Venice is one of the most famous European cities. I went there twice, once with each ex-boyfriend, which is not a tradition I plan to continue. I would love to go back anyway because around every corner there’s another gorgeous palazzo or church. Travel Venice by vaporetto or on foot, there are no cars allowed. I stayed at Al Canal Regio hotel and really liked it.
1. Piazza San Marco
The center of tourism in Venice is definitely the San Marco Square. It is famous for the most expensive coffees and the flooding that regularly occurs. The best-known façade is the one of the San Marco Basilica. Try having a look inside when the line isn’t too long. The same goes for its bell tower, the Campanile di San Marco. We had a late flight back and went up the tower around 5pm on a Sunday evening when there were barely any people in the line. It offers an amazing view over the entire city.
The Doges Palace is absolutely worth a visit! It used to be the residence of the Doge of Venice, the ruler of the former Republic. You can visit the beautiful rooms and libraries. The institutional chambers are connected to the old prison by the Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners could throw a last look outside before entering their cell. On the square you can also visit the National Archaeological Museum.
2. Murano and Burano Island
Around Venice there are multiple islands which you can reach by vaporetto, a water bus. The best-known islands are Murano and Burano. The latter is known for its colorful houses and the first is known around the world for its decorative glass. On Murano you can find glass souvenirs big or small, like earrings. When you’re lucky you might come across a glassblower demonstrating his craft. On the way to Murano you will pass by an island that is completely covered in cemetery.
3. Rialto Bridge
Another sight to see is the Rialto Bridge crossing the Grand Canal. It connects the cozy Cannaregio district where lots of great hotels are with the lower part of the city where the main attractions and the many shops are. It is the perfect viewpoint to watch the hustle and bustle on the water.
4. Gondola ride
There is no way you can leave Venice without exploring the canals in a gondola and they know it! It is not cheap. We managed to get a good deal around 7pm when everyone was having dinner. It was lovely though with the sun setting.
5. Palazzos
Whilst in the gondola or a vaporetto you pass by all the gorgeous palazzos. Palazzo Contarini, in Campo Manin is known for La Scala del Bovolo. This is a gorgeous staircase. On the top there is a domed belvedere from which you can enjoy a great panorama.
6. Carnival
In February Carnival festivities are held throughout the city. You will often see dressed up people walk through the streets. There are also countless stores that sell masks and the most amazing, tailored costumes. It is said to be a more expensive period to travel and in February the weather can be bad. We went there during Carnival without knowing it because it was a great offer and not too expensive at all. I guess it depends and you should do your own research.
7. Art
Another famous event that is held in the city is the biënnale. Every two years art exhibitions pop up throughout the city. For a permanent collection of art you should visit the Peggy Guggenheim Museum.
8. Churches and basilicas
Around every corner in Venice there’s another gorgeous church. The city looks like one big island that is actually a collection of many small islands divided by canals. Every single one of these smaller islands has a church, so there are loads of them! One that will undoubtably catch your eye is Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.
9. Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter, also known as The Ghetto, is located in the Cannaregio district. Try to find the 5 synagogues and the Jewish Museum. There are also plenty of restaurants in the area that offer Jewish cuisine.
10. Italian food
For a foodie to travel Venice is an absolute delight. Around every corner you can have an amazing fresh pizza or pasta dish. After pizza and pasta, you’ll probably want dessert. Enjoy an incredible gelato ice cream, a tiramisu or anything pistachio flavored, my fave! End the day with a delicious Bellini or Aperol Spritz on one of the beautiful Piazzas. The romantic Taverna al Remer has great food and a piazza with a killer view.
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I hope you found this Venice Travel Guide handy. Thank you for reading it. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments. If you’re interested in travel in Italy, you might also like my Rome Travel Guide or my Firenze/Florence Travel Guide that is coming soon.