Save these spots if you visit the dream Italian city …
I stayed at the Palazzetto Pisani Grand Canal, a boutique hotel in a historic Venetian palazzo which, as well as being positioned right on the water, is perfectly situated between Piazza San Marco and Ponte dell’Accademia, one of only four bridges which spans the Grand Canal. Much like all of the hotels in Venice, the vibe is old school and, while it may not have the fanfare of some of the Italian city’s more elite boltholes, it has oodles of charm.
Harry’s Bar: Yes, the reviews are true: the food here is dangerously overpriced but you are paying for the vibes, which are at a premium. We arrived late, post-flight, and devoured the ragu, which was delicious. As well as admiring the waiters’ slick white dinner jackets, fellow diners resembled extras from House of Gucci, wearing horse-bit loafers and black turtlenecks, as well as decadent leather and shearling coats. Order a Bellini, or a glass of champagne, which comes in a chic coupe glass.
Caffè Florian: We made a beeline for these decadent tearooms which, apparently, house the oldest café in Italy. It’s a handy spot, right on St Mark’s Square, and the wall frescoes and Neo-Baroque gilded details are so extra, they add to the experience. The boozy hot chocolate is spiked with zabaione, which is an Italian dessert made from egg yolks, sugar and Marsala wine.
Slipper shopping: The city is filled with tiny, chichi shops selling bags, hats, belts and the iconic velvet slippers of Venetian gondoliers. They range in style from golden hues and decadent burgundies to leopard print patterns.
Cantina Do Mori: Venice is full of characterful taverns serving Prosecco and cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and this place came recommended. Navigate the crowds and sip your bubbles on the street outside. Osteria al Squero and Vino Vero were also on our list, but unfortunately we ran out of time on this trip – next time!
Window shopping: The streets surrounding Piazza San Marco are filled with designer shops, from Loro Piana and Gucci to Dolce & Gabbana. Have a nose and fantasy-buy a Celine shearling jacket.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection: Ask anyone for Venice recommendations and this museum, on the Grand Canal, is always top of the list. It’s housed in Guggenheim’s former home, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, and is one of the most significant collections of North American and European twentieth century art in Italy. It’s strikingly beautiful, if a little tourism-by-numbers as you follow the crowds to the museum, but definitely worth a visit.
Bar Longhi at The Gritti Palace: An absolute highlight of the trip, this hotel is the definition of old-school glamour and the terrace at Bar Longhi, which looks onto the Grand Canal, is spendy but feels special and buzzy.
Private water taxi: If you’re looking for proper glamour, book a private transfer to the airport by water taxi. You’ll feel like you’re in a scene from James Bond and it’s far quicker than the ferry.
A final word: Don’t sleep on the jars of tiramisu to-go available in the airport. Divine.
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READ MORE: Kitty Coles’ Guide To Dining In New York
