Save to List: Katerina Zachou's Venetian rhythm
A world’s worth of recommended spots from our global community
words – katerina zachou
location – athens, greece
I’ve called Venice home for the past seven years, and in that time, I’ve come to appreciate how the city’s rhythm is shaped by its deep connection to water and a central focus on slowing down. The city’s commitment to sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s a way of life, deeply rooted in its history and relationship with the environment. From sustainable food practices to eco-friendly cultural projects, the city is balancing its historic traditions with modern solutions, thriving in harmony with its surroundings. Here’s a look at some of my favorite spots where sustainability and creativity meet, showcasing how Venice maintains its balance, along with its community of locals – all collectively riding the flow.
01_Ocean Space – Where Art and Water Converge
Housed in the deconsecrated Church of San Lorenzo, Ocean Space is a cultural project dedicated to ocean conservation through art and research. TBA21–Academy’s exhibitions highlight the intersection of climate change, water and indigenous knowledge, making this space not just an art venue but an embassy for the sea. Venice is often called the city of canals, but Ocean Space brings a new perspective – looking at how the lagoon, the seas and the environment connect to art. This contemporary art space is dedicated to exploring environmental and social sustainability, a theme that is becoming increasingly important across the globe as rising sea levels threaten Venice itself.
02_Maker Mile – Craftsmanship in Motion
Venice has always been a city of makers, with artistry and craftsmanship woven into its very fabric. Maker Mile is an initiative that brings both residents and visitors closer to the hands that shape Venice’s artistic future. Whether it’s a historic glass workshop or an experimental fashion studio, Maker Mile highlights the people who shape the city’s character with their hands. If you want an insider’s view by visiting their studios, a deeper understanding of their work, or even to take home a crafted piece, look for Ilaria – the initiative’s founder and a true advocate for craftsmanship and the value of artisanal practice.
03_Cinema Galleggiante – A Drive-In on the Water
Cinema Galleggiante, or Floating Cinema, transforms the lagoon into a stage, offering seasonal screenings where small boats serve as seats. The lineup ranges from indie gems to international classics, all curated with a focus on sustainability and cultural exchange. This innovative take on cinema harkens back to the days when Venice was a centre of cultural innovation, where performances often took place in unique, unexpected settings – whether on water or in the city’s grand theaters.
04_Palazzo Bembo – A Secret Sunset Spot
Sometimes, the best way to connect with Venice is by stepping away from the crowds and letting its history and beauty unfold at your own pace. Palazzo Bembo, tucked just beyond the chaos of Rialto, offers a quiet front-row spot to the city’s golden hour, perched along the Grand Canal. Accessible only during the European Cultural Centre’s exhibitions in the Biennale period, this Venetian Gothic palazzo blends cultural heritage with contemporary art and architecture. The best time to visit? Late spring or autumn, around 6pm, when the sky burns with shades of coral and gold and the Grand Canal reflects something that cannot be expressed in words.
05_Edipo Re – A Floating Cultural Haven
The Edipo Re sailboat, which once hosted Pier Paolo Pasolini and Maria Callas, is now a spot for slow tourism and storytelling, offering a unique way to explore Venice’s lagoon under the care of Sybille and Enrico. It’s especially worth visiting during the Venice Film Festival in the first week of September, when Isola Edipo becomes a festival hub on the island of Lido. This gathering combines cinema, masterclasses, performances and music, all with an ethically sourced culinary experience. I highly recommend being at the spot between 7-9 pm, when you can experience the immersion of the sun in the lagoon with the Venetia skyline in the background.
06_Garance & Marion – A Gallery with a Personal Touch
In 2021, the dynamic duo of Garance Laporte and Marion Houssin founded a gallery specialising in graphic arts, offering a curated selection of limited edition works. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just browsing, this space feels like a welcoming old friend, with the same warmth and charm that exude from Garance and Marion themselves. Its focus on graphic art reflects perfectly on Venice’s long tradition of visual culture.
07_Tocia – A Sustainable Taste of the Lagoon
Tocia’s communal experiences are a living conversation about food, sustainability and the Venetian lagoon. Chef Marco leads this innovative collective with a deep focus on ethnobotany, the natural cycles of the island and a mindful approach to sourcing ingredients with a deep respect for the region’s culinary traditions. Their method reflects the city’s connection to its waters and the environment. If joining Venice during the quieter off-season months after the Biennale, when the island has a slower, more relaxed rhythm, I highly recommend joining one of their communal meals, held a few times each month at the space of Spiazzi. It’s a perfect chance to share a meal, taste culture with a ‘sustainable’ twist and connect with locals.
08_Pasticceria Rizzardini – A Festivo on a Saturday Morning
This family-run pasticceria has been crafting delicate sweets since 1742 and in its Art Nouveau window are showcased some of its greatest treats. Think buttery bussolà, delicate meringues and almond biscuits – all made with love and tradition. Their sweet legacy reflects Venice’s deep-rooted craft culture, which still thrives despite the modern-day challenges of tourism and the city’s efforts to preserve its artisanal roots. If you’re in town during Carnival, don’t miss their Venetian frittelle: those fluffy fritters stuffed with zabaglione cream or raisins. But the real gem? The festivi, a special treat only available on weekends and in limited quantities. It’s a freshly baked sfogliatella filled with cream – a mouthwatering delicacy that you won’t find anywhere else. Just make sure you don’t come too late; by 9.30am, they’re all gone!
09_How Do We Meet – A Dynamic Community Hub
If you’re looking to connect with some incredible people with brilliant ideas in Venice, How Do We Meet is where to do so. The group, created by a passionate mix of young women from different creative fields, is all about building real connections and sparking new conversations. Once a month, they host an event with a new theme and bring in special guests from various industries to share their insights on different locations of the island. It’s a growing community of people who live, work and create in the city, collaborating and supporting each other along the way. This group is proof that Venice is alive, vibrant and very much has a collective heartbeat.
10_Combo – A Social Hub with a Creative Pulse
Tucked away in the former Crociferi convent, Combo is a unity consisting of different parts. It is part hostel, part cultural space and part co-working haven. It’s one of the few places in Venice where locals, students, artists and travelers seamlessly mix. At weekends, there are organised second-hand flea markets and DJ sets not to be missed.
11_Ai Do Leoni – Where Cocktails Meet Culture
Just steps from Piazza San Marco, Ai Do Leoni defies its location’s touristy expectations. This tiny bar serves up delicate cocktails and creative cicchetti, with a dedication to seasonal and small bites full of local flavors. Run by Wuaba and his team, its intimate setting and funky, colourful lighting make it a place to keep the energy up and ease from day to night.
12_Bruno – A Hidden Bookstore and Design Lab
More than just a bookstore, Bruno is a hybrid space for graphic design, publishing and artistic research. Founded in 2013, it curates a sharp selection of books on architecture, photography and contemporary culture. The space also hosts exhibitions and talks, making it a quiet yet powerful hub for Venice’s creative minds. Like many of Venice’s art spaces, Bruno reflects the city’s contemporary intellectual spirit.
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