DK Travel : Venice

The uniquely romantic city of Venice was built entirely on water and has managed to survive into the 21st century without cars. Narrow alleyways and canals pass between sumptuous palaces and magnificent churches, colourful neighbourhood markets and quiet backwaters, unchanged for centuries. Few cities possess such an awesome line-up of sights for visitors.

For guided tours around Venice (see Guided Tours)

Pasticceria Marchini

No drinks or seating, but a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. Orange and pistachio chocolates come in Venetian mask shapes.
Pasticceria Targa

Delicious thick hot chocolate goes down well with a zaeto or moretto , traditional Italian biscuits, or any of the tasty pastries.
Pasticceria Tonolo

One of the city’s best pastry shops. Delicious, freshly baked almond biscuits and mini pizzas are recommended.
Pasticceria Zanin

The coffee and cake shop for Venetians. The narrow bar only does counter service, so you have to stand up for your cappuccino and croissant for breakfast or Campari soda in the evening. Delectable ice cream in summer.
Pastificio e Panificio Giorgio Garbo

Sample Burano’s trademark vanilla-flavoured shortbread, bussolai , freshly baked in traditional rounds or “S” shapes.
Pastificio Le Spighe

A normal grocery store at first sight, this hive of industry produces a marvellous range of homemade pasta and stocks gourmet olive oils and olive paste.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Italy’s leading museum for 20th-century European and American art, the collection is housed in a one-floor palace on the Grand Canal (see Peggy Guggenheim Collection).
Pensione La Calcina

In 1877 Ruskin stayed at this guesthouse on the Zattere, as the friendly staff eagerly explain. Of course, the rooms have been modernized since those days but they have retained their charm and parquet floors. An exclusive street-level terrace overlooks the Giudecca Canal, while another surveys the rooftops. Advance reservations are essential.
Perle e Dintorni

String together your own necklace in this great shop. Dazzling kaleidoscopic baubles range from traditional gay murrhine, to blown globes sprayed with gold and silver, Chinese ceramics and African bone beads.
Piano nobile

The high-ceilinged first floor of a palazzo hosts the sumptuous salons and family’s living quarters.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €100
- €100-€150
- €150-€250
- €250-€350
- over €350
Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €30
- €30-€40
- €40-€50
- €50-€60
- over €60