Venice: Authenticity Lies in its Persistent Magic
There are places you visit once, perhaps twice. And then there are places like Venice—the kind of city that reveals itself slowly, inviting you to return, wander, and uncover its many layers. This guide offers a lived-in Venice, one that doesn’t rush or crowd. It’s a Venice that feels real, away from the obvious paths, while honoring the city’s unmistakable magic.
While it's true that Venice draws tourists year-round and some local experts argue that an entirely authentic experience is a thing of the past, you can still plan a trip that embraces the city's quieter canals, intimate workshops, and enduring local traditions.
Travel tip: Plan to arrive in Venice on a Monday to avoid the weekend crowds and cruise invasions.
Two Hotels, Two Distinct Experiences
For Classic Elegance: Aman Venice
Those who seek the grandeur of Venice, tempered with contemporary refinement, will love the Aman Venice as a sanctuary, for Venice tires with its beauty. Housed within a 16th-century Palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal, this hotel captures a timeless blend of opulence and subtle sophistication.
What I find most special about the Aman Venice is that it is housed in the original Palazzo Papadopoli, a Venetian family palace. The current owners of the palace and descendents of the family, Count Gilberto and Countess Bianca Arrivabene Valenti Gonzaga, live on the third floor. If you’re lucky, you might catch them having an aperitif in the gardens on a summer afternoon mingling with guests. Read their story here.
My favorite rooms? Room 16 offers sweeping views of the canal and features a light, modern aesthetic with traditional accents. The expansive bathroom—with a separate shower, soaking tub, and vanity—ensures complete comfort. Room 21, in the same category, showcases a richer Venetian style, with gentle green tones that pay homage to the city’s infamous palette.
If you have the pleasure of meeting Giacomo or Audrey, the attentive top staff, you’ll understand that hospitality here is an art form.
For Second-Timers and Art Enthusiasts: Hotel Heureka
Located in the quieter Cannaregio district, Hotel Heureka offers a refined escape from Venice’s busy thoroughfares. It’s a four-bridge crossing and a 20-minute walk from Saint Mark’s Square, providing a more local experience of Venice. This 16th-century palazzo has been carefully restored by two Austrian families, providing a balance of historical charm and contemporary design. With only 10 rooms and suites, as a guest you get a sense of exclusivity and serenity with a secret garden in the back just for you.
The interior design and decor is loud and fun, befitting the extravagance of Venice. The art pieces are rare and flamboyant, but as Forbes says in their review of the hotel, it works. Beautifully.
My favorite rooms? The Junior Suite Canale Number 5 is exquisite with just the right amount of Venetian splendor, but not going overboard. The Grand Deluxe Room Number 10 just across the stunning hall can be combined with Number 5 by closing off the makeshift living room to create the Heureka Suite, accommodating up to six guests.
This hotel is perfect for those who enjoy discovering lesser-known corners of Venice and appreciate a slower, more thoughtful pace. Paolo, who oversees the guest experience, personifies the warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Venice’s Craftsmanship and Artistry
Tessitura Luigi Bevilacqua Looms
Step inside the Tessitura Luigi Bevilacqua workshop, and you step back in time. This family-run atelier continues a tradition that dates to the Middle Ages, producing exquisite fabrics on 18th-century hand-operated looms. A private guided tour reveals the painstaking process behind each intricate design. The rhythmic clatter of the looms and the careful attention of the artisans offer a glimpse of Venice’s historic role as a center of textile craftsmanship.
Squero di San Trovaso
At the Squero di San Trovaso, gondolas are still crafted by hand, as they have been for centuries. This historic boatyard, one of the few remaining in Venice, offers a rare look at the meticulous craftsmanship behind the city’s most iconic vessels. Watching artisans work on these elegant boats is a reminder that Venice is not just a city of beauty, but also of skill, labor, and enduring tradition.
Murano’s Glass-Blowing
A short boat ride to Murano brings you to the heart of Venetian glassmaking. Since the 13th century, Murano has been synonymous with glass artistry. In a small factory, master glassblowers shape molten glass into delicate, shimmering creations. If you’re fortunate, you may have the opportunity to try glass-blowing yourself—a humbling experience that deepens your appreciation for this centuries-old craft.
Scuola Grande di San Rocco
The Scuola Grande di San Rocco stands as a testament to Venice’s artistic golden age. Inside, you’ll find a breathtaking collection of Tintoretto’s masterpieces. The first floor’s ceiling is a highlight—a dramatic display of light and shadow that captures the intensity of the Venetian Renaissance. Take your time here; each brushstroke tells a story of a city that once led the world in art and culture.
A Moment of Stillness: San Francesco del Deserto
For a true escape, venture to the island of San Francesco del Deserto. This tranquil monastery, founded in the 13th century by St. Francis of Assisi, remains a haven of peace. The Franciscan monks who maintain the grounds invite visitors to share in the serenity. Here, amid the cypress trees and whispering waters of the lagoon, time feels suspended.
Venice Rewards Those Who Slow Down
In Venice, some of the most memorable moments come when you pause. Whether you sip a perfectly pulled espresso in a tucked-away café or savor a cone of gelato as you wander, these simple pleasures are part of the city’s rhythm.
“Unique” Experiences on the Water
Rowing a Gondola
To truly connect with Venice’s waterways, take a rowing lesson and learn how to navigate a traditional Venetian gondola. This hands-on experience offers insight into the skill and balance required to pilot these graceful vessels. It’s a chance to see the city from a new perspective and honor an age-old tradition.
A Royal Gondola Ride with Prosecco
Sometimes, Venice calls for indulgence. Step aboard an ornate royal gondola, sip chilled prosecco, and let the city unfold around you. The gentle glide through the canals, framed by palazzos and bridges, evokes the grandeur of Venice’s past.
Venice, with its labyrinth of canals, centuries-old crafts, and artistic treasures, is a city that rewards curiosity. This weekend invites you to step beyond the surface and experience a more authentic side, one rich in history, craftsmanship, and quiet discovery. And as you leave, Venice will whisper an irresistible promise: there is always more to explore.
Interested in Venice?
Looking to visit Venice and more of Italy? Send in a trip request and I’ll be happy to help you plan the perfect trip.
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