Venice Holidays

Romantic and iconic

Italy’s floating city is picturesque and romantic. During the day, bustling crowds make their way around St Mark’s Square, visiting impressive icons including St Mark’s Basilica and the Bridge of Sighs. Then, as the sun starts to set and cast a golden glow over the city, the winding canals and cosy trattorias truly come to life, emitting a laidback ambience as locals and visitors alike grab a glass of wine and a few Venetian cicchetti before dinner.

Of course, it’s not a trip to Venice without seeing some of the famous attractions. Take a trip to the top of Campanile Bell Tower for a gorgeous view of the entire city, marvelling at the terracotta roofs and intricate maze of canals. Cliché and expensive as it might be, a gondola ride is a rite of passage, and there’s something so idyllic about slowly drifting along the canals – you might even get lucky and choose a gondolier who likes to sing, though that’s not always the case.

It’s easy to get lost in Venice, both literally and figuratively, but there’s something so exciting about trying to navigate through the maze of small lanes, all adorned with a mix of designer boutiques, eclectic souvenir shops, tiny wine bars and artisan workshops where you can watch locals making gondolier oars. No matter what, you’ll easily find your way back to Piazza San Marco, ready to start your next adventure. Fancy something a bit different? Take a day trip to nearby islands Burano and Murano – the colourful houses and glass blowing workshops are marvellous.

Our Content Creator Hazel has been to Venice twice, ‘I discovered the heart of the city by exploring some of the neighbourhoods. Castello was one of my favourites, just a five-minute walk from the Bridge of Sighs and yet much quieter and adorned with locally loved restaurants. Nothing beats watching the sun set over the city with a glass of wine in hand – there’s such a lovely buzz in the evenings. Oh, and book a water taxi to the city, it makes for an exciting entrance.’

Why visit Venice?

• Venice is a very romantic city, perfect for a honeymoon or just a lovely getaway. Perhaps a gondola ride is cliché, but it is undeniably idyllic, drifting along the canals and experiencing the city from a new angle. Enjoy a romantic evening of Venetian seafood and fine wines al fresco, book a ticket to an intimate opera show at the ancient Teatro La Fenice, or meander alongside the Giudecca Canal at sunset.
• Many flock to Venice for its attractions – and for good reason. Though they can be busy, especially in the summer, the iconic sites are seriously impressive. In Piazza San Marco you’ll find the intricately decorated St Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace perched just in front of the Grand Canal, and the Campanile Bell Tower that rewards you with 360-degree views of the city. The grandiose Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is a bit of a walk from San Marco, but the incredible statues are worth the effort.
• We love the foodie scene here, especially Venice’s bacari – small, local wine bars that offer delicious Venetian cicchetti (tapas) alongside a decadent glass of wine. Our favourite cicchetti includes polpette – fried meatballs, crostini, porchetta – pork stuffed with liver, and sarde in soar – sweet and sour sardines. In the morning stop by a tiny bakery, grab a pastry and a strong coffee and eat your breakfast like the locals – standing up by the bar before getting on with your day. Really the best way to experience Venetian food is to leave the tourist traps in St Mark’s Square behind and find a little hole in the wall in one of the neighbourhoods.