We are getting so excited to return to one of our favorite fall destinations: VENICE!!! We go in the fall for several reasons: we avoid the heat and humidity that would be unpleasant for a city that is primarily explored by walking, we avoid the huge crowds that block the narrow winding streets of the city, and we get the beautiful fall light and possibility of Acqua Alta photography, like the photo below!
On our retreat, we visit a lot of the traditional tourist hot spots, like St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs and many others. But we have a few favorite places that we have visited in our free time in the city that we love to recommend, so here are a few of our favorites!
Harry’s Bar at Cipriani’s.
This bar has been named a national landmark! It’s the famed home of the Bellini! Below, Arrigo Cipriani gives the back story of this legendary bar and cafe.
Libreria Acqua Alta
This is the kind of bookstore that could only exist in Venice: it’s on the ground level, which is, of course, prone to seasonal flooding from the tides, known as Acqua Alta. Because of this, the books are all placed in boats and waterproof holders. Their fire exit (below) is arguably the best photo op in the place, as it’s situated right on the canal (and sometimes becomes part of it!) You can read more about it on the blog Our Escape Clause.
Image courtesy of Our Escape Clause
Cafe Florian
Tucked away in St. Mark’s Square, this is the oldest continually running cafe in the world! Open since 1720, this Venetian landmark and cultural hub has hosted celebrities all through history, from Charles Dickens to Casanova. Sit amidst lush red velvet and ornate mirrored walls to enjoy their drinking chocolate!
Peggy Guggenheim Museum
Housed in the palazzo that was her home for 30 years, it is now a famed modern art museum overlooking the Grand Canal. It houses works of Rothko, Pollock, Kandinsky, Mondrian and Chagall, among others. The museum has now expanded to include a sculpture garden, so you can enjoy both the water and a green space while admiring some of the greatest art in the world!
Courtesy of Pinterest
If you want more inspiration for Venice, look no further than Instagram. We love the work by Marco Gaggio (@neumarc). While Venice is like stepping into a postcard or a movie, but it can be hard to capture the feeling in photos—but somehow Marco’s photos convey the magic and mystery.
