A city of winding waterways, awe-worthy Renaissance artwork, and blissfully no motors, Venice is one of the few entirely unique cities on Earth.
But, perhaps the only match to The Floating City’s wonder are the crowds. Fewer than 50,000 residents live in the historic center (centro storico), which covers a mere 2.9 square miles, yet around 30 million tourists visit a year. And, with the annual Venice Film Festival taking place from September 2 through 12, 2026, numbers are expected to fluctuate. How, then, is it possible to find corners of this city not crammed full with aimless sightseers?
Truthfully, you’ll struggle, with less and less corners reserved exclusively for locals and in-the-know visitors – but we tapped our Venice experts to share their tips on how to get under the surface of Europe’s sinking city during the 2026 film festival.
The best hotels in Venice
From grand palazzos to canal-front institutions, Venice’s hotel scene is one virtually coated in glamour. Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel (from the same team as Harry’s Bar) has been welcoming guests inside its pink facade since the 1950s, and is regarded as one of the city’s calmer – and crucially more exclusive – haunts, thanks to its location on the tip of Giudecca island (there’s a 24/7 boat shuttle).
Aman Canal Grande is another city staple among the jet-set (Amal and George wed here in 2014). Occupying eight historic palazzos, the hotel overlooks Venice’s main waterway – book the Grand Canal Suite for the best views, or check in to the Alcova Tiepolo Suite for magnificent grandeur.
A newcomer is Orient Express Venezia, which opened in March 2026. The result of an eight-year restoration project by Aline Asmar d’Amman, the hotel occupies a 15th-century palace that was once a grand home for noble Venetian families. Now, it offers 47 rooms and suites, each with a unique layout and distinctly local details.
Where to eat in Venice
Despite its rich culinary culture, eating well in Venice is notoriously hard. The city has a good smattering of Michelin stars – two-starred Glam Enrico Bartolini is among its most exclusive restaurants – but their numbers are matched ten-fold by tourist traps. Although popular, Venetian institutions remain worth the reservation: “Harry’s Bar still retains its legacy as an iconic restaurant,” says Piero Pastore, general manager at the Nolinski Venice hotel. [Order] the Pierini and the vanilla meringue cake.”
Marino Lucchetti, head bartender at Londra Palace Veneziae hotel, directs people to Lineadombra, in the Dorsoduro neighborhood. “Its location is unique; in the summer, you can eat on a terrace right on the water, [with a view of] the island of San Giorgio and the Church of the Redentore located on the opposite island. The menu offers classic Venetian dishes but with a modern culinary and gastronomic approach.”
While the city does a good line in high-end restaurants, for a real taste of Venice, head to a bàcari – “the city’s ‘pubs’,” according to Lucchetti. Hundreds are dotted across the city, these rustic standing taverns are informal and local, and serve glasses of wine and spritz alongside cicchetti (small plates and snacks such as croquettes or meat-topped bread). Don’t come for fancy; come for proper Venetian culture.
Marisa Convento, a Murano-glass jewelry designer, names Cantina Do Mori, a Calle Dell’Arco bàcari that dates to 1462, as her favorite: “[it’s] a very old wine bar where local people from the nearby Rialto marketplace go … it is truly amazing.”
“If you want to take a break and blend in with the Venetians, I recommend Baccardetto da Lele in the university area,” says Lucchetti. “The [house] wine and the accompanying cicchetti are very good.”
Late restauranteur – and bona fide Venice expert – Russell Norman hailed Bar All’Arco as his go-to (it reportedly was the inspiration for Polpo, his generation-defining London-born restaurant group).
Best cocktail bars in Venice
While bàcari are the traditional drinking hotspots, the city has many upmarket cocktail bars, too. “Go to the Experimental Cocktail Club, a small place at the Palazzo Experimental hotel, located in one of the most beautiful and quiet areas of Venice, Le Zattere,” says Lucchetti.
“The cocktail preparations are original and continuous research has led to the creation of a constantly updated drink list that combines uncommon ingredients and classic mixing.”
Lorenzo Cinotti, founder of Venetian culture magazine and digital platform Venezia da Vivere, sends people to The Arts Bar at the St Regis – a cocktail-led space with a rotating selection of artists on display.
Other premium post-dinner spots include Gritti Palace’s grand Bar Longhi (work by its namesake artist lines the walls), and Aman’s fresco-adorned Aman Hotel Bar. Of course, every trip to Venice must include a trip to Harry’s Bar for a bellini.
Where can you escape the crowds?
Quiet spaces are few and far between, but our experts still have places for respite. “The Giardini della Biennale is a peaceful oasis away from the crowds, surrounded by greenery and the lagoon,” says Pastore.
Alvise Gavardina, head concierge at Il Palazzo Experimental, recommends Punta della Dogana: “I particularly enjoy the open view across the water towards St Mark’s Square. It’s a wonderful place to slow down for a moment, clear your mind and simply enjoy Venice.”
