Design And Insider Guide To Venice

When it comes to design, nature did the hard work for Venice– there surely isn’t a more spectacular city in Italy. With 417 bridges over 150 separate canals, you can’t turn a corner in Venice without being wowed by its design and beauty. But as always, it pays to know where to go and what to see in Venice – more of an insider’s point of view. In this respect, our design and insider guide to Venice has you covered. Check out our Venice tours once you’re done, to find amazing ways to experience the city.

See

Burano

Although the islands of Murano, with their famous glass production, are the obvious choice for a design lover – and make a great day trip – the less tourist-filled Burano gets our vote. A small island filled with hundreds of brightly colored fishermen cottages that pop in the sunshine. Burano is also famous for lace production, which can be bought in boutique shops across the island.

Doge’s Palace

Well known, yes, but with good reason – the Doge’s Palace is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Inside there are spectacular frescos and painted ceilings, ornately paneled rooms, a true insight into the wealth and riches that came with being head of one of the wealthiest trading cities in the world. A great way to see inside this stunning building is with this Venice walking tour, which combines a gondola ride with a visit to the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Cathedral, thus hitting all of Venice’s classic design stops in one day.

Dine

Local

Local is the brainchild of Chef Matteo Tagliapietra, formerly of Noma in Copenhagen. This restaurant is aiming for Michelin-based stars. thoughtfully presented dishes that showcase the biodiversity of Venice and the surrounding area. The dining room is nothing short of beautiful, a large upstairs space with a minimalist design and lots of light. 

Anice Stellato

Well off the beaten track is Anice Stellato, nestled on a small side street in the Cannaregio district. This is home-style Venetian cooking at its finest. A traditional style dining room, filled with natural stone and wood, right on the water. The small, seasonal menu holds everything from fish and seafood – of course – to hearty meat dishes, all executed with precision. A great wine list from small local and further afield wineries finishes off the experience nicely. Intrigued by Venice’s culinary quirks? Learn to harness local flavors by taking a private cooking class with a local.

Drink

Vino Vero

A natural wine bar in the Cannaregio district, Vino Vero has a small interior but the main attraction is its terrace that clings to the side of the canal. Watch boats pass by whilst eating the best chicchetti – the Venetian version of tapas – in town. For those wanting to discover the world of Venice’s unique Bacaro culture, hop on our Venice Food & Wine Tour.

Stay

Il Palazzo Experimental

Set in the Dorsoduro area of Venice, Il Palazzo Experimental hotel boasts a stunning location, right on the water. The hotel also has a beautiful garden overlooking one of Venice’s canals, and the design is in impeccable taste.

Sina Centurion Palace

A spectacularly designed space on the Grand Canal, the Sina Centurion Palace is a five-star hotel of supreme luxury. Dine at the hotel’s cutting-edge restaurant – request a table on the terrace overlooking the Grand Canal if you can. Or relax in the traditional Venetian garden and courtyard at the rear of the hotel. Individually designed rooms, many with stunning views.

Hotel Heureka

Hotel Heureka’s star attraction is a beautiful walled garden, perfect for a drink or dinner. The 10 rooms have a quirky edge to them, each very different from the other. But all have a Venetian twist, be it mosaic tiles or traditional style fabrics. 

We’ve compiled a list of the best hotels Venice has to offer, to suit all budgets and tastes.

Shop

T Fondaco Dei Tedschi

This boutique department store is the best place for upmarket shopping in the whole of Venice. The T Fondaco dei Tedschi showcases designer brands with local up-and-coming designers and even includes a wine cellar. Shop, then take a breather on the store’s 360-degree terrace, with unparalleled views of Venice and its islands.

Design In Venice Is Like Nothing Else

The bridges, the canal-side buildings, the sheer majesty of the architecture, a Design Guide of Venice is easy to write because the city has it all. If you’re limited on time, join our Best of Venice Walking Tour with Food Tastings, to gain an insightful overview of the city’s design. Not only will you admire and learn about the city’s unique historical buildings, but you’ll also get a taste of its traditional cuisine.

If you’re planning to be in Venice for more than just a day or two, it also makes a great base for exploring some other areas of Northern Italy. The sparkling wine Prosecco is well worth discovering, as is the beauty of Verona and Lake Garda. Or have a look at Tour Packages which stop in Venice if you prefer your itineraries taken care of by travel experts. However you choose to spend your time, Venice will no doubt capture you as it has done for millions of people before you. It really is a rather special place. If you’re visiting Venice during the winter months, make sure to check out our guide to the annual Venice Carnival.