Venice Guide
They call it La Serenissima, the Most Serene. Floating upon a languid lagoon, Venice has lovers swooning before its art treasures from Titian to Tintoretto, cooing over candlelit canal-side dinners and cuddling up in gondolas.
The golden temple of St Mark's Basilica commands the square of the same name, and is flanked by the powerful gothic Doge's Palace – once home to Venice's rulers. The Gallerie dell'Accademia houses a peerless treasure of Venetian Renaissance paintings, while the Peggy Guggenheim Collection dominates the city's modern displays. Simply wandering the streets is delightful, as is a trip to the pretty lagoon islands of Burano and Torcello.
For a fashion spree, make for the area around Calle Larga XXII Marzo, west of St Mark's Square. The San Marco and Dorsoduro districts are home to many commercial art galleries. For handicrafts such as masks, Carnevale costumes and leather accessories, San Polo is a good hunting ground. Murano is the place for glass and Burano for lace.
Dyed-in-the-wool Venetians love mucking about in boats, and row around in the canals and lagoon, especially on weekends. In summer, get a ferry to the Lido's beaches or sunbathe on the Fondamenta delle Zattere promenade. For a quiet walk or jog, head for the Giardini Pubblici around the Biennale grounds. In winter, those who can leave town to ski in Cortina.
Venice's resurrected glory is the Teatro La Fenice opera house, with a rich programme that also includes music. The Teatro Goldoni is the main stage for a mix of drama and occasional concerts. Every year in early September the Lido plays host to the Venice International Film Festival, when locals gorge themselves on a year of cinematic hits (and misses).
Venetian cuisine is predictably dominated by seafood. Among the many local specialities are cicheti, the local take on tapas. Good delicacies to try are folpeti (little octopuses) or schie (tiny grey lagoon shrimps). Wash down with an ombra (glass of wine). Good eateries are spread across town, especially in San Polo, the adjacent part of Santa Croce and Dorsoduro. Fondamenta della Misericordia also has some fun places.
For a unique dining experience, head for the Hotel Danieli and splurge at its luxury rooftop Terrazza restaurant. You'll have stunning views of the Grand Canal and across the lagoon.
