Elizabeth Heath

Romans often boast that they’re not only blessed with an inimitable heritage, but also with their proximity to the sea. In less than an hour, you can swap the Colosseum for a sun lounger along Lazio’s sandy coastline. Many beaches are accessible from Rome by public transport, while others require a car. Which is the nicest beach town near Rome? We’ll give you two. The most convenient, beautiful beach you can reach by train is Santa Marinella: scenic, swimmable and reliably crowded in summer, so go early. Our second pick is Sperlonga, a whitewashed gem best reached by car and ideal for a weekend escape, thanks to its clear waters, long beach and laid-back vibe. For more ideas, check out our list of the best day trips from Rome.  🛵 Discover our ultimate guide to what to do in Rome🏨 Ready to book? Here are Rome’s best hotels and best Airbnbs Elizabeth Heath and Livia Hengel are travel writers 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. 

Us Romans take our personal style seriously: it’s all part of our philosophy of embracing la bella figura and making a good impression. After all, Italy is known as one of the best shopping destinations on earth many of the world’s top artisans and famous designers started here. That’s a fact.  From independent brands to luxurious international fashion houses and curated vintage outlets, Rome is a haven for avid shoppers. Peruse luxury brands near the Spanish Steps, support local labels in Monti in between café hopping, or bring back homemade souvenirs from the capital’s many markets – whatever your style, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best places to go shopping in Rome. 🏨 RECOMMENDED: 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. 

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.

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. 

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.

What’s the vibe? Vegetarians who don’t care to see plates full of lifeless sea creatures staring back at them will take heart at La Zucca, which offers an extensive menu of creative vegetarian dishes, including pumpkin soup, asparagus flan and a zucchini and almond lasagna. There’s still plenty of meat and fish on the menu as well, plus scrumptious handmade desserts. What should I order? While classic menu items are always available, there’s also a changing list of daily specials—you usually can’t go wrong with one of these. What are the prices like? Main courses hover between €20 and €25. Time Out tip In the summertime, a few tables are set up outside; call ahead or stop by the day before if you want to be sure to snag one. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025. 📍 Discover the best restaurants in Venice

What’s the vibe? Enoteca Al Volto claims to be the oldest wine bar in Venice, and while that may or may not be true, a few things are certain: They’ve been serving fairly priced wine, beer and cicchetti since before WWII, in a homey setting and without an ounce of pretension. What should I order? Fans of baccalà mantecato, the storied Venetian cicchetti of creamed codfish served on polenta, will swear that Al Volto makes it best. You can order a simple ombra (a glass of wine in local slang) and a few small plates standing at the bar, or stay for a sit-down meal. What are the prices like? Most mains come in at around the €20 mark, a splendidly affordable price for one of Europe’s priciest destinations. Time Out tip Try to snag one of the few, highly coveted tables out front, and linger with your ombra and cicchetti. This is what you came to Venice for, and no one will rush you off. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025. 📍 Discover the best restaurants in Venice

What’s the vibe? In a 1700s palace restored by Philippe Starck, Max Alajmo offers Michelin-starred dining in an atmosphere that mixes old-world ornamentation with modern whimsy. The dress code is smart casual—in Italy, that means sharp, stylish attire that never looks like you’re trying too hard. What should I order? Seasonal tasting menus highlight the finest products from land and sea, and each meticulously presented course is more beautiful than the last. What are the prices like? With a wine list that starts at €50 a bottle and climbs to more than €1500, this is aspirational, bucket-list dining. The tasting menus range from €225 to €350. Time Out tip Make it the full monty of a Venetian night out: Before your dinner reservation, stop for an aperitivo at Gran Caffè Quadri, also run by the Alajmo family and right on the piazza. The caffè has been serving fancy cocktails since 1775. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025. 📍 Discover the best restaurants in Venice

What is it? Long-regarded as one of the great theatres in Europe, La Fenice is the stage on which many a grand opera has premiered, including La bohème, La traviata and Rigoletto. The current theatre is the fourth incarnation, after fires in 1774, 1836 and 1996 destroyed earlier structures. The present theatre is a painstaking re-creation of the 19th-century La Fenice, though the façade dates to the 1700s. Access is via guided tour only, during which visitors learn about the theatre’s fiery past and its role in the history of opera and performing arts. What can I do there? Experiencing a live performance at La Fenice is simply unforgettable. The season, which includes opera, orchestral performances and ballet, runs from June through October – so time your visit right and reserve tickets well in advance. If you just want to look around, book a guided tour online.  What can I find nearby? The Merchant of Venice: For perfume, glass art and posh only-in-Venice giftsTaverna La Fenice: For a pre-opera dinner in a setting almost as ornate as the theatre itselfVinoVino Wine Bar: For a late-night drink or snack after the show This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025.  📍 The best attractions in Venice

What’s the vibe? There’s not a surface in Antiche Carampane that’s not covered by something—wine bottles, old photos, plaques touting the restaurants many accolades. Diners are elbow-to-elbow in this packed eatery, awaiting artfully plated seafood entrees that come out of a tiny, adept kitchen.  What should I order? The catch of the day is guaranteed to be as fresh as anything you’ll eat in Venice, and the wine cellar is packed with gorgeous wines for that perfect pairing. What are the prices like? This family-run eatery is proud of its cooking, and menu prices reflect that, though the wine list has several decently priced bottles. Mains cost around €30, with antipasti and first courses averaging in the same range. Time Out tip Fresh fish or seafood sold by weight can result in some real sticker shock on your final tab. For anything sold by etto (100 grams), make sure your waiter specifies how much your serving will cost before you confirm your order. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025. 📍Discover the best restaurants in Venice

What’s the vibe? On colorful Burano, the azure blue façade of Trattoria al Gatto Nero is a landmark, as diners flock to this cozy, family-run eatery, open since 1946, for generous portions of fresh seafood harvested from the lagoon and the Adriatic. What are the prices like? Menu prices reflect the fact that you’re something of a captive on Burano when lunch or dinner rolls around, but this is Venice after all, where meals rarely come cheap. If you book far enough ahead, you can back a table by the canal.  Time Out tip For an only-on-the-island dish, try the Risotto Burano-style, made in a delicate fish broth and with a two-person minimum. The tiramisu here is also highly praised. Note: This restaurant is strictly reservation only, no walk-ins.  What’s worth visiting nearby? 1. Museo del Merletto: For history and demonstrations of Burano’s lacemaking traditions2. Merletti dalla Olga: For purchasing real handmade Burano lace3. Pasticceria Garbo: For authentic cookies, strudel and meringues This review was fact-checked and updated in 2024.  📍 Discover more of the best restaurants in Venice

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

Casanova called this palace home while he carried on his trysts in 18th-century Venice, and while his rooms were probably slightly more grand than current ones at this budget hotel, the association with the notorious lothario is good fun all the same. Ca’Bragadin’s location, near the point where the San Marco, Cannaregio and Castello sestieri all meet, means you got both well-traveled and less-explored Venice right outside the door. Rooms, while not fancy, are bright and airy, and some are quite modern. Amenities include a tiny courtyard and free breakfast. Time Out tip: Economy rooms are a real bargain here, but note that while they have private bathrooms, facilities are not en suite Nearby:Santi Giovanni and Paolo church: For Doges’ tomb and a Veronese ceilingSuSo Gelatoteca: For artisanal gelato made with fresh, seasonal ingredientsLibreria Acqua Alta: For books piled everywhere in the “world’s most beautiful bookstore”

The menu is short at Antico Forno, the ambiance is of shoebox proportions and service may be brusque—that is if you can elbow your way to the counter, past all the Instagrammers snapping photos of the archetypally awesome pizza served whole or by the slice here, but always to-go. “Pizzaccia” is a thick chunk of lofty focaccia bread overflowing with pizza toppings, or you can get a regular thin pie or an overstuffed panino (sandwich). This is good, honest grub at fair prices. Time Out tip: Venice suffers from a dearth of public places to sit down, and Antico Forno has a tiny, SRO dining area. So make your purchase, then walk about 4 minutes WSW to Campo San Polo, where you might be lucky enough to snag a park bench on which to enjoy your meal. Nearby:Cantina Do Moro: For wine and cicchetti in a legendary Venetian hole-in-the-wallRialto Bridge: For swoon-worthy views of the most famous of the Grand Canal bridgesScuola Grande di San Rocco: For Tintoretto paintings in a dazzlingly ornate setting

There’s little not to love about the Castello sestiere, set to the east of St. Mark’s and spreading out to the end of the island. It’s Venice in all its gorgeous, crumbling glory, and is the site of historic churches, locals’ bars, hole-in-the-wall eateries and cheap to extravagant hotels. The neighborhood gets more working-class as you head east, which is just the way the locals want to keep it. Touristy highlights here include the churches of San Zaccaria and Santi Giovanni and Paolo, plus the Arsenale, the historic shipyard from when Venice ruled the seas.  Time Out tip: Lined with bars and restaurants, Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, in the eastern half of Castello, is a great destination for an evening out, and one place in Venice place where locals just may outnumber tourists. Nearby:San Pietro di Castello: For one of Venice’s most historic churches, set on a tiny islandPonte del Purgatorio: For photo ops of a tiny bridge named in honor of Dante AlighieriInishark Irish Pub: For raising a pint when you’re tired of drinking wine

You’ll need to time your visit carefully (weekends only, from April to October) to the island of Lazzaretto Nuovo, recommended for those seeking an outdoorsy escape from Venice for a few hours. Once a monastery, the island became a quarantine holding area for incoming ships. During frequent outbreaks of plague in the 15th to 17th centuries, it was a final stop for the sick and dying—several mass graves have been found here. Today, several historic buildings remain in varying states of preservation. Time Out tip: Pack a picnic, and stop at Lazzaretto Nuovo before hopping over to Sant’Erasmo, another surprising pocket of green and calm in the Venetian Lagoon, where you can spread out a blanket and relax. Nearby:Beaches at Lido di Jesolo: For seeing how beach vacations are done, Italian-styleMuseo del Vetro: For Murano Island’s monument to glass-making traditionsTorre Massimiliana: For snacks and drinks in front of a 19th-century watchtower

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