V E N I C E
VENICE TRAVEL OVERVIEW
A top contender for 'the most atmospheric city in the world', Venice needs no introduction, and while many places claim to be ‘the Venice of wherever’, they all universally pale compared to the real thing.
Most likely, if you're flying from further abroad than continental Europe, you'll start your journey in Rome, and travel further from there.
Rising like a mirage from the Adriatic Sea, this floating city defies time with its intricate maze of canals, bridges, and piazzas that have captured imaginations for centuries.
This was once the heart of a powerful maritime republic and an essential trade hub connecting East and West. While Venice is sadly very often overrun and abused by over-tourism, at the right time, it is a magnificent experience not to be missed.
Today, it retains its opulence and mystique, offering visitors gilded basilicas, gondola rides along the Grand Canal, and a culture steeped in art, music, and history.
Here's what we think should form the core of your experience:
A Living Masterpiece: Venetian Architecture & Art
From the Byzantine splendor of St. Mark’s Basilica to the Gothic majesty of the Doge’s Palace, Venice is an architectural feast.
Wander through the city’s labyrinthine streets and stumble upon artisans practicing crafts perfected over the course of generations and centuries, and step inside hidden churches adorned with works by Tintoretto and Veronese.
The Venice Gallerie dell'Accademia is an old masters glory, and here amongst works from Carpaccio, Veronese, and Bellini, you also shouldn't miss da Vinci's Vitruvian man, and Hieronimus Bosch's Hermit Saints Tryptich, from 1493.
For those so inclined, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection brings modernity into the mix, showcasing a treasure trove of 20th-century art in a canalside palazzo.
And then of course, every year at the end of February, there is the Venice Carnival, a tradition dating back to the city's 1162 victory over rival state Aquileia, and a stunning display of costumes, masquerade balls, and associated pageantry & parades.
Life on the Water in Venice
Venice’s waterways are its lifeblood, and exploring them is essential to understanding the city.
Drift along the Grand Canal in a gondola or head off on an adventure on a vaporetto water-bus, taking in views of Venice’s iconic palazzi and Rialto Bridge.
Add this to your list of water-bourne travel adventures, along with a cruise on the Vltava in Prague, and the Seine in Paris.
Venture further to discover the outlying islands. Murano, famous for its glassmakers; Burano, with its brightly painted fishermen’s houses; and Torcello, a serene retreat with its ancient cathedral.
Venetian Flavors & Traditions
Venetian cuisine reflects the city’s unique geography and rich history. From delicate cicchetti (small plates) to freshly caught seafood and risottos, the flavors of Venice are subtle yet unforgettable.
Vongole, the clams, with spaghetti!
Pair your meals with a glass of Prosecco or spritz, and don’t leave without trying a slice of tiramisu, the rightfully famous dessert which the Venetians insist is one of their many contributions to the world.
For a deeper connection to local life, visit the bustling Rialto Market, where Venetians shop for fresh produce and fish.
If you love fish markets, you'll probably also be interested in checking out another of our favourites in Athens.