A photographer’s guide to the city of Venice: my personal favorites.

I was born and bred in this unique and rather complicated city called Venice and over the years my love and hate relationship with Her has changed in unexpected ways. To be precise, I was born in Lido, the island known for the Film Festival, and moved to the historic centre of Venice at 18, when I started university.

As a teenager I used to hate the slowness of the lagoon, whereas now it’s exactly what keeps me hooked. So much so that I avoid the crowds and over touristy spots as much as possible and secretly hope to move back to my native island. Fortunately there are many corners that still offer silence and peace and although they may not look as glamorous as San Marco, I find them truly beautiful.

Venice is small in size, yet it is a never ending source of discoveries. So many times I lift my gaze and notice new details. There is no right or wrong way to experience the city, it is perfect whether you are looking for relaxation or noise, art or food, wine or specialty coffee. The only suggestion I have is to approach it with an open mind, as it differs from all other places in almost everything, and mostly with respect. An unseen gentleness characterizes this agglomeration of islands, where the contemporary must always consider the “old” and where the force of nature makes herself evident every season, be it through the high tide or strong winds.

In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite spots. Not a list of best or must-see, simply the ones I like :) a totally personal point of view.

Favorite Neighborhood:

Dorsoduro. Until a couple of years ago, I had another favorite.. but I recently changed my mind. Dorsoduro has become my number one because it doesn’t tend to get as overwhelmingly crowded as other areas, especially around the Basilica della Salute, where I love to take all sorts of photos, from portraits to fashion, as well as views of the city. I also love to walk along the Zattere and stop for a drink at the Chioschetto, which overlooks the Canale della Giudecca and is definitely the place to be at sunset.

Another relaxing walk is in the area of Angelo Raffaele and Santa Marta, where I suggest stopping for a coffee or a nice lunch at Caco Nero and visiting the small jewel that is the church of San Nicolò dei Mendicoli.

Favorite Eats:

Osteria Giorgione da Masa Masahiro is originally from Japan, although he has definitely achieved the status of Venetian now! His cuisine has become highly considered and I understand why. A unique fusion of traditional Japanese and Venetian cooking techniques, with many personal and innovative touches, ingredients of the highest quality and natural wine and sake. For anyone looking for explosive flavors!

Coffee at Combo A former convent, this cafeteria is simply beautiful! Go there for a snack like a salad or a sandwich or simply for a coffee. You might be lucky enough to find a flee market or some other creative event going on.

Venice Venice For drinks or for a fun and easy lunch. This hotel offers an incredible view over the Grand Canal and Rialto. At lunch the food is tasty and playful, and I would recommend trying their interpretation of cicheti!

Altanella On Giudecca, I like to sit outside in the terrace and enjoy a traditional Venetian lunch overlooking the Canale della Giudecca. A family-run restaurant that has a long history and that I like for its food, the ambience and the peace it offers.

Favorite Escapes:

Lido.

My native island. I go there whenever I have some spare hours, to walk along the beach shore and up to the lighthouse. On Fridays I love the farmers market and shop at the Vignole stall. The only season I don’t go as often is summer… in fact I joke that when the beaches (where people rent a capanna -a hut- for the season) I can finally start going ;) Let’s say that I don’t stay in the sun much and prefer autumn, winter and spring!

Every year, the week of the Film Festival, I wake up early and hop on a vaporetto to go to Lido and enjoy the most gorgeous light and the perfume of the saltiness of the sea. With the breeze kissing my cheeks. Marvelous.

Favorite Spots for photos:

• San Francesco della VignaThe two cloisters of this Franciscan church are places I go to also to find peace, read and relax. Sometimes I go there with my husband just to read the papers and chit chat. A place of the heart.

  

  
  

• Bell Tower of San Giorgio MaggioreFrom here… you get the best view of the city! I just love it!

  

  
  

• The vegetable garden of the Redentore ChurchA private space renovated by the Venice Garden Foundation, absolutely stunning and worth visiting! All year round. Open only from Wednesday to Saturday, 10 am-6 pm.

  

Favorite shopping (clothes & jewelry)

• Materialmente

  

Maddalena and Alessandro are a creative duo with a workshop in Giudecca and a small shop in the San Marco district. Sculptors, designers, artists. Their creations are light and poetic, transforming iron and other metals with a mastery that never forgets about the environment. Decorative panels, small and medium size sculptures and one-of-a-kind jewelry.

• AB Andreina Brengola Jewelry

  

Andreina’s style is minimalist and geometric. Her creations are lightweight and based on stretchy metallic rings, so comfortable they feel like a second skin. She does not have a shop, but welcomes visitors in her private atelier, which is an experience in itself, as the place is a former yoga and meditation studio with a very big garden, filled with flowers and from where you can see part of the entrance of the Tolentini church.I strongly suggest to send her a message and arrange an appointment!

• Monica Style Shoes - Rialto

  

The place to go for top quality wool in winter. Handmade hats, scarves and more. During the other seasons, several are the fabrics she turns into gorgeous bags, shoes, accessories. Durable, beautiful, handmade and of the highest quality… a real gem!