The Perfect Getaway: A romantic long weekend in Venice

What could be more romantic than boarding a private shuttle boat in Venice’s beautiful Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square) and then carving through the lagoon to a Venetian hideaway for two? The historic Hilton Molino Stucky, Venice offers this grand entrance and more, housed in what used to be a flour mill on nearby Giudecca Island. Check into your tranquil retreat, where many of the rooms and suites enjoy waterside views. To kick off your Italian getaway, visit Bacaromi, the hotel’s casual eatery specializing in traditional Venetian food.

Head back to Piazza San Marco but don’t go inside the main attraction just yet. Save the Basilica for tomorrow morning, when it will be quieter. Instead, simply wander through the square, hand in hand, while admiring the cathedral’s bell tower and the pink-hued Gothic architecture of Doge’s Palace. Stop for refreshments at Caffè Florian, Italy’s oldest coffee house, which opened in 1720. It may feel touristy, but the location also caters to romance thanks to its ornate interiors — a late afternoon Aperol spritz is hard to resist.

The first night away deserves a dining treat, so book an intimate table at Michelin-recommended Corte Sconta, a small, authentic seafood osteria that’s about a 15-minute walk from Piazza San Marco. Locals recommend the tasting menu, which includes spider crab, sauteed clams, and creamed cod. After a refined and romantic evening, retreat to your hotel to enjoy the Skyline Rooftop Bar, the highest bar in Venice, where there are eight signature cocktails to choose from, including the Artisan Negroni.

Rise with the sun and enjoy a delectable breakfast in the comfort of your room before beating the crowds to Piazza San Marco, which offers free entry to St. Mark's Basilica. Enjoy up-close views of the facade’s intricately carved marble decor, then head inside to marvel at the iconic cathedral’s golden mosaic domes. Developed over eight centuries, the shimmering ceiling covers 85,000 square feet (nearly 8,000 square meters). Pay a small fee to access Pala D'Oro, an impressive altar with a gold screen studded with over 1,900 gemstones.

Looking for ways to remember your vacation? Venice has every kind of shopping, from intricate glasswork made in nearby Murano Island to colorful Venetian masks and Italian couture. If you want a scale model gondola to take home, try Gilberto Penzo on Calle Seconda dei Saoneri, or stick around the San Marco quarter, which is packed with art galleries and artisanal shops. With many stores closing for lunchtime, take a break to refuel at Cantina Canaletto S.R.L, a classic Venetian restaurant with an excellent wine selection.

When it comes to romance, few Venetian experiences match a sunset gondola ride as you and your beloved sail serenely past iconic spots like the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs. Your gondolier, dressed in the classic uniform of a striped shirt and straw boater, is your pilot for the evening and might well break into song during your tour. Head back to your hotel and end the night with an equally romantic dinner at the elegant Aromi restaurant, which offers views over the Guidecca Canal from the scenic summer terrace.

Venice is also known as “La Serenissima,” which translates to “the most tranquil,” so take it easy this morning, starting with an indulgent buffet breakfast at the hotel’s Il Molino restaurant. A visit to eforea Spa is up next, with its five treatment rooms, a Turkish bath, sauna, and jacuzzi. To truly tap into a romantic vibe, book a Couple’s Venetian Romance Massage. This 50-minute treatment for two incorporates hot aromatic oil and is inspired by the gentle movement of the city’s gondolas.

Art lovers are spoiled for choice in Venice, but if you cross off only one museum during your visit, consider Gallerie dell'Accademia. Napoleon brought his art haul to the institution in 1807, hanging them in this atmospheric former convent. Admire works from Italy’s greatest artists, including Michaelangelo’s “David” and Titian’s “The Presentation of the Virgin,” regarded by many as the gallery's highlight. For a delightful lunch nearby, take a short walk to Al Vecio Marangon, where you’ll find classic Italian dishes in a cozy setting.

Dining like a local can mean anything from devouring paninis to enjoying pasta with freshly caught seafood. For a truly authentic culinary experience, try cicheti, the Venetian version of tapas. Served at lunch and in the early evening, these small plates are ideal for sharing, with dishes including meatballs, shrimp, and salami, washed down with a local prosecco. Feast like a royal pair without paying a fortune at casual bar Al Mercà. Dishes cost just a few euros each but are packed with flavor.

By now, you’ll have seen the colorful handiwork of Murano’s talented glassblowers in Venice’s specialist shops. To find out exactly how it’s all made, take a ferry to the northern lagoon island. But first, step off the ferry and make your way to Osteria ai Cacciatori for a quick breakfast before exploring. Your hotel’s concierge can organize a private tour to see the furnaces that bring life to all forms of glasswork, from chandeliers and goblets to stunning jewelry.

Head firmly off the tourist trail to discover Venice’s backstreets, winding through hidden squares and past secret bars and unique galleries. Pick up lunch at Rialto Market, Venice’s fresh food and fish hub, and then wander through the area, simply soaking in the ambiance. The Natural History Museum’s gardens are a great place to picnic and getting there is a delight as you amble through picturesque, narrow streets and several charming squares.

After a long weekend full of romantic strolls, mouthwatering cuisine, and unique experiences, it won’t be easy to bid farewell to the magical city of Venice. But with a history that spans centuries, it’s safe to say that Venice will be waiting with open arms whenever you and your fellow lovebird can return for a deeper dive into everything this iconic destination has to offer.