top of page
Writer's pictureIne Vandenwyngaert

Venice, Italy: A Short Travel Guide

Updated: Jun 6

Venice is located in northeastern Italy. Nicknamed the "City of Canals", Venice was built on over 100 islands and is connected by a network of bridges and walkways. In fact, the main tourist area is totally car-free, which makes it perfect for strolling around and soaking in the atmosphere. Beyond its romantic reputation, Venice boasts stunning architecture, a rich history, and cultural treasures. In this travel guide, we share our top things to do in Venice as well as great places to stay, eat, and drink.



Venice italy View from Campanile Tower
View from Campanile Tower

 

Check out our video about Venice to see the best things to do through our camera!




Best Things To Do In Venice




venice italy View from Accademia Bridge
View from Accademia Bridge

Places To Stay In Venice


  • Hotel AutoEspresso ($): This is where we stayed in Venice-Mestre, which is part of the Venice mainland and connects easily to the historic center by train or bus. It's the cheapest area in Venice and still convenient. Rooms were basic but comfy and clean. Breakfast was also included.

  • Leone Hotel ($$): Mid-range accommodation in the Cannaregio district in the center of Venice. It's close to the train station which is ideal if you're carrying luggage from the train station. All rooms come with a private bathroom with a shower or a bath, a hairdryer and free toiletries.

  • Hotel Aquarius Venice-Ascend Hotel Collection ($$$): This 4-star hotel is also located in the historic center with easy access via the train station. Some rooms at the property have a balcony with a city view.

venice italy gondola boats
Gondola boats

Places To Eat And Drink In Venice


  • Al Covo: refined, updated Venetian classics in a charming, upscale restaurant (lots of seafood options)

  • A La Vecia Papussa: great bar with outdoor seating next to the water in Cannaregio

  • Alla Fonda: bar with excellent cicchetti and Venetian Spritz

  • All'Arco: famous bar for delicious and fresh cicchetti

  • Antico Gatoleto: restaurant and pizzeria close to Rialto with great risotto & classic Venetian dishes

  • Bacaro Ae Bricoe: great local bacaro with cicchetti and drinks

  • Bar Alle Guglie Cicchetteria: small bar with take away drinks & local wines

  • BAR El Borrachero: very local small bar with cheap aperol spritz to go

  • Bar Spritz: small bar & cicchetteria

  • Basègo: bar with great wine selection with cicchetti and arancini options

  • Birraria La Corte: pizzeria and restaurant with classic Italian dishes

  • Campo Santa Margherita: local area with a lot of bars where you can sit outside and enjoy the sun

  • Cantina Do Mori: the oldest bacaro of Venice

  • El Rofolo: bacaro with great wine and selection of sandwiches

  • Enoteca Al Volto: Venetian wine bar

  • Enoteca Già Schiavi: bacaro with wines by the glass and snacks

  • Experimental Cocktail Club Venice: cocktail bar

  • Farini: great pizza place for a quick bite or lunch

  • Gelato di Natura - Campo Santi Apostoli: great gelato

  • Il Pizzaiolo Magico: local pizza in Mestre

  • In Riva bistrò: great place or a quick lunch or drink in Burano Island

  • La Bottiglia: cold cuts, cheese, and natural wines

  • Muro Frari: mid-range restaurant with a variety of food options, such as pizza, steaks & Venetian dishes

  • Muro San Stae: restaurant with canal views plating pizza, pasta & grilled seafood

  • Osteria Al Sacro E Profano: local homey restaurant with true Venetian food

  • Osteria Anice Stellato: restaurant with modern takes on classic regional recipes

  • Ostaria Da Rioba: restaurant with homemade pasta and a creative take on classic local recipes

  • Pietra Rossa: family-run restaurant with simple, elegant, modern takes on classic Italian and Venetian classics. Also plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

  • Ponte delle Paste: pastry shop with traditional sweets and coffee

  • Ristorante Santa Maria Formosa: variety of delicious pastas

  • Salizada S. Fosca: wide streets with lots of bars and restaurants (great for happy hour drinks in the sun)

  • SEPA: bacaro with amazing risotto

  • Stappo: nice restaurant and wine bar with outdoor setting and good food

  • Suso: the best gelateria

  • Tonolo: pastry shop with lovely cakes, baked treats, and pastries

  • Trattoria Al Gatto Nero: great restaurant on Burano Island

  • Trattoria Bar Pontini: cozy restaurant next to a canal with tasty Italian food at decent prices

  • Trattoria Belvedere: local Italian restaurant in Mestre

  • Trattoria Pizzeria Casa Mia: great pizzeria

  • Via Giuseppe Garibaldi: local street with bars and restaurants

  • Vino Vero: local wine bar

  • Vittoria 1938: outstanding restaurant close to the train station (small portions)

  • WEnice - La Gastronomia Veneziana: lovely local place with small seafood dishes (try the cod mousse here and black squid ink polenta)


tiramisu venice italy
tiramisu - classic Italian dessert

Map Venice Italy


Find all the places to go, eat, drink, and stay in Venice on Google Maps. To follow and save the list, do the following:

  1. Tap on the link to open it (click button below)

  2. Tap Follow. This list will now be added to the group of lists you follow.

  3. Optional: To unfollow a list someone shared with you, tap the list Saved.

If you follow the list we made, all our saved places of Venice will show up in Your Places. The places will also appear as suggested locations in Google Maps.



map venice italy

 

Use These Websites To Save Money On Your Trip To Venice



 

Are you having a hard time planning your trip to Venice? Get our Interactive Travel Planner to keep it all organized.


travel planner for madrid spain trip


Need more travel inspiration? Check out our other destinations and articles about Italy:

1 Comment


Harry Kevin
Harry Kevin
Aug 27

The rich history, stunning architecture, and unique culture of Venice are truly captivating and make it a must-visit destination. For those who are busy exploring the world or dealing with demanding schedules, it can be a challenge to keep up with academic responsibilities. If you ever feel overwhelmed, you can always consider options like "write my dissertation UK" services to manage your workload effectively. Venice's charm is a reminder of the beauty and inspiration that travel can bring.

Like
World Wild Hearts

Hi! We are Ine & Zac. An international travel couple from Belgium and the US. We created World Wild Hearts to inspire new adventures and help you plan your next trip. Use these tips, stories, and guides to inspire your next adventure of a lifetime!

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRIPS

Cheap flights for travelers
Travel experiences
Affordable travel transportation
Book cheap hotels

DOWNLOAD FREE TRAVEL  RESOURCES

free travel resources

WATCH OUR TRAVEL VIDEOS

Travel videos

This post contains a few affiliate links. That means we may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. You can read our full disclaimer here. Thanks for supporting our travel blog!

travel youtubers

COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL PLANNER

Digital Travel Planner
AllTrails Ad for blog sidebar.png
bottom of page