When Viola and Vera Arrivabene were growing up in Palazzo Papadopoli, their family’s 16th-century palace on Venice’s Grand Canal, Venetian slippers weren’t yet in vogue. These humble shoes, known as furlane in Italian, were crafted by local women from scraps of felt and bicycle tires during World War II. Despite the slippers’s modest origins, the Arrivabenes, descendants of the Italian royal house of Savoy, wore them around town. Soon, their friends from around the world were eager to get their hands on the shoes, which were exclusively sold in Venice.

In 2015, Viola and Vera, then 24 and 22 years old, launched their own furlane brand, ViBi Venezia. They now have a store in Milan’s Brera neighborhood and sell their wares online and in boutiques everywhere from Patmos to Southampton. On the eve of the 81st Venice International Film Festival, the sisters share their go-to’s in the floating city.

Salone VerdE — Art & Social Club

Salone Verde’s current exhibition, “Cosmic Garden,” stems from the long-standing collaboration between two Indian artists, Madhvi Parekh and Manu Parekh, with Karishma Swali, the creative director of the Chanakya School of Craft in Mumbai, a non-profit institution dedicated to promoting women’s social empowerment through craftsmanship. (“Cosmic Garden” is on view at Salone Verde until November 24, saloneverde.com)

An installation view of “Monte di Pietà,” by Christoph Büchel.

Fondazione Prada

In his current exhibit at the Fondazione Prada, Christoph Büchel explores the themes of need, detachment, pain, debt, and human greed within the beautiful setting of Palazzo Ca’ Corner della Regina. The show gives audiences the sensation of traveling back to the era when Monte di Pietà (Mount of Piety) institutions were highly popular in Italy—it’s like being in a time machine! (“Monte di Pietà” is on view at Salone Verde until November 24, fondazioneprada.org)

Palazzo Grassi

We always love the art shows at Palazzo Grassi … (pinaultcollection.com)

Punta della Dogana

… And at Punta Della Dogana, another contemporary art space by the Pinault Collection. (pinaultcollection.com)

Ca’ Pesaro International gallery of modern art

Always a good classic! (capesaro.visitmuve.it)

Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Our favorite historic sight to see close to home. (scuolagrandesanrocco.org)

Aman Venice, a luxury hotel housed in a historic palazzo on the Grand Canal.

aman venice

Obviously at the top of our list. (aman.com)

Oltre il Giardino

This hotel is very cosy and centrally located. (oltreilgiardino-venezia.com)

Harry’s Dolci, a bar and restaurant facing the Giudecca Canal.

Harry’s Dolci

The tagliolini gratinati and Bellinis at Harry’s Dolci are our all-time favorites. (cipriani.com)

ROSA SALVA

For a snack or a light lunch, we love stopping by Rosa Salva for their famous tramezzini. Our favorite is the prosciutto cotto e uova. (rosasalva.it)

Trattoria alla Madonna

The spaghetti alle vongole at alla Madonna also make for a perfect lunch. (ristoranteallamadonna.com)

Naranzaria

Watch the sun set with an Aperol spritz at Naranzaria, by the Rialto Bridge. It’s impossible to get bored of the view.

A glass bust of Caesar Augustus, by Giberto Venezia.

giberto venezia

Shopping at Giberto Venezia’s new Murano glassware boutique on the Rialto Bridge is a must! (giberto.it)

Al Duca D’Aosta

Stop by the Al Duca d’Aosta department store near St. Mark’s Square to buy our ViBi Venezia slippers. (alducadaosta.com)

Rigattieri Liliana

For the best ceramic shopping, visit this store located next to Campo Santo Stefano, a city square.

Attilio Codognato

If you are in the mood for some jewelry shopping, go to Attilio Codognato … (attiliocodognato.it)

antoniamiletto

… or Antoniamiletto! (antoniamiletto.com)

Photos: Daniele Venturelli/Wireimage/Getty Images; Marco Cappelletti/Courtesy of Fondazione Prada; Courtesy of Aman; Paolo Reda/Reda and Co/Alamy; Courtesy of Giberto Venezia