Discover the magic of Venice with our comprehensive travel guide
With its stunning architecture and lively culture, the city captivates visitors from around the world. From the moment we arrived, romance and history greeted us. Thanks to Hotel Avani Rio Novo Venice’s convenient location, we quickly felt the city’s vibrant energy. Along the canals, buildings in ochre and terracotta whispered tales of a glorious past, while the sounds of gondoliers and souvenir vendors added to the city’s charm.
STAY HERE
Avani Rio Novo Venice stands out with its striking glass and stone facade, offering stunning city views. Strategically located near the train station and car-accessible areas, it’s perfect for exploring Venice. The hotel features 144 rooms and suites, catering to both leisure and business travellers.
The Superior Room with a city view provides a cinematic experience. These contemporary spaces are filled with natural light and offer breathtaking views of terracotta rooftops and pine trees. Additionally, the décor reflects Venice’s cinematic heritage and the Venice International Film Festival. Black and white photographs of film stars taken in the city enhance the vibrant atmosphere. During warmer months, guests can enjoy the outdoor socialising area for an al fresco experience.
The hotel is a contemporary landmark, surrounded by Venice’s rich history of 600-year-old canals and bridges. Conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from Santa Lucia train station and a 30-minute drive from the airport, Avani Venice Rio Novo is ideal for a romantic escape, cultural immersion, or comfortable exploration of the city.
WITHIN THE PREMISES
While the Dorsoduro district offers an authentic Venetian experience with hidden gems, local eateries, and art galleries, the hotel provides refined dining options, well-equipped meeting spaces, and a fully equipped gym.
Furthermore, the hotel is home to 8 Millimetri Cicchetti & Wine, featuring a contemporary Italian setting amidst lush gardens. Here, you can savour a classic Venetian spritz alongside cicchetti with a modern twist. The restaurant also offers a fabulous breakfast with a wide selection of pastries, salads, breads, smoothies, and cold cuts, aligning with the hotel’s healthy lifestyle ethos. For dinner, you can enjoy a charcuterie board with cold cuts, delicious cheeses, nuts, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Additionally, the menu includes fried polenta with traditional Venetian-style Baccalà (salted cod fish) and local grilled Ombrina fish, all cooked to perfection.
The Superior Room with a City View starts at AED1,900 per night. To book, visit website.
EAT LIKE A LOCAL
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Harry’s Bar: This legendary establishment is renowned for its celebrity clientele and the world-famous bellini, named after the 15th-century Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini. Established in 1931 by Giuseppe Cipriani, the bar exudes charm with its mahogany bar and golden lighting. Enjoy classic Italian dishes like Piemontese ravioli and cuttlefish with polenta. Additionally, signature dishes include Beef Carpaccio, Carpaccio Cipriani, Tagliolini bianchi gratinati (baked tagliolini), and Paccheri di Gragnano alla Sorrentina, which features al dente paccheri in a tangy tomato sauce with creamy mozzarella and basil. (harrysbar.com)
Osteria alla Bifora: Located in the vibrant Campo Santa Margherita square, Osteria alla Bifora offers an authentic Venetian dining experience. This local favourite serves overflowing platters of cold cuts and cheeses, along with various preparations of baccalà and Venetian classics such as polpette and sarde in saor. Despite its popularity, Osteria alla Bifora maintains a cosy and inviting ambience. You can enjoy grilled vegetables with melted cheese and sumptuous lasagna in a setting that provides a true taste of Venice away from the tourist crowds. (+39 041 523 6119)
LITTLE BLACK BOOK
Unique things to do in Venice
Baroque Mask Making: Engage in a unique Venetian tradition with Augusto, a renowned mask maker. Under his guidance, you will transform from passive observers to active creators by choosing a base mask and adding Baroque flourishes with hot glue and paint. Moreover, this experience offers a genuine connection to Venetian mask-making traditions and results in unique keepsakes that capture the city’s essence.
AED216 per person. (airbnb.com)
Glass Making at Murano Island: Venture to Murano, famous for its exquisite glasswork, and join a workshop at Penzo + Fiore Glass Studio. Andrea and Cristina, who collaborated with FENDI on a glass accessory collection, warmly welcome you to their studio. Amidst fiery furnaces and molten glass, learn the art of glass-making and create colourful beads. This hands-on experience provides a tangible connection to the island’s renowned craftsmanship and allows you to leave with a beautiful, personal souvenir.
AED198 per person. (airbnb.com)