Venice in monochrome: see The Floating City in black and white

From its historic buildings and artistic masterpieces to the very reflections shimmering on its waters, Venice has long captured the imagination as a city of colour. Here, see The Floating City in an intriguing new light, stripped to its purest essence in a cinematic black-and-white cast.

Sometimes the best stories to be found within The Floating City are hidden within the quiet canals, shadowy nooks, and secluded corners. This is especially true during the ‘shoulder seasons’, when the crowds dwindle and the locals emerge from hiding.

FOLLOW THE CANALS

The best way to tune into the captivating rhythm of Venice is to wander down streets you don’t know. Turn left when you’re meant to turn right. End up in a neighbourhood that wasn’t on your radar. Every hidden corner and mysterious alley forms part of a different scene that pulses to the city’s unique beat.

PENSIONE, PER FAVORE

Venice is full of glitzy palazzi, but it’s sometimes the humble B&B — or in Italy, the ‘pensione’ — that has the most charm. They are also known for attracting interesting people. Late British restaurateur and chef Russell Norman was known to frequent this particular pensione during trips to forage regional ingredients for his London trattoria, Brutto.

GRAND CANAL

Venice is a dream destination to see by foot, but it’s not the only way to explore the city. Hop aboard a vaporetto water taxi to appreciate historic buildings in all their glory. Afterwards, head over to the islands of Giudecca and Lida for even better waterfront views.

ABRIDGED VERSION

While it’s true that famous bridges like the Rialto and Accademia are stunning architectural feats, sometimes it’s the city’s tiny, hop-over ponti that can stand out more amongst memories of a Venetian trip.

A QUICK-HIT GUIDE TO VENICE

  • STAYCa’ Sagredo Hotel (pretty-in-pink palazzo), Ca’ di Dio (sustainable splendour), Hotel Ai Reali di Venezia (Rialto Bridge-adjacent), Sina Centurion Palace (Grand Canal grand dame), Sina Palazzo Sant’ Angelo (opulent oasis)
  • EAT — All’Arco for cicchetti and Trattoria Antiche Carampane for spider-crab spaghetti
  • DRINK — Vino Vero for natural wine and Harry’s Bar for bellinis
  • SHOP — Piedàterre for Venetian slippers and Il Papiro (Calle del Piovan, San Marco 2764) for divinely hand-marbled stationery
  • DO — It’s hard to leave Venice but there’s a sleepier side to the city on its neighbouring islands of Murano and Burano

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