When in Italy, do as the Italians do!

We often hear from travelers that they don’t want to do only the “typical tourist things” when they jet off on their Italy tour or vacation package. So we’re always thrilled to share the places locals enjoy going so you can really experience life here as residents do.

Naturally our amazing Avventure Bellissime Italy tour guides are always happy to make recommendations for popular local shops and businesses and this month we’re looking at places to visit while you’re on vacation in Venice.

Once you’ve enjoyed seeing the secrets of Venice on foot and from the water on our Original Venice Walk and Gondola Ride Special Offer, enjoyed a day trip like our Small Group Dolomites and Cortina Trip from Venice, or as you wait to shiver your way through a night time Original Venice Ghost and Legends Walking Tour, there are plenty of delightful diversions to fill your free time like a Venetian!

Here are some of the places our team likes best in this stunning, ancient city built on over a hundred small islands in the marshy lagoon that lies along the Adriatic Sea:

Worked up an appetite touring the sites but don’t want to feel under dressed? You can enjoy casual dining at the Cantina do Spade just steps away from S. Matteo di Rialto Church. Located in an historic building (food has been served on this site for centuries), you will be able to select from many traditional Venetian meals, including fish, rice, soup, or cakes for dessert (and of course have a nice glass of wine to sip!) and just relax.

For those who are looking for somewhere to eat that boasts some eclectic furnishings, a wonderful ambience, and a menu that plays with traditional Venetian cuisine, we recommend the utterly charming Osteria di Santa Marina. You can get appetizers and wine off their impressive wine list, or try some delicious fried fish or handmade pasta.