ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Venice Locals Share Top Spots for Eating, Drinking, and Shopping During the Biennale

festival-fair · 2026-04-29

Artsy interviewed five Venice-based art world figures for their recommendations on dining, drinking, and shopping during the 2026 Venice Biennale, which runs from May 9 to November 22. The biennale, originating in the Giardini and Arsenale, now spreads across the city with pavilions, collateral events, and independent projects. The locals, all deep in preparations for the event, offered tips for navigating the crowded city. Gražina Subelytė, curator at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, is among those featured. The article provides edited advice for finding tables, good drinks, and locally sourced souvenirs amid the tourist influx.

Key facts

  • The 2026 Venice Biennale runs from May 9 to November 22.
  • The biennale originated in the Giardini and Arsenale.
  • Artsy interviewed five local art world figures for recommendations.
  • Gražina Subelytė is a curator at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
  • The article covers places to eat, drink, and shop in Venice.
  • Answers were edited for length and clarity.
  • The biennale includes pavilions, collateral events, and independent projects.
  • Spring is when Venice comes alive due to the biennale.

Entities

Institutions

  • Artsy
  • Peggy Guggenheim Collection
  • Venice Biennale

Locations

  • Venice
  • Italy
  • Giardini
  • Arsenale

Sources