Holiday Homes & Baches in Venice

Venice is one of those rare places where you really, truly want to get lost. Strolling around its ancient stones, through its winding streets and narrow alleys induces a kind of wondrous fervour. If you want to stay right in the heart of the action, on the threshold of the landmark sights and vibrant nightlife, go for a holiday home in the San Marco or San Polo neighbourhoods. Head to Giudecca to beat the crowds – a stand-alone island with a very distinct personality. For the convenience of staying near the train station, looks for homes in the area of Cannaregio.

You are truly spoilt for choice with the variety of attractive rentals in Venice which are suitable for both small and large groups. Designed to nurture you after a long day’s sightseeing, these urban homes reflect the beauty of the city outside. Picture a palazzo split on two levels, with enormous doors, original artwork, a view over the St. Mark’s Square – it can be all yours here in this unrivalled city!

Since it was founded, Venice has been divided into six neighbourhoods, known in Italian as sestieri, two of which make up the central area. San Marco is the heart of Venice and houses most of the city’s key landmarks, such as St. Mark’s Campanile and St. Mark’s Basilica. San Polo houses Venice’s central market and is one of the liveliest areas in Venice, replete with stores, markets and top attractions. The east side of the district is the best place for the city’s most striking palazzos.

Dorsoduro in the south is home to the University of Venice. Packed with young people, this district is an artsy, trendy area just full of life and great bars and clubs. Cannaregio in the north is this authentic and less touristy area, and home to the Jewish Neighbourhood. It offers a unique, melancholy atmosphere and several synagogues. Santa Croce is located in the west of Venice and is the only neighbourhood in Venice where cars can travel. It is home to the large square where the central bus station is located. To see how the locals live, head to Vienna’s sixth district Castello in the west.

If a restaurant has pictures of food or translations of dishes into multiple languages, be aware that it is aimed at tourists and is likely to offer higher prices and generic dishes. In Venice, the local tip is to look for 'bacaros' (taverns). These neighbourhood pubs offer simple fare, usually with handwritten menus. In these establishments you can feast on 'cicchetti', Venetian tapas-style finger food, including fried fish (such as calamari and sardines), mixed vegetables (called frittura mista) and traditional Venetian sandwiches.

There's nothing more romantic in Venice than a cuddlesome gondola ride through its winding canals. Go for a gondola ride around sunset and watch the city soaked in pink and orange hues. Go together for a scoop of creamy and decadent Gelato from one of the myriad wonderful gelaterias, find a little corner in the city and watch the people go by as you indulge in the exquisite ice cream.

Spanning the Grand Canal, this is Venice’s most popular bridge. It affords a fantastic, iconic view of this city, and watching the gondolas and ferries travel the Grand Canal from this spot is enthralling.

For a spot of relaxation and a great place to get away from the bulk of the tourists, the Lido is the place to go. It is a separate island that creates a barrier between Venice and the Adriatic Sea, and it boasts a wide and beautiful beach, in stark contrast to the busy streets and waterways of the city.

Off the beaten track Gelati Nico is one of the finest pastry shops in Venice. Saddle up to the coffee bar and order your coffee with an exquisite 1-euro pastry. Order freshly squeezed succo d’arancia for the children and sit back and watch the locals pass by.

A small separate island not connected to the main canals of Venice, it is home to the epochal San Giorgio Monastery, the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore and a large campanile. Make sure to climb the latter for sensational views back across to the main city of Venice.

Rialto Market is massive and wonderfully busy, open from 9 in the morning till 2 in the afternoon. Don’t miss the seafood, with the Branzino being a highlight (Mediterranean sea bass). Have the fishmonger scale and fillet the fish for you, ready to cook up when you get back to your cozy holiday home after a long day’s exploration of this inimitable city.