Last August my partner and I stayed at Piccola Perla, a charming one-bedroomed apartment in St. Antonin, located roughly midway between St Mark's Square and Arsenale.
It was quiet, tastefully decorated and it was great to come back in the evening after a long day's sightseeing and put our feet up in the little courtyard, together with a drink of Prosecco. Being on a budget, some evenings we cooked our own meals, so it was good to be a couple of bridges away from one of only two supermarkets I have come across in Venice.
Recommended as a romantic getaway for a couple or an inexpensive spot for a small family (there was a sofabed in the living room).
www.ourveniceapartment.com - Tel. (UK) 01242 243693. Nearest Vaporetto: San Zaccaria.
A passion for Venice developed into sharing this apartment, my private refuge. Neighbours sing, make lunch and the real Venice is lived. Always delighted to call into Schola degli Schiavoni to see the famous Carpaccio paintings of George and the Dragon, on the way to the supermarket. Only in Venice.
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It was good to be back in a vicinity we had got to know the last time, since it is easy to become bewildered by the twists and turns of the streets in Venice. Just around the corner from the quiet Ramo (alleway) are a bakers, a mini-supermarket and a cafe.
The apartment served us well as it is close to St. Marks on one side, and Arsenale and the Biennale on the other. It is also comfortable and very private.
We mostly cooked for ourselves but also had an excellent meal at nearby Alla Rivetta. You may have to queue a short while, but it's worth it.
Recommended by other guests are Al Cova and Corte Sconte restaurants, as well as the more affordable Al Scalinetto.