Lara D’agostino/Travel + Leisure
Venice is tricky.
On the one hand, its one of Europes and maybe the worlds most overtouristed destinations.
and, too often, the scene of many an Italian culinary murder.
Credit:Lara D’agostino/Travel + Leisure
But were here to slam the brakes on the Venice bashing.
Be sure to try St. Rs signature, the Bloody Mary.
Its also a rarity in Venice a hotel thats owned and run by a local family.
Courtesy of Hotel Flora
And the Rialto views arent too shabby, either.
The Floating City is even more ethereal at water level.
I recommend finding a gondola station in the San Polo sestiere and plying the quiet canals of that area.
Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure
Thisguided tourlets you in on many of these fascinating tidbits and gets you skip-the-line entry to the palace.
Burano
With its famously colorful houses,Buranois ripe for your IG reel.
Get there in the early morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds.
Alphotographic/Getty Images
Its a favorite of Jill Weinreich Luppi, an arts professional whos lived in Venice for nearly 30 years.
Godi Fiorenza is really very special, she says.
The clothing is exquisite, and the jewelry is always stunning and original.
Karl Hendon/Getty Images
I still get compliments on the chartreuse suede number I purchased two years ago.
But you dont have to.
Best Nightlife
Karl Hendon/Getty Images
Walk the Riva.
Courtesy of Trattoria al Gatto Nero
Head to Cannaregio.
Check out Arts Bar Venice.
A resident singer/guitarist plays all the songs you know by heart.
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Theres lots of bad cicchetti in Venice, and none is here.
If you visit in fall or spring, look formoeche, Venices softshell crabs.
And dont even think about showing up without a reservation.
Its such a special little place and its amazing what comes out of their postage stamp-sized kitchen.
Another motive for sleeping in the Lagoon City?
Trains from all over Italy arrive at Santa Maria Lucia, which overlooks the Grand Canal.
There are no cars in the city of Venice.
This often means dragging suitcases over bridges and stairs, so its wise to pack light.
Traghetto:These standing-room-only gondolas cross the Grand Canal in areas without a nearby bridge.
