24 Hours in Venice
Illustrated map of Venice, by Megan McKean
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Venice several times over the last few years, each trip seeing me fall in love a little more with this beautiful city. The colours of the lagoon, the textures of the buildings, and of course, the delicious pastries and espresso make it such a dreamy city to return to. Part of the charm of Venice is just wandering along the canals and stopping wherever takes your fancy — pausing on bridges to watch gondolas floating by, standing at a bar for a quick morning cappuccino, or people-watching with a gelato in hand in the piazzas. Below are some of my favourite things to do in Venice;
Pasticceria Del Mas — close by to Santa Lucia station, and a perfect way to start (or end) your tour of Venice; caffeinated and with a sweet treat! The burgundy-marbled floor is beautiful in this standing-room-only local favourite.
Pizza al Volo — a small and unassuming takeaway pizza venue, selling by the slice from enormous pies; what it lacks in aesthetics it makes up in flavour, the thin pizza slices are one of Venice’s best-kept secrets. Right on Campo Santa Margherita, it’s a lovely stop to refuel and watch the dogs and kids playing in the square
Pasticceria Tonolo — my favourite stop in Venice, and where I’ll return to again and again. I dream about their creamy beignets, and their glass cabinets piled high with assorted cakes and pastries. Extremely affordable, and espresso served in lovely delicate blue china, it’s a wonderful experience to dine in (standing at the counter) or take away the pastries to enjoy later in the day
Grom — No trip to Italy is complete without gelato, and Grom is always a great option for creamy, flavourful gelato.
Il Palazzo Experimental — the cutest hotel I’ve stayed at in Venice, and a top contender for most enjoyable stay, ever! I loved our stay at Il Palazzo Experimental, every detail was charming and delightful, the design so considered but not overly so. The canal view rooms are a dreamy escape from the world, watching boats sail along the water and seagulls floating through the sky.
Peggy Guggenheim Museum — one of my top picks for galleries (anywhere in the world!) and easily my favourite in Venice. To see work from Francis Bacon, Salvador Dali, Marcel Duchamp, Constantin Brancusi and Alexander Calder, many of the pieces with stories attached to Peggy’s life (such as pair of sculptural earrings made especially for her by Calder) is a unique gallery experience, and the views over the canal are superb.
Farini — being so close to the hustle and bustle of central Venice it’s almost always busy at Farini, but their wood-fired focaccias and pizzas are worth elbowing your way in the door. If you can’t nab a seat, then the pistachio and hazelnut cream-filled croissants are every bit as enjoyable taken away to a bench outside
Profumeria Franco — You’ll find yourself crossing the Rialto Bridge at some point in your travels, and it’s well worth a stop at the perfumer on the edge of the stairs. Carrying all sorts of Italian perfumes and grooming accessories, this is where I’ve found some of my favourite Venetian souvenirs, including a hair comb for my husband that he uses on the daily — a lovely (and practical) reminder of our travels
The rooftop at T Fondaco dei Tedeschi offers incredible views across Venice. It’s free admission, but needs to be booked in advance, and often has long waiting times. If you miss out on a time slot, it’s worth taking the escalators to the women’s shoe department… offering the same views from the windows without the need for reservations
