Venice, Italy

Tucked away on a small canal not far from popular tourist attractions like the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square, the Libreria Acqua Alta is probably the most unique and magical bookstore on the planet.

The shop is home to over 100,000 books from all over the world, most of which are rare editions, out-of-print and mostly second-hand. When you visit you will meet the resident cats and find an assortment of bathtubs, boats and other containers piled high with precious books awaiting their new owners. You may think that this is just quirky merchandising, but the bathtubs and boats perform a critical function of keeping these treasures dry during Venice’s frequent floodings.

Libreria Acqua Alta, Calle Longa S M Formosa 5176, Venice 30122, Phone: +39-04-12-96-08-41

Located in the Cannaregio District, the Chiesa della Madonna dell ‘Orto is a fine example of Italian Gothic architecture.

The church was established back in the mid 14th century and has seen various embellishments over the centuries including the addition of a very impressive sanctuary which is decorated by masterpieces painted by Tintoretto and other prominent artists. At the entrance you will find an elegant renaissance doorway topped by an arch and decorated with statues depicting St. Christopher, Arc Angel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary. There is an impressive 65m bell tower which is visible from just about everywhere in the city.

The church charges a modest entrance fee and is a place of calm reflection, slightly off the usual tourist thoroughfares.

Chiesa Della Madonna dell ‘Orto, Santa Croce 548, Venice 30135, Phone: +39-0-41-71-99-33

Il Caffe Rosso (The Red Bar) is an unmistakable historic Venetian bar which dates back to the late 19th century, when it was established by a retiring sailor.

You cannot miss this bar – its bright red façade can be seen from a distance and there is usually a large crowd of fans seated at the pavement tables.

The caffe has always attracted a bohemian crowd of students and artists and these days tourists flock to the little bar to soak up the atmosphere. You can enjoy a variety of drinks as well as light meals including crostini, sandwiches, tramazzini and more. Il Caffe Rosso is open from Monday to Saturday.

Il Caffe Rosso, Sestiere Dorsoduro 2963, Venice 30123, Phone: +39-04-15-28-79-98

Offering visitors a completely different perspective of the lovely city of Venice, the lagoon and the other islands, The Tower of San Giorgio Maggiore Island is a must-visit attraction.

Yes, you will have to step away from the crowds and hop aboard a vaporetto (water taxi) to reach the island, but the short trip is very rewarding to anyone interested in history and architecture.

The lovely 16th century Benedictine church, which goes by the same name as the island, contains several priceless paintings by Tintoretto and the impressive 60m bell tower (which has an elevator) offers superb views of Venice. Daily guided tours of the entire church complex are available and highly recommended.

The Tower of San Giorgio Maggiore, Isola di S. Giorgio Maggiore, Venice 30133, Phone: +39-04-15-22-78-27

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

The Rialto Market is another of Venice’s must-see tourist attractions. The market is located alongside the Grand Canal, to the north-west of the Rialto Bridge.

It may surprise you to know that in Italy most locals still visit their fresh produce market every day; meals are planned according to what fresh seasonal produce is available on the day. Venice is no exception and this massive market is literally heaving with piles of artistically displayed fresh fruit and vegetables as well as meats, cheeses and fish. In fact, the aromas from the fish market (Pescaria) can be detected from some distance away. Closer observation reveals huge mounds of still-wriggling fish and sea food of every kind. Once again, a guided tour will add great value to your visit.

Rialto Market, Campiello de la Pescaria, Venice 30122

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Dedicated to the Patron Saint of Midwives, the Church of Saint Pantalon (or more formally, Saint Pantaleone), is located a short walk from Venice’s Santa Lucia Station. Saint Pantaleone was a student of medicine, who was famously martyred in the 4th century for his Christian beliefs. The main reason to visit the church is to admire the magnificent art. To begin with, the entire ceiling is covered by a martyrdom scene comprising over 40 canvases, executed by Giovanni Fumiani in the late 1600’s. In addition, the interior of the church is adorned with many priceless artworks by Italian masters like Veneziano, Vivarini and Padovanino.

Chiesa di San Pantalon, Sestiere Dorsoduro 3703, Venice 30123, Phone: +39-04-12-72-86-11

Al Timon restaurant invites visitors to step away from the crowded tourist center and come and join generations of Venice locals who know where to find authentic Venetian cuisine.

The restaurant is located in the lively Cannaregio district and you will see boats drawn up alongside the canal with local people eating and drinking – a great atmosphere. The restaurant is widely known for serving excellent meats and you can expect large portions of mouth-watering steak, ribs and more. House specialties include their Steak Fiorentina (served very rare) and Cicchetti (plates of mixed bite-size appetizers). Most of the meals are served on huge wooden platters surrounded by all your side dishes.

Al Timon, Timon all’Antica Mola, Cannaregio, Fondamenta dei Ormesini 2754, Venice 30121, Phone: +39-0-41-71-74-92

Venice’s famous Academy of Fine Art Museum is housed in an historic architectural complex which includes the Church of Santa Maria della Carita, her monastery and the original Scuola Grande (Grand School), all of which are deserving of a visit just to admire the architecture.

Inside, the galleries are home to an exceptional collection of art which is showcased in 37 rooms.

The collection spans several centuries and periods and includes many masterpieces from the 14th to the 18th centuries. Here you can stand in awe before The Tempest (Giorgione), The Pieta (Titian) and The Feast in the House of Levi (Veronese), to name but a few. Art enthusiasts can book private guided tours of the Academy for a more in-depth experience.

The Accademia (The Academy), Campo della Carita 1050, Venice 30123, Phone: +39-04-15-22-22-47

The Peggy Guggenheim Institute is home to one of the most important European collections of 20th century European and American Art, and is essential viewing for all art enthusiasts.

The Institute is located right on the Grand Canal, between the Church of Santa Maria della Salute and the Accademia Bridge and is easily accessible from most areas by vaporetto (water taxi).

The permanent collection of the Institute includes vibrant works of art by masters such as Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, Salvador Dali and Jackson Pollock, to name but a few as well as many thought-provoking works in the Abstract Gallery. The Institute hosts regular temporary exhibitions – you can check their website to see what will be on during your visit

The Peggy Guggenheim Institute, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, Dorsoduro 701, Venice 30123, Phone: +39-04-12-40-54-11