Take your time exploring: With a month to spend in Venice, you can afford to take things slow and really soak up the atmosphere. Spend your first few days getting your bearings and exploring the different neighborhoods, from the busy streets around St. Mark's Square to the quieter alleys of Cannaregio.
Visit the museums: Venice is home to a wealth of museums and galleries, covering everything from art and history to music and theater. Take the time to visit some of the city's most famous institutions, such as the Gallerie dell'Accademia, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and the Ca' Rezzonico.
Attend cultural events: Throughout the year, Venice hosts a number of cultural events and festivals, from the Venice Biennale of Art to the Carnevale di Venezia. Check the calendar of events for your visit and plan to attend some of these unique experiences.
Take a day trip: While Venice is certainly a fascinating city in its own right, it's also well-placed for day trips to other parts of northern Italy. Consider visiting nearby cities like Verona, Padua, or Vicenza, or exploring the beautiful countryside of the Veneto region.
Learn some Italian: Finally, if you're staying in Venice for a month, why not use the opportunity to improve your Italian language skills? Sign up for a language course or language exchange program, or simply make an effort to practice speaking with the locals.
Overall, a month in Venice is a rare opportunity to truly get to know one of the world's most unique and enchanting cities. With a mix of exploration, cultural experiences, and learning opportunities, you're sure to have a memorable and fulfilling stay.
Venice is a city with a rich culinary tradition, and there are plenty of local restaurants and eateries where you can enjoy authentic Venetian cuisine. Here are some places where locals like to eat in Venice:
Osteria da Alberto: Located in the Castello neighborhood, this cozy restaurant serves traditional Venetian dishes like seafood risotto and baccalà (salt cod).
Trattoria Al Ponte del Megio: This family-run trattoria is located in the Dorsoduro neighborhood and specializes in homemade pasta and local seafood.
Osteria al Diavolo e l'Acquasanta: This small restaurant in the Cannaregio neighborhood serves traditional Venetian dishes like sardines and polenta, and has a cozy atmosphere with a fireplace and exposed brick walls.
Antica Osteria Cera: This restaurant near the Rialto Bridge has been serving traditional Venetian cuisine for over a century, with dishes like pasta e fagioli (pasta and bean soup) and sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines).
Da Fiore: This Michelin-starred restaurant in the San Polo neighborhood is known for its creative seafood dishes and elegant atmosphere.
Cantina do Spade: This historic wine bar in the San Polo neighborhood has been serving wine and cicchetti (small bites) for over 500 years, and is a popular spot for locals to grab a quick snack or drink.
These are just a few of the many local eateries in Venice where you can sample authentic Venetian cuisine. Be sure to ask locals for their recommendations as well, as they often have favorite spots that may be off the beaten path.
Venice has a rich culinary tradition, with a variety of unique and flavorful dishes that reflect the city's history and culture. Here are some local specialties of Venice and where you can find the best places to try them:
Sarde in saor: This is a traditional Venetian dish of sweet and sour sardines that's often served as an appetizer or snack. The sardines are marinated in vinegar, onions, raisins, and pine nuts, giving them a distinctive flavor. One of the best places to try sarde in saor is at Osteria da Alberto in the Castello neighborhood.
Fegato alla veneziana: This is a classic Venetian dish made with calf liver, onions, and white wine. The liver is sautéed until tender and served with polenta. Trattoria al Ponte del Megio in the Dorsoduro neighborhood is known for its excellent fegato alla veneziana.
Risotto al nero di seppia: This is a popular Venetian rice dish made with cuttlefish ink, giving it a distinctive black color and rich, savory flavor. You can find delicious risotto al nero di seppia at Antica Osteria Cera near the Rialto Bridge.
Cicchetti: These are small bites or tapas that are often served with drinks in Venice's many wine bars and taverns. Cicchetti can include a variety of ingredients, such as meats, cheeses, seafood, and vegetables. Cantina do Spade in the San Polo neighborhood is a historic wine bar that's known for its delicious cicchetti.
Spritz: This is a popular Venetian cocktail made with Aperol or Campari, white wine or Prosecco, and soda water. It's often served with cicchetti or other small snacks. One of the best places to enjoy a spritz in Venice is at Bacaro Jazz near the Rialto Bridge.