.

Milan has a number of old established cafes.

Inside.

This is Milan’s second Opera theatre. It was built in 1939 as a cinema but in 1999 it was restored, reconstructed and modernised for Opera.

Maria Callas was a huge Italian Opera singer and when she dies they wanted to name a street after her but the streets around La Scala, which was were she mostly preformed, were too famous to rename. Now she gives her name to a very small street near the second Milan opera house.

Statue of Garibaldi the unifier of Italy.

Castello Sforzesco which was the C15 th seat for Milan’s ducal family.

It was both a fortress and home. The holes were used for scaffolding during battles.

This was once a moat but now you find lots of cats there to keep the rodents away. There is even a cat lady to look after them.

Drawbridge

Arco della pace was built in 1801 as an entrance arch to the city. Napoleon had ordered the demolition of much of the fortress which left space for the arch to be built.

Santa Maria delle Gracie church and convent where Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper is found.

The Last Supper was thought to have been painted between 1495-1498 and was commissioned as part of a plan of renovations to the church and its convent buildings. It is one of the world’s most recognisable paintings. It is housed in the refectory of the convent. It was common to have a Last Supper and Crucification painting for the monks to contemplate during meal times. The Prior of the church was frustrated by the length of time that Leonardo was taking to paint the painting and the mess that he made but that was how he worked. Beside the quality of his painting Leonardo depicted the scene of the Last Supper of Jesus and his apostles, as it is told in the Gospel of John. He depicted the consternation that occurred among the 12 Apostles when Jesus announced that one of them would betray him. No one had ever done that before.

Due to the methods used, a variety of environmental factors and intentional damage, only little of the original painting remains today despite numerous restoration attempts, the last being completed in 1999. This last one took 22 years and has saved the painting.

Almost immediately after the painting was completed other artists copied Leonardo’s ideas and style so in many churches around Europe are examples of perhaps what the original almost looked like in colour and completeness. Bernardino Luini was one such painter so his Last Supper in Lugano and even in Milan is similar.

The stables were next to the refractory and at sometime a door was cut through the wall and through the painting. Jesus’s feet were lost but again from similar later paintings done they know what his feet originally looked like.

To protect the painting, viewing is strictly controlled. Up to 2 million people a year would like to see the painting but only 450,000 are given that privilege. We booked months ago. They only allow a small number in at a time which gives you plenty of space to see the painting and then a buzzer goes and you must leave. This lady makes sure everyone leaves.

This is the Crucification painting at the other end of the refractory.

During WWII the convent was heavily bombed and huge damage occurred. You can just see the Crucification on the wall. A bit of the edge was damaged.

The Last Supper was sandbagged all over so survived luckily as the wall around it was destroyed.

Next we caught a tram back closer to the centre. They run all the time so quick to catch.

We revisited the Finger at the Stock Exchange.

This building was built in the 30′s like the Stock Exchange  and are good examples of Art Deco Brutalists style. Very imposing and solid.

We stopped for lunch and this colourful chandelier was in the cafe we went to. A bit different.

This building was a hospital during WWII and Earnest Hemmingway was treated here and fell in love with one of the nurses. His book Farewell to Arms was written as a consequence.

Santa Maria pressi San Satiro

This church was quite amazing as the altar looked very deep but it was all just a painted illusion. When the church was built they wanted to demolish the building behind to have enough room but there was a well established restaurant there and they didn’t want to move hence the illusion.

The altar was very shallow up close.

Old Venetian looking buildings in this area.

Statue of Leonardo da Vinci opposite La Scala.

La Scala is Milan’s famous Opera House. Opera was thought to have started in Italy and La Scala is the most renounced opera house in the world. The theatre was inaugurated on 3rd August 1778. Most of Italy's greatest operatic artists, and many of the finest singers from around the world, have appeared at La Scala. The theatre is regarded as one of the leading opera and ballet theatres in the world. Maria Callas was a famous Italian singer associated with La Scala for many years.

The Galleria is a truely beautiful space.

The story goes if you press your heal on the bull and twirl around it will bring you good luck. Lots of people were trying it out.

This was Prada’s first store started in 1913.

Central roof of the Galleria.

The Galleria

The Duomo is a very elegant building on the outside.

The square was crowded with people. It was a Sunday plus the Grand Prix was on. While we were there a flyby went over head heading towards Mons and the start of the race.

The huge bronze doors on the main entrance of the Duomo tell many stories from the bible.

The brown spots on the door is where the door has been repaired after bomb shrapnel damaged the door during WWII.

A mass was going on while we were there.

The Duomo is impressive and dominating. However, the outside is more decorative than the inside.

This is the statue of “St Bartholomew skinned”, made by the sculptor Marco d’Agrate in 1562 for the Veneranda Fabbrica of the Duomo. St Bartholomew was one of Christ’s twelve apostles, executed for his Christian faith, portrayed here based on how he is identified by iconography following the agony suffered.

The Saint, skinned alive, carries what looks like a drape on his shoulders and around his body. But it is his skin a clear reference to the torture inflicted The apostle was portrayed dressed holding a book and a knife; alluding to the Gospel proclaimed and martyrdom suffered.

The floor of the Duomo.

The tour finished at the Duomo and we were all  full of great information. Maggie, Di and Myra headed back to the apartment but Glenice and I visited this bookshop in the Galleria as it had been recommended to her. It has been in this location since 1930 but the business was started in 1779. Glenice was in seventh heaven.

It had the most amazing floor. Made up of very unique different tiles.

The Art Gallery and unfortunately it will be closed tomorrow being a Monday.

Glenice and I were just wandering. This area around Via Brera is famous for its restaurants and bohemian atmosphere. Another interesting part of the city.

We found the restaurant we had booked for the night.

Lots of great places to chose from. 

Our last dinner together and Di ‘s birthday. It was one of our nicer meals. It has been fabulous travelling with these women. We never run out of conversation.

Still a lot of people around the Galleria. 

There are some nice restaurants inside. I imagine they would be expensive.

The Duomo lit up at night.

It took me about 40 minutes to walk home but I enjoyed the walk. The streets were well lit and there were plenty of people out and about. It’s good to walk off the meal. It 

[lapeaudelamemoire]

Coming home to Australia. I have many homes - none of them my actual birth country. I want to ask my parents if I had a Singaporean accent as a child. I want to go back and ask C if I sounded local before I turned 16. I don't recall, y'all. I must have done, at some point. it's taken a long time to gather up all the pieces of myself and piece them back together. never realised how variegated they are. how much there is. at least not until i had to gather them back up and build myself all over again. re-reading a book i loved in my youth that still brings me back, and realising for the first time it's set in scotland. i don't know how i'd missed that all those times before. little bits and pieces of places i've spent my life swimming in without ever having been there. i've lived life mostly off the grime-covered top of reality. somehow managing to miss the things immediately before me. when life gets too ugly, you look at something else, and i've been elsewhere for so much of it. little slivers of things people have put in scotland. little things that come through me like bossa nova songs on a deck in a restaurant in lisbon near the portas do sol and finding i know the portuguese words before ever learning the language. the lady in a shop saying to me, so worldly at my age! i was hungry, you see. expanding beyond the borders of my tiny country. i've always needed a lot of space, and i was lucky enough to have found whole worlds in a book. reverse colonism, dipping my toes into everything else. i would have never found the grit if not for the disasters (stars, falling in my yard). if not for t, for whom my imagination ran wild, reading junky, preparing for the worst, waiting for a descent. a lot has happened for 22. so much change in the past three years. it was like a gun went off and i started sprinting. greedy little fingers grubbing and grabbing. you realise how much time you've lost when you've spent years wallowing in past atrocities committed against you; and how you never want to lose that much time again. i'm thinking of how odd it is for two people to continue wanting each other over the span of years. i'm thinking about how rare that is. i'm wondering about the rest of my life, if i'll meet more people with whom to add this miracle to. you see, lady in the shop, it works both ways - the world thrust itself at me and i went looking. if you stay in one place, never go outside, the chances decrease. but i've wandered everywhere i've could go. i'm trying to make myself as comfortable anywhere i go. for someone who has never felt at home at home, this seems like the logical next step. to be at home. i guess i'm an odd one, that way. there's the moors of north yorkshire where i found heather in bloom last summer, seeing it for the first time in all its splendour - waking up to 'bom dia's in lisbon and the jacaranda trees no one told me about and chiado, and the pasteis de natas - there's the cadence of the scottish accent and streets that are more stunning than london's - there's these long roads that go on forever and seaside towns selling fish and chips like a homage to the ones in england and a soundtrack of the chili peppers, irretrievably intertwined; a vineyard at 15, a man with wolf-sharp canines and blue eyes more saturated than the sky that day, trying red wines. i've learned venice from san marco spanning outwards towards castello, almost across to cannaregio, across to san polo - in florence know the way ticking off all the sights from santo spirito to the palazzo pitti and across the ponte vecchio across to the duomo. my life has been spent mostly dreaming out of a bedroom: at 15 the strongest pull was sydney central station, doncamatic drowsily in sleep in a taxi near some westfield in the city. 17: york's shambles, winter things for the first time. later, a pub in newcastle. afflecks' in manchester. durham castle. someone said last year, you're everywhere. mostly because i grew up everywhere. body in one place, mind everywhere else. 14: l.a. and the valley, hot. santa monica bay. purple flowers growing out of the pavement. all of this off a flb book. my first introduction to eliot's the wasteland, though i didn't know it at the time. i stayed in, too shattered and shook with fear and anger and not wanting to be where i was, and read everywhere else, watched everything else. trains, planes, airports, eras long past i could never return to - cultivating saudade without knowing it, locked in position. i read it all, and living like that, became something else. there's vietnam in 2015, rhcp's this velvet glove on a sampan. finding cafes in the middle of a unesco world heritage site. there's bali and solitude in a wooden house and a downpour in legian and kuta beach alone. there's beijing with my father, the thick smog. traffic lights in the insane fog. xi'an and the lakes. chengdu and the terracotta army not quite as impressive in person, i am afraid to say. it may have something to do with the fact they're in the ground not at eye level. there's korea again, the lights taller than even in singapore. i know i can't ask anyone to catch up. weird, scattered thing, lucky thing - expensive thing. freshly-pierced ears at 4, and my parents realising my skin was so sensitive it'd only take gold (no joke - if it's not precious or surgical grade, my ears won't take it). never breathing in the country, so send me out of the country. my most static times always in the country. 5 years stilling in the atmosphere. 4 months stewing in a humid soup. taking me on holidays just so i'd be away. being stunned in budapest at the danube and the szechenyi baths, before i ever went to bath itself. (the tea rooms in bath are lovely.) discovering stockholm is little islands. fargegata in stavanger and how damn windy it is. i don't know how to stay still. it seems i've cobbled a life out of wandering and had planned for one, somehow, always, without quite knowing. how many lifetimes have i fit into this one, not yet even finished? if i say i want to go home, where do i mean? wild heart, longing to be on the move; tame heart, wanting to stay at home, make lunch, prepare dinner, mend clothes for the beloved. i'm still collecting stray strands of me. the long process of summoning the soul back to a body that's been scared out of its wits and gone and jumped out. realising the new stitches become part of me too, adding to the whole as i push the pieces back in and together. realising treading old grounds with older eyes isn't so different quantitively from seeing them with new eyes - still more to come, to layer on experientially. really, i just go where i'm called. really, i'm made up of things that said 'look at me' and i fell in. i've just to shape them into something coherent again. something that stays its form.

#personal

[topfygad]

Where to Stay in Venice (2019) A Guide to the Best Neighborhoods

Having a hard time deciding where to stay in Venice? I get it.

There are so many neighborhoods to choose from and it can be overwhelming. That is why I wrote this guide for where to stay in Venice.

Having lived in the city and, also being a frequent visitor, I can give you the low-down on some of the best neighborhoods to stay in Venice, and insider tips on interesting things to see and do as well in Venice, Italy.

Best Areas to Stay in Venice

If you want to skip directly to any of the neighborhoods of Venice, click on the links below.

Venice Neighbourhood Guide

Venice is a tricky city. It is built on water and made up of 118 islands. It must have been a mad genius to start building a city on it in the first place, but I’m so glad they did.

Getting around isn’t as easy or flexible as it is in Rome or Florence, as there are no cabs, cars, buses or trains to negotiate your way around.

It is all done by water, by water taxi (expensive) or vaporetto, which is a waterbus (much more affordable.)

So, it is very important, when looking for the best place to stay in Venice, to plan where you will base your stay before you go.

It is good to know where you are in relation to the attractions you want to see, as well as practicalities of getting there from the airport and getting around on your trip.

Here, I’ll give you lots of information about the five best neighbourhoods to stay in Venice, so you can plan informed.

Money and Time Saving Tip in Venice

The best way that you can save money and seeing all of the sites is to get yourself a Venice City Pass from Get Your Guide

You can get it for Your 24,48 or 72 Hour pass includes all of these and more:

Enjoy free rides on the city’s water taxis and buses

Entrance to  Doge’s Palace, Correr Museum (Museo Correr), Venice National Archaeological Museu, Biblioteca Marciana.

Also, take advantage of entrance to 16 of the city’s most beautiful churches.

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1. SAN MARCO: Where to Stay in Venice for your first time

San Marco

San Marco is probably the most famous and one of the best areas to stay in Venice.

When you think of Venice, the image that comes to mind is most likely that of the iconic Saint Mark’s Square, or the Bridge of Sighs with a gondola slowly sailing along it.

Making your base in the San Marco area is good for seeing the top tourist sights, and staying there means you can more easily enjoy the famous square late in the evening or early morning when it’s much quieter and you can have it almost to yourself.

It also means you’ll be very close by for visiting popular attractions such as the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica for them opening in the morning, thus avoiding the long lines that are there usually there later in the day.

It has a lot of nice restaurants in it to dine at in the evenings but not late nightlife, so quietens down by around 10pm.

Best 5 Star Hotel in San Marco: Hotel Casanova

Just 71 m from Piazza San Marco and 100 m from Harry’s Bar, Hotel Casanova is set in an 18th-century building in the center of Venice. It offers free WiFi throughout.

Best Mid-Range Hotel in San Marco: Hotel Gorizia a La Valigia

Just a 2 minute walk from Saint Mark’s Square, Gorizia A La Valigia offers a comfortable stay in Venice center. The air-conditioned rooms have either a modern or traditional Venetian design.

Best Budget Hotel in San Marco: Hotel Caneva

Hotel Caneva is set between the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square, a 5-minute walk from the Basilica. A great choice if you are interested in old-town exploration, culture, and ambiance.

Best Air B&B in San Marco: GLAMOR APARTMENT AT ST.MARCO SQUARE

Elegant and comfortable apartment, located on the first floor of a historic building, it is a quiet and modern apartment that sleeps up to 4 people, ideal for a family.

Things to see in San Marco

Basilica do San Marco

Piazza San Marco – Saint Mark’s Square –  In the heart of Venice is this magnificent square. It is the best place to just sit and take in the grandeur of Venice.

Saint Mark’s Basilica – Holding court over the view of Saint Mark’s Square is the elaborate and gold-covered Basilica San Marco. The basilica is one of the most stunning churches I’ve ever seen, with its mosaics, gold leaf and imposing statues, it is quite a sight.

Saint Mark’s Basilica Museum – Upstairs from the main basilica is the small but interesting Saint Mark’s Museum. Some of the highlights to see are the altarpiece by Paolo Veneziano, a wood painting from the 14th century illustrating the life of Saint Mark, and fragments of ancient mosaics. Well worth the time and €5 entry fee.

The Bridge of Sighs – The famous bridge is supposedly the last place where convicts heading to Venice’s jail have the sweet view of freedom, therefore sigh as they cross it.

Campanile – The Campanile is the tallest clock tower in Venice. It is an ideal spot to get a beautiful view of Saint Mark’s Square on one side, and the lagoon on the other, plus seeing most of the main island city from the loggia belfry.

Doge’s Palace – The most important building in Venetian history housed the Doge, who was Venice’s religious and political leader. The Palazzo is a stunning work of Venetian architecture and houses many pieces of priceless religious art.

GETTING THERE

Vaporetto – From the international airport Marco Polo Airport (VCE) you can take a vaporetto directly to the stop at San Marco. These are run by Alilaguna vaporetto (water bus) company, and takes about 70 minutes, and costs €14 per person.

Bus – You could also take the airport bus to Piazzale Roma, which takes 20 minutes and costs €6. You’d then also need to take a vaporetto from there to Saint Mark’s Square, which will take about 40 minutes more (plus waiting in between bus and water bus), and this costs €7.50 one way.

Overall if you will be coming in from Marco Polo Airport to Saint Mark’s Square, I’d recommend taking the vaporetto directly from the airport to there.

SUGGESTED TOURS

We use GetYourGuide for City tours. They offer free cancellation with refund up to 24 hours before the tour starts with professional local guides and they take last minute bookings.

Dive into Venice’s history with this 2-hour guided walking tour of Saint Mark’s Square. Including skip the line tickets to Doge’s Palace. book your ticket here

Saint Mark’s Basilica can have very long lines, so purchase a skip the line ticket and take a tour with a local guide. Book here

2. SAN POLO

Rialto Bridge

San Polo is Venice’s smallest district, and one of the oldest neighbourhoods, first settled in 800AD.

Located in central Venice, this area is well known for its vibrant nightlife and fresh fruit and vegetable markets.

The Rialto Bridge – the oldest and most important bridge in Venice – is here, coming over from the San Marco side, along with the Rialto Markets nearby.

This is a great area to make as your base in Venice as it contains many of the major attractions but is a little less crowded and expensive than San Marco.

It also gets our vote for where to stay in Venice with family. There is something here for people of all ages.

By day, the main features are the bustling markets, art-filled churches, squares still used by local families and unique shops in its tiny streets.

By night, it is livelier than San Marco with many small cicchetti (Italian tapas) bars, trattoria, osteria and bars that are busy until around midnight.

Best Luxury Hotel in San Polo: H10 Palazzo Casanova

Steps to the Grand Canal, modern hotel with great amenities. One of the best hotels in Venice if you are looking for that modern interior.

Best Mid Range Hotel in San Polo: Locanda Sant’Agostin

Small but elegant boutique B&B in an excellent location just 5-10 minutes walk from every interest point.

Best Budget Hotel in San Polo: San Polo Star

Quiet hotel, good location and amenities for budget accommodation

Best Air B&B in San Polo: Suite Tower Rialto

Located on the third floor of an 18th-century building, it’s the ideal place for those who want to experience a romantic getaway in Venice, or for those who choose Rialto as a strategic point for their holiday.

Things to see near San Polo

San Polo

Rialto Bridge – The Rialto Bridge has stood at this spot, on the narrowest bend in the Grand Canal since the 12th century. Venice’s most famous bridge is the most photographed bridge in Venice. It is full of stores selling Venetian crafts, Murano glass products, jewelry, and higher-end souvenirs.

Rialto Market – Starting in the 11th century as the city’s principal fruit and vegetable market. The market today has two sections; one produce and the other souvenir shopping and clothes.

Campo San Polo – One of my favorite squares in Venice is the Campo San Polo. Despite its vicinity to the major tourist attractions, it retains a distinctly local feel.

Bordering it is my favorite restaurant for pizza in Venice – Birreria La Corte.

Local handcrafts shopping – Hidden in amongst the myriad of winding streets in the San Polo area are great stores with local handicrafts with Venetian Carnevale masks.

I once bought a 19th-century style dress there that they tailored to fit me perfectly.

Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari Church – This is San Polo’s most loved church and it is crammed full of incredible religious art.

The main centerpiece is the Altarpiece of the Assumption. This is currently under construction until 2021, but a full-size copy of the painting is displayed in the meantime.

GETTING THERE

Piazzale Roma bus terminal area and the Piazale Roma vaporetto stop are the most convenient for transport to and around the city and beyond. They are on lines 4, 6, and 7 for vaporetti.

Zattere is the best stop for the Jewish Ghetto area, with lines 2, 4, 5, 6, 10 and 18 serving this stop

SUGGESTED TOURS

Book a Gondola Serenade on the Grand Canal for a romantic excursion. Be serenaded by Italian songs in the world’s most romantic city. Read more and book your refundable ticket here. 

Get Your Venice Museum Pass for entry to Venice museums like Doge’s Palace and Murano Glass Museum. Valid for 180 days from the moment you exchange your voucher in Venice for the official Venice pass. Book now.

3. CANAREGGIO: Where to Stay in Venice on a Budget

Canareggio

Canareggio is the largest sestiere of Venice, both by size and population. It is chock full of history, tradition and many of Venice’s most beautiful buildings.

It spans from San Marco to the Grand Canal and the Lagoon covering much of the northern part of the city.

Part of this area is located just a few minutes walk from the Piazzale Roma, so it has great transport links and is easy to get to and get around from.

The Fondamenta della Misericordia is a particularly good street to make a base with its proximity to Piazzale Rome and the airport buses on one end and heading towards San Polo and Rialto at the other.

Hotels have usually been cheaper in this area, but have been going up in price recently with several hotels getting refits as visitors realize more what a good spot for a base it is.

If you are looking for lower-priced Venice hotels this is a great place to start.

Best Luxury Hotel in Canareggio: Carnival Palace Hotel 

Modern and stylish 4-star boutique hotel tucked away from the hustle and bustle on the Cannaregio Canal.

Best Mid Range Hotel in Canareggio: BW Premier Collection CHC Continental

Newly renovated 4-star hotel in the heart of Cannaregio offering large rooms.

Best Budget Hotel in Canareggio: Hotel Atlantide

Good budget choice. Walking distance to popular Venice Attractions.

Best Air B&B in Canareggio: Apartment Ca’ Tintoretta

This two-level luxurious apartment( 50mq) has just been restored elegant, bright, comfortable. Is characterized by two balconies that make it very bright.

Things to see near Canareggio

Hostaria Vecio Biavarol dal Puppa

Ca D’Oro – Once one of the top addresses for parties in Venice, it is now a palazzo art gallery open to the public. The Venetian floral gothic styles with influences of Byzantine elements make it one of the most admired buildings in Venice.

Opening hours: Daily 8.15am-6.15pm.

Fondamenta della Misericordia – The long ‘Foundation of Mercy’ street is located just a few minutes walk from the Piazzale Rome, so it has great transport links to the airport, Mestre and other towns out-with Venice.

Jewish Ghetto – A small Jewish community still lives there today and you can visit the five synagogues still there within the Ghetto’s three sections.

This is also a good place to eat as the restaurants have Italian and Venetian dishes mixed with the Jewish style.

Madonna dell’Orto Church – This Venetian-Gothic 14th-century church is still used by locals and is a vibrant part of the northern side of the area on Canareggio Square. It contains artworks by Venetian Renaissance artist Tintoretto and has a stunning statue of the Madonna and Child.

Opening hours: 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday, 12pm-5pm on Sunday.

Jewish Museum of Venice (Museo Ebaico di Venezia) – Locals started this museum to Jewish life and traditions in 1953 to protect the area’s history and showcase the textile manufacturing and goldsmith work done here in the two centuries it was used.

It is also there to educate and celebrate the Jewish traditions in the area and show local art.

Opening hours: Daily 10am-7pm.

Cicchetti – Stop to try Italy’s version of tapas – cicchetti – while in this area. My favorite spot is the Hostaria Vecio Biavarol dal Puppa.

The friendly owner serves up tasty local wine in little glasses for just 1 euro, along with classic cicchetti dishes such as prosciutto and pesto on crusty bread – all home made of course.

He adds his own touch by mixing in truffle oils to the local artisan cheese and sausage tastings. Molto buono!

GETTING THERE

Piazzale Roma bus terminal area and the Piazale Roma vaporetto stop are the most convenient for transport to and around the city and beyond. They are on lines 4, 6, and 7 for vaporetti.

Zattere is the best stop for the Jewish Ghetto area, with lines 2, 4, 5, 6, 10 and 18 serving this stop.

SUGGESTED TOURS

My tip: is to have a Venice guide book with you (my favorite is Rough Guides Pocket Venice, and read the section on the Grand Canal.

You can then self-guide your own tour and know what all the major sites and buildings are as you go around

Guided Tour: If you want a guided tour, Get Your Guide offers private walking tours to delve into the history of Venice. Book here. (full refund within 24 hours of cancellation.

Skip the line tickets to Doge’s Palace with this Doge’s Palace and Saint Marks’ Square Tour on this locally-led guided tour.

Tour Saint Mark’s with your skip the line tickets.

4. DORSODURO

Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro is the intellectual hub of Venice, historically, and still to this day.

It is also where the Venice university campus area is, so is where students study and live. This means the area is good for cheaper accommodation and good deals eating out, as well as having the liveliest nightlife in Venice.

This is where two of the city’s best museums are located – Galleria L’Accademia and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. So the best of traditional and modern art can be found here.

The lesser-known Dorsoduro is quieter than most areas, with fewer tourists and lower prices. This makes it a good place to stay in Venice.

Fewer tourists mean it’s a more authentic part of the city than most areas, but not far away from the main sights, and it still has its share of attractions. Make this your base if you want your Venice accommodation to be near great nightlife, galleries and places to dine out.

Best Luxury Hotel in Dorsoduro: Palazzo Veneziano

Contemporary 4-star hotel right at the waterfront, with two vaporetto stops at its doors.

Best Mid Range Hotel in Dorsoduro: Casa Accademia

Artsy location near Peggy Guggenheim Museum, churches. Rated one of the best values in Venice.

Best Budget Hotel in Dorsoduro: Guesthouse Ca’ del Gallo

For budget travelers interested in art museums and churches.

Best Air B&B in Dorsoduro: Panoramic views on the Frari Church with terrace

The apartment is very bright and sunny with impressive views over the gardens, the Fondamenta, and the rio della Frescada, with views of the famous Church of the Frari and the famous San Rocco school.

Things to See near Dorsoduro

Wine in a Dorsoduro cicchetti bar

Galleria dell’Accademia – This gallery complex made up of three buildings that used to have religious purposes before being part of the museum.

It has the most extensive and prestigious collection of Venetian art in one place in the world.

Opening hours: Tues-Sun 8.15am-7.15pm, Mondays 8.15am-2pm.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection- European and American artists of the 20th century are the main show here, and The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is Venice’s most important modern art gallery.

The collections are held in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, an unfinished 18th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal where Peggy Guggenheim lived.

Opening hours: 10am-6pm daily except closed on Tuesdays.

Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute – This church has a history even more impressive than most in Venice. It was actually built by survivors of the plague. They wanted to give thanks for being saved, as 80,000 Venetians perished with it.

It sits proudly at the entrance to the Grand Canal and its striking white domes and stone with grand statues make it one of the most photographed churches in the city.

Opening hours: 9.30am-12pm, 3pm-5.30pm.

Campo Santa Margherita – This ancient square has been the main hub and meeting point of the area since the 14th century. There are stalls to get local treats from in the day as well as many small osteria and trattoria open day and night.

Nightlife – Lining the Campo Santa Margherita is some of the best nightlife spots in the city. Check out Chet Bar for suave cocktails, Café Noir for boho charm and Malvasia all’Adriatico Mar for the wine fans.

If you get fed up of the casual student vibe, El Sbarlefo is a little more upmarket with good cicchetti and live music.

GETTING THERE

Bus – From Termini, bus H runs to Viale de Trastavere. From Piazza Venezia, take bus 780.

Tram – Tram 8 runs from Largo di Torre Argentina along the main drag of Viale di Trastavere.

SUGGESTED TOURS

Venice Street Food Tour – Nothing beats Italian food. Go to the markets, sample “cicchetti” (Venice tapas) and explore the Venice neighborhoods.

Museum Pass – This is the museum district, so be sure to have your museum pass handy!

Dorsoduro and San Polo Private Walking Tour – Explore this area with a local guide to find hidden gems.

All tours: free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

5. MURANO

Murano glass earrings

Murano is the most famous of the 118 islands of Venice.

It is famous for its glass factories where local artisans have been creating beautiful art for centuries.

Murano can be reached by vaporetto from the mainland easily, with the waterbuses heading over there every 15-20 minutes.

The vibe here is completely different from the mainland of Venice.

It is a lot quieter and more local style. If you’re looking for lively nightlife, Murano is not the spot for you. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, then it’s perfect.

The main things to see and do here revolve around the industry of the famous Murano glass, and food.

The shoreline of Murano is lined with many small trattorias – family-run restaurants.

Evenings in Murano are best spent enjoying a leisurely dinner at one of these, savoring fresh local seafood and long conversations over a bottle of Veneto area wine.

Best Luxury Hotel in Murano: Murano Suites

A romantic hilltop hideaway housed in an elegant villa. Located at Piazza Sant’Anselmo 2.

Best Mid Range Hotel in Murano: Hyatt Centric Murano

Set in the heart of Murano island, Hyatt Centric Murano Venice is your convenient basecamp for exploring Venice.

Best Budget Hotel in Murano: Al Soffiador

Clean budget hotel on Murano Island.

Best Air B&B in Murano: New apartment in Murano the amazing Glass Island

Things to see in Venice near Murano

Museo del Vetro – Check out Murano’s renowned Museum of Glass to see exactly how the famous crafts are created. After you’ve learned how it’s done, you can purchase something to take home from the source at the gift shop.

Basilica di Santa Maria e San Donato – The mosaic style of this basilica that dates all the way back to the 600s is Murano’s Duomo and most important church. It is dedicated to Saint Mary and Saint Donata.

Eat at a trattoria – While the Roman Empire may have fallen, the popularity of Italian food worldwide never will. Osteria al Duomo, Trattoria busa alla Torre, and Acquastanca are particularly known for this using fish caught in the lagoon.

Trattoria Valmarana and Trattoria bar Serenella dal Coco have tasty and reasonably priced fixed menus.

Stroll the waterfront – A passegiato (leisurely evening stroll) is an Italian institution. Mainland Venice can often be too crowded for this simple pleasure, but Murano is perfect for it.

Shop – While Murano glass products are the main attraction for shoppers on the island, there is also a flourishing old trade-in lace items. Browse the many tiny family-run boutique shops and find the perfect item for you or your family.

GETTING THERE

Take the vaporetto over from the mainland to Murano, on line 3, 4 or 6.

Remember to check the first and last times of the waterbuses if you’re heading back later in the evening as they often end by 10pm, and earlier in off-season

SUGGESTED TOURS

Venice Island Hopping Tour – Take a private tour island hopping to Murano, Burano and Mazzorbo traveling by ferry with a private guide.

Private Half-Day Tour Murano & Burano – It’s a dream to take a private boat in Venice, this tour takes you by private boat from your hotel to Murano and back. (shuttle boat between islands) With a private guide tour the islands, glass factory and get insight into daily life.

Murano Island Tour – This tour gives you a taste of Murano, Burano and Torcello stopping at each island for 45 minutes. Cruising to each by boat.

All tours: free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

Getting Around Venice

Venice is tricky to get around, but taking a vaporetto (water bus) is the easiest and most convenient way to get from place to place.

Single ticket: €7.50

If you’re only one or two journeys on your stay in Venice, get single tickets when you need them.

24-hour ticket: €20

If you’re planning on going on more than two vaporetto trips in 24 hours, this is the way to go for this.

This is particularly useful to get if you’re planning on doing island hopping out to Murano, Burano or Isola de San Michele, or back to the Piazzale Roma with your luggage on the way to the airport bus there.

Remember is it a 24-hour ticket, not a day ticket, so you can use it until the same time the next day, so you can time accordingly to get the most out of it.

Walking around:

Venice is like a maze. Even if you’ve already been down a little side street, it doesn’t mean you’ll find it easily again.

Other Parts of Italy: If you are continuing your travels to other parts of Italy or taking a day trip, one of the best ways to travel is by train. T

he Santa Lucia train station is just a 20-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge or a 30-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square.

My advice? Try to have WiFi service on your phone so you can ask Google Maps for advice when you can’t find your hotel, or that pizza joint you really wanted to try.

Venice is a muse to many. She is a city that you can (and I have done) visit many times over.

While the big-hitters such as Saint Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge are fantastic and always worth revisiting, there is a lot more to Venice in the side streets.

Plan your Venice Trip

Currency: Venice is on the Euro, being the capital city of Italy. €1 = $1.17 as of September 2018. For up to date conversions get the XE Currency Converter App.

When to Visit: It is popular to visit year round, with spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) providing the most pleasant temperatures of usually around 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit and infrequent rain.

The summer gets very sticky, reaching temperatures over 100 Fahrenheit, especially in August, which is when the locals flee for their holiday homes by the Spiaggia (beach).

Winter (December-February) sees cooler temperatures of usually between 45-65 degrees, and more rain, but also a lot fewer tourists to compete for the sights with.

What to Pack: For more advice on how to pack check out our Packing for Europe – Tips That Will Make Your Travel Life Easier post!

Eagle Creek Plug Adapter – This all in one adapter is all you need for Venice and other European and world travels.

International Data Roaming – Use KnowRoaming for unlimited data/cellular for $3.99 per day. Easy application sticks to your existing SIM Card. Save 50% using promoDDSave50

Tours: For Venice city tours we use Get your Guide. 

It’s easy to book in advance and most tours have easy cancellation up to 24 hours in advance (check cancellation details before booking) and Get Your guide offers last minute booking too.

Each of the areas I mention here have their own merits for choosing them as your base, and as long as you have the time there, exploring and getting a little lost sometimes is part of the fun, so enjoy every part of it.

As American poet Joseph Brodsky said:

“Venice is eternity itself.”

About Karen Worrall

Karen Worrall is a travel blogger and freelance writer.Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, she has lived in six countries, including London in England, and sailed the seven seas entertaining on cruise ships for 13 years.You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and on her website Cruise Ship Karen.

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Venice is the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region and is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. You won’t find any roads in Venice, just canals like the Grand Canal.  There are so many things to do and see in Venice that it can be a little overwhelming.  Most people that visit Venice come to see Piazza San Marco, the central square, as well as St. Mark’s Basilica and of course the romantic Gondola rides.  If you are planning a trip to Italy then some of these Venice landmarks, some known and unknown, should be on your list of things to do in Venice Italy.  This article is in collaboration with other travel writers and we pulled together our favorite Italy attractions of what to see in Venice.

Venice Landmarks – What to See in Venice Italy

  Experiences you must have on a visit to Venice, Italy. Our list of best things to do and how to take a Vaporetto tour of Venice. And yes, ride the …including sightseeing, shopping and gondola rides. What to see and do in Venice, Italy.

1.  Campanile di San Giorgio Maggiore

Kavita Favelle at Kavey Eats

Venice is one of the most enchanting cities in the world, but it can be hard to appreciate its vistas when down amid the narrow alleyways and canals, on foot or water. It’s well worth seeking out the best panoramic views of Venice, to enjoy a very different side of the city.

One of my personal favorite viewpoints, which we visit every time we return to Venice, is the Campanile di San Giorgio Maggiore, the bell tower of a grand 16th-century Benedictine church. Located on a tiny island at the end of Guidecca, it offers incredible 360-degree views of the Venetian lagoon, including Piazza San Marco just across the water and the red rooftops of Giudecca and the main island.

You don’t need to climb hundreds of stairs to enjoy these views as a modern lift has been installed, with tickets priced at 6 Euros per person. Access is inside the church.

2.  Learn How to Row a Gondola

James at Travel Collecting

Gondolas are synonymous with Venice and taking a gondola ride is a must-do, of course.  However, even more, fun and interesting is learning how to row a gondola yourself!  After walking through the atmospheric and authentic Cannaregio Sestier neighborhood to the harbor for small boats, you are met by a friendly English-speaking guide and your Italian-speaking instructor.  The boat is technically a bateline, similar to, but slightly different from, a gondola, but the rowing style is the same – standing up facing forward, with one oar.  The gondoliers make it look easy, but balancing on a moving boat and rowing at the same time is much harder than it looks!  However, you will soon be navigating the narrow canals like a pro – and even venturing into the lagoon for more advanced lessons. Providing these lessons for tourists is helping to keep the history and traditions of Venice alive.  It’s a unique experience will make you feel like a real Venetian.

  3.  Tour St. Mark’s Square

Dhara from It’s Not About the Miles

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, Venice is likely at the top of your list of places to see. But everyone else that’s going will have Venice on their lists as well. This means you’re likely going to be dealing with huge crowds, especially at popular places like the Piazza San Marco.

One way to enjoy St. Mark’s Square near solitude is to visit early in the day. So sacrifice a few zzzs and arrive just before sunrise. You’ll see the square bathed in the soft light of dawn. Head first to the water’s edge, to take the iconic photo of empty blue gondolas bobbing in the water with the little island of San Giorgio Maggiore in the background.

Admire the Bridge of Sighs without the crush of people, and then watch the sun’s first rays stream through the arches of the Doge’s Palace. Pure magic! Stroll around the square and appreciate all the architectural elements at leisure. Gaze up the beautiful frescoes of the Basilica. Hear the pigeons coo softly as they feed in the plaza. Then set out to have breakfast, knowing that you’ve just had a magical experience in Venice that you’ll cherish forever.

  4.  Visit Acqua Alta Bookshop

  Marta Correale of Learning Escapes

A truly unique place in Venice and one that I recommend anyone to seek out during a stay in the city is the whimsical Libreria dell’acqua Alta (the High water bookshop). The bookshop is located off Campo Santa Maria Formosa, in Venice city center and is a dream not just for book lovers, as the name suggests, but for anyone interested in quirky spaces, shops, and peculiar photo ops.

As soon as you arrive at its door you can see that this is no traditional bookshop. Instead of neatly organized bookshelves, the books here are kept in various types of containers such as bathtubs and even a traditional Venetian gondola!

This peculiar choice has partly to do with looks (the place is visually incredible) but also takes into account the fact that the bookshop opens up onto a canal and therefore gets easily flooded when the tide is high.

The Libreria is a place to experience rather than shop and it is worth devoting a bit of time to exploring it. Make sure you make your way to the back to see the canal and to take a photo of the book staircase made of old and moldy titles.

  5.  T Fondaco dei Tedeschi Department Store

Maria and Katerina of It’s all trip to me

Venice is notorious for being one of the most expensive destinations in Europe. However, the truth is that Venice, like any other city, is for all budgets. In some cases, whether you believe it or not, some of the best things to do in Venice come entirely for free like the gorgeous view from the T Fondaco dei Tedeschi department store.

The department store is just a stone’s throw from the famous Rialto Bridge. In order to get access to its terrace and enjoy the views, an online reservation through the store’s official website is needed so as to avoid queues. The terrace is reached by a lift and every visitor can stay there for about 10 to 15 minutes. The views to Venice and the Grand Canal are breathtaking and no words can give them justice. Needless to say that the best time to visit is around sunset when the setting sun covers the enchanting floating city in a golden veil. Seeing this masterpiece of a city from the T Fondaco dei Tedeschi department store is a unique experience and one that should not be missed.

    6.  Gondola Ride on Grand Canal

Kate Storm of Our Escape Clause

There is no more iconic symbol of Venice than its gondolas: beautifully crafted and omnipresent in the city’s canals, a gondola ride easily tops most people’s list of the best things to do in Venice.

Venice’s canals, from the large Grand Canal to the narrow canals winding past tiny side streets in the city, are hauntingly beautiful–and viewing them from the water is an unforgettable experience.

Gondola rides in Venice don’t come cheap, however: expect to pay right around 100 Euros per group for a ride. If you’re inclined to keep the costs down, consider jumping on a group ride in a gondola–not quite as personal, but it’s definitely the more cost-effective way to take a ride.

If a gondola ride simply isn’t in the budget during your trip to Venice, consider a ride through the Grand Canal on one of Venice’s water taxis–that way, you can at least get a small peak of Venice from the water, for a fraction of the cost!  Check for the best prices for your very own Gondola ride here 

  7.  What to Eat in Venice-  Food and Bar Walking

Katy Clark of Untold Morsels

In all the rush to see beautiful Venice, the city’s unique food culture is often overlooked. Take a tour of Venetian bacari (bars) and you uncover tasty treats from the sea and beyond.  Most food tours of Venice start at the Rialto market. Here you can see all the seafood bounty from the lagoon that is a staple of the Venetian diet. There are also stalls laden with in-season fruits and vegetables from the surrounding countryside.

From the market, explore the bars where you become acquainted with Cicchetti(bar snacks). From tasty polpette (meatballs) to crostini

with toppings like white anchovies or tomato, each bar has its own specialty.  We loved the fare at Osteria Al Squero in the Dorsoduro district. Order a spritz and take your cicchetti outside to observe the gondola repair workshop on the other side of the canal.

8.  Visit Giudecca for the views and Living Like a Local in Venice

Amanda Emmerling of Toddling Traveler

Many people have heard of Murano for its glass or Burano for its lace but most haven’t heard of Giudecca, a small island in the Venetian lagoon accessed by 5-minute boat ride across from the main part of Venice.  The views of Venice are worth it alone, either by foot from the canal, atop Hilton Molino Stuckey’s rooftop restaurant and pool, or from the bell tower at the beautiful San Giorgio Maggiore church.

The best way to experience Giudecca is to wander along the canals and explore the architecture, ornate doors and hidden gardens with no agenda.  Away from the main part of Venice that caters to tourists, here, you’ll also find cafes crowded with locals, vendors selling fresh products and fish and trattorias along small canals that only offer menus in Italian.

To really get a feel for the island, stay overnight for a quiet reprieve from the crowded streets of Venice, with options ranging from the infamous Hotel Cipriano or the Hilton Molino Stucky, a hotel with an amazing rooftop pool, to reasonably priced AirBnB rentals (click here to save $45 towards your AirBnB rental)with lagoon views.  Giudecca is certainly an off-the-beaten-path experience that shouldn’t be missed.  Tip: Be sure to take the Alilaguna between Venice and Giudecca at least once during sunset.  The sunset views from that side of the lagoon are among the most beautiful in the world.

  9.  What to Do in Venice at Night

Michael Gerber of MSC Gerber 

Venice is one of my favorite places – especially to take images. The city is full of history, incredible views and undoubtedly has its own and very special charm – that almost everybody falls in love with.

One of the few downsides of Venice, however, are the masses of tourists that walk around the small city every day – it can be quite annoying, especially when you want to really enjoy the city.

Therefore, I just decided to walk around Venice at night with my camera – and enjoy Venice on my own while taking some pictures. And you can believe me, this was one of the most magical nights I’ve experienced – as you simply can’t describe the feeling while walking around the beautiful streets of Venice – and being completely alone.

At 5 AM I crossed the world-famous Rialto Bridge – and only met one other traveler along the way. In my opinion, this is the best way to experience “true” Venice. I also suggest visiting Venice in Winter – as there will be even fewer other people (I went in December).

  10.  Venice Free Walking Tour

Keri Lawrence of Flip Flop Weekend

I have been to Venice twice and, admittedly, the first time was on a day tour. The experience was very touristy and I knew that I wanted our second trip to show us the real and authentic side of Venice. The absolute best decision we made was to book a Venice free walking tour that was recommended to us by a friend. Our tour guide was a Venetian who was born and raised in the city.

The walking tours depart at various times and take about 2 1/2 hours. The guides take you through back streets and lesser known monuments while sharing the history of Venice in an engaging and fun way. Plus, it truly is free. They are very up front at the beginning that they will ask for a donation at the end, but there is no pressure. You pay what you think the tour is worth. After the walk, we were able to ask our guide some questions to find out the best ways to experience Venice and she gave some amazing recommendations.

The tips turned into this post to help others experience the beauty of Venice as the locals see it.   We may have easily passed by the beautiful Santa Maria dei Miracoli church in Venice without realizing it’s rich history and importance in the city. It is a stop on the Free Venice Walking Tour, which is a great way to experience the heart of Venice on a budget.  Our tour guide, Lu, was incredibly helpful in giving us some recommendations for the non-touristy side of Venice.

  11.  Sitting on the Canals Eating Tapas and Drinking Spritz

Sandy of Tray Tables Away

There’s a lot to do in the wonderful, wet city of Venice and all visitors, of course, course see the popular sites. They are popular for good reason!  But for money one of the best things we did when we visited was just sitting on the steps over one of the canals with a bunch of locals.

We stayed in the Trovaso district which is close to the University and therefore very popular with students and academics. Each afternoon we found many people would gather around a string of tiny delicatessens, bars and gelato stores along the Rio Del Travaso canal and we would order delicious anti-pasta and Aperol Spritz to consume on the steps as we watched the world go by. I can still taste that mortadella and that bruschetta!  Cheap, cheerful and relaxed and a very local, authentic Venetian experience.

  12. Walk and Get Lost in Venice

Sherrie Fabrizi Allbritten of Travel By A Sherrie Affair

Walk, walk, walk and get lost!  Not only is this my favorite thing to do in Venice but it is a must for everyone.  The only true way to see the real Venice.  Each corner you turn in Venice has something new to see and explore.  Don’t be afraid to get lost, you will find your way back to a landmark, so put the map away- there really isn’t any good ones anyway.

Now walk, cross bridges to the little different islands, stop in small shops, look up- see the balcony’s with beautiful flowers, open a door to the little church – step in and marvel at all the history and art inside.  Stop and enjoy the water cascading from the fountain in the middle of a little square that you have all to yourself. Don’t pass by the ancient memorial on the wall of a home without taking a moment to wonder who it may be for.  Now don’t forget to get a gelato as you stroll along the canals watching the gondolas go by while listening to the singing echo through the waterways.  Walk and get lost in Venice, you will find your way back.

  13. Cath the #1 Vaporetto the Venice Water Taxi

David Angel of Delve into Europe

Sometimes the best introduction to a new city is an overview. In cities on land, this could be an open-top bus tour. In Venice, it means a boat ride down the Grand Canal.

I’ve done this trip more times than I can count, and it’s always been one of my favorite things to do in Venice. The #1 vaporetto, the Venice water taxi or waterbus – is the slow boat down the Grand Canal, calling at every stop on the way. The #2 vaporetto also covers the same stretch but misses over half the stops.

The #1 vaporetto is one of the best public transport journeys you can take anywhere in the world. In 35 minutes it takes you through the heart of Venice, passing an astonishing array of palaces and churches along the way. You also pass beneath the 16th century Rialto bridge and some of the finest art galleries in Europe.

The ideal starting point for the journey is either Piazzale Roma or Ferrovia – the bus or railway stations respectively. The finishing point is San Marco, but I’d suggest getting off at the second of its two stops. Stay on at Vallaresso, and enjoy the view as you sweep past Piazza San Marco and the Doge’s Palace, before disembarking at San Marco (San Zaccaria). The #1 then continues its journey to Lido, Venice’s beach island.

  14.  Venice to Murano

Marianne of Mum on the Move

Murano Island, famous for its glass blowing tradition, is a popular day trip from Venice. Today the glass factories here produce some of the world’s most coveted and high-quality glass.

You can wander along and visit the glass factories and watch the master glass artists at work and admire their impressive skills. Some factories have paid demonstrations, while others will allow you to go in and watch the masters at work in the hope that you will then spend money in their shop.

Beyond the glass factories, you can wander the canal to browse the shops and enjoy a coffee in relative serenity after the crazy crowds of Venice. Don’t miss the Basilica di Santa Maria e San Donato, one of the oldest churches in Venice and renowned for its pretty mosaic floor tiles. Legend has it the bones behind the altar belong to a dragon slain by Saint Donatus.

Many glass factories will offer you a free water taxi to Murano, in the hope that you will spend money in their showroom. Traveling by water taxi is definitely the way to arrive in style! You can then take the vaporetto back to Piazza San Marco.

  15.  Doge’s Palace Tour (Palazzo Ducale)

Catherine D’Cruz from We Go With Kids

Doge’s Palace offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of Venice’s government leaders and felons and also some stunning Renaissance art and Venetian Gothic architecture. Located next to St. Mark’s Basilica, the Palace was the residence of Venice’s doges and the center of city government from the time of its construction in the mid-14th century through the end of the 18th century. The Great Council Hall houses one of the world’s largest canvas oil painting, Tintoretto’s Paradiso. The ceiling paintings and wall murals by Renaissance masters made me feel like we were visiting an art gallery. Palazzo delle Prignioni, the city’s jail is connected to the Palace by the Bridge of Sighs. Visitors can cross the Bridge into the prison and visit the inmates’ cells that provides a stark contrast to the Renaissance splendor of the Palace. Doge’s Palace is rich in history, art, and architecture and was a highlight of our visit to Venice.

16. Venice to Burano

Hayley of A Lovely Planet

Burano is absolutely my favorite place in Venice. It’s an island in the lagoon and only reachable by boat, but totally worth the journey. It’s full of colorful houses lining little canals, making it incredibly photogenic. Burano is known for Burano lace and you will find little shops and stalls selling beautiful lace all over the island. It’s a big part of Burano’s history and there is even a museum dedicated to lacemaking (the Museo del Merletto). In fact, Burano lace was so famous and sought after that Leonardo da Vinci used it for the main altar of the Duomo of Milan.

As you would expect, there are plenty of great restaurants serving delicious Italian food, but one not to miss is Al Gatto Nero (The Black Cat). A gorgeous waterfront eatery offering wonderful seafood and handmade pasta, and of course Italian wine!

Burano also has its own leaning tower – the former bell tower of the 15th century San Martino Church! Much smaller than Pisa’s but equally lovely!

  17.  Visit Harrys Bar Venice

Tamason Gamble of Travelling Book Junkie

Venice is well known for many things including gondolas, bridges and fancy Venetian masks. However, that is not all; it is also the city where the now famous Bellini Cipirani cocktail, that is on Harry’s Bar menu, was created. More specifically, it was created by Giuseppe Cipriani, head bartender, and owner of the world famous Harry’s Bar, that can be found nestled down a little side street just off of St Mark’s Square.

Now a widely drank aperitif, both the Bellini and Harry’s bar were largely made famous by the numerous literary and film elite that frequently crossed over the threshold. Realistically if it wasn’t for Ernest Hemingway and his known obsession for drinking cocktails perhaps the Bellini would not be as well known today.

To get a true sense of classic cafe society that was at one time so popular in Europe, a trip to Venice would not be complete without experiencing Harry’s Bar. The dress code is strict and anyone wearing shorts will not be allowed to enter the bar, plus a casual walk may result in you being asked to sit upstairs in one of the many smaller, still very classically designs rooms full of chintzy decor reflecting its most famous era.

Regardless, however, of whether you gain one of the coveted downstairs tables or one upstairs the service is impeccable and exudes class and decorum which in my opinion justifies the higher price tag. A trip to Harry’s Bar reminds you of why you have visited Venice – it is classic, exuberant and romantic.

  18. Exclusive Alone in St. Mark’s Basilica After Hours

Only having a day and a  half in Venice we wanted to make the most of our visit so we decided to book our Exclusive Alone in St. Mark’s Basicila After Hours tour.  I’m not a fan of big group tours as I don’t feel we get much out of them but this small group tour with Walks of Italy was perfect.  Any tour at night seems more intriguing, doesn’t it?  It felt very satisfying walking into St. Mark’s Basilica with a small group without fighting the crowds. During the day, lines are long to see the stunning Pala d’Oro, a Byzantine altarpiece that uses more than 1,900 gems.

The highlight of the tour, well there were many, but when we entered St. Mark’s Basilica we experienced the beautiful mosaics sparkling as the room was it up, something you can’t experience during a day visit.  We were also able to visit the crypt, said to be the place where the bones of St. Mark are kept. Our tour operator was passionate and very knowledgeable and teaching us the history of Venice.  This truly is a special tour and I would highly recommend seeing St. Mark’s Basilica at night.  Venice walking tours are a great way to expereince the city with a local.

Tip: Please remember that the basilica is a holy place and attire must be appropriate: Both men and women are asked to wear clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees. Walks of Italy cannot be held responsible for denied entry due to improper dress.

I hope you enjoyed all these wonderful ways to see these Venice landmarks.  It makes me want to book another trip to experience Venice all over again.  I fell in love with Venice on our recent Greek Isle cruise from Venice. I will definitely be returning to explore the rest of this magical city.

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7 Day Greek Island Norwegian Cruise from Venice

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18 Must Have Experiences When Visiting Venice Landmarks Venice is the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region and is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea.

[unlatinoverde]

Summer is starting to feel like a distant dream. Getting up in the morning is more and more of a chore. Fear not, it may simply be time for a quick break to turbocharge your Autumn/ Winter. Europe offers visitors an exciting array of possible sights, tastes, and experiences. Plus, there’s plenty of great coffee to keep busy travellers perky during their break. 

Venice for Coffee Lovers

The City

The Grand Canal in the winter sunlight, Venice

Cities may style themselves ‘the Venice of the North’ etc. However, there’s only one Venice. Even better, it’s a jewel that really sparkles during the cooler season. As the summer sun fades, watch as the city becomes ephemeral. With the sun hanging low in the sky, its buildings cast their reflections deep into its many canals. Wander through the maze of backstreets and hidden alleys before taking a ferry out to the glass-producing island of Murano. The workshops, cool bars, and restaurants there easily merit a full day of exploration.

Window displays to brighten a winter’s evening

The Coffee 

Coffee and cake at a cost, Caffè Florian

It’s hardly surprising that the Venetians, the quintessential Mediterranean traders, all but introduced coffee to Europe. Caffè Florian in Piazza San Marco is, in fact, the world’s oldest coffee shop. Although it’s not a cheap cup of coffee (€23 with a cake), expect waiters in full suits and service on silver trays. With much of its original decor still intact, patrons will feel as if they’re re-entering the 18th century as they pass through its doors.

The Practicalities 

Venice Marco Polo Airport has links to Italian, European and US airports. Water taxis will take travellers straight to Piazzale Roma. From there they can move on to other places in the city. High-speed trains connect the city to Italian destinations such as Milan, Florence, and Rome. Book in advance on the Trenitalia website. Sadly, costs are higher in the city due to its unique transport system (vaporetti). Also, Venice is a tourist honeypot with clear consequences for the wallet. However, it’s possible to find good accommodation deals on booking.com and Airbnb. Get more ideas for your break in Venice by following this link.

Copenhagen for Coffee Lovers

The City

The colours of Nyhavn in Copenhagen, Denmark

What Copenhagen lacks in light and heat, it more than makes up for in vibrancy and human warmth. ‘Hygge’, broadly translated as ‘cosy’ for English speakers, defines this northern city. Head to the busy port area of Nyhavn to channel your inner Dane before setting off to explore more of Copenhagen. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Carlsberg Glyptotek and its fine winter garden. It’s a warm place on a cold day. Finally, children of all ages will love the winter wonderland feel of Tivoli around Christmas.

The lights of Tivoli at Christmas, Copenhagen

The Coffee

The Coffee Collective at Jaergersborgade is a legend in coffee. Yes, it’s busy and can feel somewhat commercial. However, there’s a reason for this- the care and attention poured into every cup of coffee. Some customers may prefer more sophisticated drinks using filter methods such as Aeropress or V60. Others will simply want a plain espresso. Regardless, they’ll almost always get a great cup of coffee.

The Practicalities

Copenhagen Airport at Kastrup is on an island just outside the city. It’s a short train ride to the central train station. The metro system covers most of the main areas of Copenhagen. This means that it’s quite easy to get around. Like its Scandinavian neighbours, Denmark isn’t exactly a budget destination. However, Wake Up Copenhagen mostly receives top reviews from travellers. More to the point, it shouldn’t break the bank!

Winter garden at Carlsberg Glyptotek

Paris for Coffee Lovers

The City

The Eiffel Tower from the ground, Paris

If there’s one city in Europe that everyone should visit, it must be Paris. First, savour the old world ambience in the winding streets around Montmartre. Then, brave the tourist mayhem at The Eiffel Tower. Flea markets, palaces, world-famous art museums- Paris has literally got it all. Yet, its greatest joys are often found in those overlooked spots like Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.  To tell the truth, this city needs a lifetime of exploration.

The Coffee 

La Caféthèque led the coffee revolution in Paris

Coffee is a mainstay of French life. Much like Italy, locals pack the local cafés in the morning and down their espressos with gusto. Of course, French people can be conservative about their coffee. Yet, there’s now a burgeoning Third Wave scene. True aficionados shouldn’t miss favourites such La Caféthèque and Café Lomi. Follow this link to learn more about the coffee scene in Paris.

The Practicalities

Most visitors will arrive at one of the city’s three main airports (Charles de Gaulle, Orly or Beauvais). Regular trains and buses transport travellers directly into the city centre. Those coming from London or Brussels have the additional option of taking the Eurostar train to Paris Gare du Nord. In terms of accommodation, travellers should think carefully about the area where they want to stay. Montmartre offers authentic charm while Le Marais is central, lively and bustling. Regyn’s in Montmartre is a good option for budget-conscious travellers.

View across the city from the Eiffel Tower

  London for Coffee Lovers

The City

114 Tottenham Court Road, London

At first sight, it may lack the grandeur of its cross-channel rival. Add in a transport system that seems to be on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Yet, despite its failings, London is an energetic city that showcases up-to-the-minute coolness. Take a walk along the Thames in Southwark. London Bridge is no longer falling down and foodies will adore the hip places to eat and drink in the area.  Also, the district around Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Street is unmissable. Think bookshops, boutiques, Indian restaurants and The British Museum (free). You’ll hardly believe that there can be just so much to see, do and eat. Vibrant, thy name is London!

The Coffee

Food and coffee at 114 Tottenham Court Road

The scent of freshly brewed coffee fills the air while The Rolling Stones’ Hot Rocks album plays in the background. However, the real soundtrack is the whirring of the latest Italian espresso machine, accompanied by the regular beats of the barista’s portafilter from behind the bar. Welcome to 114 Tottenham Court Road. This coffee shop personifies the coffee scene in London. It sells a selection of single estate coffees from far-flung countries like Kenya, Ethiopia and Guatemala. Needless to say, this is a great spot for coffee lovers who want a break from their London adventure.

The Practicalities

After a lifetime of travel in over forty countries, it wasn’t until I visited London in September 2017 that I had this experience. The train from Stansted stopped in the middle of nowhere. Then, a voice announced that there was a delay because ‘someone is removing their cow from the line’. The Germans in the carriage around me laughed cruelly.

Travellers should constantly check the TFL (Transport for London) website. This is particularly true on Sundays when they close busy lines for maintenance. Many may find London’s airports ugly and grubby, but there are quite a few of them to choose from. Here’s looking at you- Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, London City and Luton.  London doesn’t have the reputation of being a cheap city. However, budget-conscious travellers should check out the Indian YMCA. This hostel offers great value in a central location.

Milan for Coffee Lovers

The City

View of the roof at Milan Cathedral at sunset

Milan may not possess the immediate appeal of other Italian cities. That being said, it now exhibits a newfound confidence following its recent Expo. Also, the city increasingly packs a punch in terms of its tourist offering. Visiting the roof of Milan Cathedral is an experience that won’t be quickly forgotten. Due to the crowds, book in advance here. Walk through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to Piazza della Scala, home to the world-famous opera house. Via Verde, the street running along beside Teatro alla Scala, leads into the Brera district. Once there, explore the warren of streets filled with old world boutiques. Make sure to finish the day at 10 Corso Como, a café meets art shop. It’s the epitome of style. Looking for something quieter? No problem. Click here to take a trip to one of the Italian lakes.

10 Corso Como is a stylish spot

The Coffee 

Located in a verdant residential neighbourhood, Orso Nero is a café for true coffee lovers. The brainchild of a Canadian expat and his Italian wife, its look is sleek and simple. Yet, with products sourced from top Italian roasters, the coffee is often spectacular. Coffee drinkers will go crazy for the fruity African filtered coffees, while those who want to drink Italian-style in Italy won’t be disappointed either. Although its location may be a little challenging to find, it’s worth seeking out Orso Nero on any trip to Milan.

The Practicalities

Malpensa, Linate and Bergamo are the three main airports that serve Milan. Travellers arriving at Malpensa can take direct train services to either Stazione Cadorna or Stazione Centrale. There are buses to the city centre from Linate and to Centrale from Bergamo. The city has invested in its Metro system, which now covers most destinations of interest within the city. A day ticket covering all transport in Milan costs €4.50. As for accommodation, it’s best to avoid the area around the Central Station. Ostello Bello, near the centre of the city, receives good reviews and offers great value rooms.

View towards La Scala in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan

Dublin for Coffee Lovers

The City

A corner of central Dublin, Ireland

Dublin has been at the forefront of every change in Ireland over the last forty years. That’s a lot of change! Yes, Dublin can be expensive and exasperating, but it’s rarely dull. Seek out its lesser-known haunts like the gardens of Dublin Castle (free) or the Chester Beatty Library (also free). Regarding the latter, the Lonely Planet describes it as one of Europe’s best museums. Temple Bar is now totally passé. Instead, in-the-know visitors head to the city’s burgeoning Cultural Quarter. For your information, it’s between George’s Street and Grafton Street. Foodies of all ages will love Murphy’s Ice Cream. Meanwhile, the bar in the Central Hotel has a cosy retro feel that even Copenhagen would envy.

Even the cows approve of Murphy’s Ice Cream

Tired of the bustle of the city centre? Dart out to Howth for a walk with views of the city, Dublin Bay, and the mountains. Dublin may be damp at times, but it’s always fun! Indeed, don’t let Irish weather put you off visiting. These ‘Rainy Day Dublin’ recommendations provide solutions to Ireland’s leaky roof problem.

Shabby chic meets Irish ‘hygge‘ at the Central Bar

The Coffee 

Dublin hosted the 2016 World of Coffee Championships. This sums it up! The Irish spoof news website, Waterford Whispers, often mocks the current obsession with coffee. Articles include Coffee Shops to Outnumber People By 2025 or an expletive-filled review of a coffee bought at a petrol station. 3fe fathered the Third Wave tsunami that hit Dublin and it’s a 15-minute walk from Trinity College. Visitors who prefer to stay in the centre should check out the Tasting Menu (book in advance) at Vice in Middle Abbey Street. The award-winning Brother Hubbard North in nearby Capel Street combines coffee and fabulous food. Ireland may soon introduce Scandinavian-style alcohol restrictions. This could be the perfect time to join Dubliners of all races, nationalities, and creeds in their new mania- coffee!

The Practicalities

The transport situation is improving, particularly since the introduction of the tram system (Luas). City destinations along the coast are usually within walking distance of a DART (train) station. However, there’s still progress to be made. Despite years of talking, politicians have yet to build a rail link to the airport. Therefore, travellers arriving by plane reach the city by bus, coach or taxi. One advantage of Dublin is that many of its sights are in the compact city centre.

Unfortunately, it’s not a cheap city, for visitors and locals alike. Travellers should shop around when looking for a place to stay. Book in advance!

Have you any great tips for off-season travel? Is there a coffee shop everyone should know? Leave a comment below or send your story to me by email at [email protected]. 

Next Post: Monday, October 16th, 2017

10 Corso Como is a stylish spot

View towards La Scala in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan

Coffee and cake at a cost, Caffè Florian

The coffee lover’s guide to off-season European city breaks Summer is starting to feel like a distant dream. Getting up in the morning is more and more of a chore.

#best cities #coffee and cafes

[thegetawaydiary]

Day 23 | 24.06.17

FLORENCE + VENICE, ITALY

- One of the girls in the room decided to get up at 4.30 in the morning and turn off the already piss poor air con, use the bathroom and then mess around with all of her bags and stuff. Who turns the air con off when it’s like 24 degrees at night and it already doesn’t do much.

- I got up at 6.30 and tried to get ready really quickly, but ended up not having enough time for a proper breakfast before rushing to the station because I hadn’t actually bought the ticket to Venice yet, and I wasn’t sure if I was going to be successful with the ticket machine. I got on the train on time and ended up sitting next to Wilson, the American guy from my room at the hostel by complete chance as he happened to be going to Venice too. I figured out that I had actually been assigned a seat and carriage but I didn’t even realise, so I expected to be told off by the train staff but luckily I didn’t. I think it’s cute that the drop off points at train stations here are called ‘kiss and ride’s. And also, Bologna train station where we had to change trains was like an airport, it had three levels and was super modern.

- As we arrived at Venice, Wilson was clearly not interested in seeing the city together because once we got off the train he just headed straight off and didn’t even look back so I just went in the opposite direction to avoid him and make it awkward. At the water taxi/bus ticket office I asked where to go to get on after buying my ticket and the ticket man said he didn’t know, and that there were so many lines here. Like how useless can you be. Anyway, I figured it out and after to getting to Piazza San Marco I went and bought a water, which was more expensive than in Florence, and then waited in line to buy a map which was such a rip off but I needed it because my phone maps wouldn’t load and I always get lost.

- I walked around the Piazza for a bit and then bought lunch, another ham and cheese toasted sandwich, and then started walking across the Piazza to find a shady spot to sit and eat. I learnt the hard way that you SHOULD NOT CROSS THE PIAZZA WITH A SANDWICH IN HAND because a seagull dive bombed me and tried to snatch my sandwich out of my hand, and actually did get a bite. 

- After eating what was left of my sandwich I continued walking around the Piazza, I would have loved to go inside the Doge’s Palace but I think it would have been a bit expensive, it seemed that Venice was just generally more expensive than Florence. I kept strolling the streets, and found that there actually are a lot of shops in Venice, and the city was very hot and very crowded. I wasn’t really sure what to do so I just kept walking around, I wish I had planned my day out a bit better but I think what there was to do would have cost a bit. I needed the toilet so I had to pay 1.50 Euro which is so expensive so I spent ages in there trying to get my money’s worth. I kept walking around but I found it hard to find nice places/ canals to take photos, and I realised that all of the photos that I get strangers to take of me I end up looking disgusting.

- My return train ended up costing 50 euro so I was pissed about that but that’s my own fault for not booking in advance. Really, I should've been more prepared for the whole day, and looked up where to go/ what to see/ do and looked up instagram for inspiration. Venice was lovely but crowded but that was probably just more obvious because the streets are so much smaller. I would have really liked to have stayed in the city for golden hour, that would have been really pretty. As I was sitting outside of the train station waiting for my train an old man fell over up the stairs and I wanted to cry. He fell pretty hard and I wanted to go give him my plasters. The girl sitting near him on the stairs didn’t even get up to help the poor old man, but luckily some others did. Also I noticed that like everywhere else couples would always stop in front of me and make out. They stop and turn around, notice me and then make out. Like do I have a sign on my head that says “please show some PDA in front of me”?.

- On the way home I ended up sitting in a crap carriage with the noisiest Asian group and a kid playing iPad games with the volume turned way up with no headphones on. The kid and his dad were sitting in the seats that I should’ve sat in and I obviously did not want to sit with them so I just chose another seat because there were plenty free, but then a family got on at one of the stops and kicked me out of my seat - it didn’t even matter where you sat, and it turned out that no one checked out tickets. The train ended up being delayed in Padova because there was a fire on the tracks, we were delayed an hour and a half which felt so long sitting on the train getting hungry and being annoyed by everyone else. Since I had bought a couple of post cards in Venice I wrote one to Steve and Andie because I thought they would like that it came from there. To fill in time I was on my phone messing around with photos and listening to music so I tried to use the external charger that I bought before I left and had never used before but it didn’t fucking work. I was sooo mad about that. 

- I finally got back to Florence and had to get food straight away because I was hangry. At that point I didn’t even care how much I spent on dinner, but I just got a Margherita pizza for 7 euro and it wasn’t bad, but I was really hungry. I was feeling a bit shit because it was St. John’s day in Florence, who is their patron saint, and everyone would be out celebrating and I didn't think Wilson would want to go out since he hadn’t wanted to see Venice together. 

- I got back to the hostel and the window was wide open letting all of the hot air in, like do people not understand how to keep a room cool.

- Wilson came back from being out and he did end up inviting me out which was a nice surprise! Honestly I was probably just a last resort for him but I didn’t mind, I was just happy to have someone to go see the fireworks with. It was really cool watching them, we were so lucky to be in Florence for the celebrations. The fireworks were so good, like probably the best I have ever seen, and it was like all of Florence was out to see them and everyone was in a good mood. After that we walked around discussing the art and architecture and history of the city which was really nice, Wilson is really intelligent and seemed to know a lot but not in the know it all way like most Americans are. We then got a gelato to share (would rather have my own thanks ha) and stayed u talking for hours on the porch at the hostel. It ended up being a really nice night.

M

[spoiledsplendid]

JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa

JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa

Address: Isola delle Rose, Laguna di San Marco, 30133 Venice VE, Italy

Phone: [phone]

www.jwvenice.com

My Rating: 78%

Price Rating: $$$$

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Summary of Stay: I began my Italian vacation in Rome and ended it in Venice. Venice is a remarkable city that will certainly charm it's way into your heart and memories. However, I'm not sure the JW Marriott will do the same. Don't get me wrong—the JW Venice has all the makings of a 5 star world class hotel. What it is missing is the charm and elegance that brought you to Venice in the first place.

The only way to arrive to the private island is by boat and most likely you'll be on the JW Marriott's private shuttle boat. The journey takes about 20 minutes an it is a smooth ride. They follow their schedule like clockwork and guests are boarded first come, first seated. The boat is elegant and begins to stir anticipation of arrival at the hotel. 

Upon arrival, the main hotel is a short stroll from the dock. If you have luggage, the hotel's bell staff will look after it for you. Check in was swift and very friendly. Seated in comfortable chairs, the attendants had key cards in my hands within minutes. 

I was shown up to my room—which was beneficial because I later got lost. Down a long hallway and up the elevator and down another hallway, I arrived at my room. The room was fine. It was very clean and comfortable and lacking of anything that would make it memorable. The bed was enjoyable and the wifi decent. It was about average size and at least I had a view of the gardens.

Dopolavoro is the hotel's big dining attraction. It was recently awarded a Michelin star (Venice doesn't have a large selection of Michelin starred restaurants) and the dining room and bar area are pleasing and low key. The chefs grow their own herbs and some vegetables on the island which ensures the freshness and quality of their creations. I didn't dine at the restaurant as I was more interested in exploring the scene in Venice proper. 

Sagra Rooftop Restaurant is your other choice for dinner. It's not large enough to accommodate a hotel of this size and I waited 40 minutes at the bar for a table. Finally, I finished my cocktail and gave up. (I'm not the most patient person in the world). But the drink was good and the food did look and smell appealing.

The hotel also prides itself on the spa which I did not try out. It is in a separate building and not near the main hotel. Had the weather been a bit more cooperative, I would have been interested in getting a massage and soaking up some sun by their pool. But it wasn't meant to be on this trip.

The hotel also attracts an interesting crowd. Because it has a pool, it attracts a lot of families. It seemed popular with monied twentysomethings who prioritize WiFi over history. Also there were a lot of Russian and Korean guests when I was there. Everyone (except the families) seemed to keep to themselves and that was fine with me. 

Highlight of the Hotel: To me the highlight of the hotel is the pool. After having been in stunning pools throughout the world, the JW Venice doesn't come close. However, it has a decent view and is well attended. Venice is a city that requires a lot of walking so the pool is a much needed haven after hours of hoofing it on the cobbled streets. 

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Highlight of the Stay: I rarely wear a hotel robe. Who knows if its been worn before or if its clean? Half the time they have the texture of sandpaper. It's just not my thing. However, the robes in the room were incredibly plush and soft and I made a habit of wearing them. Sadly, at a hotel of this calibre, I would have expected the highlight to be something a bit more substantial. 

Drawbacks: There is a bit of a list here so I apologize. The hotel is on a private island and too far away from the main attractions of Venice. You are at the mercy of the hotel shuttle-boat and the last transfer from Venice to the hotel is at 12:30am. I quote for a water-taxi to the hotel was 300 euros so you don't want to miss it. There were some glitches with the technology in my room. A Light-switch was crosswired and a coffee machine that had an alarm on it that went off daily at 3 am. It was quickly unplugged. The hotel lacks character and after a day of exploring Venice, it is a bit disappointing to come back to this sleek modern business hotel. Finally, Venice is a logistically difficult city to travel within. If you arrive via the train station, you'll need to take the water bus and several flights of stairs up and down to get to the dock where the hotel shuttle-boat is. I had two suitcases and it was an absolute nightmare. If you are arriving at the airport, don't bother with anything besides a private water taxi. It'll cost almost 200 euros including tip but there really is no other sane way. On your way back to the airport, check with the concierge to see if any other guests are interested in sharing the taxi and splitting the fair.

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