Venice needs no introduction as one of the most visited destinations in the world. Therefore do not believe anyone who tells you there are 'low seasons' in Venice. There is only Peak and more Peak. Geneally speaking avoid the summers as it is pretty unbearable with the amount of school holiday tourists on the narrow streets of Venice. We got there mid September and it is manageable.
Transportation
Venice is made up of a lot of smaller islands and for most of us we are only really concerned with a few such as Venice, Murano, Burano and Lido. There are no cars or taxis on any of these islands apart from Lido. You can walk or take the below to travel around.
Venice Vaporetto (Water Bus): You can take this to go to different Islands and also get off around Venice itself. Different passes or single journey tickets are available. Note that there are 2 companies so make sure your tickets are for the right one. You can also download their officila ACTV App for live updates on their schedule. Beware of Strike days.
Riva Boat (Water Taxi): These are mostly for private hire and they are pretty expensive. It costs about Euro120-140 for a single journey between Venice Airport and most places along the Grand Canal. As expensive as it sounds I really recommend taking these at least once privately if the weather is nice. There is no better view than to just cruise along the canal when you enter Venice for the first time. Alternatively you can take the train/bus from the Airport to Venice Terminal first and then change to Water Taxis.
Accommodation
As a top tourist destination, Venice does not come with a cheap price tag when it comes to accomodations. Note that this is also post pandemic so I am not sure the price I got would be a good reference point. Most of hotels are also in their signature Baroque/Gothic style so unless you like them there are not many options thats reasonable.
I also wanted somewhere with a rooftop so on this occasion I have opted for Airbnb near Rialto area. I think this area is perfect as it is still a busy area but not as manic as the areas near San Marco Square.
Restaurants
Being one of the most visited cities in Europe, this place is not short of restuarnts that covers both ends of the spectrum. Google Maps recommendations are certainly helpful to avoid tourist traps and for previewing the dishes. Reservations are recommended a few days to weeks in advance.
Ai Mercanti
Restaurant with a terrace presenting sophisticated, seasonal cuisine amid intimate surrounds. This is a little but more tuck away in it's own little courtyard. It is a great place to escape the tourist maddness and a light lunch.
L’Osteria di Santa Marina
Imaginative local fare in a cozy, rustic setting with dark wood interior, plus a candlelit terrace. Great vibe for a romantic dinner. The tiramisu is a must.
Osteria Bancogiro
Happening brick-vaulted dining room turning out modern Venetian dishes, plus a canalfront terrace. A great lunch place overlooking the Grand Canal and people watching. It is right by the Mercato di Rialto (Rialto Market) as well which is convenient.
Estro
Upscale eatery offering reimagined regional dishes & a curated wine list in rustic-chic environs. Definitely the most interesting menu in the whole trip.
Attractions (Day by Day)
Venice is a very well established tourist city so most of the attractions are pretty standard. Also most sites are within walking distance is the best way to present this is a day by day schedule.
Day 1: Main Venice Attractions
Rialto Bridge
Gondola Guide Tours - Hiring a private romantic one is around Euro 160, so you can do a guide tour one for much cheaper and honestly it's the same.
Doge's Palace
Saint Mark's Basilica
Harry's Bar - Birth place of the cocktail Bellini. Over priced and poor service but good to have a look.
Giardini della Biennale - Art Exhibitions hosted in Venice every 2 years.
Day 2: Other Venice Attractions & Lido Island
Mercato di Rialto (Rialto Market) - Best to go before 11:00am when things are still open.
Gallerie dell'Accademia
Lido Island - Most of the beach has been privatised so during the summer season you can actually go to the beach clubs and spend a whole day there.
Gelatoteca Suso - One of the most highly rated gelato place in Venice. They have several locations in the city.
Day 3: Islands and Other Attractions
Murano - Famed for their Artisanal glass manufacturing. This is a beautiful island which you can walk around within an hour or two. The best place to have lunch here is at the Vetri Restaurant. It offers an unparallel view of the island and it is one of the best meals I had in Venice.
Burano - Burano is an island in the Venetian Lagoon, northern Italy, near Torcello at the northern end of the lagoon, known for its lace work and brightly coloured homes. The most famous restautant on the island is probably Trattoria Al Gatto Nero but you have to look literally weeks in advance. An alternative is Riva Rosa which is where we went instead and still pretty good.
Church of San Giorgio Maggiore - There was a special installation by Ai WeiWei
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