Best hotels in Venice
The St. Regis Venice
San Marco, 2159, Venice, Italy, 30124
With its prime position along the Grand Canal, the iconic St. Regis Venice hotel offers a luxury retreat in the city. Elegant guestrooms capture the spirit of Venice, with bespoke furnishings, views of the terracotta rooftops and a personalized butler service for every suite. Dine on Italian delicacies at the on-site Gio’s Restaurant & Terrace and enjoy some well-earned pampering in the Spa Suites.
Hotel Indigo Venice - Sant'Elena
Calle Buccari, 10, Sant'Elena, Venice, Italy, 30132
Tucked away in a converted monastery in the laidback Sant’Elena neighborhood, Hotel Indigo Venice is the ideal base for exploring the Floating City. Enjoy traditional Venetian cuisine at the hotel’s Savor Restaurant or take a break in the inner garden before venturing out to the lively streets and squares.
San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice
Isola di San Clemente, 1, Venice, Italy, 30124
Nestled on a private island, the San Clemente Palace Kempinski guarantees a peaceful retreat with breathtaking views over the Venetian Lagoon. Enjoy superb hotel amenities including an outdoor pool, tennis court and golf course, plus a dedicated boat service to and from the shores of Piazza San Marco.
Best restaurants in Venice
Restaurant Terrazza Danieli
Riva degli Schiavoni, 4196, Venice, Italy, 30122
Head up to Hotel Danieli’s top floor terrace for a Venetian-inspired dinner, set against the city’s skyline. The hotel’s 200-year history is marked by a seven-course Bicentennial Tasting Menu featuring herring rolls à la Kaiser Wilhelm III and oysters with salsa “Veneziana”.
Al Covo
Campiello de la Pescaria, 3968, Venice, Italy, 30122
This family-owned Italian restaurant offers a rustic, yet refined setting for a light lunch or family dinner. An authentic menu showcases the very best of the Venetian lagoon, with locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavors that change daily depending on market availability. Try the homemade pasta dishes, freshly caught fish, and artisan meats.
Ristorante Da Ivo
San Marco, 1809, Venice, Italy, 30124
Step off your gondola into the eclectic dining room of Ristorante Da Ivo, filled with vintage wine bottles, copper pots and framed photographs. As you twirl your fork into fresh taglioni, truffle scallops and grilled lamb chops, you might even spot a few familiar faces on the walls. This cozy eatery is a popular haunt of film stars, singers and celebrities – from George Clooney to Alicia Keys.
Best things to do in Venice
Basilica di San Marco
San Marco, 328, Venice, Italy, 30124
It’s hard to miss the gilded domes and Byzantine columns of St. Mark’s Basilica in Piazza San Marco. In fact, it’s one of the most visited landmarks in Venice – and for good reason. Take a tour to admire the mesmerizing interiors, from the golden mosaic ceilings to the tessellated floor that covers more than 2,000 square meters.
Palazzo Ducale
Plaza San Marco, 1, Venice, Italy, 30124
Just next door to the Basilica is the Palazzo Ducale, or Doge’s Palace – a Gothic masterpiece dating back to the 14th century. See the Doge’s apartments for yourself on a tour of the residence, which includes entry to the Museo dell’Opera, the central courtyard, prisons and armory. And don’t miss the 24-carat Scala d’Oro – or Golden Staircase – that leads you to the top of the palace.
Grand Canal
Ghetto Vecchio, Venice, Italy, 30121
Swap driving your rental car on Venice’s mainland for floating down the Grand Canal in a gondola or vaporetto boat. As the main waterway in the City of Bridges, the Grand Canal offers some of the best views of the city. Spot the Gothic palaces that line the waterfront, as well as iconic landmarks like the Rialto Bridge.