Whenever we travel, we like to make sure we have recommendations from someone who’s “in,” a person who knows the places to go that can’t be found so easily in travel guides. Italian Marta Pozzan is one such somebody whose status as a tastemaker we trust implicitly—she’s worked for Vanity Fair Italy and made her own name via It’s Super Fashion, her heavily trafficked blog. Here, she shares her favorite places in Venice, Italy, a city that’s easy to dismiss as a tourist trap but, as evidenced by Marta’s suggestions, can be experienced as anything but.
“Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go." —Truman Capote
The Bauer Hotel: "This is where all the cool kids afterparty during the film festival; it has a great terrace perfect for happy hour and it is located basically a bridge away from the Gucci store—dangerous!"
The Danieli: "This super-luxury hotel close to Piazza San Marco is quite the oldest and most iconic hotel in Venice."
The Aman Hotel: "The Aman is situated on the Grand Canal, and it used to be a regal palace. I love its private gardens—they are super romantic!"
Boccadoro: "This elegant restaurant is loved by the locals, too. Its fresh pasta is amazing!"
Harry's Bar: "Harry's is a must-visit when in Venice, and it's where my mom always wants to go for lunch when we're in town. The best view and the best salmon tartare."
Florian Caffe: "Located in Piazza San Marco, this spot is great for breakfast and aperitif. I love its live music."
Palazzina G: "This is a luxury hotel whose club scene turns up quite a bit after 11pm."
"Venice is known for having the most prestigious designer boutiques—Armani, Prada, Gucci, Miu Miu, Tiffany and the rest—and they're all just west of Piazza San Marco and in these other streets: Salizada San Moisè; Calle Vallaresso; Calle Goldoni and the Frezzeria."
Gondola rides: "The must-do experience in Venice. As you glide through the waters, you'll be serenaded by your gondolier while passing under gorgeous buildings and narrow calles, aka streets."
Trip to the Lido: "This is the beach of Venice—it's great during the film festival. Locals love to hang out at the Hotel Excelsior at the Lido because it's where they get to see all the hottest movie stars. Italians especially go crazy when Clooney is there!"
Biennale: "Also called the Art Biennale, this is one of the finest contemporary visual art exhibitions. It's famous all over the world for being held biennially, in odd-numbered years."
Peggy Guggenheim Museum: "This is probably one of the most-visited places in Venice, situated on the Grand Canal in the Dorsoduro sestiere of Venice. Some of the artists represented in its collection are De Chirico, Picasso, Miró, Braque and many more."
