⭐ Read also our guide to Venice’s hidden gems—unlock the secrets only locals know and our guide to Top 10 can't-miss experiences to experience Venice like a local!

Venice is a city like no other, a magical labyrinth of canals, bridges, and piazzas. But beyond the gondolas and iconic landmarks, there lies a treasure of culinary delights, cultural gems, and unique experiences waiting to be uncovered. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a lifetime, here’s your ultimate guide to the best of Venice.

Best Restaurants

Pizzeria 

• Nevodi (Garibaldi area, Castello): Nevodi, meaning "nephews" in Venetian, is a family-inspired restaurant blending tradition and creativity, with seasonal menus and daily specials featuring fresh seafood from Rialto and local lagoon produce

• Al Profeta (Dorsoduro): In the heart of Venice that, for over 50 years, it has delighted locals and tourists with pizzas and traditional dishes made from quality ingredients, offering a warm, family-friendly atmosphere that reflects its passion for quality and hospitality

Osteria

• Corte Sconta (San Marco): Founded by two friends, it evolved from a family-run osteria into a renowned trattoria blending Venetian tradition with modern touches, featuring a charming courtyard, a curated wine list, and ethically sourced ingredients

• Al Nono Risorto (San Polo): Osteria Al Nono Risorto, run by brothers Mirko and Claudio for over 30 years, is a cozy Venetian spot near San Polo, offering delicious local dishes, a charming garden, and great value that keeps locals and visitors coming back

Oriental

• Orient Experience (Ghetto, Cannaregio): An ethnic dining concept in Venice, founded in 2012 by refugees and asylum seekers. It offers a menu that reflects the migrant journey, blending African, Middle Eastern, and Venetian influences, while promoting cultural exchange and integration

Premium

• Venice M'Art (Cannaregio): A vibrant destination in Cannaregio, blending shopping, dining, and art while celebrating the rich history of the Rialto Market. This open, sunlit space preserves its original Venetian charm, offering a fresh spot for meals, coffee, or an aperitivo

• Oro Restaurant – home to carpaccio (inside Cipriani, Giudecca Island)

Best Cocktail Bars

• Experimental Cocktail Bar (Dorsoduro): Palazzo Molin, overlooking the Zattere, hosts the Experimental Group's eclectic blend of vintage design and chic atmospheres. Its Experimental Cocktail Club offers a unique, experimental experience with a secret garden by the Rio Ognissanti

• Il Mercante (San Polo): Located in Venice's historic 1870 Cafè ai Frari, it is a cocktail bar that offers a sensory journey through time, inspired by legendary explorers, sailors, and adventurers. Its unique drinks are crafted with rare ingredients and storytelling, creating an immersive experience 

• Harry’s Bar – home to the iconic Bellini (San Marco): Opened in Venice on May 13, 1931 by Giuseppe Cipriani Senior, became a legendary gathering place for writers, artists, aristocrats, and celebrities like Hemingway and Hepburn. It is also the birthplace of the iconic Bellini cocktail

Best Wine Bars

• Vino Vero in Misericordia (Cannaregio): Opened in 2014, it is a renowned wine bar offering one of the world’s best selections of natural wines, with a focus on local small producers who have long distanced themselves from the stigmatised "ombra Veneta”

• Venissa with its island wine estate (Mazzorbo Island): Venissa hosts Unique Terroir, a vineyard on the island of Mazzorbo, where the Dorona di Venezia grape variety thrives despite constant salt and flood threats, producing a rare, structurally rich white wine with deep ties to its land

Best Breakfast

• Rosa Salva (San Giovanni & Paolo, Castello): Rosa Salva pastry shops always offer fresh cakes, pastries, and delicacies, especially those loved by Venetians and anyone seeking the most authentic and delicious Venetian traditions

Best Co-Working Spaces

• Combo (Crociferi area, Cannaregio): Just steps from Rialto and the historic fish market, Combo has found its home in a former convent that has long welcomed visitors with peace and tranquility. A new hospitality model that brings together locals, travelers, artists, and students

• Serra dei Giardini (Garibaldi area, Castello): A beautiful orangerie located in the heart of Venice, between the Biennale Gardens and Viale Garibaldi. Originally built in 1894, it serves as a cultural venue for events, conferences, and activities, offering a unique atmosphere with lush green spaces and botanical exhibits

Best Street Drinks Spots

• Santa Margherita (Dorsoduro): This square, or "campo" as it is called in Venice, is one of the areas with the highest concentration of restaurants, bars, and spots for aperitifs and spritz, making it the perfect place to experience the lives of Ca' Foscari students

• Misericordia (Cannaregio): The epicentre of the city’s vibrant nightlife. Every evening, a lively and engaging atmosphere fills the area, with countless bars, bàcari, and taverns offering something for everyone, from traditional fish dinners to sushi, coffee, and craft beer

• Garibaldi (Castello): This place offers an authentic, local experience of Venice, away from the typical tourist spots. It’s where you can immerse yourself in the real life of the city, engaging with its true character and its residents

Best Cultural Gem

• Scuola Grande di San Rocco (Dorsoduro): A confraternity founded in 1478, known for its devotion to San Rocco and its rich history, housing an impressive collection of artworks, including Tintoretto's famous paintings

Best Spa

• JW Marriott (Sessola Island): Located on the private island of Sacca Sessola, is the largest and most exclusive spa in Venice, offering a luxurious wellness experience. With stunning views of the Venice skyline, it features a bio-sauna, traditional Finnish sauna, and elegantly designed rooms

Best Theatre

• Fenice (San Marco): Located in the San Marco district of Venice, is the city's primary opera house and one of the most prestigious in the world. It has hosted numerous premieres by composers such as Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, and Verdi, and continues to feature contemporary music with world premieres

Best Casino

• Casino of Venice (San Marcuola, Cannaregio): Palazzo Loredan Vendramin Calergi is a historic building in Venice, accessible by vaporetto from Sant’Elena. It has been home to the Venice Casino since the 1930s and was previously the residence of the Doges and the final home of composer Richard Wagner

Best Dance Club

• Morion (Castello): Revitalized through the Re-Biennale project, this space in Venice serves as a cultural hub and dance club. It promotes collaboration with locals, associations, and groups while celebrating cultural, linguistic, musical, and gastronomic diversity

Uncover the soul of Venice by exploring its hidden gems, from unforgettable dining experiences to captivating cultural adventures. Whether you're savouring wine on a secluded island or losing yourself in the rhythm of a Castello nightclub, Venice always leaves you wanting more.

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