Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world, but it is a victim of its own success. With over 25 million visitors each year, it is no wonder the city is filled with expensive tourist traps with their laminated menus and a waiter ushering you inside, forcing you to part with enough of your hard-earned cash you think you may now own shares in the restaurant.
Yes, the canals are pretty, the gondolas are iconic, and Piazza San Marco is bustling, but once you wander away down the tiny back streets, you discover what really makes Venetians tick; Food.
Venetian food tells a story narrated by the sea, with fresh seafood hauled straight from the lagoon, crispy “frittura” that goes down all too easily and the famous “Cicchetti” that make a quick pitstop turn into a full afternoon at a back street “Bacaro.”
Our walking food tour meanders around the hidden streets, with glimpses of the famous tourist spots along the way. If you want to discover Venice, follow our interactive map, ignore the calories (20,000 steps says you can!) and enjoy this beautiful city one bite at a time.
Interactive Food Tour Map
Where the Tour will Take you
Starting Point
The tour starts at Zattere Gesuati which is where the vaporetto drops you off from Camping Fusina
Frito Inn
Order a “Frittura” which is a cone of fried fish from the lagoon, typically including calamari/squid, small anchovies similar to whitebait, prawns and cod. Eat this whilst strolling to your next destination. On the way you will cross the Grand Canal and pass the Rialto market.
Ostaria Dai Zemei
This stop will give you a well-earned rest with tables outside to soak in the atmosphere of the back streets of Venice. Order an Aperol Spritz and a selection of Cicchetti. I highly recommend “Baccala Mantecato” but just look at the counter and see what takes your fancy. Cross the famous Rialto Bridge on your way to the next stop.
Dal Moro
This place has revolutionised eating in Venice. If you want fresh pasta with a view but don’t want the hefty price tag, this is the place to go. Just a short walk from the renowned (and very expensive) Piazza San Marco, you can pick up a pasta dish for as little as 7 euros! Choose your favourite (they are all good) and find yourself a quiet canal to sit by and enjoy your pasta.
Harry’s Bar
Just a short walk to the other side of Piazza San Marco, brings you to the famous Harry’s Bar, birth place of the Peach Bellini. In all honesty, we visited this place just to tick it off the bucket list. I wouldn’t go again. The atmosphere was DEAD and the drinks were extortionate. We necked our Bellinis and left quicker than you can say Harry Cipriani! It does give you chance to go for a quick wander to the Bridge of Sighs whilst you are in the area though.
End The Day…
Now you are 20,000 steps in, full of carbs and wondering if you still have soles in your shoes, stroll back to the Vaporetto at Zattere Gesuati, whilst eating a gelato. If you time it right, you can cross the lagoon at sunset.
Where to stay in Venice
We visited Venice in our first self-built campervan, Kermit, as part of a 3-month tour of Europe.
There are no campsites actually in Venice, so we chose a site that has a direct vaporetto boat taking you into the city.
Camping Fusina is open all year round and offers lagoon front pitches with easy access from the mainland to Venice. The facilities on site include a restaurant, shop, swimming pool, gym and launderette in addition to the usual electric hook up, water & waste disposal, hot showers and toilets.
You could easily spend a week on site alone!
Venice FAQs
What is Venetian food like?
The food in Venice is heavily influenced by the sea. Simple, seasonal and unique. The area is most famous for its little snacks called “Cicchetti.” They are similar to Tapas and are served in Bacari throughout the city.
How long will the food tour take?
It is doable in a day. We left the campsite late morning and travelled back for sunset in March (around 6pm?)
When is the best time to go to Venice?
I personally would avoid the summer months, it is crowded, hot and smelly! We went at the end of March and the weather was perfect for walking around and it wasn’t too crowded. I would also avoid the depths of winter as Venice floods. Just ask any Venetian about the Aqua Alta and they will go running for a pair of wellington boots!
Is Venice doable in a Campervan/Caravan/Motorhome?
The simple answer to that is YES! It is important to stay somewhere with transport links into the city. We chose Camping Fusina, but there are other campsites and Area Sostas near by.
Where do I get my Vaporetto Ticket?
You can buy these at the campsite reception or on the boat itself. Make sure you take note of what time the last boat back is. You don’t want to get stranded in Venice…or do you?
Is Venice dog friendly?
Abso-woofing-lutely! Winston was treated like royalty! The Venetians are true dog lovers and even the poshest places welcomed him with open arms!