The French love to claim the title of ‘most romantic city in the world’ for their own Paris and, before seeing Venice, we might even have agreed.

Far from flashing lights of Paris, the overpriced champagne and overcrowded and pricey fancy restaurants, the Italian city is all about simple and genuine romance.

Walking around the ancient pebblestone pavement, the canals full of boats, gondolas and ducks, and the impressive architecture which has resisted wars, invasions and natural disasters – it’s impossible to not feel like you’re on a film set.

Venice is small but mighty, and there is a lot to see so choosing the perfect location is a must to enjoy a full weekend in the city. Ideally, you want to be close to the centre but far enough away from the main tourist attractions to enjoy the company of locals, go out for an impromptu spritz and see the real Venice.

Grand Hotel dei Dogi: the Venetian palace with a perfect canal view