Venice City Breaks

Venice at a glance

The whole city of Venice is listed as a World Heritage site, making it unlike any other city break destination you can imagine. The maze of canals with their candy striped boat moorings, ornate architecture, and perfectly arched bridges are picture perfect. The city is rich in history, you’ll find a vast collection of museums, many churches and countless architectural delights all housed within the group of 118 islands.

Just as famous as the waterways are the narrow streets and alley ways that zig zag the islands, many people say that their favourite part of a trip to Venice is getting lost and coming upon a hidden restaurant or café where a coffee or lunch can be taken.

It’s important that the land marks are ticked off however; St Mark’s Square, a gondola ride along the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, visit Murano to see the glass blowing and Burano for the lace making and brightly coloured houses.

Things to do in Venice

• St Mark’s Square: There is a constant buzz from alfresco cafes, live music, visitors and pigeons alike.
• Basilica de San Marco: The stunning mosaics, intricate architecture and medieval masterpieces make this church truly special.
• Rialto Markets: An essential stop for foodies with incredible produce stands and fishmongers.
• Gondola Rides: An enjoyable, romantic and unique way of seeing the city.
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection: A huge collection of modern art, featuring avant-garde works by over 300 artists.
• Boutique del Gelato: Considered by locals to serve the best ice cream in Venice, the constant queues are worth the wait.
• Bridge of Sighs: An iconic image of Venice, it is said that one could hear the sighs of the condemned as they were being led to prison.
• Palazzo Ducale: On St Mark’s Square, this historical palace boasts great views, architecture and fine paintings.
• Do Mori Restaurant: Over 500 years old and Venice’s oldest stand up bar. Enjoy an aperitivo and a traditional bar snack.

Getting around

Venice is perfect for visitors who want to explore by foot, the charm of the marrow streets and stunning bridges is best experienced by pedestrians. Alternatively, in true Venetian style, travel by gondola or vaporetti (public water bus). Many hotels have their own jetties and launches served by private water taxis, but please note that during high tides, the transfer will be to the nearest accessible pier and a short walk to the hotel may be required.

Dining in Venice

There are so many places to eat in Venice, food is a huge part of the city lifestyle. Where possible avoid the eateries in the main tourist locations and seek out advice from locals or guidebooks to truly enjoy the local cuisine.

Of course water is such a vital part of a trip to Venice, so it follows that excellent fresh seafood dishes can be found on most menus in in the city. Fresh local dishes including risotto, polenta and gnocchi will taste so much better than they do at home.

Must-try local dishes:

• Tramezzini - triangular, white bread sandwiches with a choice of fillings including meats, cheeses and vegetables
• Cicchetti - small, snack dishes such as cooked meats, seafood, croutons and savoury pastries served both hot and cold
• Gelato

Osprey Holidays top tips

A gondola ride is a real treat but should you have overspent in the lovely shops and cafés, just hop on the No.1 vaporetto (public water bus) and admire the wonderful palaces on the world's most picturesque main street, the Grand Canal.