Venice, Italy is a destination for travelers around the world who want to experience the ‘Floating City’ firsthand. Comprised of roughly 160 square miles, the city takes about an hour to walk around and longer if walking the nearly 12 miles of canals, bridges, and pathways that connect its buildings and neighborhoods. A bustling arts and food scene, it is a hot spot for locals and tourists alike.
Art Experiences Visitors Enjoy in Venice
The Venice Biennale, which alternates annually between art and architecture, is world-renowned, attracting audiences from across the globe, and presenting some of the most cutting edge, pioneering contemporary arts and architecture throughout the city’s sprawling pavilions and museums, as well as several pop-up spaces.
Live music performances are held in the Piazza San Marco as well as performances by the Venice Opera. Venice also boasts several performing arts festivals annually. The Venice International Performance Art Week has been held since 2012 and showcases both established and emerging artists in a number of genres. The city also hosts the Venice Experimental Video and Performing Art Festival whose theme changes from year to year and displays both recorded and live performance pieces from numerous artists.
Distinct Architectural Style in Venice
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Sign up to our Free Weekly NewsletterThe historical architecture of Venice is primarily defined as Venetian Gothic, showcasing classic gothic attributes with some Byzantine and Islamic influences. These influences are said to come directly from the diverse trading network of the city. One of the most famous architectural works in Venice is the Basilica San Marco in the Piazza San Marco, said to be one of the most well-known churches in Europe. Its gold accents highlight the cupolas and mosaics that contribute to its distinctive façade. The Rialto Bridge is another well-known architectural wonder as the oldest of the four bridges that cross the Grand Canal.
Best Cultural Tours in Venice
There is no shortage of opportunities for a boat tour of Venice by way of its many canals. Gondoliers and water taxis combine to offer either a casual tour or an evening slowly moving through the waterways with a glass of wine and a romantic serenade. If a longer and more specific tour is of interest, two adjacent islands offer unique opportunities to explore. Neighboring Murano is home to the Murano Glass Factory which has created beautiful pieces of art and glassware for centuries. Tour the facility and see the furnace and glass-blowing firsthand or stay for a longer period and attend a workshop. Nearby Burano is known for its beautiful handmade lace.
What Other Experiences Can City Goers Enjoy in Venice?
Approximately 1700 restaurants and bars line the canals and squares of Venice, leaving no one hungry or thirsty at the end of a long day of sightseeing. Some of the most popular spots include Osteria Fanal Del Codega, Trattoria Dona Onesta, and Ristorante Antica Sacrestia. All of them have a range of prices and dishes showcasing the best of Italian cuisine and locally caught seafood. Ae Oche is one of the top-rated pizza restaurants in Venice, also offering vegan and vegetarian options to its diverse diners.
Meanwhile, Venice’s markets and shops are filled with a number of beautiful pieces from local artisans and crafters in addition to regional wines and other delicacies. Some of the most sought-after local products are glassworks from Murano and lacework from nearby Burano. The bold colors and characteristic floral/gold accents on much of the glassware makes them stand out from the rest. In addition to these traditional Venetian crafts, the shops are full of masks, leather goods, marbled paper, and more, showcasing the city’s deep connection with artists and artisans.
