Castello: Arsenale, Via Garibaldi and the local east end: a walk in Venice

Away from San Marco along the water to the Arsenale and into Via Garibaldi, where eastern Castello still lives like a village.

Best time: Morning for the market stalls, or 17:00 onwards for aperitivo

The route, stop by stop

1
Pasticceria Bonifacio
Coffee and pastry behind the Doge's Palace; 10 min.
A hole-in-the-wall pastry bar behind the Doge's Palace with superb pastries and savoury bites at local prices.
2
Oriental Bar, Hotel Metropole
Peek at the hotel on the Riva (evening drink optional).
A refined, exotic-decor hotel bar recommended by Spotted by Locals for its exceptional service and signature cocktails; a calmer alternative to the famous San Marco bars.
3
Naval History Museum
Model galleys and the Bucintoro; 60 min optional.
Model galleys, a model of the Bucintoro state barge and 42 rooms of maritime history next to the Arsenale; good for kids.
4
Arsenale land gate
The Arsenale gate with its stone lions; 10 min.
5
Via Garibaldi
Venice's widest street; 20 min.
The widest street in Venice, in eastern Castello, where residents shop and sit outside bars among antique stalls; Spotted by Locals picks it for its local atmosphere, far from…
6
El Refolo
Spritz and cicchetti; 30 min.
A tiny wine and cocktail bar off Via Garibaldi with tables outside and neighbourhood prices.
7
Trattoria alla Rampa
Neighbourhood trattoria lunch or dinner.
A neighbourhood trattoria frequented by eastern Castello residents: squid ink pasta, home cooking and a fixed-price lunch.