The best things to do during the Venice Film Festival

The Venice Film Festival, taking placing this year August 30 – September 9, draws a host of celebrities and superyachts. Whether visiting on a private yacht or enjoying a luxury yacht charter in Venice Gabriele Picci, head concierge of the Belmond Hotel Cipriani, reveals the hot spots and secret hideouts to visit during the Venice Film Festival.

1. Bars to meet stars during the Venice Film Festival

Harry’s Bar: Giuseppe Cipriani opened the bar in 1931. The first and only guest book has the signatures of Somerset Maugham, Noël Coward, Charlie Chaplin, Barbara Hutton, Orson Welles, Truman Capote and a host of others.

B Bar: The bar at the Bauer hotel has live music and parties during the Venice Film festival.

Lion’s Bar: It’s on a terrace overlooking the red carpet and there’s also a restaurant in front of the new entrance to the Palazzo del Cinema.

Gabbiano Bar: The meeting spot after film presentations. It goes until four or five in the morning – have a night swim in the pool.

Join the party during Venice Film Festival

Most parties are closed to the public – so try to bag an invitation. The hottest ones will be at the Belmond Hotel Cipriani, the Excelsior, the Bauer, the Danieli, Villa Laguna, Palazzina G, Palazzo Grassi and Ca’ Vendramin.

If you need a chance to relax from the pace of the Venice Film Festival then take time to visit islands that tourists don’t have time to visit – and where you can enjoy the real atmosphere of the lagoon.

Sant'Erasmo

The largest island in the Venetian lagoon offers a rural tranquility in comparison to the cosmopolitan bustle of Venice. Producing some of the best ingredients in the Mediterranean the island is famous for its artichokes.

Mazzorbo

The peaceful island of Mazzorbo is joined by a footbridge to its better known neighbour Burano and as a result is overlooked by most tourists. However, the island which has less than 350 inhabitants, is an undiscovered gem. It is also home to the chic Vanessa hotel and winery, which has a great restaurant using local ingredients.

San Giorgio Maggiore

The tiny island of San Giorgio Maggiore is famous for its stunning tower and cathedral. The tower even has a lift and offers panaromic views across the lagoon.

If you are looking to carry on your vacation after the film festival don’t miss our guide to places to visit after Venice Film Festival.

If you want to spend a night on dry land during the Venice Film Festival then you are spoilt for choice. The city has a host of stylish luxury hotels that offer you the perfect place to rest your head after the day’s activities.

Aman Canal Grande

The Aman Canal Grande hotel is famous for hosting the wedding of George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin. It has been home to the Papadopoli family for 200 years and despite selling an interest to Aman they still own some of the apartments. The decadent hotel has two lovely gardens and a private boat jetty.

Belmond Hotel Cipriani

With views across the lagoon to St Mark’s Belmond Hotel Cipriani is the pinnacle of Venetian elegance. Located on Giudecca island the hotel’s private marina was a location used in the James Bond film Casino Royale.

The Bauer hotel

Located in the centre of Venice the Bauer hotel offers a classic luxury with wonderfully attentive service. The hotel is bursting with Art Deco gems and has a well-regarded restaurant that sits on the water.