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)

Antica Trattoria alla Maddalena

Renowned for its spring artichokes and roast duck, this laid-back trattoria also serves a light, local white wine. Lunch and early dinner only.
Anticlea Antiquariato

Inviting boudoir filled with an amazing collection of glass beads and striking hat pins. Necklaces and earrings can be made up on the spot.
Antipasto di Frutti di Mare

Seafood platter of baby octopus, anchovies, shrimp or whatever else is in season.
Antonio Da Ponte

Renowned for the landmark Rialto bridge (see Rialto Market), this engineer and architect (1512–95) also made numerous contributions to the Doge’s Palace (see Doge’s Palace).
Antonio Vivaldi

Vivaldi (1678–1741) was both an accomplished musician and an influential composer. Of his 500 concertos, The Four Seasons is the best known, though 10 were transcribed by J.S. Bach. Vivaldi spent extended periods teaching music at the Pietà home for girls (see Vivaldi Concerts).
Arbor Boutique

The up-market range of mens- and womenswear attracts both foreign and Italian customers.
Archie’s House

The cheapest backpacker’s option in town, close to the San Leonardo market with heaps of cafés and trattorias, and only 10 minutes from the station. Just turn up for a bed and you’ll be greeted by an eccentric Chinese-Italian family. Rates get lower depending on the number of occupants for a room and length of stay. Internet.
Armenians

Fleeing Turkish invasion, in 1717 the close-knit religious group was granted an island by the Republic (see San Lazzaro degli Armeni).
Arras

Original hand-woven fabrics, garments and bags in beautiful colours.
Arsenale

The 300-m (980-ft) long Corderie building in the historic Arsenale shipyards is the perfect setting for the Biennale Arts show held here since 1980 (see Arsenale), but in the past endless lengths of hemp rope were manufactured here. The Gaggiandre docks and 16th-century sailmaking area were adapted into a theatre in 1999 (see Arsenale).

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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