The Perfect Vacation in La Serenissima, aka Venice, Italy

You can’t trust anyone who doesn’t think that Venice is one of the most enchanting cities in the whole world; it even has “nice” in its name! Although 13 different places around the globe share the same name, you know we’re talking about Venice, the one in Italy. Since one day is not enough to take in all of Venice’s allure, Connolly Cove has prepared an in-detail travel guide for those who want to indulge in the Venice experience.

How to Enjoy Your Stay in Venice to the Max

If you ask people to define “having fun“, you will get various answers. However, Venice will still be a great destination since there are hundreds of ways to make your vacation unforgettable, no matter how much you prefer to spend it.

Venice’s Must-See Attractions and Best Activities

La Serenissima was featured in plenty of films, including Casino Royale (2006), Casanova (2005), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), and The Italian Job (2003), which is why most of the city’s attractions will look so familiar to any movie buff. However, visiting those sites in person is so different. 

If you’re craving a dose of local knowledge on the city’s most iconic landmarks, you should check out Your Guide to the Complete Venice Experience! That being said, the Floating City offers a plethora of other exciting experiences that go beyond sightseeing.

Explore the Charming City on a Gondola

Venetians are obsessed with azure waters. You can notice that almost the whole city has small islands connected with canals, so Venice is all about the Gondolas. The real Venice experience can only be completed with a gondola trip. The gondolier will row you through the maze of canals, revealing hidden corners of the city that you might miss on foot. 

Taking a gondola trip in Venice is like stepping into a love story where you are the main character. As you pass through the canals, you can admire the city’s gorgeous architecture up close. You will see centuries-old palaces, majestic churches, and renowned bridges.

Get Lost in the Castello District

The Castello district of Venice is the largest one, and it got its name from the castle built here way back during the Roman period. It’s situated on the eastern side of town and a real hotbed of historical and cultural gems! You’ve got the Arsenale di Venezia, which used to be the bee’s knees, the biggest shipyard on the planet one day!

You’ll also come across The Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a museum of modern art nestled in a stunning palazzo on the Grand Canal. The museum is a real treasure trove, showcasing masterpieces by great artists such as Picasso, Dalí, and many other big names in the art world.

While wandering in the Castello district, get some gelato, then stop by The Church of San Zaccaria, a stunning church built in the 12th century. Among the many notable works of art housed in the church is Titian’s Madonna and Child. 

Snap Vibrant Pictures With Burano’s Colourful Houses in the background

Burano is a small town with delightful houses bursting with vivid colours. It’s the perfect spot to take fantastic pictures and reels, try traditional Venetian food, and conquer the waters on a Vaporetto—this is how Italians say “water bus.”

Legend has it that the clever fishermen decided to give their houses a fashionable makeover to make them recognisable from afar while returning home with the big catches. These colours have stolen the show and put this island in the top 10 colourful cities worldwide!

Additionally, you should include visiting the Lace Museum on your “to-do in Burano” list. Throughout the ages of the Serenissima Republic of Venice, ladies had a real knack for flaunting their attire, adorned with the most exquisite lace imaginable. So, Countess Adriana Marcello founded the Lace School in 1872 to maintain a centuries-old tradition. 1981, it was transformed into a museum, and today, it’s a major attraction in Burano.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems You Can’t Miss in Venice

While exploring the enchanting city of Venice, one may stumble upon hidden gems that offer extraordinary experiences beyond the well-known attractions. Calling all culture enthusiasts! If you’re yearning for an authentic taste of Venice, you have to go for the following sites:

Libreria Acqua Alta

It smells vintage, looks messy, feels warm, and inspires readers and everyone with a sense of beauty. The floating bookshop Libreria Acqua Alta is a stone’s throw from the Rialto Bridge. The bookshop is well-known for its unique book storage system, which includes stacking volumes high in the store’s windows and on special shelves designed to withstand flooding. 

Libreria Acqua Alta is renowned for its vast collection of books and delightful feline residents, who add an extra touch of cuteness to the cosy atmosphere. The cats are free to explore the bookstore at their leisure, creating a delightful ambience for visitors who can capture memorable moments by taking photos. 

The Secret Staircase

Even if climbing stairs is not your thing, you will want to make an exception for La Scala Contarini del Bovolo or the Secret Staircase. The remarkable structure was built during the 15th century by the esteemed Contarini family, who held immense power and prominence within La Serenissima. 

The exquisite staircase, made of the finest white Istrian stone, exudes sophistication. Its elegant spiral design ascends four floors, leading to a fantastic belvedere that offers unparalleled vistas of the magnificent cityscape. 

Mocenigo Palace-Museum

Visitors interested in Venetian history, fashion, or fragrances should not miss the Mocenigo Palace Museum. The palace was built in the 16th century for the Mocenigo family, one of the most powerful families in Venice at the time. Later, it was transformed into a fascinating museum that displays a dazzling collection of 16th-18th century garments, fabrics, and fragrances.

The costume collection is undeniably one of the most awe-inspiring and remarkable worldwide. This fashion destination will surely captivate any style enthusiast with a unique collection of over 10,000 garments, ranging from elegant dresses to sophisticated suits and complemented by a wide array of accessories. Silk, velvet, and lace are just a few of the fabrics used to create these clothes, and they are decorated with intricate embroidery, jewels, and feathers.

Additionally, it has an impressive collection of over 20,000 exquisite pieces of fabric, ranging from tapestries that tell tales of ancient civilisations to carpets and rugs that could make Aladdin’s magic carpet blush with envy. 

Palazzo Barbaro

Situated on the Grand Canal, Palazzo Barbaro has been a popular tourist destination for centuries. The Italian term “palazzo” literally translates to “palace,” and this building certainly lives up to its name. Many notable people have stayed there, from the English poet Lord Byron to the American painter John Singer Sargent. 

Palazzo Barbaro is an exquisite pair of adjoining palaces constructed during the 15th and 17th centuries. They have served as the prestigious residences for Venice’s most esteemed and influential families, including the Barbaro family, which gave the palaces their name. The palaces are renowned for their spectacular architecture, seamlessly blending the fantastic elements of the Venetian Gothic and Baroque styles. 

The Gothic palace is the older of the two, boasting a genuinely remarkable four-storey façade adorned with lovely ogival arches and loggias. The Baroque palace is magnificent, boasting an impressive size and exquisite ornamental details. One of its most captivating features is a grand central staircase adorned with a fantastic frescoed ceiling that will leave you in awe.

The place is quite an art celebrity, featured on the canvas of renowned painters like John Singer Sargent and Claude Monet. A tour of this place will transport you to a vintage era of grandeur, luxury, and splendour.

The Most Remarkable Festivals of La Serenissima

A boring routine is not a thing in Venice. The city offers an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of festival seasons, where the air is filled with excitement and the atmosphere is alive with fascination. Luckily, the calendar is brimming with many lively festivals, just waiting to be explored and experienced.

Il Carnival

Venice is called the “City of Masks” because of this vivid festival. Every year in February, people embrace their creativity, wear exotic costumes, and celebrate joyfully in the streets. And no, it’s not precisely like Halloween. The origins of the Carnival of Venice have a rich history that dates back to the 11th century. It was initially a time for people to let loose and enjoy themselves before the start of Lent.

The masquerade ball is undoubtedly the most sought-after and outstanding event during the Carnivale. People dress in elaborate costumes and masks and attend balls held in palaces and other grand venues. The balls are a great place to dance, raise a glass, and be merry.

Another activity that takes the cake during the Carnival is the costumed parade. People don their finest threads and hit the streets of Venice, parading in all manner of outfits. Those parades are a sight for sore eyes, showcasing the cat’s whiskers regarding creativity and imagination.

Venice Film Festival

The Venice Film Festival is where the silver screen’s glitz and glamour collide with the Venetian canals’ beauty. This prestigious event has existed since the dawn of cinematic time (well, almost), making it one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals on earth. The grand spectacle unfolds like clockwork every year as summer bids farewell and autumn tiptoes in. In 2023, the festival is expected to run from 30 August to 9 September, with 23 competing films.

From its humble beginnings in 1932, when Count Giuseppe Volpi di Misurata founded the festival to promote Italian cinema, it has rapidly evolved into a globally renowned film festival of utmost significance. The festival has been the springboard for countless cinematic gems and visionary directors, paving the way for Federico Fellini, Bernardo Bertolucci, and Quentin Tarantino.

The festival is renowned for its unique programming, divided into two sections: the Competition and the Out of Competition. The Competition section showcases an impressive lineup of films eagerly contending for the prestigious Golden Lion, the festival’s most coveted and esteemed award. The Out of Competition section showcases exceptional films that, while not competing, are still recognised for their high quality.

The Venice Film Festival is an industry highlight. It serves as a platform for directors to showcase their best work, stars to shine, and moviegoers to discover new films. Attending the festival also offers the wonderful benefit of making professional relationships in the film business.

Regata Storica

The Regata Storica is an absolute blast from the past, a regatta that takes place in Venice on the first Sunday of September. Its origins may be traced back to the 13th century. Initially, it was a method for the Republic of Venice, known as La Serenissima, to demonstrate its naval superiority. The Regata Storica has evolved into a treasured tradition for local Venetians and a significant draw for visitors to the city.

If you are lucky enough to be in Venice at that time, you will be able to watch a vibrant parade of boats, elegant gondolas adorned with macarons, and a splendid array of traditional Venetian vessels gliding on the shimmering waters of the Grand Canal. After the magnificent parade, the excitement continues to surge as a thrilling series of races takes centre stage, including single sculls, double sculls, and fours.

Which Dishes You Should Try in Venice

Who can argue that Italian cuisine is among the most irresistible cuisines worldwide? It is a fact that Italians know how to dress, flirt, and eat. So, when you finally find yourself in Venice, do yourself a favour and try the following distinct local dishes:

Fegato alla Veneziana

The classic Venetian dish fegato alla Veneziana consists of calf liver and onions. It is a hearty and flavorful dish often served with polenta or potatoes. Countless menus in Venice have this dish, so it’s easy to find.

It’s said that this dish first appeared during the Renaissance era when it was prepared with goose liver. However, nowadays, cow liver is the standard. The liver is cut thinly and fried in a hot pan with onions. White wine, salt, and pepper are used as seasonings.

Baccalà Mantecato

Baccalà Mantecato is a traditional Venetian dish made from salt cod soaked, poached, and then whipped with olive oil, lemon juice, and other ingredients. It’s a luscious, velvety spread that glides smoothly on top of crispy crostini, tantalising your taste buds with its rich and creamy texture.

Baccalà Mantecato has a long history in Venice, dating back to the 18th century. It was originally a dish for the poor, as salt cod was a cheap and abundant source of protein. Much like a viral video, this dish has skyrocketed to fame and captured the hearts (and stomachs) of both visitors and residents alike.

Cicchetti

The Venetians love their cicchetti, which are bite-sized tasty morsels. You can think of them as the Italian version of Spanish tapas. They’re served at Bacardi, a casual bar serving small plates of food alongside wine or spritz. You can have cicchetti with any type of topping, like seafood, pork, cheese, and veggies. 

Cicchetti is a must-try in Venice if you’re seeking a local culinary adventure; they are a great way to sample Venice’s flavours and a relatively affordable dining option.

Frittole

The name comes from “fritto,” which is Italian for “fried.” Frittole (aka Frittelle) is a traditional Venetian pastry typically eaten during Carnevale, the weeks leading up to Lent. Simply put, they’re Italian-style fried doughnuts. Frittole is an incredibly versatile treat that can cater to sweet and savoury cravings. 

These delectable delights can be filled with mouthwatering ingredients, including succulent raisins, zesty orange peel, refreshing lemon peel, creamy custard, or indulgent chocolate. Frittoles are an immensely popular and sought-after delicacy in Venice, so you can easily find them in numerous bakeries and cafes throughout the scenic city, especially during the vibrant Carnival season. 

Bigoli con Salsa

Bigoli con Salsa is a traditional Venetian pasta dish made with whole-wheat bigoli pasta, onions, and salt-cured fish. The origins of the detectable bigoli can be traced back to the 14th century, a time of great conflict between the Venetians and the Turks. During this tumultuous period, Venetian ships, laden with grain, fell victim to enemy attacks and sank. 

In the face of adversity, a resourceful cook rose to the occasion and ingeniously crafted a brand-new dough using the available ingredients. This innovative creation quickly gained popularity and became an instant hit among the masses. 

During the early 17th century, the renowned pasta maker Bartolomeo Veronese played a pivotal role in elevating the widespread appeal of this delicious dish. By inventing a wooden pasta-making machine, he revolutionised the process, making it incredibly convenient and accessible to the public.

Bigoli con Salsa is a simple dish, but it is packed with flavour. The onions are simmered in olive oil until soft and caramelised, and the salt-cured fish adds a salty, umami flavour. The bigoli pasta soaks up the sauce, making for a hearty and satisfying dish.

The Queen of the Adriatic is full of surprises and waiting for you to trace them. If you are not visiting Venice this year, you should start planning your trip next year.