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These Are the Top Places to Visit During Carnival in Venice

Destinations

During the "fifth season" La Serenissima is transformed into a hotspot for mask fans. But where is the best place to sleep, eat and shop?

The Venice Carnival is known like no other. Its colorful masks, fireworks and traditions attract spectators from all over the world to the lagoon city. Already the Doge Vitale Falier mentioned the festivities in his chronicle. And that already in the year 1094. It is likely that people were already celebrating before that.

February in the lagoon city © Dorian Mongel

It reached its peak of splendor in the 18th century. In seiner heutigen Form – also samt Masken auf der Straße, Eröffnung durch den “Engelsflug” (“Volo dell’Angelo”) und Kostümprämierungen – feiert man den Venice Carnival Its ceremonial opening takes place ten days before Ash Wednesday with a colorful parade at the Grand Canal. The fulminant end represents a Concert in St. Mark's Square on Shrove Tuesday.

The best hotels for Carnival in Venice

Ca' di Dio

Eine Suite im Boutiquehotel © Ca’ di Dio

The boutique hotel is located in an almost 800-year-old palazzo. Madrid star designer Patricia Urquiola recently gave it a fresh breath of air. Architecture and design meet a long history here. Apart from the excellent restaurant and the beautiful rooms, it is also the location that convinces. Because it's only a few minutes' walk to St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge. During Carnival, the luxury hideaway becomes the venue for the Atelier Pietro Longhi pop-up, known throughout the world for its costume culture and high-quality craftsmanship. Every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Carnival fans browse through the more than one hundred costumes created by fashion designer Francesco Briggi and his wife Anna in search of the perfect disguise.

Hotel Ca’ di Dio
Riva de la Ca’ di Dio 2181, Sestiere Castello, 30122 Venezia, Italien
Tel.: +39 4109 80238
Web: vretreats.com
Price: Double room from approx. € 223,- per night

Book now

H10 Palazzo Canova

The lobby of the hotel © H10 Hotels

Just a few meters from the most popular attractions. And right on the water. Equipped with interior design that reflects the colors of the lagoon. This is how this Hotel on the Grand Canal to its guests. Inside they used materials from the region, including the famous Murano glass. The house has 61 rooms, most of which offer views of the water. When the weather is warm, the rooftop bar and a small courtyard.

H10 Palazzo Canova
Riva del Vin, 744, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
Web: h10hotels.com
Tel.: +39 041 520 0172
Price: Double room incl. breakfast from approx. € 500,- per night

Book now

Il Palazzo Experimental

Adriatic touches in the rooms © Karel Balas

The Experimental Group is considered one of the trendiest hospitality brands in Europe. Cocktail bars, restaurants and hotels are already part of the brand that four friends created. Experimental Group's first three hotels did extremely well. The fourth, Palazzo Experimental, followed in 2019. The original substance of the former palazzo has been preserved. References to gondoliers and the history of the lagoon city are everywhere. The vibe is incredibly great, the style unforgettable. The spa and rooms, some with private plunge pools, are amazing.

Il Palazzo Experimental
Fondamenta Zattere Al Ponte Lungo, 1411, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
Web: palazzoexperimental.com
Tel.: +39 041 098 0200
Price: Double room incl. breakfast from approx. € 330,- per night

Book now

Continue reading: These are the most luxurious hotels in Venice

Venice Carnival Restaurant Tips

The Blue Room, Aman Venice

Exterior view of the legendary hotel © Aman

Inspired by Chief Norbert Niederkofler und seiner “Cook the Mountain” Philosophie serviert The Blue Room, gelegen im imposanten Aman Venice, eine neue Tasting Menu Experience. Unter dem Motto “Cook the Lagoon” serves dishes inspired by the local ecosystem, traditional and sustainable. Six to eight courses, vegetarian on request, are on the menu. 

Aman Venice
Palazzo Papadopoli, Calle Tiepolo, 1364, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
Tel: +39 041 270 7333
Web: aman.com

make a reservation

Cà d’Oro alla Vedova

The cozy osteria is also a favorite with locals. People gather here for traditional Venetian dishes. Especially the spaghetti vongole and the Fish dishes leave nothing to be desired. The decor is a mix of Parisian bistro and grandma's living room, which makes the place all the more magical.

Cà d’Oro alla Vedova
Ramo Ca’ d’Oro, 3912, 30121 Venezia VE, Italien
Web: facebook.com/allavedova
Tel.: 
+39 041 528 5324

make a reservation

Ristorante Quadrino

Spaghettoni al nero di seppia con le ostriche © Quadri Estate

There is probably no better place to eat in Venice during the peak Carnival season. Because the view from the Quadrino falls directly on St. Mark's Square. Since 1830, the restaurant has been one of the Institutions of the lagoon city. Heute kocht hier Starkoch Max Alajmo. Auf der Karte stehen Gerichte, die “mit dem Territorium, der Lagune und ihren Produkten, mit der venezianischen Tradition verbunden” sind, so Chief Alajmo

Ristorante Quadrino
Piazza San Marco, 123, 30124 Venice, Veneto, Italy
Web: alajmo.it
Tel.: 
+39 049 630303

make a reservation

Continue reading: These are the best restaurants in Venice

Shopping in the lagoon city

Libreria Acqua Alta

A must see! © Shutterstock

Supposedly it is the most beautiful bookstore der Stadt. Bekannt ist er jedenfalls auf er ganzen Welt. Denn weil bei Hochwasser (“Acqua Alta”) die Schätze aus Papier höchst gefährdet sind, fand man kreative Möglichkeiten, die Bücher zu lagern. Sie sind etwa in Bathtubs or gondolas accommodated.

Libreria Acqua Alta
C. Longa Santa Maria Formosa, 5176b, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy

Fondaco dei Tedeschi

© Didier Descouens – Eigenes Werk, CC BY-SA 4.0

Venice's shopping palace on the Rialto Bridge makes fashionistas' hearts beat faster. All the big brands, from Louis Vuitton Ibiza over Gucci, Fendi, Moncler and Jimmy Choo have found their home in this imposing palazzo on the Grand Canal. 7,000 square meters of shopping space including cafés, exhibition space and (insider tip!) publicly accessible rooftop are available.

Fondaco dei Tedeschi
Calle del Fontego dei Tedeschi, Ponte di Rialto, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
Web: dfs.com
Tel.: +39 041 314 2000

Loro Piana

Loro Piana accessories © Loro Piana

The Italian brand's only boutique is located inside the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana just south of St. Mark's Square. The elegant pieces made of high quality leather and soft cashmere have Fans around the world. Top are the customized personalizations. So every piece can become unique.

Loro Piana
San Marco Ascensione, 1301, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
Web:
ii.loropiana.com
Tel.: +39 041 277 0695

Claudia Hilmbauer
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