Venice

Grand Canal life, cicchetti bars & quiet campi

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Venice is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Traghetto Gondole Santa Sofia, Campo San Giacomo da l'Orio and St Marks Square. Food lovers should not miss Il Paradiso Perduto and La Bottega ai Promessi Sposi. Below you will find 13 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Venice at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Traghetto Gondole Santa Sofia and Campo San Giacomo da l'Orio
Where to stay: Giudecca and San Marco
Local picks: 13 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Venice

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

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Local tips2 Days in Venice: The Perfect ItineraryA local's perfect 2-day Venice itinerary: St Mark's and the Grand Canal, a cicchetti crawl through quiet Cannaregio, and the…

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Where to stay in Venice

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San Marco

Bacaro Jazz

One of the few late-night bars in Venice, a lively spot near the Rialto Bridge with hundreds of bras strung from the ceiling, customer drawings on the walls, football on the TV and good jazz. A fun place for a last drink; food is served but pricier. Mostly a young crowd.

★ 4.4

Santa Croce

Campo San Giacomo da l’Orio

The campo most loved by Venetians – a leafy Santa Croce square where kids play after school year-round and even tend a little vegetable garden, overlooked by the atmospheric San Giacomo dall’Orio church. It hosts plenty of local culture – poetry festivals, tango shows and more. Tip: check what’s on, especially in summer.

★ 4.6

San Marco

Doges Palace

The Gothic palace of the Venetian Republic, linked to the Bridge of Sighs.

★ 4.7

$$$

Giudecca

Generator Venice

A stylish design hostel-hotel on Giudecca with skyline views across the water.

★ 4.3

San Marco

Grand Canal Gondola Ride

The quintessential gondola glide through the quiet back canals.

★ 4.6

$$$

Castello

Hotel Danieli

A palatial waterfront luxury hotel steps from St Marks.

★ 4.6

$$$

Cannaregio

Il Paradiso Perduto

A lively Cannaregio institution best at night, when the atmosphere buzzes and bands play everything from jazz to rock’n’roll. Take a table for dinner or just nurse a glass of wine and appetizers at the bar (or outside along the canal) while you listen. Tip: check their page to see who’s playing.

★ 4.5

Cannaregio

La Bottega ai Promessi Sposi

A beloved Cannaregio osteria hidden on a tiny side street away from the tourist crush, where locals gather for cicchetti and a spritz before dinner. The daily menu of fresh pasta and seafood changes with the market. Book ahead – it’s popular. Tip: the assorted seafood appetiser is excellent.

★ 4.5

Cannaregio

Osteria ai Promessi Sposi

A cosy, much-loved osteria down a quiet Cannaregio alley, well off the tourist track, serving classic Venetian cooking – cicchetti, fresh seafood and homemade pasta. It fills with locals fast, so reserve.

San Polo

Rialto Bridge

The oldest and most famous bridge arching over the Grand Canal.

★ 4.6

San Marco

St Marks Basilica

The shimmering golden Byzantine basilica of Venice.

★ 4.7

San Marco

St Marks Square

The grand social heart of Venice, framed by the Basilica and Campanile.

★ 4.7

Cannaregio

Traghetto Gondole Santa Sofia

Few visitors know you can cross the Grand Canal by gondola traghetto (ferry) for just 2 EUR – a bigger, undecorated working gondola, paid direct to the gondolier. It’s not a romantic ride so much as a fun local shortcut, since bridges over the canal are scarce. Tip: look for the yellow ‘traghetto’ signs – there are seven crossing points.

★ 4.6

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Venice travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Venice?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Venice at a relaxed pace. See our Venice itinerary guide for a day-by-day plan.

Where is the best area to stay in Venice?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit. Our where to stay in Venice guide breaks down the best neighbourhoods.

What are the best things to do in Venice?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay. Or read our best things to do in Venice guide.

What is the best time to visit Venice?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Venice is worth visiting year-round.