Welcome to Venice! In addition to providing you with a cozy residence in the heart of the city, we want to share some secrets with our guests to experience Venice in the most authentic way possible. Here is our favourite itinerary designed for those unfamiliar with Venice, aimed at making your experience a total immersion into Venetian life.
In the morning, treat yourself to breakfast in the vicinity. Majer in Campo San Giacomo, just two minutes from our property, has three outdoor tables to enjoy the characteristic atmosphere of our neighbourhood. Alternatively, don't miss the delicious Tiramisu at Pasticceria Rio Marin, just a 4-minute walk away. If you love gelato, Gelato di Natura in Campo San Giacomo dell'Orio will be your perfect stop.
Next, head to admire the local fish and fruit and vegetable market at Rialto (Tuesday to Saturday mornings). Make a stop at Bar Rialto da Lollo for a delicious “tramezzino” (a venetian sandwich) But don't stop there! The breathtaking view from the panoramic terrace on the roof of Fontego dei Tedeschi, next to the Rialto Bridge, is an absolute must. Admission is free, but reservations are mandatory (and should be made well in advance) to secure a spot and enjoy the view in the morning or perhaps a picturesque sunset. The link is www.dfs.com/en/venice/service/rooftop-terrace
For a quick Venetian lunch near Rialto, stop by SEPA (where you eat standing, but you'll be amazed) or Al Portego, both perfect places to savor small and inexpensive Venetian dishes traditional "cicheti" accompanied by a glass of wine. If you love extravagant atmospheres, don't miss a visit to Libreria Acqua Alta (Calle lunga di Santa Maria Formosa), where books, gondolas, cats, and a terrace blend into a unique mix to explore.
Walk through Campo San Luca, Campo Manin, and Campo Santo Stefano until you reach the Accademia Bridge, from which you can enjoy one of the most picturesque views of the city! Continue towards the Zattere, making a stop at Cantinon Bottegon Da Schiavi for another taste of "cicheti" and a glass of wine on the San Trovaso bridge. Follow the long bank that runs along the Giudecca Canal until you reach Punta della Dogana for the most picturesque photos. The majestic Chiesa della Salute will be the next destination, just around the corner. Don't forget to enjoy a short gondola crossing (Traghetto) of the Grand Canal without spending a fortune. The gondola is taken after Campo San Gregorio by turning right; the service operates until 5 pm in the afternoon (6 pm in summer), costs 2 euros, and the crossing lasts a few minutes.
Sunset is a not-to-be-missed spectacle in Venice! Head towards Piazza San Marco, pass it, and allow yourself to watch the sun set in the distance from Riva dei Sette Martiri, on the bridge in front of Hotel Ca' Formenta. Even if you arrive after sunset, the view remains breathtaking. Unmissable. In the nearby Via Garibaldi, you'll find a wide selection of bars for a Venetian aperitif and one of our favourite restaurants, Ai Nevodi.
After sunset, immerse yourself in the magic of a quieter Piazza San Marco, away from the tourist crowds. Rosso Pomodoro near San Marco is ideal for Italian dishes such as pizza and pasta with fresh tomatoes. Alternatively, if you prefer more traditional dishes, Al Volto a stone's throw from the Rialto Bridge or Ai Promessi Sposi near Campo Santi Apostoli await you with their specialties or all'Ombra del Leon with an amazing view of Grand Canal. For a pre or post-dinner drink, the Erbaria area with its small establishments at the foot of the Rialto Bridge is the right place.
We recommend dedicating the second day (at least in part) to exploring the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello, with a 24-hour ticket (cost: 25€). We suggest starting early (the earlier you arrive at the major islands, the better your chances of visiting them without the crowds of tourist groups arriving after 10 am). Therefore, go straight to Burano (and optionally to Torcello) and later, returning to Venice, make a stop in Murano if time allows. Burano is my favorite island, where you will find houses painted in the most disparate colors. You have to take the boat 5.2 from RIVA DE BIASIO STOP (2 minutes from home) get off at Fondamente Nove , change docl and take from Dock A the boat line 12 to Burano . After Burano if you have time, continue to Torcello for a spectacular view from the bell tower of the church. Returning to Venice, in Murano immerse yourself in the magic of glassmaking .
We suggest you leave very early in the morning (before 9) for Burano so as not to have to queue too much at Fondamenta Nove. The sooner you arrive in Burano the sooner you will enjoy this beautiful island. The 24h vaporetto ticket allows you to return in Venice at Fondamenta Nove so from Burano (line 12) or from Murano (line 4.1) so that you can explore the Cannaregio district or if you've already seen the sunset from Riva dei Sette Martiri on the first day, today you could go and admire it from the Rialto Bridge.
The third day is perfect for exploring the Santa Croce and Dorsoduro districts or visiting the most beautiful museums. In order, visit Campo San Polo, the Frari Church, Campo San Rocco, and Campo Santa Margherita, with a stop at Pasticceria Tonolo. If you prefer savory over sweet, don't miss trying the famous "cicchetti" at Cantinon Bottegon Da Schiavi. Then admire the view from the Accademia Bridge or visit the nearby Peggy Guggenheim Museum, or climb to the top of the Scala del Bovolo Contarini for an unforgettable panorama (https://www.gioiellinascostidivenezia.it/i-gioielli/scala-contarini-del-bovolo/). If you have three days, consider visiting the Doge's Palace in Piazza San Marco (https://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/home/) or booking a tour or original activity on www.detourist.it.
We hope this itinerary makes your Venetian experience unforgettable, allowing you to discover the secrets and most authentic corners of this unique city in the world.
If you're tired in the evening and want to dine a few steps from the apartment, here are our favourite restaurants within walking distance in a few minutes.
Looking for more tips on Venice? You'll find plenty on our blog
If you dream of immersing yourself in the most authentic Venice, far from the crowds and close to the true essence of this city, book your stay at Hinc Domus. You will experience the city as we Venetians do, discovering the secrets and most authentic corners far from mass tourism. Discover the authentic magic of Venice with us, far from conventional tourist itineraries. We have everything ready for you to live an authentic and unforgettable experience.
We are waiting for you!