Venice: Things To Do

Afternoon Tea atop the Danieli This landmark hotel just off Piazza San Marco is legendary for its central staircase (as seen in Casino Royale); make your way to the rooftop for a meal or tea and the best view in all of Venice. San Marco; Danieli Hotel, Riva degli Schiavoni, 4196; 011-39-041-522-6480; www.danieli.hotelinvenice.com
smart splurge | view

Coffee in Piazza San Marco Don’t miss the chance to fritter away an afternoon sipping a cappuccino and enjoying the live music in this beautiful town square that Napoleon called “the drawing room of Europe.” San Marco; Caffe Quadri, Piazza San Marco 121; 011-39-041-522-2105; www.quadrivenice.com
family | culture | view | live music

Gallerie Dell'Accademia This world-renowned museum (Venice’s largest) houses an excellent collection of pre-18th-century art, including several must-see pieces like Titian’s Pieta, Giorgione’s Tempest, and Da Vinci’s Dorsoduro. Dorsoduro; Campo della Carità; 011-39-041-522-2247; www.gallerieaccademia.org
culture | museum | history | art

La Fenice After burning to the ground several times (most recently in 1996), this resilient jewel box opera house has been restored to its former glory and continues to host seasonal opera performances. Campo San Fantin; 011-39-041-786-562; www.teatrolafenice.it
family | culture | performing arts

Palazzo Ducale The Doges ruled the vast Venetian republic from this imposing 14th-century Italian Gothic building. Tour the Doges’ private apartments, or the room where maps and globes cataloging discoveries from explorers like Marco Polo were kept. San Marco; Piazzetta San Marco 1; 011-39-041-271-5911; www.museiciviciveneziani.it
architecture | culture | history

Peggy Guggenheim Collection Overlooking the Grand Canal, this low-slung palazzo contains one of the world’s finest collections of early-20th-century modern art. Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, 704 Dorsoduro; 011-39-041-240-5411
culture | history | art