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 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

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

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”

There’s been a church on this pretty square since the 600s, though the present Church of San Zaccaria dates to the late 15th century. The bones of Saint Zacharias (Zaccaria), the father of John the Baptist, still lie in this church, which was once the site of convent where the nuns, many of them daughters of the wealthy doges of Venice, weren’t exactly known for their purity and humble lifestyles. The 1505 altarpiece by Giovanni Bellini, Madonna Enthroned with Child and Saints is considered his finest work and a seminal example of the Venetian Renaissance. Pay a couple of euro extra to go down to the beautiful vaulted crypt, which contains the tombs of several doges and is permanently flooded. Time Out tip: Combine a trip to San Zaccaria with stops at several noteworthy churches in the same area, including the ornate, Greek Orthodox Chiesa San Giorgio dei Greci, Santa Maria della Pietà, where Vivaldi once gave music lessons, and San Giovanni in Bragora, to see altarpieces from Giambattista Cima. Nearby:Libreria Acqua Alta: For browsing the stacks in the “world’s most beautiful bookstore”Dal Moro's Fresh Pasta To Go: For elevated carry-out pasta with made-to-order saucesMagie di Carnevale: For handmade dolls, carnival masks and costumes

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