Venice is one of the most popular destinations in the world and not surprisingly, on everyone’s bucket list!
But you hear mixed reviews from those who have visited Venice – they either LOVE it or HATE it! Which is why we skipped Venice on our first trip to Italy way back in 2017 and instead chose Lake Como. No doubt we loved our time in Como, but we always felt like we needed to give Venice a chance and decide for ourselves.
So, when we started planning our second trip to Italy in 2024, we knew we had to cross Venice off our list. We spent 2.5 days here and let me tell you, Venice is like nowhere else on earth! A floating city made up of islands in a lagoon, so full of history and beauty in every corner. It was love at first sight for us.
What makes this island unique? Well, there are no roads – only canals and footpaths. Yes, the main squares and popular spots are busy and crowded. But as soon as you turn into one of the side streets, you will probably find them all to yourselves. Every corner here is just stunning!
Are you planning a trip to Venice and don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, in this Venice guide, you will find all the practical information you need, from what to do and where to stay to how to get to Venice!
For a general overview of our Italy itinerary please click here.
Best Time to Visit
Venice is the most sought-after destination in Italy after Rome and Florence. Plus, you have cruise ships docking in the lagoon, which bring gazillion day trippers into the city. Hence, I would suggest avoiding SUMMER by all means.
Shoulder seasons, spring and autumn are the best times to visit Venice. Italy, in general, does not experience harsh winters so if you don’t mind ditching your flowy dresses and navigating this city in a jacket then by all means, go for it!
How Many Days to Spend
While some people visit Venice on a day trip, I would highly recommend staying for at least two nights. You are going to be walking around a LOT and you want to enjoy the city at your own pace. Plus, with day trips to other islands, it is impossible to see it all in a day.
We spent 2.5 days in Venice and felt it was perfect to explore this city.
Best Area to Stay
Venice is made up of six sestieri, or neighborhoods, each with its own distinct feel and style. The best place to stay is undoubtedly, in the heart of Venice. San Marco, and San Polo are great areas to choose from. However, accommodation in the these areas is notoriously expensive. You spend €€€ and get a tiny room.
If you are planning to stay inside the island, check out Dorsoduro and Cannaregio neighborhoods. Both offer relatively affordable accommodation and are just 15-20 minute walk from some of the main sights.
Since we were travelling by car, we also had to worry about parking, which can cost anywhere between €35-€50 a night. Plus, unless you want to splurge on a water taxi, be prepared to drag suitcases through cobblestone streets and bridges. So, while I really wanted to stay in the heart of the city, I had to be practical about it.
We decided to stay outside the city, in Mestre area at this Airbnb. The Airbnb was spacious, convenient and hands down, the best accommodation on this trip. We used the bus to get into the city – the commute barely took 20 minutes and cost just €1.5 per ride. We used to head out of the apt around 9-9.30 am and come back at night. So, we got enough time to explore the city at our pace without really breaking the bank.
Accommodation in Mestre area is a lot cheaper compared to the island and you get more value for money here. So, as long as you don’t mind the commute, then highly recommend this Airbnb.
Best Way to Get in the City
If you are traveling by train through Italy, you will reach the main train station, Venezia Santa Lucia. From this train station, you can walk, take the vaporetto, or hire a water taxi to take you to your hotel. A water taxi costs Euros 80-100 depending on the number of people and luggage you bring.
If you are starting your trip to Italy in Venice, you most likely will reach Venice Marco Polo Airport. Again, to get from the airport to your hotel in Venice, you can take the bus, a taxi, a vaporetto (water bus) or a water taxi. If your hotel is in the main island, recommend asking them for the best way to get to there. They may have negotiated water taxi rates for their hotel guests.
If you are travelling with a car, there are large parking lots near Piazzale Roma (starting point into the island). These parking garages charge around Euros 35-50 a night. Also, you may want to check with your hotel if they have arrangements with specific parking garages for a discounted rate.
Best Way to Get Around the City
As you probably know, no cars are allowed in the main island and the only way to get around is either on foot, gondola or the water bus.
Venice is a very walkable city. It is small, compact and most of the highlights are clustered together in the heart of Venice.
If you want to minimize how much walking you do, you can use the vaporetto and water taxis to get around. A single journey on the vaporetto (water bus) costs €9.5. But if you plan to use them extensively, then buy the day pass for €25. Also, if you are planning to visit nearly islands (Burano/ Murano), then advisable to buy the day pass for that day at least. By taking just 3 rides in a day, you get your money’s worth! A two-day and three-day pass is also available for €35 and €45 respectively.
While vaporettos are easy and convenient to use, we prefer exploring a new city on foot. The best way to explore some hidden alleys and charming little streets, agree? We must have easily walked 15k steps every day. Someone’s gotta justify all the gelatos on this trip 😉😂
Tourist Entry Fee
Due to over tourism, the government levied an entry fee (€5) for those visiting Venice during the high season last year (April 25 to July 14, 2024). While this was started on a trial basis in 2024, it is expected to come back in 2025. So, check the official website before your visit to Venice.
Places to See/ Visit
St Mark’s Square
Located in the heart of Venice, St. Mark’s Square, otherwise known as Piazza San Marco, is the biggest square in Venice.
You see people thronging this square all day. Some of the restaurants here have musicians playing live music throughout the day, which adds to the romantic vibes of this city.
Apart from the beautiful architecture why are so many people clustered here at any given point in time? Oh well, because it houses some of the most important buildings in the city. Here, you will find the Basilica, the Campanile (bell tower), Doge’s Palace, which was once the administrative centre of the city. The square is also lined with shops and cafes – including the iconic Caffè Florian. But like all touristy areas, most of the places around this piazza are overpriced.
St Mark’s Square has always been the political and social heart of the city. It is said that Napoleon called it ‘the drawing room of Europe’.
We first got here in the evening, and it truly was a sight to behold. Hard not to be wowed by this sight, right?
The main thing in St Mark’s Square is St Mark’s Basilica itself. This beautiful cathedral was first built back in the 9th century and has gone through various renovations since. You can visit the church for free. But unless you show up early, be prepared to stand in line for a long time. Or you can buy Skip the Line tickets in advance for Euros 9 per person here. Alternatively, you can buy tickets for a guided tour which covers both Doge’s Palace and the Basilica (more on that below).
Make sure to wear appropriate clothes (i.e. cover your shoulders and knees) otherwise you won’t be let in!
Take your time wandering around this square and admiring the architecture. The details are just breathtakingly beautiful. One of the most interesting sights on St. Mark’s Square is the Torre dell’Orologio (the Clock Tower). This clock and its tower dates back to the 15th century.
Although the square is really picturesque and undoubtedly one of the most instagrammable places in Venice, it is also one of the hardest places to take photos due to its popularity. The square is usually swarming with tourists even in the morning. So if you want to get your insta-worthy photo, then get here super early, preferably around 7 am or around sunrise.
Since most of the area near the Basilica was covered in scaffolding, I couldn’t be bothered with waking up at the crack of dawn for those phots 😒
If you want to get a good view St Mark’s Square, then check out Correr Musuem cafe.
Rialto Bridge
Four bridges span the Grand Canal, and this one is the oldest. It was originally built in 1173 and has been rebuilt several times. The bridge that you see today was completed in 1591.
Rialto Bridge is a covered footbridge that is lined with shops, similar to Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Most shops sell souvenirs, so feel free to browse. You also get some amazing views from the top of the bridge. Check out the views in both directions but also get down and see it from afar, to admire this architectural beauty.
Although this Bridge is crowded during the day, you can still click your insta-worthy photos in the middle of the day! There is a small little corner near the bridge on the San Polo side which is usually empty. To find this spot, head over to the San Polo side (an not San Marco side). You will find a huge white building right by the bridge – you need to pass by the bridge and then go all the way around the corporate office to find this small corner along the Grand Canal.
Doge’s Palace
Doge’s Palace is where Venice’s doges (most senior officials) ruled for over a thousand years.
Here you will encounter magnificent halls, wonderfully decorated, and you will get to know a whole lot more about the history of Venice and the Doge’s Palace. The inside of Doge’s Palace is filled with sculptures, paintings, and rich history. You even walk over the famous Bridge of Sighs. This was the place where the prisoners would get one last look of the city before being locked up in cells. As the story goes, they would release a sigh on seeing the view knowing that they would not see this for a very long time (or maybe never again).
Tickets cost €30 and advisable to buy them in advance here.
Wander along the Riva degli Schiavoni and see the Bridge of Sighs (again)
After you are done wandering around St Mark’s Square and Doge’s Place, continue walking towards the waterfront. You will quickly find yourself on the Riva degli Schiavoni, a beautiful promenade that runs along the Venetian Lagoon.
The views along the waterfront itself are so lovely. From here, you will be able to see dozens of gondolas bobbing in the water, as well as San Giorgio Maggiore across the lagoon.
As you keep walking ahead, you will find a bridge (Ponte della Paglia) that will take you to the most famous view of the Bridge of Sighs. 
Although the view is amazing from the bridge, if you want to take a photo with you in it, go below the bridge to this small corner you can see in this photo below.
Most people just stay on the bridge and take photos so chances are high that this corner will be empty during the day. We had to wait for around 15 minutes and we actually saw a proposal happening right in this corner. Made the wait totally worth it 😊
Looking for yet another insta-worthy shot of this Bridge? Then check out the stone bridge on the other side of the Bridge of Sighs. This spot looks entirely different than the previous one so it is worth checking out both!
Birds Eye View of the City
There are a couple of places which offer a great bird’s eye view of this city. Some free, and some, of course, paid.
T Fondaco dei Tedeschi / Fondaco Rooftop Terrace
It is essentially a department store located right behind Rialto Bridge. Here you can find a wide range of products – from local produces like olive oils, truffle oils, to luxury apparel brands. It is a perfect place to visit if you’d like to indulge in retail therapy.
What makes it special is its rooftop which provides a 360-degree view of the city. While entry to the rooftop is FREE of charge, you need to pre-book your time slot at least 3-4 weeks in advance. They limit the number of people so it isn’t crazy crowded like most other spots. Also, you get around 15 minutes to enjoy the view. But don’t be late because otherwise your reservation stands cancelled!
Sunset would ideally be the best time to visit but this being a popular spot, book whichever slot is available on the days of your visit.
We even spotted Burano, the colorful island, from the top. Highly highly recommend this place !
Scala Contarini del Bovolo
After having seen the view from Fondaco Rooftop terrace, I have to say, the view here, paled in comparison. But what makes it unique is this lovely fairytale-like tower.
If you plan on visiting, buy tickets (Euros 8) in advance here.
Climb up St. Mark’s Campanile bell tower
The Campanile was built as a lighthouse to help people navigate the Venetian lagoon, but today it provides excellent views of Venice to tourists.
From here, you have amazing views of St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Venetian Lagoon, and nearby islands. It is said that on a clear day, you can also spot the Alps in the distance.
Since I had already seen the views from the rooftop terrace and the tower, I skipped this one.
Ponte dell’Accademia
This old, wooden bridge is a great spot to watch as gondolas, water buses, and taxis drift up and down the Grand Canal and provides one of the best views of the Grand Canal!
If you look east along the Grand Canal, you will be able to spot Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, a 400-year-old church. Entry to this Basilica is free but there is Euros 8 charge to visit the cupola.
Ponte degli Scalzi, located between Santa Croce and Cannaregio, is yet another beautiful bridge in Venice. If you arrive in Venice by train you will definitely pass by this bridge as it is located right next to the train station.
The bridge is often overlooked by visitors, but it grants an incredible view over the Grand Canal. And if you are here during sunset, you will be in for a treat.
Get on to the Canals
Venice is gorgeous from any angle but seeing the city from the canals provides a whole different perspective.
A private gondola ride with just you and your loved one, a gondolier in a striped shirt singing traditional Italian songs gliding through the narrow canals of Venice. Paints a pretty picture, right?
If this is the Venetian experience you dreamt of, then it is definitely available, albeit for a price. A gondola ride costs €90 and lasts around 30 minutes. If you choose the night time (after 7 pm), then the cost goes up to €105 and you get to ride for 35 minutes. Up to five people can share a gondola so if you are traveling in a group, it does not turn out to be very expensive.
Just be prepared to be in a lot of photos snapped by random people 😂 Sure, the focus isn’t on you, but if you’re in a gondola, you will be in dozens of strangers’ photos by the end of your ride 🙃 Also, some of the canals are quite narrow so be prepared to be stuck in a traffic jam 😉
As you are walking in the city, you will find plenty of spots from where you can jump into the gondola. If the lines at popular spots such as Rialto Bridge, Grand Canal, Venetian Lagoon are long, pop into one of the smaller canals. Make sure you agree on the price and the length of time before you get in the gondola. And if you would like him to sing, be prepared to shell out more.
I do understand that some of you have dreamt of going on a gondola in Venice and probably have it on your bucket list. If that’s that case for you, go ahead and hop into one right away.
But if you are looking at cheaper alternatives, then let me help you out 😉
A vaporetto (aka water bus) regularly rides down the Grand Canal, which provides the same views as gondola but of course, in a slightly less cozy atmosphere. A ride on the water bus (vaporetto) costs €9.50 per ride. It is certainly economical but does not offer the dreamy experience since it can get very crowded.
So here is where traghettos come into the picture. Traghetti are essentially the public transportation version of a gondola. They are larger than gondolas and can fit in more passengers. But for just €2 (yes, you read that right), you can cross the Grand Canal on a brief but scenic gondola ride. It is a pretty short ride but well, for 2 bucks who is stopping you from taking multiple rides 😉
Get Lost in the Streets
Venice is like a real maze and getting lost in the narrow streets is one of the best things to do in Venice.
After you are done ticking off the must-see places, leave Googlemaps aside and wander around aimlessly through some of Venice’s small streets, ducking into quiet corners and admiring small canals. This is where the true beauty of Venice lies.
One tiny little pier that has no proper name but I am sure you have seen it all over Instagram. It is just a random pier, but it is just so picturesque! And since most people don’t know about it, it is practically deserted any time of the day. To get here, type in Hotel San Moise, and you will find it at the end of the hotel.
Visit the iconic bookshop
Libreria Aqua Alta is an iconic bookstore in this city and probably, all of Europe.
Since Venice is built on more than 100 small islands, flooding is a constant problem in the city. To protect books from flooding, owners have stackes them in bathtubs, waterproof bins and even installed a full-sized gondola in the middle of the shop. How cool is that, right?
It is more of a quirky tourist attraction/ photo opportunity than a proper shop. But they do have books you can actually browse through and buy. It is certainly worth popping into just for the novelty factor. And if you are a cat lover, you are going to be treated with plenty of resident cats who have made this bookstore their happy home.
While you’re here, be sure to climb the staircase of books on the back porch to get a fabulous view of a canal. We got here around 11 am and had to stand in line for just 10 minutes which wasn’t too bad. But we barely had 2 seconds to take the photo since the owner kept pushing us to get down. So, if you want a hassle-free experience, visit as soon as it opens – around 9 am.
As soon as you exit the bookstore, head over to Ponte dei Conzafelzi from where you can see Palazzo Tetta. It is the only palace in Venice where three sides of the building are bordered by canals. It makes for a very picturesque sight.
Visit Nearby Islands
Burano and Murano are some of the popular islands for day tripping from Venice. Both islands are small and easy to get to from Venice.
You need to catch vaporetto Line 12 which departs from F.te Nova “A” (a 12-minute walk from Rialto Bridge or a 20-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square). It takes 20 minutes to reach Murano and 45 minutes to Burano. One-way ticket costs Euros 9.5. Since you will need another ticket to get to Burano / come back to Venice, it makes sense to buy the day pass for Euros 25. You can even use them to get on the vaporetto once you get back to Venice and give some rest to your tired feet.
We planned to visit Burano first. You think Cinque Terre is colorful? Wait till you visit Burano 😊
Burano is hands down, the most colorful place I have ever visited! You can find colorful houses not only on the main streets but the entire island. In fact, you see them right from the boat as you make your way to the island. It is literally like a rainbow island !
Now why are these houses painted in the most vibrant colors? It is said that the fishing families painted their houses in bright colors so they could find their way home on their boats at night. Well, whatever be the reason, I am sure all photographers are happy to snap away photos of this picturesque island!
One of the best things to do in Burano is simply wander the streets and admire the colorful houses. The colors of the houses follow a specific system (I guess so neighbors don’t end up clashing).
Apart from these colorful houses, Burano is also famous for lace making. Burano lace makes for the perfect souvenir. If you are interested in learning more, you can also visit the Lace Museum.
You can wander around Burano in a few hours and cover most of it. While there is no specific itinerary you need to follow and just wander around taking it all in, here are some of the spots not to be missed in Burano:
- Tre Ponti – it offers the best panoramic view of Burano’s colorful streets and quaint canals.
- San Martino St. Martin’s Church – Did you know there is a leaning tower of Burano? If you have always wanted to take that classic Pisa photo but haven’t got the chance to visit Pisa, why not recreate it here?
- Bepi’s House – While all the houses of Burano are brightly colored, but this one takes it a step further. It is painted with geometric patterns in rainbow colors, whereas all the others are one solid color. The house was once owned by Giuseppe Toselli, also known as Bepi Suà. Toselli decorated the house’s facade with geometric patterns using vibrant colors. I had a hard time locating this one so leaving the address here for you – Corte del Pistor 339, 30142 Venezia VE Italy.
- Relax on Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi – the main square on this island.
- Fondamenta di Cavanella – This is another major street/canal of Burano and is busy with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
We were tired after our trip to Burano so skipped Murano. But if you want to visit, you can catch Line 12 from F.te Nova “A” itself or there is another line from Burano. Murano is famous for its glassware and the highlight here is the visit to a glass factory, where you get to see how glass is processed and shaped. You can also visit the Murano Glass Museum with over 4,000 objects.
Other Places to Visit and Things to Do
If you have more time on hand, then check out the below places:
Teatro la Fenice
This opera house is one of the most famous and historic opera houses in the world. The theater was destroyed by a fire three times, the most recent being in 1996. It reopened in December 2003. The interiors are absolutely breathtaking! But if you plan to visit, you need to pay an entry fee of €12. You can read more about it here.
Peggy Guggenheim Museum
If you love modern art, you must add this place to your list. It is open 10 am – 6 pm and costs €16.50 to get in.
Peggy herself used to live here, along with her doggies. She collected a range of 20th century art, loaning it to museums across Europe and letting other people access it. In her collection, you’ll spot some Picasso, Dalí and Pollock as well as some artists you might not have heard of.
If you don’t have good weather during your time in Venice, then this is the perfect indoor activity.
Places to Eat / Drink
Gelatos
Ice cream is one of the best desserts you can ever have in Italy and no trip to Venice is ever complete without trying a few flavors, right! You can find gelato shops in almost every corner. But are they all good and authentic?
Gelatoteca Suso
This is the most instagrammable one in Venice. And apart from the photo opp, it totally delivers on the flavors. We picked up pistachio and amarena and loved it. So creamy and delicious!
They have two locations in the city. The more famous one is close to Rialto Bridge. Right after you have grabbed your gelato, head over to the small bridge, Ponte Sant’ Antonio nearby, where you can take your instagrammable photos with the ice cream and the canals. But there is usually a big line here. So, we opted to get gelato at their other branch which was located 5 minutes away and barely had 3-4 people ahead of us.
Venchi
Yet another all-time favorite for gelato in Italy.
Coffee
Caffè Florian
This iconic cafe is located right in the heart of the island- St. Mark’s Square and dates back to 1720, making it one of the oldest cafes in Italy. You can choose to sit inside, surrounded by beautiful architecture or sit at their al fresco area, where many a time, live music is played.
But a cup of coffee here doesn’t come in cheap. A regular cappuccino starts from €12. Add to that coperto charges, and you can easily spend close to €30 bucks just for coffee for two people. But bear in mind that you are essentially paying for the experience more than the coffee.
Since it is one of the most popular cafes in the world, expect a LINE. We visited on a Sunday and there were at least 50 people ahead of us so we skipped it.
Torrefazione Cannaregio
Located in Cannaregio neighborhood, here you can sip a delightful coffee next to locals. And the best part, they have outdoor seating so the perfect place to sip on your cuppa overlooking the canals.
Grab a Ciccheti
Cicchetti are delicious tiny snacks unique to Venice. They are mini open sandwiches, crostini or small portions of main meals. And they have to be nibbled over glasses of wine. Served at bàcari (small, local bars hidden all over Venice), cicchetti are also cheap, around €2.5-€3, so you can try out different ones.
You will find plenty of osterias selling cicchetti – grab them and sit on the bank of the canals taking in the views. But keep an eye out for hungry seagulls.
Other Food
During our time in Venice, we preferred on the go bites vs sit down meals. We grabbed pizza slices from Farini and Pizzeria da Zorma, both of which were delicious.
Dal Moros is your no-frills pasta which delivers on taste and how! Pick your pasta type and mix it with a range of made-to-order sauces. Grab your box and enjoy with a view of the canals.
If you are looking for a sit-down meal, check out 1000 Gourmet. Their pizzas looked delicious specially the crust. We didn’t grab a pizza here since we had grabbed a bite earlier, but it looked delicious!
Ristorante Sempione offers an amazing canal view but I have heard mixed reviews about the food. Also, if you want a seat by the canal, then there are extra charges.
If you are celebrating a special occasion, then check out the rooftop restaurant in Hotel Danieli. It provides an amazing view of the canals.
I tre Mercanti – Any tiramisu lovers here? Then you have to visit this place. I literally gobbled it down in 2 minutes. Oh so delicious !!
*All prices as of September 2024