Venice is a city that is very difficult to classify. It is a place so different from all other tourist destinations in Europe that it requires a separate category.
Even though we have visited Venice multiple times, every time we return, I feel like I am seeing it for the first time. Everything seems different, and interestingly, each subsequent visit brings the same joy as the first one.
Contrary to appearances, exploring the Italian city on water is not easy, as the labyrinth of canals, narrow passages between houses, and countless bridges and walkways can disrupt even the best-planned itinerary. Below, I will tell you what to see in Venice and how to prepare for it, so that your journey through the city is not only successful but also unforgettable.
Venice city tour on the water in Italy
Venice is a city situated on over a hundred islands, with some parts built directly on the water. In many rankings, Venice has gained the title of the most romantic city in the world, surpassing Barcelona, Rome, and even Paris. It’s no wonder that millions of tourists from around the world visit Venice every year.
There has been talk for some time about the authorities in Venice considering introducing an entry fee to the city, but it’s still just an idea. Personally, I have nothing against paying a few euros for a day’s stay in such an extraordinary place, especially considering the challenges faced by the city’s residents due to the constant influx of tourists.
Before embarking on sightseeing, and even better, before arriving in Venice, it’s worthwhile to plan what you want to see. Many tourists come here for just one day, thinking it’s enough to visit the most important and well-known places in the city. Perhaps it is, but I don’t recommend such rushed trips. In my opinion, Venice is a place that deserves at least a few days, and it should be savoured very slowly.
What to do and see in Venice and how much it costs
- Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace Access Tour. Visit St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace on a group or private guided tour.
- Venice St. Mark’s Basilica After Hours: 1.5-Hour Tour; Experience St. Mark’s Basilica without the crowds on an after-hours visit. Explore one of the most famous sites in Venice and one of the world’s most magnificent churches without the lines or crowds. See places that aren’t open to daytime visitors.
- Burano, Torcello & Murano Boat Tour w/Glassblowing. Board a panoramic boat and discover the most famous islands of Venice. Stroll through Murano, Burano, and Torcello Islands and enjoy an authentic glass-blowing demonstration in Murano on this day trip.
- Traveling Opera in a Historic Palace on Grand Canal. Experience Italian opera in a new way as you watch a performance in a historic building on the Grand Canal.
- Book a hotel at a good price and enjoy the beauty of Alicante.
- Rent a car; The rented car will help you realize travel plans faster and more efficiently.
Who will have fun in Venice?
Venice is not like any other place on Earth for everyone. Enthusiasts of parties and lively entertainment outside the carnival season may not find what they are looking for here, just as those who are not fond of monuments and museums. I witnessed a conversation between a discontented couple who complained, disappointed with what Venice has to offer.
On the other hand, people in love with historical landmarks and those who enjoy getting lost while strolling through ancient alleys full of mysterious palaces, churches, and other buildings will feel at home in Venice.
Venice tour of the romantic city on the water and must-see places in Venice
Exploring Venice is a grand adventure, and simply walking through the city is a pleasure in itself. However, there are places in Venice that leave a particular impression and should be the focus of attention first.
Below, you’ll find a list of places that we found fascinating. Of course, you may have a different opinion, and we would love to hear about your favourite spots in the city. Be sure to share your thoughts on our social media platform.
Murano Islands in Venice and famous Venetian glass producers
If I were planning a trip to Venice today, at the top of my list would be the famous Murano glass factories located on the islands of Murano just near the city.
Venice is not only about the carnival and canals instead of streets. The city has been known for over a thousand years for the production of both functional and decorative glass. The first traces of glass production in Venice date back to the 7th century when, after several spectacular but destructive fires in the city centre caused by glass workshops, the authorities of the city-state decreed the relocation of glass production to the nearby islands known as Murano.
In the local glass factories, besides colouring glass, many decorative techniques were developed. Some of the more well-known include filigree, the art of joining two different pieces of glass. Other decorating methods still in use today include enamelling and engraving, as well as gilding and ribbing. In addition to these more famous techniques, dozens of less popular and incredibly intricate glass decorating methods were developed. These are often kept as valuable secrets in old glassmaking families to this day.
Murano is a group of seven small islands connected by dozens of bridges. On one of the Murano islands, you’ll find an extraordinary museum dedicated to the art of glassmaking. The Museo Vetrario is one of the few places of its kind in the world. Here, you can learn about the history and development of the aforementioned art and industry. The display cases showcase and document most of the inventions that have occurred in the field of glassmaking over the centuries.
Of course, glass factories are not all that Murano has to offer. There are beautiful historical landmarks and many places where a simple stroll becomes a great adventure.
Saint Mark’s Square in Venice
Saint Mark’s Square in Venice is considered the heart of the city. This is where all the tours arriving in Venice head to, and the popularity of this part of the city is easily understood, as Saint Mark’s Square is home to the most important and well-known landmarks in Venice.
The square was established in the 9th century, and its current size was achieved after expansion in the 12th century. The square is a vast space often used for various events and festivities organized in Venice. More importantly, the entire square is surrounded by a series of beautiful buildings.
The notable landmarks you will see while standing in Saint Mark’s Square include the Bell Tower of Saint Mark, the incredible Doge’s Palace, and the clock tower.
Doge’s Palace in Saint Mark’s Square in Venice
Doge’s Palace in Venice, standing in Saint Mark’s Square, is a majestic building considered a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. I must admit that this landmark is incredibly impressive, especially when combined with the square’s surroundings, the Basilica of Saint Mark, and other buildings.
In the days of the Venetian Republic, the Doge’s Palace served as the centre of government for the rulers of the city-state and as the residence of the doges themselves. The monument bears traces of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance influences, as it underwent multiple renovations over different eras. Interestingly, these changes and the blend of styles turned out to be advantageous for the palace.
Originally, the Doge’s Palace functioned as a heavily fortified castle with numerous defensive towers and tall wooden walls. The palace took on its current form in the 15th century.
The Doge’s Palace is one of the main tourist attractions in Venice, so be prepared for crowds of tourists accompanying you during your visit. As always, in such situations, I recommend purchasing tickets online in advance. This will save you time and nerves.
The museum in the Doge’s Palace is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. I suggest checking ticket prices on the official website, as they can change from day to day. Furthermore, keep in mind that tickets purchased more than 30 days in advance are cheaper.
Saint Mark’s Basilica and Bell Tower in Venice
The Basilica of Saint Mark is open to tourists every day from 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM, except on Sundays, when the temple closes at 2:00 PM. As one of the most popular landmarks in Venice, there are always large crowds gathering in front of it each morning.
Therefore, I recommend obtaining a ticket, preferably a combined one, which allows you to enter the Basilica of Saint Mark and other Venice attractions, bypassing the dreadful queues.
The Basilica of Saint Mark was constructed when the city received the relics of Saint Mark the Evangelist. In 828, Venetian merchants stole the saint’s remains from Alexandria and brought them to present-day Venice. Legend has it that Saint Mark encountered an angel who showed him the exact spot where he would be buried. As you may guess, the Basilica stands on that very spot today.
Inside the temple, you’ll find the magnificent Gothic Golden Altar, Pala d’Oro, adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls. The entire interior is divided by rows of marble columns with gilded capitals. The walls and ceilings are adorned with rich mosaics made of gold and glass. The decorations were executed by artists brought to Venice from Constantinople, and their skills and secrets were quickly adopted by numerous local apprentices. Most of the glass ornaments were created in glass factories on the nearby Murano islands.
The Bell Tower of Saint Mark was built in the 9th century and has undergone multiple reconstructions and renovations, often due to numerous fires that ravaged it. The tower is made of brick in a Romanesque style, with a length of 12 meters on each side. The height of the bell tower is almost 50 meters. The space housing the bell is made of white stone and is topped with a spire called a helmet, adorned with lions of Saint Mark and various symbols. At the very top stands the statue of the archangel Gabriel.
The bell tower features five bells, each intended for announcing different events. For instance, the Nona bell rings every day at noon, and the Renghiera bell signalled the beginning of executions in Saint Mark’s Square.
The Bell Tower of Saint Mark, located on the main square in Venice, completely collapsed in 1902. The disaster was so severe that only a pile of bricks remained from the building. After examining the debris, it was discovered that the bricks used to build the tower came from ancient monuments.
At the top of the bell tower, accessible by stairs or an lift, there is an observation deck providing views of the city, the entire Venice lagoon, and the surrounding sea.
Horses of Saint Mark Lysippos’ horses in St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice
Lysippos’s Steeds, or the Horses of Saint Mark, are sculptures of four horses in gallop, standing in the Basilica of Saint Mark in Venice. They are considered one of the most precious antiquities not only in Venice but also in the world.
The gilded horses were once part of a quadriga made for the Rhodians. Unfortunately, only the horses from the team have survived to this day. These bronze statues covered in gold leaf are the only surviving ancient monument of this kind.
According to stories and legends, Lysippos, a renowned ancient Greek sculptor, crafted (or instructed his pupils to craft) a life-sized quadriga for the inhabitants of the island of Rhodes, located on the border of two continents: Europe and Asia.
The Horses of Saint Mark made their way to Europe during the Fourth Crusade when Christian forces conquered and plundered Constantinople. Unfortunately, after a long journey, only the horses reached Europe, and the sculpture of the chariot and the charioteer guiding it were lost.
Bridge of Sighs in Venice
The Bridge of Sighs, is a link between the eastern part of the Doge’s Palace and the structure of the Piombi prison. It hangs over the Rio di Palazzo canal. It is a stone bridge that was initially uncovered, but over time, it was equipped with a roof. The bridge consists of two corridors separated by a wall.
The name “Bridge of Sighs” originated from the fact that prisoners, after their trial in the Doge’s Palace, were led to the adjacent prison, from which few emerged alive. The moment they passed from one building to the other was their last opportunity to look at the outside world, full of free people, and sigh in despair.
Fish market in Venice
The fish market Mercati di Rialto in Venice is a covered market hall where fresh produce, spices, fish, and seafood are sold. It is located near the Rialto Bridge, and I’m sure you’ll find it easily thanks to the distinctive aroma.
The market is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 7:30 AM to noon. The fruit and vegetable market closes at 1:00 PM.
In my opinion, it’s worth visiting the market to see the wonders offered there. It’s a popular place, especially among the residents of Venice, so an additional attraction is the opportunity to mingle with the crowd of Venetians.
Clock tower in Saint Mark’s Square in Venice
The Clock Tower on St. Mark’s Square in Venice, is a true symbol of the city, appearing in guidebooks, advertisements, and even on postage stamps. It is a Renaissance building dating back to the 15th century and modified in subsequent centuries.
The tower is adorned with two clock faces, from which the tower derives its name. Two Moorish figures, known as the “Moors,” are significant elements of the tower. Every hour, they strike the bell. The clock on the tower displays the hours and indicates the seasons, phases of the moon, the position of the sun, and the zodiac signs. The tower is also decorated with the statue of the lion of Saint Mark, numerous ornaments, and statues.
You can visit the Clock Tower in Venice every day, but only after making a prior reservation for a guided group.
Rialto Bridge in Venice
Most Rialto, or Ponte di Rialto, is perhaps the most recognizable landmark in Venice, second only to the Basilica of Saint Mark. Until 1854, it was the only bridge across the Grand Canal.
The location where the Rialto Bridge stands proved to be fortunate, as many previous river crossings were destroyed by the waters of the canal or other natural disasters. Fortunately, the current bridge has been connecting the canal’s banks since 1590. The design of the passage over the canal was not only intended to serve as a crossing but also to be a commercial point for selected, most distinguished Venetian merchants.
The bridge is a beautiful and majestic structure. It is nearly 50 meters long, 22 meters wide, and has a clearance of over 7 meters from the water level, allowing even fairly large boats and barges to pass underneath. Few realize the complexity of building a bridge over a river, where the water endlessly erodes the bottom, foundations, and connection points with the water. Before the construction of the Rialto Bridge in Venice, over six thousand oak piles were driven into the canal bed to strengthen the foundations supporting the structure.
The bridge is located in the heart of Venice, and you’ll find expensive stalls on it selling gold and souvenirs.
Church of Santa Maria del Giglio in Venice and other temples in the city
Church Santa Maria del Giglio is one of the most beautiful churches in Venice, and believe me, it’s not just a marketing slogan. The fantastically decorated facade of the church is impressive and is considered one of the most extravagant and original works of Venetian Baroque.
A significant attraction of the church is the collection of paintings by great masters such as Rubens, Tintoretto, Vittoria, and Piazzetta housed inside.
Visiting churches may not be considered an exciting activity, as they are often similar due to their purpose. However, I highly recommend entering the Santa Maria del Giglio church in Venice – it’s truly worth it.
Other churches in Venice that we have seen and can recommend, if you have enough time, include the church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, the Basilica Santi Giovanni e Paolo, the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, and the church of San Nicolò del Lido. Of course, there are many more churches and chapels in Venice, but after visiting these few, we took a break. If you know of any other notable landmarks worth visiting, please let us know, and we’ll add them to our list.
The main canal in Venice, the Grand Canal
Canal Grande, also known as the Grand Canal, is the main waterway in Venice, essentially a canal that flows through the city center. It has an S-shape and divides the city into two parts. The canal is 30 to 60 meters wide, with a depth of almost 6 meters.
The construction of the Grand Canal began in the 15th century, designed to pass through the most important districts of the city, facilitating the transport of goods and improving communication in the crowded city. The canal connects the Venetian lagoon at Piazzale Roma with another important canal, the Canale di San Marco, near the famous Piazza San Marco.
If you ever dream of exploring Venice from the water level, I recommend taking a cruise along the Grand Canal, especially in the evening. Keep in mind that the Grand Canal is a bustling waterway, with hundreds of boats, yachts, motorboats, and, of course, gondolas navigating its waters. Throughout the day, water trams, water taxis, rescue boats, fire brigade boats, and police boats also pass through.
A cruise along the main canal in Venice is worth adding to your list of city exploration plans, as many Venetian landmarks are located along the Grand Canal. These include palaces such as Palazzo Loredan and Palazzo Farsetti, which still house Venetian authorities and various institutions responsible for the city’s affairs.
Right next to them stands the famous Palazzo Mocenigo, where Lord Byron’s lover attempted to stab him and then jumped out of the window into the canal. I recommend walking along the shore and visiting the interesting Ca’ Rezzonico art museum, located right next to Palazzo Mocenigo. By the way, it’s a good idea to purchase a combination ticket, allowing you to visit several historic sites in Venice, including the Ca’Rezzonico museum.
The canal is bridged by four bridges, each more beautiful than the last. Especially noteworthy is the Rialto Bridge, one of the city’s iconic landmarks.
View of Venice from the observation decks
In Venice, there are several places where you can admire the city almost like a bird’s-eye view. It is a great pleasure, as Venice looks equally beautiful from above as it does at street level.
One of such terraces is located on the Bell Tower of St. Mark, Campanile di San Marco, which is the tallest building in Venice. Therefore, it is the perfect place to enjoy the city from a height. If you happen to have beautiful sunny weather, believe me, you won’t forget the view for a long time.
The only problem is the giant queues, as you are not the only one eager to feast your eyes on the Venetian panorama. However, there is a solution – simply buy a ticket online in various available options. This option is a bit pricier than purchasing a regular ticket to visit the tower, but it allows you to skip the queues.
Another place with a stunning view of the city is the Contarini del Bovolo stairs. This 15th-century monument is considered the most beautiful spiral staircase in Europe. What interests us, however, is what awaits you at the top, and it’s a view like no other. This attraction is often overlooked by tourists because the entrance is slightly off the beaten path, but believe me, it’s worth seeking them out.
The problem, as always, is the long queues, especially during the season. Therefore, I always encourage purchasing tickets in advance online.
A viewpoint that particularly stuck in my memory is the terrace of the Fondaco dei Tedeschi shopping gallery, located right by the Rialto Bridge. A significant advantage of this place is that you can enter for free. However, remember that you need to register your desire to access the terrace on the official gallery website, and you have only fifteen minutes to admire the views.
Personally, I consider the Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal to be an interesting vantage point in Venice. So, it’s worth stopping when you cross it and looking in both directions at the lively life on the canal.
The last viewpoint we visited this time is the view of the Grand Canal from the promontory behind the Punta della Dogana art gallery. From this spot, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the wide-spreading canal in this area. Highly recommended!
For now, that’s all regarding the attractions of Venice that I can wholeheartedly recommend. Of course, this is just a drop in the ocean, and over time, I plan to update the above list. However, keep in mind that seeing and exploring the mentioned attractions took us quite a few days, so you’ll have plenty to do during your visit to Venice.
Oh, and I’ll definitely write about my observations and the places that seemed most interesting to you. We will happily visit them next time and share our experiences, or you can do so if you wish.
Carnival time in Venice is a good time to visit the city
One of our trips to Venice was strategically planned to coincide with the famous Venetian Carnival. I’ve heard many opinions stating that it’s not the best time to visit Venice, but we thoroughly enjoyed it. Not only does the entire city take on an extraordinary character, but it’s also filled with people dressed in fantastic costumes and the renowned Venetian masks.
The Carnival in Venice has a long and tumultuous history. Organized for almost a millennium, it has experienced its ups and downs. During the medieval dark times, when a shadow of fear and superstition fell upon Europe, festivities, music, and dances were prohibited. It took a long time for the Age of Enlightenment and Romanticism to restore the glory of old traditions. People once again took to the streets adorned in masks and beautiful, intricately crafted costumes.
Venetian masks carnival symbol of Venice
The history of Venetian masks reaches deep into the past, all the way back to the 12th century. However, what makes it most intriguing is that no one can definitively explain the origin of this phenomenon.
As we wandered through the canals of Venice, we managed to gather a few stories, almost legends, attempting to explain how the city built on water becomes filled with masked figures at the beginning of the new year.
One quite plausible tale suggests that when the Venetians conquered Constantinople, they first encountered the Muslim culture, where women traditionally covered their faces. Since many exotic customs were imported to Venice during that time, Venetian women also embraced this one. On various occasions, they began to conceal their faces behind elaborate masks, for both solemn and less sacred purposes.
Venice practical information that may be useful when visiting the city
- I, personally, believe that the best time to visit Venice is during the carnival period. The city undergoes a remarkable transformation. Elegant and highly expensive costumes grace the streets, and people gladly pose with tourists. I would advise against visiting Venice in the middle of the summer heat, as the temperatures in the city can be unbearable, accompanied by high humidity.
- Venice offers a plethora of hotels and private accommodations where you can rent rooms or entire flats. I highly recommend looking for something in the city centre or nearby. This allows you to take leisurely strolls at any time of day or night without worrying about transportation.
- Regarding public transportation in Venice, it is well-planned and efficient. Trains and buses only reach the outskirts of Venice, since there are no roads or tracks beyond that point. The main train station in Venice is located along the Grand Canal. You can navigate the Venetian canals using water trams or taxis, which are essentially motorboats.
- It’s a good idea to purchase the Venice Pass, which provides free public transportation in Venice and entry to numerous attractions, saving you a considerable amount of money.
- On the Grand Canal, there are places where you can find a ferry to transport people to the other side, so you don’t have to walk to the nearest bridge.
- Can you reach Venice by car? Of course, but it defeats the purpose. There are a few parking lots, but they don’t guarantee you a spot, and they are exorbitantly expensive. Prices start at almost 50 euros per day.
- For your convenience, avoid bringing large luggage to Venice. There’s nothing more annoying than a tourist trying to fit a massive suitcase into a wobbly boat or, even better, multiple suitcases.
- Plan your visit to Venice so that you don’t have to hurry, and certainly not run. The streets, bridges, and walkways are often narrow and crowded with tourists, so haste is not advisable.
- Create a list of places you want to see, making your city stroll more efficient than wandering around and constantly searching for passages and bridges. Of course, a visit to Venice can be completely aimless, and the enjoyment lies in wandering and getting lost. We did it once, and it was fantastic.
- Entrance fees to Venice will be introduced soon. Tourists will pay from a few to several euros per day of their stay in the city. The amount will depend on the season, the day of the week, and current events in the city.
- If you dream of a gondola ride, remember to choose a gondolier wisely, as your enjoyment depends on them. Often, these individuals can be moody and uncommunicative, essentially just pushing off the canal bottom with their pole. Look for a gondolier who is dynamic and easily engages with you. The price will be the same, but the experience much better.
- Venice is on the expensive side, but you can spend a few days there without breaking the bank. Remember that the city itself is the main attraction, and if you’re not keen on spending money on attractions, you may miss out on some things, but you’ll still have a fantastic time. The same goes for dining in restaurants; it’s cheaper to buy food and eat at home.
What not to do in Venice to avoid getting into trouble
- W Venice, riding bicycles or even electric scooters is not allowed, and the reason is quite obvious.
- Bathing in the canals is strictly prohibited, without exception.
- Throughout the city, flying a drone is not allowed unless you obtain special permission.
- Feeding fish or birds is prohibited.
- Dragging large suitcases with wheels is not allowed. Luggage must be carried manually.
- In many places, especially near significant landmarks, sitting on stairs and consuming food or drinks is not allowed. Lunch or dinner should be enjoyed in numerous restaurants or in the comfort of your accommodation.
Venice facts, information, and curiosities
- “I would rather be in Venice on a rainy day than in any other capital on a sunny one” said Herman Melville in 1857.
- Venice is sinking! These words have been haunting the front pages of newspapers for decades. However, despite facing many challenges, the city still stands proudly and will likely endure for a long time.
- The Basilica of St. Mark was referred to by pilgrims arriving in Venice as the Golden Church, Chiesa d’Oro.
- Venice is often described as a city that smells of sewage, but this is an absolute misconception. The city is clean, and the sewage system works perfectly. The air is filled with the scent of the sea, water, and occasionally fish. Of course, there are times when an unexpected odour arises, but doesn’t this happen in every city?
- When in Venice, be sure to try dishes historically associated with the city:
- Baccalà mantecato – a tasty salted cod appetizer.
- Mołeche – crabs prepared to have soft shells and delicate meat, a sophisticated and expensive dish.
- Zabaglione – a dessert made from wine, sugar, and egg yolks, very sweet and tasty.
- Spritz – a wine or prosecco cocktail.
- Bigoli in salsa – delicious pasta with onions and anchovy fish.
- Caffè stretto – Venetian coffee, so strong that it can stain your teeth.
- Beware of birds in Venice, especially seagulls, which are very bold and might snatch your snack or lunch unexpected.
- Do you know why gondolas in Venice are black? In the 16th century, gondoliers competed in decorating their boats, turning gondolas into floating, colourful gardens. At that time, the city authorities introduced guidelines that still apply today.
- Venice is situated on numerous islands, with 62 of them in the Venetian Lagoon alone.
- There are 417 bridges in Venice, with several of them being private for the exclusive use of the owner.
- Venice is primarily known for its canals, but there are also streets. One of them, considered the narrowest in the city, is only 50 centimetres wide.
- The city boasts over eighty bell towers.
- Venice and the entire lagoon were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987.
Our other recommended attractions in Venice
- Venice, a romantic city on the water, when to go and how to visit Venice.
- Carnival in Venice and the traditional start of the New Year.
- Venetian masks, traditions, and curiosities of the Carnival in Venice.
- Horses of Saint Mark ancient monument in Venice.
- Murano Island in Venice, glass and jewellery.
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