A quiet canal in the section of Cannaregio in Venice, ItalyGettyEvery time I come back to Venice, I get the same rush of excitement. No matter if I arrive by train or boat, the city always makes a strong first impression. Water splashes against old stone doorways, palaces seem to rise straight out of the lagoon, and even the sights I know well can feel surprising all over again.What stands out in Venice these days isn’t just its beauty. The city’s luxury scene is changing. For a long time, many visitors saw Venice as a place to hurry through, taking a gondola ride, snapping a few photos, and quickly walking through Piazza San Marco before leaving. That fast-paced version of Venice still exists. But now, another side is becoming clearer, especially for travelers who stay longer, explore more, and take their time to enjoy the city.You can see this change in the neighborhoods people pick, the restaurants that are getting noticed, and especially in the new luxury hotels that are changing how people think about where to stay. The new Orient Express Venezia is the best example, but it’s just one part of a bigger trend of restoration, new ideas, and growing confidence throughout the city.View of the Rialto bridge over the Grand Canal in VenicegettyThe Iconic Floating City Venice’s famous landmarks always draw a crowd. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, places like Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, and the Grand Canal never lose their excitement. There’s a good reason they’re so popular.But Venice gets even more interesting when you step away from the busiest spots. Cannaregio, one of the city’s most charming neighborhoods, has a slower pace. Its peaceful canals, local shops, and lived-in feel often surprise people who have only seen Venice’s famous sights.This difference is more important than ever. Venice remains one of the world’s top travel spots, but the best luxury experiences now go beyond just seeing the famous sights. More and more, it’s about where you stay, how you explore, and whether you feel connected to the real Venice, not just its postcard views.Sala della Cultura at Orient Express VeneziaGiulio GhirardiWhere To StayOf all the new hotels in Venice, Orient Express Venezia stands out not just for its name, but for how naturally it fits into the city. Housed in the 15th-century Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Cannaregio, the hotel feels like a true part of Venice, not just placed there.You notice this feeling as soon as you arrive. Arriving by boat, you move away from the crowded canals and enter a quieter, more residential area of Venice. Right away, the atmosphere changes. The hotel doesn’t try to outshine the city’s energy. Instead, it allows the palazzo’s character to shine through.Designer Aline Asmar d’Amman in the lobby of Orient Express VeneziaJim Dobson for ForbesDuring my recent visit to the city, I spoke with Gilda Pérez-Alvarado, CEO of Orient Express, about the long restoration process. “When I first walked into the 600-year-old palazzo, I was struck by its natural beauty and the many historic elements that remained intact. After ten years of work, we are finally able to unveil one of the most authentic restoration projects in Venice. It now forms part of a broader Italian route that includes La Minerva and La Dolce Vita.”The restoration is at the heart of what makes this hotel special. Paris-based Lebanese architect and interior designer Aline Asmar d’Amman took a careful approach, letting the building’s age and character show. The hotel has 41 rooms and 6 suites, and its interiors reflect the palazzo’s aristocratic history without feeling artificial. Silk, stone, and velvet mix with modern touches, but the architecture itself provides the real drama.Cherubini Suite (L) and Colori Persi Suite (R) at Orient Express VeneziaGiulio GhirardiAsmar d’Amman explained the project to me: “My inspiration came from the wonders of Venice, from its role as a gateway between East and West, and from the beauty found in the traces of time,” she said. “I wanted to honor the palazzo’s history while reimagining it for the present, creating a dialogue between legacy and reinvention, architectural truth and contemporary elegance. The goal was to reveal what was already there and give it new life in a way that feels timeless, intimate, and deeply connected to the spirit of the city.”You can see that philosophy throughout the design. “We paid close attention to every detail, making sure the original character of the palazzo could be felt in every room,” she said. “From restored frescoes and Murano chandeliers to embossed leathers and sculpted woodwork, the design was meant to create a dialogue between the building’s history and a more contemporary sense of comfort and glamour.”Orient Express suite (L) and marble-filled suite bathroom (R)Giulio GhirardiThe property stands out because it never feels over-restored. You can still sense the building's age. The best rooms don’t hide that history behind luxury; instead, they let it show. In the signature suites, canal views, fireplaces, exposed beams, and original frescoes give each space its own character. The Orient Express Suite is especially memorable for its grand size and massive, sculpted fireplace, while the Del Conte Suite feels more like a private Venetian home than a typical hotel room. Legendary welcome when you arrive via boat to the Orient Express VeneziaJIm Dobson for ForbesThe hotel also puts a strong emphasis on food and drink. Three-Michelin-starred German chef Heinz Beck is in charge of the culinary program, and La Casati highlights Venetian cuisine. Another spot, Heinz Beck Venezia, will soon offer a more personal, refined experience with only 20 seats. The Wagon Bar takes its inspiration from classic rail travel and has a quieter, more intimate atmosphere.Chef Beck explained that Venice was a big reason he joined the project. “Every project should be rooted in an honest and meaningful story,” he said. “After many years working around the world, I felt drawn to a place with a history as layered and distinctive as Venice. Orient Express Venezia is not simply a hotel; it is part of a cultural and historical setting that feels suspended between water and time.”Airelles Palladio, Venice suitevincent lerouxOrient Express Venezia arrives at an important moment. Venice’s luxury hotel market is undergoing a broad transformation. After extensive restoration, Hotel Gabrielli reopened in August 2025. Airelles Palladio Venezia brings a garden-filled, resort-style feel to Giudecca, along with the largest wellness space in Venice. On the Lido, the famed Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort, long linked with the Venice Film Festival, has returned with updated lagoon-facing rooms. Historic addresses near the Grand Canal are being recharged under major brands. Four Seasons now manages Hotel Danieli, and Rosewood has taken over Hotel Bauer. Looking ahead, The Langham, Venice is expected to open on Murano in 2027. Mandarin Oriental will soon manage San Clemente Palace Hotel on its own private island.This wave of openings is interesting not just because of the big names. It raises a larger question about the kind of Venice being created for future travelers. These projects suggest a city more focused on restoration, preservation, and a more thoughtful approach to luxury.Venissa Wine Resort in Venice, ItalyVenissaWhere To EatIf you look beyond the usual spots, Venice has exceptional meals waiting for you. The best food is rarely found at restaurants catering to tourists, so avoid menus with food photos. Instead, seek places that use local ingredients and preserve the true spirit of Venetian cooking.If you want a meal that feels both local and a bit magical, visit Venissa on Mazzorbo island. You’ll get there by boat taxi. The restaurant sits among vineyards in a quiet part of the lagoon. Venissa isn’t just a Michelin-starred spot; it’s an experience all its own. The menu features local ingredients and brings back historic Venetian grape varieties, all experienced in an atmosphere that is calm and refreshing.The new Trattoria del Local in VeniceTrattoria del LocalTrattoria del Local is one of Venice's most talked-about new restaurants, and it’s clear why. It is the more informal sibling of Ristorante Local, their one-Michelin-star restaurant nearby. Rustic-chic decor and an open kitchen let the owner follow her grandmother’s approach to hospitality.For something more formal, Quadri sits above Piazza San Marco and offers one of the most elegant dining rooms in Venice. Run by the Alajmo family, it blends classic grandeur with modern refinement. It is more than a meal with a view; it proves that Venetian dining can evolve while honoring tradition.If you want a relaxed meal with your family, Ca’ d’Oro, also known as Alla Vedova, is always a great choice. With over 130 years of history, it’s famous for serving some of the city’s most loved meatballs.Noble costume fitting (L) and Gondola tours (R)JIm Dobson for ForbesWhere to ExploreVenice might feel overwhelming at first, so it helps to plan a few experiences beyond the famous sights. You’ll often discover the city’s true spirit in its crafts, traditions, and quieter daily rituals. Arrange these experiences in advance through your hotel concierge to avoid scams.One of the best times to visit is during the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, which takes place from May 9 to November 22, 2026. The Biennale brings a unique energy to Venice, with major exhibitions at the Giardini and Arsenale, plus installations and national pavilions all over the city. If you’re interested in more than just history, it’s a great way to experience Venice’s modern cultural scene. If you want a timeless experience, try a private gondola ride after dark. When the crowds leave, Venice feels completely different. The reflections grow deeper, the canals become quiet, and you can really hear the water against the buildings. At night, the city seems less staged and more mysterious, as if the shadows are holding secrets from the past.Codega guard night tourJim Dobson for ForbesA Codega night walk is a memorable way to see Venice from a different perspective. A guide in period costume leads the way by lantern, reviving an old tradition from when nobles needed codegas to escort them through the city’s dark and once-dangerous streets. The walk blends history and theater, giving you the chance to experience life from another era.If you’re interested in Venetian pageantry, a costume fitting at a local atelier is more than just a novelty. It gives you a look into the city’s long tradition of craftsmanship, Carnival, and ceremonial dress. Seeing the details up close helps you understand the link between Venetian spectacle and artistry.No first visit to Venice is complete without spending time in Murano. Glassmaking is still a big part of life on the island. The Murano Glass Museum gives helpful background, but private studios are where the tradition truly comes alive. Watching artisans work shows that some of Venice’s most important heritage is still being created today.Panoramic aerial view of Venice from San Marco CampanilegettyThe Future of VeniceVenice is still one of the most popular cities in Europe, and its historic center is feeling the pressure. There is no doubt that visitors will keep coming. The real question is what kind of tourism the city wants to support.A clear example of this change is the new Venice Access Fee. To reduce crowds and protect the historic center, visitors who do not stay overnight must pay between 5 and 10 euros per person during certain daytime hours. This is part of what makes Venice so interesting today. The city remains beautiful and unique, but it now asks more from its visitors. Those who spend more time, show patience, and look beyond the usual sights will find the experience more rewarding.The changing luxury market in Venice shows this shift. The most interesting new hotels are not those that try to stand out, but those that fit in with the city’s character. Throughout Venice, a more thoughtful kind of luxury is appearing, focused on restoration, atmosphere, and the simple pleasure of enjoying the city at a slower pace.MORE FROM FORBESForbesThe 20 Best Hotels In Italy—According To The 2026 DUCO AwardsBy Jim DobsonVenice