Venice, Italy: Ultimate Guide
Built on a group of 121 small islands separated by canals and linked by 435 bridges, Venice is an incredible manmade city standing on wooden stilts among the turquoise sea. It has many nicknames - ‘The City of Water’, ‘City of Bridges’, ‘Floating City’, City of Canals’. These nicknames underline what Venice is best known for and why it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Venice has been ranked as the most beautiful city in the world over and over again and described as one of Europe’s most romantic cities. But exploring it, you also realize the incredible dedication Venetians have for ancient craftsmanship, such as mask making, bookbinding, and glass blowing.
So, whether you are looking to surprise your lovely Valentine with a trip they won’t forget for many years to come or simply want to experience this bucket-list destination, read on to find out everything you need to know to plan your vacation to Venice, Italy.
How Many Days Do You Need in Venice?
Our incredible six-week stay in Italy ended with a week in Venice, where we navigated narrow streets and canals, getting lost and being rewarded with discoveries in the form of cicchetti and gelato. We took it slow and relished in evening conversations sitting by canals, watching gondolas pass.
There are many reasons why travelers flock to Venice. One of its main appeals is the beauty in the contrast of Renaissance period buildings, a movement born in Venice, and remains of Byzantine influence. The opportunity to enter the old world charm is sought after by so many that to tackle over tourism, day-trippers will have to register their visit in advance and pay an entry fee in 2023. Hopefully, this restriction will pay dividends in preserving Venice’s beauty. You can do your part by spending 4 to 7 nights in Venice rather than rushing through the must-sees in a day and staying at a locally owned hotel.
Many tourists try to tackle all the amazing things to do and see in Venice in a day, but honestly, you’d be rushing like a headless chicken and wouldn’t even scratch the surface. There is such an abundance of activities that even a week is barely enough. Spending a few nights in Venice also means you will get to see its other side. When the crowds of tourists disperse in the evening, you get to experience the real essence of Venice at night – a fairytale with you as the main character.
Best Time to Visit Venice
The best months to visit Venice are April, May, September, and October when the weather is perfect. The summer months are the most popular, but also the busiest and most expensive months. Visiting Venice in winter, however, won’t break the bank, you’d get the Venetian gems almost all to yourself, and aligning your stay with the Carnival in February is a true bucket list experience. Read on to find out why!
The Best Things to See and Do in Venice
Visit the St. Mark’s Square
St. Mark’s Square is the most famous in Venice and is absolutely unmissable. The square is adorned with St. Mark’s Basilica, which is so unbelievably beautiful that it belongs in one’s imagination. Note that if you’d like to see its beauty on the inside, there is usually a long queue, so go as early as possible. Once you’ve had enough of the mosaics, head up to the terrace to enjoy the breathtaking view over the entire square.
Closer to the water off St. Mark’s Square, you will spot the gothic Doge’s Palace, which is also one of the city’s major attractions. The building served as the seat of Venice’s government from the 14th to 18th centuries. Now, it runs as a museum, showcasing the opulent architecture of its ballrooms and courtyards. The palace is connected to a prison by the infamous Bridge of Sighs – a bridge that allegedly gets its name for the emotional sigh prisoners would let out at the last glimpse of Venice’s beauty en route to their execution.
Take in Incredible Views of Venice
The masterpiece that is Venice begs to be enjoyed from all angles. So, once you’ve seen it from ground level, it’s time to seek out vantage points for more seductive vistas. Head to the Campanile di San Marco, the tower dominating St. Mark’s Square, for sweeping views of the city. Find Scala Contarini del Bovolo, the 26-meter-high cylindrical tower with a spiral staircase that leads to an arcade offering an impressive view of the Venetian skyline, including St. Mark’s bell tower. To visit here, you do need to book in advance and reserve a time slot. And finally, climb up to the rooftop terrace of T Fondaco dei Tedeschi department store from where you can see the Rialto Bridge, which also requires a reservation.
Walk Over Venice’s Most Iconic Bridges
With over 400 bridges in Venice, there is absolutely no need to fight over taking the perfect Instagram photo. But some of the bridges are so famous that people will line up for the perfect shot. And while we prefer to chase experiences than must-see lists, in some destinations like Rome and Venice with sites so beautiful and historic, you absolutely have to visit and admire them even if from a distance. So, if there are just three bridges you decide to carve out time for, let it be the Sigh Bridge at Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal, and Ponte de Chiodo, a unique bridge without handrails.
Catch a Performance at Teatro La Fenice
Put on your fanciest get-up and enjoy an unforgettable opera performance at Teatro La Fenice – the Pheonix theater. The theater gets its name for having been restored to its 19th-century glorious state after its insides were gutted by fires three times! Check the events calendar and purchase your tickets in advance to secure the best seats.
Get the Full Gondola Experience
Absolutely everything in Venice happens via the canals. Taxis, buses, trash collectors, and ambulances are all boats in Venice. The most romantic thing to do in Venice is to take a ride in a gondola. But if you are interested in the craftsmanship that goes into making these slick black vessels, visit Lo Squero di San Trovaso, which is a working boatyard that offers a 30-minute guided tour and lets you observe the process. And if you want to dive even deeper, step into the shoes of a rower and learn how to row a gondola yourself! It’s a fun class and a great way to try on local traditions while working up an appetite for more Italian carbs in the process.
Experience the Carnival of Venice
The Carnival is the main reason why you should visit Venice in February. The celebration was publically recorded in 1296, but its origins are said to date back even further. It takes place over ten days before fasting begins in which people dress up in fantastic seventeenth-century costumes and boast their most extravagant Venetian masks. The heart of the festivities is still at St. Mark’s Square to this day. The wearing of masks was meant to celebrate equality between people and allowed them to escape the reality of their lives. Align your stay with the Carnival and go to a masquerade ball for which you can hire a costume and spend an unforgettable night in a palace. Carnival of Venice is one of the most famous carnivals around the world and is a true bucket list experience.
Paint Your Own Venetian Mask Workshop
If you can’t join the Carnival festivities, don’t fret. You can still immerse yourself in the ancient tradition of mask-wearing but taking a Venetian Mask Workshop. This is by far one of the most unique things to do in Venice, and you get to walk away with a one-of-a-kind souvenir – one you made and decorated with your own hands!
What to Eat in Venice
When in Venice, you should take advantage of the abundance of fresh seafood straight from the waters surrounding the city. You will find all types of seafood concoctions, from pate-like consistency to whole sardines, served on cicchetti, which are bite-sized slices of bread. Try as many varieties as possible during your afternoon aperitivo.
Spend your coffee break at the iconic Caffé Florian situated on St. Mark’s Square, especially if it’s your first time in Venice. The café has been open since 1720 and used to receive Proust, Dickens, and Casanova. Enjoy a coffee in old-world luxury accompanied by street musicians, and imagine what it’s like to be your favorite celebrity sitting there. While soaking in the atmosphere over a beverage is a must at Caffé Florian, do avoid eating there as the menu is overpriced.
To stay in line with the city’s contrasts, balance your glamorous coffee experience with a visit to Mercato di Rialto – a local fruit, vegetable, and fish market near Rialto Bridge that has been operating for hundreds of years and is the main place to stock up on produce for locals. And once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Sepa Osteria Gastronomica Veneziana nearby to satisfy it with Venetian fare. Surprisingly, the carb to indulge in Venice is polenta and rice, so order that instead of pasta and pizza!
[Traveling to Venice soon? Check out our best dining recommendations for local Venetian food!]
If there is a list of must-see destinations in the world, then Venice is definitely on it, and it will leave a lasting impression. Pin this guide to plan your own unforgettable adventure to Venice!