Venice is a city that feels like a living dream—a place where water replaces streets, gondolas glide down canals, and ancient palaces rise above the shimmering waters of the lagoon. With its unique charm, exquisite art, and rich history, Venice is a destination that offers an unparalleled experience for luxury travelers. Whether you’re exploring the city’s majestic landmarks, enjoying an exclusive private tour, or savoring the finest Venetian cuisine, Venice promises an unforgettable journey. Here’s your guide to the best things to see, do, and taste in Venice, designed for those who seek the ultimate in luxury and sophistication.
Must-See Attractions in Venice
1. St. Mark’s Basilica: A Glimpse of Byzantine Splendor
One of Venice’s most iconic landmarks, St. Mark’s Basilica is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture. With its golden mosaics, intricately designed domes, and rich history, it is a must-see for any visitor. Skip the crowds and book a private after-hours tour to fully immerse yourself in the basilica’s beauty. Enjoy access to restricted areas such as the Pala d’Oro, a magnificent altarpiece, and learn about the basilica’s fascinating history with a knowledgeable guide.
2. The Grand Canal: Venice’s Heartbeat
The Grand Canal is the lifeblood of Venice, stretching over 2 miles and winding its way through the city’s most iconic buildings. The best way to experience the Grand Canal is on a private water taxi or gondola ride. Glide past the beautiful palaces, bridges, and churches that line the canal, and take in the stunning views of Venice’s architecture from the water. For an exclusive touch, arrange a sunset gondola ride with a personal gondolier, allowing you to enjoy Venice’s beauty as the city is bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.
3. Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs
A visit to Doge’s Palace is essential for those who wish to understand Venice’s rich history and art. This Gothic masterpiece was once the seat of the Venetian government, and today, it houses a fascinating museum. For an exclusive experience, arrange a private tour of the palace, where you’ll visit the opulent chambers, the famous Golden Staircase, and the prison cells connected to the Bridge of Sighs, so named because prisoners would sigh as they caught their last glimpse of Venice before being sent to prison.
4. Rialto Market and Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is one of Venice’s oldest and most famous bridges, offering stunning views of the Grand Canal. Nearby, the Rialto Market is a bustling hub of fresh produce, seafood, and Venetian delicacies. Take a private guided tour of the market, where you can learn about the unique ingredients that make Venetian cuisine so special. Afterward, enjoy a gourmet meal at one of the nearby Michelin-starred restaurants, such as Antiche Carampane or Il Ridotto.
5. Murano, Burano, and Torcello: Islands of Art and Color
No trip to Venice is complete without a visit to its nearby islands. Take a private boat tour to the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello, each offering a unique experience. Murano is famous for its glassblowing traditions, where you can watch master craftsmen create intricate glass sculptures. Burano, with its brightly colored houses and lace-making heritage, is one of Venice’s most picturesque spots. Torcello, the least visited of the three, is home to stunning Byzantine mosaics and peaceful surroundings, perfect for a quiet escape.
Top Experiences to Do in Venice
1. Private Gondola Ride with a Twist
While the traditional gondola ride is a quintessential Venice experience, a private gondola ride with a personal serenade elevates this activity to another level. Enjoy the romance of the canals as your gondolier, dressed in traditional Venetian attire, serenades you with opera or Italian love songs. For an even more luxurious touch, enjoy a champagne toast or a private dining experience aboard the gondola as you float through Venice’s enchanting waterways.
2. VIP Tour of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection
For art lovers, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a must-see. Housed in a beautiful palace on the Grand Canal, this museum is home to an exceptional collection of modern art, including works by Picasso, Dalí, and Pollock. Skip the lines and book a VIP guided tour to explore the museum’s incredible collection, which offers insight into the evolution of 20th-century art. After the tour, enjoy a drink at the museum’s charming café, overlooking the canal.
3. Shopping at Venice’s High-End Boutiques
Venice is home to some of Italy’s most exclusive boutiques, offering everything from handmade Venetian masks to luxury fashion. Take a personal shopping tour of Venice’s chicest shopping districts, including Piazza San Marco and the Mercerie area, where you’ll find high-end designers like Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci. For a unique shopping experience, visit the artisans of San Polo for custom-made Venetian glass jewelry or a tailored suit from one of the city’s famed tailors.
4. Gastronomic Walking Tour of Venice
Venetian cuisine is as unique as the city itself, with influences from the sea, the mainland, and centuries of cultural exchange. Embark on a private food tour that takes you to Venice’s best restaurants, cafés, and local food markets. Sample cichetti, Venetian tapas-style dishes, enjoy fresh seafood like sarde in saor (marinated sardines), and indulge in the sweet taste of tiramisù and gelato. Your expert guide will introduce you to local food traditions and recommend the best places to eat, whether you’re looking for a Michelin-star dining experience or a hidden trattoria.
5. Private Photography Tour of Venice
Venice’s beauty is unrivaled, and a private photography tour offers a way to capture its magic through the lens of a professional photographer. Whether you’re an amateur enthusiast or a seasoned pro, this experience will help you discover hidden corners of the city that are perfect for photography. From the sunrise over the Grand Canal to the sunset reflections on the water, you’ll have the chance to create a stunning visual record of your time in Venice, all with the guidance of an expert photographer who knows how to capture the essence of the city.
What to Taste in Venice
1. Cichetti: Venetian Tapas
The Venetian version of tapas, cichetti are small plates of delicious bites, usually served in local bacari (wine bars). Sample a variety of these savory treats, including mozzarella in carrozza (fried mozzarella sandwiches), baccalà mantecato (creamed salt cod), and sarde in saor (sweet and sour marinated sardines). For the best cichetti in the city, visit Osteria Bancogiro or Antiche Carampane.
2. Risotto al Nero di Seppia (Squid Ink Risotto)
One of Venice’s signature dishes, risotto al nero di seppia is a rich, flavorful risotto made with squid ink. This Venetian classic is a must-try for seafood lovers, with its deep black color and briny, umami-rich taste. Enjoy it at renowned restaurants like Al Covo or Ristorante Antiche Carampane, where the dish is served to perfection.
3. Fritto Misto: Venetian Fried Seafood
For a taste of Venice’s maritime heritage, enjoy fritto misto, a dish of fried seafood that includes everything from shrimp and squid to small fish. The seafood is lightly battered and fried, creating a crispy, delicious treat. You can find fritto misto at many seafood restaurants along the Rialto Market or in the Cannaregio district.
4. Tiramisu
While tiramisu is popular throughout Italy, Venice offers its own twist on this beloved dessert. Traditional tiramisu is made with layers of ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and coffee, but in Venice, the addition of rum and Venetian coffee adds a unique flair. Enjoy this decadent dessert at Caffè Florian in Piazza San Marco, where you can savor it in a historic and opulent setting.
5. Gelato
Venice is home to some of the best gelato in Italy. For an authentic experience, stop by Gelateria Nico along the Zattere promenade for a scoop of rich, creamy gelato. Enjoy flavors like pistachio, chocolate sorbet, and hazelnut, and savor your gelato while watching gondolas pass by on the canals.
Venice Awaits: A City of Romance, Luxury, and Timeless Beauty
Venice is a city that captures the heart and imagination of all who visit. From its magnificent canals and iconic landmarks to its rich culinary traditions and exclusive experiences, Venice offers an unparalleled luxury experience. Whether you’re drifting along the Grand Canal in a private gondola, savoring Venetian cuisine at a Michelin-starred restaurant, or shopping for unique artisanal goods, Venice invites you to experience its timeless elegance and romance. Contact us today to begin planning your luxurious escape to Venice.
