A Fashion Designer's Guide to Venice, From Renowned Cocktail Bars to Bespoke Slippers

Welcome to Locals Only. In this series, we're tapping notable locals in the style space to share a tight list of their top recommendations of what to see, eat, and shop in their home city. They'll share off-the-radar recs that you won't find in your average guidebook, resulting in digestible mini guides revealing where the city's most fashionable residents are actually hanging out.

This summer, all anyone can seem to talk about is Venice. While some people are renting out the entire car-free city for their weddings, other are sitting at home and dreaming up their next trip because their algorithm just served them yet another gondola video. It only made sense that, as a travel enthusiast who still dreams about her first trip to this city, I finish out the summer by spending weeks researching what this city has to offer and talking to iconic locals to draft the dream itinerary for a week spent there.

I was inspired to speak with fashion designer and style icon Margherita Missoni, who split her childhood between Venice and Varese and now spends much of her life in the city. With an intimate knowledge of its culture, neighborhoods, and hidden corners, she offers an insider’s perspective that goes far beyond the usual tourist spots. From artisanal boutiques and historic bars to quiet streets that spark her creativity, Missoni shares the Venice she knows best—complete with the exact places, experiences, and Venetian touches worth building your trip around.

Where did you grow up, and how often do you spend time in Venice now?

I’m from Varese, the lake region north of Milan. We always kept an apartment in Venice, where we spent the month of June commuting to the Lido every day. I’m now in Venice on a weekly basis, as my boyfriend lives here.

What are some of your favorite neighborhoods, and where do you find yourself spending the most time?

I like to hang out in Dorsoduro, as we live there and it’s not as touristy as most of the city. I also enjoy Cannaregio, as it’s lively with young locals.

What does a typical day off look like for you?

On nice days, we always go to the Lido for either a walk or a bike ride, and then we eat at Da Nane in Pellestrina. Alternatively, it’s an art show—despite its size, the city is culturally bursting. Palazzo Grassi, Punta della Dogana, Le Stanze del Vetro.

If you had to create the perfect afternoon for someone visiting the city with a limited amount of time, which area would you send them to and what would their afternoon entail?

I would tell them to walk from San Marco square (through SangueBlu, Paropamiso, and Quorami) to Ponte di Rialto and then on again toward the Zattere to watch the sunset.

You’ve always been a creative. Are there specific parts of town that leave you feeling inspired?

I always thought that the Palazzo Reale was mesmerizing. I crave to be “wearing” it.

Growing up in such a storied fashion family, are there parts of the city that hold special meaning for you or reflect your family’s legacy in any way?

Our place is on the bridge right behind the Sights Bridge, so that view, and the one to the side over to San Marco’s bell, is very dear to me.

What to Pack

If you can plan your trip around the art biennale, you won’t regret it. It occurs every two years and is known to have hosted guests from Princess Diana to Naomi Campbell. The city becomes a museum with art displays floating through the canals, and people line up to experience the actual museums. And if you’re lucky enough to be invited to one of the after-parties, you won’t want to miss it.

Locals Only Tip: “Alternatively, the architectural biennale is also worth coming out for.” — Missoni

Since Venice is often known by Italians as a place to settle down and retire, you can only imagine the treasure trove that is the vintage stores, which are dumping grounds for hidden treasures. The store that has made the biggest name for itself in this city is SangueBlu. The boutique’s curations have made their way onto names like Billie Eilish and Emma Chamberlain with pieces that were touched by Gianni Versace himself or walked the Gucci by Tom Ford runway. I myself am considering booking a flight to see it with my own eyes.

Locals Only Tip: “If I had to create the perfect afternoon for someone visiting the city, I’d tell them to start at SangueBlu.” — Missoni

Known as one of the most iconic bars in the world and the place where the Bellini was invented, Harry’s Bar is historic. There was a time when you had to be Ernest Hemingway (literally) or another iconic author or businessman to score a table here. Now, Missoni refers to the bar itself and its accompanying restaurant, Harry’s Dolci, as the place to see and be seen during your next trip to Venice. This is a reservation to make in advance because it's the table everyone wants to be at.

Call it touristy, but even the locals enjoy a peaceful gondola ride along one of the many canals that Venice has to offer. This is a city with no major roads and very limited cars, so it doesn’t hurt to climb into a gondola and enjoy the incredible views the experience has to offer. Gondola rides originated out of necessity to navigate the city, dating back to its founding, so if you want a taste of history, this is a fun way to go about it.

Locals Only Tip: Instead of splurging on a private gondola, Missoni recommends the local experience of hopping on a traghetto. For just a few euros, you can share a gondola that shuttles a group across the Grand Canal.

This place is historical in the city of Venice. Founded in the late 19th century, it has been inventing and crafting Venetian pastries (always best with espresso) for longer than you can imagine. There are a few locations in the city that make the Italian coffee experience as good as it gets.

Locals Only Tip: Missoni told me that alongside her coffee, she likes to order zaeti or semolina pudding.

If you’re looking to bring back a gift for yourself or a loved one, you’ll love the artisans at Quorami. Venetian slippers originated as a simple and practical choice for gondoliers and have since risen in popularity among the Italian fashion world. This boutique is known for its handcrafted, modern take on the slippers that are more formally referred to as Friulane slippers, and there’s always something beautiful and unique to be found here.

Locals Only Tip: If you want to experience Venetian slippers from home, Missoni recommends a brand called Vibi. Its Friulane slippers are so good.

If you know Venice, you must know the islands of Murano and Burano. These colorful and quaint towns are the home to beautiful glassware that tells a story. If you really want to dive into the glass-blowing process and watch the magic happen, a visit to Murano is a must, but Laguna B brings the experience into the heart of Venice, and its designs are breathtaking. No two of its pieces look the same, and it’s the kind of thing to have in your home that is guaranteed to be an excellent conversation starter.

Locals Only Tip: “Pick your souvenir shop… well, they’re mostly crap. I wouldn't settle for anything less than Bruno Amadi or Laguna B.” — Missoni

Most people’s reactions to hearing about Fondazione Prada in Venice is, “I thought that was in Milan?” Well, lucky Venice travelers get to experience an equally charming look at what makes this museum such an incredible curation. The exhibits are constantly changing, so there’s always something new to see here that will leave you inspired.

Locals Only Tip: “You end up walking much more than you’d think. Absolutely avoid uncomfortable shoes.” — Missoni

Missoni spends a lot of her time in Venice actually commuting to Lido, an island that is known as the main beach of the city. Whether it’s enjoying a boat day, going on a peaceful walk, or even a fun bike ride, this is the place that truly feels like summer. Expect a celebrity sighting if you visit during the Venice Film Festival or Art Biennale. My first stop would be a fun beach club with views and great drinks.

Locals Only Tip: “Unless you’re dropped from a taxi boat to your hotel, avoid wheeled luggage.” — Missoni

You won’t get a more Instagram-worthy hotel experience than a stay at Il Palazzo Experimental. The architecture and design feel like a photo out of a storybook, and the best part is you don’t have to be staying at the hotel to experience the best of what the space has to offer. Missoni refers to it as the best spot for people watching and is often found on the dance floor when the doors open for a weekend night out. If I could stay anywhere in Venice, it would be here.

If you don’t have time to visit the beach, Giardini della Biennale should be on your list. While A-listers know this park as the home of the Venice Biennale, Venetians think of it as the place to slow down with a good book, morning stroll, and a cup of coffee. It makes for a lovely contrast to the bustle of the more touristy parts of the city with shady tree-lined paths and views. If during your trip you get overwhelmed by how much there is to see and do in the city, take this place as your sign to slow down.

Locals Only Tip: People love to pick up sandwiches before spending an afternoon in the park, but if you don’t eat horse, read the tramezzini ingredients carefully.

If you’re after a low-key night out with truly excellent cocktails, Il Mercante is the spot to know. Often cited as one of Venice’s most charming cocktail bars, it’s a must-visit for anyone who takes their drinks seriously. The crowd is a good mix of locals and travelers with good taste, so it feels far more authentic than some of the city’s more touristy spots. This is a place that fills up quickly, so if you don’t have time to book it in advance, try arriving on the early side.