Why it’s best to visit Venice in winter

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Films such as Don’t Look Now and Death in Venice may make you feel that the city has a sinister or decaying feel in the winter, but in reality it’s cosy, welcoming and heartachingly beautiful. open image in gallery View of the Salute church from The Gritti Palace balcony What to do When you come to Venice, find the city that works for you – whether that’s wandering the streets and dipping into churches, wrapping up warm and exploring the islands, or just cosying up in bacari or osterie with pasta and wine. open image in gallery Venice on a winter’s night is imbued with a special kind of magic Wander around the Palazzo Ducale Often choked with tourists in the summer, I found the Palazzo Ducale – the former Doge’s residence and seat of Venetian government – to be pleasingly quiet in early December. open image in gallery The view from the front of the Peggy Guggenheim gallery How long to stay You don’t really need more than three days in Venice; this is enough time to get a feel for the city and see the major tourist attractions.