The Carnival in Venice is known like no other. Its colorful masks, fireworks and traditions attract spectators from all over the world to the lagoon city. The Doge Vitale Falier already mentioned the festivities in his chronicle. And that already in the year 1094. It is likely that one celebrated even before that.

February in the lagoon city © Dorian Mongel

It reached its peak of splendor in the 18th century. Carnival in Venice has been celebrated in its current form - including masks in the streets, the opening by the "Angel's Flight" ("Volo dell'Angelo") and costume awards - since 1979. Its ceremonial opening takes place ten days before Ash Wednesday with a colorful parade along the Grand Canal. The brilliant end is a concert in St. Mark's Square on Shrove Tuesday.

The best hotels for Carnival in Venice

Ca' di Dio

A suite in the boutique hotel © Ca' di Dio

The boutique hotel is located in an almost 800-year-old palazzo. Madrid star designer Patricia Urquiola recently gave it a fresh breath of air. Architecture and design meet a long history here. Apart from the excellent restaurant and the beautiful rooms, it is also the location that convinces. Because it's only a few minutes' walk to St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge. During Carnival, the luxury hideaway becomes the venue for the Atelier Pietro Longhi pop-up, known throughout the world for its costume culture and high-quality craftsmanship. Every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Carnival fans browse through the more than one hundred costumes created by fashion designer Francesco Briggi and his wife Anna in search of the perfect disguise.

Hotel Ca' di Dio
Riva de la Ca' di Dio 2181, Sestiere Castello, 30122 Venezia, Italy
Tel.: +39 4109 80238
Web: vretreats.com
Price: doubles from approx. €223

H10 Palazzo Canova

The lobby of the hotel © H10 Hotels

Just a few meters from the most popular attractions. And right on the water. Equipped with interior design that reflects the colors of the lagoon. This is how this hotel on the Grand Canal presents itself to its guests. Inside, they used materials from the region, including the famous Murano glass. The hotel has 61 rooms, most of which offer views of the water. In warm weather, the rooftop bar and a small courtyard are inviting.

H10 Palazzo Canova
Riva del Vin, 744, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
Web: h10hotels.com
Tel.: +39 041 520 0172
Price: doubles incl. breakfast from approx. €500

Il Palazzo Experimental

Adriatic touches in the rooms © Karel Balas

The Experimental Group is considered one of the trendiest hospitality brands in Europe. Cocktail bars, restaurants and hotels are already part of the brand that four friends created. Experimental Group's first three hotels did extremely well. The fourth, Palazzo Experimental, followed in 2019. The original substance of the former palazzo has been preserved. References to gondoliers and the history of the lagoon city are everywhere. The vibe is incredibly great, the style unforgettable. The spa and rooms, some with private plunge pools, are amazing.

Il Palazzo Experimental
Fondamenta Zattere Al Ponte Lungo, 1411, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
Web: palazzoexperimental.com
Tel.: +39 041 098 0200
Price: doubles incl. breakfast from approx. €330

Continue reading: These are the most luxurious hotels in Venice

Venice Carnival Restaurant Tips

The Blue Room, Aman Venice

Exterior view of the legendary hotel © Aman

Inspired by Chef Norbert Niederkofler and his "Cook the Mountain" philosophy, The Blue Room, located in the imposing Aman Venice, serves a new Tasting Menu Experience. Themed "Cook the Lagoon," the menu features dishes inspired by the local ecosystem, traditional and sustainable. Six to eight courses, including vegetarian options by request, are on the menu. 

Aman Venice
Palazzo Papadopoli, Calle Tiepolo, 1364, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
Tel: +39 041 270 7333
Web: aman.com

Cà d'Oro alla Vedova

The cozy osteria is also a favorite among locals. People meet here for traditional Venetian dishes. Especially the spaghetti vongole and the fish dishes leave nothing to be desired. The decor is a mix of Parisian bistro and grandma's living room, which makes the place all the more magical.

Cà d'Oro alla Vedova
Ramo Ca' d'Oro, 3912, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy
Web: facebook.com/allavedova
Tel.: +39 041 528 5324

Ristorante Quadrino

Spaghettoni al nero di seppia con le ostriche © Quadri Estate

There is probably no better place to eat in Venice during the peak Carnival season. Because the view from the Quadrino falls directly on St. Mark's Square. The restaurant has been an institution in the lagoon city since 1830. Today, celebrity chef Max Alajmo cooks here. According to Chef Alajmo, the dishes on the menu are "linked to the territory, the lagoon and its products, and Venetian tradition. 

Ristorante Quadrino
Piazza San Marco, 123, 30124 Venice, Veneto, Italy
Web: alajmo.it
Tel.: +39 049 630303

Continue reading: These are the best restaurants in Venice

Shopping in the lagoon city

Libreria Acqua Alta

A must see! © Shutterstock

Supposedly, it is the most beautiful bookstore in the city. In any case, it is known all over the world. Because the paper treasures are highly endangered during floods ("Acqua Alta"), creative ways were found to store the books. They are stored in bathtubs or gondolas, for example.

Libreria Acqua Alta
C. Longa Santa Maria Formosa, 5176b, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy

Fondaco dei Tedeschi

© Didier Descouens - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Venice's shopping palace on the Rialto Bridge makes the hearts of fashionistas beat faster. All the big brands, from Louis Vuitton to Gucci, Fendi, Moncler and Jimmy Choo have found a home in this imposing palazzo on the Grand Canal. There are 7,000 square meters of shopping space, including cafés, exhibition space and (insider tip!) a rooftop open to the public.

Fondaco dei Tedeschi
Calle del Fontego dei Tedeschi, Ponte di Rialto, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
Web: dfs.com
Tel.: +39 041 314 2000

Loro Piana

Loro Piana accessories © Loro Piana

The Italian brand's only boutique is located inside the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana, south of St. Mark's Square. The elegant pieces made of high quality leather and soft cashmere have fans all over the world. Top of the line are the bespoke personalizations. This allows each piece to become unique.

Loro Piana
San Marco Ascensione, 1301, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
Web: ii.loropiana.com
Tel.: +39 041 277 0695