Venice is one of the six biggest cities in Europe that attracts millions of visitors annually. Visitors aim to learn about the history, food, fashion and art that makes Venice special. Venice occupies a place in everyone’s ‘Must see’ list. One can take advantage of this magical and romantic city in a quick getaway.

Approximately 70 percent of Venice was flooded last November when tourists found themselves waist-deep in water. Indeed, walk boards can be seen in almost any side street for tourists to tread upon as they walk around the mysterious passageways that have branded this the “city of love and lights.”

With water levels in the Mediterranean Sea ever rising, experts have estimated that the magical city has sunk almost a foot over the past century and some claim that it will continue to do so unless moved altogether. The MOSE project, an anti-flooding system is expected to be completed in the coming year. The first of the efforts to create a buffer zone from water began several hundred years ago with the creation of the St. Marco’s Square (Piazza San Marco) and Basilica, now the central square.

Make sure to include Venice in your next Euro trip before it’s too late. We have a list of things you must see and do in this floating city. Venice is an assembly of 118 islands linked by small bridges and home to Vivaldi; its charm is self-imposing, self-explanatory and a universal measure for originality.

Where to go and what to see:

Arts, history and culture:

1) Doge’s Palace is located on the Piazza San Marco; it is one of the main landmarks of the city and it is built in a Venetian Gothic style. It was initially a residence of the Doge of Venice and was turned into a museum in 1923. It is said this palace was built to show off the wealth and power of the republic; it is now a well-kept palace that displays art pieces and sculptures of the Doge.

2) Right when you exit the palace you will pass by the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace with its infamous prison; it is called that way because it is the last thing that prisoners see on their way to jail.

3) Piazza San Marco was the Venetians Republic’s political and religious center in the early 1400. It is surrounded by museums, boutiques, restaurants and cafes. In other words, it the center of attraction for all visitors to this floating city.

4) For those of you who love fashion and art, you must pass by Prada Foundation, which is an institution, dedicated to contemporary art and culture. Its cutting-edge exhibitions conceived in dialogue with major contemporary artists as well as other cultural activities related to cinema, philosophy, and architecture, have enjoyed a wide international consensus.

5) Rialto Bridge is the oldest bridge across the Grand Canal; it was the dividing line for the districts of San Marco and San Polo. Just standing there will give you a great view of the canal. Make sure to bring your camera and go there during sunset.

6) Arrange for your gondolier to pass under the famous bridge named by Lord Byron in the 19th century, the Bridge of Sighs. A legend says that lovers will be granted eternal love if they kiss at sunset under this bridge while the bells of the Campanile toll.

Retail therapy:

1) Venice is famous for beautiful carpets and fabrics. I fell in love with traditional carpets, which are hung on the wall. Pass by Fabrics Giuliana next to Piazza San Marco to see beautiful handmade wall hangings, pillows, calligraphy and other great gift ideas and accessories.

2) One of the things you will love about Venice is that you can get lost wandering the streets and find small boutiques and shops that sell everything you will ever need. Every street will offer you something different but if you crossed the Piazza you will find a magical place where all international fashion brands are. The streets are not going to be as crowded as others but I call that street, home.

3) Souvenirs are all over the place as you walk around you will find kiosks and small boutiques that offer everything you want such as T-shirts, mugs, fridge magnets, fabric fans and most importantly Venetian masquerade masks.

4) One of the best things to do in Venice is to take a boat ride to Murano, which is an island famous for its glass. You will find many products sold in Venice but it’s nothing like physically visiting this place for a tour in one of the factories, where you can see artists shaping the glass right in front of your eyes.

Restaurants and cafes:

1) One of the recommended restaurants in Venice is the Trattoria Do Forni located close to Piazza San Marco. The restaurant’s history refers to the most peculiar and ancient traditions of Venice. During the golden years, this restaurant was a bakery that sold bread and sweets, but since 1973 it turned into a restaurant that includes two nearby rooms, one with rustic and elegant furniture that relates to the ancient Venetian tavern; the other called “Orient Express”, with deluxe furniture and the ambiance reminding visitors of the famous train which connects Venice to Istanbul and Paris. You will for sure love this restaurant that serves great seafood and traditional Venetian cuisine.

2) Bistrot de Venize is also close to Piazza San Marco and is a Trip Adviser winner for excellence this year. The restaurant is known for its historical Venetian cuisine with a concept of applying culture to local and regional gastronomy.

3) Caffe Florain is one of the oldest cafes in the whole country; it was established in 1720 and is located in the heart of the Piazza San Marco. Outdoor seating diners enjoy live orchestra. It is the best place to enjoy light bites and desserts along with classic music and a great view.

4) Reserve a Bacaro tour or a boat for tour like a Venetian around hidden canals in night light, stopping at typical restaurants for small bites and authentic Venetian coffee.

Where to stay:

Hotel Danieli was featured in a 2010 movie ‘The Tourist’ starring Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp. The suite, which appeared in the film was once lived in by the likes of Proust and Balzac, something mentioned in the film. In one scene, Depp clambered across the roof tiles of the hotel in his pajamas. This is no surprise that the movie was shot there; the hotel offers more than just luxury, it offers history, location along with great food and service. Daniele won a Trip Adviser certificate of excellence this year.

The hotel occupies a location rich in history on Riva degli Schiavoni and is a short walk to the heart of Venice, Piazza San Marco, as well as shopping areas, great restaurants and cafes. Hotel Danieli occupies three palazzos that were built in the 14th century. Each floor was built in a different century with 216 rooms and suits, most of which overlook the beautiful Venetian lagoon.

Danieli has been a hotel since 1822. It is a 14th century building with a pink exterior designed with marble shelves, white towers and balconies with pointed arches. One of the most attractive features is the patio covered with byzantine Gothic style arches that allow sunlight in. The hotel is the first in the city to have electricity and running water installed in the bathrooms.

As soon as you walk in the hotel you cannot help but notice the beautiful Venetian interiors and high ceiling embroidered with luxury designs. You cannot miss the Murano glass chandeliers, pink marble columns, woven rugs and dramatically high ceilings at the Grand Salone next to the lobby.

The stairs that guide you to your room are covered in a red carpet that will make you feel like a celebrity. The rooms and suites are covered in fabric wallpapers and art that reflects the old palazzo. You will definitely love the view of the lagoon You will also love how quite it is once you close your windows where you cannot hear the sound of people in the street, thanks to the sound-proof walls.

Danieli’s four Signature Suites are the definition of lavishness. Each suit is designed by French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, who was inspired by illustrious female figures from the worlds of fashion, music and cinema. Each suite reflects their personalities through the colors, fabrics and accessories. He named the suites Signature Diva after one of the most legendary actresses from the 1930’s; the Princess Suite designed with an extraordinary 1950’s cinema icon in mind, renewed for her grace and charm. The Signature Soprano Suite is dedicated to one of the most mesmerizing opera singers of the golden era, and last but not least the majestic Doge Dandolo Suite is named after Doge Enrico Dandalo, a famous Venetian from the middle ages.

The hotel does not have a pool or spa but guests can enjoy an in-room spa treatment provided by their sister hotel, The Gritti Palace. Guests of the hotel get access to golfing facilities at the Venice Golf Club at the Alberoni, in addition to privileged access during summer to private beach facilities and water sports on the Venice Lido.

When staying there, you cannot miss out on their great breakfast buffet on the terrace. Make sure you ask for a seat outside to enjoy the view of the canal and the city.

Email: [email protected]