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Venice, Italy: Your Complete Travel Guide

by | Jul 16, 2024 | Italy

Venice Italy

Venice, Italy: Your Complete Travel Guide

Why It’s a Gem

Venice is one of the most unique and enchanting cities in the world, known for its intricate network of canals, historic architecture, and romantic ambiance. Built on more than 100 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon, Venice has no roads—only canals and pedestrian streets. The city is renowned for its cultural treasures, including its grand piazzas, centuries-old churches, and the iconic Gondolas that glide through its canals. Venice offers a combination of history, art, architecture, and culinary delights, making it a must-visit destination.

How to Get There

  • By Air: The main airport is Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), located about 8 miles from the city center. Alternatively, Treviso Airport (TSF), 25 miles away, serves budget airlines.
    • Transportation from the Airport: From Marco Polo, take a vaporetto (water bus) or an Alilaguna water shuttle to reach Venice’s main islands. Taxis and buses can take you to Piazzale Roma, Venice’s main car terminal, from where you can enter the city on foot or by vaporetto.
  • By Train: Venice’s main train station, Venezia Santa Lucia, is conveniently located on the Grand Canal, with high-speed trains connecting Venice to major cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence.
  • By Car: Venice is car-free, so if you’re driving, you’ll need to park at Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto and then continue on foot or by water transport.

When to Visit

  • Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit Venice are in spring (April to June) and fall (September to November), when the weather is mild, and the crowds are fewer compared to the summer months.
  • Winter (December to February): Winter in Venice is quieter, and though cooler, the misty canals create a magical atmosphere. It’s also the time for Carnevale, Venice’s famous masked festival.
  • Summer (June to August): Summer is Venice’s peak season, with large crowds and hot, humid weather. However, it’s the best time for events like the Venice Biennale and Venice Film Festival.

Top Things to Do

  1. Visit Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square)
    • Overview: The heart of Venice, Piazza San Marco is surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile (bell tower). The piazza is a great spot for people-watching and soaking up Venice’s historic atmosphere.
    • Tip: Climb the Campanile for panoramic views of Venice and the lagoon. Arrive early to avoid long lines at St. Mark’s Basilica.
  2. Explore the Grand Canal by Vaporetto
    • Overview: The Grand Canal is Venice’s main waterway, winding through the city and offering views of its historic palaces, churches, and bridges. A ride on the vaporetto (public water bus) is a budget-friendly way to explore the canal.
    • Tip: Take vaporetto line 1 for a leisurely journey along the Grand Canal, passing iconic sights like the Rialto Bridge and Ca’ d’Oro.
  3. Take a Gondola Ride
    • Overview: No trip to Venice is complete without a romantic gondola ride through its canals. Gondoliers will guide you through quieter, more intimate waterways while sharing the history and stories of Venice.
    • Tip: Gondola rides can be expensive, so if you’re traveling on a budget, consider sharing a ride with others or opting for a traghetto (a gondola ferry) to cross the Grand Canal for just a few euros.
  4. Visit the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
    • Overview: The Doge’s Palace is a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture and was the seat of power during the Republic of Venice. Visitors can explore the opulent rooms, the infamous Bridge of Sighs, and the prison cells.
    • Tip: Book a Secret Itineraries Tour for access to hidden parts of the palace, including the prison where Casanova was famously held.
  5. Stroll Through the Rialto Market
    • Overview: The Rialto Market has been a staple of Venetian life for centuries. Located near the famous Rialto Bridge, the market offers fresh seafood, local produce, and a glimpse into daily life in Venice.
    • Tip: Arrive in the morning to experience the market at its busiest and freshest, and don’t miss the chance to buy Venetian specialties like soft-shell crabs and seasonal vegetables.
  6. Explore the Islands of Murano and Burano
    • Overview: Take a day trip to the nearby islands of Murano, famous for its glassmaking, and Burano, known for its colorful houses and lace-making traditions.
    • Tip: Visit a glassblowing factory in Murano to see artisans at work, and stop for a seafood lunch in Burano.
  7. Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection
    • Overview: Located along the Grand Canal, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is one of Europe’s premier modern art museums, featuring works by artists like Picasso, Pollock, and Dali.
    • Tip: The museum’s sculpture garden is a peaceful retreat, offering great views of the Grand Canal.

Where to Eat: Local Favorites

  1. Trattoria Al Gatto Nero (Burano)
    • Why It’s a Favorite: Located on the island of Burano, this family-run trattoria is famous for its seafood dishes, particularly the risotto di gò (goby fish risotto) and fresh seafood platters.
    • What to Try: The risotto and grilled seafood platter are highly recommended.
  2. Osteria alle Testiere
    • Why It’s a Favorite: This intimate seafood restaurant in the Castello district is known for its fresh, locally sourced fish and shellfish, prepared simply to highlight their natural flavors.
    • What to Try: The seafood pasta and scallops are top choices.
  3. Cantina Do Spade
    • Why It’s a Favorite: Located near the Rialto Market, Cantina Do Spade is a cozy bacaro (Venetian wine bar) known for its cicchetti (small snacks). It’s a great spot for sampling local bites and a glass of Prosecco.
    • What to Try: Don’t miss the polpette (meatballs) and sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines).
  4. Antiche Carampane
    • Why It’s a Favorite: Tucked away in a quiet corner of San Polo, Antiche Carampane serves traditional Venetian dishes with a focus on seafood. It’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
    • What to Try: The spaghetti alle vongole (clams) and fritto misto (fried seafood) are must-tries.
  5. Ristorante Quadri
    • Why It’s a Favorite: Located in Piazza San Marco, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience with views of St. Mark’s Basilica.
    • What to Try: The tasting menu offers a selection of innovative Venetian dishes, including seafood specialties and modern interpretations of traditional recipes.

Where to Stay: Accommodations in Venice

  1. Hotel Danieli
    • Why Stay Here: This luxury hotel, housed in a historic palace just steps from St. Mark’s Square, offers opulent rooms with antique furnishings and views of the Grand Canal.
    • Highlights: Rooftop terrace, gourmet dining, and an unbeatable location.
  2. Ca’ Sagredo Hotel
    • Why Stay Here: Set in a 15th-century palace on the Grand Canal, this five-star hotel combines historic charm with modern luxury, offering beautifully restored frescoes and elegant rooms.
    • Highlights: Grand Canal views, rich history, and close proximity to the Rialto Bridge.
  3. Hotel Rialto
    • Why Stay Here: Located next to the iconic Rialto Bridge, this mid-range hotel offers comfortable rooms with canal views and easy access to Venice’s main attractions.
    • Highlights: Canal-front location, affordable rates, and rooftop terrace.
  4. Locanda Orseolo
    • Why Stay Here: A charming boutique hotel tucked away in a quiet canal-side courtyard, Locanda Orseolo offers personalized service and elegant rooms, just a few minutes from St. Mark’s Square.
    • Highlights: Family-run hospitality, peaceful atmosphere, and central location.
  5. Generator Venice (Budget-Friendly)
    • Why Stay Here: For budget-conscious travelers, Generator Venice is a stylish hostel located on the island of Giudecca, offering dorms and private rooms with stunning views of the lagoon.
    • Highlights: Affordable rates, great social atmosphere, and waterfront location.

Events and Festivals

  1. Venice Carnival (February)
    • Overview: Venice’s Carnevale is world-famous for its elaborate masks, costumes, and vibrant parades. The two-week festival culminates in grand masked balls and street parties, attracting visitors from around the world.
    • Tip: Book your accommodations well in advance, as the city gets very busy during Carnival.
  2. Venice Biennale (May to November)
    • Overview: The Venice Biennale is one of the most prestigious cultural exhibitions in the world, featuring contemporary art, architecture, and film. The event takes place every two years and showcases the work of artists from around the globe.
    • Tip: Explore the Giardini and Arsenale pavilions for the main exhibitions.
  3. Festa del Redentore (July)
    • Overview: This historic festival commemorates the end of the plague in Venice, with a grand fireworks display over the lagoon. Venetians celebrate with picnics and parties along the waterfront.
    • Tip: Find a spot along the waterfront early to get the best view of the fireworks, or book a boat tour for a special view from the water.

Historical and Fun Facts about Venice

  1. Built on Stilts: Venice was built on wooden stilts driven into the marshy lagoon. Despite its precarious foundation, the city has withstood centuries of erosion and flooding.
  2. No Cars Allowed: Venice is entirely pedestrianized, with boats and gondolas serving as the main form of transportation.
  3. Venetian Glass: The island of Murano is world-famous for its glassmaking tradition, which dates back to the 13th century.
  4. Sinking City: Venice is slowly sinking, and the city has experienced significant flooding in recent years, particularly during the winter months, known as acqua alta.

Final Tips

  • Packing: Bring comfortable walking shoes, as most of Venice is best explored on foot. Also, pack for unpredictable weather, especially if you’re visiting during the winter months.
  • Traveling by Vaporetto: Purchase a Venice Unica City Pass for unlimited travel on the vaporetto and discounted entry to some attractions.
  • Avoid Tourist Traps: While Venice has plenty of touristy spots, explore the quieter neighborhoods of Dorsoduro or Cannaregio for a more authentic experience.

Venice offers an unforgettable mix of romance, history, and beauty. Whether you’re gliding through the canals, savoring Venetian cuisine, or exploring the city’s rich cultural heritage, this floating city will capture your heart.