Venice

What are the most recommended things to do in Venice?

  • Take a gondola ride along the canals for a quintessential Venetian experience.
  • Visit St. Mark’s Basilica and the Piazza San Marco.
  • Explore the Doge’s Palace and its museum.
  • Walk across the Rialto Bridge and visit the Rialto Market.
  • Discover the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and other art galleries.
  • Take a vaporetto (water bus) to nearby islands like Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
  • Enjoy a walking tour through Venice’s hidden alleyways and bridges.
  • Attend a classical concert or opera performance in historic venues.
  • Relax at cafes in Campo Santa Margherita or along the canals.

Introducing Venice

Venice is a renowned tourist and industrial city in northeastern Italy and the capital of the Veneto region. Once the center of the Venetian Republic and known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Venice was also a gathering place for Crusaders during the Crusades, making it one of the world's most romantic cities.

The city of Venice encompasses 118 islands and a nearby peninsula in the Venetian Lagoon, located on the Adriatic Sea coast of northeastern Italy. It is crisscrossed by 117 waterways. This saltwater lagoon stretches along the coastline between the Po and Piave rivers. Venice's charm is inextricably linked to water: its winding canals and flowing waters resemble a silent, affectionate young woman, her eyes radiating tenderness. Its architecture, paintings, sculptures, and operas hold immense global importance and influence. Venice, known as "born from water, beautiful from water, and prosperous from water," enjoys the nicknames "Water City," "Water Metropolis," and "City of a Hundred Islands."

Climate and best time to travel

It is suitable for all seasons, but the best seasons are spring and autumn .

Spring is the most comfortable season in Venice, with an average temperature of 10-18℃ and a pleasant climate. The carnival from February to March has a warm atmosphere and unique Venetian characteristics. It has become one of the most popular carnivals in the world.

Autumn in Venice has an average temperature of around 16°C, with clear skies and low UV rays, making it the coolest season in Venice. The Gondola Festival at the end of September is a local extravaganza, rivaling Carnival itself. This season is also the perfect time to visit Murano and Lido.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Piazza San Marco

Also known as the Piazza Centrale, this square has long been the center of public events for Venice, including politics, religion, and traditional festivals. Built to commemorate the Twelve Apostles and to house war trophies, it is surrounded by exquisite Renaissance architecture. The square boasts the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica, the St. Mark's Campanile, the old and new Presidios Generales, and the Napoleonic Wing connecting them. The square is also surrounded by numerous shops and cafes, making it a perfect place to relax and unwind in Venice.

All day, free


Burano Island

The locals once made their living by fishing. To make it easier for men who ran away to find their homes, women painted their houses in vibrant colors, earning it the nickname "Colored Island." The island's handmade lace, drawnwork, stained glass, and other Venetian handicrafts are renowned. The Lace and Decorative Arts Museum is well worth a visit. This area was once home to the renowned Princess Margaret Lace School, where the art of lacemaking was passed down through generations.

All day, free


Grand Canal

The Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, is the main waterway of the city. It follows a natural waterway from San Marco Basilica to Santa Chiara Church, forming an inverted S-shape that divides the city into two parts. Over 100 historic buildings lining its banks, home to Venetian nobles and wealthy merchants from the 12th to 18th centuries, are available for tours of the Grand Canal and its architecture, both by boat or water bus.

Free, all day


Most Popular FAQs for Venice

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Venice, founded in the 5th century, is a city of canals built on over 100 small islands. It was a major maritime power and trade hub during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The city is renowned for its unique architecture, art, and cultural heritage, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Venice is in northeastern Italy along the Adriatic Sea. Access is via Venice Marco Polo Airport, trains to Venezia Santa Lucia station, or buses to Piazzale Roma. Within Venice, walking, vaporetto (water bus), water taxis, and gondolas are the main transport modes.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Most attractions are open from 09:00 to 18:00. The best time to visit is spring (April–June) or autumn (September–October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

  • St. Mark’s Basilica: Free entry (museum and terrace may require €5–€10), tickets online or onsite.
  • Doge’s Palace: €25–€30, tickets available online or at entrance.
  • Guggenheim Collection: €15–€20, online or at museum.
  • Gondola rides: €80–€100 for 30 minutes, cash or card, usually booked onsite or through tour operators.
  • Vaporetto passes: €20–€40 per day, tickets at vaporetto stations or online.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

For popular attractions like Doge’s Palace and gondola rides, booking 1–2 weeks in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist season.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

3–4 days for main attractions in Venice, with extra time for day trips to Murano, Burano, or Torcello.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

  • St. Mark’s Basilica and Piazza San Marco
  • Doge’s Palace
  • Rialto Bridge and Market
  • Grand Canal and its palaces
  • Guggenheim Collection and Peggy Guggenheim Museum
  • Murano, Burano, and Torcello islands
  • Campo Santa Margherita and local squares
  • Venetian alleyways and hidden bridges

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Yes, guided tours are available in multiple languages including English, Italian, French, and Spanish. Audio guides are also offered in several languages at major attractions.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

  • Rialto Bridge for Grand Canal views
  • Campanile di San Marco (bell tower)
  • Ponte dell’Accademia for sunset shots
  • Burano’s colorful houses
  • Gondola rides for canal-level perspectives

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at Piazza San Marco (Basilica and Doge’s Palace), walk to Rialto Bridge and Market, explore the surrounding canals, visit art museums, and take a vaporetto to Murano or Burano for a half-day excursion.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

  • Evening gondola rides
  • Night walking tours with local guides
  • Special concerts and opera performances in historical venues
  • Seasonal events such as Venice Carnival and Festa del Redentore

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Venice is very crowded during summer and major festivals. Weekdays and shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) are less crowded.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Public toilets, cafés, restaurants, rest areas, and souvenir shops are widely available throughout the city.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Some areas are challenging due to bridges and cobblestones, but major attractions like St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace are wheelchair-accessible. Gondolas have limited accessibility.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted, but some smaller vendors and gondolas may prefer cash.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

  • Cafés and restaurants in Piazza San Marco
  • Traditional Venetian trattorias along the canals
  • Seafood restaurants on Burano and Murano islands
  • Coffee shops in Campo Santa Margherita

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and halal options are available in many restaurants, especially in the city center and tourist areas.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

  • Luxury: Bauer Palazzo, Gritti Palace
  • Mid-range: Hotel Antiche Figure, Hotel Danieli
  • Budget: Hostels and guesthouses near Santa Croce or Cannaregio

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

  • Murano for glassmaking tours
  • Burano for colorful houses and lacework
  • Torcello for historical churches
  • Lido di Venezia for beaches
  • Treviso for wine tours

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, souvenirs include Murano glass, Venetian masks, lacework, local ceramics, and postcards.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

  • Trains from Venezia Santa Lucia station to other Italian cities
  • Vaporetto to islands or nearby towns
  • Water taxis for private transfers
  • Marco Polo Airport for domestic and international flights