how to travel venice

14 tips to make the best of your first trip to Venice Italy

Venice, Italy is your next destination, but you have no clue what to expect. Are we right?

If you are looking for tips for your first trip to Venice, you’re in the right place!

Our tips will help you to get the most out of your first trip to Venice and to fully enjoy the city.

Naturally, our Venice tips are valuable and can be helpful even if you have visited before!

Venice Tip #1 - When to go to Venice Italy

When choosing the best time to visit Venice Italy, there are 3 factors to consider:

• The weather
• Eventual events to attend

Avoiding the crowds:

To avoid crowds in Venice it is best to avoid weekends, late Spring and Summer, and Carnival.

These are, in fact, the busiest times in Venice.

However, keep in mind that tourism in Venice doesn’t really have an offseason.

What kind of weather to expect:

The weather in Venice is usually humid. As a consequence, perceived temperatures are generally more intense than one would expect.

In other words, hot days feel hotter and cold days feel colder than one would think by looking at the reported lowest and highest temperatures.

You can check out our article for a full breakdown of the weather in Venice throughout the year .

Events to attend:

Finally, also Events can be an important factor when deciding when to visit Venice.

The most famous events are Venice Carnival and the Art and Architecture  Biennale .

Other events of interest could be:

• Festa di San Marco e del Bocolo
• Festa della Sensa
• Regata Storica
• Festa della Salute

You can find a full list of events on the city’s official website .

Venice Tip #2 - Best places where to stay in Venice

For the best experience of Venice, we strongly recommend you to stay within the historical city of Venice.

In other words, chose to stay on the “island” rather than on the “mainland”.

Doing so allows one to enjoy the city also before and after day-trippers have come and gone: in the morning and at night you will have the feeling that you have the city all to yourself!

Venice historical center is made of 6 districts: Castello, Cannaregio, Santa Croce, Dorsoduro, San Marco, San Polo.

The last 2 are the most touristy and crowded ones. Therefore, we would recommend you to stay in one of the other 4 districts for a more authentic experience.

You can learn more about the districts of Venice and everything you need to navigate the city, here.

Venice Tip #3 - Don't fear to get lost, explore.

A crucial tip for your first trip to Venice, Italy is to lose yourself.

Yes, forget about maps and the GPS on your phone!

Leave your hotel room or apartment and just walk in whichever direction you feel like going.

Losing oneself is the best way to discover and appreciate the stunning beauty of the tiny alleys and narrow canals which make the fabric of Venice.

Also, it makes for great photo opportunities and allows you to discover more of Venice and feel the Venetian atmosphere.

And don’t worry about your whereabouts: Venice is safe.

When we say that Venice is safe, we mean it is really, really, really safe.

So, take the chance to explore the city in depth alone or take part in a tour around Venice with us to make the best out of your visit!

Want more tips, tools and stories from Venice, Italy?

We're on a mission to make it easy and fun to discover and support the authentic Venice. Try our email and see for yourself!

Thanks for signing up! If there is no e-mail in your inbox in the next hour, remember to check your spam folder and to add us to your contact list. Thank you! Get access to our live videos and even more content: like us on Facebook to add daily goodness to your feed. A presto!

Oops! We're sorry, something went wrong. We'll fix it soon. In the mean time, you can like us on Facebook to stay in touch!

By signing up you agree with Venezia Autentica's privacy policy

Venice Tip #4 - Get on a boat to see Venice Italy from the water!

Venice was built surrounded by water and designed to be admired from the water.

Indeed, the façades of the most beautiful Venetian Palazzi can be seen only from the water.

Even the Doge’s Palace , the most important and spectacular building in Venice, was built to be admired first of all from the water!

In fact, its façade overlooking the lagoon was built 100 years before the one facing the land, the “Piazzetta” and the Marciana Library .

Therefore, when visiting Venice make sure to see it from the water. Take a Gondola, a private boat, a taxi or a water bus, whichever you prefer. But do it!

Gondola tours  are one of the most beautiful ways to discover the city and explore its narrow canals.

Taxis were born as a  transportation service but can also be booked for a sightseeing experience.

Private tours on rowing boats and kayaks are definitely a fun way to spend a few hours discovering Venice from the water.

Lastly, one can also board a public water bus and navigate the full length of the Grand Canal . This way, you can admire the stunning palaces all around the Grand Canal but will, unfortunately, miss all the narrow canals and tiny bridges that are so unique to Venice.

Venice Tip #5 - Eat authentic local food in Venice Italy. Even on a budget!

If you’d like to eat authentic Italian food, you can do so even if you’re on a budget.

Eating well in Venice without spending much is possible.

A good  authentic bacaro serves tasty and affordable finger food that will leave you stuffed and satisfied.

However, also having an intimate dinner in a restaurant trying delicious Italian and Venetian plates is an experience we warmly recommend. To find the right place for you, check out the list of restaurants and places we recommend !

One more amazing way to discover Venice and taste the best of local food and wines is to take part in a private food and wine experience in Venice with us !

Finally, if you want to find the right place where to eat all by yourself, please check out our article that helps you understand how to spot the right places where to eat and those to absolutely avoid in Venice .

Unlock a discount at the best authentic local businesses in Venice

Venice tip #6 - spot and enjoy the best local bars, restaurants and shops by looking for the venezia autentica logo.

To many people, it is important to find the right local businesses when travelling.

Where should I eat? Where should I shop for authentic products? Where should I stop for a good drink? Where is the best place for a Murano Glass bracelet?

The good news is that it is easier than you’d think:

You can find great local businesses by using our directories of local shops and bars & restaurants . Moreover, you can also look for the Venezia Autentica’s logo on shop windows when you’re walking around Venice.

Our logo means that the local business operates in a way that is positive both for you and the local community.

Those shops are locally owned and operated. They give decent jobs to local residents. They offer good quality to their customers and operate in a sustainable and responsible way.

Venice Tip #7 - Discover Venice with a local: the best way to see Venice Italy

One of the biggest joys of travelling is meeting new people and discovering new cultures and ways of life.

Luckily, due to technology, it has never been easier to do so!

Group tours are generally affordable and a classic way to discover a new place. Unfortunately, they tend to be standardized and might not be the most rewarding experience.

On the other hand, private tours or activities are a bit more expensive but can adapt to your needs and match your personal interests.

Our Experience Booking platform offers many different private experiences in Venice.

You can take walks off the beaten path , try  hands-on activities or food-oriented tours.

They are all excellent ways to discover Venice from a unique point of view and engage in meaningful conversations with a Venetian.

Venice Tip #8 - Free yourself from the fear of not finding a bathroom when you need one

A piece of very useful information we can give you is on… toilets!

Public toilets, in fact, are very clean but are not always easy to find. They also have a small cost of 1,50€.

When you find yourself in need of a restroom, our tip is to look for a bar. You can then order a coffee or a pastry and, as paying customer, you will be welcomed to access the bar’s restroom.

Please, do not just enter, use the toilet, and leave. Such behaviour is frowned upon in Italy.

Instead, check if the bar has a bathroom and then ask for a “caffè” (espresso coffee, 1€) or a “pastina” (a pastry, 1€ to 1,50€). After that, feel free to head to the restroom.

Venice Tip #9 - If you book a guided tour make sure your guide is a local

In 2014, the EU stated that all European guides and tour leaders have the right to work everywhere in Europe.

That sounds reasonable, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, not so much.

In Italy, people must pass a rigorous exam to become a guide or a tour leader.

The majority of other European countries, on the other hand, do not require a mandatory certification or license.

Unfortunately, the latest EU regulation allows anyone who does not reside in Italy to sell his/her service as a guide and lead groups to Italy.

As a consequence, travellers might not be aware that guides and tour leaders are not all the same and might be tricked into picking the wrong professional.

Indeed, there is a stark difference between a trained guide that lives in an Italian city and a person that has no training and visited an Italian city a few times.

This is why we suggest you don’t rely on (literally) “outsiders” as your tour guides.

A good local guide should know Venice inside-out, be able to answer your questions, and give you real insights.

On the contrary, people who do not know Venice might either stick to common knowledge available on most online articles or even tell wrong facts about Venice.

Therefore, if you want to tour the city with someone and have a good experience, make sure you’re going with a certified local tour leader.

If you’d like to do it with us, feel free to check out our private off-the-beaten-path walk with a certified local tour leader .

Book an authentic experience in Venice

Venice tip #10 - take the time to enter artisans shops to discover centuries old crafts and get the real thing.

Venice is a city with an incredible culture. Over the centuries, many unique crafts were born or adopted locally.

Nowadays, there is still a number of artistic artisans who are keeping centuries-old traditions alive in the city. Their workshops are a must-visit for arts & crafts lovers and for anyone interested in an authentic experience of Venice.

However, the invasion of mass-produced souvenirs  is amongst the most visible things which are destroying the city and playing an important role in forcing the inhabitants to move out of Venice.

Recognizing authentic artisans shops is not easy. It requires a good eye and knowledge of the crafts.

However, there are few things which can help you understand whether or not you are likely to be in front of the window of an actual artisan or not.

You can find everything you need to know to shop local in Venice, here

If you are looking to understand the incredible culture of crafts in Venice from even closer and to enjoy a privileged moment with the master artisans, we invite you to attend experiences in the artisans’ workshops .

Booking carefully designed and curated private tours or activities with local crafts-masters is the perfect opportunity for either a fascinating guided visit of the best local craftspeople  or hands-on private activities.

Craft classes are unique ways to discover Venice from another viewpoint and to be initiated to mosaic making , glass making , handmade bookbindings ,  and more centuries-old techniques, directly by master artisans

Beware of mass produced souvenirs!

Besides copying and unfair competition that puts local shops out of business, the other problem caused by some mass produced items is a threat to your health.

Cheap  masks, for example,   do not comply with EU legislation regulating colors and substances for wearable products: the contact  with  your skin is potentially dangerous.

We created a shortlist that summarizes the risks and annoying things you should be aware of when in Venice.

Venice Tip #11 - To save time and money at the best local shops, bars, and restaurants in Venice get yourself the Venezia Autentica Friends’ Pass

By visiting this link , you can buy a digital pass giving you access to a 10% discount in Venice on a minimum expense of 30 euros at the best Venetian local businesses identifiable by the Venezia Autentica logo on their door or window.

All are locally owned, employ locals and offer authentic quality sustainable products and services.

Read more about how you can save money and time in Venice with the Venezia Autentica Friends’ Pass

Venice Tip #12 - For the best experience, leave those fancy and uncomfortable shoes behind

Don’t wear high heels . Trust us, do not wear high heels!

Venice Italy is an old pedestrian city, with uneven streets , that will require you to walk, and walk, and walk .

Even if you are planning to board a water bus , you’ll have a lot of walking to do to walk to the water bus stops, trying to navigate the uneven stone pavement , the bridges , and the crowds .

If you’re staying in your hotel or get picked up by a water taxi to go to a private party, high heels might be a fair choice. In any other case, trust us, you really don’t want to do it.

Your feet will thank us.

As Wikipedia points out, Venice is a pedestrian traffic-free city with almost 3.000 alleys… now you see the importance of wearing good shoes, don’t you?

Venice Tip #13 - Our ecological tip for your first trip to Venice: Carry a refilable bottle of water

The water  of the fountains in Venice  is drinkable and of very good quality.

Almost every main  square has a working fountain where you will be able to refill your bottle.

If you want to drink a prosecco, however, there is no such fountain yet. In this case, a stop at a bacaro will fulfill your needs.

If you care about your impact, read this New York Times article for more ideas on how to use less plastic in your everyday life .

Venice Tip #14 - Take some time to read our free insider guides to make the most of your time in la Bella Venezia!

Now you know plenty of things to do in Venice!

But, maybe, you now want to know even more about our beautiful city. Is that so?

In that case, make sure to check out our What is Venice, Italy article !

Do you have any tips or suggestions that you want to share with us and other visitors? Feel free to contact us and let us know!

If you found this article useful, make sure to check out also these resources to plan your first trip to Venice:

I'm visiting Venice. Why should I follow your recommendations?

The way you visit Venice has an impact both on the quality of your experience and on Venice itself.   Chilling, exploring , shopping , eating and drinking where the locals do, can make a huge impact both on the memories you bring home and on the local economy and community.

POPULAR POSTS LIKE THIS

• Best Places where to eat and drink like a local in Venice
• Interactive map of the best authentic local businesses and places where to eat & drink in Venice
• Why eating and drinking at authentic local businesses matters

Liked this article? Don’t forget to share the love!  

Home >> Visiting Venice >> Tips and Inspiration >> You’re Here

Tips and Inspiration to experience Venice

Want to go on a gondola ride in Venice? Here’s everything you need to know!

How’s the weather in Venice, Italy? We’ve got you covered!

The ultimate guide to the top 10 things to do and see in Venice, Italy

More in Visiting Venice

Go to Visiting Venice >>

• February 9, 2022

You might also like

Everything about the amazing Grand Canal in Venice, Italy [ARTICLE + 360° VIDEO]

Conegliano, Italy: a lovely Day Trip from Venice

Do you feel Venice is too busy? Treviso is an ideal getaway!

• ONLY PRIVATE TOURS AND ACTIVITIES 

We make it easy to experience Venice with local guides and experts

• 100% GUARANTEED LOCAL AND IMPACTFUL

Looking for things to do in Venice? Experience Venice with a local!  

We’d love to chat.

Let us know

how we can help

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Marco Polo Airport Guide

Neighborhoods to Know

Venice's Vaporetto Transportation

Best Gondola Rides

Day Trips From Venice

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Traveling With Kids

Best Museums to Visit

Guide to Carnevale

Top Venice Restaurants

Nightlife in Venice

Your Trip to Venice: The Complete Guide

Venice, Italy Guide: Planning Your Trip

Venice, or Venezia , is one of the world's most unique and beautiful cities. During its more than 1700-year history, it has been at the nexus of major European art, music, and political developments. It was a maritime power for centuries and is thought to have been the world's first financial center.

Today, it is one of Italy's most important cities and a supremely romantic travel destination , where you can stroll alongside miles of crisscrossing canals. There are, in fact, 150 canals with more than 400 bridges that connect Venice's 118 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon  . Almost every inch of these islands are covered with amazing architecture, magnificent churches and palaces, squares and museums, excellent restaurants , historic hotels, and beautiful shops.

Planning Your Trip

Here is some basic knowledge for planning your trip to Venice.

• Best Time to Visit:  Since it's near the sea, Venice has mostly mild weather , although there can be rain nearly all year round. Summers are humid, and winters can be foggy and wet. To avoid large crowds, spring and fall are the best seasons to visit. Venice experiences high-water flooding or aqua alta about 60 days a year, from October through early January. In Venice, keep an eye on the weather forecast every day, and always bring an umbrella!
• Language:  Italian is the national language of Italy, though you'll find that most hoteliers, restaurant workers, and shopkeepers speak at least some English, as well as possible French, Spanish, and German.
• Currency:  Venice, like the rest of Italy, uses the Euro (€). US dollars or other currencies are not accepted, though credit cards are widely accepted. Some stores may not accept credit cards for small purchases (under 10 or 20 euros).
• Getting Around:  The Grand Canal, which cuts through the center of the city, is like Venice's main street, and the  vaporetti boats are its public buses  . They are the main public transport in this canal-filled city and ply the principal waterways. The #1 vaporetto runs along the Grand Canal from the train station and makes many stops, so it's a good way to cruise the main canal and get a good overview of the city. If you want something more up close and personal, take a taxi and a gondola, though they tend to be more expensive. Read more about the vaporetti system . Gondolas , a symbol of life in Venice, are a romantic way to get from point A to point B, but today these costly diversions are used mainly by tourists.
• Travel Tip:  To avoid Venice's famously crowded main squares and tourist attractions, here are two tips: The first is to book must-see sites like the Doge's Palace and Basilica San Marco with a private tour, so you skip the line and possibly get exclusive access to some areas. Our second tip is that when out walking, head away from Piazza San Marco and Rialto . You'll soon discover a far less crowded Venice, and one that is still inhabited by locals.
• Read our full article on the Best Time to Visit Venice .

Things to Do

Venice has several world-famous museums and attractions, but you'd be surprised how much you might love just wandering along the canals off the main tourist tracks or taking advantage of other free diversions this ancient city offers. Some of Venice's most famous attractions include:

• Saint Mark's Square : Piazza San Marco is Venice's main square and is surrounded by chic sidewalk cafés and fancy shops. While it's a great place to take in the scenery and people, you will definitely pay top euro to sit at an outdoor table. In the evening, you can listen to live music, too. Walking in the piazza and taking photos is, of course, free.
• Saint Mark's Basilica : Basilica di San Marco, consecrated in 832 AD, is a beautiful church blending the architecture of East and West. 
• Doge's Palace : Palazzo Ducale, also on St. Mark's Square, is the most impressive building in Venice and well worth a tour. It was the Venetian government's political and judicial hub until the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797. The palace was connected to its prisons by the famous Bridge of Sighs .
• Grand Canal ( Canal Grande): This is the main thoroughfare of Venice. It is full of many types of boats and lined with beautiful buildings.
• Rialto Bridge ( Ponte di Rialto) : This is the main bridge crossing the Grand Canal in the heart of Venice, and it's more than 400 years old. Nearby is the Rialto Market, an interesting and lively food market with lots of little shops.
• Tourist Information Offices : The train station tourist office is almost always very crowded, but agents there have lots of information and can help with hotel reservations. The main tourist office is near Saint Mark's Square. Most staff speak at least some English.

Read more of our guides for things to do in Venice: the best things to do in Venice , a guide to Venice neighborhoods , and a month-by-month guide to Venice.

What to Eat and Drink

Seafood is a big part of the delicious Venetian cuisine, as are polenta and rice. Seppia , or cuttlefish, is popular, and risotto nero  (black rice) is colored with its ink. Try the zuppa di pesce  (fish soup) here, too. Radicchio trevisano , red chicory, comes from nearby Treviso. Cicchetti , or little appetizers, are served in Venice's bars and are often eaten before lunch or dinner, but, like Spanish tapas or Greek meze,  you can also order a few for a light meal. Finish with an exquisite Venetian pastry and an espresso.

Typical wines of Venice are made from grapes grown in the Veneto, the surrounding region. These include citrusy Soave, sparkling prosecco, and deep red Valpolicella. Cocktails are popular here, from the peachy Bellini, invented in Venice, to the Aperol Spritz, Negroni, and other classic Italian mixed drinks. There's a burgeoning craft beer scene in Venice and a handful of Irish pubs catering to the younger crowd.

Read more about the best restaurants in Venice and the best nightlife in Venice .

Where to Stay

The old city center of Venice is divided into six districts or sestieri . The Cannaregio district, the most populated, is near the station. The Castello district, the largest, and the famous San Marco district, home to its namesake square and basilica, are on the Grand Canal side. The Santa Croce district, the only one with a bridge to the mainland and some car traffic, is across the Grand Canal from the train station. The San Polo district, with its famous eponymous church and the Dorsoduro district, situated on Venice's hardest and most stable island, are across the canal from St. Mark's. Read more about Venice's neighborhoods .

Start your hotel search by looking through our list of top-rated Venice hotels, many of which are in the San Marco neighborhood, near Piazza San Marco ,  the most popular tourist popular area. One of our favorite hotels, right near San Marco but remarkably quiet, is the family-run Hotel Flora . If you decide to go with an Airbnb-type rental, make sure you go with a licensed facility, like these recommended by Venice Tourism .

Check our list of top-rated Venice hotels.

Getting There

Venice is in the Veneto region, on the northeast coast of Italy, and is protected from the Adriatic Sea by a strip of land called the Lido.

The best way to arrive in Venice is by train, to the Santa Lucia Train Station on the northwestern edge of the city. There's also a bus terminal and parking garages nearby, at Piazzale Roma. Venice also has the small Marco Polo Venice Airport , and from there, you can take a bus or boat into Venice.

Check our articles on how to reach Venice from Rome or from Milan .

Culture and Customs

There aren't many "need to know" factoids about Venetian customs and culture, but here are a few to keep in mind:

• When entering Venice's many churches, you need to dress modestly. That means no short-shorts or skirts and no bare shoulders. Those rules apply to everyone, regardless of gender. If you're underdressed, bring a large, lightweight scarf to drape over you.
• Though drinking is a big part of Venetian and Italian culture, public drunkenness is not, and Venice shuts down surprisingly early. Don't overdo it, and always be respectful of residents. Your voices on the street carry right up to their apartment windows.
• To help the city deal with its overtourism issues   , try bringing refillable water bottles instead of buying plastic, and always dispose of your garbage in the marked recycling bins.

Money-Saving Tips

Venice is an expensive city, but here are our recommendations for saving a few euros during your visit.

• Eat cicchetti . Skip a big evening meal and snack instead on the Venetian equivalent of tapas, small bites that can be purchased for just a euro or two apiece. Pair a few of these with an inexpensive glass of wine, and you've got a great, cheap (for Venice) meal.
• Head to Cannaregio  . This working-class district is lined with affordable bars and restaurants filled with locals, not tourists.
• Buy a VeneziaUnica City Pass , which includes public transportation and free or discounted admission to most major attractions and museums.
• Read our list of the Best Free Things to Do in Venice .

8 Things to Know Before Taking a Gondola Ride

UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Venice and its Lagoon, 1987

ACTV, Tickets and Pricing, 2020

VeneziaUnica, #EnjoyRespectVenice , 2020

VeneziaUnica, The Sestiere of Cannaregio , 2020

The Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in Venice

What to Know About Gondola Rides in Venice, Italy

The Best Things to Do in Venice, Italy

The 5 Most Romantic Spots in Venice

Doge's Palace in Venice: The Complete Guide

November in Venice: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

Top 6 Tourist Attractions in Italy

Murano: Planning Your Trip

Venice Neighborhoods Map and Information

10 Budget Travel Tips for Visiting Venice

A Traveler's Guide to Chioggia

Tips for Going to Carnevale in Venice

Venice's Vaporetto Transportation System: A Complete Guide

Celebrating Carnevale in Italy

The 10 Top Restaurants in Venice

The 15 Best Destinations in Italy

How to get to Venice

Venice is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, so there are many ways of getting to the City of Canals, including by car, train, coach & plane.

Although Venice is a small island, it is very well connected to the mainland and the rest of the world thanks to its important tourism industry . These are the easiest ways of getting to Venice:

Venice’s main international airport Marco Polo is one of the busiest in Italy. It is also possible to get to the “Queen of the Adriatic” from Treviso Airport , which is situated to the north of Venice, approximately an hour away.

Traveling from the U.S.

There are several airlines that fly directly to Venice’s Marco Polo Airport from the United States, but most of these just fly during the high season (spring, summer and autumn) like Delta Airlines and US Airways :

• Delta Airlines : non-stop flights from JFK Airport in New York.
• US Airways : non-stop flights from Philadelphia.
• Alitalia : offers connecting flights from New York, Boston and Miami.

Traveling from Canada

Air Canada offers non-stop flights between Toronto and Venice (Marco Polo Airport) and other airlines like Lufthansa connect several cities in Canada with Venice. The most popular flights are from Montreal (usually 2 stops – 14 hours), Toronto and Vancouver (usually 2 stops – 17 hours).

Traveling from Australia

No airlines fly directly from Australia to Venice or Italy. Nevertheless, there are several companies that offer flights with just one stop:

• Adelaide : Emirates and Etihad Airways offer flights with 1 or 2 stops (the journey lasts approximately 24 hours)
• Brisbane : Emirates and Etihad Airways offer flights with 1 to 3 stops (the journey lasts about 30 hours)
• Melbourne : Qatar Airways , Emirates and KLM offer flights with 2 or 3 stops (takes about 30 hours)
• Perth: Emirates , Qatar Airways , Air France and KLM offer flights with 1 or 2 stops (takes approximately 25 hours).  
• Sydney : Alitalia , Emirates , KLM and Air France offer flights with 1 to 3 stops (approximately 30 hours).

Traveling from Europe

If you live in the United Kingdom, there are several airlines that fly directly to Venice from several cities in the country. The flight takes approximately two hours from the southern England.  

The main low-cost airlines flying to Venice are:

• Ryanair : offers direct flights from Bristol, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford and London Stansted .
• EasyJet : offers direct flights from Bristol, Edinburgh, London Gatwick, London Luton, and Manchester .  
• British Airways :connects London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London City with Venice Marco Polo Airport.

Once you have booked your flight and know which airport you land in, find out how to get to the city center from Marco Polo Airport or Treviso Airport:

Venice Marco Polo Airport

Treviso airport.

Another way of getting to the “Serenissima” is by train. Venice’s central train station, Venezia Santa Lucia railway station , connects the city with numerous countries and other Italian towns. It is an interesting option since you can take a low-cost flight to Milan  and from there, take the train to Venice. 

The train is also the easiest and most comfortable way of getting to Rome or Florence , and thus a great option for travelers exploring the country.

Venezia Santa Lucia Railway Station

Venice isn’t the best place to drive to, since only a small part of the island is accessible to motor vehicles . Thus, you will have to leave your car in one of the following parking lots :

• Garage San Marco ( € 30 ( US$ 32) per day), in Piazzale Roma .
• Garage Autorimessa Comunale ( € 23.40 ( US$ 24.90) per day), in Piazzale Roma .
• Garage Tronchetto , located in the island of Tronchetto. If you purchase the Rolling Venice Card you can get a discount. It costs € 21 ( US$ 22.40) per day.

There are cheaper car lots before crossing the Ponte della Libertà (in the industrial park, to the right) which cost less than € 10 ( US$ 10.70) per day. This option is particularly popular among locals and Italians. You can purchase a bus ticket to the city center directly from these parking lots. All the buses stop at Piazzale Roma , from where you will have to take a vaporetto to your hotel.

15 of the best things to do in Venice in 2024

Feb 28, 2024 • 12 min read

Experience the best of Venice with this guide to the top things to do © Cavan / Getty Images

Visitors flock to  Venice year-round, and who can blame them?

Some 118 islands float on this fairy-tale lagoon, linked by 400 bridges. Each is crammed with dazzling palazzos and heart-stopping art – Venice really is a place like no other. 

All the famous stereotypes are true, to an extent. It’s spectacular and it’s just like the photos but, thanks to mass tourism, Venice’s world-famous sights are overcrowded and in precarious health (even during the quieter months ). 

It is worth remembering that even in the busiest areas, step just one or two blocks away from the fray and you’ll find empty streets and local voices in the neighborhoods beyond. Spend more time here – five days is a decent starter – and you’ll discover that the true beauty of Venice isn’t the wow factor of its blockbuster sights, as magnificent as they are, but within the quieter spaces, where life goes on as it has done for centuries. Once you glimpse that life, you’ll want to protect it.

To help counter the overtourism that is exploiting the city, stay overnight in a hotel or B&B (not vacation rentals, which hollow out housing stock), eat in family-owned restaurants, and buy souvenirs from Venice’s artisans who ply centuries-old trades. Then, not only are you helping the city stay alive, but you’re also ensuring a better trip – Venice done well is unforgettable.

Here are the best experiences in Venice.

1. Take in the Piazza San Marco

For many people, this waterfront square is Venice: the rolling domes of the basilica, the centuries-old cafes beneath the stately porticoes, the vast Campanile  (belltower) throwing its shadow around the square, high tide occasionally sloshing around your feet. There’s so much to see around  Piazza San Marco (or St Mark’s Square) that you could easily spend a day here.

Start in the  Basilica di San Marco , the Byzantine basilica that glitters with golden mosaics inside. Then move on to the Campanile, where elevators whisk you up 98.6m (323ft) for enticing views of Venice and the lagoon. Spare a few hours for the  Museo Correr , at the opposite end of the square from the basilica, which tells the story of the city through its objects. Need a break at any point? Stop for a coffee or a spritz at Quadri , our favorite of the 18th-century cafes in the square.

Local tip: Keen to understand these icons better? Time for some reading. Family-run  Libreria La Toletta in Dorsoduro is Venice’s best bookshop, with literally hundreds of volumes about the city. For kids , try  Ponte dei Sogni in Castello, whose beautiful picture books tell the history of the city.

2. Enter the seat of power at the Palazzo Ducale

If you only visit one museum in Venice, you need to make it this: the vast  Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), the Republic of Venice’s seat of power for around 900 years. With its pink and white facade squaring off against the lagoon, it has everything: mindblowing art and architecture, plus a whole load of atmosphere.

There’s so much to see here – every single room is plastered with works by some of the greatest artists of all time – that you shouldn’t expect to take it all in. But it’s worth saving more time for the rooms and their art than speeding across the famous Bridge of Sighs and through the grim prisons – although the latter is great for kids.

Planning tip:  Lines can get long here, especially before 11am. Skip the wait and book a fast-track ticket in advance through sites such as Ticketsvenice.com . 

Transform your visit to Palazzo Ducale by  booking with GetYourGuide.

3. Sail down the Grand Canal

Venice may be ideal for wandering, but its majestic palazzos were built to be admired from the water. Take the number 1 Vaporetto (waterbus) that plies the Grand Canal and experience one of the world’s greatest public transport routes .

You’ll find beauty every way you turn but heading south don’t miss: the Fondaco dei Turchi (once the headquarters for Arab and Muslim merchants, now the city’s  natural history museum );  Ca’ d’Oro , with its spectacular carved and marble-clad facade; Ca’ Foscari, the city’s beautiful university; and the bombastic octagonal  Salute church, right before the Grand Canal meets the lagoon.

Local tip: Get off at Salute, and walk down to Punta della Dogana for the best lagoon views, and then up along the Zattere waterfront. From here you can pick up a number 2 Vaporetto, which takes you to St Mark’s Square from the other side.

4. Venture over the Rialto

Everyone who visits Venice wants to see the  Rialto Bridge , the flouncy white crossing over the Grand Canal made of gleaming Istrian stone. Yet what the bridge leads to is arguably just as interesting. There’s been a  market on the western side of the bridge for over 1000 years – while it’s not the trading hub of centuries past, there’s still a lively fish market and a fruit and veg area too.

If you’re looking at the stalls, do remember to buy something, and don’t get in the way of other shoppers – this is still a real market, even if many tourists treat it as an Instagram backdrop. Stop for a drink beside the Grand Canal on Campo Erbaria –  Bancogiro is always a good bet for cicchetti (small snacks) – then lose yourselves in the surrounding alleyways, still full of food stores.

Planning tip: For a behind-the-scenes look at this most touristy of areas, take a tour with  Go Guide , a local group of guides who focus on Rialto.

Explore the Rialto effortlessly with  GetYourGuide . Book your tour today.

5. Be immersed in world-class art at the Accademia

In Dorsoduro, sitting quietly at the end of the famous wooden Accademia Bridge, is one of Italy’s finest art museums, the  Gallerie dell’Accademia . The meandering itinerary takes you through buildings packed with works that once hung from the city’s church walls, telling the story of Venetian art in the process. It starts with Paolo Veneziano, carries through to Carpaccio, Mantegna and Bellini, and then explodes into the finest works of Tintoretto, Titian and Veronese.

Detour: Near the Accademia are two of Venice’s best artisans. At  Cornici Trevisanello , the Trevisanello family has been making picture frames for the likes of Picasso for decades; they also make jewel-like smaller frames that make perfect souvenirs. Near Ca’ Foscari is bookbinder  Paolo Olbi , who creates beautiful stationery with hand-printed Venetian and Byzantine motifs. Further up towards Rialto, in Campiello dei Meloni, is  Il Pavone , where Paolo Pelosin makes everything from stationery to earrings with exquisite marbled paper.

6. Eat cicchetti in a bacaro

Three essential words for your Venetian stay: ombra , cicchetti and bacaro . Ombra (shadow) is the local name given to a small glass of wine served in a bacaro – a traditional wine bar or tavern. It may only be a small glass but don’t forget to follow it with cicchetti – finger food-style bar snacks, rather like Spanish tapas. You’ll find bacari all over town – when you spot one that looks good, make sure you stop.

Local tip: These days most cicchetti are slices of baguette bread topped with anything from cheese to fish but don’t miss old-style ones like a hard-boiled egg with anchovies, or sarde in saor – sardines in a sweet-sour marinade with pine nuts and raisins.

7. Seek out local traditions in Burano

Most visitors flock to  Burano to photograph its gorgeous candy-colored cottages. Fair enough – but to do only that is to miss out on one of the most special places in the lagoon. A fishing community since medieval times, Burano’s relative isolation in the north lagoon – a 45-minute vaporetto ride (or four-hour paddle) from Venice – has kept its culture intact. Or rather, it did until mass tourism hit.

Today, the Buranelli are assailed by crowds who come, photograph and hop on the boat back to town without spending a cent – but you can help them by practicing more sustainable tourism. Visit the  Museo del Merletto , which teaches you about the island’s lace-making tradition, and take a tour of the tranquil north lagoon with fisherman  Andrea Rossi , who’ll sweep you past mudflats and islands in perfect peace, with birds overhead your only company. It’s definitely one of the top experiences in Venice to change everything you think about the city.

Local tip: Stop for lunch at the family-run  Trattoria al Gatto Nero . Try the risotto di gò (goby fish risotto).

Explore Burano effortlessly with GetYourGuide.  Book your tour today .

8. Acknowledge the painful history behind the Jewish ghetto

The sinister word ghetto comes from the Venetian geto , or foundry – a clue to the past of this area, which was abandoned and undesirable when the Jewish community was forcibly settled here in 1516. Originally one tiny island, the area was expanded twice by the 17th century, with residents gated in every night, and living in eight-story "skyscrapers".

Despite the appalling conditions, the Jewish community flourished here, building no fewer than five synagogues that were as lavish as Venice’s churches. Guided tours of the area get you access to some of them, including the atmospheric  Scola Levantina , with scarlet-swaddled walls and a dark carved ceiling, redesigned by Venice’s 17th-century starchitect, Baldassare Longhena.

Planning tip: Book ahead for tours of the ghetto. The  Museo Ebraico (Jewish Museum) is closed for renovation until further notice.

9. Gaze upon the artworks in Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Forget Titian and Tiepolo – for many, Tintoretto is Venice’s greatest artist of all time. His finest paintings fill two floors of the vast Scuola Grande di San Rocco , one of Venice’s many scuole (lay confraternities that did charity work in the community), including the ceiling. They were decorated by Tintoretto to celebrate the end of the 1576 plague, which wiped out a third of the city.

There are more than 60 paintings of swirling Biblical scenes (Tintoretto revolutionized the depiction of movement and amped up the use of rich color), including on the roof of the main hall. This is Venice’s answer to the Sistine Chapel.

Planning tip: Many visitors see the Scuola and forget about the nearby church of San Rocco, which has yet more Tintoretto artworks inside.

10. View the Grand Canal from Ca’ d’Oro

Nobody loved Venice like Baron Giorgio Franchetti. In 1894, he bought the 15th-century Ca’ d’Oro, a Gothic palazzo on the Grand Canal so lavish that it was named the "Golden House". 

It had fallen into disrepair by the time he bought it and Franchetti dedicated his life to bringing the house back to its former glory, by rebuilding, repairing and filling it with sublime art. His ashes are now buried in the courtyard. It’s undergoing a major restoration, but the gallery will remain open throughout, with some parts closed, stage by stage. The views of the Grand Canal and Rialto market are spectacular from its balconies.

Planning tip: The best way to arrive at Ca’ d’Oro is by traghetto – a large gondola-style boat that acts as a shuttle across the Grand Canal. The Santa Sofia stop is right by Ca’ d’Oro, and connects with the Rialto market.

11. Get to know glass on Murano

Floating in the lagoon a 10-minute vaporetto ride north of Cannaregio, elegant  Murano is a mini Venice with opulent waterfront palazzos, knockout churches, and even its own Grand Canal. It is best known for its glass blowers, as it has been for centuries. Start at the  Museo del Vetro , the island’s glass museum, where you’ll learn that the art of glass-making was perfected in the Middle East, before Venice’s medieval trade links with Syria allowed it to copy the techniques and take it to new heights.

A small, easily digestible museum with a jewel-like collection, it’ll give you the background you need to appreciate the often tacky-looking glass ornaments in the shops. Ready to buy? We like  Lucevetro , where Cecilia Cenedese designs products and gets island maestri to craft them for her, while  Wave Murano Glass offers furnace tours and even lessons.

Detour: You may be here for glass but don’t miss Murano’s churches. The  Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato has a knockout 12th-century marble mosaic "carpet", while the  church of San Pietro Martire has works by Bellini, Tintoretto and Veronese.

12. Take in the modern Querini Stampalia museum

The  Fondazione Querini Stampalia is a fascinating space in a 16th-century palazzo, combining a museum, gallery, library archive and a modernist wing and garden designed by Venice’s 20th-century architect, Carlo Scarpa. The main gallery has works by the likes of Palma il Vecchio, Canaletto and Bellini, whose Presentation at the Temple is one of the city’s finest artworks.

It’s also a brilliant example of a modern museum: the information panels, redone in 2022, contextualize the art and teach you about Venetian life, from the poor conditions for house staff to arranged marriages and the banning of homosexuality.

Detour: In the square outside is the church of  Santa Maria Formosa , one of the few true Renaissance buildings in Venice.

13. Explore the city's finest churches

It’s no secret that some of Venice’s best art lies in its churches. But in a city which, as legend says, has a church for every day of the year, how do you know where to start? Buying a  Chorus pass is the way forward. Eighteen of Venice’s loveliest churches belong to this group – each is €3.50 to enter, but a pass for all of them, valid for one year, is just €14.

They’re dotted all around the city, so as you do your obligatory Venice wander, you can pop in for an art fix. All are worth seeing, but the standouts are  Santa Maria dei Miracoli (a marble-clad Renaissance jewel), and  San Sebastiano , frescoed and painted almost entirely by Veronese.

Planning tip: Some of the churches have limited opening hours. When you get your pass, ask for the map of the churches – it also lists opening hours.

14. See Venice’s birthplace on Torcello

This island just across the water from Burano is where Venice began. The first island of the lagoon to be settled, and then a bustling early medieval boomtown, today  Torcello is a haunting place of around a dozen inhabitants, and one big draw: the  Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta , the vast church that dominated the north lagoon for centuries. Still visible from the airport, its interior sparkles with Byzantine-style mosaics from the 11th century. It’s pure magic.

Planning tip: Visit  Torcello before Burano – if you do it the other way round, you’ll be trying to board a packed vaporetto back to Venice.

15. Pay your respects to Tintoretto

Peaceful Cannaregio is worth a stroll for its tranquil canals lined with grand palazzos, and for the church of  Madonna dell’Orto . This big barn of a place was Tintoretto’s neighborhood church – today he’s buried here, along with his artist children Domenico and Marietta, and its walls are covered with his paintings, as well as works by Titian, Palma il Giovane and Cima da Conegliano.

Detour: A short walk away is the church of  Sant’Alvise , part of the Chorus association, and famous for its spectacular trompe l’oeil ceiling.

This article was first published Oct 8, 2021 and updated Feb 28, 2024.

Explore related stories

Mar 6, 2024 • 8 min read

How does anyone decide between Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance, and Venice, a city of marble palaces floating on a lagoon? Our writers can help.

Jan 11, 2024 • 8 min read

May 18, 2023 • 6 min read

Jun 27, 2020 • 11 min read

Jan 21, 2020 • 4 min read

Jan 8, 2020 • 8 min read

Aug 15, 2019 • 6 min read

Jul 3, 2019 • 8 min read

Jun 8, 2018 • 4 min read

Nov 7, 2016 • 6 min read

• Google Play
• Contacts us

How to get to Venice

A simple guide for arriving in venice, italy.

Venice – The city of gondolas and romance and magic. If you’re reading this you’re probably planning, thinking of planning, or dreaming of someday…maybe taking a trip to this amazing little island. One of the first questions that you need an answer to is – how do we actually get to Venice??

Whether you’re staying overnight or making a day trip this guide will give you the clarity you need to make sure you know exactly how to arrive on the island of Venice.

Let’s get started!

Venice Geography 101

You really need to know this.

There is Venice the municipality that includes Mestre and Lido and some other nice places and then there is VENICE. The famous Venice, the one everyone wants to visit and that you’ve heard so much about, is the historic center highlighted in the map above. The mainland and other islands on the lagoon are lovely (if you have some time you should definitely visit them too!), but not what you have in mind when you think Saint Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, Gondolas etc so when you plan on arriving in Venice your goal is to get to that historic center. (Just to eliminate any possible confusion – Venice is Venezia  in Italian) Now that you know where you’re going let’s go over your transportation options.

Getting to the center of Venice

For an island well over a thousand years old it’s surprising how many ways there are to arrive in Venice.

Here are your 6 options. The Map above shows you all of the important arrival points:

3. Airplane

5. cruise ship, 6. special section – how to get to venice from mestre (the mainland town which is used as a budget alternative to the island of venice).

Now that you’ve seen the list, here is the info that you’ll need:

1. How to Get to Venice by Train – Santa Lucia Railway Station ( Venezia Santa Lucia in Italian)

Of all the trips I’ve taken in my life no moment stands out like the first time I stepped out of Santa Lucia Railway Station and saw the Grand Canal in the early spring as the sun was setting. I had heard all about Venice, but it was like living in a dream and I’m convinced that first impression is the reason I keep coming back. (Let me know about your first impression of Venice and if you think anything tops arriving by Train.) Venice is connected to the mainland by the Liberty Bridge ( Ponte della Libertà) and as you’re going over the bridge you almost get the feeling you’re traveling back in time.

What You Need to Know

There are 2 train companies in Italy that will take you to Venice:

A) Trenitalia – The have a variety of offers and price ranges. You can take the less expensive and less comfortable regional train ( Treni Regionali) or the more expensive high-speed trains ( Le Frecce – literally “the darts”). If you traveling from Verona or Padua and you want a budget option the regional trains are fine. Otherwise, considering the length of time it takes to travel to Venice from Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples or any part of Italy other than the northeast I would recommend the high-speed Trains.

B) Italo   – This private company only offers high-speed options and is similar in service to the high-speed service from Trenitalia.

Bottom Line – I generally hear that Italo offers better service, but I have had both good experiences and delays with Trenitalia and Italo so my best advice for those looking for a high speed option is to check both companies for the dates of your travel (ahead of time if possible) and choose based on how long the ride is and price. For budget travelers the regional trains of Trenitalia are your best bet.

2. How to Get to Venice by Car and Where to Park your Car in Venice

Surprisingly comfortable all things considering. I’ve driven to Venice and I was impressed that it was so easy to drive my car onto an island.

You’ll have to drive over the Liberty Bridge ( Ponte della Libertà) and you have 2 choices for parking:

A) Piazzale Roma – this is the absolute closest you can get to Venice with your car. From here you can walk or take the vaporetto / water bus all over the island. There are a few options here , but the largest garage is is the City Parking Garage where you can get really convenient express lane ( riservato abbonati) access if you book in advance with MyPass Venezia. I have seen really long lines at garage entrance so I definitely recommend reserving in advance. The daily rate is 23 euros.

B) Tronchetto – This is the slightly cheaper option (21 euros as opposed to 23 at Piazzale Roma) and offers hourly parking rates, which is an advantage for those staying a shorter period. To get from Tronchetto to the center you can take the #2 vaporetto / water bus into Venice or the people mover ( a cool above ground cable car), which will get you to Piazzale Roma. For those who need to know – buses, campers and vans can park at Tronchetto but have a separate lot and higher prices.

Bottom Line – If you are staying in Venice and need to park for 3 hours or less then Tronchetto is your best bet, otherwise parking in Piazzale Roma makes more sense because it is so conveniently located. Just make sure you reserve in advance because the garage does fill up!

3. How to Get to Venice by Plane and how to get to the Historic Center of Venice from Marco Polo Airport

When flying to Venice the Marco Polo Airport is by far the closest option. Some regional flights might go through the Treviso Airport, but that is a separate case.

When landing at Marco Polo you have 2 options (aside from car rental since that would be the same as arriving in Venice by car):

A) Alilaguna Water Bus – Alilaguna is a private company that runs long distance water bus / vaporetto services around Venice. ACTV, which is the public transport authority, does not have vaporettos that go to the airport. There are blue, orange and red lines and you should decide which line to take based on where you’re going in Venice ( Alilaguna map here ). Tickets cost about 15 euros with a small discount when you buy a round trip ticket. If you get your tickets in advance  make sure to get them converted into a paper ticket at the offices listed in the link. Also, note that there is a 1 euro additional charge if you purchase your tickets on the Alilaguna boat.

B) ACTV Autobus – This is the public transport authority and they offer the most affordable route to the historic center. The cost is 8 euros for a one-way ticket and 15 for a round trip and the ride is about 30 minutes. A smart choice is to get a day or multi-day ticket package with your airport transfer so you can take the vaporetto without needing another ticket when you reach Venice. You’ll arrive in Piazzale Roma and from there you can take the vaporetto or walk to your destination.

Bottom Line – There isn’t a huge price difference between Alilaguna and ACTV Buses so it depends on your taste. If you’re someone prone to motion sickness and you’ve already had a long flight I would avoid the hour long boat ride. However, Venice is best experienced by boat and there is something special about approaching the island by sea so considering who you’re traveling with when deciding.

4. How to get to Venice by Bus

For those looking for a super budget option especially from countries outside Italy where the Trenitalia regional trains might not be available.

There many bus companies that operate around Italy and Europe that have stops in or near Venice. I have often used a German Bus Company called Flixbus, but they only bring you to Mestre (mainland) or Tronchetto.

Bottom Line – If you choose to take a bus make sure it gets you to Piazzale Roma or at least Tronchetto. If not, you’ll have to take another bus, boat, tram or something to get to Venice.

5. How to get to Venice by Cruise Ship and how to get to the Historic Center from the Cruise Terminal

There are all kinds debates around cruise ships entering into Venice. Those in favor point out the economic benefits, while those against fear that the size of the ships would make a crash catastrophic and that the number of visitors overwhelms the city. I bring this up because there are ongoing discussions about moving the docking area of the cruise ships. For the time being most ships arrive at the Marittima Cruise Terminal.

There is a shuttle bus that runs from the cruise terminal to Piazzle Roma every 20 minutes. If you want to go directly to St. Mark’s Square take the Alilaguna Blue Line.

Bottom Line – Many cruise lines will arrange transportation to Venice for their passengers, but if you want to explore on your own Piazzale Roma is a good starting point with a walk to the Rialto Bridge 20 minutes and St. Mark’s 30 minutes. If you want to go directly to St. Mark’s take the Alilaguna Blue Line, which shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes

6. Special Section – How to get to Venice from Mestre (The mainland budget alternative to the island of Venice)

Mestre is a great budget option for a trip to Venice. Hotels are much more affordable. If you can afford to stay in Venice I would recommend that because at night the crowds disappear and the sound of small waves splashing against the canals and boats is special, however, for a variety of reasons Mestre can be a good option.

ACTV Bus – from Mestre Train Station take line 2. From the Center of Mestre you can take lines 4 or 5. All buses cost 1.50 euros. Takes about 15-20 minutes.

ACTV Tram – From the Mestre train station you can take line T2 to Mestre Center where line T1 will take you to Venice. Price is 1.50 euros. Takes about 20-25 minutes.

Trenitalia Train – From Mestre Train Station to Santa Lucia Venice Central Station. Takes about 15 minutes.

Taxi – takes about 15 minutes to get you to Piazzale Roma and should cost about 20 euros.

What do you think about these tips for getting to Venice? Do you disagree with anything here? Something to add? Let me know what you think!

Mattia Avanzini

Related posts.

The Hypervenezia exhibition by Mario Peliti at Palazzo Grassi The Hypervenezia exhibition at Palazzo Grassi…

Five exhibitions to see in Venice this summer The events not to be missed to…

All the places of interest not to be missed in a one-day visit between Rialto…

This Post Has 0 Comments

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• previous post: Feast Redentore 2019
• next post: Venice fall 2019
• Piazzale Roma Parking

Una volta acquistato il biglietto online, segui questi semplici passaggi:

Ricorda: se vuoi usufruire del biglietto digitale direttamente sul tuo smartphone, scarica l'app MyPass Venezia.

This will close in 0 seconds

Venice   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Andreas Koch | EyeEm

Why Go To Venice

Venice is enchanting. Yes, that may be cliché to say, but once you see the city on the water for yourself, you'll surely agree. Step out of the Santa Lucia train station and the breathtaking  Grand Canal  will soon greet you. You'll see water taxis coast along, passing underneath the  Ponte degli Scalzi  (Bridge of the Barefoot) and might hear the faintest hint of a serenading violin, or is that your imagination? It might not be all in your head. Romantic gondolas carrying smitten couples glide through the web of the city's many waterways, and gondola drivers are known to sing when the moment feels right. On land, narrow passageways twist past Old World storefronts and residences, and over bridges. You should note that maps aren't all that helpful here and getting lost is the norm – embrace the disorientation, or enlist the help of a local by signing up for one of the best Venice tours . 

This canal-clad city's main draw is its magical atmosphere, but you'll also find quite a few diversions, too: The tour guides at  St. Mark's Basilica  and the  Doge's Palace  give some great historical insight; the  Gallerie dell'Accademia  hangs works by Titian, Veronese and other famed Venetians; and the  Teatro La Fenice  puts on some world-renowned operas. You can also travel to nearby islands like Lido for the beach, Murano for the well-known glass and Burano for its lace. 

Find Flight and Hotel Deals

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

• # 2 in Best Day Trips from Florence
• # 3 in Best Places to Visit in Italy
• # 5 in Best Winter Vacations in Europe

See All 6 Rankings

Best of Venice

Best hotels in venice.

• # 1 in The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
• # 2 in JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
• # 3 in Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice

Best Things to Do in Venice

• # 1 in St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)
• # 2 in Grand Canal
• # 3 in Gondola Rides

Popular Tours

Venice In a Day: Basilica San Marco, Doges Palace & Gondola ride

(2107 reviews)

from $ 121.62

Legendary Venice St. Mark's Basilica with Terrace Access & Doge's Palace

(4119 reviews)

from $ 114.84

Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat

(4644 reviews)

from $ 52.50

Venice Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Venice is from September to November when tourists desert the city. Although the temperatures – which range from the upper 30s to mid-70s – necessitate some layers, the lowered hotel rates and the barren canals make it worth it. Winters are cold with temperatures in the 30s and 40s, while spring brings Venice's most beautiful weather. Summertime is peak season and is characterized by high hotel rates, high temperatures and – you guessed it – plenty of crowds. Although acqua alta  (high water) can occur anytime between late September and April, it's most likely to happen in November and December, so make sure to pack a pair of rain boots if you plan on traveling then. 

Weather in Venice

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Budget for the tourist entry fee  Starting Jan. 16, 2023, travelers visiting Venice for the day will have to pay an entry fee ranging from 3 to 10 euros (about $3 to $10) per person 6 years and older. Tickets can be reserved online via the city's booking platform, and prices will be determined by ticket demand. Visitors staying overnight do not have to pay the fee as city accommodations already include a tourist tax in the nightly rate. Fines for not paying the entry fee range from 50 to 300 euros (about $50 to $300). 

Rise with the sun  At least once during your trip, you should wake up early and walk to Piazza San Marco for one of the world's best sunrises.

Coincide with a festival  Carnival (held in January and early February) and the International Film Festival (in August and early September) breathe extra life into this romantic destination.

How to Save Money in Venice

Stick to walking  You can enjoy the Venetian ambiance by walking rather than taking a boat, and you'll save quite a few euros, too.

Stick to the bus  Take an ATVO bus or one of the Alilaguna water buses from the Venice airport into Venice proper instead of a water taxi. You'll pay between 8 and 15 euros (around $10 to $18) for the bus ride instead of more than 100 euros (around $120) for the water taxi.

Book in advance  Gondola rides are a must in Venice, yet they're quite expensive. If you aren't traveling with a group, or don't want to share with strangers to split the cost, tour companies often offer rides for less. Find out more in our guide to the best Venice tours .

Culture & Customs

Unlike  Rome , Venice's economy is largely dependent on its very strong tourism industry. So, keep in mind that you'll likely be sharing your Venice trip with loads of other vacationers.

To Italians, everything from a person's dress to his or her actions and manners should be beautiful, or  bella figura.  First impressions are especially lasting for Italians, who, while warm and helpful, do hold outward appearances in very high regard. Dressing well will sometimes even be rewarded by better and more prompt service.  

Bella figura  does not stop with physical presentation as it extends into a person's manners and conduct. Avoid being obnoxiously loud or ostentatious, as this is greatly looked down on as  brutta figura . Learning some Italian and attempting to use it will win you points with Italians, who are generally patient and happy to help you learn more. In any kind of store or restaurant, it's appropriate to greet and say goodbye to employees – even if you do not buy anything – with a  ciao and  arrivederci , respectively. Wherever you go, remember your manners and don't forget your pleases,  per favore , and thank yous,  grazie .

Residents generally speak Italian with a Venetian dialect, which can be unrecognizable – even to native Italian speakers.  Ca,  a shortened form of the word "casa," is used to describe many private residences and palaces. A street or  calle   in Venice, (pronounced ka-lay), is different from the " via " or " strada " streets elsewhere in Italy.

Similar to the rest of Italy, many Venetian businesses and tourist attractions take Sundays and at least one other day off, though it fluctuates from place to place. During the week, some also take a midday siesta after lunch hours.

Meals in Italy are expected to last long and it's very common for patrons to linger. So don't be surprised when your server does not bring your bill the minute you finish your meal. In fact, you will not get your bill,  il conto , until you ask for it. When you do receive it, remember there is a service charge, or  servizo , included, and sometimes a coperto , or cover charge. Italians don't tip, so you don't have to either. Also keep in mind that water and bread are usually not free at meals. If you ask for water, your server will ask you to specify whether you prefer tap water,  acqua di rubinetto ; flat water,  acqua naturale ; or sparkling water,  acqua frizzante  or  acqua con gas . Also be aware that Venetians tend to eat dinner by 7:30, and many Venice restaurants close their kitchens by 10 p.m. As is the case throughout Italy, Venice's official currency is the euro. Since the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates, be sure to check what the current exchange rate is before you go. Major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops.

What to Eat

With such close proximity to the water, it should come as no surprise that fish is the main component of Venetian cuisine. Cuttlefish ( sepia ), clams ( vongole),  and sea bass ( branzino ) are popular ingredients, which can be found in many of the area's most well-known dishes, including  frutti di mare , Venice’s take on a seafood salad.  Tramezzini  is a tasty Venetian street food: These triangular sandwiches, with a range of fillings from cheese to meats, can be found at cafes throughout the city. Wash it all down with  prosecco , a sparkling white wine from the Veneto region. Some of the best Venice tours were designed with foodies in mind. Sign up for a tour if you'd like help navigating the dining scene from a local.

For the best bang for your buck, try to avoid the San Marco area or any establishment that solicits tourists off the street. Instead, try one of the smaller establishments – such as traveler-recommended Ristorante La Caravella – tucked away on one of the many hidden side streets. Locals frequent establishments like Paradiso Perduto, near the Jewish Ghetto , for its long wooden tables and vibrant atmosphere. The farm-to-table Ostaria Boccadoro is another popular haunt. You could also dine at a  bacaro , a smaller wine bar with lower prices, authentic cuisine and more character. Traveler favorites include Cantina Do Spade, Alla Ciurma and Cantina Do Mori.

Venice is considered a very safe destination. However, as is the case with most popular tourist destinations, the city can be a magnet for pickpocket crimes. Keep a watchful eye on your belongings, especially around crowded areas of the city, such as Piazza San Marco and on any of the waterbuses. Travel experts say that you can walk Venice's dark alleys at midnight and still be safe, but you might get lost considering how often street names change. Still, getting lost is part of the allure of a Venice vacation. Keep in mind that there's no way to walk off of Venice: The compilation of islands is surrounded by a lagoon. You should also note that signs with the word "Per," an arrow and an attraction name are pointing you in the right direction. You shouldn't pay attention to graffiti directions, which may or may not have been written to confuse tourists.

Getting Around Venice

The best way to get around Venice is by foot. Although the city's labyrinth of canals and weaving roads can complicate things, getting lost is the best way to discover the city's famed allure. You can traverse the canals by  vaporetto  or water bus/ferry (relatively affordable), water taxi (pretty pricey) or gondola (very expensive). 

To get from the Marco Polo Airport (VCE) to central Venice, you should take an ATVO bus (the Venice Airport Bus Express) or Alilaguna water bus. If you – like many other travelers – choose to take the train from other Italian or European cities, you'll be dropped off at the Venezia Santa Lucia train station, where you can take a  vaporetto to your accommodations . Driving is not an option here – even the police use boats to get around. However, if you'd like to rent a car, there are several companies located at the airport.

Entry & Exit Requirements

A passport with at least six months of remaining validity is required for United States citizens traveling outside the mainland by air or sea, as well as for U.S. citizens trying to re-enter the country. U.S. citizens do not need a visa unless they plan on staying longer than 90 days. Visit the U.S. State Department's  website  for the latest information on foreign exit and entry requirements.

The Basilica di San Marco exudes opulence from every corner.

Explore More of Venice

Things To Do

Best hotels.

You might also like

# 2 in  Best Honeymoons in Europe for 2024

# 5 in  Best Day Trips from Florence

Tuscany, Italy

# 1 in  Best Wine Vacations

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

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.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Last Updated on June 17, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

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

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

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

Best Hotels and Resorts

• Best Things to Do

Best Shopping

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

Lara D'agostino/Travel + Leisure

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

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

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

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

Top 5 Can’t Miss

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

St. Regis Venice

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

Hotel Flora

Courtesy of Hotel Flora

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

Venice Venice

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

Best Things to Do 

Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure

Gondola Ride

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

Doge’s Palace Secret Itineraries Tour

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

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

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

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

Alphotographic/Getty Images

Godi Fiorenza

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

Francis Model

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

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

Gilberto Penzo

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

Karl Hendon/Getty Images

Walk the Riva.

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

Head to Cannaregio.

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

Check out Arts Bar Venice.

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

Cantina Do Spade

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

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

Trattoria al Gatto Nero

Courtesy of Trattoria al Gatto Nero

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

Bar All’Arco

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

DanielGorostieta/Travel + Leisure

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the main transportation options:

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

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

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

Related Articles

Getting Around in Venice

Grand Canal transportation || public domain photo, annotated by Jessica Spiegel

Venice is one of Italy’s most pedestrian-friendly cities, not least because there are no motorized vehicles on the streets. It’s also a deceptively small city (I say “deceptively” because it’s often so crowded you’d swear it was bigger). Still, visitors are often surprised at how long it takes to walk from one end of the city to the other.

So, yes – while you can walk everywhere in the canal city, it behooves you to learn about public transportation in Venice, too.

In most Italian cities, public transit options are plentiful. In Venice, they’re extremely limited. There are buses that only go as far as Piazzale Roma (near the train station), but otherwise you’re talking about different kinds of boats. I’ll go over each of them below.

Tickets for Public Transportation in Venice

The only boats in Venice for which tickets are applicable are the vaporetti (more info on these boats below), as all other boats require direct payment that varies in price depending on the duration or distance of the trip. You can buy individual tickets that are valid for a certain amount of time, or you can buy daily or weekly passes if you’ll be in Venice for awhile and taking the vaporetti often.

After purchasing a ticket, you must validate it before boarding the vaporetto . Validation machines are usually located at the edge of the walkway that leads to the vaporetto stop itself, and they’ll leave a timestamp on your ticket that starts the clock on its validity ticking. Yes, I’ve heard of people who feign ignorance to re-use one ticket repeatedly, but those people are also fined pretty heavily when they’re caught. I validate my tickets, and I suggest you do the same.

Your ticket options are:

• Single Ticket (Biglietto Navigazione) – €7.50 – A ticket good for a single trip. It’s good for 75 minutes after the first validation on vaporetti (operated by ACTV ), but cannot be used on Alilugana lines (boats that cross the lagoon to/from the airport) or ACTV routes 16, 19, or Casinò.
• 1-Day Ticket – €20.00 – A vaporetto pass good for 24 hours from the first validation. Also valid on local buses.
• 2-Day Ticket – €30.00 – A vaporetto pass good for 48 hours from the first validation. Also valid on local buses.
• 3-Day Ticket – €40.00 – A vaporetto pass good for three days from the first validation. Also valid on local buses.
• 7-Day Ticket – €60.00 – A vaporetto pass good for seven days from the first validation. Also valid on local buses.
• Rolling Venice Card – €22.00 – If you’re between the ages of 6-29 you can get a Rolling Venice card, good for three days of travel on ACTV vaporetti and local buses. Add another €12.00 and it includes round-trip bus service to/from the airport.

You may be looking at those prices with raised eyebrows, comparing them to public transit tickets in other cities – and yes, a vaporetto ticket costs quite a bit more than, say, a bus ticket in Rome. Venice residents pay lower prices for transit tickets, with good reason, and the higher cost for visitors helps keep the fragile city afloat . I’m not fond of hearing people complain about the discrepancy in the ticket prices for locals vs. visitors. If you think it’s too expensive, you can walk. Ahem.

Boats in Venice

A vaporetto is basically a bus boat. There are 21 lines, including those that serve other islands in the lagoon (like Murano, Burano, and Torcello). Lines 1 and 2 are among the most popular with visitors, because they both run the length of the Grand Canal. Line 1 is slower, stopping at almost every single stop, which means you can treat it like a tour. If you’re just trying to get from the train station to St. Mark’s Square (or vice versa) more quickly, take line 2, which stops at fewer points. You can check out a vaporetto map on the ACTV site , and I’d also recommend picking a paper map up when you get there for reference. (Otherwise, quite frankly, maps in Venice are all but useless ).

Venice vaporetto || creative commons photo by Andrey Surikov

There are only four bridges crossing the Grand Canal, but you don’t have to stick to those bottlenecks. Instead, climb into a traghetto like the Venetians do at one of the seven traghetto stops along the canal. Traghetti look like less fancy versions of gondolas, and they’re operated by two people instead of one. You’ll pay €2 euro in cash when you board, and you’ll see that the locals stand rather than sit – it’s a pretty short trip from one side of the Grand Canal to the other.

Venice traghetto || creative commons photo by Gary Houston

There are private motor boats all over Venice, including plenty of water taxis. They’re much faster than the vaporetti , of course, but they are also considerably more expensive. There aren’t any flat rates with Venice’s water taxis, so the fares I’m quoting here are just estimates. From the airport to central Venice can easily cost €100 or more, and a trip between the train station and St. Mark’s Square can run €50-70. If you’ve got a large enough group (water taxis can usually fit up to 10 people), splitting the cost might make it more palatable.

Venice water taxi || creative commons photo by Elliott Brown

Most people want to ride in a gondola during a trip to Venice. Some feel like they haven’t really had the true Venice experience without a gondola ride. Gondolas are absolutely not a way to get around the city, but I’m including them here because somebody’s going to ask me otherwise. There are official gondola fares set every year, and those fares are per gondola – not per person. If you’re planning to go for a gondola ride during your trip (and you’re not booking the ride in advance on Viator or Select Italy ), it’s wise to learn about the official rates so you’re well-informed before you start talking to a gondolier.

Venice gondola || creative commons photo by Jorge Royan

5 responses to “Getting Around in Venice”

Well done, Jessica! Very comprehensive and easy to understand.

Nice summary! I will copy and save. I enjoy the vaporetto rides and now I understand which lines to take as well! Also could I mention the ACTV line that goes from the airport on the mainland to St. Mark’s Square. The boats look different from the Vaporetto boats. I have a picture of an ACTV boat in my blog: http://blog.learntravelitalian.com/arriving-in-venice-for-your-italian-adventure/

Thanks for the note! I should do a separate article about getting between Venice and the airport, since that’s a whole other kettle of fish… 🙂

This was so helpful, thank you. Where do we go to purchase a 2-day vaporetto pass? Thanks!

Glad it helped! You can buy them at ticket machines or at ticket windows in Venice.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Get our Newsletter

Sites i love.

• At Home in Tuscany
• Bleeding Espresso
• Ciao Amalfi
• Cook in Venice
• Dream of Italy
• Driving Like a Maniac
• Italy Beyond the Obvious
• Jessica's Personal Site
• Ms. Adventures in Italy
• My Bella Basilicata
• My Bella Vita
• Napoli Unplugged
• Revealed Rome
• Sacred Destinations in Italy
• The Bittersweet Life Podcast

Ultimate Travel Guide for Venice, Italy

Are you planning a trip to venice – italy’s city of canals.

Hello! Here you will find my ultimate travel guide for Venice or Venezia as they call it in Italian. Use it to make your travel planning easy, logical, and enjoyable. It will also help you experience the uniquely beautiful City of Canals in the most authentic way.

The information is organised under several topics, for example:

• Is Venice worth a visit?
• How to reach Venice and how to navigate this car-free city?
• What to eat and where to stay in Venice?
• Which major landmarks , museums, and churches are a must-see in Venice?
• What hidden corners to explore in Venice and what day trips to take from the City of Canals?

There are also maps, practical details, and lots of beautiful photos to give you an idea of what to expect. You will also find the best times to visit Venice, packing suggestions, and how long you should stay here. I have included links to the best guidebooks and books for Venice, the best tours you can take here, as well as a list of the artisan Venetian products to shop for.

Right at the end, you will find my top 5 tips for visiting Italy’s splendid City of Canals. This is followed by the five things you should never do in Venice!

It’s all based on my visits to Venice and the Venetian Lagoon over the last twenty years. You can easily scroll up and down to focus just on the type of travel details that you need.

Have a look and enjoy your Venice trip!

The information in this travel guide reflects my first-hand experience. It may contain affiliate links and if you click and make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. The ads on this page help me keep this blog free and produce new travel content for you to enjoy. Full details in my  Disclosure .

WHERE IS VENICE?

Venice is a municipality in northeastern Italy and the capital of the northeastern Italian region of Veneto . Famous all over the world, it has a unique urban plan and it’s composed of several different parts. They are:

The historic centre of Venice  – built on a cluster of 118 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon and surrounded by water on all sides, this is  Venezia  proper in terms of history, architecture, and art. For over a thousand years, it was the capital of the historic Republic of Venice. Nowadays, it is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world. Dozens of  major landmarks , must-see museums, and important churches are concentrated here. About 53,000 people live in the historic centre of Venice.

The mainland area of Venice  – a collection of mainland towns and boroughs. In general, these are heavily industrialised and don’t offer the attractions of Venice. The most well-known ones are Mestre and Marghera. About 180,000 to 200,000 people live in the mainland area of Venice. Just under 90,000 of them are in Mestre. Mestre has its own historic centre but this is not on par with Venice. It’s a place that offers convenient shopping, cheaper accommodation, and it has the rather striking  M9 Museum of the 20th Century .

Other islands in the Venetian Lagoon  – several other islands dotted around the Venetian Lagoon are part of the municipality of Venice. Among them are Lido di Venezia, Murano, and Burano.

IS VENICE WORTH A VISIT?

Venice is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Built on islands in the Venetian Lagoon and with a history that spans over 1,600 years, the City of Canals is one of those destinations that needs to be seen at least once in a lifetime.

There is lots for the discerning traveller to see and do in Venice. From the city’s unique natural setting to its centuries-old churches and famous museums to exciting festivals and spooky corners, Venice is a multilayered city that appeals in equal measures to the senses and the mind.

Book your visit to Venice now for the fantastic views of the Grand Canal, the art-laden Doge’s Palace, the golden mosaics of the Basilica of San Marco, and for the incredible catalogue of paintings kept in numerous galleries. Come to Venice to learn about the Venetian way of life, sample the unique Venetian cuisine, and enjoy a gondola ride. Above all, head to Venice for the opportunity to see how the human mind and will turned an inhospitable, marshy area of the Venetian Lagoon into one of the most splendid civilisations to have ever existed in Europe.

WHAT IS VENICE CALLED IN ITALIAN?

In Italian, Venice is known as Venezia . The city’s name is based on the Indo-European root wen meaning to love, to desire, to strive for. Other words derived from it are to venerate and to win as well as the name of the Roman goddess Venus.

Throughout its existence of 1,600 years, Venice has also accumulated several different monikers. Among them are the Dominant, the Queen of the Adriatic, and the City of Water.

Venice’s historically most well-known moniker is La Serenissima . It dates back to the times when the city was a powerful maritime republic. The title of Most Serene was an acknowledgment of its status as a sovereign state. In this context, the term serene meant supremely dignified, august, and marked by majestic grandeur.

VENICE AND ITS SESTIERI

Venice is divided into six neighbourhoods known in Italian as sestieri (sing . sestiere ). They are Cannaregio, Santa Croce, San Polo, Dorsoduro , Castello, and San Marco. Three of them are on the left-hand side of the Grand Canal and three are on the right-hand side.

Historically, most Italian cities used to be divided into four quarters (in Italian,  quertiere ) or districts. Venice is one of a handful of cities in Italy that were originally split into sestieri . Milan and Genoa are two other such cities here although they have long overgrown their ancient administrative division.

Learn more:

• Dorsoduro, Venice – How to Visit and Best Things to Do in the Most Underrated Corner of Italy’s City of Canals

BEST AIRPORTS FOR VENICE

The two most convenient airports for  Venezia  are Venice Marco Polo Airport and Treviso Airport.

There are three more airports that are within easy distance from the City of Canals and can be a great point of arrival for a Venetian holiday. They are the airports of the northern Italian cities of Verona , Trieste, and Bologna .

For details about how to reach Venice from each of these five airports, have a look at this exhaustive blog post:

• 5 Best Airports for Venice, Italy (With Transfer Options, Travel Times, and Map)

HOW TO REACH VENICE?

Venice is very easy to reach by railway, road, and boat from anywhere in Italy and abroad. High-speed and regular trains connect Venice all throughout the day to many small towns and large cities in Veneto as well as major cities in Italy and capitals in Europe.

Have a look at these blog stops for specific travel directions:  Verona to Venice ,  Florence to Venice ,  Milan to Venice ,  Bologna to Venice ,  Treviso to Venice .

A long bridge connects the Venetian mainland to the historic centre of Venice. The bridge has two parts:

Venice Railroad Bridge  – completed in 1846, this is the railway track bridge that allows trains to reach the historic centre of Venice across the water. The railway tracks end at Venezia Santa Lucia which is an end-of-the-line train station. For more details about it, see this blog post: Which Venice Train Station is Best – Venezia Santa Lucia or Venezia Mestre . To check train times and book tickets in advance, have a look at  Omio ,  ItaloTreno  or  TrenItalia .

Liberty Bridge  (in Italian,  Ponte della Liberta’ ) – completed in 1933, this is the road bridge that allows cars, buses, and other vehicles to reach Piazzale Roma in Venice and the adjacent island of Tronchetto. Piazzale Roma offers some parking facilities. Tronchetto serves as a large car park. Otherwise, the historic centre of Venice is completely car-free and fully inaccessible to cars.

Alternatively, you may want to park at the  Fusina ferry terminal  and take a pedestrian ferry from there straight to Fondamenta delle Zattere in Venice. This is a very convenient way to travel, especially if you are staying elsewhere in  Veneto , have a car at your disposal, and want to visit Venice on a day trip.

If you want to transfer your car from the mainland to the island of Lido di Venezia (where cars are allowed), then you need to catch a special ferry called traghetto .

HOW TO NAVIGATE VENICE?

In a nutshell, you have two options to explore Venice. One is by boat and the other one is on foot.

Simply put, there are three types of watercraft you can use here (for info on gondolas, scroll further down):

Vaporetto  – Venice’s water buses go up and down the Grand Canal, some smaller canals, around the city, and connect it to nearby islands. You can check the current timetables at  this link . When you book your accommodation in Venice or one of the islands in the Venetian Lagoon, ask which is the nearest  vaporetto  stop. You can also buy a single or a multi-day pass for Venice’s  vaporetti  from  here . Once you get off at the right stop, you will need to walk.

Motoscafo  – Venice’s water taxis. They are beautiful and sleek. Quite pricey, too. Yet, if you want to do Venice in style, consider booking a  motoscafo . If you travel in a group or as a large family, hiring a  motoscafo  may be much more convenient and comfortable than lugging suitcases on the  vaporetti  and then walking long distances with children in tow.

Traghetto  on the Grand Canal  – black boats that look like an unadorned gondola. They serve to take you across the Grand Canal at spots that are far from the four bridges that cross it. The Grand Canal traghetto is different from the car traghetto which connects the mainland to the island of Lido di Venezia in the lagoon.

Most of the time, however, you will be getting around Venice on foot. The City of Canals is a real-life maze where you will soon come across many unusual place names. For example, calle , fondamenta , parochia , sestiere , sottoportego, and nizioleto .

To learn how to orient yourself like a Venetian, have a look at this blog post:

• Venetian Place Names or How to Navigate Venice Like a Local

WHAT TO PACK FOR VENICE?

The most important thing to pack for a visit to Venice in any season is a pair of comfortable shoes. You will be walking long distances over all types of historic surfaces and spending time on your feet over long periods of sightseeing, so make sure that your feet are as comfortable as possible. Choose shoes with a good grip that cushion your feet and support your ankles at all times.

In winter, bring warm layers to stave off the chills produced by the high moisture levels. In summer, bring a hat, sunglasses, and suncream to counteract the bright sunlight that bounces off the stone facades and water canals.

During the high season, make sure that your outfits are appropriate. As such, shoulders and knees should be covered in churches and sights and swimsuits are not acceptable attire on the street.

During acqua alta season (usually from October to March) when the risk of flooding is at all times high, bring waterproof shoes and trousers and make sure that you have enough spare clothes to change into if necessary.

In any case, don’t overpack as navigating Venice with heavy luggage can be difficult, expensive, or both.

BEST TIME TO VISIT VENICE

Venice is beautiful in any season and there are lots of things to do here no matter the weather. So, visiting Venice is always a good idea – from a short break to a longer holiday, the City of Canals is a deep dive into the history, art, and heritage of this corner of Italy and Europe.

The low season – between October and March – is my favourite time of the year to head to Venice. This is when it’s very easy to escape the crowds and get to know the truly authentic Venetian corners and stories.

There are three things to keep in mind though:

Acqua alta season brings an elevated risk of flooding and certain areas around the city may be accessible only via the tall wooden platforms that are positioned along flooded streets and squares.

In winter, Venice can get very cold. While snowfalls are very rare here and don’t last long, the humid air is full of chills, so warm layers are a must.

Carnival season – usually between the end of January and February – brings huge crowds to the City of Canals. Expect higher prices for accommodation, bottlenecks, and a constant stream of people.

The high season – April to September – starts with blooming wisterias and ends with Regatta Storica (a historic boat parade followed by a boat race). There are lots of events and festivals to enjoy in Venice during this time. Yet, expect high temperatures – suffocating in July and August – and crowded central parts of the city.

In other words, there is never a truly perfect time to visit Venice. Yet, it’s always a good idea to head there. It’s best not to overthink it, just book the tickets for when you have a few free days next, and enjoy everything that Venice has to offer no matter the weather and the season.

HOW LONG TO STAY IN VENICE?

For a first visit to Venice, ideally, I would suggest four full days:

• two to see the major landmarks here and get your bearings around the City of Canals;
• one for a day trip to one or more of the islands in the Venetian Lagoon;
• and one for a day trip to either Padua , Vicenza , Bassano del Grappa, or even Verona .

This will give you a good introduction to everything that Venice has to offer and will whet your appetite for more specific things to do and see here.

Any return visits can be of any length and focused on particular topics – art, history, hidden gems, and so on.

In any case, if you don’t have four days to spare and yet you really want to see Venice, just come.

My first visit was a day trip from London! That was all I could afford at the time and I was desperate to experience the City of Canals. Since then, I have returned many times for a varying number of days, and each time I fell deeper in love with this unique, multilayered city.

WHERE TO STAY IN VENICE?

There is a huge selection of places to stay in Venice in any season.

You can choose a historic palazzo that nowadays functions as a luxury hotel . You can opt for a cosy B&B with city views. Or you may prefer an accommodation with its own kitchen to enjoy a home-from-home experience.

When picking accommodation in Venice consider carefully its location. Depending on what you want to do and see here, you may prefer to stay closer to the major landmarks , a vaporetto stop, or in a hidden corner that offers peace and quiet.

Some people even choose to stay in Mestre on the Venetian mainland on account of supposedly cheaper prices. Mestre, however, doesn’t have Venice’s history and charm. Having to rely on public transport each day just to reach Venice and then explore on foot, gets tiring very quickly.

If your focus is sightseeing in Venice, then it really pays to stay in the historic city. Early mornings and late afternoons here are truly precious. You have Venice to yourself and can really experience its authentic spirit.

Here are some suggestions for places to stay in Venice. All come highly recommended:

Luxury:   Hotel Ai Reali – Small Luxury Hotels of the World , Ca’ di Dio – Small Luxury Hotel

Mid-Range:   Hotel L’Orologio – WTB Hotels , Hotel Saturnia & International , Casa dei Pittori Venice Apartments

Budget:  Pensione Guerrato , Casa Accademia

Alternatively, use this map to get a quick visual idea of the available accommodation options in Venice, Italy. You can zoom in and out, type in your specific travel dates, and then click on the different price points for detailed information about the hotel you want to know more about.

In addition, have a look at this blog post which explains the different types of accommodation you can book in Italy. It will give you plenty of ideas to look into for the best and quirkiest places to experience here:

• Where to Stay in Italy – 19 Types of Accommodation to Suit Any Budget

WHAT TO EAT IN VENICE?

Venice has its own unique cuisine. Its development was stimulated by the bounty of fresh seafood provided by the Venetian Lagoon as well as by the historical trade connections that the Republic of Venice maintained with far-flung places across the West and the East.

So, come to Venice with an open mind and ready to experience dishes that may not quite correspond to what the world perceives to be strictly Italian food.

Here are some of the best Venetian foods to sample during your Venetian holiday:

• fritto misto – a mix of seafood and julienned vegetables that have been battered with durum wheat semolina and cornmeal. Then they are served deep-fried on a bed of polenta.
• baccala’ mantecato  – the most iconic dish of Venetian cuisine. It’s prepared with stockfish from Norway’s Lofoten Islands and has been a Venetian staple since the 15th century.
• cicchetti (also spelled cicheti ) – traditional Venetian finger foods. Served in small portions, there are many varieties of  cicchetti , and they can cost as little as a euro or two per piece. This can be a small slice of white polenta with a helping of  baccala’ mantecato  or a piece of crusty bread with one of many delicious toppings.
• local fruit and vegetables – there are many orchards, vegetable patches, and even vineyards in the Venetian Lagoon. Try the locally grown purple artichokes when in season!
• gianduiotto con panna – a thick slab of frozen chocolate dessert with pieces of hazelnuts studded in it. It’s topped with delicious whipped cream. It’s traditionally sold by Gelateria Nico on the Fondamenta delle Zattere .
• frittelle – these fried dough balls are traditionally sold during the Carnival season. They are either plain and studded with pinenuts and raisins or stuffed with one of several delicious fillings – creme chantilly, crema pasticcera (similar to custard), chocolate, or pistachio spread.

For a quick introduction to Venetian seafood, join a specialised guided tour. This  food experience  will take you from Rialto Fish Market to two of Venice’s top eateries so that you can wine and dine on traditional Venetian drinks and dishes.  This one  offers you a five-course Italian seafood feast cooked by a Venetian sailor.

Venice is famous for its pastries, biscuits, and chocolates. Learn about their history and indulge your sweet tooth by joining this guided tour . It will introduce you to a Venetian master chocolatier and their exquisite truffles, pralines, and hot chocolate.  This tour  will take you on a morning walk of Venice so that you can enjoy the city’s main sights while tucking in a number of traditional local pastries and sweets.

And  this kid-friendly tour  will open the world of Venetian sweets and desserts in front of your eyes by taking you to authentic local bakeries and patisseries across all six Venetian  sestieri  and revealing to you the stories of Venice’s most famous sugary delights.

THINGS TO DO IN VENICE

There are many wonderful and exciting things to do in Venice to suit all types of interests and travellers. This beautiful city has a lot to offer to the history buff, the art lover, the architecture aficionado, the photographer, as well as simply to the person who wants to experience something extraordinary.

For a detailed list of all the best things to do in Venice, have a look at this blog post:

• 60 Things to Do in Venice You’ll Love – The Ultimate Venice To-Do List

It will give you lots of great ideas on how to fill up your time in the City of Canals with great sightseeing and memorable explorations.

MAJOR LANDMARKS IN VENICE

From the Doge’s Palace and the Basilica of San Marco to Rialto Bridge and Gallerie dell’Accademia , Venice is dotted with many worldwide famous landmarks. Visiting them, one by one, will enrich your visit to the City of Canals and will help you better understand its culture and appreciate its heritage more deeply.

Use this blog post to find out the major sights to see in Venice. It will give you a historic overview of each one of them and what makes it a must-see during your stay:

• 20 Venice Landmarks You Simply Have to See

BEST MUSEUMS IN VENICE

There are many exciting museums dotted all over Venice. Here are five of the best among them:

• Museo Correr – just across St. Mark’s Square from St. Mark’s Basilica, this is a must-see museum in Venice. It explores the history and art of the City of Canals through a series of lavishly decorated rooms. Combine it with a visit to the adjacent National Archaeological Museum and the Monumental Rooms of the National Marciana Library. The combined ticket for all three also includes a fast-track visit to the Doge’s Palace.
• Scuola Grande di San Rocco – the meeting quarters of a 15th-century Venetian lay confraternity house an incredible pictorial cycle by Tintoretto, as well as a rich collection of relics and works of art. Beautiful both in and out!
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection – one of the world’s most important museums of 20th-century European and American art. Peggy’s spirit is still very much palpable around the building. The art workshops for kids held every Sunday are fab!
• Naval Historical Museum – a must-see in order to understand how a small cluster of islands in a marshy lagoon became the foremost maritime power of the Adriatic and the Mediterranean between the 9th and the 18th centuries.
• Ca’ Pesaro Museum – two museums under the roof of a splendid Baroque palace. Expect a beautiful collection of modern art with masterpieces by Rodin and Kandinsky. On the upper floor explore an extensive collection of Japanese, Chinese, and Indonesian artifacts. A great place to visit not least for the lovely Grand Canal views from the palace’s ground-floor cafe.

BEST CHURCHES IN VENICE

Churches in Venice are so much more than a place of religious worship. They are also architectural masterpieces and guard rich repositories of art. These five need to be top of your sightseeing list:

• Basilica of San Marco – expect splendid gold mosaics, important Christian relics, and magnificent Byzantine-inspired architecture.
• Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo – the largest church in Venice keeps the tombs of 27 Venetian doges and a tremendous amount of art. Right next to it, you can see the famous equestrian monument of the military commander Bartolomeo Colleoni which was designed by Andrea del Verocchio – the teacher of Leonardo da Vinci.
• Basilica dei Frari   – this imposing church of red bricks keeps an impressive collection of art and the grandiose tombs of many famous Venetians (with the artist Titian and the sculptor Canova among them). The basilica’s wooden choir stalls are astonishing in their detail. They are adorned with complex scenes in intarsia – a technique used to create images with different species of wood in various shades. 
• Basilica della Salute – this Baroque church features in many iconic photos of Venice. It stands right at the spot where the Grand Canal flows into St. Mark’s Basin. The church plays a central role in one of Venice’s most authentic celebrations – Festa della Salute – which takes place on 21st November each year.
• Church of San Pantalon – come here to admire The Martyrdom and Apotheosis of St. Pantalon . Painted over 20 years by Gian Antonio Fumiani, this is, allegedly, the world’s largest painting on canvas. It covers the church’s whole ceiling and has a wonderful 3D effect with figures and objects seemingly emerging from the flat canvas.

Yet, they say that there are more than 200 churches in Venice. So, don’t limit yourself just to the five above. Make an effort to enter every church that comes across your way as you explore the City of Canals. You never know what priceless works of art and little-known Venetian stories you will come across.

Many of the Venetian churches are completely free to visit. Some charge a small entrance fee. With a  Chorus Pass , you can see 15 of the best churches in Venice and their rich collections of art for a very reasonable single price.

HIDDEN GEMS IN VENICE

From a bridge with no railings and a bridge where bare-knuckle fights used to take place to lion’s mouths, a hunchback figure, and a one-hand clock, Venice is rich in secret corners and hidden gems. Not to mention the golden head that hangs over the crowds heading to the famous Rialto Bridge ! But how many people actually see it?!

Half of the fun of being in Venice is looking for and discovering the unique, quirky things that make it the most exciting place on earth. Use this blog post to guide your explorations:

• Hidden Gems in Venice – 101 Things to Do in Venice, Italy Off the Beaten Track

GONDOLAS IN VENICE

A gondola ride is one of the most iconic things to do in Venice. The gondola is an elegant boat made of eight different types of wood. It’s lacquered in mirror-shine black and it’s rowed by a single oarsman – the gondolier – who stands upright on the stern.

He is dressed in a uniform of a striped top and straw hat, has undergone strict training over several years, and most often than not his father and forefathers have also been gondoliers. Rowing a gondola is one of the oldest trades in the City of Canals.

A gondolier knows where to find all the best waterside views and hidden spots in Venice. Customarily, a gondola ride lasts around 30 mins and the prices to hire a gondola are set up by the city council –  Comune di Venezia . Click  here  to check them on the official website. Further down on the same web page, you will find a list of the official gondola stations with email addresses and telephone numbers to contact them and book a gondola tour in advance.

In addition, you can check these Venice gondola tours to see which one will appeal to you. Many of them combine a gondola ride with another must-have experience in Venice to help you maximise your sightseeing time:

• Grand Canal by Gondola with Commentary
• Shared Gondola Ride across the Grand Canal
• Venice Walking Tour and Gondola Ride
• Private Gondola Ride and Photo Session in Venice
• Best of Venice: Doge’s Palace and Gondola Tour
• Gondola Ride with Commentary

Another way to get close to Venice’s gondola traditions is to visit a squero – a gondola-making workshop. There are only a few of them left in the City of Canals. You can contact either Squero di San Trovaso or Squero Tramontin in advance to book a tour.

Alternatively, you can see the gondola-makers of Squero di San Trovaso at work. For this, head to Rio di San Trovaso – a small canal in the sestiere of Dorsoduro . Walk down to the small eaterie Osteria Al Squero and you will have a full view of the gondolas being repaired and made.

For the full Venetian experience, buy a glass of Prosecco and a selection of cichetti – traditional for Venice finger foods – from the osteria and just enjoy the view.

Another option is to visit the artisans who make the gondola’s most iconic parts:

Fórcola – the typical Venetian rowlock that the gondolier uses as a support for their oar. Each fórcola is tailor-made to match the gondolier’s height and posture. Book a visit to  Forcolaio Matto  to meet the youngest forcolaio in Venice and see him at work.

Cavallucci marini – these elegant metal seahorses traditionally adorn the Venetian gondolas. They are made by the Antica Fonderia Valese – the last remaining foundry in the City of Canals.

SPOOKY VENICE

Do you think of Venice as a place of gushy romance?! Think again!

Venice has a myriad of facets and even more secrets. With its:

• curving alleys abruptly ending on the edge of yet another dark canal,
• deep wells in the middle of its many squares,
• dense fogs that envelop the lagoon in their ghostly embrace;
• gothic palaces that after dark make you feel like you are in an eerie dream; and
• confusing labyrinthine character,

this is a city where you can feel the weight of many centuries and where many stories didn’t necessarily have the Hollywood happy ending.

So, when in Venice, make sure that you look beyond its lustre of romance and delve deep into its mysteries and legends. Shine a light on underground crypts, ghostly apparitions, and monstrous creatures. Let this blog post be your guide:

• Haunted Venice – Legends, Mysteries, and Stories to Creep Yourself Out About the Most Romantic Place on Earth

EVENTS IN VENICE

Venice has a wonderful calendar of lively festivals. Many of them have deep roots that go back centuries in time. Others are inspired by the arts and sports. If you can, time your visit to coincide with one of them. This way you will experience the authentic spirit of the City of Canals.

Here is the year in events in Venice:

January – On 6th January, Venice marks Epiphany with a special race – the Regatta of Befana. Befana is an old lady with a broom and a long nose. She brings presents to the well-behaved Italian kids. What do the naughty ones get instead? Find out here .

January/February – Venice celebrates its famous Carnival . Don a mask and be merry.

April to November – Venice Biennale is a behemoth of an event with happenings dedicated to architecture, dance, music, film, and other branches of the arts.

May – attend the Festa della Sensa . This is when Venice celebrates its Marriage to the Sea in an ancient ritual asserting its dominance over the Adriatic. Vogalonga also takes place in May. This is a 30 km paddling/rowing race from Venice across the Venetian Lagoon to the island of Burano.

June – every four years Venice hosts the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics .

July – come to Venice on the third weekend of this summer month for the Festa del Redentore . This is a thanksgiving commemoration of the end of a 16th-century bout of the plague. The festivities include walking on a temporary pontoon bridge across the Giudecca Canal and splendid fireworks that light up the skies above Venice.

September – the first ten days of this summer-meets-autumn month are under the sign of the Venice International Film Festival . The first September weekend is when the Regata Storica takes place. This is a hotly contested boat race opened by a lavish procession on water that recreates Venice’s past glories.

October – come run the Venice Marathon . Alternatively, cheer up the runners.

November – celebrate the Day of St. Martin on the 11th of the month with a large biscuit shaped like the charitable saint on his horse. On 21st November, head to the Basilica della Salute to give thanks for the end of a 17th-century plague epidemic.

VENICE WITH KIDS

Is Venice a good place to visit with kids? This is a very valid question considering the city’s unusual layout and the immediate access to water. My personal opinion is that Venice is a great place to visit with kids with vivid imaginations and open to learning new things. Also, kids who like to walk around and explore.

You can have a wonderful time in Venice with children. From visits to the city’s museums (the Natural History Museum , the Ship Pavilion , and the free Museum of Music are good starting points) to a gondola ride, a glassmaking demonstration, and the quirky Libreria Acqua Alta , there is always something here to keep you excited and busy.

A vaporetto ride down the Grand Canal or across to an island in the Venetian Lagoon can provide time for relaxation while enjoying splendid views. For more panoramas, climb to the top of St. Mark’s bell tower , the Fondaco dei Tedeschi department store, or the lovely Scala Contarini del Bovolo .

Charm your kids with stories about Venice (or book a licensed tour guide to do it). Get them to walk around the city trying to spot as many winged lions on facades or weird and wonderful boats in the water. Entice them with unusual local foods and pop into every gelato shop that you walk past.

MY BLOG POSTS ABOUT VENICE

BEST TOURS TO TAKE IN VENICE

Booking a tour of Venice with a reputed tour guide or travel company is a shortcut to getting to know intimately this unique, beautiful, and often overwhelming city. It equals stepping through a secret door to discover all of the best corners of Venice and the Venetian Lagoon which otherwise may be difficult to come across one by one on your own.

With a millennial history, a rich catalogue of art, and many traditional crafts with outstanding output, Venice in Italy is a delight to visit. It’s a city with canals instead of roads and boats instead of cars. It keeps many secrets that it reveals to only those in the know. No matter how many books or guidebooks you may read about Venice before coming here, the City of Canals can still be a shock to the system. You may find yourself traversing its narrow curving lanes unsure where to head to first and what to delve into next.

It is at this point that an expert local guide or a reputable tour company can be of great help. With a structured approach and offering tours covering specific fields of knowledge or tailored to your personal interests, you can see and experience the maximum of Venice within the shortest amount of time.

Have a look at this blog post to start your research of tours in Venice:

• 10 Best Tours in Venice to Book for Your Visit

Alternatively, select directly local tours and activities in Venice on GetYourGuide , Viator , and Tiqets .

ISLANDS TO VISIT IN THE VENETIAN LAGOON

Venice is built on 118 small islands in the heart of the Venetian Lagoon. Yet a short trip by boat away from the main historic part of Venice, you will find several other Venetian islands worth a visit. Each one of them has something that makes it unique. You can either spend a day in one or combine two or three for a day trip to remember.

Here are three of the best islands to visit in the Venetian Lagoon:

• San Giorgio Maggiore – this tiny island features as a backdrop in many iconic photos of Venice. Its main draw is the huge church designed by the renowned Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. Its bell tower reveals beautiful panoramic views of the Doge’s Palace and the City of Canals.
• Murano – famous for its centuries-old traditions of glassmaking. A walk around the island must include a visit to at least one of the many glassmaking workshops here. There is also an outstanding Glass Museum and one of the oldest buildings in the Venetian Lagoon – the Church of Santi Maria e Donato – which also has beautiful floor mosaics.
• Burano – famous all over the world on account of its colourful houses. Each one is painted in a different bright hue. Together, they create a stunningly vibrant effect. Crisscrossed by canals and dotted with restaurants serving the traditional risotto di go , the island is the perfect place for a leisurely walk and a long lunch. Make sure that you taste Burano’s famous cookies –  esse  and  bussolà  (also sometimes called  buranelli ). Don’t skip the local Lace Museum to learn about the island’s traditional craft of lacemaking.

There are many other islands to explore in the Venetian Lagoon. From Giudecca and Lido di Venezia to Sant’Erasmo and Torcello, each Venetian island has its own character and stories to tell.

You can spend a wonderful half a day or a full day crisscrossing by boat the Venetian Lagoon and visiting its islands. For this, you can book a guided tour in advance or simply rely on the local network of vaporetti .

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM VENICE

From history and art to a unique natural setting, Venice has a lot to offer in many different ways. One of the best things about Italy’s City of Canals is its proximity to several must-see large Italian cities, beautiful medieval towns, and picturesque villages.

Worldwide famous destinations such as Verona , Bologna , and Lake Garda and cute hidden corners such as Borghetto sul Mincio , Bassano del Grappa, and the Euganean Hills are easy to get to from Venice offering numerous opportunities for great day trips. Cities of Art such as Padua , Vicenza , and Ferrara expand the list infinitely.

If you are spending more than three days in Venice, then put aside half a day or a full day for an exciting day trip to the Italian mainland. The following blog posts will give you many ideas to consider as well as travel information from Venice to specific must-see destinations in Italy:

• 10 Cities of Venice and Veneto to Visit in Italy and What to See in Each
• Day Trips from Venice (under development)
• 20 Best Towns to Visit Around Lago di Garda – Italy’s Largest Lake
• 31 Prettiest Small Towns in Veneto, Italy
• Venice to Verona , Venice to Padua , Venice to Milan , Venice to Lake Garda

BEST BEACHES NEAR VENICE

While Venice itself is not strictly a beach destination, you will find some of the best beaches in Italy right next door to it. Take the vaporetto – the Venetian water bus – from the iconic St. Mark’s Square for the short trip across to Lido di Venezia. This long thin island serves as a barrier between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea and it’s dotted with gorgeous beaches.

Long sandy strips stretch along the Adriatic coast both up north and down south from Venice. An easy trip away by car, bus, or train and you can top your tan at such fabulous summer resorts as Sottomarina, Cavallino Tre Porti, Lido di Jesolo, and Caorle.

In summer, a day at the beach is a great way to relax after a session of strenuous sightseeing in Venice. Find more details in this blog post:

• 47 Beaches and Beach Resorts in and near Venice and How to Get to Them (With Maps and Practical Tips)

BEST TRAVEL GUIDES FOR VENICE

WHAT TO BUY FOR VENICE

WHAT TO BUY IN VENICE

If you love shopping, in Venice you will be spoilt for choice. From high-fashion boutiques and quirky antiquarian shops to the workshops of local artisans, the selection of high-quality items to invest in is huge.

There are also lots of shops and stalls selling cheap souvenirs mass-produced abroad. So, it pays to learn a bit about the traditions behind authentic Venetian crafts and to shop only from respectable artisans. Here are some unique things to buy in Venice and some of the best local makers to purchase them from:

Venetian masks from Ca’ Macana

Murano glass from one of the companies members of the Consorzio Promovetro Murano . Only purchase Murano glass items that have the trademark  Vetro Artistico Murano . It guarantees that the items were made on the island of Murano in compliance with the existing laws.

Venetian marionettes by L’Isola di Pinocchio

Handmade beaded jewellery by Venetian Dreams by Marissa Convento

Acqua di Melissa (lemon-balm water) from the monastic shop  of the Order of the Discalced Carmelites  

Silk velvet bags and accessories by Tessitura Luigi Bevilacqua

Prints and paintings by Plum Plum Creations

Marbled paper and leather-bound books and accessories by Paolo Olbi

Wooden puzzles and toys by Signor Blum

BEST BOOKS ABOUT VENICE

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT VENICE

Venice is a very popular topic to write about. A simple Google search will return millions of results providing you with information about travelling to and exploring the City of Canals.

In addition, many books have been written about Venice. They delve into its millennial history, explain in detail the practicalities of visiting it or use it as a marvellous stage for romance and tragedies.

It’s not very humble of me to say it but if you are looking for detailed, well-researched, and first-hand tried and tested information about Venice, have a look at my relevant blog posts.

I have been visiting Venice for close to twenty years now and writing about it for close to ten years. On the pages of this blog, I have shared lots of useful information. I hope that it will come in very handy during the preparatory stages of your Venetian holiday.

Here are the relevant links:

Venice:  Essential Tips ,  Things to Do ,  Major Landmarks ,  Hidden Gems ,  How to Navigate Venice ,  Venice in a Day for Art Lovers ,  Train Stations ,  Nearest Airports ,  Best Tours ,  Beaches of Venice ,  Quotes about Venice ,  Boats in Venice ,  Haunted Venice ,  Day Trips from Venice ,  Arco del Paradiso

Travel to and from Venice:   Treviso to Venice ,  Verona to Venice ,  Florence to Venice ,  Milan to Venice ,  Bologna to Venice ,  Venice to Lake Garda ,  Venice to Padua ,  Venice to Verona ,  Venice to Milan

Venice Videos:   Grand Canal ,  St. Mark’s Square at Carnival ,  St. Mark’s Square ,  View from Rialto Bridge ,  View from Accademia Bridge ,  Venetian gondolas ,  Historical Regatta ,  Squero di San Trovaso ,  Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo ,  Fondazione Querini Stampalia ,  Palazzo Grimani ,  Rialto Fish Market ,  Ca’ Macana ,  Festa della Madonna della Salute

Finally, have a look at my  Amazon Shop . I have  a special section  with all the best books about Venice in terms of history, travel, art, and fiction writing. There is a lot to read and a lot of exciting information to uncover about the City of Canals.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ITALY

I have been blogging about travelling to and within Italy for close to ten years now providing detailed and first-hand tried and tested information about the best things to do in this beautiful country. It’s all based on my close to twenty years of visiting Italy solo and with my family. Six of them, we actually spent living in  Vicenza  in the  north of the country .

If you are after in-depth researched and illustrated with dozens of original photos articles about Italy, have a look at the following categories and blog posts:

• Italy  – a full list of all my blog posts about Italy
• 10 Reasons to Visit Northern Italy
• Veneto ,  Trentino ,  Emilia Romagna ,  Umbria  – full lists of all my blog posts about these Italian regions
• Venice ,  Padua ,  Lake Garda ,  Lake Como , Milan  – full lists of all my blog posts about these must-see destinations in Italy.

In addition, right at the end of this page, you will find a list with links to some of my most popular blog posts about many beautiful and exciting cities, towns, and regions to visit in Italy. So, just scroll down and then click on the ones you want to know more about.

Finally, Italy’s  official tourism website  is a great source of the latest news about travel in Italy. Otherwise,  this is one  of the best guidebooks about Italy.

MY TOP 5 TIPS FOR VENICE

• In Venice, walk on the right. With narrow curving streets – many of which are used by thousands of people every day – keeping to the right ensures that the pedestrian flow is as fast and smooth as possible.
• Where possible, book entry tickets in advance. This will minimise waiting times and will allow you to make the most of your day. This is a great resource for tickets for Italy’s best museums and landmarks.
• Have lots of traditional Venetian food. From cicchetti and baccala’ mantecato to Carnival frittelle and traditional pastries, Venice has its own cuisine that has developed over many centuries.
• Get off the beaten path. Venice is rich in hidden gems . Getting to know them one by one will enrich your understanding of and deepen your love for the City of Canals.
• To see the authentic Venice, wake up early and go to bed late. Free of tourist crowds, Venice is incredibly peaceful and cinematic and you will discover a whole new face to it.

Learn More:

• 45 Essential Tips for Venice – A Must-Read for First-Time Visitors

5 THINGS NOT TO DO IN VENICE

• Don’t swim in the Venetian canals. Boat traffic is heavy here and the quality of the water is unfit for bathing.
• Don’t arrive unprepared. Venice is a multilayered city with a millennial history. Having a plan in advance for the things you want to do and see here will help you experience the City of Canals in a more complete and satisfying way.
• Don’t buy fake Venetian souvenirs . From Venetian glass and Venetian masks to marbled paper, velvet bags, and handmade lace, invest in high-quality traditional Venetian items. The local artisans preserve the centuries-old secrets of Venice’s crafts and their hard work deserves respect.
• Don’t buy water in plastic bottles. Instead, fill up your water bottle from one of the dozens of free water fountains dotted around the City of Canals.
• Don’t obstruct the bridges. They are Venice’s communication links. Lingering on a bridge – for example, to pose for endless photos – is frowned upon by the Venetians and can actually incur a heavy fine. In this vein, don’t picnic on the squares and streets of Venice. This is considered highly disrespectful and again, incurs heavy fines.

THANK YOU FOR READING

For more useful information like this, please, like my blog’s page on  Facebook  and Instagram and  subscribe  to my strictly no-spam newsletter.

Email address:

TRAVEL TOOLS

Get ready for your trip to venice in italy.

Get a guidebook from Amazon. Buy plane tickets , train tickets , and bus tickets through Omio. Rent a car from Europcar. Research accommodation on Booking.com. Select local tours and activities on GetYourGuide , Viator , and Tiqets .

MORE HELPFUL INFO ABOUT ITALY FOR YOU

Best of Italy:  Italian Piazzas ,  Italian Markets ,  Accommodation for Every Budget ,  Best Times to Visit Italy ,  Italy in Summer ,  Italy with Kids Italian Food:  Best Italian Food Gifts ,  Cheap Italian Food ,  Rules of Italian Breakfast ,  Italian Breakfast Foods Italian Coffee:  Italian Coffee Culture ,  Italian Coffee Drinks ,  History of Coffee in Italy Christmas in Italy:   Fun Facts ,  Things to Do ,  Italian Nativity Scenes ,  Panettone ,  Christmas Guide Northern Italy:  Best Cities to Visit ,  Major Airports ,  Reasons to Visit Lake Como: Ultimate Travel Guide , Best Towns , Best Things to Do , How to Get to Lake Como , Milan to Lake Como , Best Airports , Photos of Lake Como Lake Garda Towns and Villages:   Best Towns ,  Desenzano del Garda ,  Lazise , Riva del Garda ,  Malcesine ,  Torri del Benaco ,  Punta di San Vigilio ,  Campo di Brenzone ,  Borghetto and Valeggio sul Mincio Visiting Lake Garda:  Map of Lake Garda ,  Getting Around Lake Garda ,  Lake Garda with Kids ,  8 Best Airports ,  Venice to Lake Garda ,  Verona to Lake Garda ,  Milan to Lake Garda ,  Bologna to Lake Garda Verona:  Things to Do in One Day ,  Verona Opera Festival ,  Day Trips from Verona ,  Romeo and Juliet Itinerary ,  Verona to Venice ,  Verona to Milan Padua:  Things to Do in One Day ,  101 Facts About Padua ,  10 Reasons to Visit Padua ,  Day Trips from Padua Vicenza:  Things to Do ,  Day Trips from Vicenza ,  Best Museums ,  The Beauty of Vicenza Veneto:  Top Places to Visit ,  Unique Adventures ,  Most Colourful Places ,  Mysterious Places ,  Most Beautiful Lakes ,  Reasons to Visit ,  Main Cities ,  Prettiest Small Towns ,  Most Beautiful Villages Lombardy:   Best Cities and Towns ,  Reasons to Visit ,  Brescia Friuli Venezia Giulia:   Venzone ,  Most Beautiful Villages Emilia Romagna:  Bologna ,  Ravenna ,  Comacchio ,  Most Beautiful Villages Marche:   Reasons to Visit ,  Gradara ,  Frasassi Caves ,  Temple of Valadier Umbria:   Reasons to Visit Perugia

Venice Travel Tips

How to get around in Venice

Venice Transport , Venice Travel Guides Last Updated · Jun 25th, 2024 · Maddy [post_comments before=""] -->

Have you ever considered all the different ways of getting around Venice?

Venice is a city built on more than 100 small islands , crossed by canals and bridges , there’s no place in the world that comes close to this city’s uniqueness!

It’s also special when you consider, over centuries, the methods that the Venetians developed to get around Venice moving from one side of the lagoon to the other.

You can arrive in Venice via many different ways, using land means of transport such as trains, buses, cars and trams and by water bus (Vaporetto) or water taxis .

What's in this guide?

It can be overwhelming for some visitors to know which mode of transport in Venice to take and to understand where to take it ‘to and from’ to maximise time.

Let’s start this guide by taking a closer look at how to get around Venice and looking closely at what is the best type of transport to use for each situation.

But first, one popular question many travellers want to know is…

Can you walk everywhere in Venice?

Yes, you can walk anywhere you want in Venice! You will find that the best way to explore Venice is in fact on foot. This is the way that most locals prefer to navigate Venice and the only one to be able to make the most of the beauty of this city.

You can literally walk from one side of the city to the other in one day, Venice is relatively small , but the amount of things to see and do along the way is huge.

As I always say, be sure to try and book yourself at least 3 days in Venice to have time to cover the main attractions and visit some off-the-beaten-path gems.

Of course, it takes longer to walk than getting a water bus, but you’ll get chance to cross lesser-known bridges and end up in semi desert campi or calli of Venice.

Let’s also not forget that it’s good for your health to walk up and down bridges, for kilometres, and Venetians are so fit as they do this every single day.

The best way to get around Venice

If you ask me the best way to get around Venice, my answer will always be on foot! Venice is a car-free extremely walkable city and you get anywhere on foot.

Walking around Venice will allow you to get to know the city, discover its most hidden gems and explore its neighbourhoods slowly .

Crossing bridges, watching gondolas navigate the canals from the fondamenta and observing life passing by is priceless and displays the real essence of this city .

If you’re undecided about how long you should spend in Venice. see my guide on how many days in Venice to get more ideas on what you can do with your time.

Just like with most cities in Italy, moving around Venice on foot is a good way to stay fit even during your holidays and reduce your environmental impact .

If you want to visit other islands near Venice , then the water bus is the best solution.

With the vaporetto you’d share the ride with other visitors like you and locals and gives you the freedom to spend as many hours as you want visiting another island.

Got travel insurance for Venice?

Transport in Venice

With this travel guide I want to help you understand how you can get around Venice by different means of transport. Then, based on your needs, the things you want to do during your stay and your budget, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.

Let’s start with one of the most popular ways to get to Venice:

Venice Airport Bus Service

The land bus service is a cheap and quick way to get to Venice city centre from the airports. Most visitors arrive at the Marco Polo airport , but it’s worth knowing that if you’re flying with Ryanair or WizzAir you might arrive to Treviso airport .

Make sure to understand to which airport you’ll get to and your options to get from there to Venice. There two buses leaving from Marco Polo airport are the ACTV bus number 5 and ATVO bus number 35 .

It takes 30 to 45 minutes for the bus to get to Piazzale Roma from where you can then walk to your accommodation or get a water bus or water taxi.

These buses are frequent and the ticket cost is 8 euros one way . As I said, the normal bus is not the only way to get to Venice and the water bus Alilaguna is another popular option.

The cost of the ride is more expensive than the land bus, but depending on where you’ll stop, it can take a minimum of 40 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes .

There two lines, orange and blue , and a seasonal red line. I recommend that you purchase the tickets at the ticket offices or online on the Alilaguna website .

For further information and alternative options to get from the airports to Venice, read my guides on how to get from Marco Polo airport to Venice and how to get from Treviso airport to Venice which cover these popular routes in much more detail.

Venice on Foot

As I suggested earlier, the best way to move around Venice is on foot. That’s because Venice is one of the most walkable cities on Earth and there are no buses, taxis or cars driving down the streets or crossing the beautiful piazzas.

This is also the reason why Venice is one of the safest cities with basically zero risk of car accidents due to the unique urban landscape. Walking around Venice is a way to stay active and fit but more than anything, see the hidden corners of the city.

Don’t worry about getting lost, it’s normal with a poor GPS signal, and don’t be afraid to ask locals where you are and how to get where you need to.

If you’re not fluent in Italian, it will be useful if you carry this Italian Phrase Book and refer to it to ask for directions or have simple conversations with locals in Italian.

Gondola Ride In Venice

In the past, the gondolas were the most used means of transport in Venice and all around the lagoon, but today only a private sightseeing tour on the water.

Even though things have changed a lot, gondolas retain their historic charm and thousands of tourists want to ride one. To learn more about gondolas, see my guide on gondola rides in Venice to read about this popular mode of transport in Venice.

You can get a gondola in many places around Venice and the stazi (gondola stops) are clearly recognizable. The gondolier normally stands next to his parked gondola.

The price for a gondola ride in Venice costs:

• 90 euros (during the day)
• 110 euros (in the evening from 7pm to 8am)

This is a set price all around Venice for up to 5 people . There’s no need to book in advance a gondola ride, but if you wish to do so and don’t queue in front of the stazi , I recommend booking this highly-rated gondola tour with app commentary.

Taking the Vaporetto in Venice

A popular way to get from one place to the other in Venice, in particular if the two locations are quite far one from the other, is by water bus locally called vaporetto .

You will find that this is a public service running all day long and on a daily basis . The water bus stops are scattered all around Venice’s city centre and a vaporetto stops at any one of the water bus stops along the Grand Canal every 10 minutes!

There are also stops on many of the islands in the lagoon such as:

• San Giorgio Maggiore

For anyone on a budget, it is worth knowing that taking the Vaporetto in Venice is without a doubt the best and cheapest way to get from Venice to other islands .

The Vaporetto runs during the night, but with less frequent services, so make sure that you check the Vaporetto timetable through the handy Che Bateo website and app which you can download to your smartphone for use while in Venice.

A ticket costs 9,50 euros (valid for 75 minutes) for all vaporettos and land services (buses, trains and trams), transfers from/to Marco Polo airport are not included.

If you’re planning to use the Vaporetto multiple times during your stay, then you can also purchase the 24, 48, 72 hours or 7 days pass .

I recommend that you purchase your tickets for the Vaporetto from the ticket offices at the airport or around Venice, on the ACTV official website or here for simplicity.

💡 Local Tip: You can go here to see the ACTV vaporetto map, stops and timetable. The map also shows where the ticket points, self-service machines and tourist information offices are located.

Moving around Venice by Water Taxi

Water taxis are a popular way to move around for tourists as they’re very comfortable and take you exactly where you want to get to.

Water taxis are not cheap at all, but if the budget is not your concern than it’s definitely an option to take into consideration.

Normally the cost of water taxi ride in Venice (a private speed boat) ranges between 100 and 130 euros for up to 4 people . The thing about the water taxi is that more people can fit inside the boat, but any extra passengers will have to pay an extra fee.

There are many water taxi companies and you can contact them directly to book the service. They also organize private tours around the city and to other islands.

You can book a transfer by water taxi from Marco Polo airport to Venice city centre in advance, don’t think about public transport or how to get to your accommodation once you have arrived in Venice.

Venice by Boat

Are there other ways to get around Venice by boat? Yes!

Aside from the water buses, taxis and gondolas, not many people know that there’s a much cheaper option to riding a gondola in Venice : the traghetto da parada .

If you want to ride a gondola but think that it’s too expensive then get on a traghetto gondola! Just so you know, this gondola only crosses the Grand Canal at different points of the city. How much can you expect to pay for a ride? Just 2 euros!

The stazi where the traghettos in Venice leave from are:

• Santa Maria del Giglio
• Santa Sofia

You can check on the Comune di Venezia website to see their location on the map.

If you’re in for an adventure and like outdoor sports, why not join this guided kayak tour and explore Venice’s canals in an alternative and sustainable way by kayak?

How to get around in Venice FAQs

Here are some questions people ask when it comes to transport in Venice:

How to get around in Venice with Luggage?

Land and water buses always have luggage racks where you can put your suitcases and travel bags. I don’t recommend travelling with bulky luggage as you’d have to carry them up and down the bridges. Venice is not really the best city to move around with heavy suitcases, instead prefer travel with a carry-on luggage or backpack. The normal buses arrive in Piazzale Roma, whilst the water buses can stop in different places around the city.

💡 Local Tip: If your accommodation is around San Marco or Castello, then the water bus is the best option so you won’t have to walk for too long with your luggages. In case, your hotel is based in Santa Croce or Cannaregio then you can easily walk from Piazzale Roma or the railway station.

How to get around Venice from the train station?

On foot it’s the best way to get around Venice from Santa Lucia railway station . You can either start exploring by crossing the Ponte degli Scalzi, just outside the station, walk down Strada Nova with the direction Rialto Bridge or cross the Calatrava Bridge and walk towards the Accademia Bridge. There are signs indicating where to go to get to the main attractions all around the city, just follow them from the station.

What is the most economical form of transport in Venice?

The cheapest way to move around Venice is by water bus (Vaporetto). The ticket price is 9,50 euros for visitors with validity 75 minutes. You can also get passes of 24 hours for 25 euros, 48 hours for 35 euros, 72 hours for 45 euros and 7 days for 65 euros.

How long does it take to walk around Venice?

Getting around Venice

Now you have a better idea of how to get around Venice and the options you have to travel to and from the airports, in the city centre and from Venice to other islands.

This should allow you to move around the city in a timely fashion and help you save lots of time when visiting the different neighbourhoods that Venice has to offer.

Do you want to know what to see in Venice? See my post covering the best tourist attractions in Venice as you get ready to explore the most beautiful city in the world!

📌 Like this article? Click to Pin it…

If you found this Venice travel guide helpful, feel free to buy me a virtual coffee here .

“Dear traveller! Some links in this post contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click through and make a tour booking or reserve a hotel, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support means a lot to me and helps me to keep creating and maintaining the quality of this site for you.”

Sharing is caring!

About Maddy

I love to share tips, advice and resources to help visitors explore Venice and the Veneto region like a local. Learn more about me here.

Recent Posts

• How to eat in Venice on a budget
• Staying in Mestre: 5 useful things to know
• Self guided bacaro tours in Venice
• 3 days in Verona itinerary
• Drinking water in Venice: is it safe or not?
• How many days in Verona (1, 2 or 3 days?)
• How to get from Venice airport to Mestre
• Venetian Culture
• Venetian Food
• Veneto Region
• Venice Accommodation
• Venice Itineraries
• Venice Transport
• Venice Travel Guides

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Day Trip To Venice: How To Visit and What To See in 2024

Sean Finelli Last Updated: October 29, 2023

Considering a day trip to Venice? While we recommend spending more time in this enchanting city, coming in for the day is better than not seeing it at all. Admittedly, we’ve done it many times. Here is our recommended itinerary for anyone planning to visit Venice in a day!

Pro Tip: Heading to Venice for the day? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. See our  guide to Venice  for more planning resources, our  best Venice tours  for a memorable trip, and the top things to do in Venice .

Or check out our article on the best Venice tours to take and why.

How To See Venice in a Day with Itinerary

Venice is a mesmerizing city with an intriguing history. It’s well worth visiting even if you only have a day. In this article, find out how to take a day trip to Venice, how to get there from Rome, and what to see when you’re there.

After arriving at Venezia Santa Lucia train station, you can follow this itinerary to see the best of Venice in a day. If you’d prefer not to have to worry about the details, check out our Venice in a Day combo tour with a local guide.

Getting To Venice: Roma Termini To Venezia S. Lucia

Departure: 6:15 am – Arrival: 10 am

Venice is a city located in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. The island is actually made up of 118 smaller islands and is shaped like a fish. Italian trains make it easy to see Venice in a day. Just catch a high-speed train from any major Italian city and soon you’ll be experiencing the wonders of the Floating City.

• Rome: 3 hours and 30 minutes
• Florence: 2 hours
• Milan: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Find timetables and departure times on the Trenitalia or Italo website. Select Venezia S. Lucia as your arrival station and remember that planning ahead and leaving early in the morning is essential to getting good prices and good seats.

After you arrive in Venice, you can get almost anywhere on foot. The main tourist attractions are all within walking distance from one another. Public transportation is also available by either pricey water taxis, traditional gondola rides, or easily accessible ferry boats. Check out the ACTV website for more info on tickets and water bus information.

Address: Roma Termini | Venezia Santa Lucia

St. Mark’s Square

Arrival: 10:30 am – Departure: 11:30 am

The first real stop on your Venice day trip is St. Mark’s Square, which is around 30 minutes on foot or 20 minutes by ferry boat from the train station. It’s one of the most recognizable squares in all of Italy and is sure to leave you speechless.

St. Mark’s Square is home to the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica, Bell Tower, and Doge’s Palace. It is the biggest square in Venice and the only one that Venetians call a piazza —all of the smaller ones are called campo .

The Bell Tower, or campanile, is 323 feet tall and used to function as a lighthouse and watchtower. It has one of the best views in Venice, especially if you visit at sunset. If you want to visit the inside of the basilica, you can either buy tickets on the Veneto Inside website or take a guided tour . You’ll be able to avoid lines that can sometimes take three hours or more.

Address: Piazza San Marco | Hours: Mon – Sat, 9 am – 5 pm; Sun, 2 – 4 pm.

Doge’s Palace

Arrival: 11:35 am – Departure: 12:30 pm

You can find the Doge’s Palace on the right side of the basilica. This Gothic-style palace once belonged to the Doge and is full of myths, stories, and secret spots. If you notice two light pink columns, the ninth and tenth on the side of the palace, you’ve spotted where the Doge used to stand to read out death sentences.

Underground, hidden from most tourists, are the cellars where Casanova was once imprisoned. To learn even more secrets about the palace, join us on a tour of St. Mark’s Square that includes the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.

Address: Piazza San Marco, 1 | Hours: Apr – Oct, daily, 8:30 am – 7 pm; Nov – Mar, daily, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm.

Libreria Acqua Alta

Arrival: 12:40 pm – Departure: 1:35 pm

The Libreria Acqua Alta (Library of High Water) is only a 10-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square and is a Venice treasure due to its peculiarity. Inside this unique little bookstore, you can find old traditional gondolas, used to save books from rising water levels in the lagoon, as well as a staircase made of books.

If you’re looking for somewhere to get a book to read by the canals, this is your spot—but be warned, it gets busy on the weekends.

Address: Calle Longa S. Maria Formosa, 5176/b

Casual lunch at Osteria al Portego

Arrival: 1:30 pm – Departure: 2 pm

Take a break after your busy morning with a true Venetian lunch. Osteria al Portego is the best spot to taste some delicious local cicchetti— the Venetian word for various types of finger food. There’s no better way to enjoy your lunch than with an ombra or glass of Venetian wine.

The word “ombra” means shadow and it can be traced back to a fisherman’s tradition of enjoying a glass of wine in the shadow of the bell tower during their lunch break. You can usually find a wide variety of cicchetti in Venetian bars, with choices like salami and prosciutto to seafood and baccalà , a traditional salted cod recipe. Any of them will be delicious and served on fresh, crunchy bread.

Address: Calle de la Malvasia Vechia, 6014-6015

The Rialto Bridge and Market

Arrival: 2:05 pm – Departure: 4 pm

Moving on, you’ll have a chance to visit another one of Venice’s top sightseeing attractions: the Rialto Bridge. While the top of the bridge offers another amazing view, the nearby Rialto Fish Market is even better.

You’ll be able to walk through, sample fresh produce, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. The market offers you a peek into Venice’s history as a fishing village and it gives visitors an authentic taste of the local culture.

Address: Sestiere San Polo | Hours: Tue – Sat, 7:30 am – 12 pm; Fruit market: Mon – Sat, 7:30 am – 1:30 pm.

Cannaregio and the Jewish Ghetto

Arrival: 4:20 pm – Departure: 5 pm

Your final stop is the oldest Jewish Ghetto in the world, instituted in 1516. It is divided into two parts: the Ghetto Nuovo (New Ghetto) and the Ghetto Vecchio (Old Ghetto), and can be found in the Cannaregio sestiere area of Venice.

The Jewish Ghetto is still an important part of the Jewish community today. Stop at a bar or a cicchetteria when you get there and relax for a bit. We even run our popular Venice food tour in this neighborhood. Our favorite places are Mezzopieno, Bacaro dai Morosi, and Birreria Zanon. You can’t go wrong with ending your day in Venice with delicious food and wine.

Address: Calle Ghetto Vecchio, 1139

Take a Venice in a Day Tour

Want to be sure you get the full Venice experience? Check out our full-day Venice in a Day Combo tour with gondola ride—it’s your best choice, especially if you’re only spending a short time in the lagoon. That way, you can spend the rest of your time in Venice sipping Prosecco by the canals.  

Where To Stay in Venice

Despite the size of this little island, there are endless hotel options to choose from. We’ve picked the best neighborhoods and hotels to stay in whether you prefer Italian luxury or quiet serenity—or both!

About Sean Finelli

Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. A practice he follows!

Reader Interactions

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Travel Blog
• In The Press

POLICY & TERMS

• Cancellation Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Articles , How To Get To , Venice

How to Get To Venice, Italy

This article has been written,  reviewed, and fact-checked  by Rick and I.  We live in Italy  and travel throughout the country to help you make the best choices for your trip. We wrote this piece  to help you have the best trip possible on your next trip to Italy.  Portions of this article have been written using assistive AI tools to help with tasks like research, spell-checking, grammar, and translation.

In this article, you'll learn how:

• Venice, Italy, is a picturesque destination known for its history, culture, canals, and landmarks like St. Mark's Basilica and the Rialto Bridge.
• Travelers can reach Venice by plane, train, car, bus, or cruise, with various options and transportation hubs available.
• Parking in Venice can be challenging, and public transportation within the city is often recommended to avoid traffic and limited parking spaces.

Wondering how to get to Venice? Venice, Italy, is an excellent option for learning about history and culture. Located in northwestern Italy, Venice comprises 117 small islands connected by bridges. Venice first appeared on the scene in the 5th century and has been known for its exceptional architectural beauty and canals. The city of Venice, Italy, has always been a must-see destination for tourists and it attracts roughly 20 million visitors per year.  It’s located in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy and is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea. Venice is known for its canals, bridges, and gondolas, and there are a lot of beautiful places to stay . It’s also home to some of the world’s most famous tourist attractions, including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, and the Doge’s Palace.

Finally, one of the main reasons people visit Venice is its food. The city has a rich culinary tradition, and many restaurants serve delicious dishes from all over Italy.

Venice, Italy’s Floating City, is one of the world’s most scenic and romantic destinations. While getting to Venice can be tricky, it’s doable with some planning.

Getting To Venice By Plane

There are two airports in Venice, Italy: Marco Polo Airport, Treviso Airport, and Venice-Lido Airport. Marco Polo Airport is the largest and most important airport in Veneto. It is located in Tessera, about 8 kilometers from Venice. The airport is served by most European airlines. Treviso Airport is further away from Venice and is a base for low-cost airlines such as Ryanair .

Getting to Venice from Marco Polo airport

Vaporetto (Water bus)

The most popular option is the Vaporetto or water bus. There are around 20 water bus lines throughout Venice. The Vaporetto stops at several points in the city, including Piazzale Roma and San Marco. Tickets for Vaporetto can be purchased at the ticket kiosk or on the boat itself. To take a Vaporetto, go outside the airport and walk down to the water. A stop is right by the airport, so it’s easy to find. The Vaporetto service from the airport to Venice’s downtown is ACTV Alilaguna. The ride takes about 40 minutes, and costs €15 per person. Buy your ticket from one of the ticket machines before boarding.

Another option is to take a taxi. Taxis are usually stationed outside of the airport terminal. A taxi ride to the downtown area usually costs between €30 to €40, depending on the time of day. Note that there is a surcharge for rides between 10 pm, and 7 am. The trip takes about 15 minutes. The taxi will take you to Piazzale Roma, the only area of Venice city center that can be reached by car. Alternatively, you can take a water taxi from the Airport that can take you right to the city center. This option can cost a minimum of €130.

The airport is well connected to Venice by bus. There are around 45 direct buses from the airport to Piazzale Roma, Venice’s main bus terminal. You can purchase tickets at the airport or on the bus. The trip takes about 25 minutes, and buses run every 3 to 4 hours. The trip costs about €4 to €8.

Getting to Venice from Treviso Airport

Treviso Airport is located about 37km northwest of Venice and is mainly served by low-cost airlines. The best way to reach the city center from Treviso is by bus. The bus runs from Treviso Airport to Piazzale Roma in about half an hour, costing €12.00. Another option is to take a taxi from the airport to Venice Piazzale Roma.

Getting to Venice By Train

Major trains from rome, milan, florence, to venice.

A few different trains go from major cities in Italy to Venice. If you’re in Rome , a train runs from the Roma Termini station to the Venezia Santa Lucia station. The trip to Venice usually takes around four hours. If you’re coming from Milan, a train goes from the Milano Centrale station to the Venezia Santa Lucia station. The trip to Venice usually takes around two hours and thirty minutes. If you’re coming from Florence, a train goes from the Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to the Venezia Santa Lucia station. The trip to Venice usually takes around one hour and forty minutes.

Where is the train station located?

If you’re looking for the train station in Venice, it’s located on the Grand Canal from Venice’s historic center. The station is serviced by trains arriving from all over Italy, making it a great starting point for your exploration of this fantastic city. The Santa Lucia Train Station is the central train station right in the city center. The station is located on the Grand Canal, just a few minutes from St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.

Visitors can also stroll to the Doge’s Palace and other famous Venetian landmarks – an excellent area to stay in Venice . If you’re looking to explore Venice without worrying about getting lost, then the Santa Lucia Train Station is your best option. There is also a second train station in Mestre, on the mainland, about 10 minutes from the city center. 

Distances from the major Italian cities to Venice

Rome to Venice is about 536 km (333 miles). The drive usually takes around six hours, depending on traffic.

Milan to Venice is about 274 km (170 miles). The drive usually takes around three hours, depending on traffic.

Florence to Venice is about 263 km (163 miles). The drive usually takes around three hours, depending on traffic.

Parking options

Parking in Venice can be a challenge. There are a few paid parking garages, but they can be expensive and fill up quickly. They are located in Piazzale Roma, the only place in the city center that can be reached by car. It is always mandatory to book parking in advance to avoid risking the lot being sold out. 

It is also possible to park in Mestre on the mainland and commute to the city center by train. This option can be cheaper and more accessible.

Tourists and locals often find themselves stuck in traffic while crossing the bridge that connects Venice to the mainland. The first issue is the number of tourists who visit the city each year. With over 20 million people visiting each year, it’s no wonder that the city’s infrastructure can’t keep up. In addition to the number of people, many are using cars or motorbikes to get around, which worsens the traffic.

Another contributing factor is the lack of parking spaces. There isn’t enough room for all the cars and motorbikes.  Overall, It’s recommended to avoid driving in Venice if possible.

Major bus routes:

There are a few major bus routes between Rome, Milan, and Florence to Venice. The buses usually make a few stops between the cities. Some buses depart from Termini Station and Tiburtina Station if you want to take the bus from Rome to Venice. The trip usually lasts around 4-5 hours, and tickets can be purchased ahead or on the day of departure. There are also buses from Milan to Venice, which usually take around 3 hours to reach their destination. Florence to Venice is also a popular route for bus passengers – the trip takes about 5 hours, and there are multiple departures throughout the day.

Tour busses

Many different tour buses will take you to Venice. Most of them depart from airports and train stations, while others depart from other locations. You can choose a tour bus that takes you directly to the city center, or one that stops in different cities along the way. Some tours include a boat ride on the Venetian lagoon, while others do not.

No matter which tour bus you choose, you will be able to see some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. The bus trips usually last between eight and twelve hours, so be sure to bring snacks and drinks for the journey.

Where does the bus stop

Venice has two major transportation hubs: the bus station and the train station. The bus station is in Piazzale Roma, while the train station is in Santa Lucia. If you’re arriving by bus, the bus will stop at Piazzale Roma.

Cruising is a popular way to get there, as the city is located in the northeast corner of Italy on the Adriatic Sea. Cruise ships don’t dock in Venice’s Passenger Terminal, located on the Giudecca Canal. Nowadays, cruise ships dock in the port of Marghera, just outside the city center. Numerous cruise lines offer trips to Venice, including Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Royal Caribbean International. 

In conclusion, getting to Venice, Italy is very easy. There are different methods to accomplish it, and the best way for you will depend on your personal preferences and budget; with some research, you can find the best option. I’ts is the place for you if you want a unique and romantic destination. Once you’re there, take advantage of all the city offers. Walk along the canals, visit the famous sites, and enjoy the delicious food.

You Might Also Like:

How to get to rome from a cruise, how to tour tuscany on your own.

• In the Press
• Work with us
• Rome & Vatican Rome Vatican Colosseum Rome Food
• Italy Florence & Tuscany Venice & Northern Italy Pompeii & Herculaneum Amalfi Coast & Capri Naples & Southern Italy

Venice: Everything You Need to Know to Visit in 2024

Fri 28 Jun 2024

Nowhere in the world is quite like Venice. A city that seems to float on water as if by magic, no description in words can remotely do justice to the city known as the Serenissima . Venice more than earns its reputation as one of the world’s most remarkable destinations, and it’s a key part of any Italian adventure worth its salt. We’ve been welcoming visitors to Venice for years, and are dedicated to ensuring that every traveler experiences its enchanting spell at least once; that’s why we’ve curated this detailed guide tailored specifically to exploring the Floating City. 

And remember, for those seeking deeper insights and expert guidance, Through Eternity offers daily walking tours that visit unmissable highlights like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace on exclusive after-hours visits, as well as extraordinary lesser known gems hiding in the city’s labyrinth. 

Make sure to bookmark this page to keep this invaluable resource handy as you plan your trip to Venice!

The Complete Travel Guide to Venice

Although chock-full of unmissable sites and landmarks, the historic center of Venice is very manageable. You could walk from one side to the other in little over an hour - although in practice you’ll be stopping to gasp at some new delight every few meters so it’ll take a lot longer than that! But this kind of wandering is arguably the best part of visiting Venice, with eyes wide open and ready to absorb unexpected wonders.

It’s true that the city can become uncomfortably crowded, especially in peak season (this tourist influx has led to the municipality introducing a €5 charge for day trippers). But if you follow some common sense guidelines, you won’t be bothered by the crowds. Try to avoid the busiest downtown area around St. Mark’s during peak daytime hours - visit instead in the morning or around dusk and it will be very peaceful. Go off the beaten path to explore the city’s array of churches and museums during the busiest times of the day, and you’ll be amazed at how uncrowded the vast majority of Venice’s labyrinth is. 

Top Things to See in Venice

Venice is one of those rare places that possesses a virtually inexhaustible supply of things to see and do. I can think of only a handful of cities that can rival Venice for its breathtaking cultural and artistic treasures, glittering testaments to its rich past as one of the world’s most powerful city states and hotbed of artistic innovation. Exploring Venice today, you get the sense that the city is a living museum. Every time you round another corner or cross another canal, you’re confronted with something fabulous - whether it's an opulent palazzo, a stunning church, or a breathtaking view. Surprise is the name of the game here! You could spend months delving into Venice’s wonders and still only begin to uncover its depths, but for the purposes of this article, we’re focusing on the absolute must-see highlights you need to experience on your trip.

For more in-depth advice, check out the range of articles on our website here: Venice Travel Guide .

• St. Mark’s Basilica

In Venice, all roads lead to massive St. Mark’s Square. This is the heart of the city, dominated by the unforgettable form of the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica. With its distinctive domes and arches, this iconic cathedral showcases Venice’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. The interior, meanwhile, dazzles with 8,000 square meters of mosaics designed to evoke the light of heaven. It’s a sight that will leave you awestruck, making St. Mark’s a must-see when in Venice. To enjoy an exclusive and crowd-free experience, check out our Night Tour of St. Mark's Basilica .

• The Doge’s Palace

Nestled along a sweeping bend of Venice's Grand Canal, the distinctive pink arcades of the Doge's Palace stand as the quintessential emblem of the city's illustrious and powerful past. From this majestic palace, successive Doges governed the powerful maritime Republic for centuries, and the opulence of those grand days can still be felt in its corridors and galleries, adorned with a seemingly endless array of Renaissance masterpieces by Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, Carpaccio and others. You could easily spend hours visiting the Doge’s Palace, where you’ll also get to explore the forbidding prisons of the Serenissima and walk across the Bridge of Sighs - one of the world’s most beautiful bridges. 

• Scuola di San Rocco

This one is an absolute must for art lovers.  Located in a stunning palace, the Scuola di San Rocco is a 16th-century charitable institution founded by a wealthy confraternity honoring the plague-busting Saint Roch. Although ostensibly dedicated to helping the city’s poor, the school's elite members also sought to burnish their reputation by creating one of the city's most lavishly decorated buildings. Sparing no expense, they called in the renowned Venetian painter Tintoretto, who spent over 20 years bringing their vision to life. Tintoretto filled the scuola's walls with over 60 large paintings of religious scenes, completed using his signature light effects and dynamic perspectives. Ascend the Grand Staircase to the vast Sala Grande Superiore to witness Tintoretto’s dramatic Old Testament cycle, culminating in an awe-inspiring Crucifixion. With some justification the Scuola di San Rocco has been described as Venice’s answer to the Sistine Chapel!

• Rialto Bridge

The Grand Canal is Venice's most crucial waterway, winding its way through the heart of the city. The best spot to witness the lively scene is from the Rialto Bridge. From this vantage point, the Grand Canal unfurls like a shimmering Renaissance painting, with colorful palaces, bustling jetties, and diverse boats framed by the beautiful form of Antonio da Ponte's elegant 1591 architectural marvel. The view is mesmerizing, especially at dawn or at dusk, when the skies over Venice transform into a wonderful display of orange, purple and red.

• The Accademia Gallery

The Accademia is Venice's premier art gallery, showcasing the evolution of Venetian art from the 14th to 19th centuries through masterpieces by Bellini, Titian, Giorgione, Veronese, and more. What makes it a must-visit - and not just for art enthusiasts - is the rich insights the gallery’s works offer into Venetian history and culture. Take Tintoretto’s Stealing of the Body of St. Mark , which vividly depicts the daring 8th-century theft of the apostle’s body from Egypt by Venetian merchants. In Vittore Carpaccio's Miracle of the Cross at the Ponte di Rialto , meanwhile, a bustling scene of gondolas on the Grand Canal is set against a backdrop of Venetian aristocracy, captured in fascinating and lifelike detail - this is a much better way to learn about the story of Venice than a bland guidebook!

Top Things to Do in Venice

1. Take a Gondola Ride

Forget about cars, buses and taxis. In Venice, there’s only one way to get around. By boat of course! The city's extensive network of vaporetti is efficient and budget-friendly, meaning you’ll be using these water buses for much of your transport needs when in Venice, but no trip to the Floating City is complete without at least one gondola ride. You would be forgiven for thinking that the antiquated crafts, with their singing, jauntily clad oarsmen, are nothing more than a tourist gimmick, but there’s a lot more to the gondola than that. Perfectly suited to Venice's canals, these narrow flat-bottomed crafts were the primary mode of transport  here for centuries, and still offer an unparalleled way to experience the city's waterways.

2. Visit the Islands 

When in Venice, don't miss the chance to explore the enchanting islands of the Venetian lagoon. A short vaporetto ride from Fondamente Nove will take you to Murano, Burano, and Torcello, each offering a unique glimpse into a different aspect of Venetian life and history. Burano is famous for its brightly colored fishermen’s cottages, while Murano is renowned for its historic glassworks. Torcello, the birthplace of Venetian civilization, is home to mysterious landmarks that tell the tale of the city's origins. These islands provide a fascinating contrast to the bustling streets and canals of Venice proper, and make for a perfect day trip from the city. Find out everything you need to know about the islands of Venice here. 

3. Tuck into Cicchetti at a Bacaro

Although Venice boasts a well-deserved gastronomic reputation, dining out can be expensive. However, you can enjoy the lagoon's culinary delights on a budget if you know where to go. To eat and drink like a local, visit the city's bacari —traditional hole-in-the-wall wine bars offering a variety of small plates called cicchetti , along with generous pours of local wine and spritzes. Visiting a bacaro is the best way to experience authentic Venetian flavors: check out our guide to the best of them here .

4. Take Part in the Carnival Revelry

Nothing signals the end of winter quite like the Venetian Carnival. Each Spring, people from around the world flock to Venice for this joyful celebration, a dazzling  two-week-long party that unfolds in a riot of color, sound, and spectacle. From masked balls to parades and historical re-enactments, it’s easy to join in the fun, so if you’re lucky enough to be visiting the city in February this is one festival you won’t want to miss! To really get into the spirit you’ll need to visit one of the city’s artisan mask shops to purchase your own disguise. Find out more here.

5. Attend the Venice Biennale

Alongside Carnevale, the Venice Biennale is the most important date on the Venetian cultural calendar. The Venice Biennale is one of the oldest and most prestigious cultural events in the world, alternating each year between showcasing the best in cutting edge contemporary art and architecture. 30 permanent pavilions and dozens more temporary structures display the works of artists from countries around the world, mostly centered around the historic Venice Arsenal in Castello. The curatorial theme for 2024 is “Stranieri Ovunque”, or  “Foreigners Everywhere,” with artworks focusing on migration, refugees, exile and diaspora. 

For more great things to do in Venice, check out our separate articles here:

• What to Do on Your First Trip to Venice

10 Romantic Things to Do in Venice

Are Tours in Venice Worth it?

In a word, yes! Ok, we are a tour company, so we would say that, right? Hear us out. Whilst we think it’s almost impossible to have a bad time in Venice - even if you turn up without a plan, the city is so beautiful that you’re going to be blown away - we are being 100% honest when we say that joining some guided tours in the Serenissima can improve your experience here more than it can in most cities.

Venice is a bewildering labyrinth that can be almost impossible to navigate on your first trip to the city, and while you’re likely to be able to successfully find your way to St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge without too much difficulty, it’s inevitable that you’re going to miss out on a lot of the hidden joys of the city unless you really know what you’re doing. It takes a lifetime to really ‘get’ Venice, and that’s why all of our guides are local Venetians who have spent their lifetimes exploring its endless charms. 

Why take a tour in Venice with Through Eternity?

• Simplify Your Journey

Our meticulously designed tours remove the stress from travel planning. Forget the hassle of organizing itineraries, booking tickets, and trying to find your way through the impenetrable labyrinth of Venice on your own. We handle the nitty gritty, so you can fully immerse yourself in Venice’s extraordinary and unique culture without any logistical worries.

• Fast-Track Your Experience

Waiting in line wastes valuable time. With our tours, you'll bypass the long queues at Venice’s iconic landmarks, getting straight to the highlights. Enjoy exclusive skip-the-line access to Saint Mark’s Basilica after it closes to the general public, and kick your sightseeing experience into another gear. 

• Discover More with Expert Guides

Our knowledgeable guides bring Venice’s history, art, and culture to life. We offer insider insights and fascinating anecdotes via engaging storytelling that brings the city alive. 

• Personalized, Curated Tours

Opt for a private tour and discover Venice in a way that matches your interests and preferences. Our travel experts craft personalized itineraries tailored to you - whether you're a first-time visitor, a foodie, or committed art connoisseur. Whatever kind of traveler you are, we’ve got you covered. 

The Best Tours of Venice

We've recently compiled a detailed list of Venice's top tours, complete with thorough descriptions. For more information, check out the full article: The Best Tours of Venice to Take in 2024 .

If you're short on time, you can quickly access some of our top picks through the links provided below.

Venice at Twilight Tour: The Secrets of the Serenissima

• Saint Mark’s Basilica Night Tour: Exclusive Visit
• Essential Venice Tour: Highlights of the Floating City
• Venice Art Tour: The Colors of the Floating City
• Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands Tour
• Where to Stay in Venice

Venice is divided into neighborhoods known as sestieri , and each possesses its own distinct charm and character. From the iconic grandeur of San Marco to tranquil, locals-dominated Cannaregio, choosing the best neighborhood to stay in Venice is a nice dilemma to have. Here are our top picks.

• San Marco: Centered on the iconic church of the same name, San Marco is where many of the city’s most spectacular landmarks are located. It’s a great option if you want to be as near to the heart of the action as possible, although prices are high and it gets hectic.
• San Polo: San Polo is situated across the Grand Canal from San Marco, and is a great option for travelers looking to be within easy walking distance of Saint Mark’s Square but a little away from the constant bustle.
• Cannaregio: Cannaregio is perhaps our favorite area to stay in Venice. As the largest of the city's six sestieri, it boasts the highest concentration of local residents. If you find the constant tourist crowds in the city center overwhelming, Cannaregio offers a more tranquil alternative.
• Dorsoduro: Dorsoduro is Venice’s most important cultural district. This area is home to some of the city's most significant museums, such as the Accademia Gallery, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and the Punta della Dogana, along with numerous small contemporary galleries.

For our full guide to the neighborhoods of Venice as well as the best hotels in the city, check out our dedicated article here: Where to Stay in Venice - Best Hotels and Neighborhoods .

What to Eat in Venice

Whilst you’re probably coming to Venice for its vibrant culture, stunning art and beautiful architecture, the city’s culinary scene is no slouch either. As a city encircled by water, fish in all its forms naturally features prominently on menus. From sardines and anchovies to salt cod, shrimp, and squid, Venice is a haven for seafood lovers. Yet, the city's gastronomy offers much more, including mouth-watering street food and a delightful array of local desserts. Discover the local dishes that you need to try with our dedicated guide here: 10 Dishes You Need to Try in Venice .

What are the best day trips from Venice?

Venice is the capital city of the Veneto region in north-eastern Italy, a part of the country that is extremely rich in fascinating towns to visit and places to see. Here are some of our favorite day-trips from Venice. 

Spectacularly sited on the banks of the river Adige with the snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites extending off the north and Lake Garda just a stone’s throw away, the easy charms and beautiful monuments of Verona have attracted visitors for centuries. Amongst the many highlights waiting to greet you here are one of antiquity’s finest amphitheaters, Juliet’s balcony, a spectacular Roman bridge and much more. 

Just a hop, skip and a jump from Venice, it’s something of a mystery why historic Padua doesn't feature on more tourist itineraries. All the better for those travelers who do choose to make the short trip from Venice! Always lively thanks to the local university (one of the world’s oldest), Padua is a beacon for art lovers as a result of its series of superb fresco cycles, including Giotto’s Arena Chapel. A stunning medieval market, a truly enormous church dedicated to local hero Saint Anthony filled with treasures, and Italy’s oldest market provide further reasons to visit.

One of Italy’s most beautiful cities, Vicenza  is famous for its series of extraordinary Renaissance buildings designed by the architect Andrea Palladio, who did more to codify the architectural principles of the era than anyone else. Dominating Vicenza’s sweeping central piazza is the Basilica Palladiana, a massive, harmonious edifice characterized by its series of wonderful Renaissance loggias. Vicenza is a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to Palladio’s unique architecture, and is just a short train ride from Venice. 

How to Get to Venice

Venice and the surrounding Veneto region is primarily served by two airports:

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE): Located on the mainland about 8 miles north of Venice, Marco Polo Airport is the main international gateway to the city. It handles a wide range of international and domestic flights, including direct flights from the United States (see below), and is the primary airport for travelers heading to Venice.

Treviso Airport (TSF): Situated approximately 25 miles north of Venice, Treviso Airport is smaller and mainly serves budget airlines and charter flights from other European cities. If you’re coming to Venice from another European destination as part of a multi-country trip, Treviso will probably be the most economical option. Ryanair and Easyjet are the major budget carriers serving the airport. 

Direct Flights To Venice

There are numerous direct flights from the United States to Venice’s Marco Polo Airport. Several airlines offer nonstop routes, primarily from major hubs. These include:

Delta  operates daily non-stop flights from both from New York’s JFK and Atlanta to Venice Marco Polo Airport during the peak summer season. These routes typically run until October. 

United Airlines  offers a direct flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to Venice Marco Polo Airport all year round.

How to Get to Venice by Train

The main train station in Venice is Venezia Santa Lucia. This station is located in the Santa Croce district, right in the heart of the city. High speed trains are operated by  Trenitalia (FrecciaRossa) and  Italo from all major Italian cities to Venice. 

Local regional trains are operated by Trenitalia, and service other destinations in the Veneto - the train to Padua takes about 30 minutes, while Verona and Vicenza are located approximately an hour away from Venice by train. 

We hope we’ve given you some inspiration to help you plan your trip to Venice! Through Eternity Tours offer a range of insider itineraries in the Floating City, so if you’re  visiting Venice  this year check out our website or get in touch with our expert travel planners today! 

MORE GREAT CONTENT FROM THE BLOG:

• How to Visit St. Mark's at Night
• 10 Romantic Things to do in Venice
• The Amazing Islands of Venice
• All You Need to Know About Gondolas in Venice
• 10 Dishes You Need to Try in Venice

Post Categories

Suggested Tours

Saint Mark’s Basilica Night Tour: Exclusive Visit

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive 5% off your first booking!

You'll also receive fascinating travel tips and insights from our expert team

Subscribe to our free newsletter

Thank you for subscribing!

You should shortly receive a confirmation message with your discount code. If you do not receive this within 5 minutes, please email [email protected].

15 things you must do in Venice, Italy

Posted: March 16, 2024 | Last updated: March 16, 2024

Even if you've never been to Venice, you know what it looks like. Venetian buildings lined across canals, open courtyards dotted with plants, exotic bridges soft with seaweed, and buzzing with tourists. The mere mention of Venice conjures a whirlpool of images. 

So why not dive in? Visit the historic city and you can amble around sun-speckled canals, mysterious alleyways, unmissable museums, and romantic restaurants. There are a million things to do in Venice, but there are only 15 things you can't go without. 

Grand Canal

The city's beating heart and romantic soul, there's no shortage of things to do here. Take a water taxi or a gondola ride. Admire the view from a bridge or a nearby restaurant. Or circle back at night when the crowds are thin, the streets are quiet and the lights flicker across the canal, beckoning you to take a closer look. 

You may also like: 15 scenic train rides across Europe

St. Mark's Square

St. Mark's Square is kind of like Times Square without the streakers. Or the homeless people, trash cans, or New Yorkers. OK, so it's not exactly like Times Square, but it is nicknamed "the Times Square of Venice," because it's the central spot for tourists and is surrounded by history. Thankfully, this slice of history is lined with columns and museums, and if you arrive early enough, you can have the place to yourself. 

Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.

Caffe Florian

While you're in St. Mark's Square, you'll want to visit Caffe Florian. This iconic Venetian restaurant was once a watering hole for Proust, Dickens, and Casanova, and the decor hasn't changed much over the years. My advice: enjoy an espresso in the same seat Dickens once enjoyed a beer. 

You may also like: 20 essential things to know before you start composting

Teatro La Fenice

The name Teatro La Fenice, a landmark opera house, means "The Phoenix"--a nod to the fact that it's risen from the ashes not once, but three times, most recently after two arsonists burned it down in 1996. But it's been renovated and restored back to its former glory, complete with rows of balconies and red-velvet chairs. 

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

This private collection was once the home of Peggy Guggenheim, who played a big role in the careers of Jackson Pollock, Max Ernst, and Alberto Giacometti. Now, you'll find the walls lined with Picasso, Dali, Mondrian, and Malevich. Plus, Joseph Cornell! 

You may also like: 20 random uses for honey

Lido Island

After wandering museums and alleyways, you'll want to lie down on the serene sands of Lido. A 15-minute Vaporetto ride from St. Mark's Square, the island offers beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with kids, teens, families, and leather-skin grandpas. Two hours on the beach and you'll have a pretty great tan, too. 

Venice Film Festival

Speaking of the Lido, when the Venice Film Festival hits town every September, there's no better place to be. Pro tip: get to screenings early. Even if you have a pass, you'll need to be there a couple of hours before the film starts. 

You may also like: 18 easy DIY decor options

Murano Glass Museum

While your hopping from island to island, make time for a trip to Murano and admire the glass-making artistry. The products are held on display at the Murano glass museum, where you're gonna want to keep an eye on your pocketbook. Not because of pickpockets, which are a problem in Venice. But because these dreamy works of art are going to inspire you to stop by the gift shop on your way out, or at a glass factory nearby. 

Osteria Alla Frasca

For a true Venetian dinner, Osteria Alla Frasca is one of the most authentic spots in town. You come here, of course, for the delightful seafood pasta, but you're really here to eat like the locals, with the locals. It's an adventure just trying to find this small, family-owned gem, though once seated in its courtyard, you won't want to leave. 

You may also like: 20 essential tips for your best hair ever

Church of San Giorgio Maggiore

Everyone needs a picture of themselves in Venice. Whether it's for Instagram, Twitter, or Tinder, you can't go wrong with the tower of San Giorgio, which boasts panoramic views of Venice from 350-feet up. 

Rialto Bridge

Another candidate for best-selfie: Rialto Bridge has the best view of the Grand Canal, though best not to go midday. Like every main attraction in Venice, make plans to go in the morning or at night. 

You may also like: 20 essential tips for decorating on a budget

Burano Island

Burano is a beautiful island 40-minutes away from Venice, but what truly sets this destination apart are the colorful buildings sprinkled around the city. The fisherman painted each house a different color so they knew whose house was whose, which makes it look like a paint sampler come to life. Every street is a rainbow of discovery. 

Carnevale Festival

Every February, the city hosts a carnival where three million people dress up in costumes and dance until dawn. It's the closest thing to Fellini-esque Venice has to offer. 

You may also like: Cold as ice: 20 foods that freeze the best

Hotel Locanda

Known as the spot where Ernest Hemingway wrote Across the River , the Hotel Locanda is nicely situated just outside of town, and it's $75 a night. Not bad for a place with so much history...and such great croissants! 

Venice is a crazy, decadent maze of streets--and each one leads to a new, exciting place. You're going to get lost. Your map is going to be off. The best thing to do is walk around, lose the schedule, and discover a new restaurant, cafe, canal, or church. Once you've seen the tourist spots, wander into the heart of Venice, glide across a sun-soaked street, dance into a wine-soaked night, share a bottle with a loved one or a spritz with a stranger. There are a million things to do in Venice, but getting lost is mio preferito . 

Did you enjoy this slideshow? Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.

More for You

Hurricane Beryl Spaghetti Models Show New Threat to Texas

We're 65 With $1.5 Million in an IRA and $4,200 Per Month in Social Security. What's Our Retirement Budget?

Retired Marine two-star general found dead on Twentynine Palms training center

Russell Crowe Admits He's "Slightly Uncomfortable"' About 'Gladiator 2' Being Made | THR News Video

What happens if you don't use airplane mode on your flight? Here's the answer to that, and more common travel tech questions.

The FDA will no longer allow this potentially harmful additive found in some sodas

A Mysterious Object Is Emitting Microwaves in Deep Space. It's Unlike Anything Ever Known.

Homeowners Paint Their Fence Black and the Results Speak for Themselves

Social Security: Here's the Biggest Possible Benefit for Retirees at Ages 62, 66, and 70

Costco Settled a $2 Million Class Action Lawsuit — Here's Who's Eligible to Make a Claim for Cash

One Nigerian entrepreneur's solution for millions of old tires

Seahawks Send Ex-QB Russell Wilson A Gift Ahead Of First Steelers Training Camp

Rohit Sharma's wife Ritika Sajdeh shares heartbreaking photos from Barbados as hurricane ravages Caribbean islands

40 Random Bits of Trivia To Activate Your Brain Muscle

Yankees News: Thanks to "Segregation and Steroids," Aaron Judge Launched Above Upper Echelon of MLB Legends, Including Babe Ruth and Barry Bonds

Another popular beer brand files Chapter 11 bankruptcy

The Greatest Heroines of All Time

'Prohibitive': Florida may no longer be the prized retirement haven it once was — here are 3 big reasons why you should look beyond the Sunshine State

'I Would've Done the Show Forever': Jared Padalecki Expresses His Regret Over Missed Walker Storylines

Why we choose to live on a homestead as millennials: We don't get a day off, but we love raising our girls in this environment.

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

The must-visit Venice islands and how to see them

The beauty of Venice is timeless, but its surrounding islands are just as enchanting...

Just as deserving of discerning travellers' attention, the islands close to Venice make for varied and adventurous holiday spots, whether for day trips during your stay in La Serenissima or alternatives to the city itself. From well-known Murano and Burano to more undiscovered spots like Torcello and Chioggia, there's so much to explore here beyond the city. You might want to plan your own route – or you could let someone else do the hard work and take a tour.

Best of all, you could tour the islands of Venice on an unforgettable cruise, like Good Housekeeping 's eight-day cruise around the impossibly picturesque Venetian Lagoon. This journey through the labyrinthine canals and peaceful waterways takes place aboard luxurious river boat SS La Venezia . It begins in Venice itself, where you'll get VIP access to top sites like the Doge's Palace, as well as a private after-hours visit of Saint Marks Basilica.

Then, it's off for your choice of excursions, including trips to the best islands near Venice, including Mazzorbo, Burano and Murano, where you'll get to see live glass blowing.

Another exciting option is an eight-day cruise around the Venice islands with chef James Martin , who will join you on board for a talk and to cook a divine gala dinner one evening. You'll get to explore the pretty waterfront shops, colourful facades and peaceful canals that are unique to Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello, as well as straying a little further to Chioggia, a southern port frequented by fishermen.

TASTE THE VENICE ISLANDS WITH GH & JAMES MARTIN

There's also the chance to explore the Venice islands on another cruise with a difference. As well as the opportunity to explore Venice's most famous sites and cruise around the islands nearby, this eight-day cruise includes an incredible, intimate performance from Russell Watson , one of the UK's best-selling classical artists.

EXPLORE VENICE WITH GH & RUSSELL WATSON

To help you decide which of these exclusive tours to book first, we've done a little exploring of our own to bring you a list of the best islands near Venice to discover this year...

The most distinctive feature of Burano, an island at the northern end of the Venetian lagoon, has to be its vibrant canal-side houses. Beautifully bold in shades of burnt orange, ochre, fuchsia, turquoise and more, the houses never fail to charm any traveller to this unique island. Simply strolling along and admiring these – as well as Burano's 17th-century leaning tower, with its Renaissance and neoclassical architectural features – is enough to merit a trip here alone.

You'll also want to explore Galuppi Square, the centre of the island and a place where you can explore local shops devoted to the traditional art of lacemaking. To eat like a local, try risotto de gò , made with goby fish caught in the Venice lagoon.

To get to this magical island near Venice, it's around 40 minutes by the vaporetto (water bus) from the city itself. It's also a stop on Good Housekeeping 's various river cruise tours of Venice, including one that stars chef James Martin and another that features an intimate performance from classical singer Russell Watson .

DISCOVER BURANO WITH GH

Perhaps the most peaceful of the islands close to Venice, Mazzorbo is joined to its more famous neighbour Murano by a long bridge you can cross by foot, so the two make a great pair for any visitor to these alluring lands.

Mazzorbo is delightfully sleepy compared to its buzzier neighbours – as well as bustling Venice – and the only must-visit tourist spot is the historic church Chiesa di Santa Caterina. This was built in the eighth century as part of a Benedictine convent, but bears Romanesque and Gothic touches from restructuring projects over the years.

The island's vineyards are another draw. The Venissa Estate is a walled wine land open to the public, and it's a lovely place to walk around and soak up the atmosphere – as well as sampling some of the local produce.

Foodies will want to make a bee-line for Mazzorbo, thanks to Michelin-starred Venissa Restaurant, as well as the more informal Osteria Contemporanea. For a fully epicurean trip, consider Good Housekeeping 's eight-day cruise of the Venice islands with chef James Martin . This includes excursions to Mazzorbo and other islands close to Venice, as well as a very special dinner cooked by Martin himself.

DISCOVER MAZZORBO WITH GH

Just 1.5km to the north of Venice lies one of its most famous nearby islands: Murano, which can be accessed by the same vaporetto as Burano. Of all its many charms, Murano is perhaps most famous for its glassmaking, which has been thriving here since the 1200s. To this day, you can visit modern glassmaking shops and factories on the island to witness how this world-famous material is made, as well as popping into the Murano glass museum to see historical pieces.

This is the second largest island in the lagoon – after Venice – but only has around 7,000 inhabitants. As well as glassware, it's known for its beautiful architecture, including colourful houses and artfully faded historic buildings.

Murano is an important stop on Good Housekeeping 's river boat cruise tour of the Venice islands and a special trip with classical singer Russell Watson . Excursions here are combined with stops on neighbouring Burano and Torcello, so you'll get an authentic feel for the area.

DISCOVER MURANO WITH GH

Torcello is even older than Venice, having existed since the fifth century, when it was founded by the inhabitants of the Roman city of Altino. Thanks to this intriguing legacy, it's full of historical sights, though few of the grand palaces, churches and monasteries that were built centuries ago remain. It's almost uninhabited, but is well worth a visit if you're looking to escape the crowds and soak up some culture.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta is one of Torcello's oldest and most popular sites. On Good Housekeeping 's tour of the islands of Venice , you'll get to venture inside this before it opens to the public, enjoying a welcome moment of peace and tranquillity. You can also visit Torcello, as well as the neighbouring islands of Mazzorbo and Burano, during a special trip with classical singer Russell Watson

Meanwhile, on GH 's trip with chef James Martin , you'll get to enjoy a tour of Torcello's basilica with an art historian for a full, culturally immersive experience.

DISCOVER TORCELLO WITH GH

Known as the Venice Lido, this 11km barrier island a short journey away from the city centre is well worth a visit. It's most famous as the home of the glittering Venice Film Festival, which brings A-listers to the scenic spot each September. But you don't have to be a film star to get something from a trip to this slim island.

Separating the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea, the island is also home to a beautiful beach, which is ideal if you're looking for a bit of gentle sunbathing during your trip to Venice. This island is the origin of the use of the word 'lido' to describe pools and bathing spots in the English-speaking world, after all.

You'll find a different, more 'everyday' atmosphere here, with residential streets frequented by cars and cyclists, as well as reasonably priced shops and restaurants. On a clear day in the cooler months you might even spy the snow-capped Dolomites behind the skyline.

Though not strictly an island (though it does have a separate island of its own), Chioggia is the name to know if you're looking for a seaside gem. Come to this spot on the Venetian Lagoon for an Italian experience and the chance that you might see no other tourist. You'll hear local Italian voices at the thriving fish market, at local restaurants and bars that serve divine cicchetti , and all over this remarkably friendly island.

The small historic centre feels very much like Venice in miniature, with placid canals and little winding streets to explore. The fish market here is famous, located between the Piazza del Popolo and the Canal Vena in the very centre of the island. Perhaps because of this bounty of produce, the dining options are authentic and delicious without fail.

If you want to discover this little-known gem for yourself, consider Good Housekeeping 's Venice tour with chef James Martin . This trip includes a day in Chioggia, with time to wander around the pretty streets, see the Romanesque watchtower and explore the lively market.

DISCOVER CHIOGGIA WITH GH

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Italy holidays

The best Lake Garda hotels for 2024

The best Sardinia hotels

Varenna: a Lake Como idyll you need to discover

The loveliest Lake Como towns to visit

The best hotels in Tuscany

The best hotels in Sorrento

This humble Puglian town is Italy's prettiest

The best Lake Como hotels

The best Italian family holidays

The most amazing ways to experience Italy

Lake Maggiore holiday: A guide to the Italian lake

$2049—Italy 3-city tour incl. flights from Atlanta

The land portion of this offer typically costs $1749, meaning flights are basically free.

Why We Love This Deal

Adventure awaits on this guided trip to Italy: tour the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums in Rome,  witness the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi and a dmire Michelangelo's "David" in Florence. You'll also visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa and experience a glass-blowing demonstration in Venice, all for nearly $1400 less than similar trips.

What's included:

• Roundtrip airfare from the U.S. to Rome, return from Venice, including one checked bag
• 6 nights' accommodations in 4-star hotels
• Guided sightseeing per the itinerary in a private air-conditioned motor coach
• Daily breakfast, 1 lunch and two dinners
• Transfers between the airport and the hotels
• All taxes and fees

Depart on Jan. 19 or 26, 2025, for the following per-person prices:

• $1749 ... Los Angeles, New York (EWR, JFK, LGA), San Francisco
• $1849 ... Boston
• $1949 ... Miami; New Orleans; Phoenix; Pittsburgh; San Diego; Tampa; Washington, D.C. (BWI, IAD, DCA)
• $2049 ... Atlanta, Austin, Chicago (ORD), Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Houston (IAH), Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Louisville, Minneapolis, Nashville, Orlando, Raleigh, Seattle, St. Louis
• $2149 ... Charlotte, Dallas (DFW), Detroit, Oklahoma City
• $2249 ... Philadelphia, Salt Lake City

Additional departures , including 2024 dates, are available for $550-$820 more per person.  Small-group tours with no more than 28 fellow travelers are also available from $950 more per person.

Options : Explore Rome, Florence, Venice and Sorrento from $2749 per person on this  8-night trip . Or visit Sicily for 6 nights , or Sicily and Malta for 9 nights .

Book by July 13.

When You Can Go

January 2025; November-February on sale

$1395 vs. similar trips

More Deals & Tips

• Trending Deals
• Last-Minute Deals

How to Book

Mention " Italian Escape " and vacation code  KIAX  to receive this offer. 

The single-supplement waiver and single-room capacities are limited; please call for availability.

The reservations center is open Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. MT.

Your location

Where are you.

Create an account.

Just one more thing..., check your inbox., create your password..

• Access to exclusive travel, entertainment, and lifestyle experiences
• Hand-picked offers, personally reviewed by our global team of deal experts, delivered to your inbox
• Dedicated club-member customer support

Sign in to your account.

Enter your password.

Please accept this confidentiality pledge:

I agree to maintain the strict confidentiality required to access Travelzoo’s confidential offers. I will not reveal details of these confidential offers publicly, which includes not posting about it on social media. I will not attempt to purchase a confidential offer for anyone else. I understand that violating these conditions can result in my access being revoked.

To view confidential offers, we require that you sign a confidentiality agreement.

Don’t know password?

You're all set, join travelzoo, sign in to unlock, don't miss out, our deal experts have negotiated member exclusive rates for people like you., and you’re in..

Welcome, Travelzoo Member . You now have access to confidential offers. To access Confidential Offers in the future, you can use the link from your email, or the link under My Account on the Travelzoo website. This page is only accessible to Confidential Offer members.

You now have access to all our deals.

Here are the details of the deal you were interested in.

Sign in to save and manage your deal alerts

Sign in to save this deal to favorites., already a member, not a member yet, save this deal to your favorites.