When you think of Venice, you probably picture its iconic canals, Renaissance architecture, and famous art. But the city has layers of history, artistry, and unique traditions waiting to be discovered. I will try to be unique in these suggestions but it is hard to avoid common places in Venice. This city is a big inspiration to me and I will create more articles on Art in Venice and my personal experience but for now quick guide on things to do in Venice with its popular attractions and hidden gems.
@travelartstories My things to do in Venice. I will try to be unique. 1. Book Venice vibe hotel or appartment. I booked Hotel Lux in the centre. Don’t save on your comfort and waking up seeing canals and old vintage roofs worth it. Venetians pay attention on home design and keep old vintage furniture so don’t underrate this experince. No need to stay in the centre. Arsenal and Giudecca are also great choices. 2. Still visit must see places, they worth their hype. San Marco Basillica, Doge Palace, and Bridge of Sighs where Kazanova escaped. 3. San Marco Basillica is full of golden masterpieces and was built in 1807. When visit Basillica also go to museum and terrace with fantastic view. 4. Canals. Use the water bus. 5. Art Biennale exhibitions. Once per 2 years Venice hosts biennales, and the artsy Venice becomes even more creative. My fav exhibitions were free exhibitions around the city. When you see the art and outside the window is vintage and aesthetic Venice will bring you unbeliavable experience. 6. Not only biennale, but other art exhibitions were around. 7. Ponte di Rialto and Grand Canal. There is also a market in this area. 8. Morano glass and Murano island are highlights of my Venice experience. I bought some jewellery and went to amazing Glass Museum in Murano island. 9. Visit AtelierScatola Magica where you find hand made vintage venetian clothing. They still follow Venetian traditions of creating costumes. 10. Random not pop places. My favorite places to eat. – eat breakfast or deserts in the central E. Rosa Saloa – more fancy and modern deserts in Moro Cafe in Giudecca area – super sandwiches in Verde Bistro, centre of Venice. #Venice #Veniceart #Venicefood #Venicecanals #venicethingstodo
1. Book a Hotel or Apartment That Fits the Venice Vibe
Your journey starts with finding the perfect place to stay. I recommend immersing yourself in Venice’s historic charm by choosing a hotel that reflects its unique architecture and timeless style. I stayed at Hotel Lux, a centrally located gem that gave me beautiful views of canals and rooftops. Many Venetian hotels, like Lux, preserve their original interiors, featuring Murano glass chandeliers, vintage furniture, and antique artwork, which bring the ambiance of old Venice right into your room.
While staying in the city center offers quick access to major attractions, don’t overlook neighborhoods like Arsenale and Giudecca. Arsenale is rich in history, with ties to Venice’s famous shipyards, while Giudecca has evolved from a quiet fishing area to a lively district filled with local artisans and cafés. Both areas give you a quieter Venetian experience while still capturing the city’s unique character.
2. Visit Iconic Sights – They’re Worth the Hype
Some sights are famous for good reason, and Venice’s landmarks are no exception. The San Marco Basilica is a stunning masterpiece that reflects Venice’s historical connections with the Byzantine world. Originally built in the 9th century and redesigned in 1807, the basilica is filled with golden mosaics and marble floors. Don’t miss the Pala d’Oro, a golden altarpiece inlaid with precious stones that’s a remarkable display of Venetian wealth and artistry. After touring the main area, climb to the basilica’s terrace, where you’ll get breathtaking views over St. Mark’s Square and the lagoon beyond.
Next door, Doge’s Palace is an architectural marvel, representing Venetian Gothic style with its stunning marble façades. This palace served as the seat of Venice’s government and housed the Doge, the leader of the Venetian Republic. Its rooms are decorated with Renaissance masterpieces, making it a journey through Venice’s political and artistic history.
As you leave, cross the Bridge of Sighs, built in the 1600s to connect the palace to the prison. Legend has it that condemned prisoners sighed at their last view of Venice from this bridge, making it a poignant stop with a dramatic story.
3. Marvel at the Treasures of San Marco Basilica
@travelartstories The most beautiful Vasilica I have ever seen. The Basilica di San Marco, often called the “Church of Gold,” owes its name to the stunning golden mosaics that cover much of its interior, representing biblical scenes and the grandeur of Venice. Built in 828 AD to house the relics of St. Mark the Evangelist, it was later rebuilt in its current form in 1063 under the orders of the Doge Domenico Contarini. The basilica’s design reflects Venice’s connections with the Byzantine Empire, featuring five grand domes, each adorned with intricate mosaics made of glass and gold leaf. This blending of Byzantine and Western architecture, along with its ornate marble facade, makes the basilica a symbol of Venice’s power and cultural wealth. It took over 500 years to fully complete, with various additions and embellishments from different eras, including the iconic horses of St. Mark, which were looted from Constantinople in the 13th century. Today, the basilica stands as one of Venice’s most magnificent landmarks, a testament to the city’s rich history and artistic legacy. #BasilicaSanMarco #VenetianHistory #GoldenMosaics #StMarksBasilica #VeniceArchitecture
♬ Eternal Light（renaissance choral gregorian chant a cappella polyphonic sacred) – D.ai.GO
The interior of San Marco Basilica is a treasure trove of art, history, and intricate craftsmanship. Its dazzling mosaics depict biblical scenes in gold and vibrant colors, giving the basilica its nickname, “Church of Gold.” The floors are equally impressive, with geometric marble patterns reflecting the Byzantine influence on Venice. I recommend spending time in the San Marco Museum, located inside the basilica, where you can see relics, historical artifacts, and artifacts that reflect the city’s ties to both Eastern and Western cultures. The museum also grants access to the terrace, which offers one of the best panoramic views in Venice.
4. Experience Venice’s Canals on the Water Bus
@travelartstories Canals of Venice.
Venice’s canals are its lifeblood, and taking a ride on the vaporetto (water bus) lets you explore this water-centric city as locals have for centuries. While gondolas are perfect for scenic rides, the vaporetto is more affordable and convenient for getting around.
The Grand Canal is the main waterway, winding through Venice for nearly 4 kilometers and lined with opulent palazzos and churches from Venice’s golden age. Dating back to the city’s founding, the Grand Canal was the main route for trade with Europe and the East, and it still showcases Venice’s historic wealth and beauty.
5. Explore the Art Biennale Exhibitions
@travelartstories Unbeliavable art experience but to compare with genious works of Venice art masters, modern art looks amateur and even ugly. But Venice now is full of art exhibitions most of them are free. I have visited many of them including pavillions. This is part 1 of #biennaledivenezia2024 #biennaledivenezia #artbiennale #modernart #veniceart #venicebiennale The 2024 Venice Biennale, its 60th edition, is themed “Stranieri Ovunque – Foreigners Everywhere,” and is curated by Adriano Pedrosa. This theme delves into ideas of belonging, migration, and identity, reflecting the global conversation around foreignness.
If you visit during the Venice Biennale, held every two years, you’ll see the city transformed into a global hub for contemporary art. Artists from all over the world set up installations and exhibitions in historic buildings, palazzos, and hidden corners, making Venice feel like an open-air gallery. The art is often cutting-edge, and seeing it alongside Venice’s classic architecture creates a unique experience. Even in off years, Venice’s art scene remains lively, with plenty of galleries and pop-up exhibitions scattered throughout the city.
I will create a separate article about Art and Art Bienniale di Venezia.
6. Ponte di Rialto and the Grand Canal Market
The Ponte di Rialto is Venice’s oldest and most iconic bridge, spanning the Grand Canal with a stunning arch. Completed in 1591, it connects the districts of San Polo and San Marco and features rows of shops selling jewelry, souvenirs, and Venetian crafts. The bridge replaced a series of wooden predecessors and remains a symbol of Venice’s engineering prowess. Near the bridge, you’ll find the Rialto Market, a bustling hub that has served locals for centuries with fresh seafood, produce, and Venetian specialties. It’s a wonderful place to immerse yourself in daily Venetian life and pick up something fresh for a picnic along the canal.
The Grand Canal itself is a beautiful showcase of Venice’s architectural evolution. Its banks are lined with Renaissance and Gothic palazzos, each with a story to tell about the city’s golden age as a trade empire. Taking a water bus along the Grand Canal gives you a front-row seat to these historic buildings and lets you soak in Venice’s beauty from the water.
7. Venetian Fashion and AtelierScatola Magica
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Venetian fashion has long been distinctive, with a history of luxurious fabrics, ornate designs, and theatrical costumes. During the Renaissance, Venice became famous for its rich brocades and velvet, often woven with intricate patterns and deep colors. These fabrics were not only worn by the Venetian elite but also became popular throughout Europe. The city is also home to Venice’s carnival tradition, with its elaborate masks and costumes becoming symbols of Venetian culture.
If you’re interested in exploring Venice’s fashion history firsthand, visit AtelierScatola Magica, an artisan workshop that specializes in handmade Venetian costumes. The atelier preserves traditional costume-making methods, creating masks, capes, and gowns inspired by the 18th century, when Venetian fashion was at its peak. Walking into the atelier feels like stepping back in time; the artisans create each piece with meticulous detail, using luxurious fabrics and classical designs. Whether you’re looking for a souvenir or an outfit for Carnival, AtelierScatola Magica is a must-visit for anyone interested in Venetian craftsmanship and style.
8. Discover Murano Glass on Murano Island
A short boat ride away, Murano Island is a must-see for its world-famous glassmaking. I visited the Glass Museum and bought a few pieces of jewelry that now remind me of Venice’s vibrant art traditions. Watching Murano’s glassmakers in action is mesmerizing, as they create intricate works from molten glass, a skill passed down through generations.
@travelartstories #Murano #muranovenice Murano is a small beautiful island on the way to Venice famous for glass production. And I have visited Murano Glass Museum. The city worth visiting. I was very impressed by Murano glass and bought some not expensive jewellery. Dream of buying a big chandelier to my future big family house.
9. Get Lost in the Giudecca Area of Venice
Giudecca offers an escape from Venice’s main tourist routes, providing a haven for artists, a treasure trove of museums, and views of Venice from across the canal. The area is known for its artistic community, with many local artisans and creatives calling it home. Here, you’ll also find the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, an iconic church with stunning Baroque architecture and intricate mosaics. For art enthusiasts, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is located on the opposite shore but easily accessible, housing one of Italy’s most important collections of modern art, including works by Picasso, Pollock, and Kandinsky. Giudecca also hosts the Da Vinci Museum, dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci’s life and inventions, making it an exciting visit for history buffs and curious minds alike. Strolling around Giudecca, you’ll come across hidden galleries, sculptures, and even street art that capture the essence of Venice’s evolving creative spirit.
10. Discover Hidden Gems for Dining
Exploring Venice’s food scene can be just as rewarding as its landmarks, especially if you venture into local, less crowded spots. Here are a few of my favorites:
- E. Rosa Salva in the center of Venice is a historic café, perfect for starting your day with a classic Venetian breakfast and dessert.
- Moro Café in Giudecca offers beautifully crafted desserts in a chic, modern setting and has views of the water, giving you a peaceful spot to enjoy your coffee.
- Verde Bistro in central Venice serves delicious sandwiches in a cozy setting, ideal for a quick, tasty meal between sightseeing.
Venice is a city that rewards exploration, from its famous landmarks to hidden ateliers and quiet cafés. This guide should help you discover both the iconic and the lesser-known sides of Venice, making for an experience that’s as unforgettable as the city itself.
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