If you’re enchanted by winding canals, stunning architecture, and timeless romance, Venice should be at the top of your travel list. I recently wandered the labyrinthine streets and shimmering waterways of this unique city, and I’m excited to share everything you need to know—from where to stay and how to get there, to the best sights and insider tips for experiencing Venice’s magic.
Where To Stay In Venice
Venice’s historic center is made up of six sestieri (districts), each with its own charm. For first-timers, staying near San Marco puts you close to iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. If you prefer a quieter, more local feel, the Cannaregio district offers charming canals and authentic Venetian life. Dorsoduro is known for art galleries and a lively nightlife scene, while Castello offers peaceful squares and great seafood restaurants. For a budget-friendly option, consider lodging near Santa Lucia train station or even on the nearby islands of Lido or Mestre.
Best Venice Tours
To fully appreciate Venice’s history and beauty, consider booking guided tours. Gondola rides through narrow canals are iconic, but you can also opt for small group walking tours that explore hidden neighborhoods, artisan workshops, and historic palaces. A boat tour around the lagoon offers breathtaking views of the city from the water. Don’t miss a day trip to the colorful islands of Murano (famous for glassmaking) and Burano (known for lace and brightly painted houses).
Where Is Venice?
Venice is a unique city built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in northeastern Italy. Connected by over 400 bridges and canals instead of roads, it’s famous for its waterways, Renaissance art, and rich maritime history.
How To Get To Venice Italy
Venice is served by Marco Polo Airport, with frequent flights from Europe and beyond. The airport is connected to the city by water taxis and buses. Venice’s main train station, Santa Lucia, links the city to Italy’s extensive rail network. If arriving by car, most visitors park in nearby Mestre or Piazzale Roma and continue by train or vaporetto (water bus).
Transport: How To Get Around In Venice
Venice is a pedestrian city, and walking is the best way to explore its narrow alleys and piazzas. Water buses (vaporetti) serve as public transport, connecting different islands and neighborhoods. Water taxis offer faster, private rides but can be expensive. Gondolas are mostly for tourists seeking a romantic or scenic experience.
Best Things To Do In Venice Italy
1. St. Mark’s Basilica & Piazza San Marco
St. Mark’s Basilica stands as one of Venice’s most dazzling landmarks—a true Byzantine masterpiece that dazzles with its shimmering golden mosaics and intricate domes. Built to house the relics of St. Mark the Evangelist, the basilica’s ornate façade is adorned with elaborate sculptures, stunning arches, and gleaming mosaics that tell biblical stories in vivid detail. Inside, the grandeur continues with dazzling gold mosaics covering the ceilings and walls, a masterpiece of medieval art.
Adjacent to the basilica lies Piazza San Marco, Venice’s main square and often called “the drawing room of Europe.” This expansive plaza bustles with life and is framed by historic arcades filled with elegant cafés such as Caffè Florian and Gran Caffè Quadri, where you can enjoy a coffee or aperitivo while watching the world go by. The piazza is the perfect place for people-watching, listening to live orchestras, or simply soaking in the unique atmosphere that makes Venice so enchanting.
Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture stunning photos of the basilica with softer light. Entrance to the basilica is free, but certain areas and the museum require tickets.
2. Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is a magnificent Gothic structure that was the residence of Venice’s Doges—the city’s elected rulers—and the seat of Venetian government for centuries. Walking through its grand halls, you can feel the weight of history in rooms that once hosted important councils and ceremonies.
Highlights include the Sala del Maggior Consiglio, one of the largest rooms in Europe, adorned with Renaissance masterpieces and frescoes celebrating Venice’s glory. The palace’s ornate chambers showcase exquisite craftsmanship in woodwork, marble, and paintings.
One of the most famous parts of the palace is the Bridge of Sighs, a covered bridge that connects the palace to the old prisons across the canal. Legend has it that prisoners caught their last glimpse of Venice’s beauty through the tiny windows before being led to their cells, giving the bridge its melancholic name.
Insider Tip: Buy a combined ticket that includes entry to the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Museo Correr in Piazza San Marco for a full historical experience. Guided tours can enrich your visit with fascinating stories about Venice’s political intrigue.
3. Rialto Bridge & Market
The Rialto Bridge is the oldest and most iconic of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal. Dating back to the late 16th century, this stone arch bridge has been a vital crossing point and a bustling commercial hub for centuries. The bridge is lined with small shops selling jewelry, souvenirs, and Venetian crafts, making it a lively place to browse and soak in the atmosphere.
From the bridge, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Grand Canal, watching gondolas and vaporetti glide past elegant palaces and colorful buildings.
Just a short walk from the bridge is the Rialto Market, a vibrant and authentic slice of Venetian life. Early mornings bring a lively scene where vendors sell fresh fish, seafood, fruits, and vegetables in a sensory feast of colors and aromas. It’s a fantastic place to pick up local ingredients or just wander among the stalls to experience Venice beyond the tourist trail.
Insider Tip: Visit the Rialto Market early in the morning to see the market at its liveliest and to get the freshest produce. Don’t miss the small eateries nearby that serve cicchetti (Venetian tapas) paired with a glass of local wine.
4. Grand Canal
The Grand Canal is Venice’s main artery and arguably its most spectacular feature. Lined on both sides by grand Renaissance and Gothic palaces, churches, and historic buildings, the canal is a living museum of Venetian architecture and history.
Taking a vaporetto (water bus) along the Grand Canal is a budget-friendly way to see the city from the water. For a more romantic and iconic experience, hop aboard a gondola and glide through the smaller canals, eventually joining the Grand Canal to admire the city’s grandeur from a unique perspective.
As you travel, you’ll pass landmarks like the Ca’ d’Oro, Palazzo Barbarigo, and Santa Maria della Salute church. The interplay of light on the water and reflections of centuries-old buildings creates a magical atmosphere that’s truly unforgettable.
Insider Tip: For the best views, sit on the left side of the vaporetto traveling from Piazzale Roma to San Marco. Sunset rides offer especially beautiful lighting and fewer crowds.
More Things To Do In Venice Italy
- Murano Island
Visit the glass factories and workshops where master artisans create exquisite hand-blown glass pieces. The Glass Museum offers fascinating insights into this centuries-old craft. - Burano Island
Famous for its brightly colored fishermen’s houses and delicate lace-making traditions, Burano is a photographer’s paradise and perfect for a relaxed day trip. - Peggy Guggenheim Collection
This modern art museum houses works by Picasso, Pollock, and Dalí in a beautiful palazzo on the Grand Canal. - Teatro La Fenice
One of Italy’s most famous opera houses, catch a performance or take a guided tour to experience Venetian culture and history.
Best Venice Neighborhoods To Explore
- San Marco: Iconic landmarks and buzzing tourist life.
- Cannaregio: Authentic Venetian charm and Jewish Ghetto.
- Dorsoduro: Art galleries and vibrant nightlife.
- Castello: Quiet squares and local eateries.
- Santa Croce: Close to the train station and less touristy.
Best Sunrise / Sunset Spots In Venice Italy
- Rialto Bridge at Sunrise: See the market come alive as the sun rises.
- Zattere Promenade: Offers stunning sunset views over the Giudecca Canal.
- San Giorgio Maggiore: Climb the bell tower for panoramic views of Venice at dusk.
- Accademia Bridge: Watch gondolas glide along the Grand Canal at sunset.
Other Venice Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes—Venice’s cobblestone streets can be slippery.
- Try Venetian specialties like cicchetti (small plates), sarde in saor (marinated sardines), and fresh seafood.
- Beware of tourist crowds at popular sites; explore early morning or late evening for a quieter experience.
- Carry cash, as some smaller cafés and shops don’t accept cards.
Is Venice Safe?
Venice is generally safe for tourists. Usual city precautions apply, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious of pickpockets near major attractions and transport hubs.
Venice On A Budget — Is It Possible?
Yes! Enjoy free attractions like wandering the picturesque streets, visiting churches, and enjoying public squares. Eat at local bacari (Venetian wine bars) serving affordable cicchetti, and use vaporetto day passes to save on transport.
How Long To Stay In Venice Italy
I recommend 2 to 3 days to explore the main sites, take a couple of island trips, and soak in the city’s unique atmosphere without rushing.
Sample Itinerary For Venice
Day 1: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Piazza San Marco
Day 2: Grand Canal vaporetto ride, Rialto Market, and explore Cannaregio
Day 3: Day trips to Murano and Burano Islands
Best Time To Visit Venice Italy
Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer mild weather and fewer tourists. Venice’s famous Carnival in February is a magical but crowded time to visit.
Venice Hotels
From luxurious hotels overlooking St. Mark’s Square to charming guesthouses in quieter sestieri, Venice offers a wide range of accommodations. Book early, especially during Carnival and peak summer months.
- Residenza Ducato
- Papadopoli Hotel Venezia – MGallery Collection
- NH Collection Grand Hotel Palazzo Dei Dogi
More Italy Travel Guides
If you’re exploring Italy, check out my guides on Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast for more travel inspiration.
