Venice
Endlessly romanticised and often misunderstood, Venice is an irresistible destination with a touch of the miraculous. Ornate Renaissance palazzos flanked by canals give it the look of a mirage: after all, the city is built on stilts in the middle of a lagoon. And yet, it has been standing for centuries, a testament to human ingenuity and its capacity to conceive something mesmerisingly beautiful. Spread across more than 100 islands, La Serenissima once facilitated plenty of crafts, from glass-blowing to weaving, its trade routes flourishing with mercantile wealth.
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Today its reputation (and economy) might be tied to the tourists who descend on the headline squares but don’t let that put you off. Away from St Mark’s and Rialto Bridge, the city is still alive with spirited workshops, retailers and galleries, so prepare to get lost in the quiet, windy calli to find them. Be it for its popular Biennale or its glitzy film festival, Venice remains a magnet for creatives worldwide. The glamorous visitors who continue to flock to The Floating City – whether for its seafood trattorias, grand hotels or ornate churches – prove that its allure is undimmed.
Essential information
- Water taxi from the airport to the city: A ride costs approximately €150 and is one of the most stylish introductions to the city.
- How much to tip in restaurants: Don’t worry – service is included in the bill. You can always round up the total by a few euros, if you’d like.
- Seek out seafood on all menus: Squid-ink risotto, sarde in saor (sweet-and-sour fried sardines) and baccalà mantecato (creamed stockfish) should all be on your list.
- The drink of choice: Venetians don’t order a glass but an ombra (a “shadow”) of wine. This smaller pour is to be enjoyed with cicchetti, before drifting from one bàcaro to the next.
- Skip the gondola: Instead, prepare to rack up the miles on foot; it’s often the quickest way to get around and getting lost is half the fun.
This guide was published on 17 April 2026
