An icon for a reason. Inventor of the Bellini and once a favorite of Hemingway, this old-school bar feels frozen in time — and we love it for exactly that. Pricey? Sure. Worth it? Every sip.

One of our favorite low-key rituals: grab a bottle of wine or a couple spritzes, find a spot at the edge of Piazza San Marco, and watch the world go by. There’s often live music, and you can always duck into one of the nearby cafés or bars lining the square for a glass with a view.

Of course we love a gondola ride... but Aldo, Leah's Dad and Venice connoisseur, has taught us the correct way to do it: Bring your portable speaker, Pack wine, disposable cups, and a couple cigars, Sit back and cruise for an hour or two like a local legend. Pro tip: Gondoliers are happy to set the vibe you want — music, mood, and all. Just ask. Aldo never rides without the essentials.

🍝 Trattoria da Ivo (Dah-ee-vo) Our absolute favorite restaurant in Venice. Start with the mozzarella and prosciutto. Get emotional over the truffle pasta. Don’t skip the bruschetta. Maybe even try the palenta — Aldo-approved and traditional Italian. 🌟 Book in advance — it’s a tiny spot and fills quickly. Let them know it’s a special occasion!

A hidden gem tucked away near the bustle of San Marco. Regina’s is casual, charming, and so reliably good. The pizza is crisp, the pasta hits the spot, and the spritzes come fast. Perfect for a relaxed lunch or easy dinner after exploring. No need to dress up or book ahead—just show up hungry.

St. Mark’s Basilica – A must-see masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Campanile di San Marco – Climb (or take the elevator) for sweeping city views. Doge’s Palace – A grand Gothic palace and seat of Venice’s rulers. Rialto Bridge – Snap a photo, browse the shops, and cross the Grand Canal in style.

Lose yourself in the winding alleys, hidden courtyards, and bridges — Venice is best explored without Google Maps. Sometimes getting lost is part of the magic.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection – Modern art in a stunning canal-side setting. Gallerie dell’Accademia – Home to masterpieces by Titian, Bellini, and more. Ca’ Rezzonico – A lesser-known gem filled with 18th-century Venetian art.

Murano – Famous for glass-blowing demos and colorful glass art. Burano – Adorable rainbow-hued houses + handmade lace. Torcello – Quiet and rustic, with ancient churches and peaceful walking paths.

Try a cicchetti crawl – Venetian tapas paired with local wine at tiny bars (called bacari). Sip a spritz by the canal — it’s where the drink was born! Grab gelato from Gelateria Nico and stroll the Zattere waterfront.