HOTELS: Hotel Danieli, the legendary luxury hotel, near Piazza San Marco, in original 14th century palace of Doge Dandolo’s family, panoramic views from the rooftop restaurant. Hotel Cipriani, four minutes by private launch from San Marco, tranquillity, and the finest views of the lagoon and Doge’s Palace. Hotel Flora, an intimate and charming hotel with a delightful garden, situated behind Saint Mark’s Square , in the heart of Venice.

RESTAURANTS: Trattoria Da Fiore, run by a native Venetian family, affordable, tast the pennette alla Fiore and the frittura mista, 3461 Calle De Le Botteghe, San Marco. Al Fontego dei Pescatori, the best fish in Venice, Sottoportego del Tagiapiera, Cannaregio 3711. Antico Martini, since 1720, very good but expensive, Campo San Fantin. Same owner, Vino Vino, wine-bar, good food, affordable, on Ponte delle Veste. Osteria La Zucca, a good vegetarian restaurant, San Giacomo dell’Orio Santa Croce, 1762.

BARS: The oldest, Da Elio (Campo delle Beccarie), Do Mori (Calle de Do Mori), Antico Dolo (Ruga Vecchia), and Ruga Rialto (Calle del Sturion) for cichetti e ombra, a snack and a glass of wine. Harry’s Bar, Italy’s most legendary bar, Calle Vallareso.

CAFES: Caffe Florian, founded in 1720, a sumptuous interior, on the Piazza San Marco. Caffe Quadri, on the Piazza, for a musical trip.

BAKERIES AND ICE CREAM: Alaska, Calle Larga dei Bari, 1159 Santa Croce. Ca’D’Oro, 4273/B Strada Nuova, Cannaregio. Boutique Del Gelato, Salizada San Lio, 5727 Castello. Pasticceria Rizzardini, since 1742, 1415 San Polo, Venice, 30125.

SHOPPING: Antica Legatoria Piazzesi, the oldest bookbindery in Venice, 2511 Campiello della Feltrina. Venini, since 1921, one of the most respected and innovative glassmakers in Venice, Piazetta dei Leoni 314 with factory and showrooms on Fondamenta Vetrai 50, Murano. Mondonovo Maschere, famous mask makers, Rio Terà Canal Dorsoduro.

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