Hello from Venice again and this time it’s for the Venice International Film Festival, the oldest film festival in the world part to the “Big Three” film festivals alongside the Cannes Film Festival and Berlin International Film Festival.
Actually one cannot travel often enough to this magical town at the lagoon with the Art Biennale going till November.
Here are the things to do between screenings or when you only have 48 hours in town
Get up early, before the city gets invaded by tourists and enjoy strolling along the canals. Get lost in this magnificent labyrinth and when it gets hot around noon google maps takes you back home.
The Biennale is a Must and don’t take it too serious an try to see all the pavilions, pick your favorite . Our favorite is the U.S. Pavilion with “Tomorrow is Another Day” by Mark Bradford, Giardini Pubblici and the Australian one is perfect for a little daydreaming on their terrace next to the Canal.
If you like it busy, stay at the Danieli Hotel. Take a room on the side canals, its quieter. If you want to have the Diva feeling book the Greta Garbo Suite and don’t leave your room, its just too pretty inside.
Refresh after a screening and just walk along the beachside of the Lido. Even if you are not there for the film festival. No matter which season or weather having a beach walk at the Lido is obligatory . You can take the Vaporetto from the Giardini and after 3 stops you step of the Lido and walk along the main street towards the open beach side. Book a beach cabana for the day or just run and dive into the sea for a quick touch of the Mediterranean.
Late afternoons or early Aperitivo time is most private and exquisite at the garden of the Aman Hotel. One of the view family owned Palazzos with a private garden full of lush greens and with a view to the Canale Grande and Ponte di Rialto.
Wherever I go I look for bookstores. Assouline belongs to my favorite ones as their shops are well curated often also with art and furniture for sale . Browsing through their books is magical and inspiring in many ways.
One of my favorite restaurants is Ostaria Da Rioba in the Jewish quarter far away from Ponte Rialto or Piazza San Marco. Here you find little bars, shops and the best food in town.
