Ultimate Venice Travel Guide: 13 Best Things to do in Venice and Where to Stay
Venice might just be the most unique city I’ve ever visited, and that’s no exaggeration. Built entirely on water and connected by an intricate network of canals and bridges, Venice is unlike anywhere else in the world. Despite hours of research and countless photos I’d seen before arriving, experiencing the city in person left me utterly speechless. Venice is a city that will enchant you with its old-world charm, rich history and breathtaking architecture.
In this detailed travel guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Venice, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. You’ll find recommendations for top dining spots, accommodations, photo-worthy locations, and insider tips to ensure your visit to this enchanting floating city is unforgettable. Get ready to embrace all the magic Venice has to offer.
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HOW MANY DAYS IN VENICE?
THREE DAYS. Many people suggest visiting Venice as a day trip from another part of Italy, but I strongly advise against it. Seeing Venice in a day means you’ll be competing with other tourists and cruise-ship passengers, all rushing to the same popular spots to snap photos in the limited time they have. To truly experience the magic of Venice, you need more time and 3 days is perfect. You can explore the amazing St. Mark’s Square in the quieter mornings and evenings, get lost in the labyrinth of canals and bridges, enjoy an unforgettable gondola ride, and take a day trip to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano. Venice deserves more than a quick stop – it’s a place to savor and fully immerse yourself in its charm.
BEST TIME TO VISIT VENICE:
Best time to go to Venice is in shoulder season (April, May, September, October), when weather is nice for exploring but the crowds are thinner than summer. Prices are generally better as well. Of these months, May and September will give you the best weather, as April and October have slightly cooler, and more rainy days than May/September.
Summer (June-August) is peak season. While it will be sunny and hot, the crowds will be at its worst so you’ll find yourself in longer lines, and high prices of hotels.
Low season (November – March) – hotel prices will be at their lowest, but weather will be cold and overcast.
HOW TO GET TO VENICE:
✈️ Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
Fly into Marco Polo Airport (VCE), which is the main international airport serving Venice, and then take a water taxi (vaporetto), Alilaguna boat, or bus to reach the city center.
Where your hotel is located will help determine which method of transportation to take into the city from the airport. There are no cars in Venice! Meaning that you’ll have to consider the walking distance from the closest water station to your hotel.
The cheapest way to get into Venice from the airport is the airport express bus, which costs about 10 euros one way. This bus with luggage storage area takes you to Piazzale Roma, from which you can transfer onto a water taxi to get to your hotel (cars can’t go beyond this square).
Another great option is to take a shared water taxi for a scenic ride to your hotel in Venice.
If you want to splurge and get a private boat, this private boat option will take you directly to your hotel.
Alilaguna is a public transportation boat that can take you from the airport to Venice. It costs 15 euros, but it usually takes much longer than the water taxi.
🚆 Train to the Santa Lucia Train Station
If you’re coming from another city in Italy, take a train to the Saina Lucia Train Station, then use water taxi to your accommodation.
Download the AVM App in Venice for vaporetto (water taxi) travel in Venice as I found that Google Maps wasn’t always giving the best options.
HOW TO GET AROUND IN VENICE:
As mentioned before, Venice is a car-free city! You’ll be getting around mostly on foot, and by using water taxis.
Vaporetto: The vaporetto is the water bus service in Venice. There are stops along the Grand Canal, as well as throughout the islands. Each ticket is €7.50 euros. I recommend getting the Travel Cards which are 24/48/72 hour passes.
- 24 hour pass is €20
- 48 hour pass €30
- 72 hour pass €40
You can purchase these once arriving in Venice – I got mine at the ticket desk in Piazzale Roma as soon as I got off the bus from the airport. I wasn’t sure if I would utilize the water taxis as much as I tend to walk a lot on my trips, but I’m really glad I got the 72 hour pass, especially as I had luggage to take from Piazzale Roma to my hotel, and from my hotel to the train station, meaning I would at least need 2 trips costing me €15. We ended up taking the water taxi quite a bit throughout the days in Venice and it was totally worth the cost!
Make sure to to validate your ticket before each journey by holding your pass or ticket up to the reader at each station prior to boarding.
WHERE TO STAY IN VENICE:
The best neighborhoods to stay in Venice are:
- San Marco – the center, and best for first timers as most of the major attractions are close by.
- Dorsoduro – close to San Marco but has a more local feel, wonderful galleries and museums.
- Castello – also close to the center, quieter area with local charm.
- Cannaregio – less touristy, has authentic bars and restaurants. Best if you’re on a budget.
For a truly unforgettable Venice experience, book a room with views of the canal. It doesn’t get more magical than this!
BEST HOTELS IN VENICE
These hotels all have a rating over 9.0 on Booking.com, and you won’t regret staying in any of these!
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B&B Casin dei Nobili – a charming, cozy place situated near Gallerie dell’Accademia, Peggy Gugghenhaim.
Rosa Salva Hotel – a renovated hotel near San Marco Square and Rialto Bridge, conveniently located for sightseeing.
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Palazzo Veneziano – an elegant hotel in Dorsoduro, walkable to all the major attractions.
Carnival Palace – sister hotel of Palazzo Veneziano, modern designs meet Venetian charm here.
Novecento Boutique Hotel – a charming hotel inspired by Mediterranean and Oriental furnishings, featuring rooms decorated with antiques. Breakfast is served in a peaceful garden.
Palazzo Keller – a gorgeously renovated hotel with a beautiful courtyard.
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Violino d’Oro Venezia – an 18th-century building overlooking the San Moisè Canal. Featuring crystal chandeliers and contempoary designs. Saint Mark’s Square is less than 2 minutes’ walk away.
Nolinski Venezia – Evok Collection – a new 5 star luxury hotel filled with contemporary and classical art pieces, just 400 yards away from Piazza San Marco. Check out their library bar!
Palazzina Grassi – a well located luxury hotel with modern interiors.
Ca Maria Adele – a boutique hotel in Dorsoduro, in extravagant Venetian style.
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The Gritti Palace – a stylish, opulent Venetian design hotel.
Ca’ di dio – an elegant boutique hotel on the waterfront, filled with lustrous marble, frescos, and decorated with Murano glass.
St. Regis Venice – located in the heart of Venice on the Grand Canal, walking distance to everything.
Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice – ultra luxury hotel set on Giudecca Island, a short boat ride away from St. Mark’s Square.
13 BEST THINGS TO DO IN VENICE:
1. 🏛️ Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square)
This is the heart of Venice. You’ll find iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Campanile. It’s a bustling square filled with history, culture, vibrant cafes, but note that it is also one of the busiest areas so I recommend getting there early in the morning.
In the evenings, many of the cafes will have live music performances outdoors. We sat at one of the cafes for music and drinks, and this may be the most expensive drink I have EVER paid in my life. Honestly you could admire the musicians performance even without sitting and purchasing drinks/food. Be prepared for the hefty prices if you do decide to sit in.
2. 🌉 Ponte dell’Acccademia (Accademia Bridge)
Although Rialto Bridge is the most famous bridge in Venice, my personal favorite bridge for views is the Accademia Bridge. It’s one of the 4 bridges to span the Grand Canal in Venice, and connects the districts of Dorsoduro and San Marco. The bridge is built out of wood, whereas the other 3 bridges are made of stone or metal.
Standing on this bridge, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the beautiful palaces that line the waterway, the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, as well as the distinctive architecture that makes Venice so unique. It’s a fantastic spot for photographs, particularly during the golden hours of sunset or sunrise when the light bathes the city in a warm glow.
⛴️ It is easily accessible as it is located on a vaporetto (water bus) stop, called Accademia.
3. ☕️ Caffé Florian
Sitting in the heart of Venice’s iconic Piazza San Marco, Caffé Florian is a timeless gem that’s been around since 1720. It is known as the oldest coffeehouse in Italy.
📍Piazza San Marco, 57, 30124 Venezia (VE) – Italy
I have to admit, the prices were a bit shocking. My cappuccino cost €10.50, probably the most I have ever paid for a single cup of coffee. An almond croissant was €6, which seems reasonable compared to the coffee price. But even despite the steep prices, I would recommend visiting this cafe at least once during your Venice trip – its not just a cafe. History lives in this cafe. In 300 years, the cafe has seen many famous visitors like Casanova, Lord Bryon, Charles Dickens and Earnest Hemingway.
There are 6 different rooms, or halls, within the cafe and each are beautifully decorated. I admired every corner of the cafe, including the velvet lined seats to sparkling gold mirrors, being surrounded by paintings and all the decadent 18th century details.
🎻 During April to October, there is live music by an Orchestra which takes place in the outdoors section of the cafe.
4. ⚜️ Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace)
A visit to the Palazzo Ducale or Doge’s Palace is a step back in time to Venice’s golden age. If you like history and architecture, the Doge’s Palace, built in the Venetian Gothic style, is a must-visit. It was the residence of the Doge and the seat of the Venetian government. Inside, you’ll find opulent rooms, grand staircases, and impressive art, all reflecting the city’s rich political and cultural history.
At the end of the tour, be sure to cross the infamous Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners would take their last glimpse of Venice before being sent to jail.
Ticket to Doge’s Palace includes entry to Correr Museum, National Archeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marcian as well.
5.🍝 Pasta to go from Dal Moro
Food in Venice is generally expensive. But Dal Moro’s is a small spot that serves freshly made pasta in to-go containers at an affordable price. There’s usually a line out the door but it moves quickly, and I promise you its worth it. There are no seats as the place is tiny, but this is okay! I recommend walking a couple minutes and finding a spot by the canals to enjoy your fresh pasta. Don’t venture too far though, because you’ll want to eat it while its hot!
6. 🕌 Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark’s Basilica)
Located in Piazza San Marco, the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica is an opulent Byzantine-style church with golden mosaics, intricate marble floors, and impressive domes.
This is one of the most popular sights in Venice, so make sure to get tickets ahead of time.
7. 🛶 Gondola ride
We can’t discuss a trip to Venice without mentioning the gondolas. These sleek, painted-in-black gondolas are a symbol of Venice, and a bucket list activity for visitors.
Venetian gondola has existed since the 11th century, and it is estimated that there were up to 10,000 gondolas during the 17th and 18th century, but there are only around 400 in active service today.
A gondola ride is an iconic Venetian experience that lets you see the charming city from a completely unique perspective. The fare price is set officially. Last I checked, a 30 minute ride during the day costs €80, and €100 after 7 pm.
Is it expensive?
Yes. Is it worth it? Yes!
Venice is the only place in the world where you can experience an authentic gondola ride (no, you can’t compare it with Vegas).
You can find gondoliers waiting for customers around the canals. You can’t miss them – they’re wearing striped shirts and black pants, sometimes with a straw hat.
If the price of a private ride is a concern and you don’t mind sharing the boat with others (a gondola can hold up to 5 guests), pre-book this shared gondola ride for just €35 per person!
8. 🏰 Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
For a unique and less crowded view of Venice, climb the spiral staircase of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo. This hidden gem offers one of the best panoramic views of Venice, overlooking the rooftops, canals, and distant landmarks. The staircase itself is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, and makes a great photo spot.
Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. You only need about 30 minutes here.
Tickets cost €9.
9. 🍨 Gelato from Suso Gelatoteca
My husband and I have a rule whenever we travel to Italy, and that is to have gelato every day.
For the best gelato in Venice, head to Suso Gelatoteca, a beloved gelato shop known for its exceptional flavors and creamy texture. Take your gelato by the canals and enjoy a sweet moment while watching the gondolas glide by — this is a true Venetian experience. I’m still dreaming about the pistachio gelato.
10. 🌁 Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge)
The Rialto Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in Venice, crossing the Grand Canal with breathtaking views of the waterway and surrounding buildings.
Built in the 16th century, this is the oldest bridge of the 4 bridges that span the Grand Canal. It’s made of stone and marble arch, and is an architectural masterpiece. While it offers a beautiful vantage point for photos of Venice, the bridge itself is marvelous to look at.
The bridge is lined with shops selling souvenirs, jewelry, and Venetian delicacies.
11. 🚓 Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri)
The iconic Bridge of Sighs connects Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) to a prison. Can you imagine the sighs of prisoners as they walked across this bridge to their prison cells, seeing the last glimpse of Venice through the windows along the bridge wall? You can experience this by crossing the bridge as part of the tour of Doge’s Palace.
Another way to see the bridge is from a neighboring bridge, like the Ponte della Paglia.
12. 🏝️ Day trip to Murano or Burano
Murano and Burano are nearby islands in the Venetian lagoon that are accessible by vaporetto (water taxi). Murano is famous for its glass-blowing tradition, where you can witness artisans create intricate glass pieces. Burano is known for its colorful houses and lace-making heritage.
You can fit Murano and Burano in one day. The vaporetto to Burano stops at Murano first so you can get off here, spend some time learning about glass-blowing in Murano, and hop back on another water taxi to Burano.
These islands are less than an hour away from Venice, and make for a perfect day trip. To get to Burano from Venice, the easiest water taxi options are as below:
⛴️ Fondamente Nove station located on the northern edge of Venice, near Cannaregio district. Vaporetto #12 takes you straight to Burano in less than 40 minutes.
⛴️ S. Marco – San Zaccaria A vaporetto station located near Saint Mark’s Square. #14 takes you straight to Burano but it takes longer, about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Other options typically require a transfer. Download the AVM Venezia app, use the Plan Your Trip section to enter your starting point and Burano as destination to see water bus options and times.
🎟️ If you have purchased a Vaporetto pass (unlimited rides for 24, 48, 72 hrs or 7 days) the ride to Burano and back is included. Otherwise, it will be 15 euros for a round trip journey.
In Burano you can snap photos with the colorful buildings, enjoy a delicious meal by the canals, have gelato, visit the lace museum, and shop for local crafts.
13. 📚 Libreria Acqua Alta
I love exploring bookstores and libraries – something about a bunch of books stacked upon each other is just so charming. Libreria Acqua Alta is a bookstore tucked away near the canals of Venice. With its quirky decor and beautiful, weathered bookshelves, it’s a haven for book lovers and a truly unique place to explore while in Venice.
Unfortunately for us it started to rain out of nowhere as soon as we arrived at the bookstore so our visit was quite short, but we managed to grab a cute postcard and some photos.
CONCLUSION
I hope I’ve inspired you to visit Venice, Italy, one of the most magical and unique cities I’ve ever been to. With this list of things to do, hotel recommendations, and transportation tips, navigating through your Venice trip should be a breeze.
Watch my Venice 14 best things to do inspiration video:
