Majestic and fragile, captivating and timeless, Venice reveals itself like a mirage set upon the water. At every turn of the canal, La Serenissima whispers centuries of history, art, and splendor. Between secret addresses, legendary hotels, exceptional restaurants, and off-the-beaten-path experiences, I open the doors to an authentic and refined Venice, designed for dreamers and insiders alike.
This summer, Venice made headlines by hosting the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. The event became a contemporary legend: illuminated palaces, a sparkling lagoon, guests gliding across the water at dusk… A spectacular, almost unreal setting.
But let’s not be fooled. La Serenissima does not need the pomp and circumstance of a billionaire to shine. Throughout the year, it celebrates beauty and the art of living through its major events: the Carnival in February, the opening of the Biennale in the spring, the Festa del Redentore in July, the Mostra and the Regata Storica in September. In Venice, the calendar itself becomes a musical score.
Venice is an enchanting city without equal. Unique in the world, without rival. People come here to be dazzled, of course, but above all to be moved. Venice does not seduce, it bewitches. It reminds us that luxury is not abundance, but emotion. Here, every morning is like a rebirth, every reflection in the water becomes a painting, every encounter a secret shared. Venice is not a destination: it is an initiation.
The Carnival in February is one of the best excuses to experience an unforgettable moment, provided you play along: wear a mask, dance, lose yourself in the night, and laugh with strangers who become your companions for the evening.
If you prefer tranquility, Venice is yours to discover, almost secret during the off-season between New Year’s and Carnival. Truman Capote summed it up perfectly: “Venice is like eating a whole box of liqueur chocolates at once.” It’s all about moderation. There’s no need to try to see everything, check everything off your list, or consume everything. Venice doesn’t like lists.
Nevertheless, here is my selection of places and experiences for experiencing the city differently—with curiosity and daring—in dolce vita style.
Take a motoscafi (water taxi) from the airport
To get to your hotel from Marco Polo Airport, nothing beats the charm of a motoscafi, the quintessential Venetian water taxi. Aboard an elegant varnished teak speedboat, the journey itself becomes an experience. From the very first minutes, the lagoon works its magic: the hustle and bustle fades away and Venice reveals itself.
This private water taxi takes you directly to your hotel’s pontoon in absolute comfort and a cinematic atmosphere. Expect to pay around €125 for a 25-minute crossing.
For a more economical option, the Alilaguna river shuttle connects the airport to the city for €18, with four lines serving the main districts.
In Venice, even the arrival is a promise: here, everything seems simple, almost natural, as the city floats on the water, a paradox that contributes to its incomparable charm.
Set down your suitcase at the Hotel Gabrielli Venezia, a historic gem
A few steps from Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) and the Biennale gardens, the Hotel Gabrielli is one of the most prestigious addresses in the City of the Doges. Recently renovated, this 14th-century palace, rated five stars, brilliantly combines historical heritage and contemporary elegance in a setting where every detail tells the story of Venice. A refuge for intellectuals and brilliant minds, the Gabrielli welcomed Sigmund Freud and Franz Kafka, who wrote numerous love letters to his fiancée Felice Bauer there. This literary heritage gives the place a unique, almost romantic aura.
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Featured photo: A couple having lunch on a terrace during the Venice Carnival. © Corine Moriou
