10 unique experiences for a weekend in Venice
One of the most beautiful cities in the world, a weekend to explore and 10 experiences to make it special.
Just mentioning the wonderful city of Venice sparks the desire to visit for the first time or return as soon as possible. After all, it is not only one of the world’s most beautiful and visited cities, but a destination with a unique architectural landscape and immense historical and cultural heritage.
Yet the appeal of the Serenissima goes well beyond its extraordinary beauty. Its global fame is also driven by events such as La Mostra Internazionale d’Arte Cinematografica and the dazzling Carnevale. Spending a weekend in the Venetian capital is no longer just a daydream, but a plan to put into action. All that remains is to organise it properly: pack your bags, here are 10 unique experiences for a weekend in Venice.
Soggiornare all’Hotel Danieli
Riva degli Schiavoni, 4196
The majestic Hotel Danieli is not just an emblem of haute hôtellerie in the city, but of Venice itself. Overlooking the lagoon and steps from Piazza San Marco, its location commands the waterfront and its 14th-century architecture embodies the city’s former splendour. Every detail of the Danieli reflects the grandeur of historic Venice: a setting to photograph, share and, above all, savour, because staying in such a singular hotel in a singular city is truly extraordinary.
A tour of Venetian bacari
First, let us explain what bacari are: a bacaro is a small traditional Venetian tavern with simple, rustic decor, serving cicchetti (small savoury bites) alongside a good glass of wine or the world’s most famous Italian aperitivo, born right here in the Veneto: the Aperol Spritz. With its sunset hue and blend of Prosecco, Aperol, soda water and a slice of orange, it is the star of any Bacaro Tour, hopping from tavern to tavern to live like a local for an evening. A few historic stops we recommend? Al Timon, where tradition meets innovation with creative takes on classic cicchetti; Paradiso Perduto, a traditional osteria with a daily changing fish menu and lively live music; or Taverna Al Remer, an atmospheric hideaway overlooking the Canal Grande. There are plenty of great places across Venice, so make an evening of it and raise a glass of wine or an Aperol Spritz.
Visitare la Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, Dorsoduro, 701
With 3 locations worldwide – Venice, New York, Bilbao and a fourth coming soon to Abu Dhabi – the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is one of the crown jewels of the city’s cultural scene. The personal collection of one of the most famous gallerists and collectors in history (she famously described herself not as a collector, but as a museum) introduces you to the greatest names in modern and contemporary art of the early 20th century (‘900): from Dalí to Picasso, Magritte to De Chirico, as well as Kandinsky and Pollock. Alongside the permanent works, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, and the sculpture garden is well worth a visit whatever the weather or season.
Shopping al Fondaco dei Tedeschi
Calle del Fontego dei Tedeschi, 30100
The Fondaco dei Tedeschi was originally built in 1228 as a warehouse, trading post and lodgings with around 200 rooms, playing a pivotal commercial role in historic Venice. In 2008 the Benetton group acquired the property and leased it to luxury conglomerate LVMH, which commissioned Dutch starchitect Rem Koolhaas’s OMA studio for a comprehensive renovation. Today, the Fondaco dei Tedeschi is a stunning department store celebrating Venetian craftsmanship, Made in Italy style and the international visitors who flock to the city every day. It retains its historic character while offering a modern setting for luxury shopping across fashion, design, food and wine.
Aperitivo alla Terrazza Aperol
Campo Santo Stefano, 2776
Part bacaro, part stylish hangout. It is a relaxing spot in Campo Santo Stefano to gather and unwind for a couple of hours. Terrazza Aperol is a tribute to the city, designed for locals and visitors alike, whether morning, afternoon or evening. Expect an appealing food menu spanning breakfast to late night, alongside a cocktail list celebrating fine drinking from the Veneto. Naturally, the spotlight is on Aperol, showcased across diverse cocktails and the quintessential Spritz. When taking in the sunset in such a setting, the classic Aperol Spritz is a must. The mix of Prosecco, Aperol, soda water and an orange slice is poured to perfection at Terrazza Aperol according to the 3-2-1 ratio recognised by the IBA (International Bartenders Association) as the official recipe for the Spritz Veneziano. All that is left is to raise a toast for a genuinely perfect evening.
Cenare al Ristorante Quadri
Piazza San Marco, 123
After aperitivo, the evening calls for dinner, and right in Piazza San Marco sits the Michelin-starred restaurant Quadri, open since 1830. Located on the second floor of the historic café of the same name, Quadri is run by the Alajmo family (famed for their three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Rubano), with chefs Silvio Giavedoni and Sergio Preziosa leading the kitchen. Opulent chandeliers, sweeping views across Piazza San Marco and carefully restored 16th-century features make this an ideal choice for a special occasion. Skilful interpretations of classic Venetian and Italian dishes define the tasting menus, alongside exceptional à la carte options. Venice’s grandeur is just as vivid at the table.
Ritornare alla Venezia del Doge visitando l’atelier di Antonia Sautter
Calle Frezzeria, 1286
The Atelier Antonia Sautter is genuinely one of a kind. Sautter is the creator behind the famous Ballo del Doge during the Venice Carnival, and hers are the masks worn in the most memorable scenes of Stanley Kubrick’s film Eyes Wide Shut. Silks, velvets and other fine fabrics are handcrafted in her atelier, reinterpreting ancient Venetian dyeing and hand-printing techniques for collections that include bags, shoes, kimonos, clothing accessories and home decor, all available made to order. What makes this boutique unmissable is the chance not only to admire the costumes, but also to wear one created by Antonia Sautter and her team for the Ballo del Doge – complete with make-up and hair style sessions, and even a short city tour if you wish – and relive the wonders of 18th-century (‘700) Venice.
Un Drink all’ Harry’s Bar
Calle Vallaresso, 1323
A bar with a legendary allure, founded by Giuseppe Cipriani on 13 May 1931, Harry’s Bar owes its name to a young American student, Harry, who found a friend in Giuseppe and returned the favour by helping him open the most iconic, charming venue in Venice (today the Cipriani name is synonymous with luxury food & beverage and hospitality worldwide). A gathering place that has welcomed stars of cinema, art, culture and royalty, treating yourself to a drink at Harry’s Bar still means stepping into Venice at its most authentic and sophisticated, keeping the magic of a bygone era alive today.
Visitare la Libreria Acqua Alta
Calle Longa Santa Maria Formosa, 5176b
Opinion is unanimous: Libreria Acqua Alta is regarded as one of the most charming bookshops in the world. Set on the ground floor between two historic palazzi, it sits dangerously close to the Venetian high tides. Packed to the brim without an inch to spare, it feels like Merlin’s cottage in Disney’s ‘The Sword in the Stone’. Bathtubs, old rowboats and a full-sized gondola overflow with new and secondhand books. Its famous staircase made entirely of recycled old volumes is a standout feature: climb carefully to the top to peek over the wall at the quiet canal running alongside.
Colazione al Caffè Florian
Piazza San Marco, 57
There is nothing quite like starting the day with breakfast in Piazza San Marco, the heart of Venice’s historic splendour. One of its true landmarks is Caffè Florian, serving coffee to the city since 1720. Frequented by distinguished figures since its earliest days, Florian remains a crossroad of cultures and eras. Stepping into its frescoed 19th-century rooms feels like travelling back in time, surrounded by the echoes of the Venetian Republic’s rise and fall. It is a timeless experience, ready to enchant you from the very first espresso of the morning.
