The best places to stay and see and where you should eat in the Venice during the Biennial. Where you need to be while you’re in the Floating City.

There are few better opportunities to simultaneously contemplate the history and future of design than visiting Venice during the International Architecture Exhibition, a biennial which takes over the 16th-century city from 28 May to 27 November. This year’s edition titled Reporting From The Front, is curated by Chilean architect Mr Alejandro Aravena, and brings together architectural pavilions from 63 participating countries, all of which promise to investigate how design can improve life for people living on the margins of society. In addition, there’ll be an exhaustive retrospective dedicated to the visionary work of the late, great architect Dame Zaha Hadid. In short, in case you needed an excuse to visit one of the most beautiful cities in the world, you now have one, so start planning a trip. And here’s how we suggest you make the most of it.

This superlative hotel is located in one of only eight monumental palaces in the city of Venice, built in the 16th century. If that’s not enough historic pedigree for you, know this: it recently hosted Mr George Clooney’s wedding to Ms Amal Alamuddin. Located just steps away from the Rialto Bridge and Venice’s main market, the residence offers just 24 exclusive suites, which have been immaculately renovated, with the majority overlooking the Grand Canal. The decor is mind-blowing, combining appropriately Venice-esque Rococo and Neo-Renaissance interiors with sharp, contemporary furniture. Food is masterminded by Michelin-starred chef Mr Davide Oldani and focuses on locally sourced ingredients from the region. But if you’re looking for something a little lighter after a long day of exhibition trawling, head to the Canal Garden, where you can sit for antipasti and an Aperol spritz. As well as a spa, Aman Venice offers a series of “adventures”, including guided market visits and the opportunity to book a private box at the opera, so if you ever finish gaping at all the stucco, you’ll also have plenty of things to do.

**Book now: **The Tiepolo suite is named for its original ceiling fresco by the renaissance grand master Mr Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. So much nicer than the standard dash of Farrow & Ball.

aman.com

Why not escape the hustle and bustle of the Grand Canal to eat at the most secluded spot off the main island? Locanda Cipriani is on the island of Torcello in a hideaway owned by the Cipriani family, who are synonymous with Italian cuisine. The restaurant is a rustic farmhouse, which has been renovated with traditional charm. Eat on the terrace overlooking its lush gardens for the most tranquil experience. It serves completely authentic Venetian classics including beef carpaccio, seafood risotto, crayfish from the lagoon with local wines that can't be found on the main island. Its most famous guests include Mr Ernest Hemingway, a friend of Cipriani’s who wrote his novel Across The River And Into The Trees here.

_**Order this: **_A bellini, of course. This peach-prosecco cocktail is a Venetian classic, invented by Mr Giuseppe Cipriani at his Harry’s Bar, Venice, and there are few better places to sip one.

locandacipriani.com

Aside from the Biennale, the perfect day trip from the main island of Venice is to Burano. Located 45 minutes by boat from St Mark’s square, this island is known for being one of the most colourful places in the world. There are charming squares and stunning views of neighbouring island Torcello offering an alternative to the intricate details of the main island’s palazzi.

_**Don’t forget: **_Your camera (or camera phone). In summer, the bright light and vibrant colours of the island’s fisherman houses combine to make absolutely perfect Instagram-fodder. Think of all the likes…

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