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This page contains all the Venice tourist information that will allow you to experience a wonderful holiday on the Lagoon, in all its different aspects.

For a peaceful, trouble-free stay in Venice it’s essential to know about the local transport system that will take you to the historic city centre from Marco Polo Airport or Mestre Railway Station and how to get around the city from Santa Lucia Station or from Piazzale Rome /Tronchetto. Once you have settled into your room or apartment it is worth giving some thought to buying a daily or timed ticket that can be used on the vaporetto water-buses of the ACTV line to get to all the more important monuments aboard the waterborne public transport system consisting of vaporetto and motoscafo water buses.

VENICE TRANSPORT

  All the information you need on how to get around Venice: WATERBORNE and AUTOMOBILE ROUTES, ticket prices and how, when and where to buy them....

VENICE – HOW TO REACH THE CITY...

You can reach Venice in many ways: by plane, by car, by train. On this page we suggest you how to reach the city center from Venice or from Treviso...

VENICE HISTORY AND CURIOSITIES

On this page you will find detailed information about the ancient history of Venice and the typical elements that characterize it as masks or gondola....

CASINò DI VENEZIA

PALAZZO CA’ VENDRAMIN CALERGI Palazzo Ca’ Vendramin Calergi, considered to be one of the most elegant examples of the Venetian Renaissance...

VENICE – VIRTUAL VISIT

The City of Venice is visited virtually thanks to the portal veniceconnected. You can leave for a fascinating virtual tour on land or water along the...

VENICE PHOTOS

Photos of Venice: a taste of what you can see during a fantastic holiday in the most original of the city, which is spread among thousands of islands...

PARK IN VENICE

Knowing the parking options in Venice is essential to better plan your trip and ensure a stress-free experience in the city of gondolas. To park you...

• Venice Transport

GETTING AROUND IN VENICE –...

VAPORETTO TICKETS

VENICE AIRPORT – HIRING A CAR WITH...

PEOPLE MOVER

ROLLING VENICE – 3 DAYS TICKET

All the information you need on how to get around Venice : WATERBORNE and AUTOMOBILE ROUTES , ticket prices and how, when and where to buy them. All about Transports in Venice.

When you decide to take a holiday in Venice you’ll also need to give some thought as to whether you are going to tour the city on foot or using one of the convenient forms of transport that will allow you to get to every part of the city. If you want to visit the islands then you will have no choice but to take a public motoscafo or vaporetto water-bus unless, of course, you have your own boat.

Ticket prices for the vaporetto water-buses are not exactly cheap but there are many time-based alternatives that are more cost-effective. The Transport in Venice section has all the information you need about this.

It is also possible to buy an IMOB card for €10/40 (lasts for five years) that entitles you to purchase tickets at €1.50. If you’re a frequent visitor to the Lagoon this has to be the most convenient and cost-effective option.

Concessionary fares are available for young people and those with disabilities wanting to use the public transport system in Venice. For example: a wheelchair passenger pays €1.50 and the ticket is valid for 75 minutes. We’d also like to remind you that if you are a wheelchair user there are special routes (short but in the very centre of town) that provide ramps for accessing bridges with ease. Click here for all the information concerning this.

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Don't get vexed in Venice: 25 things to know before you go

Jun 22, 2023 • 16 min read

Here's how to know you're buying the genuine article in Venice © Oleg Breslavtsev / Getty Images

It’s one of the most familiar destinations on the planet, yet also one of the most alien. Venice is a constant conundrum: how do I see the best of it? How do I avoid destroying it? Is it possible to have a local experience? What do I need to know before traveling to Venice?

I’ve lived in Venice since 2020 and these are questions I still ask myself. This is a fiercely fragile city facing unique challenges, a place where tourism is largely destructive and Venetians respond by getting ever more insular. Traveling here is a delicate balance between sightseeing and preserving; enjoying and respecting; spending your money responsibly but not feeling like your wallet’s been emptied.

It also means sacrificing some things you might do without a thought in other places – silly things, like impromptu picnics or dawdling in the street to take photos. Some challenges are more major – this is intrinsically not an accessible city, and anyone with mobility issues will struggle.

The good news: the rewards are huge. Spend enough time here to really scratch the surface and you’ll get privileged access to a world that few people have visited – despite this being one of the world’s most visited cities. People often ask me how best to see the city; as well as my favorite things to do , here are my dos and don’ts when visiting Venice.

1. Pick the right route from the airport

One floating city, three ways to get in from the airport. The chi-chiest way is by water taxi, which will whisk you from the airport’s pontoon area straight to your hotel (or as near as it can get, depending on the canals). However, it’s pricey – think €130 and up.

Then there’s the Alilaguna ferry, which has various routes and stops around the city center – at €16, it’s much cheaper and the views are the same. Finally, you can get a coach or bus to Piazzale Roma, the road terminus on the edge of the city (€10). From there, walk or take a vaporetto (€9.50).

2. Know your boats…

You’re going to be taking a lot of boats in Venice – here’s how to know which one to take. From the airport, if you want to arrive by water, take the Alilaguna ferry – a private company that has different routes and stops around the city. Alilaguna also has a couple of tourist lines out to the islands.

Your main routes, however, will be with the public transport company ACTV . This runs the vaporetti – waterbuses – in and around town. If you’ll be using them a lot, it’s worth getting a timed pass rather than paying by the ride.

There are also water taxis – slinky private rides that whisk you around like any other taxi, only for about 10 times the price of a car. And of course, there are gondolas, for those romantic rides along the water. If a gondola doesn’t feel right, you can get a similar experience in a traghetto – an oversized gondola that’s used as a public transport option to cross the Grand Canal at regular points. This costs just €2, as opposed to €80 for a gondola (rising to €90 from November 2023).

3. …But don’t live your life through the vaporetto map

A prime mistake visitors make (and I should know – I did this even when I first moved here) is seeing Venice through its vaporetto map, and calculating the nearest stop to places you’re going. It’s understandable – this is famously a city to get lost in – but unnecessary.

Often, it’s quicker and cheaper to walk, since the vaporetti are so expensive. For instance, you can walk to most parts of San Polo or the Zattere in 15 minutes from the station – about half the time it’d take in a vaporetto – and Piazza San Marco to Rialto is under 10 minutes on foot. People often ask, “How can I see Venice like a local?” Walking more is the easiest (and cheapest) way.

4. Take your time

Plenty of people don’t like Venice, and they tend to have something in common: they didn’t stay long. Pop in on a day trip and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the crowds ticking off the main sights alongside you, as well as the heat and the myriad alleyways. Stay longer, and a different side of the city will open up.

That’s the same for any destination, of course, but it’s more extreme in Venice, partly because of the overcrowding and partly because there are just two main sights that a lot of people come for, Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge. I always say a week is the best way to explore the city, and possibly add in a day trip further afield , but if time is tight, five days should be enough to get a good idea of the city and the islands . In three days, you can get a taster of the main sights and islands, though it’s unlikely that you’ll "get" Venice as a place, or an atmosphere.

5. Plan your journeys

Venice is no ordinary city, and that goes for public transport, too. If you’re used to round-the-clock services, be aware that some vaporetto lines (including to the hospital) shut down entirely before 9pm, and others run a restricted service. If you’re going out for dinner and need to get the vaporetto back, make sure you time it right, or you may have a long wait. Download the CheBateo?  app for timetables and journey planning – meaning you know whether to make a run for it or stay for another drink.

6. Don’t drive to Venice

You know, of course, that there are no cars in Venice. But there is a popular parking lot at Piazzale Roma, the road terminus for the city, located on the outskirts of Santa Croce. Don’t bother trying to get there – it’ll likely be full, and at peak times you could spend upwards of an hour navigating the one-way system to turn back. If you really want to park near the city center, fork off right to Tronchetto before Piazzale Roma, where there’s a vast car park.

Better still, park near the train station at Mestre , on the mainland, and take a 10-minute train to Venice – or drop the rental car off at Marco Polo Airport and take the Alilaguna ferry into town. Wherever you park, don’t leave valuables in your car – and certainly leave nothing visible inside.

7. Check the tide

Until 2020, having an app on your phone that checked the tide level was an essential Venice download – but since the MOSE flood barriers came into action during the pandemic, it’s highly unlikely the city will see regular flooding as it once did. However, some parts of Venice – St Mark’s Square and the area around the Rialto market , for starters – sit below the level for the barriers and can still get wet in higher than normal tides.

It’s not a big deal – you can always get around, it lasts under an hour, and for tourists, it’s more beautiful than annoying – but if you want to check levels before heading over to those areas, download the High Tide Venice app. If you’re traveling in January or February, low tides might be more of an issue – those photos that get published of muddy canals at the start of the year are a regular event but, again, it’s more of a bummer for your photos than a real problem.

8. Pack a bathing suit

Is it summer? Your dreamy trip to the floating city is going to feel like you're in a furnace. From roughly June to September, Venice is a hot, sticky, humid mess – and combine that with half the planet trying to crowd into the same place, and it becomes one big outdoor steam room. Pack a bathing suit, and whenever it gets too much, hop on a vaporetto to the Lido , where you’ll find mile upon mile of soft, clean, sandy beach. Pay for a sunlounger at a beach club or head to the free public beach at the northern end.

9. Accessible Venice

For obvious reasons, Venice isn’t the most accessible city, but don’t assume that it’s a no-go if you have mobility issues. The bridges along the Riva degli Schiavoni – the main waterfront leading off from Piazza San Marco – have ramps, and the same goes for the Zattere waterfront, which also enjoys spectacular views.

You can reach many, if not most, of the main sights on a vaporetto – wheelchair users pay the same as locals for a ticket, just €1.50, with their companion traveling for free. The city authorities have a list of suggested itineraries for wheelchair users. None of this is to say it’s easy – it isn’t. However, it’s worth it.

10. Dress right

You’re on vacation, as are 90% of the people around you – so we’re not going to tell you to try and pass as a local. Do you need to dress up in Venice? No – Venetians are actually pretty dressed down unless they’re going to a fancy restaurant. However, there are practical clothing rules to know about.

Avoid flip-flops – you’re going to do a lot of walking in this city, and the paving stones are hard on the feet and can also get slippery. If you’ll be going into churches, you’ll need shoulders and knees covered – so keep a wrap or shirt in your bag to sling on. Don’t wear swimming gear in the city – you can be fined for doing so. The most important accessory of all? Insect repellent.

11. Walk on the right

This one’s simple. This may be a pedestrianized city but Venice has more foot traffic than most places have cars, so there are unwritten rules. Walk on the right, overtake on the left, try not to grind to a halt in the middle of the narrow streets, and never – never – sit down on the pavement (not least because you can be fined – see below). Think of these as real roads and you’ll be fine.

12. Don’t get fined

What is Venice like? For starters, it’s not a theme park, as many tourists seem to think it is. Like other major Italian cities, Venice has fines for bad behavior – but here, things that might be acceptable anywhere else could land you with a hefty bill. Swimming in the canals and sitting on the pavements to have an impromptu picnic can land you triple-figure fines, for example; walking around in swimwear, feeding the birds and even pushing a bicycle (not even riding it) also bring penalties.

Check out the list of forbidden behavior on the city council’s website and remember, some of the actions may seem silly or petty – but this incredibly fragile city can have up to 250,000 visitors a day, and if they all sat down for a picnic, it would have serious consequences. Don’t be part of the problem.

13. Make sure it really is an "artisan" product

So you want to buy something locally made to take home with you, and you’re confronted by shop after shop with wonderful-looking masks, stationery and what looks like Murano glass – how do you know what’s real and what’s fake? The first clue is the price – if it’s on the cheaper side of what you’ve seen, it’s likely made in a factory.

The next is what’s in the shop around it – real artisans specialize in just one thing. That could be a material (a leather worker might have bags and books) or an item (like masks) but there will be a congruence to every item in the store. Finally, ask – almost always, artisans run their own shops, and the stores usually double as their workshops. Most will be delighted to tell you about their craft, and even show you where the magic happens.

14. Book in advance

The Palazzo Ducale . The Peggy Guggenheim Collection . That restaurant George Clooney goes to. If you’re ticking off the main sights, be aware that potentially hundreds of thousands of others will be doing the same – on the same day. So don’t spend hours of your vacation lining up for tickets, or hoping the restaurant has a no-show – book in advance.

15. Keep your eats cheap

Venice is notoriously expensive, so it’s excellent news that this is the home of cheap bar snacks: cicchetti , designed as grab-and-go eats for on-the-job gondoliers and other workers, but varied enough to make up a full meal at a reasonable price. Swill them down with an ombra (see below), and take a reusable water bottle to fill up at the many drinking fountains around the city. See? There’s no excuse to have a (illegal, fineable) picnic.

16. Get a shade, not a spritz

Everyone drinks a spritz (usually an Aperol spritz) when they come to Venice, but the real drink here is an ombra : a small glass of wine, perfectly proportioned to go with cicchetti bar snacks and named after the Italian for “shadow” – because wine sellers used to stand in the shade beneath Piazza San Marco’s Campanile (belltower) . An ombra is much cheaper than a spritz – if you’re lucky, you can find them for €1-3. If you must have a spritz, get one made with Select, which is made locally, rather than Aperol.

17. Food rules

This being Italy, there are strict rules when it comes to food and drink. First, there are the national ones: no cappuccino after 11am, and certainly not at the end of a meal; expect your “side” to come after your main; don’t put cheese on fish pasta. But then there are Venice-specific ones. This isn’t traditionally a pizza or pasta place – polenta is a more traditional food base, followed by rice.

Of course, everywhere does pasta now so there’s nothing to stop you from trying it, but the more traditional the dish you pick, the better it’ll be. Another trope with some truth to it is to never order a pizza in Venice – it’s true they’re not exactly Naples or Rome quality, but there are some good pizzerias these days, like Oke on the Zattere and the two Muro outlets in San Polo.

18. Stand up at the bar

This is another Italy-wide rule but it comes into sharper relief in Venice: drink your coffee or eat your croissant at the bar to avoid paying a seating supplement. If you’re happy to stand, you can get a drink at fancy Piazza San Marco cafes like Florian or Quadri for a few euros – while those sitting outside are paying double figures, and that’s before the additional fee if an orchestra is playing in the square.

19. Watch your step on the vaporetto

There are strict unwritten rules on a vaporetto – unfortunately, many tourists aren’t aware of them, provoking residents’ wrath. Here’s how to avoid getting huffed at: first, let people off before you get on. Once you’re on, stash your luggage – on the larger ferries like numbers 1 and 2, you should leave them up front behind the captain’s cabin, whereas on the smaller ones, you should leave them at the bottom of the stairs that lead to the seating area. (Speaking of which, many people sit in this spot, but if you do, you’re liable to be kicked out when those with luggage board.) And watch out for pickpockets, both onboard and on the pontoons, who are sadly on the increase with little being done about the issue.

20. Respect the priority lines for residents

Several vaporetto stops – including at Piazzale Roma, Ferrovia (the train station) and Rialto – have separate turnstiles marked in pink as “priorità” (priority) and “Venezia Unica” for residents. Don’t bother trying your ticket at them – they won’t work. Once you’re on the pontoon, don’t try to dodge over to their side, either. Most of those major stops have staff positioned or chains over the residents’ side, if you end up too close to the water it can be dangerous… and it’s plain old disrespectful to those who have to live here and deal with the crowds on a daily basis. Let them at least board the boat first.

21. Glove up in the supermarket

This rule goes for all Italy, not just Venice – when you’re in the fruit and veg section of the supermarket, make sure you wear one of the disposable gloves on offer before you touch any fruit. And don’t forget to weigh it yourself – every item has a number that you should enter on the scales.

22. Buy from local vendors

What’s better than picking your own fruit and veg in the supermarket? Going to a fruttivendolo – an independent greengrocer. These guys stock not only your generic bananas and potatoes, but plenty of locally grown fruit and veg – much of it grown on Sant’Erasmo island in the lagoon, and some of which you’ll never have seen before. Even better, it means you’re supporting a local business. There’s one on a boat at Campo San Barnaba and another at the end of Via Garibaldi if you want a fruity photo op.

23. Try first aid before rushing to the hospital

Sprain an ankle as you sprint across a bridge? Feeling faint and overwhelmed by all the art? Venice has one hospital, helpfully at the vaporetto stop called Ospedale, but you don’t have to go to the ER for help. There are two first aid centers (“Punto di Primo Intervento”), one in Piazza San Marco and one at Piazzale Roma. They’re staffed by doctors, who can tell you if you need to go to the hospital, but who can also save you the wait if they can deal with it themselves. In an emergency, call 118.

24. Hold on to your valuables

Venice has always been, and still is, incredibly safe compared to other tourist cities, but incidents have been on the rise for the past few years. Beware of pickpockets at the main sights, on the main route between the train station, Rialto and Piazza San Marco , on the vaporetto pontoons (especially at the station) and on the boats themselves. If you’ve parked to visit the city, don’t leave anything in the car.

Avoid any interaction with anyone inviting you to play a game – you might see people asking you to bet money on a game of (empty) boxes on the major bridges – or offering you something for "free". And pay special attention to the biggest criminals of all: seagulls, which will swoop in and nick any food you’re carrying unsealed. They can even dive in for it when you’re eating outside – so be on permanent alert.

25. Know about tourist prices

"Tourist prices" are definitely a thing in Venice – often someone speaking the local dialect will not be paying the same as you for that coffee, or won’t get charged a seating fee – but think of it as a locals’ discount off the official prices rather than inflated amounts for tourists.

That’s not worth getting bothered about; what is crucial, though, is to not get ripped off. Always check the menu before ordering, ask the price of daily specials, and watch out for items priced by weight, like fish (these are often given a very cheap-looking price per 100g, or “all’etto”, on the menu – if the price looks too good to be true, it is).

If you’re at a bar or café, ask to see the menu for prices at the table, rather than at the bar. And remember that although the odd horror story does go viral, they do so because they are extremely rare. If something’s up with the bill, query it with the staff – and if they’re not playing ball, ask them to call the carabinieri (police), or call them yourself on 112.

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24 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Venice

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

In a city as filled with tourist attractions as Venice, it's hard to know where to begin. Perhaps the best way is to simply get lost for a few hours wandering through its enchanting little streets and passageways, strolling beside its canals, and finding its secret corners.

At every turn, you'll see something worth remembering with a photo. No matter where this exploration takes you, it's easy to find your way back to Piazza San Marco and the Grand Canal. Most of the best sights you'll want to visit lie around these two landmarks.

Venice is divided into six sestieri, neighborhoods that have distinctly different characters. San Marco is the central one, surrounded on three sides by a great loop in the Grand Canal. Across Rialto Bridge is the artisans' neighborhood of San Polo, and across the Grand Canal to the south is stylish Dorsoduro, with its prestigious art museums and lively squares.

At the outer edges are Santa Croce, Castello, and Cannaregio, home of the original Ghetto. Beyond the six sestieri – neighborhoods – of the city itself, you'll want to hop aboard a vaporetto to its islands: Lido, Murano, Burano, and Torcello. A fourth island, San Giorgio Maggiore, is worth visiting for the beautiful views of San Marco and Venice from the tower of its church.

To plan your stay so you won't miss any of the best places to visit, use this list of the top attractions and things to do in Venice.

1. St. Mark's Basilica

2. piazza san marco (st. mark's square), 3. palazzo ducale (doge's palace) and bridge of sighs, 4. canale grande (grand canal), 5. ponte di rialto (rialto bridge) and san polo, 6. torre dell'orologio (clock tower), 7. campanile, 8. santa maria della salute, 9. scuola grande di san rocco, 10. teatro la fenice, 11. ca' d'oro, 12. murano and burano, 13. peggy guggenheim collection, 14. explore the ghetto and museo ebraico di venezia, 15. santa maria gloriosa dei frari, 16. gallerie dell'accademia (fine arts museum), 17. santa maria dei miracoli, 18. palazzo rezzonico, 19. torcello island, 21. hear classical music in a church, 22. contarini del bovolo palace, 23. ca' pesaro and galleria d'arte moderna, 24. the arsenal and the museum of naval history, where to stay in venice for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to venice, venice, italy - climate chart, more things to see and do.

Certainly Venice's best-known church, and one of the most easily recognized in the world, St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) was originally the Doge's private chapel, decorated with Byzantine art treasures that are part of the booty brought back by Venetian ships after the fall of Constantinople.

The gold-backed mosaic pictures above the doorways on the façade only hint at the mosaic artistry inside, where 4,240 square meters of gold mosaics cover the domes and walls. These set a distinctly Byzantine tone to its soaring interior, but you'll find treasures from other periods, including later mosaics designed by Titian and Tintoretto - names you'll encounter all over the city.

The magnificent golden altarpiece, the Pala d'Oro , one of the finest in Europe, was begun by early 12th-century artists, and centuries later, adorned with nearly 2,000 gems and precious stones. If you can tear your eyes from this, the mosaic domes, and the multitude of richly decorated altars, glance down at the floor, a masterpiece of marble inlay. And take time to see the gold reliquaries and icons in the Treasury.

• Read More: Exploring St. Mark's Basilica in Venice: A Visitor's Guide

The vast expanse of Venice's largest square is brought together and made to seem almost intimate by the elegant uniformity of its architecture on three sides. But more than its architectural grace, St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco) is loved as Venice's living room, the place everybody gathers, strolls, drinks coffee, stops to chat, meets friends and tour guides, or just passes through on the way to work or play.

Three sides are framed in arcades, beneath which are fashionable shops and even more fashionable cafés. The open end is bookmarked by the erratic, exotic curves, swirls, mosaics, and lacy stone filigree of St. Mark's Basilica .

Above it towers the brick shaft of the campanile. For overviews of this busy piazza, you can go to its top or to the top of the Torre dell'Orologio , where a pair of "Moors" strikes the hour.

Author's Tip: Don't be tempted to sit on the steps around the piazza to eat a take-away sandwich. Or throw the crumbs to the pigeons. Both are illegal.

• Read More: St. Mark's Square, Venice: 12 Top Attractions, Tours & Nearby Hotels

Visitors arriving in Venice once stepped ashore under the façade of this extraordinary palace. They couldn't have failed to be impressed, both by its size and the finesse of its architecture.

If they were received inside by the Doges, the impression would only strengthen as they entered through the Porta della Carta, a perfect example of Venetian Gothic at its height, and ascended the monumental Scala dei Giganti and the gold-vaulted Scala d'Oro to be received in what many consider to be the palace's most beautiful chamber, Sala del Collegio.

Even jaded 21st-century travelers gasp in awe at the palace's grandeur and lavish decoration. You'll see works by all the Venetian greats, including Tintoretto, whose Paradise is the largest oil painting in the world.

Not open on public tours but included on private tours is a walk across the Bridge of Sighs to the dark cells of the Prigioni - the prisons from which Casanova made his famous escape. The best view - and the postcard classic - of the Bridge of Sighs is from the Ponte della Paglia , on the Riva degli Schiavoni behind the Doge's Palace.

Lines for admission to the Doge's Palace are often long, but you can avoid these, and see sections of the palace not open to general visitors, with a Skip the Line: Doge's Palace Ticket and Tour . A local guide will take you past the lines and explain the history and art in each of the dazzling rooms before leading you across the Bridge of Sighs and into the notorious prison.

• Read More: Exploring the Doge's Palace in Venice: A Visitor's Guide

Sweeping through the heart of Venice in a giant reverse S curve, the Grand Canal is the principal boulevard through the city, connecting Piazza San Marco , Rialto Bridge, and the arrival points of the rail station and bridge from the mainland.

Only four bridges cross its 3.8-kilometer length, but stripped-down gondolas called traghetti shuttle back and forth at several points between bridges. The Grand Canal was the address of choice for anyone who claimed any influence in Venice. Palaces of all the leading families open onto the canal, their showy Venetian Gothic and Early Renaissance facades facing the water, by which visitors arrived.

These grand palaces – or at least their facades – are well preserved today, and a trip along the canal by vaporetto, Venice's floating public transport system, is the best way to see them. Or you can see the palaces at a more leisurely speed on a Venice Grand Canal Small Group 1-Hour Boat Tour , which also includes some of the smaller canals. And, of course, a ride along the Grand Canal in a gondola is one of the most romantic things to do in Venice at night.

• Read More: Exploring the Grand Canal in Venice: Top Attractions

Once the only bridge across the Grand Canal , Rialto Bridge marks the spot of the island's first settlement, called Rivus Altus (high bank). Built in 1588, some 150 years after the collapse of a previous wooden bridge, this stone arch supports two busy streets and a double set of shops.

Along with serving as a busy crossing point midway along the canal, it is a favorite vantage point for tourists taking - or posing for - photos, and for watching the assortment of boats always passing under it.

The church of San Bartolomeo , close to the San Marco end of the bridge, was the church of the German merchants who lived and worked in the Fondaco dei Tedeschi (German Commodity Exchange) bordering the canal here. It has an excellent altarpiece, The Martyrdom of St. Bartholomew , by Palma the Younger. The former exchange is now a popular place to go shopping.

On the other side of Rialto Bridge is the busy food market, where Venetians and chefs shop for fresh produce and seafood. In the narrow streets of San Polo, beyond the market, are artisans' shops and mask-making studios, one of the best places for shopping in Venice . You'll also find places to eat that are not so filled with tourists as those nearer San Marco.

Author's tip: If you're visiting Venice with children , look for the carnival mask and costume studios in San Polo. Masks are inexpensive souvenirs of their trip to Venice.

To one side of the basilica, facing onto Piazza San Marco, is one of Venice's most familiar icons, a clock tower surmounted by a pair of bronze Moors that strike the large bell each hour. The face of the clock shows phases of the moon and the zodiac in gilt on a blue background, and above the clock is a small balcony and a statue of the Virgin.

Above that, the winged Lion of St. Mark and a mosaic of gold stars against a blue background were added in 1755 by Giorgio Massari. The tower itself is from the 15 th century and typical of Venetian Renaissance architecture. Through an arched gateway at its base runs one of Venice's busiest streets, the narrow Calle Mercerei.

If you're in Venice during Ascension Week or at Epiphany, as the Moors strike each hour, you can see the Three Kings led past the Madonna by an angel. You can climb the tower for a closer look at the clockwork.

Standing like a giant exclamation point above the expanse of Piazza San Marco, the Campanile is not the first to stand here. The original one, erected as a lighthouse in 1153, collapsed dramatically into the piazza in 1902, and was rebuilt on a firmer footing. Also rebuilt was the Loggetta at its base, a small marble loggia completed in 1540, where members of the Great Council assembled before meeting in the sessions.

In the loggia at the base, you can see Sansovino's four bronze masterpieces between the columns, all of which were rescued from the rubble after the collapse. The Campanile has a grimmer side to its history: in the Middle Ages, prisoners, including renegade priests, were hoisted halfway up the outside in cages, where they hung suspended for weeks.

Today, the Campanile is a popular attraction for the views from the platform on top, which extends across the city and lagoon to the Adriatic (try to go early or late in the day, as lines for the lift can be very long).

One of the most photographed churches in Venice, Santa Maria della Salute has a postcard setting, rising at the tip of a peninsula across from the Doge's Palace.

The monumental Baroque church was built as thanks for the end of the plague of 1630. But the fragile land wouldn't support its tremendous weight, so its architect, Baldassare Longhena, had more than a million timbers driven into the floor of the lagoon before he could erect the church.

The vaporetto landing is right in front of the church, and the highlight of its interior – apart from the magnificent dome – is the Sacristy, where you'll find paintings that include Tintoretto's Marriage at Cana .

This impressive white marble Scuola Grande di San Rocco was built between 1515 and 1560 to house a charitable society dedicated to San Rocco. Soon after its completion, the great 16th-century Venetian artist Tintoretto won the competition to paint a central panel for the ceiling of the Sala dell'Albergo by entering the building and putting his painting in its intended place before the judging, much to the irritation of his rival artists.

He later decorated its walls and ceilings with a complete cycle of paintings, which are considered to be the artist's masterpiece. The earliest works, in the Sala dell'Albergo, date to 1564 and 1576 and include The Glorification of St. Roch, Christ before Pilate, the Ecce Homo, and the most powerful of all, The Crucifixion . Those in the upper hall depict New Testament scenes, painted between 1575 and 1581.

The lighting is not good, and the paintings themselves are dark, but you can still appreciate Tintoretto's innovations in the use of light and color. You can see the ceilings more easily with one of the mirrors that are provided. More works by Tintoretto are in the chancel of the adjacent church of San Rocco.

Address: Campo San Rocco, San Polo, Venice

The name La Fenice (The Phoenix), chosen at the constriction in 1792, proved prophetic, as like the mythical phoenix, it has risen from the ashes. The theater has been destroyed by fire three times, the last one, in 1996, leaving only the outer walls standing. Each time, it has been rebuilt, and continues to be one of the world's great opera houses.

Throughout its history, but particularly in the 19th century, La Fenice saw the premiers of many of the most famous Italian operas, including those of Rossini, Donizetti, and Verdi, and today schedules performances of opera, ballet, and musical concerts.

Even after its reopening in 2003 with somewhat expanded seating, La Fenice is still a comparatively small opera house, so tickets are very hard to get, especially for major performances. You can take a tour of the spectacular Rococo interior, however, using an audio guide; these self-guided tours last about 45 minutes and include the public areas of the theater.

The delicate marble filigree by Bartolomeo Bon seems too lace-like to be carved of stone, and you can only imagine the impression this façade must have made covered in its original paint and gold. Along with the Porta della Carta in the Palazzo Ducale , also created by Bartolomeo Bon, The Ca' d'Oro is considered the most perfect example of Venetian Gothic.

You can admire the interior, too, as this palazzo is now an art museum, restored to provide both a setting for the art works and a look at the way wealthy Venetians lived in the 15th and 16th centuries. The connoisseur responsible for saving the palace, Baron Giorgio Franchetti, gave his art collection to the state in 1922, with works by Titian, Mantegna, Van Dyck, Tullio Lombardo, and Bernini.

A trip to Venice wouldn't be complete without hopping aboard a vaporetto for the ride across the lagoon to Murano, home of Venice's fabled glass workers. They were sent here in the 13th century in hope of decreasing the risk of fire from one of the glass furnaces sweeping through Venice's tightly compacted center.

Or so they claimed. Just as likely, it was to keep the secrets of glassblowing a Venetian monopoly. This was no small matter to the Venetians, whose Council of Ten decreed in 1454: "If a glassblower takes his skill to another country to the detriment of the Republic he shall be ordered to return; should be refuse, his nearest relatives shall be thrown into prison so that his sense of family duty may induce him to return; should he persist in his disobedience secret measures shall be taken to eliminate him wherever he may be." It was a lot easier to keep track of them if they were confined to an island.

The canal sides today are lined by glass showrooms and studios, showing everything from cheap imported trinkets to exquisite works of art. Inside the 17th-century Palazzo Giustinian is the Glass Museum , with one of the largest and most important collections of Venetian glass from the time of the Romans to the 20th century.

But it's not all glass: The church of Santi Maria e Donato combines Veneto-Byzantine and Early Romanesque features, a result of its various stages of building between the seventh and 12th centuries. Notice especially the columns of Greek marble with Veneto-Byzantine capitals, the 12th-century mosaic floor with animal figures, and the St. Donato above the first altar on the left. Dated 1310, it is the earliest example of Venetian painting.

The 14th-century San Pietro Martire contains several splendid Venetian paintings: Bellini's Madonna in Majesty with St. Mark and the Doge Agostino Barbarigo and his Assumption of the Virgin , along with St. Jerome in the Wilderness and St. Agatha in Prison by Paolo Veronese.

It's a quick hop to the next island, Burano, a fishing village of brilliantly painted houses, known historically for its lace making. The Scuola dei Merletti (lace school) and its small museum will help you distinguish the real thing from the cheap imports you'll find in most shops.

The slender campanile of the 16 th -century church of San Martino leans at an alarming angle, made all the more dramatic by its height.

The personal art collections of heiress Peggy Guggenheim are housed in her former home alongside the Grand Canal, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni. Although most of Italy's great art museums are filled with masters of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the Peggy Guggenheim concentrates on American and European art from the first half of the 20th century.

The low building, with its spare, white interior, is a fitting venue for these bold and often dramatic works, which represent Cubist, Futurist, Abstract Expressionist, Surrealist, and avant-garde schools of painting and sculpture.

The permanent collection includes works by Picasso, Dali, Braque , Léger , Mondrian , Kandinsky , Klee, Ernst , Magritte , and Pollock , and frequent exhibitions bring in works from other major artists. In the museum's sculpture gardens are works by Calder , Holzer , Caro , Judd , and Hepworth .

Address: 704 Dorsoduro, Venice

The Venetians called the foundry here geto , and in 1516 it was decreed that all Jews in the city would live on this islet, the origin of the word "ghetto." Residents could only leave in the daytime, and the gates were locked and guarded at night.

This part of the Cannaregio sestiere still has distinct Jewish presence, with synagogues and the Museo Ebraico di Venezia (Jewish Museum) with artifacts of Jewish life here from the 17 th and later centuries. Facing the Ghetto Nuovo Square, a touching memorial of bronze panels, created in 1980 by artist Arbit Blatas, remembers the victims of the deportation during the Nazi occupation of the city in 1943.

Address: Museo Ebraico di Venezia, Campo del Ghetto Nuovo, Cannaregio

This Gothic church was begun by the Franciscans about 1340 and finished with the completion of the facade, interior, and two chapels in the middle of the 15th century. Its impressive 14th-century campanile is the second highest in the city.

Although the interior is in keeping with the simple unadorned style of Franciscan churches, it contains a wealth of artistic treasures. In the right transept is an important wood statue of St. John the Baptist by Florentine sculptor Donatello, done in 1451 (first chapel to the right of the sanctuary).

In the sacristy is a triptych Madonna and Child Enthroned with Four Saints by Giovanni Bellini. In the left transept, the statue of St. John the Baptist on the stoup of the Cappella Cornaro was created by the sculptor and master-builder Jacopo Sansovino

The Monks' Choir is an outstanding example of the wood-carving of Marco Cozzi, with reliefs of saints and Venetian scenes. And the sanctuary contains the tomb of two Doges by Antonio Rizzo, and over the high altar is Titian's Assunta , painted between 1516 and 1518. The Mausoleum of Titian in the south aisle was a gift from Ferdinand I of Austria, when he was King of Lombardy Veneto.

You can't help noticing the pyramidal mausoleum made by the students of the sculptor Antonio Canova in the north aisle, and opposite, the large monument to Titian, also by students of Canova. Beside the Cappella Emiliani, which has a fine mid-15th-century polyptych with marble figures, is Madonna di Ca' Pesaro , completed in 1526 and one of Titian's most important works.

Address: Campo dei Frari, I-30100 Venice

Called " The Accademia " for short, this museum on the Grand Canal has the most important and comprehensive collection of 15th-18th-century Venetian painting in existence. Much of the collection was assembled from monasteries and churches that were closed and from the clearing of palaces of noble families, now displayed in the former Monastery of Santa Maria della Carità.

Some of the galleries, such as the first one, which contains Venetian Gothic Painting, have richly carved and gilded 15th-century ceilings. Works are arranged chronologically, so you can not only trace the evolution of styles, but can compare the works of contemporaries.

Highlights of the 15th- and 16th-century paintings are St. George by Andrea Mantegna, St Jerome and a Donor by Piero della Francesca, Madonna and Saints by Giovanni Bellini, Portrait of Christ by Vittore Carpaccio, and Madonna under the Orange Tree by Cima da Conegliano.

St. John the Baptist and a magnificent Pietà by Titian, Tintoretto's Cain and Abel and The Miracle of St. Mark, Paolo Veronese's Marriage of St. Catherine and Supper in the House of Levi , St. Ursula by Vittore Carpaccio, and several works by Giambattista Tiepolo are also worth special notice.

After the vast grandeur of St. Mark's and the soaring expanse of Frari, little Santa Maria dei Miracoli is like a fresh breeze, a masterpiece of Early Renaissance architecture by Pietro Lombardo. This jewel box of pastel inlaid marble was built from 1481 to 1489 to enshrine a miraculous picture of the Virgin.

Unlike Venice's other churches, whose facades are embellished with architectural flourishes and statues, Lombardo used painstakingly matched colored marble to create delicate patterns of rosettes, circles, octagons, and crosses on the facade. The method continues inside, which heightens the effect of the golden domed ceiling rising above gray and coral marble walls.

The nave is separated from the chancel by an exquisite Early Renaissance balustrade decorated with figures. It's no wonder that this is Venetians' favorite place to be married, as its interior is one of the most beautiful in the city.

Address: Campo dei Miracoli, Venice

Just as Ca' d'Oro lets you glimpse into the life of the late Middle Ages, Palazzo Rezzonico gives a vivid picture of life here in the Baroque and Rococo periods, in the 18th century. Designed and begun by Venice's master of Baroque architecture, Baldassare Longhena, the palace was completed nearly 100 years later in 1750 by Giorgio Massari.

The furnishings and collections complete the picture painted by the building, including its interior decoration of silk wall coverings, elegant finish details, and Flemish tapestries. The costume collection highlights the importance of silk production in Venice from the late Middle Ages through the 18th century, when it was a major competitor with Lyon, France.

Rigid technical regulations were enforced, resulting in some of the most beautiful silk fabrics ever made. So important was silk that even in times of war with the Turks, battle lines parted for the silk-laden ships to pass through.

The museum details the importance of luxury goods, particularly clothing and fashion, for the Venetian economy in the 18th century, when brocades embellished with gold and silver thread produced here were treasured throughout Europe and the New World.

Venice began on this outer island of Torcello, founded here as early as the seventh century, and by the 12th century, it was a flourishing commercial town. Of its palaces, churches, shipyards, and docks, only two churches and a handful of houses remain, dotted over the large island.

You can get some idea of the importance of Torcello from its cathedral, dedicated in 639 to Santa Maria Assunta . It is considered the best remaining example of Venetian-Byzantine architecture. It was reconstructed in 834 and 1008, and the portico and two lateral apses were added in the ninth century; much of the building dates from the 11th century. The mosaics lining the interior are outstanding.

The oldest of these are in the chapel to the right of the high altar, where 11th-century angels carrying a medallion with the Lamb of God show a strong Byzantine influence. The Fathers of the Church ; Gregory, Martin, Ambrose, and Augustine; were added later, along with Christ in Majesty between two Archangels .

The 12th-century mosaics in the main apse and the Virgin and Child above a frieze of the Twelve Apostles surrounded by flowers are all on a gold background. The west wall is covered in tiers of a Byzantine mosaic of the Last Judgment from the late 12th or early 13th century.

Along with the exquisitely detailed marble carvings on the rood screen, notice the 11th-century mosaic floor and the pulpit, which was assembled in the 13th century from earlier fragments.

Adjoining the cathedral is the little 11th-century church of Santa Fosca , on a pure Byzantine central plan with a portico. Your admission ticket includes the interesting little historical museum with artifacts from antiquity to the 16th century.

The long (12-kilometer) strip of sand that separates the Venetian lagoon from the Adriatic Sea was Europe's first real beach resort, and in its heyday, at the turn of the 20th century, was Europe's most fashionable watering hole for royalty and the day's celebs. Today, the grand hotels where they reposed still welcome guests and still own the beautiful fine-sand beaches, although for a price you can share them with hotel guests.

Public beaches are at the north end of the island, near the church of San Nicolo, where relics of St. Nicholas are revered. After considerable controversy between Venice and Bari, which also claims the saint's relics, it has been established by an anatomical expert that both have an equal claim; about half the skeleton, including the skull, is in Bari and the other half in Lido. The cloisters are lovely, and in the church are paintings by both Palma the Elder and Younger.

You can tour Lido on foot or a bicycle rented near the landing stage where the 10-minute Motonave or longer vaporetto ride from St. Mark's deposits you. The island is filled with Art Nouveau villas and hotels; to see the villas, wander along some of the side streets. In August and September, the Lido is the venue for the International Film Festival, held in the Palazzo del Cinema.

Two churches in Venice are venues for concerts of classical music , both featuring the works of Venetian composer and virtuoso violinist, Antonio Vivaldi. One of these churches, Santa Maria della Pietà , was Vivaldi's own, where he taught and composed the music for major church feasts. Near Saint Mark's Square, it is a beautiful mid-18 th -century church.

The other church where you can hear concerts is San Vidal church, in Campo Santo Stefano, not far from the Academia bridge. Along with the concerts, the church is notable for its magnificent main altarpiece, San Vidal on Horseback with Eight Saints, painted in 1514 by Vittore Carpaccio. Concerts in both these venues feature "The Four Seasons" and other works by Vivaldi. 123

During the 15 th -century renovations of an earlier Gothic building near Campo Manin, a unique spiraling staircase was added to the outside, creating one of the city's most unusual places to visit. The staircase spirals upward, encased by a balustrade and a series of graceful arches that give it an almost delicate air. The building became known as the Contarini del Bovolo Palace , referring to the Venetian word for snail.

Alongside the round tower, a series of 5 layered loggias decreasing in height with each level provides access to the building's five stories. You can see the exterior from the courtyard, or climb the tower for views from the roofed terrace at the top.

Address: San Marco, Campo Manin

The impressive façade of Ca' Pesaro overlooking the Grand Canal, was inspired by the Sansovino Library that stands across from the Doge's Palace, built a century earlier. The lavish Venetian Late Baroque interior contrasts sharply with the art displayed there, for the palazzo now houses the Galleria d'Arte Moderna.

One of Italy's finest collections of modern art, it contains works by important 19th- and 20th-century painters and sculptors including Gustav Klimt, Marc Chagall, and Auguste Rodin. Highlights include decorative arts of the 20 th century such as works in glass made by Carlo Scarpa in the 1930s and 1940s and rare furniture pieces by the cabinetmaker Carlo Bugatti.

The Museo d'Arte Orientale occupies the third floor of the palace, with collections of fine and applied arts from Asia. Highlights are the Chinese vases and Japanese enamels, porcelains, and armor of the Edo period.

Ca'Pesaro is reached by Vaparetto from the San Stae stop, at the church of Sant'Eustachio, more commonly known as San Stae. Step inside the church to see paintings by early 18th-century artists, including Tiepolo and Pellegrini.

Address: Santa Croce, Venice

The Arsenal, the shipyard of the Venetian Republic, was the largest and busiest in the world until the end of the 17th century. From its founding in 1104, it was continuously expanded, until in its heyday, it employed as many as 16,000 workers.

Closely guarded to preserve the secret production methods that enabled it to build a fully sea-ready ship in a single day, the Arsenal was accessible by one land and one sea approach only. So tight was its security that the Republic managed to keep its art of shipbuilding secret until about 1550.

At its imposing land entrance is a Renaissance-style triumphal arch guarded by lions brought from Greece as booty after the reconquest of the Peloponnese in the 17th century. Of the two lions on the left, the larger one stood guard over the port of Piraeus, while its fellow stood on the road from Athens to Eleusis.

Adjacent to the shipyard is the Museum of Naval History , displaying impressive booty brought back from the numerous maritime wars of the Republic, along with fascinating collections that include votive paintings made on wood panels in thanks for rescues at sea. These charming pictures are interesting for their depiction of sea life, not so much for their artistic finesse.

Models and artifacts relate to shipbuilding, the types of vessels afloat in the period that Venice was a sea power, and the Republic's strongholds throughout the Adriatic. A large model of the legendary ship of state Bucintoro , the Doge's sumptuous official galley, is especially interesting.

Address: Riva degli Schiavoni, Castello, Venice

While it's nice to stay close to St. Mark's Square, or between there and the Rialto, it's not essential for sightseeing. Attractions are all fairly close, and you'll have to walk between them anyway. Just as important is how close the hotel is to a Vaporetto stop on the Grand Canal. In addition to hotels near San Marco and San Zaccaria stops, consider those near Salute and Academia stops in Dorsoduro. Here are some highly rated and convenient hotels in Venice:

Luxury Hotels :

• Only a few steps from the Salute stop and one stop from St. Mark's, Ca' Maria Adele is a lush island of serenity near the Guggenheim Collection, with antiques-furnished rooms and superb guest services.
• The Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel was once the home of a Venetian Doge, and its large, sumptuously appointed rooms (some with balconies) overlook the Grand Canal or a quiet piazza close to St. Mark's.
• Set on a small canal less than two minutes' walk from Piazza San Marco, Bauer Palazzo could hardly have a more convenient location for tourists. Opulent appointments include marble floors and Murano glass chandeliers; guest rooms and the rooftop terrace overlook views of the Grand Canal and other landmarks.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Elegant and luxurious Hotel Ai Cavalieri di Venezia is also a walk from the Rialto stop, but well located near attractions.
• Londra Palace could hardly be better located, a three-minute walk from St. Mark's at the San Zaccaria stop, with balconies overlooking the lagoon; breakfast is included.
• The large rooms at NH Collection Venezia Palazzo Barocci overlook the Grand Canal, at the San Angelo vaporetto stop.

Budget Hotels:

• In a quiet neighborhood of Santa Croce, a short walk from a Vaporetto stop, about 20 minutes from Rialto and close to a good choice of restaurants, Hotel Tiziano has comfortable rooms and includes breakfast.
• Rio Venezia Hotel is just behind St. Mark's, a block off the Grand Canal.
• Also just steps from St. Mark's, Hotel Orion is on the shortest route to Rialto.

Exploring the Islands:

• A highlight for most travelers is a visit to the islands of Murano and Burano. The easiest way to explore these islands is on a five-hour guided Murano Glass and Burano Lace Tour from Venice , which includes motorboat transport to the islands, with visits to a glassblowing factory on Murano and lace makers on Burano.

Sightseeing and Gondola Rides :

• Venice is a little bit of a maze, and if you have limited time, taking a guided tour is a good idea. The Venice Walking Tour and Gondola Ride includes the best of both worlds, with an opportunity to learn the history of the sites as you wander the city and then relax and enjoy the scenery on a gondola ride.
• Alternatively, to just soak up some of the ambience, skip the walking piece and see the sites from the water on a 35-minute shared gondola ride while being serenaded on the Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade .
• A third option, the Venice Super Saver: Skip-the Line Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Tours, Venice Walking Tour and Grand Canal Cruise offers priority admission to the two must-see sights with the longest lines, a guided walking tour that takes you to some of Venice's secret sights, and a water-taxi cruise along the Grand Canal.

Good to Know

• Beginning in 2025, day visitors will be charged an access tax of between €6 and €10, depending on the season and expected tourist numbers. Visitors staying overnight in Venice already pay a lodging tax of €1 to €5 per person per night for the first 5 nights.
• If you plan to use the Vaporetto, either on the Grand Canal or to visit the islands of Murano, Burano, Lido and Torcello, ACTV transit passes are a good value. Single fares are €9.50, and a full-day pass is €25, less than the cost of three single rides. Multiple day passes save even more: 2 days for €25, 3 days for €45 and €65 for an entire week.
• While Venetians are quite tolerant of the masses of tourists that pour in every day, the city has some rules for visitor behavior. While these are not uniformly enforced, recent violations have resulted in steep fines. Some that you should be aware of include prohibitions on picnicking in a public place, buying from street vendors, lying down on a public bench, putting padlocks on bridges, and leaning against store fronts.

Where to Go near Venice : After you've visited the city's top tourist attractions, you may want to explore some of the beautiful nearby towns. Only 20 kilometers away is pretty Treviso , enclosed by walls and with its own waterside villas. Padua , with its famous shrine of St. Anthony, is easy to reach by train or by a cruise along the historic Brenta Canal. Stop along the way at Villa Pisani, one of the most beautiful gardens in Italy .

Places to Visit from Venice: North of Treviso are the soaring Dolomites, with some of the top ski resorts in Italy but with plenty of things to do in all seasons. Along the Adriatic to the east is Trieste , where Italian blends with Hapsburg architecture reminiscent of Vienna. Following the Adriatic coast south, you'll reach Ravenna , with its magnificent Byzantine mosaics.

More on Italy

18 Must-See Places & Top Things to Do in Venice, Italy (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 21, 2024

Visiting Venice in Italy and wondering what are the absolute best places to see and things to do in Venice ? In this guide, we cover all the musts: the main landmarks, must-see sights, and top tourist attractions in Venice that are worth your time the most.

Built on 118 islands divided by a network of canals and filled with stunning architecture, rich culture, romantic gondolas, and captivating history, Venezia is one of a kind! It’s not only one of the most beautiful cities in Italy , but also one of the most remarkable cities in the world!

The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and when you’ll see it, you’ll understand why. With such a rich past, Venice is filled with beautiful places to see and fascinating things to do. Who hasn’t heard of the famous St. Mark’s Square, Grand Canal, or Rialto Bridge… However, there’s more to see and do in Venice than just its most famous landmarks!

At the same time, most visitors only have a day or two in Venice and want to be sure to see all the ‘musts’. And the choice of where to go and what to see can get overwhelming… So in this guide, we share the VERY BEST sights, AMAZING experiences, and TOP tourist attractions that Venice has in store for its visitors.

We also created a map indicating all the best things to do in Venice. It will give you a better idea of where everything is and help you plan your visit. For each place, we also indicate how much time you need in order to see it.

READ ALSO: How to See the Best of Venice in One Day & Venice 3-day Itinerary

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

As you can see, the majority of the main attractions in Venice are located quite close to each other. And the city’s compact size makes it possible to enjoy most of the sights in just 1-3 days.

Good to know: To help you plan your time in the ‘Floating City’, we list the most popular Venice attractions first. The top-10 places are absolute must-sees (and can be done in a day). #11-15 are a very nice addition to any Venice itinerary. The rest are all amazing sights that will make your trip even more special than just seeing ‘the musts’.

So if you can, foresee 1.5-3 days in the city when planning your Italian trip itinerary . This will allow you to explore a bit deeper and appreciate Venice so much better!

TIP: If you only have a day in Venice and want to get as much out of your visit as possible, take a look at this highly-rated city walking tour . It’s one of the most complete guided tours covering all the must-see places in Venice, plus a gondola ride. All tours we took with this company are always top-notch.

These are the must-see sights and best things to do in Venice:

1. Grand Canal

Venice’s largest and most famous canal, the Grand Canal ( Canal Grande ) is an absolute must-see in Venice! It’s here that you can see some of the most beautiful Venetian architecture and truly feel what Venice is all about. Some of the most beautiful Palazzos of Venice can be found here and a trip on the canal feels like traveling back in time!

The atmosphere of the Grand Canal is vibrant, with vaporetti (water buses), gondolas, and water taxis traveling back and forth in every direction. It’s a fascinating spectacle to watch!

Canal Grande is the main waterway in Venice and it separates one half of the city from the other. It’s almost 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long, but there are just 4 bridges spanning the Grand Canal and hardly any walkways next to it.

The best way to experience the surroundings of Canal Grande is from the water and you can do so by taking a Vaporetto water bus , a boat tour , or a gondola (keep in mind that gondolas will only bring you to a small part of the canal). The nicest part of the canal that you really shouldn’t miss is that southwest of the Rialto Bridge. So if you take a boat between St. Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge, you’re sure to see the best of it!

Whilst there is no footpath alongside the entire Grand Canal, there are several sections where you can walk along the canal . The nicest part of the canal that you can explore on foot is the area around the Rialto Bridge. There are wide waterfront promenades here, lined with restaurants and cafes. It’s a nice place to get a drink and watch the hustle and bustle on the canal.

Good to know: Line 1 is the best Vaporetto for exploring the Grand Canal. It takes in Ca’ d’Oro Palazzo, Gallerie dell’Accademia, the Palazzo Ca’Rezzonico, Santa Maria della Salute, and the popular Rialto Bridge.

TIP: It’s best to get a public transport ticket for the entire duration of your visit and hop on and off the boats as much as you like. It costs just a fraction of what gondolas or water taxis cost.

2. St Mark’s Square

St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is Venice’s largest and most beautiful town square. It should be at the top of any Venice sightseeing list.

It’s here that the majority of the city’s most important buildings are located. Dating back to the 12th century, the square’s main highlights are St Mark’s Basilica and Campanile , along with Doge’s Palace (you can find more information about all of these further below).

But there are other fascinating buildings to see on St. Mark’s Square too, particularly the Clock Tower of Venice ( Torre dell Orologio ). A marvel of 15th-century engineering, the clock displays the time, the dominant sign of the Zodiac, and the current phase of the moon.

You’ll also find some of the city’s most popular cafés here. They are located on the ground floors of the Procuraties (the three connected buildings lining the Square’s perimeter).

TIP: If it’s not too busy and you can find a free table on the square itself, be sure to sit down for a coffee. And yes, it’s overpriced and touristy, but having a drink at one of the cafes at St. Mark’s Square is one of the Venice bucket list experiences that you should do at least once! Most places here aren’t known for great service. The best-rated cafe on St. Mark’s Square is Caffè Florian.

Good to know: The Campanile, Basilica, and Doge’s Palace are the most popular tourist attractions in Venice and can get extremely busy, with long queues… So aim to visit them as early in the morning as possible, before the majority of the visitors arrive. More info about each of these attractions – below.

3. Rialto Bridge

Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) is the oldest and most stunning of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal. It’s also one of the most famous landmarks in Venice. No trip to the city would be complete without walking over this iconic bridge at least once!

Originally built in the late 16th century and marking the gateway to the Rialto Market, this elegant stone bridge has three sets of stairs divided by arcades. The central set is packed with shops and vendors and is usually so busy that you can hardly pass. The stairs on the outer sides of the bridge offer amazing views of the Grand Canal and its passing gondolas.

Because the Bridge itself is so busy, the best place to admire its structure is from below. The Riva del Vin and Riva del Ferro are particularly good spots from which to take photographs!

TIP: For an unforgettable view of The Rialto Bridge, get up early and visit at sunrise. With few tourists, little noise, and better light for photography, you are guaranteed a memorable experience! In addition, visit in the evening when the Bridge is beautifully illuminated and provides a very romantic backdrop.

4. Venetian Gondola Ride

If there’s one activity that you absolutely must do in Venice, it’s the ride on the traditional Venetian gondola !

You’ll find gondoliers awaiting you at virtually every bridge in Venice. And – as cliché as it sounds – no visit to the city would be complete without a private ride in a gondola! It’s one of those experiences that are so typically Venice and you’ll regret it if you don’t do it.

In the past, all Venetians used gondolas as their main mode of transport. These days the larger Vaporetti canal boats have taken over that role. This means that the main purpose of the iconic gondolas is now to fulfill visitors’ romantic dreams of taking in the sights whilst drifting along the city’s waterways.

Good to know: The gondola rides are strictly regulated and they all charge the same prices, but they take different routes depending on where they start. For a more authentic experience, look for routes that will include some of the smaller canals as well. On the other hand, Grand Canal is not to be missed too. So ideally you take a gondola in the vicinity and experience both – the smaller canals as well as the Canal Grande!

TIP: Take the time to chat with your gondolier before climbing aboard. Not only can you ask which route they typically take, but you can also see if they are friendly. The mood of your gondolier can have a big influence on your overall experience! A good gondolier will explain a bit about the sights you pass, take a picture of you enjoying the ride, and maybe will even sing a traditional song.

Do you need to book a gondola? If you are short on time and want to be sure that you can do the gondola ride at a specific time/place, then it’s better to book in advance. If you are traveling on your own and don’t want to pay the full price of a private gondola, it’s also best to book in advance. See here for some of the best options that you can pre-book . Otherwise, you should be able to find a gondola while walking around the city.

For more practical information about gondola rides in Venice and tips for a better experience, see our detailed guide via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Venice Gondola Ride: Info & Tips for a Better Experience

5. St Mark’s Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilica ( Basilica di San Marco ) is the city’s cathedral and one of the must-see places in Venice. Dating back to the 9th century, it was originally built as a chapel of the Doge’s Palace next door. St. Mark’s only became the city’s cathedral in the early part of the 19th century.

Its Italo-Byzantine architecture is quite beautiful, with arched portals, marble columns, and raised cupolas. Its interior is incredible, boasting more than 85,000 square feet of mosaics which were completed over 8 centuries, mainly in gold. Not to be missed are St. Mark’s Tomb, the Transept Chapels, and the stunning Pala d’Oro – a gold Byzantine altar screen studded with hundreds of gems.

If you have the time, be sure to also visit the Saint Mark Museum and its Terrace overlooking St. Mark’s Square. There’s just something really special about standing on this terrace and seeing the Basilica and the town square from another perspective. For us, a visit to this terrace remains one of the most special experiences in Venice!

Good to know: Immodest dress is not allowed in St. Mark’s Basilica, so be sure that your knees and shoulders are covered. They also don’t allow backpacks or large bags, knives, scissors, etc.

Tickets: Entry to St. Mark’s Basilica is no longer free of charge, so you now need a ticket to visit. Furthermore, the queues can be really lengthy, so we highly recommend booking skip-the-line tickets in advance. Alternatively, you can go with a guided tour (most tours allow you to skip the line too).

TIP: Access to Pala d’Oro has yet an extra fee, just like the St. Mark’s Museum with Terraces. If you want to see all these places, be sure to get this all-in ticket . It costs just a few euros more than the standard entry and is totally worth it.

Practical info: St Mark’s Basilica is open every day of the year between 9.30 am and 5.15 pm. However, the opening hours can be shorter on Sundays and public holidays, so check before you visit. The Basilica is also not accessible for sightseeing during mass. For more info, see the official website of the Basilica . That’s another advantage of booking in advance – you know immediately at what time you can visit.

PRO TIP: If you want to experience St. Mark’s Basilica in the most unique way, check out this amazing after-hours tour . It gives you exclusive access to the most impressive areas before or after the official opening times. It’s a bucket-list experience in Venice!

TIP: A guided tour is not just the best way to skip the lines at the most popular attractions in Venice, but it’s also a great way to learn more about the Cathedral and its history. You can opt for a tour of the Basilica and/or its Museum, or for tours that combine a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica, the terraces, and the nearby Doge’s Palace. The combination tours are a better use of your time, especially if you want to see all the musts in just a few hours.

There are so many different tours that your head might start spinning just trying to figure out which one to take. Be sure to read carefully what they include so that you know what to expect!

We did the research for you and selected some of the best options, depending on the time you have and on what exactly you want to see. Whatever you choose, try to go as early in the morning as possible!

Here are some of the best tours that visit St. Mark’s :

• St. Mark’s Basilica only (1hr) – this is one of the best tours of the church itself and it also includes a visit to the museum and the terrace.
• St. Mark’s & Doge’s Palace (2.5hrs) – this fast-access tour goes inside the Basilica and visits the Doge’s Palace.
• St. Mark’s Terrace & Doge’s Palace (3 hrs)- this is one of the best tours that gives you access to St. Mark’s Terrace and also visits Doge’s Palace, but it doesn’t spend much time in the church.
• City tour (6.5 hrs) – this all-in walking tour covers many of the must-see sights in Venice, goes inside the Basilica, and visits Doge’s Palace. It also includes a gondola ride.

TIP – a very unique experience: If you are looking for something extraordinary to do in Venice, you may also want to check out this amazing after-hours tour with exclusive access to both – St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. Not only do you visit two of the most popular landmarks in Venice without the crowds, but you also have the opportunity to visit some areas which are typically not open to the general public.

READ ALSO: Most Beautiful Cathedrals in Italy

6. Doge’s Palace

Doge’s Palace ( Palazzo Ducale ) is another must that deserves a place at the top of any list of things to do in Venice! It’s the best place to learn about the history of Venice. A visit here is fascinating and well worth your time.

If you only have time to visit just one Venice attraction inside, make it Doge’s Palace!

Whilst Doge’s Palace is a museum today – and one of Venice’s most famous landmarks – it was originally built between the 10th and 11th centuries as a fort. In the 12th century, it was transformed into a beautiful palace, then added to throughout the years. For nearly 1000 years it was the building from which Venice’s chief magistrates (doges) decided Venice’s fate. It was also the residence for the doge in power at the time.

There is so much to admire here, from its breathtaking facade featuring gorgeous pink Verona marble to the beautiful stone arches and magnificent sculptures inside. You can also see some of the world’s most famous works of art, including pieces by A. Vittoria, Titian, and Veronese.

The Doges’ apartments and institutional chambers are exceptionally stunning! And – in a dramatic contrast – you also get to visit the cells of the medieval prison and walk over the famous Bridge of Sighs!

Try to visit Doge’s Palace early in the morning. This is one of the most popular attractions in Venice and the lines are longest at midday and during weekends.

TIP: There is so much to see and learn here that it is definitely worth engaging a local guide . Otherwise, a visit here can get overwhelming and you won’t know what you’re seeing or where to go next. Going with a guide will get you pre-booked priority access too, which is a huge advantage for such a busy attraction. At the very least, get a skip-the-line ticket and an audio guide, or invest in a very good guidebook beforehand.

Here are the best guided tours that visit inside Doge’s Palace:

• Skip-the-line tour of Doge’s Palace only (1.5-2 hrs) – this is the best tour if you only want to visit the Doge’s Palace.
• Doge’s Palace + St. Mark’s Basilica & Terrace (2-4 hrs)- this is one of the best combination tours.

For more information about Doge’s Palace and to get a better idea of what to expect, please see our detailed guide via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Doge’s Palace: What to Expect & Tips for Your Visit

7. St Mark’s Campanile

St. Mark’s Campanile ( Campanile di San Marco ) is a historic bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica. It’s the tallest building in Venice and an iconic part of the city’s skyline. The tower as you see it today is actually a 1912 reconstruction of the original, which dated back to the Middle Ages and collapsed in 1902.

The Campanile was originally a watchtower that was used to give early warning of approaching ships and also help safely guide them into the harbor. Nowadays, it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Venice, giving you an opportunity to enjoy the awesome 360° views of the city and the lagoon .

The Campanile stands alone, so you can visit it separately from the Basilica (and the queues are separate too). Fortunately, you don’t need to climb all the way to the top. There is an elevator that makes the tower accessible to everyone.

TIP: If you can, visit the campanile in the late afternoon. There are usually fewer people around and the light is particularly beautiful around sunset.

Practical info: The Bell Tower is open daily, with hours varying per season. In the past, you could only get the tickets on the spot (and stand in very long queues, especially in the high season!). However, it is now also possible to reserve a timed entry in advance (this will save you a lot of time and make it easier to plan your day!).

8. Bridge of Sighs

Bridge of Sighs ( Ponte dei Sospiri ) is another must-see landmark in Venice!

This bridge connects the Doge’s Palace to the ‘new’ prisons. Its name is believed to refer to the sighs of 18th-century prisoners taking their last glimpse of Venice on their way to the prison cells. Its purpose may have originally been grim, but this white limestone bridge is quite beautiful.

There are several ways to see and ‘experience’ this bridge:

• If you want to actually walk over the bridge , feel the shivers that the prisoners felt, and catch a glimpse of the hustle and bustle of the city through the small openings, you can do so when visiting the earlier-mentioned Doge’s Palace. You’ll need a ticket for that.
• The best spot to admire the exterior of the bridge is the Ponte della Paglia, a small bridge at the waterfront promenade Riva degli Schiavoni.
• Alternatively, drift beneath it on a gondola with someone special. Legend has it that if you kiss as you pass it, you will experience eternal love!

9. Riva degli Schiavoni

Riva degli Schiavoni is a wide pedestrian promenade extending east from Piazza San Marco and past Doge’s Palace.

Its name refers to the Dalmatian Slavs who settled in this part of the city in medieval times. This was once the place where vessels from all over the world would dock, with sailors and dignitaries disembarking in Venice.

These days, it’s one of the busiest areas in Venice, filled with souvenir stalls and eateries. It’s still the main docking point for Venice’s various modes of water transport. Whilst this means it has lost much of its historic charm, it is still very picturesque. A walk here gives you a lovely view of the Venetian lagoon and the island of San Giorgio Maggiore in the distance.

Look out for Ca’di Dio at the eastern point of the promenade. This was the 13th-century hospice used by pilgrims making the journey to the Holy Land. It has recently been turned into a beautiful 5* Small Luxury Hotel.

Here, you can also see the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà (or della Visitazionee) . It has a statue of composer Antonio Vivaldi who had a special connection to this place. Sometimes, there are also concerts here and you can listen to the Four Seasons by Vivaldi.

TIP: One of the most iconic hotels of Venice – Hotel Danieli – is also located here, on Riva degli Schiavoni. If your budget allows a stay at one of these luxury hotels – it’s the ultimate Venice experience!

10. Explore Venice’s Narrow Streets & Canals on Foot

Another must-do in Venice is simply exploring the city and its canals on foot !

Unless you’re on the water itself, all your sightseeing in Venice will be on foot. There are no vehicles at all and the city is a maze of canals and narrow streets. But there is also no better way to soak up the feel of the ‘real’ Venice than to wander through its very heart, admiring the colorful buildings, watching the gondolas drift by, and spending time surrounded by its people.

You’ll definitely get lost when navigating the maze of canals, alleys, and small bridges that make up the city. And that’s alright – it’s the best way to explore Venice deeper. But while I would certainly recommend allowing yourself to get ‘lost’ for a while and wandering where your fancy takes you, the time will come when you may actually need to know just where you are… and how to get back to where you started!

While you can get a paper street map of Venice , it’s really not easy to use it. The best way to navigate the city is by using one of the GPS apps on your smartphone. We always use Google Maps for sightseeing in Venice. It’s surprisingly accurate and has proven a good way to get from point A to B.

Good to know: Venetian etiquette dictates that you should keep to the right to ensure the flow of pedestrians runs smoothly. You should also avoid lingering on bridges – not only will it annoy the locals, but it could land you with a fine.

Also, keep in mind that the biggest part of Venice is not accessible to strollers or wheelchairs. There are lots of bridges that have stairs, and it’s really not feasible to navigate the entire city with any kind of wheels. See here our experience of visiting Venice with toddlers .

TIP: If you are looking for an accessible way to explore Venice , head to St. Mark’s Square. This is where most of the main landmarks of Venice are located and it’s the best area where you can see and do quite a lot even with a stroller or a wheelchair.

11. Visit Murano, Burano & Torcello Islands

Murano, Burano, and Torcello are the Venetian Lagoon’s three most famous islands. Each has its own particular appeal, Murano’s being its fabulous glassware and Burano’s its colorful houses and beautiful lacework. Torcello is famous for being the site of the Lagoon’s first settlement in the 5th century AD.

There are a variety of guided tours that make it easy to explore these lovely little islands. Most will include a visit to a Murano glass factory where you can see the glass blowers in action. In Burano , you have the opportunity to see lace shops and learn how lace is made. In Torcello , you will call into the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, one of the most ancient religious buildings in the area and containing its earliest mosaics.

If you have more time available, you can easily visit all the islands on your own. This will allow you to spend as long as you like on each island. To make it more affordable, get the earlier-mentioned public transport ticket , which includes boats in the city and also to the islands.

However, if your time is limited and you want to see the best of Venice and its surroundings in just a day or two, then going on a tour is better. It will be rushed, but you’ll see more in a shorter time.

Good to know: You can visit the islands at any time of the year and most tours run daily too.

Here are some of the best ways to visit these islands from Venice:

• Murano, Burano & Torcello day trip . This is the longest trip giving you most time on each island (about 1.5 hrs in Murano, 1.5 hrs in Burano, and 1 hr in Torecllo).
• Murano, Burano & Torcello tour . This is the most popular ‘see-it-all’ option.

Please note that these aren’t guided tours. They include transportation and live commentary on the boat, as well as – depending on the tour – the glass factory and a lace shop visit. For the rest, you’re free to explore the islands on your own. Just be sure to be back at the boat in time!

12. Views from Ponte dell’Accademia

The Accademia Bridge ( Ponte dell’Accademia ) is one of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, located at the southern part of the island. It links the San Marco district with the Accademia gallery in Dorsoduro.

This is Venice’s only bridge made from timber. But this isn’t its only claim to fame!

The views from this bridge are stunning . So good, in fact, that the photos for many Venetian postcards are taken right from this spot. On one side you have the quieter bend that takes the canal towards the Rialto Bridge, and on the other, you can see the dome of Basilica si Santa Maria della Salute.

Good to know: You will sometimes come across vendors selling souvenirs on the bridge. But not only is it illegal for them to trade there, but it is also illegal for you to buy from them. Venice has lots of rather strict rules and you can incur a fine for the strangest things.

13. Teatro La Fenice

Teatro La Fenice (literal translation – Phoenix Theater ) is both the largest and most popular opera house in Venice. Opened in 1792, it’s also considered to be one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world . It was here that the premieres of famous Italian composers such as Verdi, Bellini, and Rossini took place.

It’s a wonderful place to visit, whether you plan to attend a performance or not. The building’s facade is striking, with white marble and columns evocative of customary Italian villa architecture. And the auditorium is just breathtaking, with the eye-catching emperor’s box the most gorgeously decorated of the 166 boxes rising on either side.

If you don’t plan on attending an opera performance in the evening, then you can just get the tickets for a morning or afternoon entry . This allows you to enter the theatre without queuing and includes an audio guide. This is a self-guided visit that allows you to explore the theater at your own pace.

Good to know: If you decide to attend a performance here, make sure you have the right clothes! At an opera premiere and concert season, men must wear a tuxedo or a dark suit with a black tie. Women are required to wear an evening dress. For other premieres, men will need a suit and tie and women must wear a black dress. The rules are not as strict for afternoon performances, but shorts and T-shirts are not allowed, so think ‘smart casual’.

Practical information: Teatro La Fenice is usually open for visits daily, between 9.30 am and 6 pm. You have to choose between the morning entry (9.30 am to 1 pm), or go in the afternoon (1 to 5 pm). Although this can change if there are performances during the day or earlier in the evening. Teatro La Fenice is a popular attraction, so you should always book online ahead . By doing that, you can also immediately see which dates/ times are available.

14. Fondaco dei Tedeschi Rooftop Terrace

T Fondaco dei Tedeschi is a luxury multi-level shopping center located just near Rialto Bridge. Beautifully restored, this former merchant’s warehouse has quickly made its way into Venice’s top attractions because of the stunning views from its rooftop terrace .

While not an absolute must in Venice, it’s a great and easy way to see some amazing panoramic views of the city. You can see Rialto Bridge (partially) and the Grand Canal behind it.

Good to know: The rooftop terrace can be visited for free, but it’s so popular that you have to reserve a timed entry in advance. For more information and bookings, check their website .

Practical information: The rooftop terrace is open daily from 10.45 am until 7.30 pm (the last entrance at 7.15 pm).

15. Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is an iconic landmark towering Venetian skyline. It’s probably the most photographed church in Venice, after St. Mark’s, of course.

You may recognize the striking dome of this basilica from the postcards on sale throughout the city. Known commonly as ‘Salute’ it is one of Venice’s most important religious buildings. It was constructed to commemorate the end of a plague outbreak in 1630 that killed a large number of the city’s population.

Here you can see a 12th-century Cretan icon of the Madonna of Good Health set into an elaborately carved baroque high altar, along with Titian’s ‘The Descent of the Holy Spirit’ from 1546 displayed near the entrance.

Practical information: The church is free to enter and is open every day in the morning and in the afternoon. But you will need to buy tickets to visit the sacristy and all the artwork is contains. Entry is 4 euros for adults and 2 euros for children.

The Basilica is located very close to the main highlights of Venice but on the opposite side of the Grand Canal. Since there’s no bridge nearby, the fastest way to get here is by hopping on a boat that takes just 7 minutes from St. Mark’s. If you have more time, you can walk here via the above-mentioned Ponte dell’Accademia.

Good to know: If you are visiting Venice in November, don’t miss the Feast of the Presentation of the Virgin (Festa della Madonna della Salute) on the 21st. One of the most popular festivals in the city, it remembers Venice’s eventual freedom from the plague and involves crossing an improvised bridge over the Grand Canal to the Salute Basilica.

16. San Giorgio Maggiore

San Giorgio Maggiore is a little island that you can see in front of you from the St. Mark’s area. It is only accessible by boat, separated from the neighboring island of Giudecca by the Canale delle Grazie.

Its name comes from its church which was built early in the 9th century and dedicated to St George. Between 1566 and 1610 the church was transformed into a Renaissance basilica, which is now an integral part of the Venetian landscape.

This is one of the nicest off-the-beaten-path places to see in Venice that most day tourists never get to. But if you have a few days in Venice, check it out! There are various ways to visit , including some fun tours of the lagoon, etc.

Most visitors come to San Giorgio Maggiore to enjoy the fantastic 360° views from the top of the basilica’s bell tower across to the main island. But there is much to see in the church itself, with various works of art by Tintoretto and the 1708 painting Madonna enthroned with Saints by Sebastiano Ricci.

You can also visit the Fondazione Giorgio Cini , which is housed in a restored 10th-century Benedictine monastery. Here you can see the Palladian cloister designed by Andrea Palladio, the garden with the Vatican Chapels and the intricate Borges Labyrinth.

Good to know: You need to book ahead to visit the different parts of the Fondazione Cini. Check out these tickets .

TIP: There is only one place to eat on the island – San Giorgio Café – so see if you can book your table for lunch in advance if you will be visiting at a busy time.

17. Cannaregio and Jewish Quarter

The Venice Jewish Ghetto is located in the Cannaregio district and is divided into the New Ghetto and the Old Ghetto. A Venetian Republic’s decree in 1516 stated that Jewish doctors, lenders, and clothing merchants were permitted to deal with the commercial interests of the city during the day, but must be locked within the confines of the gated island of the Ghetto at night.

The Ghetto is a part of Venice that’s easily missed, but one that is so interesting and steeped in history that it is very much worth visiting. Even more so if you go with a local guide who can tell you some history and give context to what you are seeing.

Whilst the area now has thriving shops, restaurants, and art galleries, you can visit the ancient synagogues and learn more about just what happened in the region by taking guided tours of the area .

Good to know: Shops and restaurants in the Ghetto are significantly cheaper than in the tourist hotspots, and the entire area is very peaceful in comparison.

18. Lido di Venezia

Lido di Venezia – commonly referred to simply as ‘The Lido’ – is a narrow island separating the central part of the Venetian lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. This is Venice’s beach , also known as the place where Venice Film Festival is held every year.

Although close in terms of distance, it is miles apart from the city center in its atmosphere. Developed as a seaside resort, Lido has leafy residential streets, vehicles, and pavements – another world compared to Venice.

With its long, sandy beaches Lido di Venezia is a great place to come and relax after a hot summer’s morning spent sightseeing on the ‘mainland’! If you are visiting Venice in the summer months when it can get very hot in the city, Lido is the place to be!

Practical information: The Lido is just about 20 minutes by water bus from Venice’s historic center. The most popular route is No. 1 Vaporetto, which takes you up the Grand Canal and starts from the Piazzale Roma.

Good to know: Hotels on the Lido are usually cheaper than those in the historic center of Venice, yet are still very convenient for seeing all the main sights of Venice. Of course, there are some luxurious resorts here that will be just as pricey as the 5* hotels in the city center…

It might be worth considering staying on the island if you are visiting Venice in the summer or for a longer vacation. It’s also a great place to stay if traveling with children and looking for somewhere with room to play and beach access.

TIP: Many of the beaches here require you to pay for sunbeds and can be busy, particularly at peak times. The beaches at either end of the Lido are free and much quieter (although the one to the south at Alberoni is a naturist beach). Alternatively, head to the beach run by Venezia Spiagge along Lungomare D’Annunzio, which offers discounts after 3 pm.

Where to Stay for Sightseeing in Venice

The best area to stay for sightseeing in Venice is between St. Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge.

Here are some hotel recommendations in this area:

• €€€€€€ 5* Hotel Danieli – one of the most iconic luxury hotels in Venice.
• €€€€ 4* Hotel Casanova or Hotel Palace Bonvecchiati – both excellent – and very popular – hotels.
• €€€ 3* Hotel Montecarlo – a very nice mid-budget hotel.
• €€ 2* Hotel Rio – another wonderful mid-budget option.

If you are visiting  Venice by car  or arriving by train, you may want to stay close to Piazzale Roma, e.g. Hotel Carlton On The Grand Canal or Hotel Principe .

On a slightly lower budget, Abbazia De Luxe close to the railway station is a very nice choice too.

So, this is our guide to the best of Venice. I hope that it gives you a good idea of what to see and do in Venice, including the top sights, but also a few additional attractions that will make your visit so much more special.

Of course, this is in no way a complete list of all Venice attractions. You could also take a food tour , a cooking class , a dinner cruise on the lagoon , see an opera at one of the palaces of the Grand Canal , and even go kayaking on the canals … But if you cover most of the sights indicated on our list, you can be sure that you have experienced the very best that Venice has to offer!

I hope that this guide to the best things to do in Venice has been useful and that it will help you plan a nice itinerary for a truly memorable visit to one of the most unique cities in the world.

Have a great trip!

MORE INFO & TIPS FOR VISITING VENICE:   ⭑ Venice in a day (1-day itinerary with all the musts and a few hidden gems) ⭑ Venice in 3 days (detailed 3-day itinerary with local’s tips) ⭑ How to visit Venice by car ⭑ Venice gondola ride ⭑ Doge’s Palace in Venice ⭑ Venice with young kids or a baby

READ ALSO: Best Places to Visit in Italy

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Images: Personal collection & depositphotos.com. La Fenice Theater & Ausonia Hungaria Hotel – Hackman/depositphotos.com.

More tips for your trip to Italy

Italian cities:

• Best things to do in Florence
• Best things to do in Rome
• Best things to do in Naples
• Best things to do in Milan
• Best of Siena
• Best of Bologna
• Best of Verona
• Best of Ravenna
• 1 day in Milan
• 1 day in Naples
• 1 day in Florence
• 1 day in Rome
• 2 days in Rome
• 4 days in Rome
• Colosseum Levels & Tickets
• Hidden gems of Rome
• Tips for visiting Rome
• Where to stay in Rome
• Best ancient landmarks in Rome
• Best viewpoints in Rome
• Most beautiful towns in Tuscany
• Best rooftop bars and restaurants in Florence

Lakes, mountains, and coastal areas:

• Amalfi Coast itinerary
• Tips for Visiting Amalfi Coast
• Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast
• Capri Island
• Mt Vesuvius Volcano
• Best Places to See in Lake Como
• Bellagio, Lake Como
• Varenna, Lake Como
• Tips for Visiting Lake Como
• Best of Lake Garda
• Most beautiful places of the Italian Riviera
• Best places in the Dolomites
• Tips for Visiting Cinque Terre
• 1 day in Cinque Terre
• Portovenere (the 6th town of Cinque Terre)
• Hiking in the Dolomites
• … for even more destinations, take a look at our Italy travel guide .
• If you’re wondering how to plan your first trip, check out our suggested Italy itinerary that covers all the musts in about 2 weeks.

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Sunday 12th of February 2023

Hi Jurga, Your blog is sooo helpful! We are 4 couples traveling to Venice, then Lake Garda for cycling, then Cinque Terre. Do you have recommendations for nice hotels in Venice that are I good locations but not quite so expensive? We are looking to spend around $300+ per night for 3 nights in early September 2023. Thank you for your assistance! (If you have suggestions for the Cinque Terre area that would be great too!). Ellen Aaronson

Thursday 16th of February 2023

@Jurga, Thank you so much for your response! I'm really enjoying your blog and will be using your suggestions!

Hi Ellen, there are so many hotels in central Venice that could fit your budget. You really need to check specific dates and the number of rooms to know what's available. Here are a few suggestions: Hotel Palace Bonvecchiati Hotel Casanova Rosa Salva Hotel For Cinque Terre, it's likely even more difficult to find something since you need 4 rooms, and most hotels are smaller and availability is limited, and you need to decide which town to stay in. Here are a few options: Albergo Degli Amici in Monterosso al Mare. Arpaiu in Manarola Grand Hotel Portovenere (a bit outside of Cinque Terre) in Portivenere, which is lovely You may want to read our guide on where to stay in Cinque Terre for more info. Hope this helps. Your biggest challenge will be to find 4 (somewhat similar) rooms at the same place. Plus, September is really peak season so book asap! Good luck!

Friday 20th of January 2023

Read your Blog and found it very insightful. We are a family of four and will be traveling to Venice for a few days and continuing to Greece. Would you be able to recommend a hotel in Venice that is not outrageous but upscale?

Thank you, Ash

Tuesday 24th of January 2023

Thank you for your hotels response.

We have travelled quite a bit in the Asia and Caribbean and hoping to do the same in Europe. We are planning our itinerary base on your Venice recommendations. We love your "TIP".

Thank you again for the awesome blog.

Monday 23rd of January 2023

Hi Ashley, here are a few suggestions for a few nice hotels that have 4-person family rooms and offer quite good value in the city center, with breakfast: * Ca 'Del Campo * Centauro Hotel * Hotel Ca'Alvise * Hotel Torino As you will see, their style is really 'Venetian', but that's just something you'll find all over the city. There aren't that many modern-looking hotels in the city center. But that's part of visiting Venice.

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15 Best Things to Do in Venice

You'll find part of the appeal of Venice in its layers and contrasts: There are plenty of beautifully preserved palaces, churches and glorious renaissance masterpieces to be sure, but there are also abandoned Byzantine shipyards used to display the world's most cutting edge contemporary art, and house museums that now host avant garde poetry readings and dance shows. It's all about the mix of crumbling old world glamour and mysterious chic. Yes, it's a major tourist town, but with this list of the best things to do, we've tried to guide you towards the stuff that's really worth seeing, be it on everyone's hit list or more of a low-key secret.

St. Mark’s Basilica Arrow

The cathedral anchoring St. Mark's square is so over-the-top beautiful it almost looks imaginary, like a church in a storybook. Outside, it's all Byzantine domes and columns and lions and angels; inside, it's aglow with glittering, gilded mosaics. For those just interested in the architecture, you can visit when there's not a mass in session (it's still very much a functioning church, with regular services), but check the website for the latest on the sometimes-nonsensical opening hours. Also know that, because it's in the Times Square of Venice, the church has had to start limiting crowds in recent years and there's often a long line. Make plans to go early.

Palazzo Fortuny Arrow

Palazzo Fortuny, a Gothic palazzo, was once the home of Mariano Fortuny, the artist, stage designer, and textile designer behind Fortuny Fabrics, which still turns out luxurious damask silks, cut velvets and printed cottons today. As a museum, it's a tribute to his opulent and eclectic taste: Rooms, draped in a patchwork of luxurious textiles or painted in floor-to-ceiling frescoes, are filled with art, antiques, and decor from his collection.

Venetian Arsenal Arrow

Arsenale di Venezia, a massive Byzantine armory and shipyard, was originally built in the 12th century, and it served as the Venetian military HQ for centuries afterwards. Now, its cavernous halls and landscaped gardens are used as one of the main venues for the Biennale, as well as the city's Naval Museum. During the Biennale, the Arsenale is filled with curators, collectors, tourists, and artists checking out the exhibition or relaxing on one of the lawns overlooking the harbor.

Giardini della Biennale Arrow

Every two years, during the Art Biennale, Giardini della Biennale, the leafy garden at the edge of the city, transforms into the Epcot of the art world. Maritime pines and gravel pathways conjoin a series of small pavilions, each pertaining to a different country, and each with its own architectural style. At all other times, the park is simply a beautiful, secluded, walkable, mostly tourist-free green space, with views of the canal and plenty of benches. Getting here is a bit of a trek though though; the park is about a 30-minute walk from San Marco, so if you're there in the heat of summer, consider taking the vaporetto (water bus).

Gallerie dell'Accademia Arrow

Gallerie dell'Accademia is Venetian Renaissance 101. Name an important painter from the era—Titian, Canaletto, Bellini, Bosch, Tiepolo—and you can bet you'll find it here, spread among rooms as decadent as the paintings themselves. The collection spans the 13th to 17th centuries and consists mostly of works created in and around Venice. There are a lot of oil paintings, many of them religious masterpieces that have been beautifully restored and displayed. Particularly fun are the historical scenes of Venice, which offer a sense of the city's chaos during its heyday as a merchant capital.

Caffè Florian Arrow

Caffè Florian, in Piazza San Marco, has been open since 1720. In the early days, it was a watering hole for the likes of Proust, Dickens, and Casanova. Now, it's a tourist spot, sure—but it's a charming, beautiful, and an inarguably romantic one. Musicians (which you're paying for by the way—a fee will show up on your bill) play in the square out front, and patrons cluster around low marble tables, sipping hot chocolate and picking delicate pastries off silver trays. For first-timers to Venice, Florian is a glamorous place to stop and refuel.

Church of San Giorgio Maggiore Arrow

The main attraction on San Giorgio Maggiore, a small island next to Giudecca, is the church designed by Andrea Palladio, which has a bell tower with some of the best views in the city. But there are also multiple art foundations, including Fondazione Cini and Le Stanze del Vetro, worth checking out as well. Since the island is only reachable by boat, there's built-in crowd control, making it a perfect choice if you're looking to escape the San Marco fray.

Teatro La Fenice Arrow

The name of Teatro La Fenice, a landmark opera house, means "The Phoenix"—a nod to the fact that it's literally risen from the ashes not once, but three times, most recently after two arsonists burned down everything but the exterior walls in 1996. But it's been rebuilt and restored to its former glory (complete with its world-famous acoustics) by a team of architects and artists who sought to recreate every inch of the way it looked and felt in the 19th century.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection Arrow

This squat palazzo on the Grand Canal was once the home of the eccentric gallerist and collector Peggy Guggenheim, who played a big part in the careers of artists like Jackson Pollock, Max Ernst, and Alberto Giacometti. Today the eponymous museum still maintains the feeling of a private house. Most of the work on display was collected by Guggenheim during her lifetime—and it's some of the best art of the 20th century. In the entryway, two Picassos hang next to a Calder mobile. There are rooms filled with Kandinskys and Brancusis and Pollocks and Dalis. One mantlepiece is lined with Joseph Cornell boxes.

Fondazione Prada Arrow

This gloriously crumbling Baroque palazzo is the Venetian headquarters of Fondazione Prada. Much like the Italian fashion brand's designs, the artistic programming is bold, contemporary, and innovative. There is no permanent collection; instead, the three main floors of the palazzo are used as a project space for immersive exhibitions that often run concurrently with the Biennale. Sometimes, the foundation invites multiple artists to build installations that interact with the architecture; otherwise, curators will utilize every inch of the space to display a survey by one artist.

Pinault Collection Arrow

The contemporary art collection of French billionaire Francois Pinault is split between two Venetian venues: Palazzo Grassi, near the Accademia bridge, and Punta Della Dogana, the former customs house at the tip of Dorsoduro. Both are pretty spectacular, and they present a rotating program of blockbuster exhibitions. The shows at Palazzo Grassi tend to focus on a single living artist, giving them full reign of multiple floors as well as the massive central atrium. Across the canal, Punta Della Dogana usually goes wider, with thematic shows featuring work by multiple artists.

Doge’s Palace Arrow

Palazzo Ducale, an opulent gothic palace overlooking Saint Mark's Square, was the city's government seat (and the Doge's home) from the 14th to 18th centuries. It's been rebuilt and expanded over the years, so it's really a conglomeration of multiple buildings and styles—pretty much all of them over-the-top and glamorous. Visitors have access to various ballrooms, the Doge's former apartments, the grand inner courtyard, and the former prisons. It's run as a museum, so tickets are required.

Fondazione Querini Stampalia Arrow

Part 19th-century house museum, part contemporary exhibition space, part architecture nerd's dream garden, Fondazione Querini Stampalia is a microcosm of everything that's fascinating about Venice. The collection spans centuries and defies categorization: Renaissance paintings by the likes of Bellini and Tiepolo are displayed next to antique instruments, gilded French porcelain is laid out carefully on lace-trimmed tablecloths, and perfectly fluffed pillows sit on gleaming Louis XVI chairs. The garden, designed by the architect Carlo Scarpa in the 1960s, is a maze of geometric fountains and a serene lawn.

Mercato di Rialto Arrow

The fruit, vegetable, and fish market near the Rialto Bridge has been running for hundreds of years, and it's still where local chefs and home cooks come to stock their kitchens. Depending on the season, you'll find local cherries and peaches, artichokes and Treviso radicchio grown on nearby islands, and soft shell crabs and eels pulled straight from the lagoon. The produce market runs from 7:30 am to 1 pm every day except Sunday; the fish market is open those same hours, but Tuesday through Saturday.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco Arrow

Scuola Grande di San Rocco, an ornate Venetian "scuola" (the headquarters of a religious guild), is home to some of the Renaissance painter Tintoretto's best works, which cover the ceilings and walls of the building's two floors. Every inch of this place is decorated: In addition to the more than 60 paintings depicting scenes from the bible, floors are a geometric array of polished stones, every molding is intricately carved and/or gilded, and every wrought-iron lamp is as big as a person.

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40+ Venice Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

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The iconic city of Venice, Italy is one of those few destinations that requires no introduction. Famed the world over for its dreamy gondola-filled canals, this historic city (built over 100 islands) is the stuff of pure bucket list dreams, with a legion of obsessed fans all over the world.

And I get the obsession. Venice and I go way back. It’s the first city I ever visited in Europe, the first city where I ever missed a flight, and coincidentally where my boyfriend formally asked me to be his girlfriend… on Valentine’s Day, no less!

So believe me when I say I take it personally when people call Venice overrated.

I mean… can it be crowded and smelly in the summer? Yes. Can some restaurants and shops be wildly overpriced? Absolutely… but it’s still one of the most magical places in the world, so long as you do it right.

And after many repeat visits over the past decade, I think I’ve gotten a grasp on how to do Venice properly.

So, in this post, I’ll be sharing all my best Venice travel tips for first time visitors to help ensure you love this city as much as I’ve grown to. (Boyfriends sold separately)

Read on for my top Venice must-knows before you go.

Save this list of Venice Travel Tips for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Venice in Italian is Venezia

First off, let’s get one thing straight: the glorious city known to us as Venice is actually known in Italian as Venezia.

This is the name you’ll see at train stations, bus stations, and scrawled across a staggering amount of souvenir shop hats.

SO, remember: Venice is Venezia, and they are not in fact two different places (a blunder that’s more common than you think!)

2. Learn some basic Italian before you go

On a similar note, I do think it’s important to learn some basic Italian before you go. 

Venice gets its fair share of rude tourists so locals often appreciate when you make the effort and knowing some basics can go a long way, like…

• Hello (in the morning/afternoon):  Buongiorno (Bwon-JOOR-no) 
• Hello (in the evening):  Buonasera (Bwon-ah-SAY-ruh)
• Thank you:  Grazie (GRAHT-see-eh)

3. Stay overnight in Venice rather than do a day trip

Because of how pricey accommodation can be, many people opt to visit Venice as a day trip. 4 in 5 visitors in fact, according to some sources .

And if you’re considering that as an option, please picture me with a pouty face, stomping around and insisting you don’t.

Truthfully, 2-3 nights minimum is needed to get a feel for all that Venice has to offer, plus (even more crucially) staying in Venice overnight allows you to soak in the sights both early in the morning and late at night when crowds are at their lowest. In a city as busy as Venice, this bonus is invaluable!

Plus as of spring 2024, Venice will begin a trial of their controversial €5 entry fee for day trippers. So, save your money and your sanity – stay overnight! I promise it’s worth every penny.

4. Avoid visiting Venice during peak periods

Now, In terms of when to visit, the bad news is Venice doesn’t really have much of a quiet season at all.

That said, there are definitely aggressive peak seasons that I’d advise you avoid – namely summer, Easter & Carnival… unless your idea of a good time is waddling through narrow streets with a mosh pit of tourist-strangers .

Winter (outside of Carnival) is generally when you’ll find the least crowds in Venice.

Unfortunately though, this season brings more potential for rain, gloom, and floods, so to be safe, Spring and Fall are probably better times to go.

5. There are two airports close to Venice you can fly into

In terms of arriving in Venice, there is of course the Venice Marco Polo Airport which less than 5 miles away from the city centre, but there’s also the much smaller Treviso Airport which is about 25 miles away, and services budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air. 

For that reason, you can often find cheap flights that fly into this airport from other European countries, so it may be worth looking into if you’re visiting multiple countries on your trip.

6. Know that there’s many options for getting to Venice from Marco Polo Airport

From Marco Polo Airport, the quickest way to get into central Venice is booking a private water taxi, which comes at a hefty price tag starting at 120 euro minimum. For larger groups though, this might be worth it, especially because it only takes 30 minutes to get into the historic centre.

NOTE: If you want the airport water taxi experience for a cheaper price, you can also book individual slots here on a water taxi that you’ll then share with others.

Another much cheaper but slower option is to take the Alilaguna water bus, or vaporetto which has three potential routes that go to central Venice for only 15 euro… but takes over an hour.

And the final option is to take either a bus or a taxi which is slightly cheaper. It’s important to note though that the closest you can get to the historic centre on wheels is Piazzale Roma , and from there you’ll either need to finish the journey on foot or hop on a water bus or taxi anyway, so it’s probably not the best option unless you’re staying super close to there.

In any case, I would ask your accommodation the best way to get there and they’ll be able to advise.

7. Know there’s many options for getting to Venice from Treviso Airport

From Treviso Airport, while there are some buses and shuttles you can book, again the closest you can get to the historic centre will be Piazzale Roma. So, bear in mind you’ll need a plan to get from there to your accommodation!

In any case, if you don’t mind transferring, the cheapest option from Treviso is actually a combination of a bus and then train into Venice.

8. Beware of the two ‘Venezia’ train stations

On that note, apart from flying, an easy way to arrive in Venice is by taking the train. Venice is superbly well connected to the rest of Bella Italia through the Italian rail network which has an impressive 2000+ stations to choose from.

If you do take the train though, beware of a common tourist mistake that many first time visitors fall into: there are actually two stations that begin with Venezia – Venezia Santa Lucia and Venezia Mestre.

Venezia Santa Lucia is the central train station in Venice’s historic centre, right by the Grand Canal. In most cases, this is the one you’ll want to go to.

Venezia Mestre on the other hand is located on the mainland and is where you’ll find a lot of admin buildings… but also locals, because (surprise!) it’s much cheaper to live there.

Odds are, unless you’re staying in Mestre, you won’t have much reason to disembark at Venezia Mestre Station , so make sure you’re looking out for Venezia Santa Lucia Station, and you don’t accidentally get off early.

9. Remember you can’t drive in Venice

Now, the last option for arriving in Venice is by car but again, remember: no cars are allowed in Venice’s historic centre. It’s part of what makes this city so aggressively charming.

SO, if you drive to Venice, you will need to leave the vehicle at a pricey parking lot on the outskirts of the city during your stay. So, it’s not really an option I’d recommend unless Venice is just part of a big road trip you’re doing that includes other destinations.

10. Know the pros and cons of staying in historic Venice vs. on the mainland

Now let’s chat about where to stay.

When choosing accommodation, the two main areas to consider in Venice proper are either the historic centre or Mestre (the mainland bit where options tend to be cheaper).

If budget allows, staying in the historic centre is ideal because then you can easily explore Venice before and after the day trip crowds. It’s also much dreamier to be staying in the city, and is the option I’d recommend to any first timer.

… If you really can’t resist a hotel deal in Mestre though, don’t fret – you’re only a short train/boat ride away from Venice proper.

11. Understand the pros and cons of Venice’s different neighbourhoods

Alright – now it’s time to get our bearings with Venice’s historic centre, which is actually more fun than in most cities, because this magical city happens to be shaped like an actual fish.

… Oh yes. What a plaice.

Anyways, this historic centre of Venice is divided into six districts known as sestieri , arranged fishily like so:

If money is no object, staying in the belly of the fish is going to put you in close proximity to most major sights, with San Polo and San Marco being the priciest and busiest neighbourhoods.

Dorsoduro (bottom belly, I guess) is also a great choice, with some more affordable options and some quieter pockets as well.

If your goal is avoiding crowds though, the tail of the fish, Castello , is the largest of the sestieri and also the quietest, relatively speaking. 

And in terms of transport links, the most convenient areas are Cannaregio , the head of the fish which is home to Santa Lucia train station and Santa Croce, the fish nostrils, which is home to the transport hub Piazzale Roma… but of course, the vibes here may not feel as classic historic Venice as many visitors want.

NOTE: Some visitors may choose to stay at another island in the Venetian lagoon for a quieter and more affordable experience, but again, I’d really recommend staying in historic Venice for your first trip just to make the most of your time there.

Overall, there are lots of pros and cons to all these sestieri . If you’re stuck on finding the best place for you, check out my guide to finding the best accommodation every time to help narrow down your choices.

12. Pack light

Out of all the Venice travel tips I’m sharing in this post, packing light is possibly the most important.

I get it – maybe you want to bring a bunch of ballgowns for the most epic photoshoot of your life… or maybe you need space to hoard magnets. Either way, you might need to rethink how much you bring.

Not only do water taxis and boats have restrictions on how much luggage you can bring on board, you’re almost always guaranteed to end up carrying your bags on your own at some point, whether to get up on a bridge, on or off boats, etc.

So, don’t bring any bags you can’t reasonably carry yourself.

13. There are many options for navigating Venice via boat

By now, you should realize there’s only two ways to really get around Venice: on foot or on water.

In terms of water transportation, the cheapest option is to go by Vaporetto , which are like public water buses. One way tickets are quite steep at €9.50, so I’d advise buying a TravelCard that includes unlimited travel for set time periods like 24h, 48h, 72h or a week.

You can also book a Motoscafo or private water taxi that will cost significantly more, with trips within the city often going for 70 euro or more.

Of course there’s the world famous gondolas too, but do note that these are more for sightseeing than actual transportation, so we’ll discuss them later.

14. Don’t be too reliant on GPS in Venice

For shorter distances, the better way to get around Venice is (in my opinion) on foot.

One important thing to note however is that GPS services like Google Maps don’t work very well in Venice, with the blue dot often very confused as to where you really are amidst the city’s sea of centuries-old buildings.

So, if you’re highly Google Maps-dependent like me, it’s time to practice some old school navigation skills. Plan your route with landmarks and street names! Take note of your route as you go! Leave a trail of breadcrumbs! (But don’t.. because Venetian pigeons are scary)

In any case, remember to not rely on Google Maps, and plan your routes accordingly. Having a backup offline map downloaded or a paper map is also probably a good idea.

15. Add additional time buffers and assume you’ll get lost

Another silly but helpful Venice navigation tip?

Just assume you’ll get lost. Honestly. Because you will!

And if you assume it’ll happen, then you’ll ensure you have extra time buffers between booked activities, thereby minimizing stress and saving the family vacation. Yay!

16. Get your bearings by using Venice’s unique street signs

When trying to find your way around, your best friend in Venice (besides me, of course) will be the city’s unique street signs, known as nizioleti , which are beautifully painted on the walls of buildings.

… The trouble? Nizioleti can be deceptively confusing, because Venice has many unique terms for streets and places that aren’t familiar to most visitors.

So, here’s a quick crash course!

The most common word you’ll see is Calle which refers to a typical street. Some variations of this you might see include:

• Calle Larga , which means wide street and
• Calleta, which means a narrow street

In any case, this term generally applies to streets that have buildings on both sides. 

This is in contrast to a Fondamenta which is a canalside street that has a building on one side and a canal on the other.

Similarly, a Riva is a street that has buildings on one side and then a larger expanse of water on the other side.

Ramo is a small side street that often leads to a dead end and Sotoportego are unique passageways that go under buildings.

And you’ll also see other terms used for street that don’t really have as much to do with the physical properties of the street itself, but rather makes reference to its history, like…

• Salizada for instance is a word used for some of the city’s most historically important streets, and therefore the ones that were paved with cobblestones first
• Rio Tera refer to streets that used to be canals before they were filled to make streets, and
• Ruga are streets that used to be filled with compacted soil so your shoes wouldn’t get dirty

There’s also Campo which refers to a typical Venetian square. Unlike other places in Italy where the word piazza tends to be used for Square, Venice has only one Piazza, Piazza San Marco or Saint Mark’s Square.

The word Ponte means bridge, and you’ll see this one a lot because Venice has hundreds.

And lastly, the word used for most Venetian waterways is actually Rio, whereas Canal is reserved only for the big ones like the Grand Canal.

To get your bearings, you can look for signs with a red frame and lettering, which usually have an arrow pointing you in the general direction of famous landmarks. There are also some special yellow ones as well that do the same job.

The word “per” in these cases translates to “for” so, this way FOR Rialto Bridge.

17. Book big must-do attractions in advance

Now, let’s move onto Venice attraction tips!

As I mentioned before, no matter when you go to Venice, it’ll be busy, so if you have your heart set on any attractions, pre-booking is essential. You can do so online at a variety of places, like here:

• (Recommended!) Venice Passes & Bundles
• Doge’s Palace
• St Mark’s Basilica
• St Mark’s Bell Tower
• Classic Gondola Ride

For timed attractions, I would advise booking either the first possible time slot or the final one if your goal is to minimize crowds.

For untimed attractions, I would aim to either be there when it opens or just before it closes, because the middle of the day is almost always going to be the busiest time.

18. Book a sunrise tour

If your goal is to experience Venice like you own the place, walking around at sunrise is pretty much the only way to do it.

I booked a summer sunrise tour of Venice years ago and still think it’s one of the best things I ever did in the city. Getting to see all of Venice’s main squares and canals void of people was absolutely priceless.

And while sadly, the tour I took doesn’t seem to be offered anymore, there’s still a few alternatives, like this one that that includes breakfast.

19. Or book an after-hours tour

On the other hand, if you’re more of a night owl than an early bird, you can also look into after hour tours for certain attractions which get you entry after they close to the general public.

Here’s one for instance that gets you into St Mark’s Basilica after hours.

20. Choose the right sightseeing pass for Venice

Now if you’re hoping to save money during your visit in Venice, one thing to consider is getting a sightseeing pass ( you can browse some options here ).

Confusingly, Venice has several and the best choice for you will depend on which specific attractions you’ll see and how long you’re going to be in the city.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular options:

• Venice Pass : Probably the best deal for most 1st timers because it includes a lot of attractions like St Mark’s Basilica, Doges’ Palace and also a gondola ride, plus many other attractions.
• Venice Discovery Pass : Includes key attractions plus public transport on Vaporetto boats, including to and from the airport.
• Venezia Unica City Pass: Includes Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs and Armory, plus extra churches and museums

Overall, if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing, one of these passes would probably be worth it.

To choose which one, I would write down my top must-do activities and the duration of my stay, then see which pass fits those needs best.

21. Go beyond the main popular attractions in Venice

Of course, like in many major cities, some of the most charming parts of Venice can be found beyond the most famous sights.

In Venice, some wonderful gems to explore include…

• Liberia Acqua Alta : One of the world’s most beautiful bookstores which has a really cool section in the back with displays made of ruined books. This isn’t so much a secret anymore but it’s still very cool!
• Free rooftop terrace at Fondaco dei Tedeschi : Beautiful and free views that you have to book in advance here

… As well as plenty of museums that many visitors miss, so be sure to do a bit of extra research to find cool hidden gems!

22. Remember: Gondola prices are fixed

Now, let’s move onto gondola tips for Venice. The first thing to keep in mind is that prices for gondolas are actually fixed, so there’s no room for negotiation.

According to the official City of Venice regulations, gondolas can fit up to 5 adults at once and as of October 2023 cost a fixed rate of €80 for a 30 minute ride during the day, and €100 at night.

NOTE: If you don’t mind sharing with strangers, a more budget-friendly way to get a gondola ride may be booking a seat for yourself like through here .

23. Gondolas take different routes so choose wisely

Now, while gondolas all cost the same, it’s important to note that they don’t take the exact same routes, so be sure to ask the gondolier beforehand where they go, and try to make sure it’s a combination of both smaller canals and also the big iconic must-sees.

BONUS TIP: Be sure to also vet the vibe of your gondolier, because that can make a huge difference in your experience. The last thing you want is a grumpy gondolier that seems to despise everything about you…

24. Try to time your gondola ride for the morning

Especially if you’re visiting in the summer, I would time your gondola ride for the morning because…

• a) It’s the least busy time
• b) It’ll be less hot (there’s no shade on these gondolas!)
• c) Morning is when gondoliers will likely be in their best moods

25. Consider boarding your gondola in a quieter part of town

Of course, you can expect that line-ups for gondolas around the Grand Canal area will be the worst, so if you don’t mind visiting quieter less “famous” canals, then I’d advise starting your gondola ride elsewhere for a more peaceful experience overall.

26. Board a Traghetto for a budget-friendly boat ride

Now, if gondolas feel overly pricey, then there’s still another way you can get a boat ride experience in Venice for a fraction of the cost. 

Enter the almighty Traghetto!

These boats whisk locals and tourists alike across the Grand Canal for the low, low price of €2. That’s right, you could literally ride the Traghetto back and forth forty times for the price of one scenic gondola…

Now, is it the same experience? Obviously not. A Traghetto ride is fairly short, and involves a larger less opulent boat. But for the price of a bottle of water? It’s not a bad budget hack at all.

27. Consider booking a rowing lesson instead of a gondola ride

Lastly on the boat front (because wow, I didn’t realize I had this many boat-related Venice tips), consider booking a lesson with Row Venice if you’re hoping to get out on the water in a non-touristy fashion.

This unique (non-profit) company offers rowing lessons and tours that allow you to traverse Venice’s iconic waterways in a way that most tourists never get to experience – with you in control!

The cost is on par with a regular day time gondola ride, except the lessons last 90 minutes so you’re on the water for the triple the time. Definitely worth looking into if you’re looking for unique things to do in Venice.

28. Avoid dining in St Mark’s Square

Alright, now it’s time to tackle Venice food tips!

First off – as enticing as they look, do avoid the fancy restaurants in St Mark’s Square.

While the views and vibes are immaculate (with someone playing the Godfather theme on the accordion at all times, it seems), the restaurants here are well known tourist traps with inflated prices and often poor food quality.

If you do want to enjoy the atmosphere though, maybe opt for a coffee or drink instead, then eat elsewhere.

29. Dine far away from major tourist attractions

On a similar note, I would try to dine as far away as possible from major tourist attractions for the same reason.

Most of the time, these restaurants cater to tourists and don’t prioritize good service or quality since you probably won’t come back anyway.

I find that quality and prices tend to improve dramatically once you find yourself outside of the main tourist hotspots, so be sure to shop around and when in doubt, look at reviews.

30. Only go to restaurants with prices

Another important Venice must-know? Always make sure prices are on clear display before you commit to a restaurant.

Over the years, there have been many headlines like this one about Venetian restaurants overcharging tourists for meals… and getting away with it. So don’t let that be you!

A common trick is they charge pricey items like seafood by weight, so pay special attention to that.

31. Look out for ‘Venezia Autentica’ restaurants/businesses

If you’re stuck and need a quick frame of reference, there’s an organization known as Venezia Autentica that aims to support and highlight authentic local businesses that are run responsibly.

So when in doubt, you can always look out for their stickers or browse their website for ideas.

32. Try Venetian dishes while in Venice

Now another important Venice food tip is to try traditional Venetian cuisine over stereotypical “Italian foods” like pizza or pasta. 

I know that sounds blasphemous, but hear me out: wood fire pizza ovens are for the most part banned in Venice, so good pizza is in pretty short supply… plus Venetian cuisine doesn’t tend to focus much on pasta.

Instead, try some local dishes, like for instance…

Cichetti: These are little bite-sized dishes you can eat with your hands or a toothpick, usually for €1-3 each. They come in a huge variety so they’re great for tasting lots of local flavours in one go and are common when you go to a Bacaro which are cozy traditional Venetian taverns.

A popular dish commonly seen at a Bacaro is Sarde in Saor (Sardayn Sour) which are fried sardines served with vinegar and onion.

Venetians are also big on risotto, with a soupier iteration known as Risi e bisi which is rice and peas, that is very popular.

… Also very popular is polenta, which is paired with a variety of dishes like small lagoon shrimp (like in Polenta e shcie ) and liver (like in Fegato alla veneziana ).

And if you feel you may combust without pasta on this trip (no judgement), try Bigoli which is a classic Venetian pasta that’s like thick spaghetti, often served as Bigoli in salsa which means with an onion and fish sauce.

33. Bring a refillable bottle because there’s free water fountains

If you have a free second between inhaling all those delicious Venetian classics, another important must-know is to stay hydrated.

Luckily, staying hydrated in Venice is free!

All over the city, you’ll find many free drinking fountains offering clean and drinkable water, so bring a refillable bottle and take advantage.

34. Read up on more general Italy food and drink tips

There are many more general food tips I could tell you about Italy, but then we’d be here forever.

SO I’d recommend reading my full Italy travel tips post for more info on things like coffee etiquette, the structure of a typical Italian menu, and many more delicious secrets.

35. Take note of English/Italian names of landmarks and places

Now once you arrive in Venice, there are a few things you must know.

Firstly – keep in mind that the Italian and English names of places are often used interchangeably, so it’s helpful to remember that these are indeed the same places, for instance…

• Piazza San Marco = St Mark’s Square
• Palazzo Ducale = Doge’s Palace
• Ponte di Rialto = Rialto Bridge

36. Be prepared to pay for public toilets 

Public toilets in Venice can often cost as much as €1.50, so if you’re a total cheapskate like me, remember to use the toilet whenever you have an opportunity to so like at the hotel, at a restaurant or at museums.

Also be sure to keep coins on you so you can pay for these public toilets when needed.

37. Beware of pickpockets 

Unfortunately, Venice is a very popular city with many potential easy targets for pickpockets, so you’ll encounter a fair few in busy areas.

So, be vigilant and make sure you keep a hand and eye on your belongings.

… And read my full guide on how to avoid pickpockets in Europe for more guidance!

38. Don’t feed the pigeons 

Besides selfie sticks and sunburns, the most common thing you’ll see in St Mark’s Square is pigeons. And lots of ’em.

More than likely, you may also witness a tourist feeding and taking photos with said pigeons. Please refrain from doing this as it’s a banned and fineable offense … which also happens to be fairly gross.

39. Don’t swim in or touch canal water

Speaking of gross, another Venice must know is that you should never under any circumstance touch the canal water or try to swim in it.

Not only is the water really dirty and often laced with sewage, it’s (also) a fineable offense of a few hundred euro.

40. Look for artisan shops to support

Another important Venice tip? When shopping for souvenirs, do go to small artisan shops rather than buy cheap copies from typical souvenir stalls.

Anywhere really close to big touristy squares or attractions are likely to have mass produced goods that aren’t of great quality. So, make sure you shop around for goods that are handmade – they’ll definitely last longer!

41. Don’t be tempted by the fake designer goods 

On a similar note, you may see some people in Venice selling fake designer bags on the street.

Not only are these (of course) low quality copies, it’s also illegal in Italy to buy counterfeit goods, so beware of that.

NOTE: These salespeople can be very persistent, so the best course of action is to simply not engage at all.

42. Don’t randomly stop to take photos and block the way

This can be very frustrating for everyone involved, so just be mindful that you’re not the only person in Venice and you should get out of the way if you want to stop for photos.

43. Do a day trip to the nearby islands in the Venetian lagoon

Lastly, if you have time, make sure you explore more of the Venetian Lagoon besides just Venice!

Burano for instance is this gorgeous rainbow island that is honestly one of the prettiest places I’ve ever been to. You can learn more about the best things to do in Burano in my full guide, or read my Venice to Burano guide for guidance.

There’s also the similarly named Murano, which is well known for its artisan glass production, as well as several more islands with their own draws, so be sure to leave some room in your itinerary for exploring further!

I hope you enjoyed those Venice travel tips! 

Let me know in the comments if you have any more Venice must-knows to add. Safe and happy travels! 🙂

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

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✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

1 thought on “40+ Venice Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go”

I’ve never been to Venice before, but it’s on my list for next year so I’ve been searching for first timers guides! Some super handy tips in here 🙂

C x Lux Life London

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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!

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!

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.

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!

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

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 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.

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 .

Murano & 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 !

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.

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!

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 .

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.

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!

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 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.

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.

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 .

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!

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.

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.

Skip-the-Line Ticket to the Hard Rock Café 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.

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.

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 !

St. Mark's Basilica + Pala D’Oro Guided Tour If you want to discover  one of the most beautiful temples in the world , this  guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica and the Pala D’Oro is for you!

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!

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

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!

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.

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 . 

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 !

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 .

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!

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

Murano + Glass Workshop Trip On this trip to Murano , we'll discover its charm and visit its glass factory , the most popular trade on the island . You'll love it!

St. Mark's Basilica Ticket + Audioguide Explore one of Venice's must-see attractions with a  skip-the-line ticket to St. Mark's Basilica . Plus enjoy audioguide commentary throughout your visit!

Do you dare to enter the Palazzo delle Prigioni ? With your ticket to the Maleficia exhibition , you can learn the darkest secrets of La Serenissima.

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 !

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 .

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.

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 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.

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!

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!

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!

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 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.

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 .

Our travel guides

• top attractions
• where to stay
• and much more

30+ Tips For Visiting Venice To Make The Most Of Your Trip

So you’re planning a trip to Venice? Welcome to one of my favorite European cities. To help you have the best experience, I’ve put together a list of 30+ key must know tips for visiting Venice. 

Venice is one of the world’s most breathtaking and most exciting cities. It’s a small cosmopolitan city with myriad world class attractions and a rich history.

But Venice isn’t the easiest city to get to know. Getting lost is a given, the crowds can be beastly, and visiting the city of water presents some very specific logistical challenges. 

People seem to either love or hate Venice. As Thomas Mann once said, it can seem “half fairytale and half tourist trap.”

But Venice is truly a unique one-of-a-kind city. There’s nowhere else like it in the world. With these Venice tips, hopefully you can avoid some of the hassles of visiting Venice and have a smooth and efficient visit.

Must Know Tips For Visiting Venice

Here are my 30+ must know tips and experience-based suggestions for visiting Venice. You’ll find everything you need to know about Venice to help plan your trip.

1. Study Up On Venice’s History

My first tip for Venice is that you can’t go to Venice without knowing a little about its history. I’ve written a nutshell history of Venice that you can consult.

I also love the Smarthistory website for getting background information for a visit. They have videos and articles on Venetian art , t he Renaissance in Venice , and on St. Mark’s Basilica . There’s nothing like getting a little preview before you see the real thing.

2. Plan Ahead

My second Venice tip is that you’ve got to be somewhat organized to visit Venice. It doesn’t work well to do things on the fly, even if you like to be spontaneous.

At a minimum, you’ll need to plan in advance how to get to your hotel from the airport or train station (I give you options below). You’ll also need to pre-book skip the line tickets for the main attractions (I tell you how below).

After that, decide how best to organize each day of your Venice itinerary by geographical location of sites and how long you expect to spend on a given activity.

READ : How Many Days To Spend In Venice

3. Expect Crowds

One of the top tips and things to know about Venice is that it is almost always very crowded. There’s not even really much of a “shoulder season” anymore.

There will masses of people in the tiny maze-like streets. So be prepared to be jostled and for some slow-moving progress.

This may improve or change somewhat in the future. Venice has banned all but the smallest cruise ships from central Venice, reducing the volume of day trippers.

4. Tips For How To Get To Venice

You’ll definitely need some Venice tips about getting from the airport into the city. It’s not as easy since Venice is a floating city of water.

If you are flying to Venice, you’ll land at Venice Marco Polo Airport. That’s the international hub. There are four ways to get from the airport to your hotel.

You can take the Alilaguna Water Bus to Zattere Ferry Terminal and then walk to your hotel. They are very distinct white and yellow bottomed boats.

The trip takes 75-90 minutes. The dock is a 10 minute walk from the airport.

Second, if your budget can handle it, reserve a private water taxi in advance to take you directly to your hotel. That’s what we did the last time I visited Venice with a group of six. Then, you won’t be dragging bags around Venice’s busy cobbled streets.

Lastly, you can also take either a taxi or the ATVO bus from the airport that will drop you at Piazzale Roma. You can buy a bus ticket at the airport ticket office.

From Piazzale Roma, you can either walk or take a vaporetto to the closest stop to your hotel or accommodation.

You can also get to Venice by train. Venice’s main train station is Venezia Santa Lucia Railway Station. To get from the train station into the city, take the line 2 vaporetto to the San Marco or Rialto stop. Or you can book a private transfer .

The train station isn’t that far from the city center. It’s less than a half hour walk. If you are taking any day trips from Venice, you can simply walk there and hop on the train.

To buy train tickets in advance to get to or from Venice, check Omio for schedules and fares.

5. Tips For Parking In Venice

Venice is a car-free city. But you can still reach Venice by car. You’ll just need to park in one of the parking locations outside the city.

There are a number of these available, at varying price points and distances from the city. You can check out your options on Parclick . As you approach Venice, big signs will indicate the parking garage options.

The first garage you’ll encounter is Tronchetto Island. It’s also the cheapest since it’s a bit father from the city.

Plus, because it’s where cruise ships dock, you have excellent transportation options to get to the city center. You can take a vaporetto right to St. Mark’s Square.

If you go a bit farther, you can park at Parcheggio Communale Venezia in Piazzale Roma. It’s more expensive, but super convenient. It’s next to Venice’s train station and a vaporetto stop.

6. Entrance Fee For Venice

Effective January 16, 2023, Venice will institute an entrance fee to visit the city of between 3 to 10 euros per person. You should expect to pay more on busier days.

If you are overnighting in Venice, you don’t have to pay the fee because you will pay a tourist tax at your hotel.

A booking system went online in the Fall of 2022. So you can apply for and pay your fee before arriving.

7. Tips For How To Get Around Venice

There are no roads, cars, or bikes allowed in Venice. You either have to hoof it or take a vaporetto.

>>> Click here to book a Vaporetto Pass

Venice is very walkable. You can walk from end to end in about 1 hour. You’ll need comfy walking shoes for the uneven pavements.

You’ll likely get lost in the maze of colorful canals. Many of the streets don’t even have names or they dead end into a canal.

But the GPS will work most of the time and there are signs pointing you in the direction of the top attractions. Besides, getting lost is part of the charm of Venice.

8. Guided Walking Tours

If you are visiting Venice for only 1-2 days, a great way to get an overview of the city and learn about its attractions is to take a guided walking tour to get oriented. There are all sort of tours geared to individual interests. You can:

• book a private art tour of Venice
• take a 3 hour walking tour focusing on the top attractions
• take a foodie walking tour and sample cicchetti
• book a private walking tour
• tour Venice at night
• 2 hour walking tour with hidden gems

9. Vaporettos

In Venice, vaporettos are the most common mode of transportation after walking. A vaporetto is a water taxi. It’s a convenient, and beautiful, way to get around Venice.  

Stops are shown on most Venice maps. You can recognize the boats by their yellow and white floating platforms.

There will be a map at the stop that you can read to determine what direction to go. You can buy a ticket using the machine in front of the main stops.

The main vaporetto is #1, which stops 13 times between Piazza San Marco and Piazzale Roma. Click here to book a vaporetto pass.

If you don’t want to ride the vaporetto, you can book a  1 hour guided boat tour . You can also book a  3 hour guided tour   of the St. Mark’s area that comes with a boat cruise. Alternatively, take a sunset boat cruise and see the city when it’s at its most romantic.

10. Public Rest Rooms

You’ll have to pay to pee at public rest rooms in Venice. The cost is usually 1 or 2 euros. So be sure to keep some cash on hand for this purpose.

Another option is to pop into a cafe or bar for an espresso or drink. Then, you can use the cafe’s facilities since you are a official customer.

11. How Many Days In Venice Is Enough

If you are visiting Venice for the first time, you may be wondering how much time you need to see everything. 

Most people spend 1-2 days in Venice. But Venice truly has a lot to offer. On a longer visit, you won’t have to frantically squeeze the must see landmarks in and can discover some unique sites.

If you only have a day or two available, by all means, don’t let this stop you from visiting Venice. My first visit to the floating city was a day trip in college. But, on my last visit, I stayed a week, and enjoyed it infinitely more.

I would recommend 3 days in Venice. You can see the city’s sites in a reasonable leisurely way the first 2 days and then take a day to explore the lagoon islands.

If you want help in fashioning your itinerary, you can check out my 1 day in Venice itinerary and my 2 days in Venice itinerary .

12. What To Pack For Venice

I’m an inveterate over-packer. But you should try to avoid overpacking to ensure you have room to bring home some goodies and purchases you’ll undoubtedly make. Or else, pack an extra tote bag. 

There are some things you will need to pack. Venice is a stylish city with well dressed citizens.

It’s not really the place for baggy pants, sweatpants, or super short shorts. Especially for sightseeing in cathedrals and churches.

I’d advice wearing slightly upscale leisure clothes for your daily sightseeing or touring. That doesn’t have to be fancy, just nice slacks and a smart top.

It’s also advisable to pack comfortable shoes for walking. You may be clamoring up uneven stony stairs or strolling down cobblestone streets.

When I travel to Europe, I never leave without my small  PacSafe anti-theft backpack . They come in cut resistance fabric and have lockable zippers. 

Don’t forget your travel adaptor either. Venice uses type C, F and L plugs, which most of Europe uses. You can also use a universal adaptor, which is what I have.

You can easily purchase an adapter in any travel store or online. If you forget to bring one with you, you can buy one at the airport. 

I also bring a small portable charger to throw in my backpack. If you’re using your phone as a GPS and taking lots of photos, your charge may not last through the day. With a portable charger, you can charge as you walk.

13. Venice City Passes

The Venice Discovery Pass gives you access to the Doge’s palace, 15 churches, a public transport card, and a Rond trip transfer fro Marco-Polo Airport.

The  Venice Museum Pass  gives you a single entry to 11 civic museums in Venice. The pass is valid for 6 months.

14. Tips For Gondola Rides In Venice

Taking a gondola ride in Venice ranks among one of the most dreamed-about experiences for travelers. 

But the image of a singing gondolier is more Hollywood than reality. So it’s a bit of a controversy as to whether a gondola ride is really “worth it” and it definitely depends on your budget.

While undeniably romantic, gondolas are very expensive and some say overrated. There are  official set prices . So don’t bother negotiating. 

Gondolas can hold six people. You can always recruit fellow travelers to share the cost.

Here are some of the sample gondola rides you can go on:

• shared gondola ride across the Gran Canal
• shared 2 hour gondola ride past main sites
• 30 minute private gondola ride
• 45 minute private gondola ride
• sm all gr oup w alking tour and gondola ride
• 30 minute private gondola ride at night
• 2.5 hour private city tour + gondola ride

15. Traghettos

If you don’t want to spring for a gondola ride, take a traghetto instead. Traghetto is a word that means “ferry” in Italian. It’s a passenger boat that’s bigger than a gondola.

Traghettos were created for the locals to cross the Grand Canal. In a   traghetto, you stand with up to 12 other people. 

You can find the traghetto stations on Google Maps. It only costs 2   € per person to go one way. It can be an efficient way to see attractions on the Grand Canal easily. Click  here  for information on stations, times, and fares.

16. Tips For Visiting Churches In Venice

Another must know tip for Venice is that you’re forbidden from entering Venice’s churches in “inappropriate attire.” That means shorts, sleeveless tops, cropped tops, and skirts above the knee are banned. Women may want to bring a scarf in your purse or backpack to provide some cover.

There are some beautiful churches in Venice. Here are the ones you can’t miss.

St. Mark’s Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilica  is an astonishing tour de force of Italo-Byzantine architecture. Consecrated in 1093, it’s one of the world’s most famous churches.

Inside, the basilica is a golden extravaganza of 90,000 square feet of mosaics. The oldest mosaics in St. Mark’s date back to 1070, telling Old Testament stories.

>>> Click here to book a skip the line ticket

The Frari Church

The Basilica of Sant Maria Glorioso dei Frari is simply known as the Frari.” “The church is located in San Polo and is an art-filled mini museum of Venetian Renaissance art. 

Inside, you’ll find important masterpieces by Titian and Bellini. There are also ornate tombs of famous Venetians, including monuments to Titian and the sculptor Antonio Canova. 

If you want to see the Frari, you can book a  guided walking tour  of San Polo and the Frari. 

Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute

This 17th century church dominates the venice skyline. it’s an homage to the virgin mary saving venice from the plague. free to enter, la salute is a venetian jewel of baroque architecture. .

17. Tips For Booking Tickets For Top Attractions In Advance

This is a super important tip for visiting Venice — you need to book major attractions online in advance. If you don’t, you will be confronted with long queues. That will inevitably cut into your precious sightseeing time and make you frustrated. 

I advise booking skip the line tickets weeks in advance for these particular sites:

St. Mark’s Basilica : You absolutely must book a skip the line entry ticket . Be sure to get in the right line when you are lining up. You can also purchase an  after hours ticket  to access to some places you can’t see during the day.

Doge’s Palace :  The Palazzo Ducale is one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks. The pink and white marble Gothic-Renaissance building was the official residence of the doges, who ruled Venice for more than 1,000 years.

You will definitely need a skip the line ticket to visit the palace. You can also buy a combination ticket that includes a skip the line ticket + the Venice Museum Pass.

St. Mark’s Campanile Climb : This is the tallest vantage point in Venice and the lines can seem endless. But you can book a reserved timed entry ticket on Tiqets , which will give you a 30 minute time slot to visit.

Peggy Guggenheim Museum : This fantastic museum will also be mobbed, so be sure to book a skip the line ticket .

You can print your ticket/vouchers at home or show the bar code on your mobile phone at the entrance. Sometimes your voucher will need to be exchanged for a paper ticket at the ticket booth.

18. Guided Tours Of Attractions

You can easily visit the sites in Venice on your own. But there are two attractions that I recommend getting a guided tour, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.

With a guided tour, you will learn much more about the history and all the little things to see that you might otherwise miss.

St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the most unique and beautiful churches in Italy . This  3 hour guided tour   gives you combo access to St. Mark’s, the terrace, and the Doge’s Palace. This  2 hour guided tour  gives you a walking tour of Venice + skip the line entry to the basilica.

For the Doge’s Palace, this  guided tour of the Doge’s Palace , which I took myself, gives you an overview of the Renaissance art, a peak at the prisons, and a walk across the Bridge of Sighs. The  Secret Itineraries Tour  takes you to even more secret spots in the palace.

19. Opening Hours

Most shops in Venice are open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

The majority of Venice’s museums and attractions open either at 9:00 am or 10:00 am and close between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm. In fact, if you’re having trouble fitting everything in, evenings can be a great time to sightsee.

Most attractions have “summer” and “winter” hours, being open longer in “summer.” So be sure to check the website of your intended destination. 

Also, another Venice tip is that, despite the stated “closing” hour, the last admission to many sites may be 30-60 minutes before closing. This is true at the Doge’s Palace, for example.

Going the first thing in the morning isn’t always ideal either. For example, people start lining up for St. Mark’s Basilica a half hour or more before opening. It might be better to visit this site mid to late afternoon instead.

20. St. Mark’s Square

There is more to Venice than St. Mark’s Square, pretty though it is. Most tourists with only one day in Venice will mostly be in this area because this is where the top attractions are. Two warnings about his area.

St. Mark’s Square is prone to flooding, particularly between October and January.

There are also droves of pigeons and seagulls in the square. It’s illegal to feed them. And you may need to be careful they don’t snatch food right out of your hands.

21. Museums In Venice

When most people think of Venice, they imagine romantic gondolas and canals, not world class art. But Venice has a shocking number of excellent museums for a small city.

Here’s a quick rundown to help you plan your itinerary, if you’re an art lover.

Galleria Accademia

This museum is the world’s top museum for Venetian Renaissance art. Yes, it’s true. And the best thing about it? It’s usually fairly empty even in high season.

The museum traces the evolution of Venetian art from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. The gallery has paintings by luminaries such as Veronese, Titian, Tintoretto, Tiepolo, Bellini, Canaletto, and Giorgione.

Its prize possession is the world’s most famous drawing, Leonardo da Vinci’s  Vitruvian Man , although it isn’t often on display.

Here’s my complete guide to visiting the Galleria Accademia . Click here to book a ticket in advance.

Peggy Guggenheim Museum

This modern art museum holds the magnificent collection of American heiress and art collector Peggy Guggenheim . It’s housed in a palace she called home.

It’s a small, but exquisite, collection. There are top 20th century works by Jackson Pollack, Max Ernst, Joan Miro, Paul Klee, Max Ernst, Magritte, Willem de Kooning, Salvador Dali, and Alexander Calder.

Unlike the Galleria with its focus on religious art, this museum is always packed. You’ll need to pre-book a skip the line ticket if you want to admire the art. If you love the Golden Age of modern art, you may want to book this popular private tour of the museum.

Ca’ d’Oro

Ca’ d’Oro is a 15th century Venetian Gothic-style palace located just across the Rialto Market, overlooking the Grand Canal. The museum houses an art collection gifted by Baron Franchetti.

The most famous piece is the  San Sebastiano  by Andrea Mantegna. But there are also works by Titian, Gordon, Guardi, and Van Eyck. Click  here  to book a ticket because they will likely sell out.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco

If you love classical art, head to the absolutely breathtaking  Scuola Grande di San Rocco . It’s an off the beaten path gem in Venice’s San Polo area and a must visit for fans of the Venetian Renaissance painter Tintoretto.

The school is decorated wall to wall by Tintoretto. His fresco cycle in the Chapter Room is considered the “Sistine Chapel of Venice.”

Ca’ Rezonnico

The Palazzo Rezonnico museum is a shrine to 18th century Venetian artists. This period in history is known as the “Age of Decadence.”

The palace is a beautiful and rare  in situ  museum, where the art on display was created specifically for the palazzo.

You’ll find paintings and frescoed ceilings by Tiepolo, Longhi, Canaletto, Guardi, Molinari, and Lazzarini. You should pre-purchase a ticket .

Musee Correr

Musee Correr is dedicated to Venice’s civic history. The museum is named after Venetian aristocrat Teodoro Correr, who bequeathed his collection of classical antiquities to the city.

22. Free Things To Do In Venice

I’m not gonna lie, Venice is the most expensive city in Italy. Both the restaurants and hotels will set you back. You can pay $10 for a soda in St. Mark’s Square.

That said, there are plenty of free things to do in Venice. It costs nothing to wander through St. Mark’s Square or the Rialto. You can shop at the Rialto market instead of eating out.

Many of Venice’s churches are free to visit. You can pop into Acqua Alta Book Shop, which is gorgeous secondhand book shop.

23. Hidden Gems In Venice

Looking for some unusual things to do in Venice? There quite a few secret spots, for repeat visitors to Venice.

In April 2022, one of the most famous buildings on the Piazza San Marco, Procuratie Vecchie , opened to the public for the first time in history.

The building stretches the entire length of the north side of the piazza. The building’s Neo-Classical facade is one of the most photographed spots in Venice. You can head inside to the cafes and bars or just to admire the architecture.

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is a 15th century palace boasting a stunning “scala” or spiral staircase, made of brick and marble, that runs up the side of the palace. It’s not easy to find, so put “Scala Contarini del Bovolo” or “Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo” into Google Maps or your GPS.

As you stroll, also keep an eye out for Venice’s three leaning bell towers: Santo Stefano, San Giorgio dei Greci, and San Pietro di Castello. While Pisa may boast the most famous leaning tower in Italy, these are worth a look.

The Museo Fortun y is an off the beaten path museum housed in a glamorous palazzo. The building was transformed by designer Mariano Fortuny into his own photography, set-design, stagecraft, and painting atelier.

24. Viewpoints In Venice

Do you love a beautiful vista? It’s always exciting to discover a city from above. So, here are my tips for where to find the best viewpoints in Venice.

St. Mark’s Campanile is the bell tower next to the cathedral. You’ll have stunning views from the top, and I think it’s the best viewpoint in Venice.

There are no stairs. You take an elevator to the top. To avoid long lines, you should book a timed entrance ticket in advance .

The rooftop terrace of Procuratie Vecchie, in Piazza San Marco, offers up stunning views of the basilica. And you’ll have beautiful views of the Grand Canal from the Ca’ d’Oro palace museum.

Another great viewpoint is the top of the T Fondaco dei Tedeschi  The former palace is now a luxury department store.

From its rooftop, you’ll have 360 views of Venice. The palace is free to visit, but you need to  book   your 15 minute time slot time in advance.

If you’re really into views, you may want to book a Venice rooftops and Prosecco tour .

25. Overview Of Neighborhoods in Venice

Venice is a city of neighborhoods. Most visitors stay in San Marco. But I think they are all worth visiting if you have a multi-day stay. Here’s a quick overview.

San Marco : San Marco is the central touristy hotspot concentrated with Venice’s major attractions, upscale shops, and restaurants.

Dorsoduro : The Dorsoduro is an artsy student district with wonderful museums and the Campo Santa Margherita.

Castello : Castello is a beautiful off the beaten path district with gardens and a medieval shipyard.

San Polo : San Polo is home to busy Rialto markets, with a combination of great restaurants and tourist traps.

Cannaregio : Cannaregio is Venice’s historic Jewish Quarter, a lovely residential area with great cicchetti bars, lovely churches, and narrow canals. Cannaregio is a great place to go on a guided food tour or take a walking tour to see hidden gems in Venice.

Santa Croce : In Santa Croce, you’ll find lots of palazzos and bacaris (Venetian wine bars with cicchetti).

26. How To Get To Venice’s Lagoon Islands

No visit to Venice is complete without exploring some of the lagoon islands, especially Murano and Burano. Murano is known for its lace making and Murano is known for its colorful photogenic buildings.

Here are my Venice tips for getting to the islands:

To get to Burano : Vaporetto 12 from Fondamente Nove in Cannaregio (45 minutes)

To get to Murano : Vaporetto 4.1, 4.2, or 12 from Fondamente Nove or Vaporetto 4.1 or 4.2 from St. Mark’s Square (San Zaccaria stop)

To get to Torcello : Vaporetto NLN from Fondamente Nove (50 minutes)

To get to the Lido : Vaporetto 1 from St. Mark’s Square (1 hour)

The easiest thing to do is book a  full day tour  to see the islands. Or, you can opt for a  half day tour  of just Murano and Burano.

27. The Italian Happy Hour is the “Apertivo “

Apertivo is the Italian version of happy hour. It’s a ritual of indulging in a pre-dinner cocktail or apertivo and small nibbles of freefood. It’s a luxe version of our happy hours.

Unlike the American happy hour though, the Italian Apertivo may last from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. 

For their Apertivo, Italian like traditional cocktails like a Bellini, Negroni, Campari, or Apersol Spritz.

28. Dining In Venice: Where To Eat

You’ll also need some tips for dining out in Venice. Venice’s meal times run on a different schedule than the U.S.

Lunch is usually between 1:00 to 3:00 pm and dinner starts late at 8:00 pm. Many of the restaurants are closed between lunch and dinner.

A cover charge is always added to your bill. But you won’t be rushed. You can linger as long as you like. That’s the Italian way. In fact, you will likely have to ask for your check when you’re ready to go.

It’s honestly pretty easy to get a crappy meal in Venice. There are plenty of tourist restaurants with plastic photo-filled menus. Try to avoid those.

Also try to avoid grabbing a meal in St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto area, or the Riva degli Schiavoni promenade. Instead, look for an out of the way place (and make reservations) in the Dorsoduro or Cannaregio neighborhoods.

I can recommend  Bistro de Venice  (San Marco),  Al Covo  (Castello),  Locanda Monti  (Dorsoduro),  L’Orto dei Mori  (Cannaregio), or  All’ Anforna (Santa Croce) Make reservations!

In lieu of a restaurant, you could book a  3 hour evening food and wine tour . Or you could book this  2.5 hour food tour in Cannargio , which includes ciccetti (tapas), wine, and a gondola ride. I’ve done this tour and it was great.

You can also book a dinner cruise on the Venetian Lagoon .

If you want a glamorous breakfast or brunch, book at table at  Hotel Danieli . 

Perched on the hotel’s roof top, the Restaurant Terrazza Danieli is a magical location, overlooking the Grand Canal, the Doge’s Palace, and the Lido. This was one of the nicest things that I did my last time in Venice.

29. Where To Stay In Venice

Sure, you can do a day trip to Venice and see most of it since it’s not very big. But I really recommend staying overnight, even for just a couple nights. Plus, if you are an early riser, you’ll have the advantage of seeing the city before it gets crowded.

I’ve stayed in many different places in Venice — in the Rialto, Dorsoduro and Castello — in both hotels and Air Bnbs. 

There are some amazing hotels. Be aware that, because Venice is such a dense city, the hotel rooms will be smaller than usual.

If you want a real luxury hotel, opt for  Gritti Palace  (elegance and views of the Grand Canal) or the  Hotel Danieli  (opulent Venetian rooms with a rooftop terrace). The Gritti palace is Venice’s best hotel. It’s a place that’s luxurious while still being understated.

If you want a luxe hotel in the center of things, try  St. Regis  (unrivaled terrace suites above the Grand Canal),  Aman Venice  (my fave, you’ll feel like an aristocrat), or  Bauer Palazzo  (elegant Venetian design).

For a cute boutique hotel, try the  Novecento ,  the  Palazzo Venart , or the  Hotel Bucintoro .

If you’d like to stay off center for some peace and quiet, try the  Belmond Cipriani   on the island of Guidecca. This is where the Bellini cocktail was invented. 

You can also try  San Cle m ente Palace Kempinski   on San Clemente island or  Al Pone Antico  in Cannaregio.

30. When To Visit Venice

One key tip for Venice is to not visit in the summer. In the summer months, it’s uber hot and the crowds are beastly. The city can seem a bit theme park-ish.

Try to visit in spring or fall, particularly in October/November and March/April. Winter can be wet and cold in Venice, so I’d avoid visiting then.

If you’re interested in attending the  Venice Carnival , the festival takes place annually in February. Three million people dress up in black capes, costumes, and gilded masks and dance until dawn.

You may also want to attend the famed  Venice Biennial . Millions of visitors flood into Venice in the summer to attend this annual festival of art and culture. It’s a vast display of art curated by a new artistic director each year.

31. Day Trips From Venice

Venice makes a great base for day tripping in the Veneto region. Though if you want to save a few dollars, you can also use Verona as a base.

The best day trips from Venice are to Padua, Verona, Treviso, and Bologna. Verona is probably my favorite because it’s a beautiful small city that’s close to Venice and boasts some famous Roman ruins.

If you want more information on Verona, here’s my one day in Verona itinerary and you can check out this 6-8 hour day trip from Venice to Verona

I hope you’ve enjoyed my tips for visiting Venice. You may enjoy these other Italy travel guides:

• Historic Landmarks in Italy
• Most Beautiful Towns in Italy
• 101+ Epic Experiences To Have in Italy
• 11 Ways To Spend 1 Week In Italy
• 10 Day Itinerary for Italy
• 10 Day Itinerary for Tuscany
• 3 Day Itinerary for Rome
• 3 Day Itinerary for Florence
• 1 Day in Milan
• 1 Da y  in Siena

If you need tips for visiting Venice, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on June 17, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

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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 .

The Rough Guides to Italy and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find even more inspiration here

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written by Ties Lagraauw

updated 11.04.2024

Ties is a true world explorer - whether it be for work or leisure! As Content Manager at RoughGuides, and the owner of Dutch travel platform Reis-Expert.nl , Ties is constantly on the move, always looking for new destinations to discover.

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‘Shameful’: Locals outraged as tourists swim at Venice cemetery

Locals in the famous city could not believe what they were seeing when a video was shared of tourists, with rage growing across Europe.

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Tourists in Europe have once again outraged locals with their strange behaviour - this time, taking a dip in front of a cemetery in Venice.

Two men, who were spotted by commuters on a water bus in the Italian city, left their clothes in front of the San Michele Cemetery last week and entered the murky water.

Isola di San Michele, which consists of a cemetery and church, is an island in the Venetian Lagoon, located between Venice and Murano.

Tourists are drawn to the island to see the graves of well-known people, including famous Russian-born composer Igor Stravinsky.

One Venetian labelled the behaviour as “Shameful. Rude. Ignorant,” while another, who agreed it was poor, said the tourists had “no respect at all”.

“I’m at a loss for words,” a third wrote.

“In other countries, they’d have been arrested, fined heavily, and then sent home with a boot,” argued a fourth.

People are only allowed to swim in certain areas of Venice, such as public beaches, and not the canals or other bodies of water in the city’s residential areas, because of both boats and the fact it is unsanitary.

You can be fined and banned from the city for doing so.

Tensions are already high between tourists and locals in the Italian holiday hotspot.

It is widely acknowledged there is a major problem with tourism in Venice , however, how to deal with it is a contentious matter.

For the first time this year, Venice introduced an $8 entry fee for day trippers during the peak season. Tourist groups have also been capped at 25 people.

Venice isn’t the only city facing concerns of overtourism, with holiday hotspots across the world looking desperately for new ways to cope with a massive boom in tourism post-Covid.

In the meantime, locals are getting fed up.

Last month, visitors dining in the Spanish city of Barcelona were squirted with water pistols, and a tourist was slammed as an “absolute disgrace” for climbing a statue to perform lewd poses in Florence, Italy.

Pictures of the woman with a statue of Bacchus, the Roman God of wine, were shared on the ‘Welcome to Florence’ Instagram page, which has more than 200,000 followers.

In one image the woman had her legs wrapped around the statue’s waist and arms around his neck as she appeared to kiss him.

In a second image, the woman was bent over with her behind pressed against the statue.

“This is the result of years of trying to turn Florence into Disney World,” one top comment read.

“Yuck, Florence is becoming a circus,” wrote another offended local.

Oslo in Norway has cleverly used the issue of crowding in other European cities to its advantage.

More Coverage

Its latest tourism ad stars an expressionless 31-year-old resident named Halfdan who claims the Norway capital feels more like a village than a city.

“If you don’t have to stand in line for a couple of hours is it even worth seeing?” he says while visiting a museum.

Turning to dining, Halfdan complains: “Sometimes I just walk right in off the street and get a table, and I’m not even famous. I mean what does that tell you?”

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It’s meant to be the most state-of-the-art commercial aircraft. But a new safety fail is dogging its planemaker after years of increased scrutiny and reputation damage.

Horrifying new CCTV has captured the final moments of a $59 million superyacht that sunk with 22 people on board when it was struck by a tornado-like storm.

Passengers were stranded for hours on a Turkish runway after a medical emergency onboard a long haul flight to Sydney.

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From the NFL to rugby and hometown baseball, sport management interns enjoy wide range of work

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August 19, 2024 : By Ted Allen - Office of Communications & Public Engagement

Working with professional baseball organizations, an NFL team, NASCAR, and a variety of less traditional sports like rugby and ultramarathon, students enrolled in Liberty University’s sport management program gained a wealth of experience in a range of internship roles over the summer.

Opportunities abounded for students around the diamonds of Minor League and Major League Baseball teams.

To fulfill the prerequisite for his Sport, Event, & Tourism Management ( SETM 499 ) course, senior Graham Klause completed an internship with his favorite Major League Baseball team, the Washington (D.C.) Nationals. His duties included assisting with public safety and security around the stadium as well as prep work for the Savannah Bananas, who sold out Nationals Park in July.

“It has been a blessing to learn from my peers and work for this incredible organization,” he said. “ I have been able to learn about the importance of ballpark operations and security protocols in place at Nationals Park . Hopefully I can come back, in the same role or different role within ballpark operations and logistics.”

Klause was part of Liberty’s Washington Fellowship program, where students live and work in our nation’s capital. He said the fellowship helped him acquire his internship through a recommendation letter, and living on Capitol Hill left him with a short Metro commute to the stadium.

“It was nice being in close proximity to my actual internship, and while working in my internship, it was good to have roommates and enjoy fellowship with other believers in the city,” Klause said.

In North Carolina, senior Lauren Gebbie worked closely with the director of promotions and the entertainment team for the Durham Bulls (Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays), to develop theme nights and in-game activities, music, and decorations. She also served as community relations coordinator for the Bulls’ mascots, Wool E. Bull and Blue Monster, using her experience on the Sparky Squad at Liberty (providing security for Sparky). She planned videos and skits as well as on-field games to help the characters interact with fans.

In Utica, Mich., senior Andrea Marcella served as an intern with the Office of the President of the United Shore Professional Baseball League.

“It’s a stepping stone for players trying to get into the elite and professional levels,” she said. “I had a really great experience. My role was helping out game-day functions. I love the daily operations and event management interacting with fans of all ages, and it was a great environment with grandstand seating, suites, and lawn seats as well.”

And close to home, recent graduate Devin Perkins, a Marine Corps veteran and former team manager for Lady Flames Lacrosse, provided music and sound to enhance the fans’ game experience and assisted in the ticket office for the Lynchburg Hillcats (the Low-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians).

Tony Bertolino, who graduated in May with a B.S. in Business Administration and a minor in Sport Management , continued his yearlong internship with the Pittsburgh Steelers this summer, assisting with the preparation and execution of gameday and event operations for all Steelers and University of Pittsburgh football games and other events at Acrisure Stadium, as well as managing seasonal staff.

“Throughout my internship, I learned numerous lessons in event logistics, crowd control, and staff management at a major facility, and I am looking forward to applying those lessons as I move forward in my career,” Bertolino said.

Senior Austin Farr is serving in a managing and administering role for his internship as NASCAR’s single make platforms coordinator for the International Motor Sport Association in Daytona Beach, Fla. Farr, a former racecar driver himself, has traveled with the series to road courses in the United States and Canada. He serves as a liaison between the IMSA series, its participants, and the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), which include Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, Mazda, and Porche.

“It’s definitely been life-changing, doing what I’ve wanted to do since I got involved in racing 19 years ago,” he said.

Though she had never witnessed a match before starting her social media and marketing internship with the Dallas Jackals’ Major League Rugby program in May, Emily Calavan caught onto the sport quickly.

“It was a whole new animal for me,” said Calavan, who grew up watching baseball and football and swam competitively for 12 years.

She helped the marketing manager and social media coordinator create graphics and send e-mails to fans. During the games, she captured videos to post, and she also recorded videos of practices. The team won the most games in the program’s four-season history and broke attendance records at Choctaw Stadium, former home of the Texas Rangers, as it qualified for the conference finals in the 12-team league, headquartered in Dallas.

This month, Calavan started another internship with the Dream Team Sports Center, a Christian-oriented youth baseball player development organization in Mansfield, Texas, southeast of her home in Fort Worth.

In late July, Jessie Zealand, a rising junior on the Lady Flames’ Cross Country and Track & Field teams pursuing a B.S. in Hospitality Management — Conference and Event , served on IRONMAN’s event management team in support of the Speedgoat Mountain Races in the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains near Salt Lake City. For the main event, a 50-kilometer race, she was based at the highest aid station along the course, Snowbird Resort’s Hidden Peak at nearly 11,000 feet.

“It was definitely a great experience, helping on their event team with whatever was needed, doing race check-in, as well as setup, and teardown of the course, working all aspects of the race,” she said, noting that she encouraged runners while retrieving their timing chips as they finished the 28K. “I really enjoy the running atmosphere and creating the experience for the runners as well. I also love running them myself, but I can’t do both.”

In September, Zealand will coordinate more than 300 volunteers serving 1,000 registered runners from around the world at the Grindstone 100 in the Alleghany Mountains around Swoope, Va. The multi-distance race festival is one of 43 UTMB World Series qualifying events for the 2025 Finals in Chamonix, France, and one of only six in North America.

Zealand’s father, Dr. Clark Zealand, a sport management professor and an avid ultramarathon runner, created and directed the Grindstone 100 in 2008. He has encouraged his students pursuing hospitality and sport management degrees to consider alternate sports for internships and potential career opportunities.

“The vast majority of students coming into our program are most interested and most familiar with mainstream sports — football, basketball, and baseball,” he said. “We try to get our students to think broadly and keep their horizons wide on what their interests may be in order to get experience and internships and then ultimately, jobs. You never know where the path leads you, where God is taking you.”

Other Liberty students gained experience locally over the summer, including Caleb Weissinger, who worked for VTRN Sports Radio in producing The Fast Lane with Ed Lane, an hour-long daily program featuring recent interviews with Flames Football Head Coach Jamie Chadwell and Director of Athletics Ian McCaw. Students Abby Coleman and Kyle Harkabus fulfilled internships with Virginia Amateur Sports in Roanoke, Va., serving as an operations/media relations & social media intern and games and sports logistics intern, respectively, for the Virginia Commonwealth Games.

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Venice entry fee in 2024: all you need to know

In spring 2024 , the City of Venice takes a step forward to combat overtourism and move towards a more sustainable and responsible tourism . From 25 April , in fact, there will be a fee for tourist to enter Venice for a trial period that will last until July, in order to support local tourism and preserve the authenticity of the city and its inhabitants by limiting entry on the "black sticker" days of the year.

Here is all the information you need to organise your trip in the best possible way.

How much does the ticket cost and how to pay

Admission to Venice from 25 April will cost €5 per person per day. The fee is the same for everyone and there are currently no reductions. Each ticket is nominal and valid for the entire day , so if you leave the city centre to re-enter during the day you will not need a new ticket, but you will not need to buy one if you enter the city between 4pm and 8.30am.

To purchase the ticket simply go to the official website of the Municipality of Venice and follow the instructions. Once you have made the payment you will be issued with a voucher with a QR-code to take with you and show in case of controls at one of the eight access points.

Venice oentry fee: who has to pay

The dates on which you will have to purchase your ticket

For this trial period, Venice entry fee is limited only to "black-sticker" days , when the overcrowding is greatest.

Here are the days on which you need to purchase an entrance ticket:

- From April 25th to May 5th .

- The remaining weekends of May , namely 11/12, 18/19, 25/26 May.

- All the weekends in June, except the first one , and therefore: 8/9, 15/16, 22/23, 29/30 June.

- The first two weekends of July , i.e. 6/7, 13/14.

This solution implemented by the municipality of Venice is aimed at preserving the heritage and uniqueness of this city , containing daily tourism and making it more sustainable. Moreover, this measure is also intended to give residents some breathing space, allowing them to enjoy their city.

In these "black-sticker" days, the entrance ticket will make the streets and monuments more enjoyable for everyone, but the smartest way to visit Venice remains the Venice Pass , which allows you to skip the queue at the most important attractions and take advantage of discounts and concessions.

Let us all commit to safeguarding Venice's heritage!

Discover the Venice Pass ❯

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Trekking 85 Miles With Grandpa, Scuba Diving With Grandma

With older adults staying fit longer, many are joining their grandchildren on travel adventures like wilderness hikes, bike tours and even bungee jumping.

By Julie Weed

Rick Rhoads, 80, was “training like crazy” last spring, walking six miles a day — “all hills” — to get ready for his summer vacation. Mr. Rhoads, of Orcas Island, Wash., and Lucy Erent, his 15-year-old granddaughter, who lives in Prague, were planning to trek 85 miles in eight days along Scotland’s West Highland Way .

The route, which passes through farmland and forest and runs along Loch Lomond into the Scottish Highlands , traverses a range of terrains, including steep inclines and rocky trails. A trip organizer was set to manage lodging and transport the luggage each day.

Mr. Rhoads wasn’t daunted by the distance, or by the age difference. He said he was looking forward to continuing discussions the pair has had on video calls, on topics as varied as stage drama, cosplay, pandemics and family dynamics. “I’ll get her to do the talking when we’re going up hills,” he joked.

When they finally did the trek, in early July, there were a few wrinkles: The hiking was tougher than expected, and one of Mr. Rhoads’s boots began to fall apart near the end — nothing some duct tape couldn’t fix. Overall, Mr. Rhoads said, the adventure was challenging, but he was eager to do another, perhaps a route “that passed by cafes.”

Sixty may or may not be the new 40, but it’s clear that many older adults are enjoying longer “ healthspans ” — the time they are active, fit and healthy. This shift is adding a new dimension to traditional grandparent-grandchild vacations: adventure. Think bike trips instead of cruise ships, wilderness treks instead of bus tours.

According to the World Health Organization , healthy life expectancy, defined as “the average number of years a person can expect to live in full health” without disabling illnesses or injuries, rose globally to 63.7 in 2019 from 58.3 in 2000. In the United States, 40 percent of people 65 and older interviewed last year in an Outdoor Foundation study said they engaged in outdoor activities like hiking or biking. Older adults are also now more likely to be able to afford vacations: Americans 55 and over control nearly 70 percent of U.S. household wealth, compared with about 50 percent in 1989 .

Travel companies are taking notice. Craft Travel , a luxury trip planner that handles about 150 itineraries per year, has seen a big increase in grandparent-grandchild travel over the past five years, said Julia Carter, its founder, adding that “the trend has definitely been toward more adventurous, or bucket-list-type, experiences” — African safaris, hikes in Patagonia and trips to Antarctica.

Tour companies and activity providers, which generally don’t impose age caps on their offerings (though some do have minimum age requirements), are making accommodations for the new demographic. Some examples:

The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Savusavu, Fiji, which offers snorkel and scuba outings, has had grandchildren with grandparents as old as 84 learn to scuba dive together. For guests older than 70, along with the standard safety training, the resort provides a doctor to certify the diver’s health.

Road Scholar , a travel company that was founded to serve older adults and now has an online catalog dedicated to grandparent-grandchild travel, details the physical expectations of its trips so participants can decide if they can handle them. The description of its white-water rafting trip on the Lower Salmon River in Idaho, for example, tells travelers they’ll be “carrying bags in camp across uneven terrain. Temperatures often in the 90+ degree range.”

Backroads , which offers multigenerational biking, hiking, snorkeling and kayaking trips, sends training advice in advance of departure. Like many other bicycle trip organizers, Backroads makes e-bikes available, with a typical minimum age set in the midteens. Some grandparents use the e-bikes to keep up with their grandchildren, but depending on everyone’s fitness level, it may be the younger generation using them, said Liz Einbinder, a Backroads spokeswoman.

Some older adults are embarking on more extreme adventures. Nick Steers, the executive director of Great Canadian Bungee , which hosts more than 10,000 guests per year in Chelsea, Quebec, for bungee jumping, zip lining and rafting, said nearly 5 percent of its participants were 60 or older, including some grandparents there with their families. Ron Jones, the founder of Bungee America , outside Los Angeles, said that in July, a 15-year-old had jumped with his grandparents.

Active grandparents have some tips for others considering an adventure vacation with their grandchildren.

“Preparation for any trip is key,” said Joe Bassett, 60, who runs the guided wilderness adventure company Valiant Outfitters . He takes his grandchildren, the oldest of whom is 7, on hikes and overnight stays. For a camp-out he said, grandparents might walk the trail in advance to make sure they know its contours. “An ideal route would be a loop that is never more than a couple miles from the parking lot,” he said. Mr. Bassett advises no-cook meals. “Keep it simple with familiar foods,” he said.

Harriet Vogel, 84, of Palm City, Fla., also has some advice: Choose activities you both enjoy and then “have hopes rather than expectations, and just let the trip happen,” she said. When she was 79, Ms. Vogel celebrated her grandson Matthew’s college graduation by snorkeling, paddle boarding and biking with him in the Caribbean nation of St. Kitts and Nevis, all mutual interests. Last year it was her granddaughter Jessie’s turn, and the two went on a walking and hiking trip in Switzerland, organized by Backroads. Ms. Vogel is currently planning a fall trip with another grandchild. The time together “increases our closeness,” she said.

While many grandparents may be ready to go on adventures with their grandchildren, not all of them are eager to deal with technology to do so.

When Fin Expeditions, in Cocoa Beach, Fla., noticed an increase in multigenerational groups going out on its kayaking tours, management made sure to offer reservations over the phone for those who don’t like dealing with websites.

But that kind of help wasn’t necessary for Fran Doran, 79, of Butte, Mont., who took her granddaughter scuba diving in Thailand this summer as a graduation gift. “I organized it and made all the reservations online,” Ms. Doran said. The pair also rode in a bamboo boat and waded with elephants in a river. “It’s fun to research,” she said.

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Cycling Around the Globe

The cycling world can be intimidating. but with the right mind-set and gear you can make the most of human-powered transportation..

Are you new to urban biking? These tips  will help you make sure you are ready to get on the saddle .

Whether you’re mountain biking down a forested path or hitting the local rail trail, you’ll need the right gear . Wirecutter has plenty of recommendations , from which bike to buy  to the best bike locks .

Do you get nervous at the thought of cycling in the city? Here are some ways to get comfortable with traffic .

Learn how to store your bike properly and give it the maintenance it needs  in the colder weather.

  Not ready for mountain biking just yet? Try gravel biking instead . Here are five places in the United States  to explore on two wheels.

• Cast & crew

A high-powered CEO puts her career and family on the line when she begins a torrid affair with her much younger intern. A high-powered CEO puts her career and family on the line when she begins a torrid affair with her much younger intern. A high-powered CEO puts her career and family on the line when she begins a torrid affair with her much younger intern.

• Halina Reijn
• Nicole Kidman
• Antonio Banderas
• Harris Dickinson
• 1 nomination

Top cast 35

• Intern Rose

• Uber Driver

• Giggling Girl

• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

More like this

2024 Venice Film Festival Guide

• December 20, 2024 (United States)
• United States
• Netherlands
• New York City, New York, USA (street scenes)
• Man Up Film
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

• Runtime 1 hour 54 minutes

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