venice italy travel brochure

Are you thinking of visiting Venice ? If you are, then you'll probably want to discover more about this fascinating city before your holiday. In our opinion, Venice and Rome are the two most magnificent cities in Italy and are well worth visiting, whether it be for a weekend break or a longer holiday, and this is why we have written this up-to-date travel guide of one of our absolute favorite cities.

Venice Travel Guide

• General Information
• Top Attractions
• Getting to Venice
• Saving Money
• Where to Eat
• Where to Stay
• 48-Hour Itinerary

What is Venice?

Venice is made up of 119 islands connected to one another by various bridges and overpasses. The Ponte della Libertà connects Mestre to Venice in Piazzale Roma .

The city, also known as La Dominante, has suffered from regular floodings since it was founded. Currently, this phenomenon called Acqua Alta still occurs several times a year and is a serious problem for the city. 

Between autumn and spring, the level of the Adriatic Sea rises and causes flooding in Venice, especially in Piazza San Marco . The peaks are sometimes so high that the authorities have to place wooden planks to help pedestrians.

If you would like to discover more about Venice, we suggest reading our articles on its six  neighborhoods , its top attractions,  and its history.

Why visit Venice?

In our opinion, Venice is an extraordinary destination and we can think of numerous reasons to visit this magical city.

But if we were to give just one reason, it would be that Venice is unique and completely different from any other city in the world. A place that welcomes and captures the hearts of all those that visit it.

Looking for accommodation?

If you haven’t booked your hotel yet, we recommend visiting our search engine, where you'll find all types of hotels, serviced apartments, and hostels with the best rates guaranteed. If you book in advance, you can get up to a 75% discount and pay once you get to your hotel.

• Accommodation in Venice – find the best deals online.

top activities

Vivaldi's Four Seasons Concert Attend a concert of Antonio Vivaldi's The Four Seasons in the very place where the artist composed his most famous works – a magical experience!

Venice Canals Gondola Ride On this gondola ride, you'll discover Venice's canals from a different, romantic , and historical point of view. Let's go!

Burano, Murano & Torcello Self-Guided Excursion Enjoy a boat trip around the  Venetian Lagoon's most famous islands — Burano, Murano, and Torcello . Delve into the charm and rich artisan culture at your leisure.

Rialto and Jewish Quarter Tour If you want to experience the authentic and less touristy side of Venice , you can't miss this brilliant tour of Rialto and the Jewish Quarter.

St Mark's Basilica Guided Tour Gorgeous marbles and golden mosaics make St. Mark's Basilica one of the most impressive cathedrals in the world, and with a guide we'll miss no detail.

Murano and Burano Self-Guided Tour Enjoy a relaxing cruise to two spectacular islands in the Venetian lagoon: Murano and Burano . You can watch a live demonstration of traditional glassblowing.

Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica + Glass Factory Guided Tour On this tour of Venice , visit the Doge's Palace and enter St. Mark's Basilica with our skip-the-line ticket , plus visit a glass factory . Enjoy a day of culture!

Offer: St. Mark's Basilica + Doge's Palace Tour Explore two of Venice's famous monuments with this St. Mark's Basilica + Doge's Palace Tour. Numerous works of art, hidden galleries and majestic halls await!

Venice Carnival Mask: Make Your Own Venice, the city of canals... and Carnival!  Decorate your own mask in this Venetian masks workshop and experience this side of the famous festivity.

Venice, Murano, Burano & Torcello Sightseeing Boat Sail the canals of Venice on this tourist boat , where you can get on and off as many times as you like. You can also visit Murano, Burano and Torcello !

Venetian Galleon Cruise with Dinner The sun setting, three-hour cruise, a gourmet dinner, the Lagoon islands and a stunning Venetian galleon make this an incredible evening in Venice .

Walking Tour, Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica On this tour we will pass through the centre of Venice, taking in its most important monuments: the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica

Venice Gondola Ride under the Bridge of Sighs Board a typical Venetian boat on this gondola ride on the canals . You'll pass the city's most iconic sites, such as the Bridge of Sighs . Don't miss out!

Venice Gondola Ride & Audio Guide On this gondola ride with an audio guide , we'll discover the magic of Venice on board the city's most famous type of boat admiring unbeatable views.

Venice Free Tour See Venice through the eyes of a true Venetian! On this 2-hour free tour, we'll walk the City of Canals' streets and see its most iconic landmarks!

Stairs of the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo Ticket The ticket to the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo will give you access to one of the most peculiar buildings in Venice and its captivating stairwell.

Boat Transfer to St. Mark's Square Hop aboard this boat transfer , the epitome of comfort and convenience, linking Santa Lucia Station to the vicinity of St. Mark's Square !

Giorgio Cini Foundation Ticket On this visit to the Giorgio Cini Foundation , you'll have an audio guide to discover this complex located on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore .

Venezia Unica City Pass The Venezia Unica City Pass offers  skip the line access to the main museums and churches in Venice . You'll save yourself time and money!

Visit the La Fenice Theatre Discover the La Fenice Theatre, one of the most prestigious opera theatres in the world , where works by Verdi, Rossini and Bellini have been premiered.

San Marco City Pass The San Marco City Pass includes admission to the most important churches and museums in the center of Venice  – the best way to save on your trip!

Carnivals and Secrets: Venice Free Tour Did you know that the  city of canals is shrouded in mystery ? Discover the secrets of the city of Venice on this free walking tour!

Venecian Carnival Tour The history of the Venice Carnival goes far beyond the colorful identity-hiding masks. Join us to learn about the medieval origins of this iconic festival.

Tour of the Red Light District of Venice Hidden within Venice lies a forbidden and libertine city, full of lustful tales from the past. Join us on a tour of the Red Light District to discover them!

Venice + Islands Transport Card Discover Venice at your own pace with this tourist card, offering unlimited access to the city's public transport: the famous vaporetti and the bus network .

Peggy Guggenheim Collection Ticket Visit one of the most important galleries of modern art in Europe with this admission ticket to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice.

Venice Private Tour This private tour of Venice takes you through the past and present of the Serenissima with an exclusive guide, just for you, your family and friends.

Guided Tour of the Doge's Palace This tour takes you back to the golden age of the city , passing through the Doge's Palace: seat of Venetian political power for centuries.

Venice Watertaxi Airport Transfer What better way to arrive in Venice than by water? Book your place on a Watertaxi Airport Shuttle and enjoy an easy transfer to your hotel in the city .

Gondola Ride With Serenata In Venice On this gondola tour you will pass through the Venice canals enjoying the company of musicians and singers , who will delight you with popular Italian songs.

Palazzo delle Prigioni Tour On this guided tour to Palazzo delle Prigioni in Venice  you'll explore one of the oldest prisons in Europe. And even visit Casanova's cell!

Hard Rock Cafe Venice Come to the iconic Hard Rock Cafe Venice  and enjoy an American menu full of delicacies while listening to the greatest rock'n'roll hits.

Castello Neighbourhood Tour Explore the largest neighborhood in Venice with this fantastic guided tour of Castello. You will get to know this enchanting old shipyard district.

Venice Mysteries & Legends Tour Who said Venice was only for romantics? Learn about the mysteries & legends of the ghosts that haunt Venice on this tour .

Murano Private Day Trip On our Venice Islands Private Day Trip, you'll visit Murano Island and learn all about the refined techniques behind glass production.

Venice Food & Wine Tour Treat your tastebuds on this unique tour of Venice. Discover the Italian city's exquisite cuisine and apperitif culture on this wine and food tasting route.

Luxury Dinner + Avanspettacolo Venezia Cabaret Show If you want to enjoy an unforgettable evening in the city of canals , don't miss out on this magical luxury dinner with a cabaret show at Avanspettacolo Venezia !

Are you looking for a unique experience at a historic location in Venice ? Talent and art combine perfectly at this classical music concert in San Vidal Church . 

Venetian Wine Tasting Discover Venice's winemaking tradition with this tasting, during which you will have the chance to taste a variety of the region's finest .

Venice Glass Workshop Discover the secrets of this ancient craft that has become synonymous with the city of Venice by visiting an authentic glass workshop.

Cicchetti and Concert In this activity, you'll discover Venice through its customs while enjoying a classical music concert and a cicchetti dinner .

Venice's Ducal Palace Legends and Mysteries Tour The former residence of the Doge of Venice  is home to many an enigma. Discover its hidden stories on this mysteries and legends tour of the Ducal Palace!

Florence Excursion by High Speed Train Come and discover the city of the Renaissance by traveling from Venice to Florence by high-speed train . Plus, you'll take a panoramic tour on the tourist bus !

Verona Train Trip If you're in Venice , you'll love our Verona Train Trip ! You'll discover the romantic city of Romeo and Juliet as you stroll through the Piazza delle Erbe.

Want to sail around the city of canals in a unique way? Renting a skippered boat in Venice , you'll be able to tour the city at your leasure.

Venice Legends & Mysteries Free Tour Discover the City of Water on our Venice Legends and Mysteries Free Tour . We'll learn about the mysteries hidden in this city's fascinating history.

Venice Galleon Cruise & Lunch On our Venice Galleon Cruise & Lunch , you can see the city and its canals while enjoying a delicious lunch on board. You'll also see Burano Island!

Murano & Burano Free Tour With this free tour of Murano and Burano , we'll discover the charm of the most famous islands of the Venetian lagoon – a visit full of color and tradition!

Burano, Murano + Torcello Tour On this tour to Burano, Murano and Torcello with lunch , you'll enjoy the many charms of the 3 most popular islands in the Venetian Lagoon .

Venice City Pass Unleash the magic of Venice with the incredible Venice City Pass ! It's your gateway to the city's top attractions and iconic landmarks .

Venice Glass Workshop Experience Did you know Venice is known for its 1,000-year-old glass craftsmanship tradition? Make your own glass piece in this workshop and take back it home!

Doge's Palace Prison Concert The prison of the Doge's Palace is the perfect setting to treat your ears to Mozart or Verdi. Enjoy a concert in the city of canals !

Venice Boat Trip Discover the most emblematic places and monuments with this Venice Boat Trip along its beautiful canals. See Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica, San Giorgio.

Galleon Carnival Party Spend your Carnival in Venice in the best possible way with us on this fabulous party on board the Venetian Galleon . You'll have the best time!

Why use our guide to Venice?

Our guide is written for travelers by travelers , in simple language and with useful advice about how to save and make the most of your time in The Floating City.

All the information in this guide was updated in February 2023 . If you see any errors or anything which should be changed, please contact us .

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Hi, I am an expat adventure traveler who has traveled to some wonderful places around the world outside of my comfort zone. One who loves to immerse myself into other cultures and share my experiences with others. Enjoy my travel adventures, guides, and recommendations. "Life is short, go out and have an adventure"

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Where to Eat, Stay, Play, and More in Venice, According to an Expert

As one of Europe’s most overtouristed destinations, Venice is tricky — but we’re here to slam the brakes on the Venice-bashing.

Elizabeth Heath is a writer and editor living on a hill in Umbria, from where she writes about travel in Italy, the rest of Europe, and farther afield.

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Best nightlife, best restaurants, best time to visit, how to get to venice, how to get around.

Lara D'agostino/Travel + Leisure

Venice is tricky. On the one hand, it’s one of Europe’s — and maybe the world’s — most overtouristed destinations. Virtually all year round, it’s crowded, overpriced, confusing to first-timers (just what is the difference between a gondola, a vaporetto and a traghetto?) and, too often, the scene of many an Italian culinary murder. 

But we’re here to slam the brakes on the Venice bashing. 

As we were watching the sunset in a palette of oranges and pinks over the Grand Canal, the soundtrack of puttering motorboats and crooning gondoliers in the foreground, my colleague and fellow Travel + Leisure contributor Erica Firpo said, “Venice refuses to let you hate it.” For all the frustration and disappointment that this city can reap on the unprepared visitor, Venice is always going to be Venice: geographically absurd, transcendently, almost painfully beautiful, and mesmerizing once you cut through all the clutter. 

Here, I’ve drawn on the best parts of my many visits to create a guide to Venice, including not-to-miss attractions, unforgettable hotels, the best places for cicchetti and umbra , and where to eke out a hidden moment or two. 

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Take the gondola ride: You never know when you’ll revisit Venice, so don’t miss the chance to have this only-in-Venice experience.
• Make a meal of cicchetti: The Venetian equivalent of tapas, these small bites can become a satisfying meal. Cantina Do Spade in the San Polo sestiere is one of my favorites.
• Spring for the balcony suite: There’s nothing quite like flinging open your hotel room window and seeing the Grand Canal before you, and there are few better places to do it than the St. Regis Venice.
• Walk Venice at night: The magical glow of the moonlit canals, the creaking of moored boats, and the relative calm of its narrow lanes — after dark, Venice lives up to its “most serene” moniker.
• Enjoy a spritz with a view: Skip the overpriced bars on Piazza San Marco, but do find an elegant canal-view bar to sip a cocktail and complementary nibbles — Bar Longhi at the Gritti Palace is a storied choice.

St. Regis Venice

T+L readers’ favorite hotel in Venice earns its rank — it’s simply impeccable from every angle. Art- and light-filled spaces give this historic hotel a modern feel, but Murano glass fittings and those Grand Canal views ensure you never forget what city you’re in. Be sure to try St. R’s signature, the Bloody Mary.

Hotel Flora

Courtesy of Hotel Flora

In a city brimming with great hotels, Flora will always make my shortlist. What it lacks in five-star bells and whistles, it compensates for with a warm welcome, fair prices, and a lovely garden that’s the heart of the hotel. It’s also a rarity in Venice — a hotel that’s owned and run by a local family.

Venice Venice

The most exciting new entry in Venice’s hotel landscape, Venice Venice calls its approach and design “Postevenetian.” Contemporary art installations and spacious rooms with bespoke modern furnishings have breathed new life into the bones of an ancient palazzo. And the Rialto views aren’t too shabby, either. 

Best Things to Do 

Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure

Gondola Ride

This is a controversial hill I’m prepared to die on: if you don’t do a gondola ride on at least one of your trips to Venice, you will regret it. The Floating City is even more ethereal at water level. I recommend finding a gondola station in the San Polo sestiere and plying the quiet canals of that area.

Doge’s Palace Secret Itineraries Tour

Once the political and financial motherboard of the mighty Venetian Republic, the Doge’s Palace remains a repository of hidden stories and legends, coded iconography, and monumental art and architecture. This guided tour lets you in on many of these fascinating tidbits and gets you skip-the-line entry to the palace.

With its famously colorful houses, Burano is ripe for your IG reel. But this island of lacemakers and fishermen in the northern reaches of the lagoon is more than just a pretty place — it’s a working-class village where age-old traditions still live. Get there in the early morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Amazing in the quality of its collections and intimate in scale, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a must-see for lovers of 20th-century art. Set in Guggenheim’s former residence, the museum is a vivid reminder of what a huge figure Guggenheim was in championing surrealist and abstract art of the last century.

Alphotographic/Getty Images

Godi Fiorenza

This boutique and atelier of sisters Patrizia and Samanta Fiorenza is now in its 20th year. It’s a favorite of Jill Weinreich Luppi, an arts professional who’s lived in Venice for nearly 30 years. “Godi Fiorenza is really very special,” she says. “The clothing is exquisite, and the jewelry is always stunning and original.”

Francis Model

Skip the Italian chain stores and cheap foreign-made goods and acquire an item that will remind you of your trip to Venice for years: a handmade leather bag from this homespun brand. I still get compliments on the chartreuse suede number I purchased two years ago.

I still haven’t brought home a set of handmade Murano drinking glasses, and I live with that regret. But you don’t have to. This hole-in-the-wall shop near Ponte de le Ostreghe has a reasonably priced assortment of colorful glassware (ask about shipping), plus the usual curiosities. 

Gilberto Penzo

For a one-of-a-kind gift for a hobbyist or a curious kid, nothing says Venice more than a model boat kit from this delightfully cluttered bottega. Penzo handmakes and sells kits for gondolas, vaporettos, water taxis, and more, plus sells finished models and other nautically-themed gifts. 

Karl Hendon/Getty Images

Walk the Riva.

Surprisingly, Venice is not a big city for nightlife and tends to shut down early, even on the weekends. A nighttime walk along the Grand Canal toward the Giardini della Biennale (take a left from Piazza San Marco) is a lovely way to spend an evening. 

Head to Cannaregio.

The vestiges of working-class Venice still cling to life in this sestiere, which is also the home of the Jewish Ghetto. Along Fondamenta de la Misericordia, you’ll find bar after bar and plenty of space to sip your drink (and eat cicchetti) on a canal lined with simple private boats rather than gondola and water taxis.

Check out Arts Bar Venice.

If you can’t splash out on a room at the St. Regis, at least spring for a fancy cocktail at this tres-chic hotel bar, site of changing arts exhibits and events. Each custom concoction — one even comes in a smoke dome — features its own glassware designed by an artist and produced at Berengo Studio . A resident singer/guitarist plays all the songs you know by heart.

Cantina Do Spade

There’s a sit-down restaurant here, but we like the crowded cicchetti bar, where you order your small bites at the counter and then join a shared table or juggle your drink and plate in the narrow alleyway outside. There’s lots of bad cicchetti in Venice, and none is here. 

Weinreich Luppi brought me to this cozy restaurant she calls “dependable and always delicious, a true neighborhood spot run by people who clearly love what they do.” It was worth the trek to Via Garibaldi, in the authentic Castello district, to enjoy homemade pasta and bread, vegetables grown in their garden, and fresh-caught fish, all in an unpretentious, welcoming setting.

Trattoria al Gatto Nero

Courtesy of Trattoria al Gatto Nero

It’s always nice when a famous eatery is worth the hype, as I finally discovered when I had a chance to dine at this Burano landmark. We were guided through a menu of fresh-off-the-boat seafood, including their wonderfully delicate risotto de gò, a signature dish. If you visit in fall or spring, look for moeche , Venice’s softshell crabs. And don’t even think about showing up without a reservation. 

Bar All’Arco

This tiny little bar near the Rialto Bridge is located near the Rialto Bridge is Weinreich Luppi’s “first and forever choice for cicchetti. It’s such a special little place and it’s amazing what comes out of their postage stamp-sized kitchen.” Baccalà mantecato, the classic Venetian cicchetti of creamed cod on polenta or toasted bread (it’s way better than it sounds), is a must-try here.

DanielGorostieta/Travel + Leisure

If you want to see a less crowded version of Venice, you need to risk some inclement weather and visit in November, December before the holiday rush, January, or February (but only before Carnevale events get underway). If you do visit in high season, basically any of the months not mentioned above, plan to get an early start on your day, take a break in the afternoon, and go back out in the evening. 

For several reasons related to the city’s well-being, we urge you to stay in Venice and spend your vacation euros in Venice. Another motive for sleeping in the Lagoon City? A new entry fee that will apply to day-trippers on set days of the year, as well as looming caps on tour group sizes .

There are direct flights to Venice’s Marco Polo International Airport (VCE) from several eastern U.S. cities, including New York and Atlanta. From VCE, you can take a bus to Venice’s waterside train station, Santa Maria Lucia, catch the Alilaguna shuttle boat, or take a private water taxi into the city.

Trains from all over Italy arrive at Santa Maria Lucia, which overlooks the Grand Canal. You can catch a vaporetto (water bus) from the train station to the closest stop to your hotel or take a private, pricey water taxi.

If you have a car in Italy, you must park it landside and take a train to Santa Maria Lucia or a water bus to the city. There are no cars in the city of Venice.

You can reach most places in Venice on foot, which is necessary to reach many areas. This often means dragging suitcases over bridges and stairs, so it’s wise to pack light. 

Here are the main transportation options:

Vaporetto : Venice’s water buses rumble along the Grand Canal from 5 a.m. to midnight and serve Murano, Burano, the Venice Lido, and other points in the lagoon.

Traghetto: These standing-room-only gondolas cross the Grand Canal in areas without a nearby bridge.

Water taxi: The most expensive option, private water taxis are convenient when you have a lot of bags and want to pull up right at your hotel's “porta d’acqua,” or water door.

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Ultimate Venice Travel Guide

A Venice travel guide is the ultimate tool for exploring this popular and enchanting city. Located in the Veneto region in the north, Venice Italy is one of the world’s most romantic cities. Its unique architecture, canals, and bridges make it an essential stop on any European vacation. 

Whether you’re looking for cultural attractions or just want to take a romantic gondola ride through winding waterways, Venice offers something for everyone. Read on to learn more about what makes this historic city so special.

Table of Contents

How to Visit Venice

Visiting Venice is easy, as the city has excellent international transportation links. If you are coming from abroad, you can fly directly to Marco Polo Airport (VCE), which is located on the mainland and about 10 miles from downtown Venice. From there, you can take a bus or water taxi to get to your destination.  Alternatively, if you’re coming from another Italian city like Rome or Milan , there are direct trains to Venice Santa Lucia Station in the heart of the city.

How to Get Around Venice

Once you’re in Venice, the best way to get around is by walking. The city’s winding streets and unique architecture make it perfect for exploring on foot. Wear comfortable shoes and take your time strolling through the various neighborhoods. Venice weather is also pretty mild year-round, which makes it great for walking at any time of year. To get your bearings, our Best of Venice Small Group Walking Tour will give you a perfect overview of the city.

Book Your Full Day Venice Walking Tour

If walking isn’t an option, there are public transport alternatives like vaporetti (water buses) or trams. Taxi boats are another option if you need to travel quickly, although they are, of course, more expensive. You can also take a traditional gondola ride down some of the famous Venice canals for a truly romantic experience. If you want to make the most of your transportation experience, book a Venice tour and be led through the streets by an expert.

Neighborhoods of Venice

Venice is made up of several distinct neighborhoods, each with its unique atmosphere and attractions. The most popular area for tourists is the historic center located on the main island of Venice. Here, you’ll find iconic spots like St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. 

Just south of this area lies Dorsoduro, a charming neighborhood known for its art galleries and Venice cafés. Another popular area is Castello, which is home to some of Venice’s oldest churches, palaces, and public parks. Cannaregio in northern Venice has plenty of shops and restaurants to explore, while San Polo is a great spot to find traditional Venetian cuisine. Right off the coast, Murano and Burano are two of the most picturesque locations accessible by boat from Venice. Your trip would be incomplete without giving these two islands a tour . More specifically, you should see the glasswork of Murano and taste the seafood of Burano.

Food, Drink, and Nightlife

When it comes to food, Venice is a paradise for lovers of Italian cuisine. The city’s restaurants specialize in seafood and pasta dishes, as well as traditional Venetian fare like risotto and polenta. If you’re looking for an authentic taste of local culture, don’t miss the cicchetti bars located throughout the city. These small eateries offer delicious tapas-style plates of fried fish or vegetables at very reasonable prices. 

For those who want to learn more about local ingredients and recipes, or those who are tired of eating out, there are plenty of cooking classes available in Venice. There are also many food markets where you can purchase fresh produce and other locally-farmed products.

Venice is also known for its excellent wines and prosecco, so be sure to sample some of the local varieties while you’re here. If you love food and wine, you can take a tour that highlights both. These are available just in Venice or throughout Italy . When night falls, there are plenty of bars and clubs where you can dance the night away or simply enjoy a romantic evening with your significant other. Not sure where to go for the best grub? Try out this helpful restaurant guide , curated by local experts.

Shopping is one of the best things to do in Venice, as the city has plenty of unique stores offering everything from local artisan crafts to designer labels. For traditional Venice souvenirs , you can’t go wrong with Murano glassware or leather goods from local vendors. You’ll also find some great deals on clothing at Frezzeria Street and Calle Larga San Marco. If you’re looking for luxury items, head to St. Mark’s Square where you’ll find high-end boutiques like Gucci and Prada. 

If you prefer to shop at a market, Venice has it all. Campo delle Beccarie and Rialto Market are two of the most popular, offering everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts and clothing. For an authentic market experience, join our 4 day Venice city break tour and be escorted through the stalls with an insider.

Venice is one of the most culturally rich cities in the world, and there are plenty of sights to explore. One of the places that you must visit is Piazza San Marco , where you can admire the stunning Basilica di San Marco and Doge’s Palace . Take a romantic gondola ride along Canal Grande, which winds its way through the city center and offers breathtaking views of Venice’s many bridges and canals. 

Other popular attractions include St Mark’s Campanile bell tower, Rialto Bridge, Murano glassblowing factory tours , and a variety of museums showcasing works by famous Venetian artists like Titian and Tintoretto. During the winter months, tourists from all over Italy and the rest of the world flock to Venice in time for the Venice Mask Festival celebrations. Masks, colors, music, and costumes – it’s an event not to be missed!

Accommodations

When it comes to sleeping arrangements, Venice has something for everyone. There are plenty of big chain hotels in Venice Italy, as well as boutique Venice hotels and hostels for those on a budget. To guarantee a good night’s sleep, choose any of the options on our carefully curated list of Venice hotels . For extra privacy, stay in one of the many Airbnb apartments or rent a traditional Venetian home. Too many choices? Try this handy “ Where to Stay ” guide to see all the best options in Venice. No matter what type of accommodation you choose, make sure to book ahead during peak season ( April – October ) since prices can rise quickly.

What to See Near Venice

If you’re looking for something outside of Venice, head north towards Verona to visit the famous Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheater. You can also take a day trip to the romantic city of Padua, known for its frescoes and university. To the south lies Tuscany , one of Italy’s most beautiful regions with its rolling hillsides, vineyards, and beautiful Tuscan countryside . If you want to get away from it all, Rome is a few hours away by train or car, while Florence is even closer.

To make your travels between these locations less of a hassle, there are plenty of tours that allow you to see Venice plus other attractions throughout Italy. The most popular packages are our action-packed thirteen and fourteen-day tours of the country.

Make a Splash in the City of Water with a Tour from Tourist Italy

Venice is a stunning destination and no visit to Italy would be complete without exploring its timeless streets and canals. From the iconic Rialto Bridge to St. Mark’s Square, you’ll find plenty of unique sights in Venice that will stay with you long after your trip has ended. And while the answer to “Is Venice sinking?” is an unfortunate yes, this charming city has proven to be a resilient destination. If you’re flying into the Venice airport, be sure to book our airport transfer to your hotel for a smoother visit to this stunning city.

If you want to get the best experience of one of the most beautiful and unique cities in the world, why not take a tour with Tourist Italy ? Our Venice tours and other tours throughout Italy allow you to travel through must-see and rarely-seen sites with an experienced guide. Alternatively, if tours aren’t for you, have a look at our Venice travel guide section for sample Venice itineraries and much more.

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Let’s explore Venice

Venice travel guide

I don’t think it’s possible to visit Venice and not fall head over heels in love with its inherent magic and irresistible charm.

Despite being overrun with tourists (and believe me, it really is), I really believe that Venice is an unmissable Italian city. I love that it offers something different, with its car-free streets and winding canals. And every nook and cranny feels both rustic and luxurious, all at once.

About the author

Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

Venice is a city of grandeur and inexplicable beauty. It’s a place where marble palaces and gothic palazzi are linked by beguiling bridges and winding canals. All surrounded by the blue waters of the lagoon which sparkles in the sunlight. Venice exudes a creative and vibrant personality that has been enchanting visitors for years.

As the gondolas saunter along the waterways and the palatial domes frame the views, it’s easy to get swept up in the romance of this Italian city. Although a popular destination with starry eyed lovers, Venice is not just for couples. Solo travellers will adore the bustling neighbourhoods and charming Italian hospitality. While groups of friends or family can be immersed in the social scene, exchanging bellini-fuelled conversation over some decadent Venetian cuisine.

While Venice may be one of the best cities in Italy to visit, its beauty comes with a price. That price is the sheer volume of tourists who descend on the narrow streets of the floating city. Despite the mass convergence of visitors, it doesn’t detract from the uncompromising beauty of the city. There are still hidden corners of magic to be discovered – you just need to let yourself get lost to find them.

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How to get to Venice

• By plane. The main international airport in Venice is the Marco Polo airport (VCE). There is a second airport, the Treviso Airport (TSF), which is situated about an hour away from the city. If you’re travelling from the UK or US, several airlines offer direct flights during the high season. From the UK, it’s a relatively quick flight of around two hours from the south. The three main UK airlines servicing Venice include British Airways, Easyjet and Ryanair.
• By train. If you’re travelling domestically, the train might be your best option as it provides comfortable travel without the stress of driving. The central train station in Venice is the Venezia Santa Lucia railway station. It has great connections from other popular Italian cities like Milan, Rome and Florence.
• By car. Driving to Venice is not a particularly good option, seeing as the city is mostly car-free. It is possible to leave your car in one of the available parking lots. You can then get a bus from the parking lot to the city.
• By vaporetto. Since Venice is situated in a lagoon, you can’t actually reach the centre of Venice by any of the above means. The last stretch of any journey to Venice requires a vaporetto (water bus) or a private water taxi. Although more expensive, the water taxi is definitely worth it. There is no other way to get that rock-star feeling of arriving in Venice in style – sunglasses on and wind blowing through your hair!

How to get around Venice

Unlike many European cities, getting around Venice is limited to just two options: by foot or by water. Venice is the largest pedestrian city in the world but it’s still compact enough to get everywhere on foot easily enough. Aside from being a pretty healthy way of getting around, it’s also the best way to take in all the sights and really soak up the Venetian atmosphere.

If you travel by water then there are several modes of transport:

• Vaporetto (water bus). Where walking isn’t an option, the next best mode of transport is by water bus. This is a public service that runs 24/7. A water bus service runs every 10 minutes from the stops on the Grand Canal. It’s also the best way to get to the nearby islands of Burano, Lido, and Murano – if this is part of your itinerary then get an ACTV Water Bus Pass, as it is the most cost effective option.
• Water taxi. Essentially a private water bus, these water taxis can fit up to 10 people. Water taxis are rarely used by the locals because they do have quite high fixed prices. They are commonly used for getting from the airport to the centre of Venice, which usually works out at good value for money if there is a group of you travelling. It’s by far the most glamorous airport transfer you will ever experience!
• Gondola. The gondola is not technically a mode of transport, as you can’t use a gondola to get from A to B. They return to their boarding station, so gondolas are very much used for sightseeing and the general experience. Gondolas are also helpful for exploring narrow canals and other hidden areas that are not easily reachable by water bus or on foot.

Best time to visit Venice

Venice highlights, st mark’s square.

The Piazza San Marco – St Mark’s Square – is the only square in Venice to boast piazza in its name, with the others being campos or piazzales . This is testament to its scale and splendour, which is well documented in photos and tales of the historic square. In fact, St Mark’s Square was described by Napoleon as ‘the world’s most beautiful drawing room’, showcasing the very best that Venice has to offer. 

The square itself is filled with architectural design to excite even the most seasoned traveller. St Mark’s Campanile towers above the skyline, while Doge’s Palace ( Palazzo Ducale ) exhibits the very best of gothic architecture. Or marvel at St Mark’s Basilica ( Basilica di San Marco ) and the lofty clock tower ( Torre dell’Orologio ). 

Just beware that if you fancy stopping for a coffee in this iconic square, you’ll need deep pockets. Some will consider the experience to be worth every penny, while others would rather grab a coffee in a more authentic spot away from the tourists.

Grand Canal

The Grand Canal flows between St Mark’s Basilica and Santa Chiara to split the city in two. Lined by spectacular gothic and renaissance buildings on either side, the winding channel offers a fantastic way to glimpse the grand architecture of Venice. 

Take a journey along the Grand Canal to appreciate all that Venice has to offer. You can ride along the canal from one end to another using Venice’s floating public transport system, the vaporetto. Smaller motor boats also journey along the Grand Canal, providing informative tours of Venice’s best-known tourist attractions.

For an extra special take on this infamous Venice landmark, take to the waters at night. See the magic of Venice after dark, as the city lights up and reflects off the canals.

Burano Island

Burano is an island located in the Venetian lagoon, famed for its bold and eccentric style. Peruse Burano’s rainbow streets by foot or water for the perfect Instagram opportunity and some fabulous photos!

Be sure to call in to see the island’s most famed property, Bepi’s House ( La Casa di Bepi Suà ). You’ll be greeted with bright and vivid colours coupled with striking and bold shapes. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea to live in, but it’s definitely a must-see for anyone travelling to Venice. 

While the other popular Venetian island of Murano is known for its glassmaking, Burano is known for its lace making. To learn more about this fascinating trade, head to Museo Merletto. If this doesn’t take your fancy then be sure to visit the adorable artisan shops along the canals.

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Frequently asked q uestions

How long to spend in venice.

Venice is a city that deserves at least 2-3 days to explore. A day trip will not do the city justice, so aim to stay for a minimum of two nights if you can. A longer stay will enable you to enjoy the city at a slower pace, which you’ll be grateful for when you’re battling your way through the tourists!

Do I need to pre-book attractions in Venice?

Yes, I highly recommend pre-booking any of the major tourist attractions in Venice, such as Doge’s Palace. You can still visit without a booking. But you will likely have to wait in painfully long queues, especially if you’re travelling during the peak summer months. You can book either a guided tour or a ‘skip the line’ ticket.

Are there any beaches near Venice?

Many are surprised to hear that Venice has a beach. Lido is one of Venice’s islands and has an 8 mile stretch of sandy beach. So if the sun is shining, the temperature hot, and you fancy a relaxing break, then head to Lido. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sound of the Adriatic waves. 

Is Venice a good destination for solo travellers?

Despite its reputation as an unwaveringly romantic destination, Venice is one of my favourite  European cities for solo travel . Perhaps it’s the lack of public transport or the small, compact feel, but it feels wonderfully safe. Plus, Italian hospitality is always on point, making any independent travellers feel very welcomed.

Is Venice expensive?

Yes, Venice is an expensive city. It’s understandable given the sheer volume of tourists it draws in every day of the year. Avoid dining out in the tourist areas and head off the beaten track. Not only will it be cheaper, but you’ll get a more authentic Venetian dining experience.

How many Michelin star restaurants in Venice?

There are six Michelin star restaurants in Venice. The Glam Enrico Bartolini restaurant has an impressive two Michelin stars. Zanze XVI, Wistèria, Quadri, Oro Restaurant and Local each have one coveted star.

Are there Christmas Markets in Venice?

A number of the piazza in Venice play host to Christmas markets each year. Wander the charming wooden cabins serving all kinds of local goods and food. Some of the Christmas markets have ice rinks to really get you in the festive mood. The main Christmas markets in Venice take place at Campo Santo Stefano, Campo S. Bartolomeo, Campo San Salvador, Campo Manin and Camp San Luca.

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Luxury accommodation picks

With its opulent architecture and palatial buildings, it’s no surprise that there are a number of luxury hotels in Venice . Whether you prefer classic or contemporary, big or boutique, here are some of the best places to stay in Venice.

THE GRITTI PALACE

HOTEL CIPRIANI

HOTEL DANIELI

HOTEL METROPOLE

Venice bars

ENOTECA SCHIAVI

IL MERCANTE

HARRY’S BAR

Venice landmarks

Whether you’re after breathtaking Gothic architecture or quaint islands, Venice is awash with remarkable landmarks and attractions. Here is my pick of the best things to see in Venice .

GRAND CANAL

DOGE’S PALACE

PONTE DI RIALTO

BURANO ISLAND

Venice travel inspiration

Planning a trip to Venice? Have a read of these Venice travel articles to help you plan your visit.

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Pocket Wanderings is a luxury travel and lifestyle brand run by London-based content creator, Jessie Moore. Here you’ll find a community of fellow wanderlusters and adventurers.

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The Ultimate Venice Travel Guide for Travelers Visiting Italy

LAST UPDATED:  2/5/24 – The Ultimate Venice Travel Guide

Few places in Europe, if not the world, are as romantic as the city of Venice in Italy.  World-renowned for its beautiful canals, Venice is one of the most romanticized cities in the world. It doesn’t get much more romantic than a ride on the Grand Canal at sunset. However, Venice is also a spectacular destination for other reasons. Its incredible food, shopping, and architecture are all great reasons to visit.

However, most people don’t know much about Venice beyond its beautiful canals and buildings. For instance, many don’t know that the Carnival Festival is one of the world’s most treasured festivals.

In this Venice travel guide, I am going to give you all of the information you need to become more familiar with this wonderful city. This will make it much easier for you to plan your own amazing adventure to Venice. I will cover the essential passport, currency, and vaccination information that you need.

In addition, I will also outline accommodation options at different price points. If you are looking for restaurant recommendations, I provide a number of those for you to review as well. Finally, I will provide you with the top things to see while you are in Venice so you can make the most of your trip.

Venice Travel Guide Navigation Menu

At a glance.

Before you start making any travel plans, you need to be sure you meet the country’s entrance requirements. This includes all of the passport, VISA, and immunization requirements for Italy.

In addition, you need to make sure you have a clear understanding of what languages they speak in Italy. This way, you can plan any translation needs you may have. Not only that, but you will need to know what currency they use in Italy. Knowing this, you can plan to exchange currency before your trip if necessary.

I have included some of this key information in my Venice travel guide below for you to review as you start to make your travel plans.

Passport Requirements

When visiting Italy, you must have at least 6 months of validity on your passport beyond the date on which you are planning on arriving in the country.  You will also need to have at least two blank passport pages to be processed into the country. 

Presently, you do not need to have a Visa if you are planning on staying in the Schengen area of the EU for less than 90 days, but starting in 2025 American citizens will be required to get a  European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) authorization . Before you start making your travel plans, I would strongly suggest you review the passport requirements I have laid out in my Venice travel guide below.

Travel Immunizations

Before you leave for your trip to Venice, Italy, you need to make sure you have all of the proper vaccinations. Not only to protect yourself but to protect others. If you have questions on what immunizations you will need and what to look out for when you go to get them, I can help. In my Venice travel guide below are some general guidelines I can pass on to you from experience.

Travel Vaccination Advice

• Most specialized travel clinics will not accept insurance, so you will have to pay for your travel consultation and immunizations and then request reimbursement from your insurance company later.
• Some immunizations aren’t accepted by every insurance company, so check with your insurance provider before getting your immunizations.
• Check with your regular doctor first, as often they can do a travel consultation for you and write you the necessary prescriptions for your immunizations, even if they aren’t able to give them to you.  This way you can ensure that at least your travel consultation will be covered by your insurance up-front.
• Check with  Walgreens   or other drug stores that give flu shots to see if they have any of the immunization shots that you require before going to a specialized clinic that doesn’t accept insurance to get them.  Walgreens can give you many of the immunizations necessary for international travel, and they accept insurance up-front.
• The  Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website   can be a great resource for answering any travel immunization questions that you have.

Italy Vaccination Recommendations

You may be unsure of what travel vaccinations you might need. In this case, I have compiled a list below of some of what you might expect your physician to recommend.

• Hepatitis A & B  (if you haven’t had them).
• Tetanus  (if you aren’t current).
• Rabies  (if you are going to be working in close contact with animals).
• Dukoral  (gives you 3-month protection against travel diarrhea).

Top Things to See and Do in Venice, Italy

Venice is an absolutely beautiful city with no shortage of amazing things to see and do. If you are planning a trip to Venice soon, I have listed some of my favorite things to see and do below. I would plan on spending at least a few days in the city. This way, you can have all of the wonderful experiences I have listed in my Venice travel guide below.

Admire the Splendor of the Grand Canal

The Grand Canal in Venice is something that needs little to no introduction.  When most people think of Venice, their first thoughts are of gondola rides on big expansive canals within the city.  In Venice, there is no canal as big or as impressive as the Grand Canal.  At roughly 2 miles long, it is one of the major transportation corridors used to navigate throughout the city.

There are several vantage spots that you can use to admire and get photographs of the Grand Canal.  The best places to view the canal and get your photographs is from one of the four bridges that cross the canal.  I have included a map and descriptions of these bridges for you to review in my Venice travel guide below.

View Larger Map

Visit Doge’s Palace

This beautiful Venetian-style palace used to be the home of the Doge of Venice. This is who ruled over the Venetian Republic before Italy became a unified country.  Turned into a museum in 1923, the Doge’s Palace can be toured by visitors to Venice to this day. 

The palace is open Sunday through Thursday from 8:30am until 9:00pm with extended hours on Friday and Saturday where it closes at 11:00pm.  Tickets cost 25 euros for adults and 13 euros for children under 14, students between 15 and 25, and those over the age of 65.

See the Beautiful Saint Mark’s Cathedral

Arguably the most famous building in Venice is Saint Mark’s Basilica. The Basilica di San Marco is also a beautiful example of Italo-Byzantine architecture.  The church is located on the eastern side of Venice in Piazza San Marco (Saint Mark’s Square) and is open to the public for masses and tours.  When visiting the church, please be aware that no photographs are allowed inside the church, and talking should be reduced to a whisper.

Stop at the Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge isn’t just another bridge over the Grand Canal. Because of its beauty, it is also one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.  The Bridge itself is beautifully designed and has an aesthetic appeal visually, but it also crosses the Grand Canal in one of the prettiest locations. 

The bridge is arguably the most popular selfie location in the city. Each day, flocks of people visit the bridge to get their picture taken with the lazy curve of the Grand Canal in the background.

PRO TIP:  If you want to get a selfie on the Rialto Bridge, I recommend waking up really early to get your shots.  Not only will there be fewer people to contend with for the prime photo spots, but you can also get some pretty fantastic sunrise shots (as the map in my Venice travel guide below shows).

Take a Gondola Ride Through the City

No trip to Venice is complete without taking a Gondola ride through the canals of the city.  What is one of the most popular forms of transportation within the city is also one of the most romantic things you can do in the city.  The tranquility of floating through the city as you pass beautiful old buildings and under quaint arched bridges is an experience every visitor to Venice should have. 

Check Out the Bridge of Sighs

While the Rialto Bridge may be the most famous in Venice, the Bridge of Sighs may be the most beautiful.  This fully enclosed bridge is made of white limestone and includes two windows with stone bars that look out over the Rio di Palazzo. 

The bridge connects the new prison and interrogation rooms within Doge’s Palace, which explains both its beauty and design.  If you take a gondola ride, make sure you ask your gondola operator to take you under the Bridge of Sighs.

Have Lunch in Saint Mark’s Square

What better way to enjoy Saint Mark’s Square and the beauty of Venice than to have lunch outside of Saint Mark’s Basilica.  If you like to people-watch, then you will absolutely love having lunch in this location.  You are right in the heart of the action and can sit and watch the hustle and bustle of Venice as you enjoy a drink and some food.  Two restaurants that are located right in Saint Mark’s Square are Caffè Florian and Caffè Lavena .

Go to the Top of the San Marco Campanile

San Marco Campanile is the bell tower for Saint Mark’s Cathedral. It is hard to miss as it is one of the most visible landmarks on Venice’s skyline.  However, as beautiful as the tower is to look at, the views of Venice from the top of the tower are absolutely breathtaking.  You can really appreciate the beauty of this historical city from a bird’s-eye view.

Buy Some Beautiful Glass in Murano

If you are looking to purchase a souvenir or two when in Venice, I would strongly suggest that you think about making a trip to the island of Murano to shop for some of the stunningly beautiful glass that they make there. 

The hand-blown glass vases, figurines, and other beautiful items are stunning and make excellent keepsakes to remember your time in Venice.  If you want some recommendations on where to start your shopping, TripAdvisor has a wonderful guide on the Best Shopping in Murano . For information on Murano glass tours, please see the Unique Experience tours that I listed in the Recommended Tours section below.

Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute

Known around Venice as simply the Salute, the Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute is a Roman Catholic Church.  While it isn’t quite as beautiful or as famous as Saint Mark’s Basilica, it is a beautiful church that is well worth touring.  If you would like to visit the church, make sure you check the official website for visiting hours .

How to Get to Venice, Italy

If you aren’t familiar with Venice or where it is located, it sits on the Northeast coast of Italy, just south of the Italian Alps and across the Adriatic Sea from Slovenia and Croatia.  For those planning on flying into Venice from outside of Italy, there is a major international airport that can fly into Venice that is located on the mainland of Italy.

If you are visiting from another city in Italy or elsewhere in Europe, you can access Venice by either train or car.  To assist you in deciding which option is best for you, I cover both of these options below.  No matter how you travel to Venice, the only way to access the actual city from the mainland is by water taxi.  I provide you with some information on how to access the water taxis and which route they follow in my Venice travel guide below.

Getting to Venice by Train

If you are visiting Venice from elsewhere in Italy or Europe, traveling by train is probably the best option.  The train system in most of Europe, including Italy, is very good and very reasonably priced.  To give you an idea of how long it will take to get to Venice from elsewhere in Italy, I have provided a map in my Venice travel guide below that outlines some of the estimated travel times from other large Italian cities.

If you are going to be traveling to several different destinations within Italy, I would consider getting an Italian Rail Pass.  While this will not get you onto any of the country’s privately operated trains, it will cover you for any train on the Italian State Railway ( Ferrovie dello Stato Italiano ).

However, you will want to keep in mind that you will need to book a reservation on most of the trains that you take in Italy.  In addition to the cost of the rail pass, you will need to pay a small fee to book your train reservations.  For more information, including estimating costs, I would recommend checking out Rick Steve’s excellent guide on Italian Rail Passes and Train Trips .

Getting to Venice by Car

If you are planning on traveling elsewhere in Italy or Europe and you would prefer to have the flexibility of having your own vehicle with you, I have included some information in my Venice travel guide below on how to get to Venice from some of the other large cities in Italy.

If you are driving from Milan to Venice, I have included a map with driving directions for you to review below.

If you are driving from Turin to Venice, I have included a map with driving directions for you to review below.

From Bologna

If you are driving from Bologna to Venice, I have included a map with driving directions for you to review below.

To get to Venice by car, you will take the highway A4 autostrada that runs east-west across Northern Italy.  This highway connects the major cities in Northern Italy, such as Turin, Milan, Verona, and Venice.  You will exit Highway A4 at Venezia-Mestre and follow the signs for Venezia – Centro Storico. 

This will take you to Via della Libertà in Mestre.  From there, you will keep following the signs for “Venezia” and Centro Storico until you get to the major causeway over the lagoon called Ponte della Libertà. I have included a detailed map in my Venice travel guide below for you to review.

On the other side of the causeway is a large square called Piazzale Roma , which is the major bus terminal in Venice and a turn-around spot for cars.  This is the only spot in Venice that is accessible by car and the place in which you will need to park your car while you are in Venice. 

From here, you will need to rely on water taxis and gondolas to get from place to place in Venice.  There are three main parking lots where you can park your car, which I detail in my Venice travel guide below for your reference.

Parking Options

Getting a water taxi.

No matter how you plan on getting to Venice, you are going to need to use a water taxi to get your bags, as well as yourself, to your place of accommodation once you arrive.  If you are flying into Venice or taking a train to the city, you can catch a water taxi from the Lido S.M.E . station which is on the mainland of Italy.  From there the water taxi will take you to the docking station that is closest to your hotel or hostel.

If you are planning on driving to Venice, you will need to park your car, as I outline in the driving section above, and then catch a water taxi at the Piazzale Roma  or Tronchetto station.  From here, the water taxi will take you to the docking station that is closest to your hotel or hostel.  When you are finished with your stay in Venice, you will want to have a water taxi take you back to the same station so that you can pick up your car.

Best Time to Visit Venice, Italy

Average Temperature (°F)

The best time of year to visit Venice from a temperature standpoint is the summer months of June through August, as this is when daytime temps are warmest, and the evening temps aren’t cold.  However, this is also the busiest time of year in Venice, which means you will have a lot more crowds to deal with.  In the winter months of December through February, it can get quite cool in Venice, but the number of visitors in the city is typically the lowest.

Average Precipitation (Inches)

The city of Venice gets a decent amount of rain throughout the year with the wettest month being November and the driest month of the year being February.  If you are looking to avoid the summer crowds and the rain and cold temps, I would suggest looking at April, May, September, or October.  The late spring and early autumn have the best combination of nice weather and sparse crowds out of all the months of the year.

Where to Stay in Venice, Italy

If you are planning to spend several days in Venice, which I would strongly recommend as there are so many wonderful things to see and do in the city, then you are going to want to find accommodations within the city.  To assist you in finding the accommodations that are right for you, I have included a map and list of some of the most recommended accommodations in Venice at different price points in my Venice travel guide below for you to review.

Where to Eat in Venice, Italy

As is true with much of Italy, the food in Venice is absolutely fantastic.  If you are a foodie, you are going to love trying all of the amazing restaurants in the city.  To assist you in planning some of the culinary adventures during your stay, I have included a list of some of the most recommended restaurants in Venice for you to review in my Venice travel guide below.

Recommended Tours and Excursions in Venice

In addition to being a beautiful city, Venice is also a very active city.  No trip to Venice can be complete without taking a cultural tour or excursion to truly appreciate everything the city has to offer.  If you are looking for a tour or excursion to take while in Venice, I have included some highly recommended tours for you to review in my Venice travel guide below.

Venice, Italy Photo Gallery

I absolutely loved my time in Venice.  It is such a beautiful city that it makes photographing it extremely easy.  Below is a gallery of just some of the beautiful pictures I was able to take while visiting Venice.

If you would like to see more of my travel photography, I would also encourage you to give me a follow on Instagram . Putting this blog together to pass on my free guides, itineraries, and travel photography tips is a lot of work and your support in the form of a follow-on Instagram would be so very much appreciated!

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Published by Josh Hewitt

Avid traveler and photographer who loves to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things. There is so much this world can teach us, we just need to explore! View all posts by Josh Hewitt

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8 comments ›.

Simply awesome

Thank you so much!! 😀

Fantastic post. We currently have no plans to return to Italy, but if we ever do, I’m quite torn about Venice. I haven’t been (the husband has), but I’ve heard just so many bad things about it being overrun with tourists (naturally, we’d have to go in the busy summer months). I guess I don’t need to worry about it now… just thinking out loud.

Thank you!! Yeah, it is definitely one of the busiest tourist destinations in the world. The crowds can be pretty insane. We went in late October and the crowds weren’t as bad, but I know people who have gone in the summer and said the crowds were pretty bad.

Yeah, I think we’ll need to wait until retirement so we can go outside of peak tourist season.

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One of the world’s most iconic cities, from its scenic canals to marble renaissance palaces

Venice travel guide.

Venice, ‘La Serenissima’, is one of the most talked and written about, venerated and immortalised places on earth. The entire city is a masterpiece of architecture and engineering , built across a network of over 118 islands and raised on wooden piles driven deep into the ground. A world heritage site in north-eastern Italy, each timeless campo (square) is adorned with a r enaissance or gothic church . Reflected upon the surface of each picturesque canal are the brilliant marble and istrian stone facades of palazzi, once homes to noble Venetians and merchants dealing in sumptuous spices and silks.

You won’t be short of surprises in Venice just by following your feet. In fact, the Renaissance sculptor, Jacopo Sansovino is thought to have said that “this word VENETIA signifies VENI ETIAM, that is, come again, and again, for however oft you come, you will always see new things, and new beauties.” The city has so much to offer beyond Piazza San Marco and this guide offers our selection of the very best sites to occupy your time with. We challenge you not to start planning your return trip before your first is over.

Sunrise St. Mark's Square Venice, Italy

In the Beginning… 

For as long as Venice has existed, it has created and embellished its own origin stories. It was supposedly f ounded in the 5th century by refugees , but the real myth-making didn’t begin until 828 AD, with tales of the preordained journey of Saint Mark from Alexandria. Saint Theodore was the original patron saint of Venice. He now stands atop one of the two pillars in the Piazza San Marco with his back to the water, his successor, the lion of Saint Mark at his side.

By the 12th century, the Venetian Republic had established itself as a leading imperial and naval power. Its close ties with Constantinople and trade routes throughout the East are responsible for the city’s unique blend of Western and Byzantine architecture. The iconic gilt bronze horses on the facade of the Basilica are one example of many treasures that made their way to Venice following the Sack of Constantinople. By the 14th century the Maritime Republic was the most prosperous city in Europe, the epicentre of Mediterranean commerce and the gateway to the East. It was a truly cosmopolitan city, boasting some of Italy’s finest artists from Titian and Tintoretto to Veronese and Bellini. 

The Republic fell in 1797 to Napoleon, who thought the Piazza San Marco so beautiful that he had the church of San Geminiano, with its ancient foundations, demolished to build a palace overlooking the Basilica; a palace he would never inhabit. The building now houses the Museo Correr , where you can tour the richly decorated Neo-Classical and Imperial rooms and admire the fine sculpture of the great Antonio Canova. 

The best time to visit Piazza San Marco is first thing in the morning when it is least busy. If you are visiting in the winter months and can stomach the earlier start, arrive in time to see the sunrise over the Basilica  and Grand Canal for an unrivalled and intimate experience. Book in advance for the Palazzo Ducale and admire the lavish decoration of the Doge’s apartments , enormous canvases by Vittore Carpaccio and a tour of the prisons and armoury. For a less crowded experience of the Basilica di San Marco , try attending morning or evening mass — you can enter freely from the Porta dei Fiorio on the north side of the building.

Basilica di San Marco 

The museums, Scuole Grandi and churches of Venice display artworks by some of Italy’s finest painters. The Accademia houses grand narrative cycles by Carpaccio, Mantegna and Titian. It is also home to Veronese’s “The House of Levi” which landed the artist in trouble with the Inquisition. For some of the finest works by Tintoretto that took two decades to complete, visit the Scuola di San Rocco . The artist won the Scuola’s patronage by giving the institution two paintings for free. 

Italy’s most influential architect, Andrea Palladio , designed Venice’s great churches of  San Giorgio Maggiore and Il Redentore . Each year, the Festa del Redentore takes place on the third Sunday in July and was traditionally intended to celebrate the end of plague in the 16th century. A pontoon bridge is built across the Grand Canal and the city turns out for parties, fireworks and grand regatas. For a quieter experience, the Frari is one of Venice’s finest examples of Gothic architecture, housing Titian’s “Assumption” and the tomb of Canova. 

Modern and contemporary art lovers from all across the world come to Venice for the international Art and Architecture Biennales , held each year between the months of May and November. Pavilions are scattered all across the city in some of the most beautiful palazzi and museums and are free to enter. The Peggy Guggenheim houses the heiress’s personal collection of art in her former home; an incomplete, single-story, 18th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal. It is a building that isn't lacking in its own eccentric past. Regardless of your artistic sensibilities, it is well worth a visit to the Arsenale just to take in the magnificent scale of the space where the Venetian Republic built their formidable naval fleets. 

Venice also has a fine musical heritage. Concerts are held from September through October as part of the Festival of Contemporary Music . The composer Vivaldi was Venetian, and in the Teatro La Fenice you’ll find one of Italy’s marquee opera houses. Verdi’s operatic masterpieces “Rigoletto” (1851) and “La Traviata” (1853) both premiered at La Fenice.

If you are as captivated by the city as we are, then why not also live at the heart of Venice’s lavish past. From your own grand Palladian Villa Zambonina , decorated with frescoes and trompe l’oeil paintings, to the luxurious Ca’ di Lista , a 16th century hunting lodge designed by Veronese’s apprentice, Dario Variotari — our villas near Venice and Verona offer the perfect base for exploring the Veneto.

Eat & Drink This

Venice is the capital of the Veneto, which is one of Italy’s most culinarily diverse regions, taking in the alpine foods from the Dolomites to the seafood-rich Venetian cuisine. It is the birthplace of prosecco and tiramisu. For a true Venetian experience when dining, avoid tourist hotspots around Rialto and San Marco. Try the lesser visited sestieri of Cannaregio , Dorsoduro and San Polo ; our concierge can offer specific recommendations for the best restaurants in your area.

The spiritual home of the seafood-rich Venetian cuisine is its fish market, the Mercato del Pesce near the Rialto. Fish from the lagoon, the Adriatic, and further afield start their day here — be sure to visit early to make the most of the thriving atmosphere and fresh produce on offer.

Venice also has fine wine on its doorstep: white Soave and the reds of Valpolicella , including thunderously concentrated, almost black Amarone della Valpolicella.

Some of Italy’s most sought-after olive oil oozes from the presses along Lake Garda’s eastern shore. The Garda Orientale DOP mark on the label is a reliable indicator of quality.

Read more about the food of Venice here .

The Great Outdoors: Venice’s lagoon

The outlying island of Murano is famous for its glassmakers and it is here you can witness the delicate art of glassblowing . Venice Glass Week takes place in September, showcasing and celebrating the best of the craft. It is the safest place to go if you are looking to invest in original glass pieces. Be careful to avoid the mass-produced souvenirs that are sadly no longer made in Venice. 

Visit Burano for lacemakers and iconic photo opportunities of the vibrant and colourful buildings. Torcello is a quieter island where the lagoon’s oldest church, Santa Maria Assunta has stood since the 7th century. The 8th century golden mosaics inside are rivaled only by that of the Basilica di San Marco. For lovers of the outdoors, the island is now predominantly a nature reserve where wild flamingos can be spotted in the spring months.

On Lido, the island that separates the lagoon from the sea, is a long stretch of sandy beach, perfect for sunbathing and swimming throughout the warmer months. 

The biggest names in luxury fashion, from Prada to Gucci  can be found predominantly along Calle Larga XXII Marzo and around Piazza San Marco. 

Fondaco dei Tedeschi is an impressive luxury department store near Rialto and is housed in a beautifully restored, 15th century palazzo. The building is organised around a grand central courtyard with a rooftop terrace that offers exceptional views over the city. 

Three Excursions from Venice 

• Padua: just a 25 minute train ride from Santa Lucia, this university town has a youthful energy, an impressive canal system of its own, and bustling daily markets in front of the Palazzo della Ragione. You’ll find works by Giotto, Donatello and Mantegna here, including the Cappella degli Scrovegni painted by Giotto in 1305. Don’t miss the Basilica di San Antonio which was modelled on the Basilica di San Marco. 
• Vicenza: a city with its own wealth of Renaissance architecture is the birthplace of Andrea Palladio, Italy’s celebrated 16th century architect. His many works in the city include the spectacular Teatro Olimpico and Villa la Rotonda. 
• Lake Garda: around 100 miles west of Venice, visit Garda for scenic boat trips, water sports and tranquil lunches by the lakeside, washing down a simple grilled fish with a glass of Soaveç.

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Venice Italy Travel Guide

This is another great guest post from Jim at  WINEtineraries . If you enjoy it be sure to check out his other destination and travel guides linked at the end of the article. This Venice Italy travel guide will cover where to stay, as well as, what to see, eat and do on your upcoming trip to the floating city.

Table of Contents

La Serenissima (“Most Serene”) Venice, Italy

We recently spent a week in Venice with another couple (who will appear with us in a photo below) we met on a cruise of Christmas markets along the Danube River. Traveling with friends adds both a layer of complexity (more preferences to balance) and enjoyment (familiar sites seen through others’ eyes become new again).

Venice was high on our bucket list because everyone with whom we spoke who had been there raved about their visit and longed to return. Venice lived up to its billing, but it also can be a bit “quirky” – e.g., there is absolutely no wheeled transportation beyond the train station. Also, the walk between points A and B is never a straight line. But, this is what gives Venice its unique charm and, as Rick Steves is fond of reminding those who travel here, part of the fun is getting lost!

A romantic way for getting into Venice from the airport

Where else can you walk out of an airport Arrivals Hall and hop into a boat that travels the length of one of the most iconic waterways in the world? Only in Venice! Since our lodging was a relatively short walk from the Rialto Bridge, we made reservations for the Alilaguna boat (you can tell them by their yellow hulls).

You can purchase a voucher online ; 15,00€ for a one-way fare or roundtrip for 27,00€. You may also purchase tickets at either of the airport Alilaguna ticket offices (in the Arrivals Hall and at the pier from which the boats depart). Your ticket includes one suitcase and one piece of hand luggage; additional luggage costs 3,00€/bag.

To find the Alilaguna boat pier at the airport, turn left as you exit the Arrivals Hall, go up 1 level, and follow the signs to the (new in 2017) moving walkway which leads to the docks.

• Vouchers purchased online are not tickets; they must be exchanged for tickets at an Alilaguna ticket office before boarding the boat.
• The Alilaguna boats operate on a fixed schedule but are much less expensive (about 10% of the price!) than the more romantic water taxis that leave from adjoining piers.
• 3 Alilaguna routes depart the airport: red (temporarily suspended), blue and orange ; choose carefully when buying tickets. Since we were meeting the host for our lodging near the Rialto Bridge, we took the orange line (linea orancio) which dropped us at the pier marked in the picture below after just 4 stops.

Venice Italy Travel Guide: Lodging

The Doge’s House…and a visit from emergency services.

Whenever staying more than a few days in one location, we try to “live like a local” by renting an apartment. Since we were traveling with another couple and were going to be in Venice for more than a week, we wanted something with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen, laundry and Wi-Fi. The “ Doge’s House ,”  (108 reviews on VRBO with an average rating of 4.9, 67 reviews on Booking.com with an average rating of 9.7, and 38 reviews on Airbnb with an average rating of 4.83) hosted by Ilia Atzeni and her gondolier husband Silvio filled the bill for less than $115/night/couple – an absolute steal in Venice! Located on a side street between the Rialto bridge and St. Mark’s Square, the “Doge’s House” made an ideal home base – and it gave us an unexpected travel memory. 

On the morning of our last full day in Venice, the pocket door to the en suite bathroom in our bedroom came off its track trapping me inside and causing us to miss our train to Ravenna. Ilia ended up needing to call emergency services who had to pull the door casing off the wall in order to extract me. 

To make up for the disruption this caused in our travel plans, Silvio gave us a complimentary gondola ride! When life gives you lemons, make limoncello!

The Best Western Titian Inn

Because our departing flight left at 7:40am, we moved to the Best Western Titian Inn which offers a complimentary airport shuttle for our last night in Venice. Several restaurants are within easy walking distance; I can recommend Al Quadrante (see below).

Other Lodging Options

If you’re flush with Marriott points, two posh lodging options represent spectacular redemption values:

The Gritti Palace :

Conde Nast describes The Gritti Palace as “…luxury with a capital ‘L’”. Built in 1475 as the palazz o for Doge (Venetian Italian for “Duke”) Andrea Gritti, this property caused W. Somerset Maugham to muse, “There are few things in life more pleasant than to sit on the terrace of the Gritti when the sun about to set bathes in lovely color the [basilica Santa Maria della] Salute, which almost faces you.”

St. Regis Venice :

Monet painted 37 canvases of Venice in 1908, many of them from the balcony of his suite in the storied Grand Hotel Brittania. Following a two-year, multi-million-dollar renovation of this property, which spans multiple palazzi on the Grand Canal, it reopened in 2019 as the St. Regis Venice and features a private, Italianate garden courtyard and “impossibly romantic” canal views.

Venice Italy Travel Guide: Dining

It’s difficult to find a bad meal in Venice. The experiences listed below were some of the highlights of our trip.

Cicchetti crawl

Venice has its own version of tapas called cicchetti (derived from the Latin for “very small). Crossing into the San Polo sestiere (subdivision), we made an evening of visiting the following bacari (bars serving wine and cicchetti):

• All’ Arco (nearest the Rialto bridge)
• Cantina Do Mori (frequented, according to legend, by Casanova)
• Cantina Do Spade  (cicchetti menu here )
• Ostaria Dai Zemei (which turned out to be our favorite)
• Vineria All’ Amarone (extensive wine list).

Tip : Using the Rialto bridge as your starting and ending point and visiting the above bacari in the order listed, you can make a circuit covering a total walking distance of about 2/3 mile. 

Conca D’Oro

Conca D’Oro (Campo Santi Filippo e Giacomo 4338) describes itself as “the very first pizzeria in Venice.” We discovered this place quite by accident while strolling from our lodging at The Doge’s House to St. Mark’s Square. We liked it so much, we returned for additional meals – and that’s saying a lot considering how many wonderful restaurants there are in Venice.  Tip : If you make your reservation through “ The Fork ” far enough in advance, you can score a 20% discount!

From its waterside location on the Fondamenta Nuove in the Cannaregio sestiere to its Murano glass chandeliers, Algiubagio is equal parts romance and decadence. I just love the statement on its “Menu” page: “The best things in life are either unlawful, immoral…or make one fat.” Four-course “Classic” and “Traditional” prix-fixe menus are offered for 7 3,00€ but you can also order the same seafood entrée that anchors their “Traditional” menu for 32,00€ and the same seafood entrée that anchors their “Classis” menu for 34,00€.

Ristorante Principessa

Overlooking the Venice Lagoon just beyond St. Mark’s Square (exit St. Mark’s Square toward the lagoon, turn left and cross the small canal with a view of the Bridge of Sighs), Principessa (77% “excellent” or “very good” ratings on TripAdvisor) takes an approach to dining I appreciate – it offers a limited menu but the few items on it are executed extremely well. The restaurant’s name is an homage to the Byzantine Princess Maria Argyropoulaina who surprised banquet guests at the Doge’s Palace in 1004 (up until that occasion, utensils weren’t commonly used in Italy and most of Europe).

Birreria Forst

Birreria Forst (Calle de le Rasse, 4540 – a 1-minute walk from the Bridge of Sighs) is a brewery serving “black sandwiches” (using bread made with rye flour) may be unexpected in Venice. This “hole in the wall” makes an awesome lunch stop just around a corner from St. Mark’s Square. Sandwiches top out around 9 ,00€.

Trattoria al Gatto Nero

If you’re in Venice for more than a day or two you really should visit the outer lagoon islands of Murano (famous for glass blowing) and Burano (famous for Venetian lace). This canal-side restaurant on Burano was visited by Andrew Zimmern on the Travel Channel’s show, “ Bizarre Foods .” Trattoria al Gatto Nero is best known for one of the starters on its menu – “risotto Burano style,” made with a broth flavored with a tiny cuttlefish harvested from the muddy lagoon bottom.

Al Quadrante

Their website promises “(a) riot of taste that, for a low price , will rekindle in every heart the ancient cult of ‘eating well’, preserving the timeless quality of our tradition and our local products.” A 2-minute walk from the Best Western Titian Inn. There’s something on the menu for almost any palate and the prices are quite reasonable.

Tip: If you are looking for dining deals, The Fork lists 58 restaurants in Venice which offer discounts up to 50% off the ala carte menu! Navigate to The Fork’s website , enter your desired date(s) and time(s), and then select the “Special Offers” filter.

Venice Italy Travel Guide: Some “must see” attractions

There’s no shortage of things to see and do but I highly recommend considering Venice proper as a base from which to launch excursions to neighboring islands and towns.

Venice Free Walking Tour

Because Venice is such a warren of maze-like pedestrian streets on more than 100 islands connected by more than 400 bridges, a good map is indispensable. With this tour company , one gets what we found to be the best map available (it even includes a directory of Wi-Fi hotspots!) along with a valuable orientation to Venice. They offer both morning and afternoon tours which depart from several locations (so one is almost always fairly near your lodging). The tours last about 3 hours and, ideally, should be done as early as possible during your stay.

St. Mark’s Square

While one certainly shouldn’t miss the sites clustered around St. Mark’s Square – especially on a first visit – this is also where the crowds congregate with their selfie sticks. Wander just a few blocks away from the square in any direction and the congestion thins dramatically.

If you stand in the Square with the Basilica at your back, the tower nearest you is the Campanile (bell tower). The Doge’s Palace (see below), the archaeological museum and library are to your left with the lagoon beyond. The Museo Correr (included in the price of admission to the Doge’s Palace), which focuses on the art and history of Venice, is ahead of you at the opposite end of the Square. Finally, in addition to featuring the first “digital” timepiece, the clock tower to your right is also the gateway to the Merceria , one of Venice’s main shopping streets that leads (albeit not in a straight line) to the Rialto bridge.

Tips : After getting your bearings, I suggest downloading Rick Steves’ free app and following his narrated St. Mark’s Square audio guide. Also, bands play throughout the day at cafes along either long side of the Square which happily sell rather pricey cups of espresso at their outside tables. But you can stand in the square and enjoy the same music for free.

St. Mark’s Basilica

The most prominent building on the square is the ornate St. Mark’s Basilica. If its façade (pictured here) looks familiar, it may be because it featured prominently in 2 James Bond films ( Casino Royale and Moonraker ) and more recently in Inferno, the movie adaptation of Dan Brown’s sequel to The Da Vinci Code .

Tips : Visit the Basilica either first thing in the morning or during the last hour of entry ( hours of admission vary with the season). Reservations aren’t needed to enter the Basilica but will allow you to skip the often lengthy queue during peak travel season and visiting hours. The Basilica’s free guided tours are currently suspended, but you can download Rick Steves’ audioguide here for an enhanced experience.

The Doge’s Palace

The pink-hued Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) adjacent to the Basilica and connected to the prison by the oh-so-photogenic “Bridge of Sighs” was home to the Doges (elected leaders of the city-state of Venice) and the seat of Venetian government.

Tip : Although you can visit the Doge’s Palace on your own, I highly recommend one of the “official” guided tours which must be booked in advance. The “ Secret Itineraries ” tour includes the interrogation room, detention cells and torture chambers. The “ Hidden Treasures ” tour focuses on the recent renovation of the Doge’s private rooms in the wing adjacent to the Basilica.

There Is So Much To Offer Outside Of Venice As Well

Here are a few of the options if you have a longer stay and want to venture outside the city limits too:

• Budget Grand Canal cruise: Board a Line #1 vaporetto at Piazzale Roma and listen to Rick Steves’ “ Grand Canal ” audioguide as you cruise the length of the Grand Canal for just 7,50 Euros.
• Day trips by boat: Murano (world famous for its exquisite glass) and Burano (perhaps just slightly less famous for its lace and rainbow-colored buildings).
• Day trips by train: Padova/Padua (Scrovegni Chapel – amazing!), Verona (Roman arena, Juliet’s balcony), Ravenna (incredible mosaics).
• The commissions charged to change money on St. Mark’s Square are excessive; walk just a few yards down the Merceria to withdraw up to 500 Euros/transaction from an ATM; use a debit card that reimburses ATM fees (Charles Schwab or Chase Private Client) or make as few withdrawals as possible. Also, don’t use any ATM if anything appears loose or damaged; this could indicate a device has been attached to “skim” your account information. 
• Finally, although we did not encounter any of the following scams we were warned to be alert to them in Venice – as you now are: (a) “the imposter” where a would-be thief poses as authority — ask to call their supervisor, (b) “the cleanup” where the scammer innocuously squirts you with a thick white substance and then offers to help clean up the “bird droppings” in order to lift your valuables and (c) “the ticket helper” where the thief offers to “help” at an automated ticket machine and causes confusion in order to make off with some of your cash.

Venice Italy Travel Guide: Final Thoughts

A big thanks once again to Jim for putting together this amazing Venice Italy travel guide. There is so much delicious info in here, yes I am thinking about the food section right now, to sink your teeth into.  I can’t wait to visit myself!

If you enjoyed this guide be sure to check out Jim’s other ones on the site as well:

• The Must Read Guide For California’s Wine Country
• Kraków & Auschwitz Trip Report: An Area Full Of Charms & Horrors
• Behind The Scenes Along The Inside Passage: Alaska Cruise Tips & Travel Guide
• Everything To Eat, See & Do In Bangkok, Thailand: Our Complete Travel Guide
• Road To Hana: How To Survive The Most Scenic White Knuckle Drive Out There
• These Are Some of My Favorite Things to Do on Maui
• Our Amazing Auckland City Guide Just In Time For New Zealand’s Reopening
• Tour Like A Pro! 8 Tips to Demystify Wine Tasting
• How to Spend 72 Magical Hours in Oslo, Norway
• With Car Rentals Still Sky High, Here Is How To Visit Oahu Without A Rental Car
• The Mileage Run From Hell in Pursuit of American Airlines Status
• GEMS of Napa and Sonoma – The Best Wine Tasting Experiences

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Wonderful Time in Italy We were covered from the moment we landed in Rome. The drivers were great, the connections were flawless, and it was well-planned a...

Venice has been depicted and described so often that on arriving in the city you might have the slightly anticlimactic feeling that everything looks exactly as expected. The Canal Grande’s water-lapped palaces are indeed as picturesque as the coffee-table books made them out to be, Piazza San Marco is as perfect as a film set, and the panorama from the Palazzo Ducale is more or less as Canaletto painted it. Any sense of familiarity quickly fades, however, as you start to look around: seeing a stack of furniture being hoisted from a barge up to a top-floor window, or someone fishing knee- deep in the lagoon a hundred metres from dry land, you understand that life here is not like life anywhere else. And the more closely you look, the more fascinating Venice becomes.

Venice: a city shaped by history and water

10x the best things to do in venice, food and drink in venice, best areas to stay in venice, best time to visit venice, how to get around, how many days do you need in venice, how to get here.

Founded on a cluster of mudflats in the heart of the lagoon 1,500 years ago, Venice emerged as Europe's principal exchange between the West and the East. At its zenith, it commanded an empire stretching north to the Dolomites and across the sea to Cyprus. The city's wealth and population swelled, densifying its urban fabric amidst a unique blend of nature and man-made marvels. 

Today, the historical centre, comprising roughly a hundred islets , leaves no space undeveloped, no street or square without a trace of Venice's illustrious past. It's common to stumble upon medieval remnants in even the most hidden alleyways, embedding the city's rich lineage into its very walls.

Yet, Venice's melancholic charm partly stems from the contrast between its historic grandeur and its current state. Once home to 200,000 residents during the Venetian Republic's golden age, the city's population has significantly dwindled. It was a bustling metropolis, attracting merchants from across the globe, its economy setting continental benchmarks from the Rialto's banks and bazaars. 

The Arsenale's vast workforce could construct a warship in a day, and Piazza San Marco was a perpetual hub of commerce and governance. Now, Venice stands as a testament to its spectacular heritage, its survival heavily reliant on those drawn to its enduring legacy.

 San Marco square from the water © Shutterstock

Venice, a city spread across 118 islands, is interlinked by 435 bridges into six districts known as sestieri. The city's cultural richness extends to over fifty churches and revered institutions like the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and the Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni, showcasing masterpieces by Tintoretto and Carpaccio.

You can't see everything, and we don't suggest you try, so here's a list of things we think, you need to visit!

Editors tip : make sure to read the 20 best things to do in Venice .

#1 Admire the Basilica di San Marco

San Marco is the most exotic of Europe’s cathedrals, and it has always provoked strong reactions. To Herman Melville, it was beautiful and insubstantial – as though “the Grand Turk had pitched his pavilion here for a summer’s day”. Mark Twain adored it for its “entrancing, tranquillizing, soul-satisfying ugliness”.

Herbert Spencer found it “a fine sample of barbaric architecture”; and to John Ruskin, it was the most gorgeous of holy places, a “treasure-heap…a confusion of delight”.

The Basilica di San Marco is certainly confusing, increasingly so as you come nearer and the details emerge, but some knowledge of the building’s background helps bring a little order out of the chaos.

Tips from Martina

Italy Travel Expert

"Don't just visit our famed canals, but also visit the cities less trodden paths. Delve into the serene atmosphere of the Cannaregio district, a treasure trove of local life, far from the crowd. Here, the authentic Venetian lifestyle unfolds in quiet squares and along peaceful canals".

St. Mark's Basilica and St.Mark's Campanile above the San Marco Square in Venice © Shutterstock

Grand Canal, Venice, Italy © Apple Kullathida/Shutterstock

#2 Embrace the art in Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni

Venice has two brilliant cycles of pictures by Vittore Carpaccio – one is in the Accademia, and the other is in the Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni, which sits beside a canal to the south of San Francesco.

By the mid-fifteenth century, though, Venice’s Slavic inhabitants were sufficiently established for a scuola to be set up to protect their interests. After several years of meeting in the church of San Giovanni di Malta, the scuola built itself a new headquarters on the church’s doorstep at the start of the sixteenth century and summoned Carpaccio to brighten up the first-storey hall.

Painted from 1502 to 1508, after the Accademia’s St Ursula cycle, Carpaccio’s pictures were moved downstairs when the building was rearranged in 1551, and the interior has scarcely changed since.

#3 Stroll through the lively Rialto market

It was through the markets of the Rialto that Venice earned its reputation as the bazaar of Europe. Virtually anything could be bought or sold here: fabrics, precious stones, silver plate and gold jewellery, spices and dyes from the Orient. Trading had been going on here for over four hundred years when, in the winter of 1514, a fire destroyed everything in the area except the church.

The possibility of relocating the business centre was discussed but found little favour, so reconstruction began almost straight away: the Fabbriche Vecchie was finished eight years after the fire, and Sansovino’s Fabbriche Nuove followed about thirty years later.

Today’s Rialto market is much more modest than that of Venice at its peak, but it’s still one of the liveliest spots in the city and one of the few places where it’s possible to stand in a crowd and hear nothing but Italian-spoken.

#4 Take a tour of San Giorgio Maggiore

Palladio’s church of San Giorgio Maggiore, facing the Palazzo Ducale across the Bacino di San Marco is one of the most prominent and familiar of all Venetian landmarks. It is a startling building, with an impact that’s enhanced by its isolation on an island of its own.

Ruskin didn’t much care for it: “It is impossible to conceive a design grosser, more barbarous, more childish in conception, more servile in plagiarism, more insipid in result, more contemptible under every point of rational regard.”

Goethe, on the other hand, was sick of the Gothic art that was to Ruskin the touchstone of spiritual health and gave thanks to Palladio for purging his mind of medieval clutter.

#5 Enjoy the spectacle of the Regata Storica

Held on the first Sunday in September, the Regata Storica is the annual trial of strength and skill for the city’s gondoliers and other expert rowers. It starts with a procession of historic craft along the Canal Grande course, their crews all decked out in a period dress, followed by a series of races right up the canal.

Re-enacting the return of Caterina Cornaro to her native city in 1489, the opening parade is a spectacular affair and is followed by a race for young rowers in two-oared pupparini. The women come next (in boats called mascarete), followed by a race for canoe-like caorline; and then it’s the men’s race, in specialized two-man racing gondolas called gondolini.

Gondolas in Venice © Shutterstock

#6 Go on a day trip to Torcello

“Mother and daughter, you behold them both in their widowhood – Torcello and Venice.” So wrote John Ruskin, and it’s almost impossible to visit Torcello without similarly sensing an atmosphere of bereavement. This outlying island has now come almost full circle.

Settled by the very first refugees from the mainland in the fifth century, it became the seat of the bishop of Altinum in 638 and in the following year its cathedral – the oldest building in the lagoon – was founded.

By the fourteenth century, its population had peaked at around twenty thousand, but Torcello’s canals were now silting up and malaria was rife. By the end of the fifteenth century, Torcello was largely deserted – even the bishop lived in Murano – and today fewer than a dozen people remain in residence.

Read more about the best day trips from Venice .

#7 Explore Burano and Murano islands

Take a fascinating day trip to the Venetian islands of Burano and Murano, each with a special charm that complements the glamour of Venice.

A short vaporetto ride from the main island takes you to the vibrant realm of Burano, known for its rainbow-coloured houses and intricate lacework. Wander through narrow streets decorated with colourful linens and observe the artistry of local lacemakers, whose tradition dates back several centuries. The island's serene canals and warm, welcoming atmosphere make it the perfect place for a leisurely lunch by the water's edge.

Then head to the island of Murano, considered the birthplace of Venetian glassmaking. Explore its rich history and modern innovations by visiting the glass factories, where master craftsmen skilfully mould molten glass into intricate shapes. Discover a fascinating variety of glassware, from exquisite jewellery to ornate chandeliers. See ancient techniques passed down through generations and learn about this age-old craft.

Venice landmark, Burano island, Italy © StevanZZ/Shutterstock

#8 Attend Venice Biennale

If you have a keen interest in contemporary art and international culture, timing your visit to coincide with the Venice Biennale can be a fantastic idea. The Venice Biennale, Europe’s most glamorous international forum for contemporary art, was first held in 1895 as the city’s contribution to the celebrations for the silver wedding anniversary of King Umberto I and Margherita of Savoy.

The main site is by the Giardini Pubblici, with permanent pavilions for about forty countries plus space for a thematic international exhibition. This core part of the Biennale is supplemented by exhibitions in parts of the Arsenale that are otherwise closed to the public, such as the colossal Corderie or Tana and the Artiglierie.

In addition, various palaces and other sites throughout the city are used as national pavilions and as venues for fringe exhibitions, installations and performances.

Biennale, Venice © avphotosales/Shutterstock

#9 Make a pilgrimage to Santa Maria della Salute

In 1630–31 Venice was devastated by a plague that exterminated nearly 95,000 of the lagoon’s population – one person in three. In October 1630 the Senate decreed that a new church would be dedicated to the Virgin Mary if the city were saved. The result was the Salute – salute meaning “health” and “salvation” – or Santa Maria della Salute, to use its full title.

Resting on a platform of more than 100,000 wooden piles, the Salute took half a century to build; its architect, Baldassare Longhena, was only 26 years old when his proposal was accepted. He lived just long enough to see it finished – he died in 1682, one year after completion.

Each year on November 21 (the feast of the Presentation of the Virgin) the Signoria is processed from San Marco to the Salute for a service of thanksgiving. The Festa della Madonna della Salute is still a major event in the Venetian calendar, with thousands of people making their way here to pray for or give thanks for good health.

#10 Discover the hidden gem of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

Located in a charming labyrinth of Venetian alleyways, Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is an amazing hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This architectural gem, often unnoticed by the crowd, charms those who dare to discover it. The main feature of the palace is the "Scala Contarini del Bovolo", a spiral staircase that rises gracefully upwards and is decorated with elegant arches that create a complex play of light and shadow.

As you ascend this spiral staircase, you are transported to another era where the artistic vision of the Contarini family is brought to life with breathtaking detail. As you climb up, the panorama of red-tiled roofs and Venetian vistas opens up, giving you a glimpse of a timeless city.

There’s more than an element of truth to Venice’s reputation as a place where mass tourism has produced monotonous menus, cynical service and slapdash standards in the kitchen. Venice has fewer good, moderately priced restaurants than any other major Italian city, it has more really bad restaurants than any other, and in some of the expensive establishments you’re paying not for a fine culinary creation but for the experience of dining in an expensive Venetian restaurant. 

However, things have been getting better in recent years, and in the less overrun parts of Venice there are now several good places where you can get a decent two-course meal, plus house wine, for €35–40 per person – which, in this city, is reasonable.

Eating out in San Marco

• Ai Mercanti : Revamped in 2013, Ai Mercanti in San Marco offers imaginative dishes like pumpkin and coffee bean risotto, starting at €13. Its dark wood and golden décor create a unique atmosphere. Open Mon 7–10:30pm, Tues–Sat 12:30–3pm & 7–10:30pm.
• Al Bacareto : A local favorite for over forty years, Al Bacareto offers genuine Venetian cuisine with main courses ranging from €15–20. Opt for cicheti at the bar for a taste of Venice on a budget.

Eating out in San Polo and Santa Croce

• Al Nono Risorto : Nestled off Campo San Cassiano, Al Nono Risorto attracts a young crowd with its pizzeria-restaurant vibe, live jazz and blues, and a charming small garden. Note: No credit cards accepted. Open Mon & Tues–Sun noon–2:30pm & 7–11pm.
• Alla Madonna : For over sixty years, Alla Madonna has served seafood in a lively, old-style setting, now managed by the founder's son. The ambiance is bustling, and the service quick. Despite recent price hikes, it offers relatively good value at about €45/person. Open Mon, Tues & Thurs–Sun noon–3pm & 7–10pm.

Venice ©Shutterstock

Insatiable demand makes Venice’s hotels the most expensive in Western Europe. What’s more, the high season here is longer than anywhere else in the country, but many places don’t recognize the existence of a low season any more.

There are, though, a few good-value hotels to be found in the city, and an ever-increasing number of bed and breakfast places, as well as a plethora of apartments for rent.

If you want to spend time surrounded by luxury, San Marco is the most suitable neighbourhood to do so. San Marco is the heart of Venice, home to the famous St Mark's Square, the magnificent St Mark's Basilica and the majestic Doge's Palace.

This neighbourhood offers exclusive shopping opportunities, high-end restaurants and breathtaking views of the canals. Treat yourself to luxurious accommodation options , including five-star hotels that offer stunning views of the city's landmarks. However, be prepared for higher prices as San Marco is a premium neighbourhood.

Dorsoduro is a neighbourhood worth staying in Venice for its artistic heritage and lively cultural life. Home to the prestigious Accademia Gallery and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, this neighbourhood attracts art lovers from all over the world.

Dorsoduro is also home to the University of Ca' Foscari, giving the neighbourhood a lively and youthful energy.

San Polo and Santa Croce

If you are looking for a place to stay in Venice to experience local Venetian life, the ideal neighbourhoods are San Polo and Santa Croce. These neighbourhoods exude genuine charm with their narrow streets, small squares and bustling markets.

Also, a must-see in these neighbourhoods are the Rialto Bridge, the lively Rialto Market and the historic church of San Giacomo di Rialto. Accommodation options , from cosy guesthouses to charming boutique hotels, provide an authentic Venetian experience.

The Cannaregio neighbourhood may not have any major attractions, but it is a place to stay to experience the atmosphere of Venice. Cannaregio is a less crowded residential neighbourhood that offers a more local and authentic experience. It is known for its picturesque canals, historic synagogues and lively Jewish ghetto.

Central Castello

Castello, located east of San Marco, is Venice's largest and most traditional neighbourhood. With winding streets, small squares and local shops, this neighbourhood has a more relaxed atmosphere.

Castello is home to the impressive Arsenale and the Biennale Gardens, where the prestigious Venice Biennale art exhibition takes place. Castello offers a wide range of accommodation options , from budget guesthouses to elegant boutique hotels.

Browse the best hotels in Venice.

The Canals of Venice, in Italy © Shutterstock

Choosing the right time to visit Venice can greatly influence the experience one gains from this enchanting city. Spring ( April , May and June ) and early autumn ( September to October ) are often considered the best seasons to explore Venice.

During these periods, the weather is pleasantly mild, and the city is less crowded than in the peak summer months ( July and August ). Strolling through the labyrinthine streets, gliding along the serene canals, and marvelling at the architecture under the warm sunlight becomes an immersive experience.

The winter months ( November and January ) can be cold. Venice's renowned events like the Carnival in February and the Venice Biennale in odd-numbered years draw a diverse array of international visitors, adding a unique cultural dimension to the visit. December is usually busy with locals but a fun time to visit.

Find out more about the best time to visit Italy.

The topography of Venice is uniquely complicated, and at first glance its public transport looks as convoluted as a wiring diagram. But the situation isn’t as daunting as it first appears: there are clear main routes through the warren of Venice’s alleyways, and you’ll need to get to grips with only a few of the water-bus routes.

Venice Water-Bus fares and tickets explained

Single journey & special ticket:

• Standard Ticket: €7, valid for 60 minutes with unlimited changes, not usable for return trips.
• One-Stop Ticket: €4, ideal for short crossings like San Zaccaria to San Giorgio Maggiore.
• Luggage Fee: €7 for each piece of large luggage beyond the first.
• Concessions: Children under 4 travel free. Wheelchair users pay €1.30; their companion travels free.

Save with Travel Cards

To avoid high single-ticket costs, consider ACTV Tourist Travel Cards

• 24 hours: €20
• 48 hours: €30
• 72 hours: €40
• 7 days: €60
• Rolling Venice Cardholders: Special 72-hour card for €20
• Airport Bus Supplement: €4 per journey with any ACTV pass.

Where to buy

• Tickets: Landing stages, shops with the ACTV sign, tourist offices.
• ravel Cards: Tourist offices, Piazzale Roma, train station, airport, and selected vaporetto stops like Ca’ d’Oro and San Marco Vallaresso.

Gondola rides in Venice

Gondola Navigation

Thanks to their design, gondolas can navigate Venice's narrow and shallow canals effortlessly, a testament to the gondoliers' skill. Previously a hereditary job, now anyone can become a gondolier after completing 400 hours of rigorous training, which covers manual skills, canal navigation, and the history of the profession. In 2010, Venice celebrated its first female gondolier, Giorgia Boscolo.

Costs & Hours

• Standard Fare: €80 for a 40-minute ride for up to six passengers. After 7pm until 8am, the rate increases to €100.
• Extended rides:Additional 20 minutes cost €40, or €50 after 7pm.
• Extras: Expect surcharges for an accordionist or tenor. Note that there's a debate on banning "O Sole Mio" to avoid stereotypical Italian experiences.

Avoiding overcharges 

Although fares are regulated, some gondoliers might charge more. Always confirm the price before departure. For a reliable service, use official gondola stands located at key points throughout the city, including Calle Vallaresso, Campo San Moisè, Campo Santa Maria del Giglio, Bacino Orseolo, in front of the Palazzo Ducale, Riva degli Schiavoni near the Danieli hotel, the train station, Piazzale Roma, Campo Santa Sofia near Ca’ d’Oro, San Tomà, and Rialto Bridge on Riva Carbon.

Venice Water Taxis

Venice's water taxis are stylish, fast, and can navigate most canals, accommodating up to 10 passengers. However, they're known for being one of the priciest taxi services in Western Europe.

• Base Rate: Starts at €15, with €2 added every minute.
• Surcharges: €10 per extra passenger beyond five. €5 for each luggage piece over five. €10 for rides between 10pm and 7am.

Booking tips

• Direct booking from stands or catching an available taxi can save surcharges.
• Phone bookings and concierge-arranged rides include additional fees.

Epiphany Regatta in Venice © Shutterstock

The ideal number of days to spend in Venice depends on your interests, the pace of your trip and what you want to see. Here are general guidelines to help you plan your visit:

If your schedule is tight, you can manage to experience the main attractions of Venice in one or two days. Focus on the main sights such as St Mark's Square, St Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, take a gondola ride and perhaps stroll the streets. However, this will not allow you to explore more than the iconic sites.

3-4 days will give you a better chance of experiencing the essence of Venice. You'll be able to see the main sights, take a day trip to nearby islands such as Burano and Murano, and in your free time wander off the beaten track, discover local restaurants and soak up the unique atmosphere.

If you have more time, you can truly immerse yourself in the culture and lifestyle of Venice. In addition to the above, you can visit less crowded areas, art galleries and museums, attend cultural events or festivals, and take day trips to neighbouring cities such as Padua or Verona.

Venice, Canal, Italy @ Shutterstock

Before you can lose yourself in its winding waterways and historic charm, you'll need to figure out the best way to get there. Whether you're flying in from across the globe or making your way from a nearby European city, various options are available to suit every budget and travel style.

• Flights from the UK and Ireland : Direct flights take around two hours from London . EasyJet flies between two and four times daily, while its chief rival, Ryanair, has one or two flights each day from London and less frequent services to Treviso from Bristol, East Midlands, Manchester and Edinburgh. Aer Lingus (Dublin) flies to Marco Polo up to five times per week, while Ryanair flies three or four times a week to Treviso in high season.
• Flights from the US and Canada: The only direct service to Venice from the US is with Delta, who fly from New York to Marco Polo up to six times a week in summer. Air Canada has direct flights from Montréal to Venice, and various indirect flights from Toronto and Montréal, usually via Frankfurt or New York.

The choice of rail routes and fares is hugely complex, but the cheapest route is to take the Eurostar from London to Paris, then change to the high-speed TGV from Paris to Milan, and change there for the “Frecciarossa” to Florence. The total journey time is 14–18 hours, and with some online research, you can put together a one-way ticket for a little over the cost of a return flight, though peak prices are considerably higher.

If you take a couchette, using the “Thello” sleeper for the stage from Paris to Milan doesn’t add much to the cost. Booking for these continental routes usually opens three months before the day of travel. Discounts for under-26s are sometimes available and advance booking is essential. If you’re planning to include Italy as part of a longer European trip you could choose to invest in an InterRail pass.

Find out the best ways to get to Italy .

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Compass & Pine

The Ultimate Travel Guide

Venice Travel Guide: Your Passport to La Serenissima

Venice, La Serenissima , the most serene of cities, is like no other place on earth. A jewel in Italy’s crown, this city of canals and romance, whispers of history and echoes of the past, deserves a spot on every traveler’s bucket list.

Imagine cruising the Grand Canal as the sun sets, the soft lull of the water beneath you, and centuries-old palaces sliding past. Or getting lost in the winding alleys, where each turn brings a new surprise, a secluded piazza, a stunning vista, or a hidden bacaro.

Despite being a major European hotspot, an intimate charm pervades Venice. Every bridge crossed, every vaporetto ride, every ‘Buongiorno’ exchanged with the locals immerses you deeper into the Venetian way of life. This floating city promises unique experiences you’ll cherish long after your trip to Venice, Italy.

In this Venice Travel Guide, you’ll discover:

• Why a trip to Venice, Italy, should be on your bucket list.
• The challenges of over-tourism in Venice and how to balance them with the city’s romantic charm.
• Tips to avoid the crowds in Venice, including exploring hidden gems like the outer islands of Murano and Torcello.
• Strategies for making the most of your Venice vacation by exploring beyond the city center.
• A list of the top things to see and do in Venice, from iconic landmarks like Piazza San Marco to lesser-known attractions.
• Detailed information on Venice travel costs and money-saving tips.
• Insightful tips on getting around Venice, including an overview of the Vaporetto system and water taxis.
• Suggestions on the best time to visit Venice, considering factors like crowd levels, weather, and local events.
• Essential safety tips for your trip to Venice, with a special focus on issues like petty theft and flooding risks.
• Recommended booking resources to help you plan and book every aspect of your Venice trip, from flights and accommodation to tours and excursions.

Stay tuned for a comprehensive, insightful, and personal guide to planning your dream trip to Venice, Italy.

Balancing the Romantic Charm and Challenges of Overtourism

Tips for avoiding crowds.

• Discovering Venice's Hidden Gems: Outer Islands Like Burano and Murano

Making the Most of Your Venice Vacation: Exploring Beyond the City Center

Top 5 things to see and do in venice, immerse in the cultural heritage: visit basilica san marco, iconic landmarks: exploring the rialto bridge.

• A Glimpse of Royalty: Touring the Doge's Palace
• Experiencing Venice's Most Anticipated Event: The Carnival

Additional Things to See and Do

Immersive experience: take a walking tour.

• Marvel at Venice's Living Room: Wander Piazza San Marco

Seaside Solace: Visit Lido Island

Journey to the glass island: explore murano island, dive into local life at rialto market, contemporary art showcase: tour peggy guggenheim collection.

• A Panorama of Venice: Climb St. Mark's Bell Tower

The Rowing Spectacle: Watch Vogalonga

Delve into history: visit the national archaeological museum, artistic pursuit: check out correr museum.

• Embrace Fine Art: Peruse Galleria dell'Accademia

Unearth the Past: Explore the Jewish Ghetto

Savor venice: take a food tour, venice travel costs, housing options and prices: from luxury to budget-friendly accommodations, taste of venice: average cost of food and dining options, budget travel tips for backpackers: traveling to venice on a shoestring, money-saving tips, a taste of home: cooking your own meals, walk and explore: the best way to see venice, smart travel: using discount vaporetto tickets, smart savings: getting combined museum passes or the venezia unica pass, local drinks: buying your own beverages, getting around venice, navigating the waters: using the vaporetto system for transportation, luxury on water: water taxis as a pricier option, best time to visit venice, weighing the options: summer crowds vs. high prices, ideal seasons: spring and fall, navigating the acqua alta (flooding) in autumn and winter, a festive time: carnival season in february, safety tips, avoiding petty theft and pick pocketing concerns, beware of scams: tips for safe traveling, for solo female travelers: safety first, be prepared: dealing with acqua alta (flooding) risks, important emergency contact information for a safe venice trip, recommended booking resources, best flights deals with skyscanner, affordable hostels with hostelworld, varied accommodation options with booking.com, cheap flights with going.com, hostelpass for budget-friendly stays, plan your excursions with get your guide, efficient train travel in italy with trainline, pocket-sized wisdom: venice travel guide 2023 book, sustainable tourism: lifestraw for reusable water bottles, walks of italy for culturally rich walking tours, final words about visiting venice.

Venice’s popularity comes at a cost. In peak season, the city can seem more like a bustling carnival than the tranquil retreat that it’s often painted as. The tight-knit network of islands often reels under the impact of over-tourism.

But, fear not! As seasoned travelers, we’ll share with you some tried-and-tested ways to experience the beauty of Venice and dodge the most crowded areas. Get ready to unravel the lesser-known, yet equally enchanting, aspects of the city!

Discovering Venice’s Hidden Gems: Outer Islands Like Burano and Murano

Looking for a Venice travel guide that takes you off the beaten track? Look no further. One of the best ways to escape the crowds is by exploring the outer islands of the Venetian Lagoon. Take a vaporetto to Murano , known worldwide for its exquisite glass-making traditions. You can watch the master glass-blowers at work and even bring home a colorful souvenir.

Hop on to another boat to visit Burano , the rainbow island. Here, each house is painted a different vibrant color, making it a photographer’s dream. This quiet island is also famous for its colorful buildings and delicate handmade lace.

Explore the desolate and quiet Torcello island and to experience a place like no other in the Venetian Lagoon. With only 12 people living on the island, it makes for a great escape from the touristy crowds most people experience when visiting Venice.

While the allure of iconic landmarks found within St. Mark’s Square , like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, is undeniable, the real charm of Venice often lies beyond the San Marco city center.

Spend a day getting lost in the quieter sestieri (districts) like Cannaregio or Santa Croce . Here, you’ll discover local markets, traditional eateries, and stunning, crowd-free vistas of the canals.

Visiting Venice, Italy, doesn’t have to be a whirlwind race through overcrowded tourist spots. It can be a leisurely, intimate exploration of the city’s lesser-known treasures. After all, in Venice, the journey truly is the destination.

The Basilica di San Marco, often referred to as the “golden basilica,” is not only a testament to Venice’s rich history but also a shining example of Byzantine art and architecture. The five domes and shimmering gold mosaics adorning the basilica represent a fascinating fusion of Eastern and Western architectural styles.

The spectacular mosaic floor, made from marble and glass, is a geometric wonder that catches the eye of every visitor.

The Basilica’s museum is an underrated gem, housing precious artifacts and providing a rare chance to view the original Quadriga – a set of Roman bronze statues depicting four horses that once graced the basilica’s exterior.

Climbing to the museum also gives you access to the outdoor loggia where you can enjoy stunning views over the Piazza San Marco.

After the crowds leave, you can also take an exclusive guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace .

No visit to Venice is complete without witnessing the architectural marvel that is the Rialto Bridge. One of the most iconic symbols of the city, Venice’s most famous bridge spans the Grand Canal and offers an unforgettable view of the waterway’s lively traffic of gondolas and vaporettos.

Built in the late 16th century, the bridge is not merely a scenic viewpoint but also houses a bustling marketplace teeming with shops selling local wares, from jewelry to Murano glass souvenirs.

Crossing the bridge is like walking through a microcosm of Venetian life, offering both picturesque scenery, fantastic views, and a slice of the city’s vibrant culture.

A Glimpse of Royalty: Touring the Doge’s Palace

Step back in time to Venice’s golden age with a visit to the Doge’s Palace. The palace served as the residence of the Doge (the ruler of Venice), as well as the city’s center of government and court.

Inside, the grandeur unfolds in rooms adorned with works by Tintoretto, Veronese, and other master Venetian painters . The palace’s highlight is perhaps the ornate Grand Council Chamber, boasting the largest oil painting in the world, Tintoretto’s “Paradiso”.

Don’t forget to walk through the infamous Bridge of Sighs, which links the palace with the prison. The famous bridge once offered convicts their last view of Venice before their imprisonment, hence the “sighs.”

There’s also a fantastic Secret Itineraries Tour of Doge’s Palace that we took earlier this year that explored rooms and areas that are off limits to tourists.

Experiencing Venice’s Most Anticipated Event: The Carnival

Should your visit align with Venice’s annual Carnival , you’re in for a truly unique spectacle. This world-famous festival dates back to the Middle Ages and is best known for the participants’ elaborate masks and costumes, filling the city with a sense of magic and mystery.

Aside from the visual spectacle, the Carnival offers a range of events, from grand masquerade balls to street performances, making the city even more enchanting than it already is.

The festival’s highlight is the “Volo dell’Angelo” or “Flight of the Angel,” where a person zip-lines from the Campanile di San Marco into the crowded Piazza, marking the official start of festivities.

A Colorful Escape: Day Trip to Burano

Escape the city hustle with a day trip to Burano . Famous for its brightly colored fishermen’s houses and lace making, Burano is an Instagrammer’s paradise and a delightful retreat from the crowds. Just be aware that it can get a little crowded in the middle of the day and evening, so try to take a day trip that starts earlier in the morning.

Discover the city from the perspective of a local by embarking on a walking food and wine tour of Venice . With fresh cicchetti, food, and wine in hand, you’ll navigate winding alleyways, charming bridges, and picturesque canals as a knowledgeable guide provides insights into Venice’s history, architecture, and culture.

You’ll not only visit major landmarks but also explore off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods, unearthing hidden gems that most tourists miss. With tales of ancient legends and the current Venetian lifestyle, a walking tour offers a nuanced understanding of this magical city.

Marvel at Venice’s Living Room: Wander Piazza San Marco

Often referred to as Venice’s living room, Piazza San Marco is an architectural masterpiece that buzzes with life.

Home to significant landmarks like Basilica San Marco, Doge’s Palace, and Campanile di San Marco, the square itself is an open-air museum of Venetian history and style.

Enjoy a cup of coffee at Caffè Florian, Italy’s oldest café, while you soak in the ambiance of the square.

Pigeon feeding, a long-standing tradition in the piazza, adds to the charming tableau.

Craving a beach break? Lido Island , Venice’s celebrity filled beach town, offers a tranquil escape from the city’s bustling tourist spots. This thin strip of land between the Adriatic Sea and the Venetian Lagoon boasts beautiful sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or just lazing around.

Hire a bike and explore the island’s Art Nouveau villas and tranquil streets or enjoy delicious seafood in its many restaurants.

Lido also hosts the prestigious Venice Film Festival every year.

Hop on a vaporetto to Murano Island , world-renowned for its glassmaking heritage. Witness master craftsmen transform molten glass into intricate pieces of art, a traditional practice that dates back to the 10th century.

The Glass Museum on the island chronicles the evolution of glassmaking and displays an exquisite collection of glass artifacts. Don’t miss the chance to purchase unique glass jewelry, vases, or chandeliers as souvenirs .

Experience a slice of everyday Venetian life at the vibrant Rialto Market. This bustling market brims with fresh produce, from fruits and vegetables to a diverse range of seafood, reflecting Venice’s lagoon bounty.

The sights and sounds of locals bargaining, the aroma of fresh food, and the colorful displays create an engaging atmosphere. The Rialto Market is an ideal place to sample local delicacies or pick up ingredients for a self-catered Venetian meal.

Situated on the Grand Canal, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a modern art enthusiast’s dream. The museum, once the private residence of the American heiress Peggy Guggenheim, boasts an eclectic mix of artwork from the most significant artistic movements of the 20th century.

Marvel at masterpieces from the likes of Picasso, Kandinsky, Dalí, Pollock, and many more. The tranquil sculpture garden and terrace overlooking the Grand Canal offer a serene setting to ponder the contemporary art pieces.

This art museum is not just about the great art on the walls but also about the story of a woman who dedicated her life to art and artists.

A Panorama of Venice: Climb St. Mark’s Bell Tower

Offering the most breathtaking views over Venice, climbing the Campanile di San Marco is a must-do activity.

The bell tower, standing at nearly 100 meters tall in the center of St. Mark’s Square, provides panoramic views of the city’s red roofs, winding canals, and the sprawling lagoon, extending to the Dolomite mountains on clear days.

Originally built in the 9th century as a watchtower, the Campanile is the city’s highest structure, and a ride up to its viewing platform is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Join in on the city’s annual celebration of its maritime heritage by participating in or observing the Vogalonga, a 30-kilometer rowing event through Venice’s canals and the lagoon.

This non-competitive “long row” is open to any rowing vessel and draws participants from all over the world. Whether you’re rowing or cheering from the sidelines, the Vogalonga offers a fantastic way to appreciate Venice’s historic connection to the water.

Venture into the world of ancient civilizations at Venice’s National Archaeological Museum . The museum holds a vast collection of Greek and Roman sculptures, bronze artifacts, ceramics, gems, and coins, as well as a notable Egyptian antiquities section.

The museum’s highlights include the gem collection of the Duke of Aosta, a collection of exquisite cameos, and ancient glass sculptures collected by Venetian nobles during their Grand Tour.

Immerse yourself in Venetian art and history at the Correr Museum .

Located at the opposite end of Piazza San Marco from the Basilica, the museum houses extensive collections that reflect Venice’s civic life, art, and history.

Notable exhibits include the Napoleonic Wing, showcasing rooms once occupied by Napoleon and later by the Austrian Royal Family, and the Picture Gallery, boasting a rich collection of works by Venetian artists from the 13th to 16th centuries.

Embrace Fine Art: Peruse Galleria dell’Accademia

Housed in the former Santa Maria della Carità church complex, the Galleria dell’Accademia is a treasure trove of Venetian paintings from the 14th to the 18th centuries.

This world-renowned gallery takes you on a chronological journey through Venice’s rich art history, featuring magnificent works by artists like Titian, Bellini, Tintoretto, and Veronese. Among its highlights is Vitruvian Man, a famous sketch by Leonardo da Vinci, displayed only occasionally due to its fragility.

The Galleria dell’Accademia is an absolute must-visit for any art lover, providing most visitors a unique opportunity to appreciate Venice’s contribution to the world of fine art.

Step back in time by visiting the Jewish Ghetto in Venice, the world’s first ghetto. This historic district was the area where Jews were forced to live during the Venetian Republic. Today, it remains the vibrant center of the Jewish community in Venice.

The Museo Ebraico, or Jewish Museum, located here provides a detailed narrative about Jewish heritage and Venetian Jewish history through a collection of religious and cultural artifacts.

Five historic synagogues, or ‘schole,’ still stand here, each a testament to the endurance of Jewish culture despite past hardships. The guided tour of the area offers a profound understanding of the centuries-old Jewish presence in Venice.

No visit to Venice would be complete without savoring its unique and diverse cuisine. Embark on a food tour to enjoy the full spectrum of Venetian culinary delights.

Guided by a local, you’ll meander through local markets, past traditional bacari (wine bars), and into historic osterie (restaurants), tasting local delicacies like cicchetti (Venetian tapas), risotto, and fresh seafood along the way.

Pair your food with local wines for an enhanced gastronomic experience. Not only will a food tour satiate your taste buds, but it will also enrich your understanding of Venice’s history, culture, and traditions through the medium of food. This culinary journey is indeed the perfect way to end your day in Venice.

Venice offers a range of accommodations catering to all budgets.

For a taste of luxury , stay at a 5-star hotel overlooking the Grand Canal, where prices typically range from €300-€800 per night.

Mid-range hotels , offering comfortable stays with standard amenities, are available in lesser-touristed neighborhoods like Cannaregio and Castello, with prices around €100-€200 per night.

Budget travelers can opt for hostels and budget hotels that offer rooms as low as €20-€50 per night. For a more local experience, consider renting an apartment through platforms like Airbnb, where you can find a wide range of options and prices.

Dining in Venice can range from moderately expensive to high-end.

Expect to pay around €15-€25 for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost you between €40 and €60 per person, excluding drinks. Dining at a high-end restaurant can easily cost over €100 per person. Casual dining options include cicchetti bars where you can sample local tapas-like dishes for €1-€3 per piece. Pizzas and paninis are other budget-friendly options, typically costing around €5-€10.

If you want a good place to start, we wrote a guide to the 25 best restaurants in Venice and broke them down by neighborhood.

Traveling to Venice on a budget is achievable with a few smart strategies. Stay in a hostel or budget hotel, or consider an apartment rental if you’re traveling in a group. Dine at cicchetti bars or grab a slice of pizza from a takeaway place to save on meals. Walk or use public transport instead of gondolas or water taxis. Lastly, take advantage of free attractions and cheaper off-season travel.

If you’re staying in a place with a kitchen, consider cooking your own meals. Shopping at local markets like the historic Rialto Market can be a fun and economical way to experience local food culture while also saving on dining costs.

Walking is not only the most cost-effective way to explore Venice but also the best. The city is relatively small, and getting lost in its labyrinth of alleys and canals is a quintessential Venice experience. Walking is also a great way to discover hidden gems that you might otherwise miss.

Opt for discount vaporetto (public water bus) tickets if you plan to use public transportation frequently. Buying a travel card for unlimited water bus rides over a set number of days can be more cost-effective than individual tickets.

Consider purchasing a combined museum pass or the Venezia Unica City Pass , which offers discounted or free access to many museums and attractions, depending on the option chosen. This pass also includes public transport, so you can save on getting around too.

Buying your own drinks from supermarkets can save a considerable amount compared to drinking in bars or restaurants. Plus, you can enjoy your drink while sitting along a canal or in one of the city’s many beautiful squares, providing a unique Venetian experience.

The last time I was in Venice with my wife, we found Enoteca La Fiaschetteria srls a small winery in Canaregio that has the most delicious and affordable wine available in the city. Seriously, pay them a visit.

Venice’s vaporetto system is the public transportation of choice for both locals and tourists. With 19 routes crisscrossing the city’s canals and lagoons, the vaporetto allows visitors to get to almost any point in the city and Venice’s outer islands like Murano, Burano, and Lido.

A single ticket costs €7.50 (as of writing) and is valid for 75 minutes from validation. For frequent travelers, a travel card or day pass offering unlimited rides over a certain number of days may be a cost-effective choice.

For a more personalized and faster, albeit pricier, travel option, water taxis are available. These private motorboats can accommodate small or large groups and provide a convenient way to get to your exact destination.

However, with fares typically starting around €70, they’re much more expensive than the vaporetto.

It’s important to agree on the price before starting the journey.

Venice is a popular destination year-round, but the summer months can be particularly crowded. Summer also brings higher prices for accommodations and flights. While the weather is typically warm and sunny, the city can be uncomfortable due to the humidity and the number of tourists.

Spring and fall are generally considered the best times to visit Venice . These shoulder seasons offer milder weather and fewer tourists, making it a more comfortable time to explore. Additionally, prices for accommodations and flights are usually lower than during the peak summer months.

Autumn and winter in Venice can be marked by acqua alta, or high water, which causes flooding in Venice . If you’re visiting during these times, be prepared for possible disruptions to transportation and attractions. Platforms called ‘passarelle’ are set up for pedestrians during flooding, and it can be quite an experience to see the city in this unique state.

If you can time your visit to coincide with the Carnival in February, you’re in for a real treat. This festive season brings the city alive with elaborate costumes, masquerade balls, parades, and unique events. However, this is also a popular time to visit, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.

Like many popular tourist destinations, Venice has its share of petty crime. Keep your valuables safe and secure, avoid displaying expensive items in public, and always be aware of your surroundings. Carry only essential items when you’re out and about.

Venice is generally a safe city, but it’s always good to be aware of potential scams. Be cautious of overly friendly strangers or anyone offering “free” gifts. Remember that legitimate businesses will clearly display prices, so avoid any establishments that don’t.

Venice is generally safe for solo female travelers. However, it’s advisable to follow standard safety precautions like avoiding deserted areas late at night and always informing someone of your whereabouts. Keep your belongings close to you and be aware of your surroundings.

During the acqua alta season, be prepared for potential flooding. Stay updated with weather forecasts, and plan your itineraries accordingly. Always heed local advice and follow established safety procedures during these times.

In case of emergencies, it’s good to have important numbers at hand.

• The general emergency number in Italy is 112.
• For medical emergencies, dial 118.
• For fire emergencies, dial 115.

The companies I’ve listed here are my top picks when it comes to travel. Their offerings consistently outshine the competition in terms of value for money, quality of service, and exceptional customer service. These companies form the foundation of my search for travel deals, given their reliability and excellence that I have personally experienced numerous times.

Skyscanner is an excellent resource for finding the best flight deals. The website compares prices across various airlines and booking sites, helping you secure the best possible price.

For budget travelers, Hostelworld offers a range of affordable hostel options in Venice. The platform provides detailed descriptions, reviews, and ratings to help you choose the right place for your next stay in venice.

Booking.com provides a wide variety of accommodation options in Venice. From budget hostels to luxury hotels, you can find something that suits your budget and preferences.

Going.com searches for cheap and rare flights and will notify you when one matches your home airport and a destination of your choice. We scored a non-stop, roundtrip flight from Newark (EWR) to Milan-Malpensa (MXP) for $359 in 2021 and then again from Philadelphia (PHL) to Marco Polo Airport (VCE) for $475 in 2023.

HostelPass can help you save money on your accommodation. With a single flat fee, you can stay in hostels in Venice and other European cities.

Get Your Guide offers a range of guided tours and activities in Venice. Whether you want a guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica or a cooking class, you can find it here.

Trainline can help you navigate Italy’s extensive train system and get you to Venice’s Santa Lucia train and bus station. It’s an efficient way to travel between cities if you’re planning to visit more of Italy during your trip.

For an in-depth guide to Venice, consider purchasing the Venice Travel Guide 2023 . It’s packed with useful information, tips, and maps to help you make the most of your visit.

Help keep Venice beautiful by practicing sustainable tourism. Consider investing in a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter like LifeStraw . It’s eco-friendly and ensures you have safe drinking water wherever you go.

For a deep dive into Venice’s rich history and culture, consider booking a walking tour with Walks of Italy . The guides are knowledgeable, and the tours offer a great way to explore the city on foot while visiting the main sites and top attractions.

Venice, with its maze of canals, rich history, and vibrant culture, is a city that promises a unique experience unlike any other. It effortlessly bridges the gap between the past and the present, immersing visitors in a tapestry of art, architecture, and authentic Italian cuisine.

Be it a romantic gondola ride under the Bridge of Sighs, exploring the myriad of artifacts in the Doge’s Palace, or simply getting lost amidst the picturesque Venetian streets, Venice caters to every kind of traveler.

With this comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped with all the insights and tips to make your Venetian journey truly unforgettable. So, get ready to embark on a trip of a lifetime, as the ‘Floating City’ awaits to enrapture you with its eternal charm.

About Todd O'Rourke

Todd is an award-winning writer and filmmaker who co-founded Compass and Pine with his dog Leg. Together, they have traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe, with their base of operations in Philadelphia.

He started Compass and Pine after living in Vicenza, Italy for three years and falling deeply in love with the country, the people, and, of course, the food.

His favorite city is Florence, Italy, and his favorite National Park is Olympic in Washington.

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Visit Venice, Italy

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Once a powerful and commanding Republic, Venice is one of the most celebrated cities in Italy. Built on 118 small islands linked by canals and bridges, it remains largely as it would have looked in medieval times. Now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its pivotal place in Italy’s past and present makes it an attractive destination for historians, art lovers, chefs and romantics of all ages. From its ostentatious churches and palaces housing medieval masterpieces to tiny backstreet chapels that are home to priceless artworks, it’s a city of high culture known for its pioneering ideas and healthy disregard for convention.

Other cities have canals, but there’s nowhere quite like Venice. For the bigger picture, you need to venture beyond the busy central areas, exploring the city’s northern and eastern districts, and the marshy lagoon islands.

Things to see and do in Venice

St mark’s square and basilica.

San Marco is the historic core of Venice and at its heart is Piazza San Marco, or St Mark’s Square, the focal point of this striking city. Surrounded by imperial apartments and some of Venice's oldest cafés, it’s dominated by an imposing basilica dedicated to Saint Mark who, as the legend goes, was destined to rest here by divine prophecy. So, when the city's patron saint died in Alexandria in 828, Venetian authorities set about secretly bringing him home.

Today, the basilica is one of the grandest in Italy, awash with gilded mosaics and showcasing some exceptional Romanesque architecture.

The Doge’s Palace

Seat of the Venetian government and official home of the Doge, this remarkable Gothic palace lay at the very heart of the city's political, judiciary and administrative life. The intricate exterior with its geometrical patterns and marble colonnades has been described as Islamicized Gothic, whereas the internal courts and apartments are much more traditionally Venetian in style. Extravagantly decorated with ornate fireplaces, gilded stuccowork and lavish artwork by Tintoretto, Tiepolo and Veronese, the chambers are an exuberant proclamation of the power and ambition of the Venetian Republic. The palace was also home to the city's prisons, linked to the main building by the historic Bridge of Sighs.

Murano Island and glass-blowing experience

Glass has been made on Murano since the 13th century, when the city's glassmakers retreated to the island to mitigate the risk of fire to the main city and to better protect the valuable secrets of their art. The glass made here is prized across the world for its high quality and incredibly intricate patterns, made from mixing minute portions of glass. We can arrange for you to take a factory tour to see the glass blowers at work or visit the Museo del Vetro to learn about the long history of glassmaking on the island.

Burano Island

Winding lanes of brightly painted houses line the canals in the fishing village of Burano set on an outlying island just a 15-minute boat ride beyond Murano. It's a delightful place to explore and makes an excellent day trip from the city.

The island is known for the ancient art of lace making. Artisans here have long boasted their own intricate style, which produces highly detailed and elaborate pieces so fine and valuable that they are always framed rather than worn. Today, however, lace making here is a dying art with just a handful of women with the skills to painstakingly produce the traditional designs that made the island celebrated.

Venice Carnival

During the ten days running up to the beginning of Lent, Venice comes alive in the most spectacular fashion with its annual carnival. The carnival dates back to the 11th century but reached its heyday in the 18th century, when festivities were known to last over two months. Under the cover of their disguises, rich and poor were able to engage in illicit liaisons and social transgressions in a great celebration of excess.

Today, the carnival's balls, music and pageants are just as exuberant and you'll encounter masked merrymakers, bedecked head to toe in elaborate costumes, thronging the streets and creating a celebratory atmosphere.

Take to the canals

For a more hands-on approach to the city’s watery culture — known as cultura acquea locally — we can arrange a rowing lesson for you to learn the specific Venetian style of rowing. Gondoliers developed this technique, where the rower stands up and faces forward, but it’s become a signature of the city.

If you prefer a more modern boat, consider a private kayak tour of the canals. You’ll still get to enjoy the water-side views, but in a smaller, more agile vessel.

Rialto Bridge and Market

With its curved arches and grand central portico, the Rialto Bridge is one of Venice's best-known sights. Until the 1850s, it was the only bridge crossing the Grand Canal, making it an important commercial hub and a vital thoroughfare linking the San Marco and San Polo districts.

The bridge, which is lined with shops, leads to the Rialto Market, where traders have plied their wares since 1097. While at first glance, the Rialto can appear one of the touristy areas of Venice, step off the busier streets and you'll find some of the city’s most authentic bacari (wine bars).

At first glance, Venice’s Jewish ghetto is an anticlimax. The Campo del Ghetto Nuovo, the oldest section, looks like little more than a desolate square with a wellhead and a few lonely trees. The space is hemmed in by high, shuttered buildings (in such a confined space, the inhabitants had no choice but to build vertically) and the odd shop selling Hanukkah lamps.

Around the corner you’ll find kosher shops, a library and a bakery, but to really unlock the area’s secrets, you need to take a tour with a local Jewish guide. They’ll be able to take you behind the buildings’ impassive façades to reveal their secrets: the ornately decorated, candlelit synagogues concealed inside.

Incidentally, Venice’s ghetto is believed to be the oldest in the world and the originator of the word ghetto, which means foundry in Italian. A foundry once occupied the site where Venice’s Jews were first segregated in 1516.

Appropriately named ‘The Phoenix’, Venice’s opera house has bounced back from three fires in its canalside location just west of St Mark’s Square. A classical-style building dating from 1792, the city’s oldest opera venue came into its own during the 19th century when great Italian composers such as Verdi and Rossini premiered their latest works here (including La Traviata ).

During the Austrian occupation, La Fenice witnessed fervent displays of patriotism. Audience members showered the stage with red, white and green flowers, shouting ‘Viva Verdi’ — the composer’s name being an acronym for Vittorio Emanuele Re d’Italia (Vittorio Emanuele King of Italy). Today, La Fenice hosts opera, ballet and classical music concerts.

Venice’s art galleries

The Accademia is a gallery occupying three former religious buildings and overlooking the Grand Canal in the southern Dorsoduro district. It houses Venice’s largest collection of art. The bulk of the works were gathered together by Napoleon in 1807, who’d confiscated art from churches and monasteries (though it’s said he kept the best works for himself). Its maze of galleries contains Byzantine, Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces, including Tintoretto’s Stealing of Saint Mark . We recommend you visit with a guide, as signage and captioning is poor.

Farther south in Dorsoduro, in a quiet residential quarter, is the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Its leafy, shaded sculpture garden and light-filled rooms full of bold modern art can make for a pleasant contrast to viewing pieces in Venice’s dimly lit churches. Here you’ll find pieces by Max Ernst (heiress Guggenheim’s second husband), Picasso, Magritte, Kandinsky, Miró and Pollock. There’s also Marini’s provocative Angel of the City, a sculpture of a well-endowed figure seated on a horse and looking out to the Grand Canal.

To the north, in the San Polo sestiere (district), you’ll find the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, a charitable institution that commissioned Tintoretto to create its frescoes. The result is a vast, dramatic cycle of paintings, the most moving of which is the Crucifixion (1562), praised by Henry James for containing more ‘human life’ than any other picture.

Nearby, you’ll find the Frari, a cavernous Gothic church best-known for its altarpiece, Titian’s Assumption of the Virgin . It’s a painting that seems even taller and more luminous when viewed in real life. You can view both buildings, and their art, on a guided secret walking tour.

Finally, there’s Ca’Rezzonico, a Baroque palace on the Grand Canal. Not strictly an art gallery, it immaculately preserves the 18th-century golden age of Venetian living. Its rooms include a restored ballroom and they contain gilded chandeliers, 18th-century frescoes, paintings and, more unusually, puppets.

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Suggested itineraries featuring Venice

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Venice, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

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Places & hotels on the map, places near venice.

• Verona 66 miles away
• Ravenna 71 miles away
• Dolomites 72 miles away
• Bologna 81 miles away
• Alta Badia 82 miles away
• Lake Garda 84 miles away
• Sirmione 84 miles away
• Gardone Riviera 87 miles away
• Modena 88 miles away
• Madonna di Campiglio 91 miles away
• Parma 108 miles away
• Florence 128 miles away
• Forte dei Marmi 148 miles away
• San Gimignano 151 miles away
• Pisa 153 miles away
• Milan 153 miles away
• Bellagio 154 miles away
• Lake Como 154 miles away
• Siena 155 miles away
• Lezzeno 156 miles away
• Porto Venere 156 miles away
• Cinque Terre 157 miles away
• Tremezzo 157 miles away
• Laglio 158 miles away
• Torno 159 miles away
• Blevio 159 miles away
• Como 160 miles away
• Perugia 161 miles away
• Assisi 165 miles away
• Umbria 172 miles away
• Portofino and Santa Margherita 173 miles away
• Lake Maggiore 180 miles away
• Genoa 181 miles away
• Verbania 186 miles away
• Stresa 187 miles away
• Orvieto 189 miles away
• Barbaresco 214 miles away
• Alba 216 miles away
• Barolo 223 miles away
• Piedmont 227 miles away
• Turin 228 miles away
• Rome 246 miles away

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Our expert guides to exploring Venice

Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Venice, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Venice at its best.

Secret canals & corners of Venice

Italy specialist Kimberly describes how to get off the beaten track in Venice and discover some of the city’s lesser-visited highlights. These include Venice’s lagoon islands, Castello, Cannaregio and Torcello and taking in the sights and sounds along the Zattere.

Italy’s art cities: Venice, Florence and Rome

From classical Roman statues through Renaissance frescoes to modern installations, you can trace a complete history of Western art in Italy’s great cities. Specialist Kimberly talks about how to deal with the crowds as you take in these important works.

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Food highlights of Italy

Italy specialist Caroline talks about her love of Italian food in this guide, focusing on the more renowned culinary cities and regions. She also talks about her experiences of creating pasta, catching fresh fish for dinner in Sorrento, wine tasting in Tuscany's Chianti region and where to eat like a local.

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Honeymoons in Italy

Having got married in Tuscany, specialist Eva outlines some of the best honeymoon options across Italy. Would you and your spouse-to-be prefer pampering on the Amalfi Coast or living la dolce vita in Venice, Rome and Florence?

Accommodation choices for Venice

We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Venice. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

Belmond Hotel Cipriani

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Aman Venice

Hotel Danieli

Ca' Sagredo Hotel

The Gritti Palace

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Hotel Ca' D'Oro

Bauer Il Palazzo

Centurion Palace

Ca Maria Adele

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Ideas for experiencing venice.

Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Venice, and which use the best local guides.

Mask making experience, Venice

Learn about the history of Venice’s vibrant and elaborate masks and try your hand at making your own with materials such as brocade edging and bright acrylic paints.

Panoramic boat tour of Venice

Travel along the waterways of Venice by boat, viewing the city from the water on this two-hour tour. You’ll see the different areas of the city and will even have the opportunity to view the lagoons and outlying islands.

St Mark's Square & Doge's Palace secret histories tour

This half day tour takes you to the iconic Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Square, and St Mark's Basilica. You will also have the opportunity to see some hidden areas of the Doge’s Palace not always open to the public.

Venezia net il miglior sito di Venezia

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Venice Guide

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Download now our venice guide by filling out the form below.

VENICE GUIDE

In our Venice Guide , we give you all of the information you need to enjoy your holiday on the Venetian Lagoon.

On the first few pages, you will find directions to arrive and make your way around Venice : information on public transport (by both road and waterways), car parks, and average temperatures and weather forecasts according to the season.

In a city like Venice , surrounded by the water of the lagoon and in the shape of a giant fish, there are two ways to get around: via the waterways (canals) or by walking through the pedestrian streets (alleys, squares, back streets and river banks etc.)

A large amount of space is dedicated to Venice’s most famous festivals which attract thousands of visitors, such as the Venice Carnival, the Regata Storica and the Festa del Redentore. Later, it talks about the schools and buildings that once belonged to trade and religious associations, which are full of artistic treasures.

The  Venice   Guide is divided into the various districts of the city. Venice is divided into the so-called “SESTIERI” (six districts), rather than quarters, for the very reason that are six of them: San Marco, Castello, Cannaregio, Santa Croce, San Polo and Dorsoduro. Each district is described in great detail so that you can move freely around the city choosing which sites to visit and admire.

Following this clear description of the most important monuments in the whole city, the Guide to Venice provides you with several chapters on the main islands, Murano, Burano Torcello, as well as the smaller ones, San Francesco del Deserto, Sant’Erasmo, San Servolo; it also includes sections on other points of interest from Venetian cooking to local traditions.

Every three months, we publish our Visit Venice Magazine where you’ll find in-depth articles and a wide-ranging outline of all the events taking place in the city.

By registering on our website, you’ll always be up to date with everything going on in Venice and you’ll receive interesting offers on hotels and guesthouses. Of course, by no means do we intend to block up your inbox, we are always very discreet. In any case, you can always unsubscribe at any time.

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2 Days in Venice: Inspiration For Your Venice Itinerary

last Updated: April 24, 2024 italy venice

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Headed to Italy for the weekend and looking for the best things to do during your 2 days in Venice? Hoping to fill your Venice itinerary with the city’s hot spots and absolute must-eats? Well, you’re in luck, my gelato-loving friends, this post was written just for you!

Venice is one of those cities that’s on everyone’s bucket list, and rightfully so. The famous city on the water has been a popular tourist destination for centuries, and from the looks of it, visitors just keep on coming. The city has even thought about limiting the number of us out-of-towners out of sheer desperation to preserve their city.  

And I’m part of the problem – I visited twice in one summer a few years ago, whoops! Can you blame me?! Travelers from all around the globe come to Venice every year to see the beauty for themselves, and beautiful it is. Pictures just don’t do Venice justice. They really don’t. And 2 days in Venice is the perfect amount of time to see what this city’s all about. Go to Rome afterwards, it’s just marvelous .

The history of Venice as one of the greatest naval powers of the world is reflected in the intricate details of the palazzo’s, the elegant bridges, and grand churches. Venice is like a beautiful maze where around every corner lies another picturesque square, street, or canal. You truly have to see it for yourself (just don’t forget your camera). Once you’re there and standing in the middle of it all, you’ll probably want to stay forever.

And trust me- there’s so many things to see and do that you’ll have no trouble filling your 2-day Venice itinerary! Plus, it’s Italy after all, so if all else fails, you can always EAT ’til your hearts content. But really, there’s tons of spectacular things to do in Venice, so be sure to do more than stuff your face (but no judgments here… I’m no stranger to mountain high gelatos and Aperol Spritzes). :p

It’s been a few years since I visited the city (whoa, was 2016 really that long ago ?), and let’s face it, I only spent 2 days in Venice each time. Thankfully for all of us (I want to go back), I’ve enlisted help from fellow blogger and Venice-lover Sophie from Just Heading Out .

She’s visited the city a whole handful of times, and much more recently than myself! Below, she shares with us not only all her top things to do in Venice, but an entire Venice travel blog, including all the basics you need to know before visiting this beautiful little city.

Venice Pre-Travel Guide

When to go to venice.

Venice is so popular that its busy year round, with the peak tourist times being July and August. Is this the best time to visit? If you like crazy crowds and sweltering heat, then go for it! However, coincidentally (or not), there are virtually no Italians to be found in Venice in August (( wonder why).

For a slightly more relaxing experience, head to the city in late autumn or early spring. The area will still be quite busy, but not as ridiculous as those prime-time summer months (and the weather will be more conducive for sightseeing).

My honest opinion? Keep your visits to the city short and sweet – there are other worthy spots in Italy you won’t want to miss if you’re traveling long and far to Europe. You may be wondering if 2 days in Venice is enough, and thankfully, if you plan your trip right, you can see all the top highlights and more in a short time span. Consider 3 days in Venice if you want to visit the surrounding islands of Burano and/or Murano (highly recommended; read more below).

Getting Around Venice

Getting to Venice is easy enough. You can fly into Marco Polo airport and take the bus from there to the city. However, many visitors choose to come by train from elsewhere in Italy, in which case you will have to transfer from Venezia Mestre to Venezia Santa Lucia station. On the western edge of the island, you’ll find both the train and bus stations, as well as the cities big parking structure (for those coming by car).

It’s very important to note that cars and other motorized vehicles are banned within Venice itself – they wouldn’t be much use in the narrow streets anyways. Say goodbye to your typical modes of transport during your 2 days in Venice!

All transportation in Venice is done by water, through water taxis, gondolas, and Vaporettos. How fun! Note that all of these are much more expensive than regular public transportation. However, if you’re planning to stay on the main island of Venice, you can get around everywhere on foot.

If you want to visit other islands, such as Giudecca, Murano, and/or Burano, you will need to take the Vaporetto. Tickets for these “waterbuses” cost €7,50 for a single fare and €20 for a day pass. With the Venice Card and Rolling Venice Card, you can get a discount on a multiday pass, but that is only worth it if you plan to spend more than 2 days in Venice or if you are staying on Giudecca.

Important Things to Pack

Venice can get very hot during the summer and cold during the winter. If you plan to brave the heat and crowds in summer, be sure to pack a scarf to cover your shoulders and/or knees before going into churches. And sunscreen and a hat can never hurt either.

For winter visits, take a warm, waterproof jacket. Venice is prone to rain and high water in fall and spring, so take rain boots and a waterproof jacket for any autumn visits. At any time of year, take comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking and the streets in Venice are not suited to heels (leave those fancy things at home!)

Unfortunately, mass tourism also attracts pickpockets. Be careful with your belongings and keep valuables in your front pockets, a secure cross body bag, or a money belt. Since this Venice itinerary includes a bunch of top tourist sites, be sure to be extra careful at all times!

Where to stay during your 2 days in Venice

Accommodation in Venice is notoriously expensive. The city is small with very strict building laws, so there are only a few big hotels. You can choose to stay on the islands (where the actual city of Venice is located), or the nearby mainland.

Staying in Venice:  You’ll be near all the action, but expect lots of crowds all times of day (in the busy summer season of course).

Recommended hotels: Hilton Molino Stucky Venice (sophisticated rooms in a restored flour mill), JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa (posh spa getaway), Rialto Unique Venice (traditional Venetian-style rooms), and Il Veliero Romantico (as romantic as it gets).

Staying on the Mainland:   The mainland, around Venice Mestre, is where you will find the most affordable accommodation. It’s quite far from charming part of the municipality, but you’re only a short bus, train, or car ride away from Venice. Most people want to be in the center of Venice, making accommodation there the most expensive, but since the city isn’t that big, there is no harm in looking for a place in the more affordable Castello neighborhood or on nearby Giudecca Island (a 10 minute ferry ride away to lively San Marco Piazza).

AirBnB: One of the biggest problems facing Venice today is the renting of apartments and houses on Airbnb, which has driven locals and students to move to the mainland. To respect locals, I’d opt out of using AirBnB for accommodation. 

Helpful Italian Phrases

Italian is a beautiful and melodic language, but it often gets butchered by foreigners. Think Brad Pitt in Inglorious Bastards (ha!) Venice is touristic enough that everyone speaks at least a little English, so you’ll be able to get by without speaking a word of Italian. If you do want to impress the locals, these phrases may come in handy:

• Buongiorno/Buonasera – Good day/ Good evening
• Grazie (mille) – Thank you (very much)
• Prego – You’re welcome
• Dov’é …? – Where is …?
• Quanto costa? – How much is it?
• Vorrei un/una … – I would like a … (when ordering food or drinks)
• Per favore – Please
• Parla Inglese? – Do you speak English?
• Non parlo Italiano – I don’t speak Italian.

So without further ado, since you ultimately came here wondering what to do in Venice, keep on reading! All the Venice top attractions, coming right up!

Things to add to your 2-Day Venice Itinerary

1. join the venice free walking tour.

The best way to learn more about the fascinating history of Venice is by joining the Venice Free Walking Tour. This company offers several different walking tours that provide context to all the beauty you’re seeing. They are dedicated to slow tourism, as a counter movement to the mass tourism that’s making Venice unlivable for locals. So by booking a tour with them, you’re guaranteed a good and sustainable tour.

The Free Walking Tour also shows you a different side of Venice, the hidden gems instead of the big tourist attractions. This is one of the best things to do in Venice on your first day, so that you get a feeling for the city and tips from the guides for the rest of your stay.

2. Visit the Piazza San Marco

One of those big tourist attractions is the Piazza San Marco, the most famous square of Venice, and a must-do on any Venice itinerary. During the day, the Piazza is crowded with tourists, street vendors, and pickpockets. For a quieter experience, visit the square early in the morning or late at night. It is equally beautiful then and you might even be able to get a picture without other people in it.

Bars and restaurants along the Piazza are notorious tourist traps. Do not sit down here for food or a drink. Not only are you paying dearly for subpar quality, but they also charge extra for the music that’s played on the square. A coffee here might cost you as much as €15!

3. Step inside the Basilica di San Marco

The crowning jewel of the Piazza San Marco is the stunning Basilica San Marco. This incredibly ornate cathedral was built in 1063. The church is absolutely stunning with colorful details and glittering gold. The inside is beautiful as well, and the entrance is free.

You will have to wait in line for a quick glimpse inside, as it’s an absolute must see in Venice and almost everyone knows this. The line for the Basilica can take up to a few hours in the burning Italian sun. Don’t take any chances and get in line around 9 am, half an hour before the church opens.

However, if you don’t feel like wasting your precious time in Venice snagging a ticket (I don’t blame you), I highly encourage you to go once everyone has left. And yes, on this tour , you can head inside St. Mark’s Basilica after hours (the guard even has to unlock the door)! You’ll have all the gold mosaics, the incredible Pala d’Oro, and the crypt all to yourself and the others (max 15) from your local historian guide. Read rave reviews and book tickets here.

Note that you are not allowed to take pictures (hence why I’m showing you the outside architecture instead), shoulders and knees need to be covered, and you cannot take backpacks or luggage inside. Instead, you can leave it at the luggage deposit around the corner.

4. Marvel at the art in Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace)

The other important building in the Piazza San Marco is the Palazzo Ducale. The Doge’s Palace is the palace of the former ruler of Venice. Aside from the history of the palace, it is also filled with outstanding art.

One way way to visit the palace is by booking your ticket online so you won’t have to wait as long to get in. There is also an audio guide available. Some parts of the palace can only be visited as part of a guided tour called the “Secret Itineraries Tour.” A ticket for the tour doubles as a regular entry ticket and costs the same.

Another option is to book a tour which includes both skip-the-line tickets along with a guide , ensuring you don’t miss out on learning the stories of the rise and fall of the Venetian Empire. Psst – with this ticket , you’ll also gain skip-the-line entrance to the opulent St. Mark’s Basilica as well. Two tickets with one booking? Can’t beat that. Read reviews (over 1500 of them!) and book tickets here.

5. Cross the Ponte Rialto

Aside from the Piazza San Marco, the most popular thing to do in Venice is to walk across the Ponte Rialto. This is one of the two bridges crossing the Canal Grande. It is an elegant structure, and from atop the bridge, you have a beautiful view of the canal. It gets very crowded during the day here as well, but luckily the bridge is even more romantic (and quieter) when it’s lit up at night.

6. Take a boat ride to Murano & Burano

Venice is built in a lagoon with several small islands around it. The two most famous are arguably Murano and Burano. Both are a popular day trip from Venice. Murano is famous for the handblown artisanal glass that’s been produced on the island for centuries. You can visit some of the glass factories and buy the beautifully crafted art and jewelry all around the island. A bit further lies Burano.

The big appeal of this tiny island is the pretty different colored houses. Historically Burano is also home to expertly handcrafted lace, which you can still buy on the island. Another absolute must-do on any Venice itinerary, especially if you love color like me!

You can easily reach Murano and Burano with the public Vaporetto. If you are planning to visit Murano and Burano in one day, get a day ticket, so you can hop on and off as often as you like for a 24 hour period.

7. Take a romantic Gondola ride

Out of all the things to do in Venice , a gondola ride is probably what people associate with the city the most. These typical long black boats have become a symbol for the city. Although they are still on of the most popular things to do in Venice, it is not quite as romantic as it once was.

The gondola drivers are not all attractive young men, and they certainly don’t sing. Gondola rides have standardized prices at 80 euro’s for half an hour during the day and 100 euro at night.

If you want a boat to yourself, don’t book ahead through an agency, but at one of the stops along the canal. Otherwise, you will likely be sharing your boat with another couple. For a budget gondola experience, you can cross the Canal Grande in a traghetto. These smaller, less ornate boats serve as ferries and cost only 2 euro per 3 minute trip across the canal.

8. Cross the water to Giudecca

Giudecca is the big island just south of Venice. There is no bridge connecting the two, so to visit, you have to take the Vaporetto. Giudecca is slightly less gentrified than the main island, and the residents are trying very hard to resist the mass tourism from spreading there.

The boardwalk that runs along the north of Giudecca offers a stunning view of Venice, including the Piazza San Marco. Giudecca is also home to the Chiesa del Redentore, a beautiful church built after the last plague outbreak in Venice.

9. Eat local dishes

Italian cuisine is incredibly diverse, and every region has their own specialty. For this reason, people say you shouldn’t order pizza in Venice. Of course, you can get a decent pizza in Venice, but it isn’t traditional. Instead, opt for seafood and the local finger food: chicette. In the afternoon, relax with an Aperol Spritz and a few of these delicious little sandwiches, similar to Spanish tapas.

You can also find great gelato in Venice, especially at Grom, who serve authentic traditional artisanal ice cream.

10. Shop your heart out

Shopping in Venice is a dream, that’s why it’s a good idea to carve out some time on your Venice itinerary to do so. There are high-end designer shops everywhere as well as cute local boutiques. Take a break from sightseeing and all the cultural things to do in Venice to buy a few amazing souvenirs, like a mask for Carnevale!

Avoid the gaudy, overpriced souvenir shops and buy some local traditional products to take home instead. There are shops selling excellent leather good everywhere and beautiful traditional marbled paper products.

11. Operate the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci

The Muso Leonardo da Vinci is a small museum in a former church, perfect if you are looking for a short activity. It is dedicated to the life, art, and work of the Renaissance genius. You can find information about his life, and many of his inventions have been rebuilt so that you can see and operate them. This is certainly one the most unique things to do in Venice and great for a rainy day.

12. Relax at the beach on Lido

Although Venice is built on the water, there are no beaches or places to swim. Lido is the closest beach, and once the temperatures rise, this is where you’ll find the locals lounging on the beach. You can get to Lido by Vaporetto, and it’s the perfect place for a relaxing break from the crowds in Venice.

13. Get lost in Castello

Another good place to hide from the mass tourism is the Castello neighborhood. This neighborhood starts to the east of Piazza San Marco, but most tourists don’t bother venturing out. A shame, because Castello has plenty of charm of its own.

Cozy little streets, traditional restaurants, and museums, getting lost in Castello means discovering the real Venice. This is the most authentic part of Venice, where the few locals that are left live. Castello is also where you find the Giardini delle Biennale, a big park filled with modern art.

14. Party at a festival

While the nightlife in Venice mostly consists of couples taking romantic evening strolls, the Venetians do know how to party. The most famous festival is, of course, the Carnavale in February. People come from all around the world to witness this Catholic celebration of excess before Lent in Venice. The baroque masquerade draws 3 million visitors every year.

Less famous, but not less fun is the Feste del Redentore at the end of July. A temporary, 24-hour, boat bridge is built every year between Giudecca and Venice to facilitate a procession from the Basilica di San Marco to the Redentore Church. It started as s religious festival to celebrate the end of the plague, but it has turned into a beloved party.

People claim prime spots along the Giudecca boardwalk with plaids and tables to watch the firework show over Venice. Everyone eats, drinks and dances the night away and local youth end the festival with a sunrise dive in the water at Lido.

Venice is also known for the annual art festival, such as the Venice Film Festival, which is the perfect place to see new movies and spot celebrities.

15. Visit San Georgio Maggiore

The church of San Georgio Maggiore lies on a tiny island next to Giudecca. The basilica was designed by Andrea Palladio who designed many villas and public buildings in the Veneto region during the 16 th century. The church is still used by the Benedict monks.

The impressive outside hides the beautiful frescoes on the interior of the church. Apart from the church, the island also houses a beautiful library and an open-air theatre.

So there ya have it, the best things to do in Venice in 2 days! Are you visiting soon?! What are you most excited to add to your Venice itinerary?!

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July 3, 2020 at 6:23 am

Great and informative article! This article is very well written, good job! I went to Venice last year and it was amazing!

March 31, 2021 at 12:09 am

What a great article! We’re currently dreaming of going to Venice again – we’ve been there before and we love, love love it! Here’s to hoping for a better 2021 with loads of travel plans and new experiences!

– Cecilie

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Venice travel blog — the fullest venice city guide for a great trip to venice on a budget for the first-timers.

Venice – The city of love, romance and one of the most peaceful cities in Europe will appeal to you right from the first sight by beautiful islands, gentle canals, ancient bridges and statues from Renaissance. Venice Island is the destination of love, romantic trips. It has ancient and poetic architectures such as St. Marco’s square and cathedral, Dodge’s Palace, the legendary Rialto bridge … One of the most memorable experiences in Venice is to sail on blue canals by Gondola boat. You will also learn about sophisticated art at glass factories in Murano island. So, is Venice worth visiting? Let’s discover one of the most romantic destinations in the world through our Venice travel blog (Venice blog) with the fullest Venice travel guide blog (Venice city guide, Venice visitors guide) for a wonderful trip to Venice on a budget for the first time from how to get there, where to stay, best places to visit and what to do… in Venice below to find out the answer! So, if you are planning to visit Venice, don’t miss this useful Venice travel guide.

• 9 must try food in Venice & best places to eat in Venice, Italy on a budget
• Top 12 must, famous & best places to visit in Venice
• Venice 2 days itinerary — How to spend 2 days in Venice & what to do in Venice in 2 days?
• How to travel around Venice? — 3 cheapest way & best ways on how to get around Venice
• Venice 3 day itinerary — What to do in Venice in 3 days & How to spend 3 days in Venice perfectly?

Venice is a city located in northeastern Italy, consisting of more than 100 small islands separated by canals and again connected by countless bridges across. Venice in Latin means love, so it is dubbed the “city of love”. Not only that, Venice is also a large commercial and artistic center, attracting millions of tourists each year.

With both dreamy and mysterious beauty, Venice is known as the most romantic city in the world. Venice in the Renaissance was the center of art, the bustling commercial exchange of Europe. The buildings in Venice are attractive because of the haughty, gorgeous but also dreamy looks.

Venice visitor guide: When is the best time to visit?

Tourists will flock to Venice at the end of May and early October, along with 11 days of Carnival Venice Festival (Carnevale di Venezia) in February also making the place overcrowded with people and pushing up the price of services very high. To avoid these days you should go to Venice around the end of October or the end of April. At these times in Venice it was sunny despite a bit cold (luck of the draw may still have some murky days, fog but not much), the temperature is quite pleasant if standing in the light of the sun. If coming at the end of March or early April, it is very easy to get rain, fog and very cold weather, especially is the flood scene, see the San Macro Square in flood days will be nothing interesting.

In winter the prices in Venice as well as the cost of airfares is much cheaper than the peak season, you might consider going on this occasion to reduce trip costs and possibly stay longer in Venice. Venice is a gentle and peaceful city, you can take a quick tour with only a day trip, or vice versa, stay from 1 week to 1 month, it’s all OK. But if Venice only is a destination in your European itinerary, you should spend from 3 to 4 days is enough. In general, the cost of living or trip costs in Venice is very expensive, much more expensive than the common cost in Italy as well as the whole of Europe (for example, rent a normal hostel in Paris or Barcelona is only EUR15-20/night, but in Venice, you maybe spend up to EUR30/night, but in the suburbs, the center will much higher). Because of its very famous, Venice was always crowded with people, only walking on the street but sometimes you have to jostle.

Venice travel blog: Getting around Venice

Venice has two main areas: Mestre – mainland city and Venezia (Venice) – main island

The city center is a collection of small islands connecting with mainland by an artificial bridge across the sea, wanting to go from mainland to here, you must take a train or a car. However, do not travel from other places to Venice by car because the parking fees are very high and it is very difficult to find parking lot in peak season.

From Venezia Tronchetto Terminal to Piazzale Roma Station Venice

First, you should know Piazzale Roma is the main transit station in Venice for bus, boat … So, if you stay at the hotel or airbnb in Mestre – mainland city of Venice, you also need to take a bus from Piazzale Roma to Mestre and vice versa.

From Tronchetto to Venice there are 2 options: Going by People Mover (€1.50) or Vaporetto (€7.50) line 2. People Mover is a kind of overhead train. Vaporetto is Water bus, the main means of transportation in Venice.

If you getting to Venice by plane at Marco Polo airport, you go to the ground floor to take the 15 or 4L bus to Mestre, 4L bus to Piazzale Roma. Or the water bus on the first floor of the airport to Venice.

Note: Well, take a bus here, they didn’t announce any stops. You should download google map offline to mark the location of the hotel or Airbnb to know where to get off. Before you want to get off, you need to press the notification button first.

To travel around the city, the easiest way is to walk, and there is also a very popular means is sailing on the sea and through canals: ACTV Water bus, also known as Vaporetto, works like a system of buses on land. You can visit here to see the boat schedule and routes of the day. Using the Water bus is really necessary in some cases such as if you are stay on some islands outside the city, or want to go to some separate islands like Murano or Burano (will be discussed below) or simply is to getting around this beautiful city by boat and watch it from afar.

The normal ticket price for a boat trip is 8 Euros and valid within 75 minutes (too expensive), round-trip tickets to Lido Island (with beach) is €13 with line 14. The traveling in Venice by Waterbus is very familiar to people in this region, you just need to step out of Santa Lucia Station will see the pier immediately with lots of waterbus available.

A signature means of transport that you definitely to try when traveling in Venice is Gondola, a type of traditional boat with boatmen who are good-looking Italians who can both sailed and sang in many literary works and movies. However, not every boatman can sing so you need to consider before hire. Traveling by Gondola is really romantic for any couple, but the price is also extremely expensive, ranging from 80-100 euros/hour. You can experience it at a cheaper cost by pairing with one or several other couples, or ask the hotel to help find travelers who also want to experience Gondola.

Buy Citypass for travel in Venice

At Piazzale Roma, you will find a place to sell train tickets, water bus, and commuter buses in Venice. We advised you to be 28 or younger should buy the card VENEZIA UNICA Citypass 3 days unlimited + Rolling card for €28 when traveling to Venice.

Normally VENEZIA UNICA Citypass 3 days card costs €40. However, if you are under 28 and buy along with Rolling Venice card, you only pay €28 for combo including Citypass 3 days + Rolling card. This promotion is not applicable for Citypass 1 day, 2 days and 7 days. So, although stay in Venice for only 2 days but we still buy Citypass 3 days to apply the promotion combo.

You can buy online here for €29 or buy at the ticket counter at Piazzale Roma for €28 as us. You need to give your passport so they can check your name and age.

We advise you to buy a Citypass for cheap traveling in Venice. Because every time you take the bus is €1.50, but traveling by Water bus is quite expensive at €7.50 per trip. And getting around Venice, the Water bus is mainly, although Venice is quite small and can walk, but it will take a lot of time and health. With a citypass card and then whenever you are tired or want to go somewhere far, just get on the Water bus to get there and be healthy! Or for example, to getting to the island of Burano and Murano also does not need to buy tickets, you can use the Citypass card.

In addition, you should download AVM Venezia Official App ( iPhone + Android ) to search the ways to travel by public transport in Venice. You also can buy water bus ticket via this app too.

Venice blog: Where to stay?

The room rates in the city center is extremely expensive, even if you rent a room in the suburban area, it is also higher than most other Italian cities, but still a good choice about price more than in the center. The cost of accommodation in the center high partly because all the essential goods provided to the hotel you stay in such as bread, towels, coffee, food … are transported by boat or small car. Wastewater is temporarily stored and removed by barges later.

Hotels, hostels or guesthouses will charge additional tax called “Tourist tax” for every first 5 days you stay here. This tax is high or low depending on the location, type of hotel and some other factors, its nature is the extra tax for every night you sleep in Venice and not included in the room rate as VAT. Tourist tax is generally quite similar to Green Tax when you travel to Maldives .

For backpackers to reduce costs for a great trip to Venice on a budget, it is best to choose a hostel in the town of Mestre ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) , in the morning, catch an early train to the center about 5 minutes at very cheap price (only more 1 euro) or you also can take the bus: From Mestre you can take the 4L bus to Venice in just 10-15 minutes and vice versa. There are many good hostels, guesthouses in the area around Venezia-Mestre Station, which usually takes only 10-15 minutes to walk, remember to book as soon as possible and do not book rooms too far from the train station. If you fly to Venice at times such as evening or have an early flight on the next day, you should consider sleeping at Marco Polo Airport to reduce your room costs. You can refer to Hostel Nuova Locanda Belvedere near the Mestre station with room rates from 20 euros/night, clean, quiet, the room is not grafted with too many guests, only one minus point is there is no kitchen to cook for backpackers. (You can check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

If you have good financial conditions and want to have a romantic and unforgettable vacation, you can not ignore the Hotel Danieli ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) , super romantic and luxurious hotel, which is chosen to be the setting for the film The Tourist by two famous actors who played Angela Jolie and Johnny Depp. Or the Hotel Baglioni Hotel Luna ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) – The Leading Hotels of the World, the heart of Venice, here you will enjoy the most luxurious services, dinner, watching dawn, sunset and full view the majestic scenery of this romantic city.

Airbnb in Mestre that we rented is very wide and clean. Newly built house, so very new interior, located in residential area so it is very quiet and safe. However, you must walk a short distance from the bus stop (about 800m). Check rates and reviews here .

Below we recommend some best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews from $65/night you can refer to.

Arlecchino Hotel (Address: Fondamenta Burchielle, 390, 30135 Venezia VE, Italy / Phone: +39 041 710723), a best seller 3-star hotel with room rates from $137/night. (You can check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Rialto (Address: Riva del Ferro, 5149, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy / Phone: +39 041 520 9166), a 4-star top rated hotel with room rates from $99/night. (You can check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Savoia & Jolanda (Address: Riva degli Schiavoni, 4187, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy / Phone: +39 041 520 6644), a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $139/night. (You can check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Montecarlo (Address: Calle Specchieri S. Marco, 463, 30124 San Marco, Venezia VE, Italy / Phone: +39 041 520 7144), a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $129/night. (You can check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Tiziano (Address: Calle Rielo Dorsoduro, 1873, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy / Phone: +39 041 275 0071), a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $75/night. (You can check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Starhotels Splendid Venice (Address: San Marco Mercerie, 760, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy / Phone: +39 041 520 0755), a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $218/night. (You can check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

HOTEL OLIMPIA Venice (Address: Fondamenta Burchielle, 395, 30135 Santa Croce VE, Italy / Phone: +39 041 711041), a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $182/night. (You can check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Ca’ Dogaressa (Address: Fondamenta Cannaregio, 1018, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy / Phone: +39 041 275 9441), a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $78/night. (You can check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Ai Cavalieri di Venezia (Address: Calle de Borgoloco, 6108, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy / Phone: +39 041 241 1064), a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $236/night. (You can check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

There are hundreds of hostels or hotels in Venice, but if you do not want to run out of rooms during the peak season or the weekend, it is recommended to book in advance via Booking.com , Agoda.com .

Venice travel blog: How to save money when eating out in Venice?

Venice is famous for its typical traditional cuisine of Italy, very diverse and rich, however, the price for a meal in a restaurant in the city center is extremely expensive. The traditional dishes in this city are mainly seafood, fish, vegetables, and Italian rice, but if you want to save the maximum cost for eating, you can go to supermarkets to buy ready food as well as buy fresh food bring to the hostel to cook. At the supermarket you can choose everything from Sandwich to Pizza, eat it right away, but of course it can’t be as good as enjoying hot food at restaurants.

There are many eateries, restaurants everywhere, every corner as well as on big streets in central Venice. The price of a small piece of Pizza (you can buy a piece of pizza as small as 1/8, 1/6 of the Pizza) is not too expensive, about 3-8 euros at a small shop, but also very delicious. Nothing is more romantic and wonderful by taking a small piece of pizza, walking while chatting with friends, or stopping to enjoy a glass of Italian wine, very interesting. Some best restaurants in Venice such as: La Zucca, Ristorante Riviera, Antiche Carampane, L’Alcova Restaurant, Ristorante Alle Corone, Osteria alle Testiere, Antico Martini, Osteria All’Arco, Locanda Cipriani.

Food Tour: In addition, you can register for a short culinary tour like Cicchetti food tour of Venice , guides will take you around Cannaregio and San Polo area, visiting places where locals usually eat and order food and explain about the specialties at each stop, and take you to places where you can’t know without a guide.

If money is not a problem for you or at least want to enjoy some signature dishes in Venice, you can dine at some luxurious restaurants. However, you need to be extremely cautious because it is easy to fall into the “food trap” spread all over this city, there will be a lot of great advertising restaurants, high prices but bad food.

Venice city guide: Best places to visit and top things to do in Venice

Information about admission fees for some attractions, museums in Venice and other free attractions for tourists below:

• Museums in St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) (including Doge’s Palace, Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nzionale Marciana): €20, with discounts for people over 65 and under 26 (with student ID card).
• Basilica dei Frari: €3
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection: €15
• Church of Santa Maria: Free
• Venice Natural History Museum: €8
• Gondola boating: €80/person (day), €100/person (around sunset).

Piazza San Marco

Piazza San Marco, also known as St. Mark’s Square, is one of the famous squares in the world including a complex with churches, bell towers and a large square area that accommodates thousands of people. In the peak tourist season this area is always crowded with visitors. In the evening, in this area, there are many luxurious restaurants open, especially in the square, you can both dining and listening to live music that organize by these restaurants. But according to us, you should not eat here because it is expensive and food is not good, unless you have a lot of money and want a romantic dinner.

Places of interest gathered around St. Mark’s Square:

Saint Mark’s Basilica

Here you can also visit Saint Mark’s Basilica or the Basilica di San Marco to admire the many wonderful paintings and architecture. The statues are sculpted and mosaic paintings on the ornate façade, the whole church is designed according to the magnificent Byzantine architectural style that combines both Eastern and Western architecture. If you buy tickets online to avoid queuing, it will cost you €2 extra, buy here.

Correr Civic Museum (Museo Civico Correr)

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