Visiting Venice During the Biennale? Read These Tips First.
This is THE year to visit Venice for the famous biennale festival which happens every two (odd) years in the city that floats. For those who have never heard of this huge deal in the art world, it is a a major contemporary art exhibition that first began in 1895 and is one of the biggest cultural institutions in the world. Venice makes an easy detour from Tuscany, and we encourage those staying at our resort in the Mugello Valley to take the time to visit one of our favorite towns during this important year. 
Since many know that they should go, we want to offer a few tips on visiting Venice during the biennale, where you should go and what’s making the hottest buzz in the art world. First off, you should know that the 56th edition, aka this year, started a month earlier than it normally does, on May 9th and will last until November 22nd. It’s a fun and glam affair, imagine discovering some of the best contemporary artists around the world while enjoying classic favorite invented in the city, the spritz.
Pavilion Breakdown
One that stood out to us for fond memories of convenience stores and well, splashed paint, include the Canadian one. We also recommend visiting the slow-moving tree installation at the French pavilion by Céleste Boursier-Mougenot. Another one with interesting reviews include the Japanese pavilion, specifically Chiharu Shiota’s installation ‘A Key in Hand.’ Also Korea hosts a circular treadmill with a sci-fi edge, we definitely don’t want to miss this one. One of the coolest exhibits we have heard was definitely that of New Zealand, and the Uk representative Sarah Lucas.
On the other hand, the smaller pavilions that we have heard it might be best to skip (which have a darker edge and that seemed to have confuse some) include those of Sweden, Ireland, Albania, Slovenia, and Chile. We also heard Denmark is quite sparse, perhaps someone might appreciate it but we thought we would give you the heads up. Israel instead is featuring a tire exhibit that is quite confusing and bizarre.
Eats
To find the best deals, you definitely want to eat out during lunch or at traditional eateries such as the bàcari (bars) to try the Venice tapas, cicheti.
Try the Trattoria alla Rampa, a workers spot that opens early (only for lunch) and offers a €13 menu’operai, a fixed worker’s menu of pasta and other items in a crowded space popular with the locals. address: Via Garibaldi 1135, Castello
Close to the biennale is Le Spighe, offering a cool bohemian space with vegan, vegetarian and healthy food. Think basmati rice, cauliflower and sage, vegetable soups. address: Via Garibaldi 1341, Castello, +39 041 2750148, closed Sunday.
Near the Rialto market is Osteria Alla Ciurma, this is a great place to try Venetian tapas and wonderful house wine. Expect a tiny interior and drinks and snacks. address: San Polo 406,+39 340 686 3561, osteriaciurma.it.
For coffee and good pastries (try the almond one) in a friendly place is Pasticceria Alla Bragora near piazza san marco. address: Salizada Sant’Antonin 3604, Castello, Venice 30100; +39 041 5227579).
For a great low-key drink, head over to El Sbarlefo San Pantalon address: Calle San Pantalon, 3757, 30123 Venice. Very interesting vibe in a wood-paneled, cozy bar.
Shopping
One shop that we highly recommend is the wonderful Fabricharte, a bookbinding workshop that sells a delightful array of photo-books, stationary and she can fulfill custom requests. address: Calle del Caffetier 6477/A, Castello, Venice 30122.
Another favorite is the whimsical Pied à Terre, where they sell the velvet slippers that gondoliers wear, out of recycled materials. You have to see this place. address: Polo 60, Rialto, Venice 30100; +39 041 5285513; piedaterre-venice.com.
How to get there
Getting to Venice is quite easy, Trenitalia, the countries national train station has daily trains leaving from Florence and arriving to Venice, and on Saturday there is a special deal offering same day returns for 69 euros, special rates for Saturday and coming back Sunday and two tickets for the price of one on Saturday.
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