Engel & Völkers Licence Partner Venice > Blog > Weekend in Venice: here are 7 experiences you absolutely must try

Weekend in Venice: here are 7 experiences you absolutely must try

As a couple, as a family or alone, visiting the Serenissima is an immersive and engaging experience suitable for every need


Getting in touch with the soul of a city means living it to the full, taking advantage of every moment of the day and also looking for the most secret and unusual itineraries available. And if the city in question is Venice, the scenario opens up to infinite possibilities capable of ensuring unique experiences, capable of involving all the senses and enriching the spirit: from the splendid view of calle and canals to the explosion of flavors of local specialties, without forgetting the many attractions and recreational and educational activities.

If you are looking for something more than the classic gondola ride or a walk in the shadow of San Marco's bell tower, take a look at this guide on what to do in Venice and ... have fun.



WHAT TO DO IN VENICE IN 3 DAYS




For a trip of a few days or a simple weekend, one of the itineraries not to be missed is undoubtedly the one on the Island of San Giorgio.

Separated from the Giudecca district by the Canale della Grazia and located right in front of San Marco, this islet of ancient origins houses a monastery and a basilica dedicated to San Giorgio Maggiore, dated between the 8th and 9th centuries, to whose construction the architect contributed Andrea Palladio and embellished with works by artists of the caliber of Tintoretto.

But the island is also home to the Giorgio Cini Foundation which for several years has been carrying out works to enhance the place. In addition to the splendid wood that surrounds it and the already known Vatican Chapels (11 chapels created on the occasion of the first participation of the Holy See in the 16th Venice Biennale), on 11 June 2021 the Cini Foundation finally opened the Borges Labyrinth to the public, to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the death of the writer Jorge Luis Borges.

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Built in 2011 and inspired by the story entitled "The garden of forking paths", the labyrinth offers its visitors an evocative path that winds through over 3,200 boxwood plants ninety centimeters high and a series of symbolic elements that recall the works by the Argentine writer, destined to become a privileged area for concerts and special events.



WHAT TO DO IN VENICE IN THE EVENING




Whether you are traveling as a couple or with friends, deciding what to do in Venice is spoiled for choice, especially in the evening. From the award-winning restaurants in the historic center to the oldest trattorias, Venetian cuisine offers many recipes with intense and decisive flavors, including simple dishes such as the famous rices and bisi and more delicious dishes based on fish and shellfish.

What to do absolutely in Venice to discover the best of local traditions? Without a doubt the tour of the Venetian bacari, a real city institution, loved by young people also for the really affordable prices for all budgets.

The origin of the word "bàcaro" derives from the expression "xe proprio un vin de bàcaro", meaning "a perfect wine for partying", used by a Venetian gondolier after tasting a new wine. Since then, "far bacara" has become synonymous with "partying, partying, eating and drinking with friends", ideal for describing the familiar and welcoming atmosphere that reigns in these small rustic and traditional-looking taverns.

Even today, from happy hour to dinner time, young and old alike usually move from one bacaro to another to eat the famous Venetian cicchetti, that is finger food snacks perfect for an aperitif, accompanied by excellent local wine or incomparable Spritz cocktail.

In short, if you are still undecided about what to do in Venice, this is certainly an experience full of taste and conviviality that you shouldn't miss.

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WHAT TO DO IN VENICE WITH CHILDREN



Compared to other cities, at first glance, the Serenissima may not be a city particularly suitable for children. Nothing more wrong!

On the contrary, a car-free center, the presence of gondolas and waterways, but also many gardens and play areas make the city particularly interesting for the little ones. But what to do in Venice with children to make their experience unique?

For those traveling as a family, the city offers not only a series of museums with free admission days and dedicated areas, but also many recreational and educational activities. As an example, we propose a visit to the Carlo Goldoni House. Built in the San Polo district, this mansion saw the birth of the famous playwright in 1707 and today houses a museum with an itinerary focused on the life and works of the artist.

Among the on-demand educational activities available, the most popular is the creative workshop for children which, after a visit to the theater and a representation of some famous scenes from the comedies, allows children to create and dress puppets inspired by the characters of the works of Goldoni.


WHAT TO DO IN VENICE IN ONE DAY



When you think about what there is to see and visit in Venice, your mind immediately goes to the main attractions of the city, which include the Bridge of Sighs and the bell tower of Piazza San Marco. Yet, not everyone knows that, among the streets and alleys of the center, the city hides many other treasures to visit in the open.

If you are wondering what to visit in Venice for an alternative itinerary, the suggestion is to go hunting for street art. Smartphone or camera in hand, let yourself be guided on an unusual walk with your nose up, admiring not only the beauty of Venetian buildings and historic homes, but also the many irreverent works of the most famous street artists on the national and international scene.

You may come across, for example, the "Castaway child" by the famous Banksy in the Dorsoduro district, in the Ca 'Foscari University area, or in the amusing works of Blub scattered around the city.

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EXPERIENTAL TOURISM WHAT A PASSION


Even from the point of view of experiential tourism, the Venetian capital is second to none. In fact, more and more tourists are constantly looking for contact with local traditions and culture. Without forgetting the well-known experiences with Murano glass masters, another tip on what to do in Venice to deepen the traditions is to treat yourself to one of the cooking courses designed for tourists and visitors.

The Gritti Epicurean School, for example, offers half-day or multi-day courses and lessons, perfect for discovering typical Venetian recipes, seasonal products, local flavors in an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.

You can choose from live lessons, visits to local markets and thematic itineraries all dedicated to taste. Why indulge in this experience? To take home a memory to relive and share whenever you want.


WHAT TO DO IN VENICE WHEN IT RAINS



The history of the city is full of legends and mysteries that have their roots in past eras. According to many, even at night its streets would be populated with ghosts of characters who have become famous.

Just think of the aura of mystery that surrounds the building that stands at number 353, at the intersection of the Rio delle Torreselle, in the Dorsoduro district. Ca 'Dario, in fact, is sadly known as the "Palazzo Maledetto", for the alleged curse that from 1479, the year of its construction, to the present day would strike the owners and guests of the building, destined for bankruptcy or a violent death .

If you are a lover of mystery and adrenaline, one of the things to do in Venice is a night tour to discover the places and palaces that have been the setting for local legends, such as Venice Underground, Campo San Geremia and Palazzo Lezze.



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Visiting Venice in one day is a difficult undertaking to say the least for a city that has so much to offer in terms of attractions and monuments. But what to do to avoid ruining your holiday if the weather conditions are bad?

Just choose one of the many museums or splendid churches to visit or, why not, take refuge in a special place like the Acqua Alta Bookshop, truly one of a kind. For the evening, however, our advice is to allow yourself the privilege of attending an opera or a concert at the Gran Teatro La Fenice, not one of the most beautiful and prestigious in the world. Even if you fail to secure a ticket, a visit to the theater and its permanent collection is an experience that is still worth living.

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