HANG LIKE THE LOCALS

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Trattoria di Venezia​

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The trattorias scattered around all of of Venice come in cozy sizes, but don't let their unpretentious appearance fool you. Already well known for giving the world prosecco, crostinis are Venice's better kept secret which deserve so much more credit than they currently receive. The further away you go from the Grand Canal, the higher your gastronomic expectations should become. Try a trattoria in the areas most popular with tourists before you venture further into the Venetian back canals to fully appreciate the sublime journey authentic Italian crostini will take your tastebuds on.

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WHERE TO BE SEEN

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Casino di Venezia, Cannaregio​

Once you enter the courtyard of the oldest gaming institution in the world, it's almost as if the statues are eager to tell you the stories behind all the losses and triumphs they have witnessed through time. Open day and night, the casino is always buzzing with high rollers and their spectators as well as an in-house events calendar full to the brim so expect no shortages of entertainment.

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TRENDY NEIGHBOURHOODS TO STAY IN

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Mestre, Veneto

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Though situated in the town of Mestre, the NH Laguna Palace provides four star luxury fit for a superstar. Namely, the stars of BBC's Top Gear when they visited Venice many moons ago. Equipped with spacious suites and standard rooms, the NH's minimalist modern decor is nestled in its own serene grounds just fifteen minutes away from the Grand Canal by bus. In our opinion, it's by far a better option than staying in the heart of Venice simply because of the better value for money it offers from a relatively short distance away. If you're really desperate to stay in the thick of all the magic, close to the mid-range prices you have Hotel Danieli and nearer to the bottom of the scale you'll find Generator Hostel.

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DAYS OUT

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Piazza San MARCO, Venice

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Piazza San Marco's Gothic architecture dates back to the 9th Century and is the only square with the name "piazza" in Venice. It is a site that attracts the majority of tourists so in high season (May to August), it gets a little hectic. The square is lined with pricey restaurants, boutique retailers and intricate mosaics house in St Mark's Basilica which feels more similar to many main squares found in other European cities. This one however, is unique because it is the widest mass of open, flat land in a waterborne city so if you're ever stuck on ideas for a romantic proposal, you may have just found the perfect one. There is plenty to see, buy and eat in Piazza San Marco, or for those of you who like to keep it cultured, the Bridge of Sighs, Palazzo Soranzo and Alle Tese Theatre are all close by.

 

OUR TIPS

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1. Seasonal Traffic

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The best times of the year to go are the months between August and February otherwise it gets so crowded. As it's a small city, Venice sometimes doesn't have enough space for everyone and if you're hoping for an intimate setting in one of the most romantic places in the world, high season is probably not the best time to go. There have also been reports of bad smells carried by the Summer heat from Venice's canals which double as the sewage system - proceed with caution.

 

2. Cost Savings

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Venice has a reputation for its high prices which rings true in some cases. As mentioned already, Mestre offers great accommodation options for half the price so consider picking hotels just outside Venice before you go. Another great saving which won't make you feel like you're missing out on the Grand Canal experience can be made by using the Vaporetto or Water Taxi. Ferrovia, the main station conveniently located outside the railway station, is also where all the Vaporetto routes intersect so if you purchase a daily or weekly pass, it grants you unlimited access to all the Vaporetto lines.

 

3. Eating Out

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You'll be spoilt for choice but don't be too eager to settle for the restaurant with the brightest lights or best shellfish on display. The further away you go from the tourist ridden areas, the more likely you are to find homemade recipes served up in hearty portions for half the price. The rule of thumb is - if a food menu has English translations, then the restaurant is more likely to serve up a commercialised version of the real Italian food dream.

 

4. Venetian Hospitality

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In our experience, Venetians know no bounds when it comes to hospitality and generally being helpful citizens. On arrival, we received a complimentary hotel upgrade, the next day a lady helped us get around by letting us use the fare she had put on her travel card and during dinner in a quaint little corner trattoria, there was a free starter given to us with compliments from the chef. Maybe everyone just happened to be in a good mood that day, but make sure you are ready to return the favour with immaculate manners if you do end up being the recipient of goodwill.

 

5. Venice is Fragile

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Refrain from throwing litter on the ground as it may fall into the canals and cause contamination. Also, avoid using frothy soap or washes which contain insoluble micro particles as this may harm sea life that comes into contact with deposits from the canal's waters.

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OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

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1. Murano Glass Museum, Murano

 

2. Lace Museum, Burano

 

3. Juliette's House, Verona

 

4. Riserva Statale Valle delle Ferriere, Positano

 

5. Temple of Apollo, Pompeii