The Culture Lover’s Venice: A Curated Itinerary From Vanity Fair

It's hard to deny the magic of Venice, with its moody canals and ornate palazzi. But this city is about so much more than surface-level beauty. With this itinerary by Vanity Fair for Chase Travel, you can dive deep into a less touristy, more soulful side of Veneto. Head down narrow calli to discover workshops where generations of artisans have mastered the arts of glass-blowing, lace-making and crafting Carnival masks. Then treat yourself to heaping scoops of gelato and slices of pizza at esteemed local spots. Get ready to experience the real Venice.

Drop Your Bags

You'll find one of our favorite hotels in Venice right on the banks of the Grand Canal.

The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
Member of The Edit by Chase Travel

This 15th-century doge's residence ranks among Venice's finest—not just for its coveted location, but also for its attentive service, expansive art collection and opulent interiors that transport guests to a bygone era. It's not all old fashioned, however. The Edit℠ by Chase Travel also boasts modern amenities like a cooking school and culture-focused programming on and off property.

The Main Attractions

You can't do Venice without exploring the famous canals, whether you opt for a romantic gondola or casual water taxi ride. Just as essential? Visiting the city's renowned museums, which have earned Venice status as a European art capital.

Water Taxi Tour

Book a private tour through Chase Travel; options range from short jaunts to comprehensive, multi-hour outings tailored to your interests. Zoom down the Grand Canal for unmatched views of St. Mark's Basilica and the Rialto Bridge, then venture to lesser-known isles, like Burano, to escape the crowds.

Palazzo Grassi

At this Classical-style palace, billionaire François Pinault's contemporary art collection provides a compelling contrast to the building's original frescoes. After exploring the mind-bending multimedia installations, enjoy a spritz in the palazzo's canal-side cafe.

Find Your Craft

In Venice's artisan workshops, centuries-old skills and traditions are on full display. These ateliers are can't-miss stops on any culture-driven tour of Venice—and ideal places to shop for souvenirs.

Vittorio Costantini

In Venice, glassblowers have been creating colorful works of art since the 8th century. Vittorio Costantini carries on the craft at his eponymous bottega, where he shapes molten glass over flames into miniature sculptures, ranging from life-like insects and birds to abstract forms.

Chiarastella Cattana

Head to this former monastery to find one of Venice's most extraordinary textile designers practicing handloom techniques. Chiarastella Cattana's work includes everything from printed and embroidered fabrics to table linens and unique accessories like hand-painted shawls.

Sate Your Appetite

Go beyond the standard bacaro circuit to experience Venetian specialties and city institutions.

Pizza Al Volo

This unassuming Campo Santa Margherita pizzeria enjoys hallowed status among regulars and in-the-know travelers. Join the devotees congregating streetside for a classic Margherita slice at an unhurried pace.

Gelateria Nico

Since the 1930s, this beloved gelateria has been serving traditional scoops in view of the Giudecca Canal. Order the signature gianduiotto (a swirl of chocolate and hazelnut gelati topped with fresh whipped cream) or keep it simple with a scoop of pistachio and enjoy your treat along the Zattere promenade.

Quadri

Under the guidance of renowned chef Massimiliano Alajmo, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers seasonal, seafood-focused tasting menus featuring delicacies like squid ink risotto. Murano glass chandeliers and an impressive wine cellar only add to the allure.

Cantine del Vino Già Schiavi

Squeeze into this pocket-sized wine bar for housemade cicchetti like baccalà mantecato (salted cod) and cuttlefish meatballs. With an expansive selection of Veneto wines available by the glass, it's a must on any cicchetti crawl. (Coveted canal-side tables and primo people-watching don't hurt, either.)

Dive deeper into Venice or check out the latest travel guides and itineraries at chasetravel.com.