Italie, VeniceSeptember 9, 2025, by Laurette Schouten

A weekend in fairytale Venice – the not (too) touristy list for sleeping, eating and to do's

General, Eat & Drink, Lists, Traveling, Accommodation, Weekend tip

Italie, Venice, September 9, 2025, by Laurette Schouten

A weekend in fairytale Venice – the not (too) touristy list for sleeping, eating and to do's

Venice, the Amsterdam of the South. Or is Amsterdam the Venice of the North? Or was it Giethoorn? AnywayBesides the many canals, the comparison quickly ends. It's definitely worth visiting this fairytale-like place at least once. Yes, it is indeed incredibly touristy, and in some places you can't avoid it, but Venice has so much more to offer. Looking for tips, but something a little different from the rest of the crowd? We've got it in this list. Plus a few touristy ones. must-sees.

Venice in a nut shell

Okay, maybe you can't completely avoid tourism in Venice, since it's what the city lives on, but there are certainly places you can visit that the average tourist skips and are still worth seeing.

Modern-day Venice is an enchanting yet fragile city, with the charm of ancient palazzi, picturesque canals, and gondolas. Numerous initiatives are underway in the city, and as a result, Venice continues to reinvent itself, with a growing focus on sustainability, cultural events, and more exclusive forms of tourism that strive to preserve the city's unique soul.

Please note that you currently have to pay an entrance fee to visit Venice – they're still in the testing phase, so the price may change. A day ticket costs five euros and is valid from 08.30:16.00 AM to 2025:18 PM local time. Starting Friday, April XNUMXth, XNUMX, an entrance fee for day trippers in Venice will be introduced again. New this year: those booking their visit less than three days in advance will pay ten euros instead of five. This only applies to day trippers; if you book a hotel in the city, you won't have to pay an additional entrance fee.

Where and when

The best place to stay depends on your preferences and budget. For the most authentic experience, staying in the city is definitely recommended, but not essential. If you do choose to stay in the city, do your research thoroughly, as there are many outdated hotels that charge far too much. Cheap isn't always the best option here.

A common option, especially if you plan to visit more places in Italy, is to stay in a hotel on the mainland outside the city. There's an excellent train connection to the city center, or you can park your car in one of the large garages on the outskirts of the city. Cars are not permitted, and all transportation is by ferry and water taxi. This is often much cheaper and offers more choices – just don't forget to pay the daily entrance fee.

Venice is also definitely recommended early in the season, like April and May: prices are a bit lower then. The sun is often already shining, and it's not so hot that you'll melt away. The same applies, of course, to the end of the season – around mid-September. From October onwards, there's a chance of the 'Aqua Alta' (meaning high water levels), so be prepared for wet feet.

Special hotels

Since many of Venice's sights are within walking distance or easily accessible by ferry, we find it best to stay just outside the tourist heart. Our all-time favorite is therefore Ca' Di Dio, a former monastery converted into a luxury hotel. It opened a few years ago and is situated in a quiet location, just minutes from St. Mark's Square. The decor is as beautiful and stylish as the building itself, and the rooms are generously sized.

Okay, this hotel is located in a slightly busier part of the city, but that makes it very easily accessible and a good base for visiting the many sights in Venice. And above all, too good not to mention: Il Palazzo ExperimentalCheerful colors, patterns, and terrazzo adorn this old palazzo. A big plus is the excellent price-quality ratio.

Looking for something a little outside the city buzz, but still in a special place? Then you've come to the right place ComeThis charming boutique hotel is located just a 50-minute boat ride from Venice, nestled in a charming vineyard on the island of Mazzorbo. The hotel is affordable, and what makes it even more special is the popular Michelin-starred restaurant, which draws people to the island specifically.

This super nice Bed & Breakfast is especially very romantic. CIMA ROSA It's like stepping into a warm home. Stylishly selected items from the past blend with a classic, modern style. In the beautiful old palazzo, you can overlook the canal or relax in the cozy courtyard with breakfast. An oasis of calm in this bustling city. Wonderful!

Good food

Since Venice thrives on tourism, it's naturally teeming with restaurants and bars. Avoid the picture menus and the promotional items to avoid falling into the well-known tourist trap. Choose restaurants that are perhaps just outside the tourist hub. Favorites and all time classics in this list.

Classics

Harry's Bar – Okay, admittedly, this is almost a tourist trap these days because of the grumpy waiters and high prices, but it's so iconic that it's still a classic. Harry's Bar in Venice was founded in 1931 by Giuseppe Cipriani after receiving a financial gift from an American customer named Harry Pickering—hence the name. The small but legendary establishment, with its stunning view, quickly became a favorite hangout for celebrities like Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, and Peggy Guggenheim. Harry's Bar is known worldwide as the birthplace of the Bellini cocktail. So we say Bellini-Yes!

Hotel Danieli This timeless, classic five-star hotel boasts one of the best rooftop terraces in the city. The trick is to book just for drinks and enjoy the view. If you have a bit more to spend, you can also opt for the Sunday Brunch. This is an extensive buffet including bubbles, so you can enjoy your morning in the sunshine.

Caffe Florian– In Piazza San Marco, you'll find several bars and restaurants. They're incredibly expensive and often nothing special. What is special is this incredibly old café-restaurant from 1720, making it the oldest café in Italy and once the haunt of Casanova, Lord Byron, and Proust. The interior exudes the atmosphere of a bygone era with gilded mirrors, velvet sofas, and baroque murals. In the old salon, you can simply order a coffee, but you can also sample the local cuisine here. cicchetti order, a form of tapas to share. Sounds like a plan.

Our favorites

Come Restaurant– The aforementioned hotel and its Michelin-starred restaurant are highly recommended if you have something to celebrate or want to truly pamper yourself. This now iconic restaurant tantalizes all the senses. A nice bonus: if you make a reservation, you'll be picked up by water taxi. There's also a Osteria For a more casual evening, both are great.

VERO This fine restaurant is part of the Ca d'Dio hotel. Here you'll find classic Italian dishes with a modern twist. If you come in April, you'll be in luck, because then they offer a special soft-shell crab from the region that's only available for one or two weeks, only when they're changing their shell. The adjacent bar also Alchemist It's highly recommended for a delicious cocktail. They have a lovely terrace in a quiet location by the water.

Ai Pie Del Ponte – A truly delightful local trattoria where you'd practically be dining at Grandma's. Accessible, welcoming, and absolutely delicious. Typical Venetian dishes grace the menu, along with a selection of fine wines. Enjoy!

La Barrique Wine Bar – The name says it all: a wide selection of fine wines to enjoy with delicious cicchetti. Simple, good food in a cozy, warm atmosphere.

Ai Mercanti Tucked away in a small Venetian courtyard, you'll find this gastro-osteria. An osteria, but with a touch of refinement. Here you'll find delicious, modern dishes.

Estro Vino e Cucina – Just outside the city center you will find this wonderful wine bar with a very wide range of organic wines, but there is also a surprising modern kitchen with Mediterranean dishes that are to die for.

Osteria alle Testiere This is one you just have to know about. For true fish lovers, you'll find delicious fish dishes here, made with fish bought fresh in the morning at the Rialto market. You'll find an innovative twist on local cuisine and delicious, yes... cicchetti.

The non-touristy things to do

Everyone knows that San Marco Square is a must-see, and a visit to the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute and Palazzo Ducale are probably also on your to-do list. Here are the real tips.

Biennale For us, as art and culture lovers, the Biennale is truly unmissable and a unique experience. Founded in 1895, the Venice Biennale is one of the world's most important and oldest cultural events, dedicated to contemporary art in all its forms—from visual arts to architecture, film, dance, and music. Each edition brings together artists and curators from around the world in national pavilions and exhibitions throughout the city, with the Giardini and the Arsenale as the main venues. It's a cultural spectacle that transforms Venice into a living art installation and is a must-see at least once in your life.

Peggy Guggenheim Museum Small but mighty. The Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice is housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, an unfinished palace on the Grand Canal that was once Peggy's home. Peggy Guggenheim, daughter of and an American art collector and patron herself, settled here after World War II and assembled her impressive collection of modern art. The museum showcases masterpieces by artists such as Picasso, Dalí, Pollock, and Mondrian, whom Peggy often knew and supported personally. What makes it particularly special is the museum's intimate atmosphere and the fact that Peggy herself is buried in the garden, along with her beloved dogs.

Fortune Museum Housed in the magnificent Gothic Palazzo Pesaro degli Orfei in Venice, it was once the home and studio of the eccentric artist and inventor Mariano Fortuny. The museum still breathes his spirit, with an eclectic mix of paintings, fabrics, lighting designs, and theatrical installations. What makes it special is the atmosphere of timeless creative experimentation: a place where art (including our friend Rembrandt), fashion, technology, and scenography converge in a magical Venetian setting. It's less well-known than other museums, but that's precisely why it's a hidden gem for art and style lovers.

Water taxi – Personally, we find the gondolas a bit too touristy and often cost at least 100 euros for a trip. You just float through the canals and it's a bit cringeworthy. But hey, if that's your thing, that's fine, it's fun! What we prefer, and it's also practical, is the water taxi. You'll pay about the same amount or a little less (depending on the distance). But! You do get to sail in one of those fun and fast Riva boats, and you do feel a bit fancy on that boat.

Tedeschi department store – You really have to drag yourself through the crowds of tourists, but if you want a free excursion and also a bit of shopping (though not free anymore), then come to this impressive department store. Fundaco dei Tedeschi in Venice is housed in an imposing 13th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal, near the Rialto Bridge. Once a trading center for German merchants, it now houses a high-end shopping experience with top brands, design, beauty products, and a delicatessen. The absolute highlight? The rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city – free admission and perfect for that iconic Instagram photo. There's often a line, so arrive early or be patient.

Olivetti For architecture and vintage design enthusiasts, visit the Olivetti Museum, located in St. Mark's Square. Designed in 1958 by architect Carlo Scarpa as a showroom for the Italian tech company Olivetti, it now showcases iconic typewriters and designs. It'll transport you back to the 60s.

Murano Murano itself is very touristy and not particularly exciting, but it's fun to take the ferry and enjoy some ice cream. Since we're incredibly passionate about interior design, we popped into the showroom. Barovier & TosoIn this beautiful building, you'll find the most stunning glasswork. Simply delightful to see.

A weekend in fairytale Venice – the not (too) touristy list for sleeping, eating and to do's