Discover Venice in a day, a city where past and present blend to create an enchanting atmosphere that is unique in the world. Lose yourself in the narrow streets, follow the songs of the gondoliers and be amazed by the incredible beauty of this floating city. Even in the space of 24 hours, Venice’s charms unfold without restraint, from its bustling squares and winding canals to its markets and historic palaces.
11:30 a.m.
Head to the San Polo neighbourhood, one of the city’s oldest districts. Walk over the famous 16th-century Rialto Bridge and check out the bustling Rialto markets, filled with fresh vegetables, fruits and seafood. This is where the chefs from Antiche Carampane, one of my favorite restaurants, shop. At Antiche Carampane, try the spaghetti in cassopippa (spicy shellfish sauce) or the squid in black ink sauce with polenta. The restaurant’s motto is “You don’t arrive by chance,” and it’s true.
2 p.m.
Make your way to St. Mark’s Square, where you’ll find many of the city’s landmarks: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and the Clock Tower. Then give your feet a rest and discover the city on a boat tour along the Grand Canal, exploring the smaller canals and passing by famous palaces and bridges. The tour ends at San Giorgio Maggiore—go up to the top of the bell tower for an incredible 360-degree view of Venice.
5:30 p.m.
Time to escape the crowds and head to a local bacaro (gastropub). Take a vaporetto (water taxi or water bus) to the Cannaregio area and enjoy traditional cicchetti (the Venetian take on tapas) and sip on a spritz (the favored local aperitif) with the locals. Salizada del Pistor street has great restaurants and bars.
9:30 p.m.
Take a stroll north to the old Jewish ghetto. You can still walk through the tunnels where the Jewish community was locked up during the Second World War. If Venice hasn’t tired you out yet, head back to Salizada del Pistor to soak up the city’s nightlife. I really like El Sbarlefo, a little wine bar with great fried cicchetti.
8:30 a.m.
Try to make it back to St. Mark’s Square early to enjoy the area before the huge crowds. Grab breakfast and coffee at Caffè Florian in the square—or better yet, a hot chocolate, as it’s known for that. Don’t leave Venice without visiting the museum of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. It’s housed in Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, an 18th-century palace on the Grand Canal, in which she lived. She spent 30 years in Venice collecting works of art, many of which are exhibited here.
