Of course, Venice is a city on water, but finding yourself on a rainy vacation isn’t the best. Fortunately, an island with centuries of history and infinite artistic resources doesn’t shy away from a storm or a couple days of bad weather. So here are some suggestions on what to do when it rains in Venice.
1 LOSE YOURSELF IN A MUSEUM
Venice isn’t short of museums; there is only the trouble of choosing which one. But on a rainy day we could suggest the combination of Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana, the two museum locations greatly desired by Francois Pinault, with top-notch contemporary art exhibitions. You may also opt for the cumulative tickets to visit Piazza San Marco that includes Palazzo Ducale (the Doge’s Palace), Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico and the Sale Monumentali della Biblioteca Marciana, all in close range to each other.
2 TAKING YOUR TIME TO EAT IN AN OSTERIA
Often on vacation, one is anxiously dragged into the stressful state of having to visit the most things possible, so even lunch can be neglected (pushed to second place). If it rains outside, it’s even better, to take your time and choose a nice quality restaurant to enjoy the traditional Venetian cuisine unhurriedly. If the weather begins to clear up, you can always go light and enjoy an ice cream for dinner overlooking the sunset at the Zattere.
3 WINE TASTING IN AN ENOTECA
In Venice there are many Osterie, many Bàcari, but also numerous Enoteche (wine bars) where it is certainly possible to pass the whole evening discovering new wines of the territory and more. We’ll suggest only three, but the list is long: between San Polo and Rialto you can’t miss Vineria all’Amarone; in the Fondamenta della Misericordia there is a little gem called Vino-Vero; and between Santa Margherita and the Accademia instead you will find the most famous Cantinone Già Schiavi (habitual clients include Brad Pitt).
4 DISCOVER THE THEATRES IN VENICE
From a symphonic concert at the Opera House Fenice and the events at Biennale Dance or Malibran Theatre. Although there is still the traditional Goldoni Satire feel in the city, with its shows still inspired the Venetian Habitants: even though they are acted out in Venetian dialect, they certainly deserve a visit (body language is universal).
5 STROLL UNDER THE RAIN
Not all the rain is meant to cause damage. Many enjoy walking in the rain especially if a summer rain or light spring rain. In both cases, when the alleys empty and the canals take on a classical grey color, Venice always remains a marvelous cultural heritage.