Buy the ultimate guide for discovering Venice
Buy the Italy Heaven Guide to Venice:
- Venice: Italy Heaven Guide (Kindle, Amazon.co.uk)
- Venice: Italy Heaven Guide (Kindle, Amazon.com – US)
Why I wrote a Venice guidebook
I’ve shared Venice information, travel advice and tips here for free for nearly twenty years. But back in 2013, when I was about to give up the lease of my flat in the city, I realised I had so much more knowledge to share, from my favourite tourist-dodging walking routes to the best free churches for enjoying Venetian art. Instead of letting all that data become gradually displaced from my brain, I wanted to share it to help others get the most from their time in Venice and hopefully come to love the city as much as I do.
The guidebook turned into a huge project.This was a labour of love, with detailed descriptions and no skimping on any information that might help new or repeat visitors to discover the wonders of Venice. The finished book was the same length as The Fellowship of the Ring. Of course, the great thing about e-books is that they don’t need to be shortened for size and weight considerations, so by sticking to e-book editions I could include all the information a first-time or repeat visitor might want, in a searchable and easy-to-use format.
2025 update
As the most important descriptions and chapters in the book are fairly change-resistant, like Venice, I didn’t have particular plans to update the Venice guide, once published. Then, faced with a loss of website income due to Google’s AI take-over of online information and search results, I decided to refocus on the guidebook. There had been some sad restaurant closures since the pandemic, and big rises in admission fees. And on a brighter note, some exciting new developments. Updating would take a week or two, I thought. It took months; another time-consuming effort unlikely to earn back the time it took. But I was delighted to be able to add some new favourite places to the 2025 edition: a recently-opened monastery garden, extra walk detours to special hidden spots, post-restoration changes to museums and islands, and new restaurants and cocktail bars.
What’s in the guidebook?
Venice: Italy Heaven Guide is very comprehensive. I include chapters covering the city’s history, lagoon, art and architecture as well as useful vocabulary and quirky facts. I suggest itineraries for stays of different lengths to help you to get the most from any number of days spent in Venice. (I have also written a one-day version of the guidebook available in Kindle Unlimited, but this is a 2013 edition without updates). Looking for things to do with children? Parks and gardens to explore? My favourite ‘insider’ secrets? I’ve written suggestions for themed explorations, romantic spots and more.
How readers use the guidebook is up to you: dip into it whenever you see a sight or visit a museum you’d like to learn more about. There is a chapter devoted to detailed descriptions of museums and another chapter for churches and religious buildings. Or plan your priorities in advance of your holiday by reading the whole thing cover to cover. Everyone will have a different approach. My recommendation would be to read the contextual chapters before you go and read the listings and descriptions covering your interest (churches, restaurants, islands…) if you have time.
The central feature of the book, and a great way to discover Venice, is a chapter of self-guided walks.
Walks to explore Venice
The guidebook contains seven walks exploring Venice, with detailed descriptions. Based on my own favourite walks from my time in the city, they cover every district of Venice, all the town’s big sights, and lots of lesser-known spots off the beaten track. I devised the walks to avoid busy tourist lanes wherever possible, and to take the visitor along the loveliest and quietest canals, through characteristic local areas and past some of the city’s best restaurants and cafés.
Walks include A Dorsoduro Ramble, which leads the traveller through the pretty, arty district of Dorsoduro, along picturesque canals, romantic corners and a long sunny waterfront, via art galleries and restaurants. This is a laidback area, and the walk is ideal for enjoying at leisure, with breaks for art, gelato, lunch and photography. Another highlight is Cannaregio Three Canals, which roams the sunny canalsides of this northern district, and is a great way to soak up the sun on a winter’s day. A Taste of Venice is an introduction to the city, starting at St Mark’s for maximum sightseeing impact.
I still follow many sections of these walks when I’m in Venice and I want to enjoy the best of the city. They offer glorious scenery and the chance to experience the real Venice in all its variety. Most tourists will never reach some of these corners or have the chance to appreciate the little gems I point out along the way.
Eat well for less
A large proportion of tourists in Venice end up in restaurants where they eat poor food and feel ripped off. This guidebook recommends good-value eateries where local people dine, bars where you can feast on traditional Venetian cicheti, and the best spots for vegetarians. There’s also advice about ordering food, with Italian vocabulary and money-saving tips.
Discovering the city’s art and secrets
Lovers of art and history will find detailed accounts of Venice’s galleries, churches and museums, as well as contextual chapters providing background, which will help you to appreciate the city’s heritage. From lagoon high tides to the art of the Renaissance, there is a wealth of information and curiosities to uncover.
The guidebook can be used in as much depth as you choose. Whether you want practical advice on buying vaporetto tickets and finding your way, details of reliable restaurants, a guide to off-the-beaten-track parks or lagoon islands, or to locate paintings by a favourite artist, you will find answers here.
- Why are there cannonballs embedded in some of Venice’s buildings?
- Do you really have to order that expensive starter?
- What’s the best way to tackle art-sightseeing in Venice?
- Where’s a good place to propose?
- What restaurants are nearest to ferry stops?
- How can you entertain children?
- Where do Venetians go to escape the summer crowds?
Some of the sights readers can discover
Get the guidebook (or try it for free)
Buy the Italy Heaven Guide to Venice:
> Venice: Italy Heaven Guide (Kindle, Amazon.co.uk)
> Venice: Italy Heaven Guide (Kindle, Amazon.com – US)
(These are affiliate links, so as well as earning royalties from the book I will also receive a small commission from Amazon without you paying any extra if you purchase through them. Thank you for your support!)
If you’re not sure the guidebook is for you, read the free sample provided before you spend any money. Once you are in Venice, the tips provided in the book are likely to cover the cost of the guidebook, and save you much more besides (especially on food, one of Venice’s biggest expenses).
If you find the book helpful, please consider writing a brief comment on Amazon to help other travellers with their choice.
A note on maps and photos
Detailed maps are not included in the guidebook. Walk directions are designed to stand alone, but it is a good idea to pick up a paper map when you arrive in Venice. Free maps are usually available in hotels. If you plan to do much independent exploring, I’d suggest buying a more detailed folding map such as the pocket-sized all-weather Touring Editore Venezia-Venice 1:5.000.
While I’ve had great reviews, especially from readers who’ve enjoyed my walking directions, I’ve also had a comment about the lack of photos. There are two reasons for this. One is that everyone has seen so many photos of Venice – and soon you’ll be taking your own – that I really didn’t feel this was essential. As for the lesser-known sights, I’d rather not spoil the surprise with a preview! The second reason is that adding photos increases the download size of the ebook, Amazon take a bigger payment and consequently I would have to raise the price of the book.