Gay Venice Venice City Guide City Guides > Italy > Gay Venice Venice Curation by Jamie McGhee, words by Ian PackhamIf there’s a city that needs no introduction, it’s Venice. This grandiose lagoon city in Italy’s north is a masterclass in the sublime. Centuries-old palazzi line canals bustling with vaporetto water buses, which cut across the shapely lines of its famed gondolas (and gondoliers). As one of the art capitals of the world, the 118 islands that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site are awash with galleries. While there’s no defined gay quarter, its famed month-long carnival is surely one of the campest events on the planet, and this ancient trading city has a long tradition of ‘live and let live’. Once you’ve ticked off Saint Mark’s Square, Grand Canal, and Rialto Bridge, dip into its narrow romantic alleyways and join residents for a Veneziano – better known as an Aperol spritz – in a sunny square, and experience Venice sightseeing at its very best. Feel like getting away? Take a trip planned just for you, and let us do all the work. Discover Trip Design Hotels Things to do Things to see Food & Drink Shopping Nightlife Trip Design The best hotels in VeniceLocated on its own island midway between Lido and Giudecca, San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice is the ultimate Italy luxury escape. With private boat transfers between the island and Saint Mark’s Square, you can take advantage of an exclusive lagoon location while remaining close to Venice points of interest. Expertly decorated with a contemporary take on authentic Venetian style, the San Clemente offers guests access to a swimming pool, tennis court, and private park. Just 400 metres from Saint Mark’s, Hotel Moresco boasts a similarly impressive interior, combining feature wallpapers, stained glass, and spacious shared spaces. Recalling the city’s heyday as a far-reaching trading nation, its rooms are a perfect mix of ancient and modern, east and west. Situated at the western end of the Grand Canal, Hotel Antiche Figure has a great location between the San Marco, Santa Croce, and Cannaregio districts. Replete with reproduction Louis XIV furniture, the rooms also boast large windows and handblown Murano glass chandeliers among their best features.Located on the central portion of the Grand Canal is Hotel Palazzo Barbarigo Sul Canal Grande. Incorporating original sixteenth-century elements into its otherwise modern style of soft-curved black furniture and plush furnishings, each room also offers views of either the Grand Canal or Rio San Polo. At the eastern end of the Grand Canal, beside the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and opposite Saint Mark’s, Ca Maria Adele is one of the city’s most romantic stays. Rich fabrics nod to Venice’s links to the east, while the rooms also feature impressive chandeliers and ancient stonework, all just a few steps from some of the city’s most photographed views. The crisp contemporary interiors of Palazzo Cristo come as a surprise given this hotel’s thirteenth-century origins but are rich in sophistication thanks to the use of Carrara marble, travertine limestone, and exotic hardwoods. With each apartment offering fully-equipped kitchenettes and dining areas, this is a great option for those seeking the freedom to fashion their own culinary creations. Palazzo Barbarigo Palazzo BarbarigoThank you for reading Mr Hudson.Subscribe to City Guides or log in to continue reading. Subscribe now Log inSpecial SelectionExclusive Mr Hudson offersOut now from gestaltenMr Hudson Explores Browse the BookExplore more Top 13 gay wedding destinations around the worldNo matter what your travel style, we’ve hand-selected the best gay wedding destinations around the world so you can do less planning and more travelling. Read story > Meet our partners: AndazTreat yourself to a luxury getaway that immerses you in the local sights, sounds, and tastes of the world’s most inviting destinations by staying with Andaz, a collection of 29 boutique hotels and resorts in 17 countries that celebrate the art and culture of their communities. Read story > Meet our partners: Seabourn Cruise LineSail in style to the world’s most inviting and desirable destinations with Seabourn, one of the biggest names in the all-inclusive ultra-luxury cruising industry. Embarking to landmark cities and hidden gems on all seven continents with Seabourn. Read story > Subscribe to our newsletterYou can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Discover the world's most exquisite escapes JOIN THE CLUBJoin Mr Hudson's inner circle for curated luxury travel experiences, exclusive perks, and insider access