Venice, known as “La Serenissima,” is a stunning city built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon of the Adriatic Sea. Famous for its winding canals, gondolas, and magnificent architecture, Venice is a unique blend of beauty, history, and culture. With no roads, the city’s main transportation is via its iconic waterways, with the Grand Canal being the most prominent. Renowned landmarks such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge draw millions of visitors every year, while the city’s annual Carnival adds a touch of magic with its elaborate masks and costumes.

A Brief History:

Doge’s Palace

The Doge’s Palace is one of Venice’s most renowned landmarks and home to a museum with many important pieces of art. When the Doge’s Palace was built, it had a design similar to a castle, and today the facade of the Palace is considered a Gothic masterpiece. Don’t miss the famous work, ”The Staircase Of the Giants”, from the 15th century, where the doge was officially crowned.

San Marco Basilica

Located in the popular San Marco square, this is Venice’s best known church, belonging to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice. Saint Mark’s Basilica is a great architectural masterpiece that reflects the Italian take on Byzantine design.

Jewish Museum

Small museum focusing on the city’s Jewish history with guided synagogue tours and a kosher cafe. Witness the Jewish tradition through 16th-19th century artifacts. The museum offers a wide selection of ancient books, manuscripts, some objects used in the most important moments of civil and religious life.

Accademia Gallery

The fascinating art collection showcases works from the best regional painters from Europe’s vast history. You’ll find the likes of Longhi, Guardi, Bellotto, and Canaletto. Works range from the 1300 Byzantine and Gothic periods up to the 1700s and the genre of Renaissance painters such as Bellini, Carpaccio, Giorgione, Veronese, Tintoretto, Tiziano, and Gianbattista Tiepolo.

Ca Rezzonico

Originally a palace and conceptualized by the city’s famous architect Baldassare Longhena, this famous venue is a museum showcasing the ‘heyday’ of 1700s Venice.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Learn about this important gallery’s place in the history of 20th-century art with works by Picasso, de Chirico, Dalí, Pollock, Kandinsky, and Magritte.

In Venice you’ll find…

With its unique lagoon location and proximity to the islands and local gardens, Venetian cuisine has some truly flavorful dishes relying heavily on fish and vegetables.

Make sure to try…

Baccalà Mantecato is a traditional Venetian dish that consists of salted cod primarily boiled in a mixture of water and milk then deboned, and finally mashed until it reaches a creamy but firm consistency.

Also try…

Cicchetti is another must do tradition in Venice, these are small plates of finger foods (antipasta) accompanied by a glass of wine or Spritz.

This will depend heavily on the time you have in Venice, your budget, and desire to be close to the action. If you want to be close to the beating heart of Venice then San Marco is the spot. Perfect if you’re on limited time and want to see the highlights.

Another lovely and authentic neighborhoods is Cannaregio, home to Venice’s Jewish Ghetto and the majority of Venice’s actual residents. A personal favorite hotel in this area is a 15th palazzo called ‘Hotel Giorgione’; quaint, charming, classy, and easy walking distance to major sights.