Elizabeth Heath

Between the endless things to do and multiple bowls of pasta you’ll devour on your trip to Rome, you might as well go shopping. Luckily for you, Rome takes shopping very seriously indeed.  At first glance, you might just expect pricey designer boutiques and jewellers, but you’ll be able to source a ton of vintage and bargain finds too. And if you’re only interested in a spot of window shopping? This is the place. Rome’s best shopping streets are a beauty. Here’s where to go shopping in the Eternal City.  RECOMMENDED:🏛️ The best attractions in Rome🍝 The best restaurants in Rome🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Rome🏨 The best hotels in Rome This guide was recently updated by Natalie Aldern, a writer based in Rome. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Come Saturday, Sunday and sometimes weekdays in this wonderful city, you’ll find everything from flea markets for nabbing designer clothes and antiques to indoor food markets for cheese, meat, fish and more.   Some of the markets in Rome are touristy, some only locals know. But all of the markets on this list are well worth checking out. For everything from fresh groceries to secondhand furniture, here are the greatest markets in Rome, well worth your dough.  RECOMMENDED:🍕 How to eat like a local in Rome🍝 The best restaurants in Rome🍦 The best gelato in Rome🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Rome This guide was recently updated by Kate Zagorski, a writer based in Rome. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Forget everything you know about Rome, because the Italian capital isn’t just for city breaks. Once you’ve spent your days checking out everything this wonderful city has to offer, from the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, it’s likely you’ll fancy something a bit different.  Well if you do, you’re in luck. There are a ton of beaches just a short day trip from the main city, and they’re all easily reachable via public transport. The beaches here have something for everyone, be it watersports or family-friendly days out. Most important of all, you can swim at them, and they’re all very beautiful. From Terracina to Sperlonga, here are the best beaches near Rome.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Rome🍝  The best restaurants in Rome🏛️ The best attractions in Rome🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Rome Elizabeth Heath is a travel writer based in Rome. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

What does it mean to be a local in Venice? It isn’t as simple as ‘someone from the place’. People flock to the city for inspiration or riches, adding to a diverse bloodline that has helped shape the city into a magical place. The traders of yesteryear are now the tourists of today, with the latter outnumbering full-time residents by a figure that makes ‘outnumbering’ feel like an understatement.While experiencing Venice as a local is nigh-on impossible, visitors can put themselves in the locals' shoes by staying in a charming neighbourhood, one that offers something different to tourist-filled streets, from cosy restaurants to curious bars and beyond. Here's our list of the best neighbourhoods in Venice to book your stay in.  RECOMMENDED:🛏️ The best Airbnbs in Venice🏨 The best hotels in Venice This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Sure, Venice is the most romantic city on earth and all that. But don’t write it off for a family holiday. The Floating City is actually as kid friendly as it gets, not least because when you think about it, the whole thing is pretty much a massive playground. From its fascinating history to its winding streets and its iconic waterways, Venice is like one huge theme park. And we love it.  And if you’ve got kids in tow, we’ve got you covered. Grab a map and help them explore, watch glass-blowers at work, or take the infamous boat ride along the lake. There’s snacks, gelato and masquerade shows galore here, and the best part? No dragging them around on buses and trains. Everything you need is a short, scenic walk away. Whatever the little ‘uns want to try out, we’ve got it all here. Here are the best things to do in Venice with kids.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Venice🏛 The best museums in Venice🍴 The best restaurants in Venice🛶 How to experience Venice like a local Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts. 

Venice, Italy is often associated with exorbitant prices, from gondola rides—singing costs extra—to the news of a trio of British tourists charged €526 for lunch on Piazza San Marco. While there’s no doubt that Venetian restaurants and merchants are creative when it comes to finding ways to separate tourists from their euros, hotels in Venice offer a refreshing surprise. Thanks to a market oversaturated with Airbnbs and other non-hotel type lodgings, there are more beds than ever in Venice. For travelers, that means some true bargains can be found, particularly if you visit in the off-season or book at the last minute. Here are some of Time Out’s picks for the beast cheap hotels in Venice. Note that by "cheap" we don’t necessarily mean bargain-basement, but rather hotels which, based on some combination of location, amenities and vibe, offer great value in La Serenissima; leaving you with more cash to spend on the city’s top attractions, best restaurants and a tipple or two.

In a palace first built in the 1400s for the Doge’s family and later a residence for the Popes, Gritti Palace Hotel today exudes history and understated elegance. Rooms, some overlooking the Grand Canal, are formal and elegant, with Murano glass fixtures, bespoke wall coverings and antique furnishings and paintings, while suites are over-the-top posh. Two restaurants offer gourmet Venetian cuisine and in the summertime there’s outdoor dining along the canal. The hotel’s Bar Longhi is a stop for fancy cocktails. A spa is open only to hotel guests. Time Out tip: Return home armed with a chef’s secrets for authentic Venetian cuisine by attending the Gritti Epicurean School, which includes a half-day cooking lesson and gourmet lunch. Nearby:Peggy Guggenheim Collection: For modern masterpieces just across the canalHarry’s Bar Cipriani: For the original Bellini cocktailSalita San Moise: For wall-to-wall designer shopping

George and Amal Clooney spent their wedding night at this ultra-luxurious 1500s palace hotel on the Grand Canal, so it’s probably safe to assume that it’s fancy enough for the rest of us. Even the most basic of rooms are anything but, with sleek midcentury modern furnishings set against vintage floors, wall coverings, ceiling paintings and in some cases, priceless works of art. Several rooms and suites have canal views. Food and drink options include a gourmet restaurant, a clubby bar, or a garden lounge for cicchetti and a spritz. Time Out tip: Room prices are sky-high, but consistent year-round. If you’re looking for a luxury Venice hotel in high season, you might find the best rates here. Nearby:Comune di Venezia: For the waterfront city hall where George and Amal tied the knowEstro: For modern cicchetti in a wine bar with a young, stylish vibeOsteria da Fiore: For Michelin-starred dining in a low-key setting

There’s more velvet, gilt and mood lighting in the 12 rooms of Ca Maria Adele than in most of the rest of Venice, as this boutique property makes no secret of the fact that it’s made for romance. Each room and suite has a playful title, like “dirty weekend” and a (unenforced) dress code—as in the “sumptuously naked” Doge’s Suite, with its wall-to-wall, blood-red décor. It’s clear this is not the place to bring the kids, but rather for a crazily romantic retreat in the heart of Italy’s most romantic city, where you don’t worry about the price tag. Time Out tip: The hotel’s minipalace is a deluxe apartment on three floors, with a private terrace overlooking La Salute and Giudecca island. Book it. Nearby:Santa Maria della Salute: For a look inside one of the most recognized churches on the Venice skylinePunta della Dogana: For a celebrated modern art collection in the former customs houseRistorante Riviera: For fine dining, heart-soaring views and attitude to spare

In a city of stone and brick built over water, gardens are a rarity, and Palazzo Venart has a delightful one right on the Grand Canal. Each room is different in this 15th-century palace, with décor themed to match an aspect of Venetian history and literature, and adorned with damask wall coverings, period artworks and Murano glass. Suites are befitting of royalty, and many have views of the Grand Canal. GLAM, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, offers al fresco dining in good weather. It, along the GLAM bar, are open to non-hotel guests. Time Out tip: If you splurge on two nights in a luxury category suite, round-trip water taxi service from Santa Lucia station is included (or one-way from Venice’s Marco Polo Airport). Nearby:La Zucca: For elevated, much-celebrated, mostly vegetarian cuisineMocenigo Palace Museum: For a museum of fabric and costume, with an exhibit on the history of perfumeGelato di Natura: For innovative flavors and all-natural ingredients

Austrian-born socialite and widow of the famous composer Gustav Mahler, Alma Mahler was a muse to some of the early 20th-century’s most influential artists. Behind an unmarked door at the of a dead-end canalside street, her former home and idyllic garden are now a high-end boutique hotel, and form a quiet oasis in the middle of busy San Polo. The six bright, tranquil rooms are relatively unadorned, with a mix of modern and more traditional décor. All have views of the garden, where breakfast is served in good weather. Time Out tip: Suites have separate bedrooms, and sleeping areas with sofa beds, making them a great option—and good value—for families. Nearby:Campo San Polo: For relaxing and people-watching on one of Venice’s largest squaresBasilica dei Frari: For Titian’s tomb and one of Venice’s major basilicasIl Mercante: For craft cocktails among the beautiful people

From prime real estate on Piazza San Marco, in the shadow of the basilica and campanile (bell tower), Caffé Florian has been serving pricey drinks since 1720. Still, that’s no reason not to go there, as sipping a cappuccino or prosecco, either at one of the tables on the square is right up there with a gondola ride on the list of overpriced things you simply must do in Venice. Plus, the food and drinks are actually quite good. So resign yourself to the sticker shock and enjoy this only-in-Venice spectacle of white-jacketed waiters, silver tea trays and unabashed poshness. Time Out tip: When the live orchestra is playing at Caffé Florian’s piazza bandstand, you’ll be charged an additional cover of €6 per person to sit out front. Head to the bar inside to avoid the surcharge. Nearby:Giardini Reali: For a small patch of green space just around the corner from St. Mark’sMuseo Correr: For more than 500 years of Venetian history and culture, in a setting fit for kingsSan Zaccaria traghetto stop: For catching a boat to the beaches of Lido

Since its inception in 1895, the Venice Biennale has been one of the most important and influential events in international contemporary art. The visual art exhibit is held every two years in odd-numbered years, while in even-numbered years, the focus is on architecture. More than 70 countries have permanent pavilions at the Giardini della Biennale, the main event venue located on the SE end of the Castello district. Other events take place at the Venice Arsenal and at sites across the city. The biennale runs from May to November. Time Out tip: The biennale is vast, spread across dozens of pavilions, the Aresenal, palazzos, museums and public spaces throughout Venice. Don’t expect to see it all in even a few days and if there are installations you don’t want to miss, be sure to make a plan and map out your route in advance. Nearby:Ristorante Paradiso: For an Aperol Spritz and views to die for, right in the Biennale gardenVia Giuseppe Garibaldi: For restaurants galore and a slice of working-class VeniceParco delle Rimembranze: For a surprisingly tranquil green space steps from the national pavilions

In an elegant canalside palazzo, this museum comprehensively and elegantly recounts the history of glassmaking, with special emphasis on Roman glass, and how the artistry and technology developed in Venice. For example, did you know the first clear glass was invented on Murano, and not until the 1400s? Before you start shopping for glass on Murano, make the museum your first stop, to better understand the intricacies and process of the island’s handmade treasures. Time Out tip: Buy a combined ticket to the Murano Glass Museum and the Lace Museum on Burano, and save a few euros. Both museums are also included under the Venice Museum Pass. Nearby:Church of Santa Maria e San Donato: For 7th-century mosaics and dragon bonesVetreria Artistica Colleoni: For exquisite designs and glass-blowing demos La Perla Ai Bisatei: For casual dining elbow to elbow with local glassmakers

Almost every city in Italy celebrates Carnevale—the equivalent of Mardi Gras—in the two weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday, but no place does it with the pomp and pageantry of Venice. You’ll find costumed revelers heading to and from boat parades, street fairs and formal balls, and the atmosphere in the city is festive and a tad mischievous. The action centers around Piazza San Marco, but there are events in every sestiere. Carnevale dates vary from year to year, depending on the timing of Easter.  Time Out tip: Do Carnevale up right by buying a handmade mask from one of Venice’s dwindling number of authentic mask-making workshops—try Ca’ Macana or Ca’ del Sol for the real deal. Nearby:Attend a Costume Ball: For over-the-top glamour with a touch of Eyes Wide ShutBasilica San Marco: For Ash Wednesday services and post-festival atonementHotel Monaco Restaurant: For an uber-fancy meal, right on the Grand Canal

Stylish contemporary décor isn’t the norm for Venice hotels, but Charming House DD724 (and its sister property, Charming House DD694 is 1 minute away) makes it work, with sleek, understated furnishings and color schemes offset by bold shots of color. You won’t be overwhelmed with amenities at this boutique property, but a glass of prosecco at check-in, art-filled common areas and a generous hot and cold breakfast buffet are nice added touches. In-room extras include Nespresso machines, bespoke toiletry kits and natural mosquito repellant—a welcome amenity during Venice’s humid summer months. Time Out tip: For a quieter stay, ask for a room overlooking the Rio de lo Toreseie canal or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection sculpture garden. Nearby:Gelateria Nico: For a cup or cone with a waterside view of GiudeccaAi Gondolieri: For a celebrated meat dishes in a city famous for its seafoodIl Pavone: For Venetian handmade paper stationery, books and gifts

The area around Santa Lucia train station is not the most appealing in Venice, but this smart modern hotel makes up for it, with highly polished interiors, sleek, slightly posh rooms and a nice enclosed courtyard with tables, umbrellas and lounging areas. Rooms have wood or tile floors, tufted headboards and ample natural light. Beyond its convenience for those departing on early morning trains, the hotel is also a short walk to the Grand Canal and the main vaporetto lines to reach Rialto, San Marco and points farther. Amenities include a breakfast buffet and a small cocktail bar. Time Out tip: Rooms here tend to run on the small side. If you reserve through the hotel’s website, include a note or send an email asking for a larger room. Or ask for an upgrade at check-in. Nearby:Giardini Papadopoli: For a nice patch of shady green space across the canal from the train stationBacareto da Lele: For an overstuffed panino and a glass of wine to wash it down withSanta Lucia Station: For surprisingly good shopping, including Desigual and MAC Cosmetics

There’s something about Hotel Flora that evokes the Venice of yore, when the city was filled with small, affordable family-run hotels. Flora is an inviting sanctuary in the thick of San Marco, where longtime staff members offer a warm welcome and go out of their way to accommodate families with small children. An petite, enchanting garden offers a shady respite for tea or a cocktail from the bar. There are few hotels in Venice providing this level of comfort and service at this price point, and Flora is filled with repeat guests. Book early. Time Out tip: Frequent guests to Hotel Flora say that standard rooms can run on the small side, and that it’s worth paying extra for a larger room, particularly one facing the garden. Nearby:Teatro La Fenice: For Italian opera on one of the world’s most famous stagesSanta Maria del Giglio ferry stop: For a short-cut over to Punta della Dogana and La SaluteBar Longhi: For pricey cocktails and Grand Canal views