Venice
What People are Saying
The Most Affordable—and Unique—Local Stays in Venice
How to Take a Gondola Ride in Venice (Without Getting Ripped Off)
A Brief History of Venice’s Gondolas
How Venice is Innovating in the Face of Climate Change
The Best Festivals to Attend in Venice, Italy
7 Foods You Can Only Taste in Venice
The Best Outdoor Restaurants in Venice, Italy
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top things to do in Venice?
Best things to do in Venice
- Visit the canals: Venice is best known for its intricate network of canals, and there’s no better way to see them than by taking a gondola ride. You’ll get to experience first-hand how Venetians travel from place to place, and you’ll also get some great views of the city.
- See St. Mark’s Basilica: One of Venice’s most iconic landmarks, St. Mark’s Basilica is a must-see for any visitor. The basilica is incredibly ornate, with detailed mosaics and marble sculptures adorning every inch of the interior. Don’t forget to visit the adjacent Campanile bell tower for breathtaking views of Venice.
- Take a walk through the Doge’s Palace: The Doge’s Palace was once the home of Venice’s ruling dukes, and it’s now one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Take a guided tour of the palace to learn about its fascinating history, and then explore the beautiful art collection on display.
- Shop in the Rialto Market: For a true taste of Venetian life, head to the Rialto Market where locals do their daily shopping. The market is full of fresh produce, meats, seafood, and more. You can also find souvenirs and handmade goods to take home with you.
- Visit the Murano Glass Museum: Murano is a small island off the coast of Venice, and it’s best known for its glassmaking tradition. Visit the Murano Glass Museum to learn about the island’s history and see some of the incredible pieces that have been created there.
- Go on a gondola ride: What better way to experience Venice than by taking a ride through its canals? Gondoliers will ferry you through the city, giving you a unique perspective of Venice’s architecture and landmarks.
What are the top activities in other areas near Venice?
What do I need to know before visiting Venice?
Understand that you are about to have a great time! Venice is one of the most beautiful and unique cities in the world, and there is so much to see and do. From walking tours to canal rides and food tours, the list goes on! However, there are a few things you should know before visiting Venice to make sure you have the best experience possible.
- Venice can be extremely crowded, especially during peak tourist season. If you are visiting during a busy time, be prepared for large crowds and long lines. Plan your sightseeing accordingly and try to visit less popular attractions during off-peak hours.
- Many of Venice’s streets are narrow and cobbled, so wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in all day. Venetian streets can also be slippery, so be careful when walking around!
- Although it is not required, it is recommended that you dress modestly when visiting religious sites in Venice. This means avoiding shorts, skirts, and tank tops.
- Venice is notorious for its high prices, so be prepared to budget accordingly. From food and drink to souvenirs and activities, everything in Venice seems to be a little bit more expensive than in other cities.
- Lastly, be sure to have cash on hand when visiting Venice. Many businesses only accept cash, and ATM’s can be hard to come by. If you are planning on doing a lot of shopping, it might be a good idea to bring extra cash with you.