Venice is a magical city that everyone should see at least once. It is unique, historic, charming, and full of tourists pretty much any time of year. Visiting Venice requires a little bit of planning and deciding to not let the crowds bother you, as they are just unavoidable.
Venice is situated in the north of Italy and is the capital of the Veneto region. It is a city built on top of over 100 islands separated by water canals. Over 400 bridges connect these islands and enable pedestrians to move between the different parts of the city.
The city was named after the local Veneti people who occupied the lands. During the Middle Ages, Venice was a center of financial and maritime power and a starting point for the Crusades. The history of Venice is very interesting, and you can read more about it here.
How to get around in Venice
- Trains – Venice has two train stations – Venezia Santa Lucia and Venezia Mestre. You are most likely going to arrive at the Santa Lucia station as this serves long distance trains.
- Public transport – the Vaporetto is the public transport in Venice and waterbuses operate on regular schedule. You can get a Venezia Unica Pass for a discounted way to get around. This app will give you the up-to-the-minute Vaporetto schedule.
- Taxis – your hotel can arrange for a water taxi to any destination. We recommend you get a local taxi at least once during your stay as this is a unique and romantic way to get around. Additionally, you can take great pictures from the privacy of your boat. 😊
- Gondolas – this is a more touristy thing to do, but nevertheless gondolas are associated with Venice and its way of life. If you have never done it, we recommend taking at least a 30-minute ride for a unique and enjoyable experience.
Where to stay in Venice
Venice caters to all tourists who come to visit every year and there is no shortage of accommodations at all price points. From luxury hotels to many Airbnb apartments to unique high end rental properties, you are guaranteed to find great accommodations for your trip.
If this is your first trip, or even if you have already experienced Venice’s magic, we recommend that you stay anywhere near the Grand Canal. Having uninterrupted views of the water, the sunrises and sunsets makes for an unforgettable way to experience the city.
A few of our favorites
- Hotel Danieli, Venice – ideally located facing the Venice lagoon, this hotel is just steps away from the Piazza San Marco. It is located in the former palaces of a 14th century doge. The architecture of the building has been preserved and the rooms are beautifully anointed with Gothic and Venetian designs. The hotel also has a great restaurant on the top floor for breakfast, lunch or dinner with unobstructed views of the lagoon. Additionally, bar Dandolo, located on the main floor, is a great place to grab a cocktail and listen to some live piano music.
- Sina Centurion Palace – a luxurious hotel located in Palazzo Genovese. The hotel has excellent and very comfortable accommodations and wonderful views of the Grand Canal. Be sure to dine in the White Room of Antino’s Lounge and Restaurant for some spectacular view of Venice. This hotel is also more reasonably priced.
- Aman Venice – if money is not an issue, try the Aman hotel. Located in Palazzo Papadopoli, this is probably the most luxurious hotel in Venice. Almost every suite offers views of the Grand Canal. The frescos in each room are also spectacular. Choose any of the hotel’s restaurants and you will be in for an unforgettable experience.
Additional options
- Luxury Travel Book apartments – unique accommodations for different size groups.
- Views on Venice Collection – pick a specific apartment or a full palazzo to accomodate the size of your party.
Day 1 in Venice
Visit the San Marco square
Make your way to one of the most famous landmarks in Venice – Piazza San Marco. This is the heart of Venice. It has been a gathering place since the 12th century. Grab a coffee in one of the many cafes and watch the world go by.
Stand in the middle of the square and admire the architecture and dominance of the St. Mark’s Basilica.
Spend time at the Doge’s Palace
One of the main landmarks of Venice, Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) is a palace built in the 14th century as the residence of the Doge of Venice – the supreme authority of the city. The architecture is Gothic and the details of every building, staircase, room are just spectacular.
In 1923, the Doge’s Palace was turned into a museum. You can visit the Doge’s apartments, the armory, the Antechamber where foreign ambassadors waited to be seen, the Senate chamber and so much more.
Leave at least half a day for your visit to this Palace. Additionally, plan and book your tickets here ahead of your visit as time slots sell out fast.
Walk the streets of Venice
Take the rest of the day to experience the charming city of Venice. Get lost among the canals, discover small city squares, and walk the bridges. The way Venice was built is so unique; taking some time to explore it is most enjoyable. Admire the architecture, ponder how life used to be, imagine the Carnaval days and enjoy the unique world within the city.
Day 2 in Venice
Ride a Venetian gondola
Most people visiting Venice really enjoy the opportunity to explore the city’s canals on a gondola. It is a bit of a tourist activity, but it is uniquely Venetian and will give you a different perspective on the city and how it used to function.
Walk the Rialto Bridge and Market
Rialto Bridge
Probably the most iconic bridge in Venice, the Rialto Bridge was built by Antonio Da Ponte in the 16th century. It is ornate, beautiful, and very much worth seeing. The bridge crosses the Grand Canal and provides beautiful views of the waterways and the city. It is usually crowded, as it is a very popular destination. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, go to see it in the very early morning hours.
Rialto Market
Another way to appreciate Venice is to visit the Mercato di Rialto (Rialto Market). A covered food market right off the Grand Canal, it is open from 7am to 2pm daily. It is amazing to see the variety of fish sold at this place. There are also beautiful flower stalls and a host of Venetian crafts. If you are looking for an interesting and easy souvenir to bring home, be sure to check out the flavored sea salts sold at the market. They make for great gifts and the salts are super tasty. We loved the ones flavored with lavender and truffle oils. 😋
Walk the neighborhood behind the Rialto Market
Take time to walk the streets behind the Rialto Market. You will stumble upon many small craft stores, unique perfumeries, great bars and restaurants. We found this to be a very charming neighborhood.
Day 3 in Venice
Visit the Murano Island
There are plenty of Venetian islands to explore if you have extra time. If you only have three days, we recommend taking your last day to explore the most famous of the Venetian islands – Murano. Most people know it for the world-class glass that is produced on the island to this day. However, the island is so charming, and it has excellent walking streets, restaurants and a slower pace than Venice.
Take the Vaporetto waterbus
Take the local ferry to get to Murano. It is economical and will give you great views of the lagoon.
The glass factories were moved from Venice to Murano in the 13th century to preserve the city from fires, which were common. The Venetians also wanted to protect the art of blowing glass from the eyes of visitors.
Know before you visit the Murano factories
- It is best to visit during weekdays and in the morning. The factories close for lunch, which runs from noon to 2-3pm.
- Get to the island, walk around and you will stumble upon many furnaces and workshops that are free and open to tourists.
- Don’t buy a tour that includes transportation to the island and a factory visit. You don’t need to pay to visit a factory. If you buy a tour, you will most likely have to deal with sales pressure to buy glassworks.
- The end of a factory tour is through a glass showroom. Don’t feel pressured to buy anything.
- But, if you buy something, take it with you; don’t have it shipped to prevent long shipping times.
Where to eat – Murano
There are plenty of small restaurants to choose from. Here are some of our recommendations:
- Sottovento (Riva Longa, 27, 30141 Venezia VE) – unpretentious, charming, excellent food and wine, and great coffee.
- La Perla Ai Bisatei (Campo S. Bernardo, 5/6, 30141 Venezia VE) – a place full of local, traditional Venetian food and super friendly staff.
- Osteria Al Duomo – a typical Venetian tavern, small but so charming. Great fish options.
What else to do in Venice
If you have more time, consider some of the following additional activities:
- Visit Burano Island – famous for intricate lace work and brightly colored buildings.
- See Opera a Palazzo – an intimate performance of classical operas in a Venetian Palazzo. Something very unique and enjoyable for opera fans and music fans in general. You can see the schedule and purchase tickets here.
- Attend a performance in the Venice Opera House – Teatro La Fenice – a very beautiful classical opera house. In addition to operas, ballets and various concerts are performed at this venue. You can check the calendar and buy tickets here.
- Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection museum – see 20th century art in an 18th century Palazzo built right on the Grand Canal. Works by Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Marcel Duchamp and many others are prominently displayed in this beautiful museum. You can buy tickets online here.
- Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute with its unique octagonal design. You will be able to see twelve works by the Venetian master Titian.
- Visit the Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art – see 19th and 20th century paintings and sculptures, including works by Gustav Klimt and Rodin. You can buy tickets online here.
- Find Marco Polo’s House (Corte Seconda del Milion, 5852, 30121 Venezia) – you will be able to see the family house from the outside. Look for the plaque that signifies its historic significance.
- Visit Lido di Venezia – a Venetian barrier island with sandy beaches and Art Noveau hotels. Lido is also home to the Venice Film Festival.
Where to eat and drink in Venice
There is no shortage of excellent places to eat and drink in Venice. Here are some of our favorites:
- Osteria all’Arco (S. Polo, 436, 30125 Venezia) – sample a variety of local cicchetti – bite-size food similar to tapas. Classical cicchetti to try – crispy polpetta, tramezzini, crostini and panini, and a variety of fried and roasted seafood.
- Cantina do Spade (San Polo, 859, 30125 Venezia) – a tiny bar extremely popular with locals and tourists alike.
- H2NO Enobirrateca (Rio Terà S. Leonardo, 1815, 30121 Venezia) – great place for cicchetti, beer and people-watching. Also, the H2NO Enobirrateca is open late – lively atmosphere and fun place to visit.
- Restaurant Terrazza Danieli – located in hotel Danieli, great views of the Grand Canal. Go for breakfast, a drink, or dinner and enjoy the beauty of Venice from above. You can make a reservation here.
- Bar Dandolo – also located in hotel Danieli. Fantastic setting, great drinks and a place to enjoy live piano music.
- al Covo – one of the best restaurants in Venice focused on locally produced food and enjoyment of the food experience. Tasting menus are available for lunch or dinner. Be sure to grab a reservation before you go here.
- Osteria La Zucca – a cozy, vegetarian restaurant. A very charming place with excellent seasonal dishes.
What we love about Venice
- A unique city that takes travelers back in time
- A perfect location for spending a romantic few days
- Unique local food and many great places to try it
- A place where you can experience opera in an intimate, historical Palazzo setting
- Wonderful day trips to the surrounding islands
- Lots and lots of art to see in historic palaces
What to bring
- Depending on the time of the year of your visit, bring layers of clothing – in the fall and winter bring warmer clothes as it can get breezy and chilly; in the spring and summer bring flowy dresses, skirts and a light jacket.
- Comfortable shoes, as you will do a lot of walking. Even for dressier occasions, bring dressier flats to go with your outfits.
- A stylish sunhat.
- Your favorite sunglasses. Right now, we love this and this pair.
- An umbrella, as the weather can be quite varied. We like this one for travel – but Amazon has many reasonably priced options.
Check out our list of travel essentials on what to take and how to maximize your packing.
[All pictures taken by the Styled Traveler]
Additional resources and inspirations
Here are some links to additional resources you might find useful and inspirational for your trip to Venice, Italy:
Paradise on Earth
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