Stay
The Locanda La Corte and Locanda Ca’ del Console are situated on two sides of a canal north of St Mark’s Square in the Castello area of Venice and out of the way of the main tourist attractions.
The quaint Locanda Ca’ del Console is a converted Venetian house which has kept much of the original features. Breakfast is served in one of two dining rooms depending on your side of the river. You will be greeted and waited on by a charming group of women who really add to the feel of the traditional Venetian surroundings. Some rooms have private terraces with views over the local area, great for a bottle of Puglia purchased for one of the local supermarkets.
Visit
A must see is of course St Mark’s Square. Take time to walk around Basilica di San Marco, the Correr museum and Doge Palace. Entry to the Basilica is free but there is small fee to climb up to ten terrace for a view of San Marco’s Square. When leaving the Basilica walk straight in front of you to the Correr museum.
Not spectacular in it’s self but well worth a look and your are able to buy a ticket here that also gives you entry to the Doge’s Palace
This is crucial because it allows you to skip the crowds queuing to buy a ticket when you get Doge’s Palace. Within you will find breathtaking murals set in lavish gold. Sit in the Chamber of the Great Council and take in what is above you.
http://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/home/
http://correr.visitmuve.it/en/home/
Shop
Venice is famous for it’s glass and masks. Once you have skipped past the generic designer stores on the back streets of San Marco you will find yourself away from the tourist hordes and able to explore a labyrinth of shops packed full of traditional masks and glassware. Head south from the San Polo district to Campo Santa and to Ca’Macana, the supplier of masks for ‘Eyes Wide Shut’, starring Nicole Kidman, for great selection of Venetian masks.
Ca’Macana also offer a range of mask making courses for those who want to get stuck into their own designs.
Eat
You can’t turn a corner in Venice without passing a restaurant so finding somewhere to eat isn’t hard, the difficulty comes in deciding which one. Try La Trattoria Dona Onesta nestled on the side of a canal in San Polo district. Choose from a range of reasonably priced pastas and main courses whilst watching gondolas glide past.
Also enjoy a Fish Lasagne at Teamo Wine Bar, not far from Campo S.Angelo. The owner will run you through the menu and let you know if you’ve haven’t ordered enough.