“To build a city where it is impossible to build a city is madness in itself, but to build there one of the most elegant and grandest of cities is the madness of genius.” - Alexander Herzen
Venice has many names, including La Dominante, La Serenissima, Queen of the Adriatic, City of Water, City of Masks, City of Bridges, and City of Canals. It's one of the world's most unique and romantic destinations, with the experience transporting visitors back in time to enjoy the city's art, history, and culture.
You can't visit Venice without falling in love with the city. It's a labyrinth of canals with gondolas, ancient churches, and world-class museums. Given the coveted status for its cultural and historical significance, it's essentially a floating UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Venice covers 414.6 square kilometres and has 121 islands connected by 435 bridges and canals in every direction. There's so much history and culture to explore and enjoy, which is why millions of people choose to visit Venice every year.
If you're planning a trip to Venice, these are our favourite things to see and do.
Saint Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
One of the first things anybody visiting Venice should do is visit Piazza San Marco. This is a hugely famous "piazza" (or square), commonly referred to simply as Saint Mark's Square in English.
For many, Saint Mark's Square is the beating heart of the city of Venice and one of the most recognisable landmarks in Italy. The square measures 175 metres by 83 metres and is surrounded by incredibly beautiful architecture and some of the finest buildings in Venice.
In Saint Mark's Square, you can see Saint Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Campanile, three more incredible things worth visiting in Venice. As long as you're okay with heights, the top of the Campanile offers some of the most amazing views of Venice and Saint Mark's Square.
In addition to the other sites at Piazza San Marco, the square is home to plenty of historic cafés and restaurants offering traditional Venetian food and drinks and a wonderful ambience.
However, remember that this is one of the most popular sites for tourists in Venice. Book ahead for the main attractions, like the Basilica and the Doge's Palace, and be wary of eating or drinking in tourist traps. The same is true of hotels and accommodation in Venice, with the most expensive typically being in the more popular areas.
Saint Mark’s Basilica
There are many wonderful things to see at Piazza San Marco, but one of the buildings that stands out is the beautiful Saint Mark's Basilica.
This 9th-century basilica combines Gothic and Byzantine architecture and was constructed to house the relics of Saint Mark, the patron saint of Venice. Saint Mark's remains were smuggled out of Egypt and brought to Venice.
The current building was completed in the 11th century. Within it, there are mosaics, sculptures, and the Pala d'Oro, an altarpiece made of gold and covered in precious stones.
The basilica's interior reflects Venice's power and grandeur, particularly during the height of its maritime power.
Like the other top attractions in the city, it's recommended that you book ahead and even schedule a guided tour to avoid the queues.
The Doge's Palace
The Doge's Palace is next to Saint Mark's Basilica, by Piazza San Marco, and just another of the great things to see and do in Venice.
The palace was the residence of the Doges, the rules of Venice, and the seat of the Venetian government. It was built in the 14th century and combines Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
At the Doge's Palace, you can see the grand council chambers, wonderful ornate staircases, and the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri), which connects the palace to the prison.
The palace is also home to many pieces of Venetian artwork, including pieces by Tintoretto, Veronese, and Titian. You can easily spend several hours exploring the Doge's Palace.
Be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
The Grand Canal and Gondola Rides
For many people, one of the main things they want to do in Venice is to experience the Grand Canal, the city's biggest waterway.
The Grand Canal is lined with century-old palaces and churches; no matter which way you look, you're bound to see stunning architectural beauty.
The best way to visit the Grand Canal is by taking a Vaporetto (a water bus) or via a gondola, which is the most Venetian way to travel along any of the canals.
A gondola ride is a typical Venetian experience, and many tourists choose to take one. These elegant, black boats have navigated the city's canals for centuries.
It's certainly quite a touristy thing to do. Gondola rides are available day and night, with more expensive nighttime rides. Typically, you can pay €80 for a gondola ride during the day and €100 for one at night.
A tour on a Vaporetto is typically a more cost-effective way to see the city's main sights along the Grand Canal. You can take a Vaporetto to see some of the most famous bridges in Venice, including Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge), the Ponte dell’Accademia, and Ponte degli Scalzi.
Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)
Speaking of bridges, the Ponte di Rialto, or Rialto Bridge, is one of the most famous in Venice. It was built in the 16th century to replace a wooden bridge.
The Rialto Bridge is the oldest and most iconic bridge spanning the Grand Canal. It is located in its namesake neighbourhood, Rialto.
The Rialto neighbourhood of Venice is also one of the most vibrant in the city, and the views from and from the Rialto Bridge are magnificent.
By the bridge, there are bustling markets and plenty of restaurants.
The Islands of the Venetian Lagoon
Venice is a city made of islands, but some islands are a little further away from the main city and only accessible by boat.
Each of these islands is special; if you have the time, try to visit as many as possible.
Murano is an island famous for its glass-blowing industry. Naturally, you can visit the Murano Glass Museum to learn more about Venetian glass and see glassblowers making it.
Then there's the similarly named Burano, the island famous for its many colourful homes. On Burano, there is also a tradition of lace-making.
Torcello is another of the lagoon's islands and one of the oldest. If you're interested in the history of Venice as far back as the 7th century, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, you can visit this much quieter place than the main parts of Venice. Most of these islands are nice getaways.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is one of Venice's best modern art museums. The museum is located in Peggy Guggenheim's former home along the Grand Canal and houses 20th-century art from artists like Picasso, Pollock, Dali, and Kandinsky.
This is a nice change for art lovers looking for something different from Venice's many traditional art galleries, which are also worth visiting.
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection also features sculptures and avant-garde works. It is a must-see for anyone interested in Modern Art.
This is another attraction worth booking in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
Food and Drink in Venice
Venice isn't just about the things you can see, the city is a treat for all the senses, particularly taste.
Italy has an incredible record when it comes to food, and Venice won't disappoint. While there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy traditional Italian food, we recommend trying some local Venetian dishes.
Consider trying sardines in saori, a sweet and sour sardine dish, or risotto al nero di sepia, a risotto made with cuttlefish ink.
Remember to visit the Rialto Market to find fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables. There are also plenty of cicchetti (small snacks) that can be enjoyed with Venetian wine. Bars and restaurants typically offer these throughout the day, and they're a great way to grab a quick bite while exploring the city.
Making the Most of Your Time in Venice
The more you explore Venice, the more you'll enjoy it. Whether you have just a day or several days, we recommend planning ahead, booking tickets for the main attractions, and familiarising yourself with how to get everywhere.
Venice is notoriously difficult to navigate, and whether you want to take a Gondola ride, explore neighbourhoods like Cannaregio, or visit the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello, you can only do this if you know where you have to go.
From the magnificent Doge’s Palace to the lively markets at Rialto, Venice is a treasure trove of history, art, and culture that leaves every visitor with memories to last a lifetime.
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