Venice, Italy Recommendations
If you want to go somewhere that is unlike anywhere else and makes you feel as though you are in a movie, this is your spot. I have been both at the height of summer and for NYE. Both are spectacular. However, some people complain the water smells in summer, although I didn't notice this (maybe I was too enchanted by the views).
Hotels:
If you're looking for something that is smack in the middle of St. Mark's Square, Hotel Concordia is an authentic boutique hotel next to the basilica
For those that have more time and don't mind staying in another part of the island, the Boscolo Venezia is a gorgeous hotel about 20 minutes walk from St. Mark's square. Tons of Murano chandeliers, beautiful grounds (a rarity in Venice), and a free speedboat to the island of Murano. On top of that, you can earn Marriott points
Food: Many of the below were found from just wandering and getting lost through the canals and back streets, which, in my opinion is the best way to discover Venice.
Trattoria Ca D'Oro (Alla Vedova) - Chichetti in the front, a few tables in the back and the feeling (and taste) that you are in an Italian grandmother's home.
La Cantina - charcuterie and wine not far from St. Mark's square
Vineria All’Amarone - Cozy wine bar off a back street, treat yourself to a chichetti platter (we basically did point and shoot for picking them out); the lasagna here was amazing with a nice glass of red
Venetian Vines wine tasting - We did this wine tasting on NYE to help us navigate Italian wines. It was in a cozy wine bar (Estro Venezia) with yummy small bites to accompany the wine. It was so festive there that we ended up staying for dinner
Make sure to engage in the chichetti culture - during happy hour, Venetians eat small bites on toast standing up at the bar with a glass of wine. Many of the bars get very crowded, but it's worth it to soak up the culture at least once!
Cafe Florian - have tea or champagne at the oldest cafe in the world in St. Mark's square
Other:
Murano or Burano visit - on my second trip to Venice, we took the Boscolo Hotel up on their free boat ride over to Murano and saw glass being blown and the beautiful (extremely expensive) wares for sale; the colored homes on the island are pretty, but I would say the hour we spent on Murano was enough for me
Gondola ride - cheesy, yes. A must? Also, yes. I feel like you have to do this once and take in the scenery from within the canals. We realized that most of the official gondolas have regulated pricing similar to taxis so that took the pressure off feeling like we were getting swindled
Pigeons of St. Mark's Square - I repeat - cheesy, yes. A must? Sure - if only for the photo opp, buy some bird food and see what happens!
Turn left when leaving St. Mark's square (when facing the water) and have a drink at one of the many outdoor restaurants while overlooking the Venetian Lagoon
