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)

Rossi

Recommended family hotel, high on hospitality. Spotless rooms, many with lovely views, and conveniently placed for Strada Nova. Book well in advance.
Rosticceria San Bartolomeo

Try the local favourite here, mozzarella in carozza , a deep-fried cheese sandwich.
Rowing

Immensely popular Venetian pastime practised standing-up. Join the oldest club Canottieri Bucintoro.
Rubelli

Venice’s past contact with the Orient is conjured up by the sumptuous handmade furnishings in this showroom. A blend of computer technology and traditional techniques is used for the brocades, damasks and silks.
Ruskin’s Venice, editor Arnold Whittick

A very readable version of Ruskin’s landmark work.
Sabbie e Nebbie

Tasteful boutique of pottery, candles and oddities from Japan and Italy.
Sahara

Delicious Arab fare at low prices, such as Magluba , a rice dish with almonds, pine nuts, beef and aubergine (eggplant).
Sailing

Yachtsmen gather at the marina on San Giorgio Maggiore island.
Sailing the Lagoon

Morning

To save money, buy a laguna nord day ticket (see Island Boat Fares) then take a vaporetto to Murano to watch a glassmaking demonstration at a furnace or one of the workshops. Don’t miss Murano’s very own Grand Canal, before returning via Fondamenta Manin with its medieval porticoes for the turn-off towards the Faro (lighthouse) landing stage. Bar al Faro is a perfect place for coffee. (Fondamenta Piave 20, Murano 041 739 724 Closed Sun).

Take a ferry to Burano . Either picnic on the famous Burano biscuits or lunch at Da Romano. A popular meeting place for artists, its speciality is risotto Romano , a rice dish flavoured with fish broth (Piazza Galuppi 221, Burano 041 730 030).

Afternoon

Pop over to Torcello by ferry for the awe-inspiring Byzantine mosaics in the basilica. Climb the bell tower for unbeatable views of the lagoon, and the mountains if visibility is favourable.

Return to the water on a ferry via Burano south past low-lying islands and tidal flats. A stretch parallel to the sandy littoral separating the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea takes you to Punta Sabbioni, where a stopover is feasible for a drink on the jetty.

End the day sailing across the broad lagoon mouth, via the Lido (see Lido: San Nicolò, Lido: beach side), back to Piazza San Marco .
Salmoiraghi & Vigano

Italian spectacles are stylish and good value, and this well-reputed optometrist can make up prescription glasses the same day.

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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