Travel Guide to Venice, Italy

Venice in Italy is one of the most visited cities and for good reason too. I always maintain that there is a reason why some places will always be popular and Venice is one of those places. We have visited Venice a few times and each time, it has been as lovely as the last time. In this travel guide to Venice, Italy, I have narrowed down 15 things you have to do in Venice. This Venice travel guide also contains where we stayed, tips for getting around Venice and I round up with some FAQs.

Venice is an easy city to wander and there is so much you can do within a short period. I think it is one of those classic, romantic cities that everyone needs to visit at least once in their lifetime. I have read that it is on the brink of sinking but I don’t know how true that is. We have all see the pictures of it flooding but somehow, it dries up almost as quickly. So, I’m hoping it will stay “afloat” for a very long time to come.

Where to stay in Venice

One of the best things to do in Venice is to stay in a canal view room. We stayed in Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione and booked a canal view room. It is a charming luxury hotel and only 5 mins walk from San Marco square and Rialto bridge. Our window was over a quiet canal and we enjoyed watching gondolas go by from time to time.

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Venice Marco Polo Airport to Splendid Venice Hotel

The only way to get from Marco Polo airport to Splendid Venice is by water taxi. We got the Alilaguna Blue line 2 towards Rialto and stopped at Rialto. Then walked the 5 mins to the hotel. Another option is a private water taxi (the hotel offered to send one to pick us up) for €220 for both of us. However, the Alilaguna worked just fine.

On our return leg, we had just missed the Alilaguna and were running late so we got one of the private water taxis from Rialto. We negotiated €165 for the 30 mins journey. I will admit that it was a very lovely ride (and our skipper was friendly) but that was a one time thing.

Travel Guide to Venice, Italy: What to do in Venice

1. Libreria Acqua Alta

The most beautiful bookstore in the world; or so it claims to be. I always had Liberia Acqua Alta on my Venice to see list as a book lover. Don’t ask me if I think it is the most beautiful bookstore in the world; frankly, I was not convinced. What I will tell you is that it is incredibly unique. Books on books piled up in baths and bins. Then there is a huge gondola in the middle which is stacked to the brim with even more books. I would describe it as whimsical and picturesque. It is important to remember that it is an actual bookstore. You might be tempted to just walk around and take photos but if a book catches your eye, you can purchase it.

2. Doge’s Palace, Palazzo Ducale

The palace is in the Venetian Gothic style built in 1340 and was the home of the Doge. Today it is one of the 11 museums run by the Municipal Council Board of Venice. It was restored by the end of the 19th century and is now one of the most visited houses in Venice.

3. Piazza San Marco 

Our hotel was a 5 minutes walk from San Marco square so we knew we were in for a treat. We walked past it every day and every evening, it was just so lovely to see it in different lights. On this morning, just after 9am, we met it somewhat “sparse” and it just felt so perfect. We got some photos thanks to a kind stranger. Afterwards, we sat on the stairs and just people watched as people milled around the square. On a different evening, we sat on the same stairs, listened to music playing from the buskers as couples danced. 

Piazza San Marco is one of my favourite squares in all my travels. For a spectacular view of Venice, climb to the top of the San Marco’s Bell Tower.

4. Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs was the last thing prisoners saw after the were sentenced. They would sigh at their final view of Venice from its windows before they were taken into prison. Hence the name “Bridge of sighs”

The bridge connects the interrogation room in Doge’s Palace to what were the prison cells used for small time criminals. It is the 2nd most famous bridge in Venice after Rialto bridge. 

5. A Gondola Ride

This is the one thing that everyone advices that you have to do in Venice. No travel guide to Venice, Italy is complete without a gondola experience.

Now the question: Is a Gondola ride in Venice worth it? 

If you ask an Italian, they would most likely say no. But in the spirit of romanticising your life, I’ll say yes. It takes you through age old canals and the back of properties that show you the sweet charm of Venice. A gondola ride is actually the best way to see the city with a knowledgeable gondolier giving you history lesson. The bonus? You get the prettiest photos.

We paid €80 for 30mins and it cost €120 after 7pm. This was non-negotiable. In fact, there were posters everywhere with this information. You can get it from anywhere but my fave spot is from San Marco square where we caught ours. We paid €120 for 45mins to tailor our route a little and it was the best spent money; thanks to our fantastic gondolier. We ended up sailing for just over 50 mins as it was a off peak.

6. Coffee and cakes at Caffè Florian

Caffè Florian is the 2nd oldest coffee house in the world. Established in 1720, it is located under the Procuratie Nuove arches in Piazza San Marco. At that time, it was the only social place that admitted women which made it a popular spot for legendary Mr Casanova.

We must have been the 1st customers to arrive that morning and set about taking in its magnificent 18th & 19th century designs. The interiors are spectacular and it is one of the most luxurious and stunning cafés I’ve been in. We chose to seat outside for our breakfast so we could people watch as the square filled up; and listen to the lovely tunes coming from the band.

7. Guggenheim

This museum is one of the most poignant ones for North American and European art. It is located in Peggy Guggenheim’s former iconic home, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni and sits on the Grand Canal. Palazzo Venier dei Leoni is known as “the unfinished palace” because it was never completed. The project was commissioned in 1749 and the palazzo was purchase in 1949 by Peggy. It is one of those places that people come from around the world to visit; therefore, an important addition to your travel guide to Venice, Italy.

8. Giardini Reali di Venezia (The Royal Gardens OF VENICE)

Did you know that there was a garden right in the centre of Venice? It was only on my 3rd visit to Venice that I spotted the garden and was surprised I had never noticed it. It is right in the centre; not far from San Marco and I must have walked past it a few times. This time, we noticed and walked in and it was absolutely beautiful. A space for calm after wandering through the busy streets. We saw lovers having a picnic and kids running around. 

Other gardens in Venice are Giardini Papadopoli and Giardino della Biennale.

9. Lunch at Gritti Palace

Gritti Palace is one of the fanciest hotels in Venice so it comes with an expensive price tag. However, I always think that the best thing to do if you cannot stay at an expensive hotel is to visit the hotel’s restaurant. That was what we did and booked lunch on Gritti Palace’s famous terrace with the stunning view of the Grand Canal. The food was actually really good and we spent a little over 3 hours just enjoying lunch. Since we went off peak, it was not busy at all.

Of course, I went snooping around and it led me to the reception area and toilets. I made a mental note to come back one day and hopefully, as a hotel guest.

Stay at The Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel

10. Gelato from Gelatoteca Suso

If there is one place to try Gelato from Venice, it surely is Gelatoteca Suso which has the best gelato ever. Social media can make you feel like viral things are not all that but this one is an exception. Everyone who goes to Venice gets a photo of the gelato from Gelatoteca Suso over the canal and I thought “hmmm another instagram thing” but I was wrong. It was so yummy that we went back for a second helping (even in the rain). 

Other gelato spots in Venice that we visited were: Gelato di Matura and Gelataria Gallonetto. I will admit that they were just as good.

11. Visit San Giorgio Maggiore Church

In this travel guide to Venice, Italy, a visit to this hidden gem is a treat. The church is on its own island and can be reached by Vaporetto. There are guided tours to the former Benedictine convent and the Basilica dating back to 16th century. It is served by line 2 from San Marco San Zaccaria or Piazza Roma stops. 

12. Venice side streets

The charm about Venice is getting lost wandering its streets. I find Venice the most romantic when there is no plan and you are weaving in and out of its maze like streets. One bridge leads to another bridge, one street takes you to another street and in between all of it, you spot all the canals. The best thing about Venice is the absence of cars so that makes walking around aimlessly the norm.

13. Rialto Bridge

Venice has one of the most popular and recognisable bridges in the world – Rialto bridge. It is so popular that so many big cities around the world have a replica of some sort as attractions. The Rialto bridge is one of the oldest 4 bridges that sit on the Venice canal and it connects San Marco to San Polo. It was initially constructed in 1173 and the current structure has stood there since 1591. 

As much as it is a lovely bridge to walk over and enjoy during the day, the view over the canal at night is spectacular. 

14. Explore Venice’s Picture spots

Venice is one of the most picturesque cities in the world and it is no surprise that every corner you turn is a photo waiting to happen. Some of my favourite spots were the less popular ones; like the little deck next to Hotel San Moise. It was always quiet and we often had a pizza, sitting on the deck while watching the gondolas go by.

15. Day trips to Burano and MuranO:

Burano

The island of Burano is located in the Venetian Lagoon. It is one of the most popular day trips from Venice central. Famous for its colour block buildings and lace work, Burano is spectacular and exactly as it looks in photos. I think it might be the most colourful island I’ve ever visited. It’s just so mesmerising and looks like a water colour painting.

We got there just after lunch on a relatively quiet day and strolled along its banks. After browsing the shops, we had the yummiest lunch at Ristorante Principe. Then we took some photos and caught the water bus back to San Marco.

Murano

While Burano is quite popular, Murano is often overlooked. It is much quieter and its canals are so clear, you actually see little fish swimming around.

But let me tell you what makes Murano even more special. It’s been famous for glass making since 1291. We were lucky to visit the Murano Glass Museum, watch first hand how they are made and met a glass master with 35 years experience.

So next time you’re in Venice, don’t just visit Burano but check Murano out as well. You will be extremely glad you did. 

Ok, a bit of gist..

We had planned to visit Murano and Burano. On the day, as we were about to buy our tickets, we were randomly offered a free water taxi ride to Murano + a tour of the glass factory. Of course I thought it was a scam but then I noticed his ID card, and said to Mr E “what’s the worst that could happen” and we hopped into the water taxi.

Thankfully, it wasn’t a scam but an initiative by the government so we got a free water taxi ride to Murano.

Travel Guide to Venice, Italy: Getting around Venice 

1. Walk – The best way to explore Venice is by walking. It is as simple as that.
2. Vaporetto  – A vaporetto is a public water taxi. For locations where you cannot walk, vaporettos are the easiest and cheapest way to get around Venice.
3. Private Water taxi – You can also hire a private water taxi if a Vaporetto is not your style. Some of the luxury hotels offer a water taxi hire to and fro the airport. 
4. Gondola – This one is for the fancy trips. I would only hire a gondola to take me from point A to B if I was celebrating something special. 

Tips for visiting Venice

1. Keep bags close

As with any popular city, you have to keep your belongings close to you. Not everyone there is sight seeing; some are pick pocketing. Venice is very popular for pick pockets so it is essential you are aware of your belongings and surroundings at all times.

2. Get lost wandering

Venice is best explored without a map, and by walking. We found the best spots with no plan at all. Some evenings, we’d just walk around and discover pretty, old streets and imagine who must have lived there. Venice is so picturesque and I love that you will find locals still living in the houses by the canals. If you are lucky, you might meet a friendly local who will show you his art and tell you a bit about his family. Yes, this happened to us and it was just an incredible experience that will stay with me forever.

3. Start early

The best way to enjoy Venice is to get an early start. As one of the most popular cities in the world, it gets busy with tourists. On the days we wanted to wander, we started at about 7am until about 9am. This was perfect because it meant that we explored quietly and once we were done, it was time to tuck ourselves away and have breakfast while the city started to get busy.

4. Don’t miss sunset on the CANAL

By evening, Venice starts getting quiet again. We loved exploring at this time as well. The best thing was to watch the sunset from the Rialto bridge. Or just wait until way past sun set, when the lights from the houses by the canal are projecting on the Grand Canal. It is the prettiest sight you will see. 

Travel Guide to Venice, Italy: FAQs

How many days in Venice?

We have spent 3 days in Venice but our most recent trip, we spent 7 days. I would recommend a minimum of 3 days if all you are visiting only Venice. Some people visit Venice for a day and that’s fine too; if you are only trying to see what Venice is about. I love slow travel and I’m a fan of a day trip or 2 so to me, 5 days are perfect. 

When is the best time to visit  Venice?

This is another shoulder season travel. As a popular destination, it gets swarmed in summer months so June, July and August are not favourable months to travel to Venice. May, September and October are my recommended months for warm weather but not as busy. Winter travel to Venice is also great. My friend visited in December and she thought it was so much fun. She said it was really quiet and romantic.

November to April are low season so prices of hotels are also relatively cheaper.

Is Venice solo travel friendly?

Venice is perfect for solo travellers. I think it is one of those destinations that has something for everyone. We met and artist at work one morning and he lived alone in his canal facing house, painting. I thought it was so cool and Venice is so picturesque that I can imagine it is perfect for a solo wander. It is also a walkable city so almost impossible to get lost. There are a lot of cafes, restaurants, museums etc so there is a lot to do if travelling solo.

Is Venice child friendly?

Maybe I can rephrase this question. Would I travel with my toddler to Venice? If I’m being honest, I’m not sure I would. Venice has a lot of steps and is the city of canals. I think I’d spend most of my time chasing her and struggling to get her stroller up and down the steps. The steps are not so much the problem but the canals are so close to the walking path that I’d be so stressed lol.

However, for babies still in carriers, Venice can be an easy trip. Venice is romantic and every time I have visited has been with Mr E. I plan to take our daughter when she is a bit older and understands danger a bit better. When that happens, I will write an updated travel guide with kid friendly activities in Venice lol. 

Can you do a Gondola ride for cheap? 

If you’re not fussed about a private ride, Getyourguide has really good deals for shared trips. If travelling in a group of up to 5 people, you can split the fare and it comes out cheaper. You can haggle and get it cheaper if you go really early in the morning. This is something I have heard; however, I don’t know how accurate or ethical this is. 

How much does a Vaporetto cost?

To get the Vaporetto in Venice, It will cost you €9.50 for 75 mins which allows you unlimited travel within that time. However you can buy a day pass for €25, 2-day pass for €35, 3-day pass for €45 and a week pass for €65.

Travel Guide to Venice, Italy

Venice is undoubtedly one of the most romantic cities in the world. For this reason, it has also become one of the most popular cities to visit. I always recommend going off peak or exploring early mornings while the canals are quiet and the city is asleep to feel all the feels. To find your fairytale, you sometimes have to make a little more effort.

Until my next trip to Venice, which will hopefully be with our daughter, enjoy this travel guide to Venice, Italy!

Bisous, Bugo x