Experience The Magical Things in Venice

By Stephanie McCreedy –

There’s something magical about Venice, the Italian city built on water that also carries the nickname ‘City of Romance’. What makes it such an alluring romantic destination? Perhaps it’s the need to share such exquisite sights of the architecture and plazas; the tranquil feeling of floating on water together in a gondola; or maybe the sheer happiness of dining out with a partner, eating amazing food and drinking even better wine. Experience all three and much more by  making a trip to Venice and creating your own romantic tale.

Peruse the arts

La Fenice, Venice’s historic opera house, is incredibly atmospheric with a sea of red velvet seating overlooked by opulent chandeliers and gilding. It’s the perfect opportunity to dry clean the tux and treat yourself to a new gown, so take a look at the website’s listings in advance to book concerts, ballet and classic Italian opera. After a night on the town take in a little art the next day, Venice is rife with galleries both contemporary and classic. Palazzo Grassi is a huge gallery that houses modern artwork and The Peggy Guggenheim Collection plays an important role on the scene also. For a little history lesson, head to museums such as Doges Palace, where you will be dazzled by its Renaissance interior and fascinated by its exhibitions.

Table for two

Italians are passionate about food and you’ll be equally passionate about eating it. Sample the best Venice has to offer by heading to Corta Sconta in the eastern Castello area. This traditional seafood restaurant is perfect for an alfresco meal in its vine-covered vineyard. Expect to spend around €60 per-head at dinner time from a menu that includes shrimp, prawns, spider crabs and gnocchi pasta. Another reputable option is Quadri, situated in Piazza San Marco. With such grand surroundings and a head chef (Massimiliano) who likes to experiment and push his creativity, you’re at the forefront of Italian cuisine here. For the full experience tasting menus cost between €170 to €235 but the dinner menu starts at around €60.

Join in the festivals & events

Plenty of events and festivals take place throughout the year in Venice. They are unique ways of experiencing new cultures, especially when you have a companion to share the day with. Arena di Campo San Polo is an outdoor cinema that is set up between late July and early September. Settle down with a picnic and watch classic and new films, which are usually dubbed in Italian and sometimes have English subtitles. Carnevale is the world’s oldest and perhaps most famous masquerade. In mid-February, San Marco piazza plays host to entertainers, stages, acrobats and musicians. Join the locals in dressing up, and join in the fun and frolics. Festa del Redentore is another festival, this time celebrating the end of the plague epidemic in 1576. It takes place in July and you can board party boats before enjoying a grand firework display.

Despite large crowds, Venice is best enjoyed during the summer months when you can take advantage of its waters and lively outdoor atmosphere. However, its cultural landmarks and eventssuch as Carnevale mean that it loses none of its appeal during the winter months. Make Venice the starting chapter of a journey around Italy for the getaway of a lifetime.

Image by  G0DeX used under the Creative Commons License

During a semester abroad in Rome Stephanie met her soon to be husband, deciding to postpone her studies her and her parter are now traveling around Italy and blogging all the way.