Elizabeth Heath

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. 

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. 

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 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 things to do in Venice

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

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

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 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

You’ve probably already seen photos of Burano’s colorful houses, painted in those bright hues so that returning fishermen can find them in the fog. Though Burano’s age-old traditions of fishing and lacemaking are waning as time marches on, you can still find traces of them on a daytrip here, and you’ll get away from some of the craziness of Venice. Lots of people combine Burano with a stop at Murano, but do take at least a few hours to explore this quieter side of life in the Venetian Lagoon. Time Out tip: Consider spending the night on Burano so you’ll be there in the evening, when fishing boats pull in for the night, neighbors lean out of their balconies chatting, and the day-trippers have gone home.  Nearby:Museo del Merletto: For a fascinating look at Burano’s lacemaking traditionsTrattoria al Gatto Nero: For a memorable fresh-off-the-boat seafood dinnerTorcello Island: For a look at where Venetian history began

“Iconic” doesn’t quite do it justice—the Rialto Bridge is one of the most photographed pieces of architecture in the world. And since it’s one of the few places you can cross the Grand Canal without getting your feet wet, chances are you’ll walk along it more than once during your stay in Venice. The 16th-century bridge is still supported by about 12,000 wood pilings, and contains three passageways, as well as small shops, most of them hawking touristy wares. It’s tough to linger amid the thick crowds, but try to take a few moments to admire the graceful design and details. Time Out tip: When the crowds get too thick, pop into one of the Rialto Market’s many bacari, tiny little wine bars for a plate or two of cicchetti (think tapas) and a glass of prosecco. Cantina Do Moro is a favorite.  Nearby:Rialto Fish Market: For the daily spectacle of more types of fish and crustaceans than you realized swam in the sea (closed Sunday)San Giacomo di Rialto Church: For checking the time on your watch against the massive 15th-century clock on the church facade.SuSo Gelatoteca: For artisanal gelato made with fresh, seasonal ingredients

When barbarian hordes swept across Italy after the fall of the Roman Empire, mainlanders fled to Torcello and set up housekeeping. The remains of Santa Maria Assunta church attest to the island’s importance in Lagoon history. The church dates to the 600s, though the surviving structure, along with its dazzling gold mosaics, are from the 11th century. Though the mosaics alone are worth the trip, Torcello also offers a fascinating look into the long-abandoned settlement that predates Venice—it was from Torcello that residents moved to the area now known as Rialto, to create the settlement that would grow to be Venice.  Time Out tip: The church’s Last Judgment mosaic graphically depicts sinners being shoved into the flames of Hell. Since most churchgoers were illiterate, the comic-like images were designed to communicate a load and clear message.   Nearby: Santa Fosca church: For early Christian relics and the tomb of a third-century saintLocanda Cipriani: For fancy dinner and drinks at one of Hemingway’s hauntsPonte del Diavolo: For a tiny bridge with a backstory of witchcraft and forbidden love

If you’re looking for a family-friendly break from Venice or wanting to see how Europeans rock their beach vacations, head to Lido di Venezia, one of the continent’s oldest beach resorts. Once a destination for Europe’s literary elite, it’s now a much more down-to-earth place, though the glamour factor rises about a gazillion notches during the Venice International Film Festival. Nightlife is hopping here during high season, and from the Venice side of the island, evening views of the city are magnificent. Time Out tip: Since free space on the sand is at a premium here, you’re ahead to rent a lounge chair and umbrella from one of the dozens of stabilimenti lining the beach, where you’ll have access to bathrooms, showers and changing rooms. Nearby:Hotel Excelsior: For drinks or dinner with sea views and legendary atmosphereCircolo Golf Venezia: For saying you teed off in sight of the Lagoon of Venice< br />El Pecador: For burgers and booze vended from out of a vintage London double-decker bus

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