Exploring the Floating City: Venice at Your Fingertips

Venice, the timeless jewel of the Adriatic, is a city that captures the imagination and enchants every visitor who steps onto its labyrinthine streets. Known as “La Serenissima,” Venice is a city unlike any other, built entirely on water with an intricate network of canals weaving through its historic heart. This magical destination offers a feast for the senses: from the glistening reflections of its palaces in the Grand Canal to the melodious songs of gondoliers serenading their passengers.

A place where art, history, and romance come together, Venice has something to offer every type of traveler. Imagine sipping a cappuccino in the bustling St. Mark’s Square, wandering through narrow alleyways that open onto charming squares, or watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of gold and pink as you cruise along the canals. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply in search of an unforgettable adventure, Venice promises to deliver an experience that will stay with you forever.

“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

How to Get to Venice

Airport

Venice is well-connected by air, train, and road, making it an accessible destination for travelers from all over the world. The nearest airport is Marco Polo Airport, located about 13 kilometers from the city center. This modern airport offers a variety of international and domestic flights. From the airport, you can take a bus, taxi, or water taxi to reach the city. The ATVO and ACTV buses provide regular services to Piazzale Roma, while water taxis offer a more scenic, albeit pricier, route directly to your accommodation.

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Water Taxi

The water taxi ride from Marco Polo Airport to the center of Venice typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your exact destination within the city and weather conditions.

The cost for a private water taxi ride can vary widely but can be booked online in advance. Prices can be higher at night or if there are special circumstances, such as a lot of luggage or specific drop-off points. It’s advisable to confirm the price with the water taxi operator beforehand.

You can book a private water taxi transfer here from €220.00 per group up to 6. Keep in mind you can only take one piece of luggage per person. This is a GetYourGuide certified transfer.

Alternatively, there is a shared water taxi service offered by companies like Alilaguna, which is a bit slower, taking around 50 to 100 minutes, and costs about €15 to €40 per person, depending on the line and destination.

You can book a shared water taxi transfer here for €37.00 per person. Each passenger is allowed to bring 1 piece of luggage and 1 carry-on item. There is a 10 min walk from the airport to the boat. This is a GetYourGuide certified transfer with over 17,000 reviews.

Train and cars

If you’re arriving by train, Venezia Santa Lucia is the main railway station, providing direct access to the heart of Venice. This station is a major hub, with connections from cities across Italy and Europe, making train travel a convenient option for many visitors. As you step out of the station, you’ll immediately find yourself along the picturesque Grand Canal, setting the tone for your Venetian adventure.

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For those driving to Venice, parking is available at Piazzale Roma, the last point accessible by car. From there, you can either walk or take a vaporetto (water bus) to your destination within the city. Since cars are not allowed within Venice itself, Piazzale Roma serves as the main parking hub, equipped with several garages and open-air parking areas to accommodate visitors.

The walk from Piazzale Roma to the center of Venice takes about 20 minutes without excessive sight-seeing, though it can obviously take much longer than that if you take in the sights!

Understanding Venice

Venice is divided into six districts, known as sestieri, each with its unique charm and attractions.

San Marco: The heart of Venice, home to the iconic St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Doge’s Palace. This district is the hub of Venice’s political, religious, and social life.

Cannaregio: Known for the Jewish Ghetto, Cannaregio offers a glimpse into the local Venetian lifestyle with its charming canals, quiet streets, and lively atmosphere.

Castello: The largest sestiere, Castello is famous for the Arsenale shipyard and the Venice Biennale. It offers a mix of historic sites and modern cultural experiences.

Dorsoduro: Home to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Accademia Gallery, Dorsoduro is a cultural hotspot with vibrant nightlife and picturesque views along the Zattere promenade.

San Polo: Known for the Rialto Market and the Rialto Bridge, San Polo is one of the oldest parts of Venice, bustling with markets, shops, and eateries.

Santa Croce: The least touristy of the sestieri, Santa Croce offers a more authentic Venetian experience with its quiet squares and local charm.

What to do in Venice?

There is a lifetime’s worth of content to enjoy while visiting Venice, but if you’re looking for a good place to start, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few must-experience examples!

Visit Iconic Landmarks

1. St. Mark’s Basilica: A stunning example of Italo-Byzantine architecture, this cathedral is famous for its opulent design and gilded interior mosaics. Book a tour here.
2. Doge’s Palace: Once the residence of the Doge of Venice, this Gothic masterpiece now serves as a museum showcasing Venetian art and history. Book a tour here.
3. Rialto Bridge: The oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, it offers picturesque views and a bustling market atmosphere. Take a gondola ride under the bridge.
4. Grand Canal: Venice’s main water thoroughfare, lined with magnificent palaces, historic buildings, and bustling activity. Take a gondola ride across the Grand Canal.
5. Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square): The principal public square of Venice, surrounded by notable buildings including St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
6. Bridge of Sighs: This enclosed bridge connects the Doge’s Palace to the prisons and offers a poignant glimpse into the past of Venetian justice.

You cannot go to Venice and not partake in a gondola ride. Book the Grand Canal Gondola Ride here.

Explore Cultural Hotspots

1. Murano Island: Famous for its glass-making industry, visitors can tour glass factories and watch artisans create intricate glassworks.
2. Burano Island: Known for its brightly colored fishermen’s houses and exquisite lace-making tradition, Burano is a vibrant and charming island. Take a boat tour to both islands.
3. Gallerie dell’Accademia: A prestigious art museum housing pre-19th-century Venetian artwork, including masterpieces by Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese.
4. Teatro La Fenice: One of the most famous and renowned opera houses in Italy, known for its rich history and magnificent performances. Book your entry ticket here.
5. Santa Maria della Salute: This basilica, built as a votive offering for the city’s deliverance from the plague, stands majestically at the entrance of the Grand Canal.
6. Peggy Guggenheim Collection: A modern art museum located in the former home of the American heiress, featuring works by Picasso, Pollock, and Dalí.
7. Ca’ d’Oro: Also known as the Golden House, this palazzo is a stunning example of Venetian Gothic architecture and houses a significant art collection.
8. Scuola Grande di San Rocco: A historic building decorated with an extraordinary cycle of paintings by Tintoretto, showcasing the artist’s masterful work.
9. Lido di Venezia: A famous sandbar island that serves as a luxurious seaside resort and the venue for the Venice Film Festival.

Skip the lines to Venice’s La Fenice Opera House and discover the history and architectural ingenuity of Venice’s iconic opera house. Book your entry ticket here.

Enjoy a show

1. Four Seasons Concert at Vivaldi Church: Delight your ears with a performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by the “I Virtuosi Italiani” ensemble in the church of Santa Maria della Visitazione in Venice. Book your ticket here.
2. Traveling Opera in a Historic Palace on Grand Canal: Experience Italian Opera in one of the most important Venetian-Gothic style palaces in Venice, Palazzo Barbarigo-Minotto. Book your ticket here.
3. Interpreti Veneziani Concert at Church of San Vidal: Discover the composers behind Venice’s 18th-century musical epoch at a classical concert in the Church of San Vidal. Book your ticket here.

Explore local food

1. Street Food Tour with a Local Guide and Tastings: Experience the flavors of Venice on a guided walking tour. Visit the Rialto Market, try tapas, such as “cicchetti,” and admire historical highlights along the way, including Basilica dei Frari.
2. Prosecco Wine Tasting Tour: Explore the wine-growing area of the Veneto region, renowned for its beauty and Prosecco. Visit 2 wineries and enjoy a light lunch with local products.
3. Pasta and Tiramisu Class at a Local’s Home with Wine: Take part in a pasta and tiramisu-making class in a local home in Venice. Learn the secrets of the region’s most famous pasta dishes and tiramisu, and relish the fruits of your labor with wine.

Explore nightlife

Venice may be renowned for its romantic canals and historic architecture, but its nightlife also offers a unique and vibrant experience. While not as rowdy as some other European cities, Venice’s nightlife is characterized by chic bars, intimate wine spots, and lively piazzas. Here are some top spots to visit for an unforgettable evening in Venice:

• Campo Santa Margherita: This large and lively square in the Dorsoduro district is a popular nightlife hub, frequented by both locals and students. It’s lined with a variety of bars, cafes, and gelaterias, offering a laid-back atmosphere perfect for evening strolls and people-watching.
• Bacaro Jazz: Located near the Rialto Bridge, Bacaro Jazz is known for its vibrant ambiance and eclectic decor. The bar serves up a variety of cocktails and offers a lively mix of jazz music, making it a favorite spot for both tourists and locals.
• Harry’s Bar: An iconic establishment that has been serving patrons since 1931, Harry’s Bar is famous for its signature cocktail, the Bellini. Located near St. Mark’s Square, this historic bar exudes old-world charm and has been a haunt for literary figures and celebrities over the decades.
• Venetian Wine Bars (Bacari): Venice’s traditional wine bars, known as bacari, are an essential part of the city’s nightlife. Popular bacari like Cantina Do Spade and All’Arco offer a cozy atmosphere where you can enjoy local wines and cicchetti (Venetian tapas).

• Skyline Rooftop Bar: Situated atop the Hilton Molino Stucky on Giudecca Island, the Skyline Rooftop Bar offers breathtaking views of the Venice skyline. It’s an ideal spot for sipping cocktails while watching the sunset over the lagoon.
• Café Florian: One of the oldest cafes in Europe, located in St. Mark’s Square, Café Florian is perfect for an elegant evening out. Enjoy live classical music and a luxurious atmosphere while savoring a drink or dessert.
• Il Mercante: This intimate cocktail bar, located near the Frari Church, is known for its creative and expertly crafted cocktails. The warm, inviting setting and innovative drink menu make Il Mercante a standout spot for nightlife enthusiasts.
• Margaret Duchamp: A stylish bar in Campo Santa Margherita, Margaret Duchamp offers a trendy atmosphere with an array of cocktails and a vibrant, youthful crowd. It’s a great spot to start or end a night out.
• Orange Bar: Located in Campo Santa Margherita, Orange Bar stands out with its vibrant orange interior and lively crowd. The bar offers a range of cocktails, wines, and light snacks, perfect for a relaxed evening.
• Vinaria: Located near the Rialto Market, Vinaria offers a modern twist on the traditional bacaro. It’s a chic spot to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail, along with a selection of gourmet cicchetti.

Where to Stay in Venice?

Choosing where to stay in Venice is an essential part of planning your visit, as the city offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. Whether you prefer the luxury of a grand hotel overlooking the Grand Canal, the charm of a boutique inn nestled in a quiet corner, or the convenience of a centrally located apartment, Venice has something to offer.

Each of the city’s sestieri, or districts, has its own unique character and advantages, making it important to select the one that best fits your itinerary and personal preferences. There’s an option for every wallet, so be sure to search thoroughly.

Book a stay today!

Tips and Tricks

Get Lost: Venice is best explored on foot. Don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path and discover hidden gems.

Use Vaporetto: The water buses are an efficient and scenic way to get around

Buy Tickets in Advance: For popular attractions like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, purchasing tickets online can save you a lot of time

Stay Hydrated: Bring a water bottle and refill it at the numerous public fountains around the city.

Visit Early or Late: To avoid crowds, visit popular sites early in the morning or later in the evening.

3-Day Itinerary

Need some fresh ideas to keep yourself busy in Venice? Well, look no further, as we’ve got precisely what you need. Feel free to go your own way at any point during our suggested itinerary, of course! Exploration is its own reward, of course, and we’re just here to help you get a sense of must-sees and must-do in the interim.

Day 1:

• Morning: Start with St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Pre-book tickets to skip the lines.
• Afternoon: Walk to the Rialto Bridge and explore the Rialto Market.
• Evening: Enjoy a gondola ride and dinner at a traditional Venetian restaurant.

Day 2:

• Morning: Take a vaporetto to Murano and watch a glass-blowing demonstration.
• Afternoon: Head to Burano to admire the colorful houses and buy some lace.
• Evening: Return to Venice for dinner and a stroll through the lively Campo Santa Margherita.

Day 3:

• Morning: Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Accademia Gallery.
• Afternoon: Explore Dorsoduro and enjoy a leisurely lunch along the Zattere promenade.
• Evening: Experience the nightlife in Venice, perhaps with a visit to Harry’s Bar for a Bellini.

Venice is a city like no other, offering a unique blend of history, art, and culture set against the backdrop of its stunning waterways. With this guide, you can navigate the city’s many charms, ensuring a memorable and enriching visit. From iconic landmarks to hidden treasures, Venice is sure to captivate and inspire you.

Plan a memorable trip here!