Welcome to Venice:
The City of Canals, Doges, Carnival, Love, and Art
Sooner or later, everyone faces the moment of taking a trip to Venice. Venice must be seen, and everyone agrees on this. Many cities have tried to appropriate its name due to some resemblance – the Venice of the North, the Venice of Asia, the little Venice – but none are even remotely comparable. Beware of imitations: there is only one Venice. It is impossible to replicate the unique combination of historical events and territorial peculiarities that led to the miracle that is Venice: a city wrested from the waters of the sea and the lagoon, built with ingenuity and determination, born as a refuge against barbarian invasions, and became a power that dominated the Adriatic and the Aegean and extended as far as Asia.
Love it for what it is, with its contrasts, its struggle for survival, the challenges of overtourism, and its very high prices. These are discomforts that Venetians deal with daily but face without fear to live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Our Venice guide aims to show you Venice in a way you never thought possible. It contains tips and ideas for a stress-free vacation, lists attractions suitable for a day visit and those for longer stays, the most beautiful islands to extend the enchantment of the historic center, the closest beaches to the center, the best places to stay for those who want to be in the heart of the city, and the best areas for those seeking a quiet corner.
What to See in Venice
Famous worldwide, Venice’s top attractions are concentrated along the walking itinerary that leads from the train station to Piazza San Marco. Here’s a detailed and chronological list of must-see sights along this iconic route:
- Canal Grande:
- The first sight upon leaving the train station, the Grand Canal is Venice’s main waterway, lined with the city’s most beautiful palaces. Once noble residences, these buildings now house prestigious museums and luxury hotels.
- Ponte degli Scalzi:
- One of the four bridges crossing the Grand Canal, located close to the train station. It offers stunning views of the canal and is a great spot for photography.
- San Simeone Piccolo:
- A neoclassical church with a prominent green dome, visible from the Grand Canal. It’s notable for its striking architecture and serene interior.
- Ca’ d’Oro:
- Known as the “Golden House” due to its once gilded façade, this beautiful palace on the Grand Canal is now a museum housing an impressive collection of art.
- Rialto Bridge:
- The iconic stone bridge is one of the symbols of Venice, known for its beauty and historical significance. It offers a panoramic view of the Grand Canal and is a prime location for photos.
- Rialto Market:
- A bustling market near the Rialto Bridge where locals buy fresh produce and seafood. It’s a great place to experience local life and sample Venetian delicacies.
- Campo San Polo:
- The largest square in Venice after Piazza San Marco, surrounded by historic buildings. It’s a perfect spot to relax and soak in the local atmosphere.
- Basilica dei Frari:
- A magnificent Gothic church housing masterpieces by Titian and other renowned artists. It’s notable for its impressive architecture and artistic treasures.
- Campo Santa Margherita:
- A lively square popular with students and locals, lined with cafes and bars. It’s great for a break and people-watching.
- Scuola Grande di San Rocco:
- A historic building known for its incredible series of paintings by Tintoretto. The grand hall is particularly impressive and worth a visit.
- Accademia Bridge:
- One of the four bridges crossing the Grand Canal, leading to the Gallerie dell’Accademia. It offers beautiful views of the canal and access to the famous art gallery.
- Piazza San Marco:
- The heart of Venice, surrounded by iconic landmarks and filled with history. Includes St. Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile, and the Clock Tower.
- Basilica di San Marco:
- One of the world’s most beautiful churches, known for its stunning Byzantine architecture and mosaics. The interior and exterior details, including the Pala d’Oro, are must-see.
- Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace):
- The historic seat of the Serenissima Republic, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It contains lavish rooms and important artworks, as well as the Bridge of Sighs.
- Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs):
- The famous covered bridge connects the Doge’s Palace to the prisons of Venice. It’s known for its beautiful design and the romantic legend behind its name.
- Gondola Ride:
- No visit to Venice is complete without a gondola ride through its enchanting canals. Experience the city from a unique perspective and enjoy the tranquil ambiance.
Bonus: Beyond the Main Route
- Murano:
- An island in the Venetian lagoon known for its glassmaking traditions. Visit glass factories and museums to see artisans at work.
- Burano:
- Another island famous for its lace-making and colorful houses. Stroll through the vibrant streets and enjoy the local cuisine.
These sights and experiences will give you a comprehensive and unforgettable taste of Venice’s rich history, culture, and beauty.
When to Visit Venice
As a city of art, rich in museums and events, Venice can be visited throughout the year. The best periods to visit Venice are, however, the spring (excluding holidays) and the months between the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. Summer coincides with the peak tourist season, although the scorching heat and mosquitoes make the stay in the city less pleasant; the advantages of visiting Venice in this season are longer days and the possibility of combining cultural visits with some relaxation by the sea.
Winter is the least recommended season because the risk of high water is higher, and fogs are quite frequent. The advantage is that outside the Christmas and New Year’s period, you can find good deals for flights and hotels. The most important events are Carnival (February/March), the Redentore Festival (July), and the Venice Film Festival (September). These are splendid occasions to experience unique experiences, but it’s better to avoid them if you don’t like crowds.
How to Get to Venice
The fastest and often most economical way to get to Venice is by taking a low-cost flight. Venice Marco Polo Airport is one of the three most important airports in Italy (along with Rome and Milan) and is connected with direct flights to over 70 Italian, European, and even extra-European destinations. The passenger terminal is only 13 km from the city center, reachable by bus, private water taxi, or Alilaguna line vaporettos.
Another very convenient way to reach Venice is by train. Located at the start of some of the most important national and international railway lines, the Venice Santa Lucia station is served by a large number of regional, Intercity, and high-speed trains, allowing easy travel in any direction.
Arriving by car is also very easy because Venice is at the center of a crucial highway junction in the Northeast, but given the city’s particular configuration, land vehicles cannot circulate in the city center. This means you will have to leave your car in one of the expensive and almost always full parking lots at the entrance to the historic center or in the nearby Mestre parking lots (in this case, you will have to reach the center by train or bus). In both cases, it is strongly recommended to book the parking in advance.
Where to Stay in Venice
Staying in the historic center of Venice is the recommended choice for those who want to fully experience the magic of this unique city: you can find hotels, B&Bs, and apartments of all categories in all the sestiere (districts of the center). The rooms with a view of the Grand Canal or near San Marco or the Rialto Bridge are the most sought after and, consequently, the most expensive; if you are looking for budget accommodation, the best areas for you are Dorsoduro or Castello.
If you arrive by train and want a hotel near the station, look in Cannaregio (but be careful, it is a very large district!) or Santa Croce. If you travel by car, you can look for your hotel near Piazzale Roma, the point beyond which cars cannot go. Staying on the islands is a completely different experience, ideal for those who want to experience a more authentic Venice, away from mass tourism. The hotels in Venice Mestre, on the mainland, are mainly aimed at business clients and are not recommended for romantic getaways. They make up for the lack of charm with a good quality/price ratio and the convenience of being able to arrive by car.
How to Get Around in Venice
Once in the center of Venice, you can only move on foot or by boat. Even if you are strong supporters of walking, it is very likely that after a few hours of going up and down the bridges, you will succumb to the temptation of the vaporetto, Venice’s water bus. Vaporettos also allow you to reach the islands. Vaporetto tickets are not cheap, so consider buying a city card that includes free use of public transport. For greater convenience or to move more quickly, you can use water taxis, which are even more expensive than vaporettos. Gondola ferries are special gondolas that only cross the Grand Canal: widely used by Venetians and little by tourists, they are a quick and economical way to move from one bank of the canal to the other.
Final Thoughts
Venice is a city like no other, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and breathtaking beauty. Whether you’re strolling through its winding streets, gliding along its canals, or soaking up the atmosphere in its vibrant squares, Venice promises an unforgettable experience. Embrace the city’s charm, explore its hidden corners, and take home memories that will last a lifetime. Remember, Venice exists only in Venice.
