Exploring the Enchantment of Venice: A Kosher Travel Journey

During Yeshiva Week in January 2026, we spent a brief but enriching 28 hours in Venice as part of a wider journey through Italy. Venice is a unique destination unlike any other major European city, built entirely on water and devoid of cars, making boats and footpaths the only means of navigation. Although our visit coincided with winter temperatures hovering in the 30s Fahrenheit, we found the city surprisingly accessible, especially for kosher travelers, thanks to the robust Jewish infrastructure located in the historic Jewish Ghetto. Our experience was greatly enhanced by our choice to stay at the Rimon Hotel, a recently renovated kosher hotel right in the heart of the Ghetto.

Venice is Sinking

Despite its charm, Venice faces a serious long-term environmental threat. Built over a millennium ago on wooden pilings driven into the lagoon’s muddy floor, the city is gradually sinking, compounded by rising sea levels. Venice subsides at a rate of about 1 to 2 millimeters annually, while rising waters and periodic flooding events, known locally as acqua alta, increasingly jeopardize low-lying areas such as Piazza San Marco. In response, Italy has invested billions of euros in the MOSE flood barrier system, a collection of mobile gates that temporarily isolate the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea during high tides. Although these measures have significantly mitigated major flooding in recent years, the city’s long-term future remains uncertain, making visits today particularly poignant for those who wish to experience one of the world’s most historically rich and physically delicate cities.

Our decision to include Venice in our travels was thus deeply felt, despite the brief duration of our stay.

Staying at the Rimon Place Hotel in the Jewish Ghetto

We chose to stay at the Rimon Place Hotel, the only kosher hotel in Venice, set in the heart of the Jewish Ghetto. Recently renovated, the hotel transformed a historic Venetian building into modern, comfortable accommodations tailored for kosher travelers. Note: Rimon Place Hotel sponsored our visit to Venice and hosted us during our short stay.

Our accommodations featured contemporary furnishings, modern bathrooms, comfortable bedding, and picturesque views overlooking the winding canals and pedestrian paths. Given the January chill, the hotel’s effective heating and insulation were particularly valuable, providing a welcoming retreat after long days spent outdoors.

Its prime location is another highlight, situated right next to Ba’Ghetto, a well-known kosher restaurant chain in Italy, and only a 30-second walk from the Chabad synagogue, which holds daily morning services.

Every morning, the hotel served a hearty kosher breakfast, offering a spread that included freshly prepared eggs, pancakes, breads, pastries, cheeses, spreads, and coffee. Having such a reliable kosher breakfast on-site enabled us to start each day efficiently without needing to search for outside food options.

For kosher travelers, the Rimon Hotel provides one of the most strategically located and convenient accommodations in the city.

Delicious breakfast at Rimon Place Hotel

Exploring Venice on Foot and Visiting Piazza San Marco

After checking in around 4pm, we set out to explore Venice on foot. The city spans over 100 small islands, connected by more than 400 bridges, making walking the primary mode of transportation.

We made our way to Piazza San Marco, the symbolic heart of Venice, surrounded by several of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

The Campanile di San Marco, the towering bell tower that overlooks the square, offers panoramic views for those willing to ascend it.

Next to the tower stands St. Mark’s Basilica, one of Venice’s most renowned sites. Originally constructed in the 11th century, the basilica showcases Byzantine architectural influence, with domes and ornate exterior details. While we admired its façade, we chose not to enter, given its status as an active church hosting Christian services.

Adjacent to the basilica is the Doge’s Palace, which served for centuries as the political and administrative hub of the Republic of Venice, housing the Doge, the elected leader, alongside government offices and judicial chambers.

Across the square lies the Museo Correr, showcasing artwork, Murano glass, and historical artifacts that reflect Venice’s extensive political and economic legacy.

As we roamed through Venice, we recognized its historical essence as a commercial center. Artisan shops selling unique goods, clothing, Murano glass, and handmade crafts abound, and our January visit coincided with post-holiday sales, allowing for some delightful shopping opportunities.

Dinner at Gam Gam and First Night in Venice

We returned to the Jewish Ghetto for dinner at Gam Gam, a well-established kosher meat restaurant operated by Chabad of Venice. Gam Gam has been serving kosher travelers for decades, offering a menu that combines authentic Italian fare with Israeli and Middle Eastern dishes.

Menu highlights include pasta dishes, grilled meats, schnitzel, shawarma, falafel, and traditional Jewish comfort foods. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal here and recommend making reservations all year round.

After dinner, we made our way back to the Rimon Hotel for a peaceful night’s rest.

Breakfast at the Hotel and Touring Doge’s Palace

Our next morning commenced with a satisfying kosher breakfast at the hotel, featuring selections such as fresh eggs, pancakes, pastries, breads, cheeses, spreads, and coffee—an ideal way to kick off the day. (see images above)

We then revisited Piazza San Marco to tour the Doge’s Palace. Exploring the palace offers insights into Venice’s governmental structure, encompassing its council chambers, administrative offices, and prison areas. This experience illustrates Venice’s extensive role as a powerful and independent republic through the centuries.

Following this, we visited the Museo Correr, which displays Murano glass chandeliers, artworks, sculptures, and historical artifacts that reflect the city’s cultural and economic history.

Vaporetto Ride, Lunch at Gam Gam Goodies, and Local Kosher Pastries

On our way back to the Jewish Ghetto, we took the vaporetto, Venice’s public water bus, along the Grand Canal, starting at the iconic Rialto Bridge. This ride grants picturesque views of Venice’s majestic palaces, bridges, and waterfront architecture.

For lunch, we stopped by Gam Gam Goodies, the dairy counterpart to Gam Gam. Focused on takeout, this venue is renowned for its Neapolitan-style pizza prepared by a chef from Naples, along with falafel options. The pizza, characterized by its doughy crust and traditional preparation, offers an authentic kosher Italian experience—definitely worth trying!

Another critical stop within Venice’s Jewish Ghetto was Volpe Kosher Bakery, conveniently located just across from Gam Gam Goodies. Esteemed as one of the few dedicated kosher bakeries serving both locals and visitors, Volpe offers a varied selection of freshly baked breads, pastries, cakes, and iconic Italian baked goods. Visitors can find items ranging from fresh rolls and croissants to cookies and packaged cakes—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as travel provisions. Additionally, the bakery presents grab-and-go options for those setting out early or catching trains to other cities, though full meals are not available here.

Touring the Historic Synagogues of Venice

After lunch, we explored the historic synagogues located in the Jewish Ghetto. Established in 1516, this was the world’s first officially designated Jewish ghetto. Jews were required to reside within its boundaries, which were locked nightly, until 1797, when Napoleon conquered Venice and granted the Jewish population full civil rights.

The synagogues, constructed within the upper floors of residential buildings, boast beautifully preserved interiors that reflect centuries of Jewish life and continue to operate today for regular services and special events.

We also visited Judaica shops throughout the Ghetto, showcasing handcrafted Jewish art, ceremonial objects, and unique items illustrating Venice’s rich Jewish heritage.

Exploring Dorsoduro and Artisan Venice

Later that afternoon, we ventured to the Dorsoduro neighborhood, noted for its tranquility, canals, artisan workshops, and historic streets. We encountered shops selling traditional Venetian masks, made by hand, along with workshops allowing visitors to create their own.

We also passed by the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, discovering smaller canals and bridges that highlight Venice’s architectural and cultural significance.

Wandering through Venice genuinely feels like traversing a living museum.

Final Evening and Departure to Florence

For our final dinner in the Jewish Ghetto, we returned to Gam Gam, as a scheduling conflict precluded us from dining at Ba’Ghetto. This time, we savored additional dishes, including traditional Jewish fried artichokes, a classic Roman Jewish specialty.

Dinner at Gam Gam

After dinner, we had the pleasure of meeting with the Chabad rebbetzin, who provided insights into Jewish life in Venice, especially during busy travel seasons like Yeshiva Week, when Shabbat meals draw large crowds of Jewish visitors.

She accompanied us to Venice’s Santa Lucia Train Station, a 10-minute walk from the Ghetto. From there, we boarded our two-hour train journey to Florence.

Why Venice Is an Ideal Destination for Kosher Travelers

In just 28 hours during Yeshiva Week, we soaked in Venice’s historic sites, explored Jewish heritage locations, enjoyed kosher dining experiences, and wandered through charming neighborhoods.

Over the course of our stay, we covered approximately 15,000 to 20,000 steps each day, highlighting the city’s walkability.

Staying at the Rimon Hotel made our experience seamless. Its central location in the Jewish Ghetto, coupled with a reliable kosher breakfast and proximity to synagogues and restaurants, provided the perfect foundation for our visit.

For those with more time, I recommend exploring Murano’s glassmaking island, participating in a mask-making workshop, and spending Shabbat in the Jewish Ghetto.

Combining rich Jewish heritage, a strong kosher infrastructure, and an unparalleled geographic uniqueness, Venice stands out as a truly exceptional destination for kosher travelers. Even within just 28 hours, it asserted itself as one of Europe’s most memorable and unique locations.