Life on this beautiful island is never boring. There’s always something happening, a secret to uncover, or a hidden corner that reminds you why millions of people dream to experience this city every year.
But let’s be real: you can’t digest centuries of history in just a few days. That’s why, every once in a while, I like to slow down, shift my perspective and spend a full day as a tourist in my own home… and today, I’m taking you with me.
BREAKFAST: Elegance at the Gates of Music
I woke up feeling fancy today, so we are starting our day at Moro Café. It’s an elegant, refined spot tucked inside a historic palace, right in front of the San Vidal Church.
With a fine pastry and (most importantly) a good coffee, we are officially ready to start!
A little secret: Did you know San Vidal is the “home” of the Interpreti Veneziani? The church was founded in 1084 by Doge Vitale Falier. Starting your day here, surrounded by the echoes of Vivaldi and the scent of fresh coffee, is pure magic.
MORNING: The Renaissance Heart and Gothic Majesty
After coffee, everything becomes a lot easier, and our morning kicks off with two of Venice’s most breathtaking and often underestimated landmarks: San Rocco and the Frari.
The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is often called the “Sistine Chapel of Venice” because it houses a massive, stunning cycle of paintings by Tintoretto, who spent over 20 years decorating its walls.
Just a few steps away, the Basilica dei Frari will leave you speechless with its Gothic and majestic presence. Inside, you’ll find Titian’s Assumption of the Virgin, a true historical masterpiece that alone is worth the visit.
insider tip: if you see a church with its doors open — always go inside. Even the simplest façades often hide beautiful secrets!
LUNCH: Ristorante La Feluca
Whether it’s for a quick lunch or a refined dinner, Giacomo never disappoints. It’s one of those authentic spots where locals choose to go, and the quality speaks for itself. From selected cuts of meat to exceptionally fresh raw seafood (my absolute favourite), you simply cannot go wrong!
AFTERNOON: The Creative Genius
After lunch, we are diving into the rich, eclectic atmosphere of Palazzo Fortuny, a few steps away from “La Feluca”.
This was once the home and studio of Mariano Fortuny, a Spanish-born genius of textile design, fashion, and lighting. The building itself, known as Palazzo Pesaro degli Orfei, is one of the finest examples of Venetian Gothic architecture. Walking through his precious fabrics, theatrical lighting and art in all its forms, feels like stepping back into the most bohemian and creative era of Venice.
AFTERNOON BREAK: Family Vibes at Palazzo San Luca
You know you’re working in the right place and with the right people when even on your day off, you have the pleasure of spending time there. At Palazzo San Luca, we are like a family, and it creates the best work environment.
So, after passing by Marchini (a true Venetian historical pastry) to grab a few pastries, we head to Palazzo for a quick break, inside our almost 400-year-old palace, next to the Church of San Luca.
Of course… it wasn’t a quick break at all! Time flies when you’re having fun between a coffee, a conversation, a little gossip, and a glass of good wine.
SUNSET: The Golden Hour at Zattere
As the sun begins to set, we make our way to Zattere, which, to me, is one of the absolute best spots to see the Venetian sunset.
Of course, a walk here isn’t complete without a Select Spritz, the original Venetian aperitivo, born right here in the Castello district.
To complete your walk, after admiring the San Marco square from “Punta della Dogana”, a must-do is the “Basilica della Salute”, a 17th-century baroque masterpiece, which was built as a votive offering for the city’s liberation from the plague of 1630. Inside it, various works by Titian and Tintoretto are held.
DINNER: Vini da Gigio
We are continuing our day with dinner in one of the most historical and renowned Venetian restaurants: Vini da Gigio.
If you are a wine enjoyer, there is no better place than this. With a wine list featuring hundreds of labels, professional and helpful staff and delicacies in every bite, Vini da Gigio is the perfect spot for a typical Venetian dinner.
tip: The restaurant is cozy and very highly requested, so make sure to book your table in advance, or call for availability.
LATE NIGHT: One Last Stop
Are you not tired yet? If you aren’t, come with me to our last stop of the day: Retro. Not far from the restaurant, is this beautiful bar with cozy, vintage vibes, great cocktails, and an atmosphere that makes today’s tens of thousands of steps disappear, as if the night has just begun.
PS: In the small gallery there aren’t any photos of the described landmarks. I don’t want to ruin the surprise, seeing them in person is a lot more special!
