Each year, million of tourists visit Venice and the vast majority of them will pay too much to eat mediocre food in tourist-traps. Luckily Venice also has a lot of (hidden) great restaurants and most importantly 'Bacari', which is their version of a Spanish Tapas bar. Bacari usually serve a variety of small colourful, budget-friendly dishes which change continuously based on the season (some actually change hour by hour). These small dishes are called 'cicchetti' and are meant to be the perfect companion to a glass of wine or a Spritz. Think of these Bacari as your local neighbourhood bar, and be ready to bend elbow to elbow with the locals. Here are my favorite places to eat, drink, snack and stay in Venice!

Venezia

In this list and interactive digital map you'll find my best tips on what to do during a weekend in Venice. It includes:
- 1 artisanal breakfast option,
- 3 aperitivo options,
- 2 restaurants,
- 3 off-the-beaten path activities.

Don't forget to save ☑️ this map for future use!

Venice, VE, Italia

Veneto, Italia

Best of Venice  

Eating well in Venice doesn’t have to be hard! These are my favorite spots in the city for a good bite at any budget. 

Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy

Tasting Italy: Venice 🇮🇹 

There is so much to see and do in and around Venice, Italy that you could easily spend quite a few days here.  This guide will detail MORE than enough things to do in 3-4 days in Venice and the surrounding islands.  If you want MORE to do I've also spent time in the Prosecco Hills and the town of Treviso which are both about 45 minutes outside of Venice, feel free to reach out.  I have also spent time in the nearby Dolomites so again, I am happy to consult with you about any of those areas as well!  

This guide will detail why you should visit Venice.

-How to best arrive & exit Venice & how to get around while you are there.  

-Include multiple options for where to stay, all of which I have personally stayed in and can recommend.  From luxury (our honeymoon hotel), to airbnb with an incredible water door onto the canal, to a more budget friendly hotel that also has a stunning canal view.  There are options for everyone in Venice. 

-It will detail some amazing things to see, do, eat, and drink in Venice!

-It will also detail how to take small day trips to neighboring islands of Burano, Murano, Torcello, and Mazzorbo.  
Why Venice?

Venice is such a fantastic and romantic city.  Walking along or boating along the canals is an experience I truly believe you want to have in your lifetime.  Once you get the hang of it, it definitely feels like a "little big city".  You can walk to anything in Venice if you don't mind getting your steps in.  You can also get around by water bus, water taxi, and the famous gondolas.  You can eat SO well here and drink great wines at reasonable prices.  There are countless things to do and see here and the islands off of Venice are equally as exciting and beautiful!  This guide will detail tons of options for things to do in Venice.  Most of them I have done, I will add a few things I haven't done that I find would be truly worthwhile.  This way you can pick and choose what appeals best to you. 

***I am also available for consultation about your Venice trip and would love to talk to you and work with you to create your perfect experience!

Please feel free to reach out to me any time at planformedani@gmail.com 

Italy

Burano, Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy

A Long Weekend in Venice, Italy & the Surrounding Islands 

EF Ultimate Break's Ultimate Europe trip is a 35-day adventure that takes you to 12 iconic destinations: Barcelona, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Prague, Munich, Lucerne, Venice, Florence, Rome, Athens, and Paros. This comprehensive package includes round-trip flights, accommodations, and guided tours, making it easy to focus on what matters most – exploring the continent!

Orvieto, Province of Terni, Italy

Prague, Czechia

London, UK

Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy

Barcelona, Spain

Titlis, Engelberg, Switzerland

Ferrara, Province of Ferrara, Italy

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Paros, Greece

Dresden, Germany

Lake Como, Italy

Lucerne, Switzerland

Clermont-Ferrand, France

Paris, France

Melsungen, Germany

Athens, Greece

Neuschwanstein Castle, Neuschwansteinstraße, Schwangau, Germany

Munich, Germany

Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy

EF Ultimate Break Trip Guide: Ultimate Europe

La Serenissima- One of the most important ports of the Mediterranean and home to some incredible art,food and wine. It's an open air museum. 
The Rialto Market is right on the Grand Canal.
It can be really crowded on these tiny streets, watch your wallets.

I❤️ Markets: Venice

If you're headed to Venice and want to eat some of the best meals of your life, grab this list! 

WHY THIS LIST INSTEAD OF MY FREE VERSION? Because this way, you have options! 
Find yourself hangry and need food ASAP? You'll find great, authentic options on this list near you no matter where you are! 
Your first choice restaurant is full? I include plenty of options, so you have backups in each neighborhood! 
In a really touristy area without a reservation? This gives you a cheat sheet for eating well anywhere you find yourself! 

Everywhere on here I've personally eaten or had it recommended to me by someone I trust living here at least 5 years.

In this guide, you'll get: 
- an interactive map to help navigate you to each spot
- recommendations on typical dishes to order
- Categories include: restaurants, cicchetti & cheap eats, coffee & breakfast, wine & cocktail bars, gelato

🇮🇹 Tasting Italy: Venice Foodie List

If you know anything about Venetian cuisine, or are familiar with happy hour, then you've probably heard of "Cicchetti". Cicchetti are like Venetian tapas, and a very popular way to eat and socialize in Venice. Check out this guide to find out the best bacari, or wine bars, to enjoy a glass with some delicious finger foods! This guide includes 24 places to drink and eat with Venetian cicchetti .

Veneto, Italy

What and Where to Eat in Venice: Cicchetti

If you're visiting Venice, Italy save this culinary guide on what and where you should be eating. Venetian cuisine is quite unique, and the city itself doesn't always get the best rep, but that's because it's easy to fall for the tourist traps if you don't know where to go and what to order. Enjoy this guide to learn what are the typical dishes to try, and 17 restaurants/bakeries/bars to try them at. I've also included my full guide on "cicchetti" (Venetian tapas), and 24 restaurant/bars where to eat them.

What and Where to Eat in Venice, Italy

THE DAY-BY-DAY GUIDE TO THE HIGHLIGHTS OF ITALY - ROME, FLORENCE, VENICE, & MORE 🇮🇹

I've been fortunate enough to visit Italy multiple times and even more fortunate to have been guided by true Italian friends. Here, I take all that I've learned from those travels and distill it into one perfect itinerary that hits the big highlights. 

This itinerary is a great fit for first-timers since it'll take you to the absolute must-see spots in Italy. You certainly won't see all the boot has to offer (just plan on coming back for future trips, plural, to make that happen), but you'll see the most iconic places at a reasonable, enjoyable pace. You'll be able to soak up all the history, food, wine, and dolce vita these cities have to offer. After this first taste, you'll be dying to come back for more!

🗺️ Main Itinerary Stops:
- Rome | 2 full days / 3 nights
- Orvieto | Pit stop
- Tuscany // Montalcino | 2 full days / 3 nights
- Siena | Pit stop
- Florence | 2 full days / 3 nights
- Tivoli | Pit stop
- Rome | Overnight for return flight 

🗺️ Optional Extension Stops:
- Pisa | Day trip (+ extra night in Florence)
- Bologna | Pit stop
- Venice | 2 full days / 3 nights 
- Modena | 1 full day / 1 night here or nearby  

📣IF YOU WANT MORE INFO BEFORE PURCHASING ➡️ Check out the free preview of this guide. It includes:

- OVERVIEW STATS: Including trip length, ideal season, trip speed, physicality, trip themes, who this trip is best for, cost, and how to get around

- STOP-BY-STOP OVERVIEW: Including number of days at each destination and number of activities, restaurants, and hotels included in the full version of this guide

- EXAMPLE ITINERARY DAY: An example day from the full version of this itinerary, so you can see the level of detail and travel style you can expect!

- BONUS - HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS: All the same recs from the paid version! Consider supporting my work by booking through the links provided - it’s much appreciated!

Montalcino, Province of Siena, Italy

Pisa, Province of Pisa, Italy

Tivoli, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy

Modena, Province of Modena, Italy

Tuscany, Italy

Siena, Province of Siena, Italy

Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy

ITINERARY | 9-14 Day Italian Highlights

Discover the Splendors of Venice with Our Exclusive 4-Nights in Venice Itinerary for the Discerning Traveler.

Venture into the heart of Venice, a city steeped in romance, history, and unparalleled beauty. First-time visitors will be swept away by the iconic canals, architectural marvels, and the vibrant atmosphere that makes Venice a crown jewel of Italy. Whether you're gliding through serene waterways on a traditional gondola, marveling at the intricate mosaics of St. Mark's Basilica, or indulging in authentic Italian cuisine at a picturesque waterside trattoria, our itinerary is designed to help you seize every precious moment in this floating city.

Explore hidden corners, seek guidance from a local expert, and immerse yourself in the charming districts that lend Venice its distinct allure. Embark on an unforgettable voyage through the City of Canals and unveil the true spirit of Venice in just four remarkable nights.

What to expect in my itinerary?

- itinerary customizable to your interests
- 4 & 5 star Hotel recommendations with booking links based on my site inspections and partner relationships
- Extensive restaurant recommendations, some with online booking links
- Private tours with booking links that are worth the splurge

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the choices? Let's hop on a call together, and you can pick my brain about anything and everything Venice related.   See the link included at the end of this itinerary, or my consultation services offered on my page. 

Complete Itinerary for Venice - 4 Nights

A list of my favourite places to eat in Venice! Cafes, Cicchetti, and restaurants- this list is perfect for any foodie traveller. 

11 Delicious Eateries in Venice

This was the blueprint for our Honeymoon, but this trip can be used for any couple looking for a romantic getaway to Italy. We begin in Venice before traveling to Florence, 3 Tuscany Cities and Wineries, and ending this dream getaway in Positano on the picturesque Amalfi Coast. Each day has been thoughtfully planned to give you the ultimate vacation. 

Pro Tip: We travelled June/July, but you can opt for May/June or September/October for lower prices and less crowds while still enjoying nice weather.  They will also harvest the grapes and olives around October. If traveling off-season, please note some recommendations may be closed for the season.

What's Included in this Guide?
*Day-by-Day itinerary with what to do, where to stay, and what to eat for 12 days (2 in Venice, 5 in Florence/Tuscany, and 5 in Positano/Amalfi Coast)
*Day trips to 3 Tuscan Wineries and Cities
*Day Trip to Pompei on the way to Positano
*Boat Trip to Capri and various Grottos
*Various museum and tour recommendations
*Guidance on the Hand of God Hike on the Amalfi Coast
*An Italian Dream vacation come to life

Disclaimer: My wife cried on the way to our first Winery as we drove through Tuscany. She had not had one sip of wine yet. Tissues are not required, but may be recommended.

Positano, SA, Italy

Lucca, Province of Lucca, Italy

Capri, Metropolitan City of Naples, Italy

San Gimignano, Province of Siena, Italy

Ravello, SA, Italy

12 Day Romantic Italian Getaway: Venice-Florence/Tuscany-Positano/Amalfi Coast

When in Italy, make sure you eat where the locals eat! I'll help you make sure you get real value for your food money 

Venice Restaurant Recommendations

So you've planned your trip to Venice, and and you're really excited amongst the other amazing stuff to do, to try real Venetian food. 

Well my friend, let me tell you, that is not an easy task. The city is filled with venetian wanna-be places who are going to rip you off and leave you and your taste buds disappointed.

But don't you worry, I am here to share with you this list that I created over the years, filled places which are authentic, local and *chef's kiss* delicious. 

The ultimate "Bacaro Tour": Unveiling Venice's Hidden Eateries

One day Venice, Italy Itinerary
Just under a 2-hour train ride from Bologna, Italy, and a little over 1 hour from Verona, you can do a day trip to Venice. So if your schedule doesn't allow you an overnight stay don't worry and use this guide to help you get the most out of your day trip to Venice.

Venice, Italy

One Day in 
Venice, Italy

Venice & Modena

Bar All'Arco

Save your pizza calories for elsewhere and skip pizza in Venice, you'll highly likely be disappointed. Instead, enjoy one of the most Venetian food traditions there are: cicchetti.

Cicchetti are little bites of food on bread, like tapas, that are meant to go with a glass of wine ("un'ombra de vin").

All'Arco is one of the most well-known cicchetti bars ("bacaro"), gourmet with artisanal ingredients. Run by Matteo and Francesco, a father-son duo.

Order:
- baccalà mantecato (whipped olive oil and cod);
- smoked fish;
- shrimp;
- spinach and prosciutto;
- eggplant parmesan;
- speck (a smoked cured meat from Northern Italy);
- tramezzini (white bread sandwiches). 

I will fully admit I followed Stanley Tucci here and he was SPOT ON!  They are cranking out fresh cicchetti here all day and they are amazing! They just keep making different kinds and I wished I could have stayed all day to keep trying them! 

Another favorite frequented by locals. Some Venetians consider it the best bacaro or wine bar in Venice. The cicchetti are amazing and you can find the classics of the Venetian cuisine: sardines in saòr, creamed cod, etc


Only open for breakfast and lunch, this is my favourite Bacaro in Venice. There is usually a line becasue it is absolutely tiny inside, so try and come before lunch rush hour. They serve fresh seafood (and non) cicchetti 

Cichetti spot - one of the best in the city! Only a block away from the Rialto bridge. Featured on Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy. 

Locals' favourite! Very busy at lunch hour, but worth it: get a selection of delicious sandwiches and a drink.

   Extremely good cichetti, good wines, friendly staff and the typical atmosphere of a real Venetian bacaro. 

A quintessential Venetian bacaro, the perfect spot to try their crostini top with the freshest ingredients.

CICCHETTERIA / BACARO

A constantly busy hole in the wall spot serving cicchetti and wine 

This is one of the first bacari I went to. Classic 

Bar All'Arco

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