About Venice
Venice is unlike anywhere on earth — 118 islands laced by canals, with no cars, just boats and footbridges. Get lost in silent back-lanes, glide beneath the Rialto by gondola, and watch the light turn the lagoon to gold.
Best time
April–May & September–October
Weather
Warm summers, cool damp winters with occasional acqua alta
Airport
Marco Polo (VCE)
Getting around
Vaporetto passes for the Grand Canal; the rest on foot
Experiences
Things to do in Venice
1
Admire St. Mark's Basilica and Square
2
Ride a gondola through quiet side canals
3
Cross the Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal
4
Island-hop to colorful Burano and glass-blowing Murano
5
Sip a spritz at a canal-side bacaro
Budget travel
Free things to do in Venice
Admire St. Mark's Basilica and Square
Ride a gondola through quiet side canals
Cross the Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal
Sip a spritz at a canal-side bacaro
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Suggested itinerary
- 1
Day 1
The classics
- St. Mark's Basilica
- Doge's Palace
- Rialto Bridge
- Sunset gondola
- 2
Day 2
The islands
- Burano
- Murano glass demo
- Torcello
- Cicchetti crawl
Where to eat
- $$$
Osteria alle Testiere
Seafood
- $
Cantine del Vino già Schiavi
Cicchetti • Venetian tapas
Where to stay
- The Gritti Palace
- Aman Venice
- Belmond Cipriani
Shopping
- Murano glass
- Rialto Market
- Le Mercerie
Nightlife
- Campo Santa Margherita
- Canal-side bacari
Museums & culture
- Doge's Palace
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection
- Gallerie dell'Accademia
Local foods to try
- Cicchetti
- Sarde in saor
- Risotto al nero
- Fritto misto
Hidden gems
- Libreria Acqua Alta
- Scala Contarini del Bovolo
- Dorsoduro at dawn
Travel tips
- Validate vaporetto tickets before boarding
- Explore early or late — day-trippers thin out by evening
In pictures
Venice gallery
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Keep exploring
