Gay Venice Venice City Guide

Curation by Yasmina Rodríguez, words by Ian Packham

Venice defies all logic — a city that should not exist, yet somehow remains one of the most mesmerising places on the planet. Built on 118 small islands threaded together by 400 bridges and 170 canals, La Serenissima is the ultimate stage for those who appreciate beauty in its most theatrical form. But beyond the gondolas and the gilded basilicas lies a city of hushed neighbourhood bars, celebrated Michelin-starred tables, and intimate hotels tucked inside centuries-old palazzos. Whether you are raising a Negroni on a rooftop at dusk, slipping into a private garden spa, or losing yourself among the Byzantine-Gothic alleyways of Cannaregio, Venice rewards those who look a little closer. This guide will ensure you see the city exactly as Mr Hudson intended — with immaculate taste and not a moment wasted.

The best hotels in Venice

Few cities on Earth can rival Venice when it comes to the art of the grand hotel, and the choices here are nothing short of extraordinary. Perched in palatial fashion within the sixteenth-century Palazzo Papadopoli, Aman Venice is widely regarded as the pinnacle of Venetian accommodation. The property’s interiors marry the grandeur of frescoed ballrooms and original period fireplaces with the serene, pared-back minimalism that Aman is celebrated for worldwide. The suites are magnificent, the Grand Canal views are cinematic, and the private garden — rare in a city built almost entirely on water — feels like a stolen secret. This is heritage and contemporary elegance in perfect equilibrium.

Also gracing the Grand Canal with considerable aplomb is The St. Regis Venice, where avant-garde interior design meets one of the most coveted locations in the city. The hotel’s private garden and wraparound terrace offer an unrivalled vantage point for the evening ritual of aperitivo, with the shimmering canal as your backdrop — the kind of setting where a sunset Aperol Spritz feels less like a drink and more like a defining life moment. The brand’s signature butler service ensures that every whim is attended to with effortless discretion.

For those drawn to something with a more contemporarily seductive energy, Nolinski Venezia has rapidly become the new darling of the San Marco district. Its ‘nouveau-Palazzo’ aesthetic confidently blends classical Venetian grandeur with a modern sensibility that feels genuinely forward-thinking rather than merely fashionable. The rooftop pool — a rarity in this city — provides an idyllic retreat above the terracotta rooftops, making it a compelling choice for those who like their luxury with a dash of verve. Meanwhile, tucked away with an air of quiet distinction is Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel. Intimate in scale and generous in warmth, this is the Venetian experience as if you were a guest at the private estate of a particularly cultured friend. The lush garden sanctuary and deeply personalised service make it an especially appealing choice for the discerning traveller who values seclusion alongside style.