Venice Travel Guide: Journey Through Italy’s Floating City

Venice, known as “La Serenissima” (The Most Serene), is a masterpiece of architectural genius rising from the waters of the Venetian Lagoon. This UNESCO World Heritage site is unique for being built entirely on water, with 118 small islands connected by over 400 bridges. Venice’s extraordinary beauty lies in its Gothic palaces, mysterious narrow alleyways, and romantic canals, creating an atmosphere that has inspired artists, writers, and lovers for centuries. Unlike any other city in the world, Venice preserves its medieval charm while floating gracefully between land and sea, offering visitors an otherworldly experience that feels like stepping into a living museum.

Quick Essential Information

Language

Italian

Currency

Euro (€)

Visa

Schengen visa for non-EU citizens

Power Plugs

Type C & F (230V, 50Hz)

Emergency Contacts

Medical: 118
Police: 113
Tourist Police: +39 041 715 499

Religion

Predominantly Roman Catholic

Airport

Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

Climate

Mediterranean

Useful Apps

Vaporetto app
Hi!Tide Venice
Google Maps offline

Geographic Location

Venice sits in the Venetian Lagoon, a crescent-shaped body of water between the mouths of the Po and Piave rivers in northeastern Italy. The city is built on 118 islands in a shallow lagoon, connected by 391 bridges spanning its 177 canals.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer ideal weather and fewer crowds. Avoid peak summer months (June-August) for less crowding and better prices. Winter (November-February) can be magical but cold, with potential “acqua alta” (high water) flooding.

Transport

Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is located 13km from Venice.

Transportation options from airport:

  • Water Bus (Alilaguna): €15/$16.35 – 1.5 hours
  • Water Taxi: €110-120/$120-131 – 30 minutes
  • Land Bus (ATVO): €8/$8.70 – 20 minutes to Piazzale Roma
  • Land Taxi: €45/$49 fixed fare – 20 minutes to Piazzale Roma

Ticket purchase locations:

  • Alilaguna desk at airport
  • ATVO ticket counter or machines
  • Official taxi stands

Accommodations

Booking platforms: Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com

Luxury Range

  • The Gritti Palace: €800-1,200/$872-1,308 per night
  • Aman Venice: €1,000-1,500/$1,090-1,635 per night
  • Belmond Hotel Cipriani: €900-1,300/$981-1,417 per night

Mid-Range

  • Hotel Dalla Mora: €150-250/$163-272 per night
  • Hotel Colombina: €200-300/$218-327 per night
  • Palazzo Veneziano: €180-280/$196-305 per night

Budget Range

  • Generator Venice: €40-80/$44-87 per night
  • Combo Venezia: €35-70/$38-76 per night
  • We_Crociferi: €50-90/$54-98 per night

Foods

Venice’s cuisine is deeply rooted in its maritime heritage and local lagoon ingredients.

Must-try traditional dishes:

  • Risotto al Nero di Seppia: Black risotto made with cuttlefish ink
  • Baccalà Mantecato: Creamed dried cod served on polenta
  • Sarde in Saor: Sweet and sour sardines with onions and raisins
  • Moleche: Soft-shell crabs (seasonal spring delicacy)
  • Bigoli in Salsa: Whole-wheat pasta with anchovy sauce

Popular food markets:

  • Rialto Market: Fresh seafood and produce
  • Mercato di Campo Santa Margherita: Local market in Dorsoduro
  • Fondamenta della Misericordia: Restaurant row in Cannaregio

Tourist Attractions

St. Mark’s Basilica Venice’s most famous church, adorned with Byzantine mosaics and precious stones. The interior features 85,000 square feet of golden mosaics, while the exterior showcases magnificent domes and arch details.

Doge’s Palace Gothic masterpiece and former residence of Venice’s rulers. Highlights include the Bridge of Sighs, the Golden Staircase, and vast council chambers decorated by Venetian masters.

Rialto Bridge The oldest and most famous bridge spanning the Grand Canal, built in the 16th century. Features shops along its sides and offers spectacular views of the canal.

Grand Canal Venice’s main waterway, lined with stunning palaces and churches. Best experienced by vaporetto or gondola, especially during sunset.

St. Mark’s Square The city’s main gathering place, surrounded by historic cafes, museums, and architectural marvels. Home to the Campanile bell tower and Procuratie arcades.

Murano Island Famous for its glass-making tradition, featuring demonstrations and shops. Home to the Glass Museum and numerous historic furnaces.

Burano Island Known for colorful houses and traditional lace-making. Perfect for photography and authentic local dining.

Things to Do

Iconic Venetian Experiences

  • Classic Gondola Journey: Glide through hidden canals while your gondolier shares local stories. For the most romantic experience, book a sunset ride through the quieter canals of Dorsoduro (€80/$87 daytime, €100/$109 after 7 PM). Pro tip: share with others to split the cost.
  • Secret Gardens Tour: Discover Venice’s hidden gardens behind palatial walls. The Venice Garden Foundation offers exclusive access to normally private spaces, including the stunning Palazzo Soranzo Cappello.
  • Mask-Making Workshops: Learn the art of creating traditional Venetian masks at Ca’Macana or La Bottega dei Mascareri. Take home your own handcrafted masterpiece (€60/$65 for a 2-hour workshop).

Cultural Immersion

  • Venetian Rowing Lessons: Master the unique voga alla veneta rowing style with Row Venice (€85/$93 per person). Perfect for photographers and adventure seekers!
  • Local Food Experiences:
    • Join early morning Rialto Market tours with local chefs
    • Learn to make cicchetti (Venetian tapas) in authentic bacari
    • Experience traditional fishing in the lagoon with local fishermen
  • Artisan Workshops: Visit traditional craftsmen in their workshops:
    • Watch bead-making at Davide Penso in Murano
    • Observe lace-making demonstrations in Burano
    • Learn about forcola (gondola oarlock) carving at Saverio Pastor’s workshop

Hidden Gems & Local Secrets

  • Secret Passages of Doge’s Palace: Book the Secret Itineraries Tour to explore hidden chambers and prison cells (€28/$30)
  • Scala Contarini del Bovolo: Climb this hidden spiral staircase for Venice’s most photogenic views (€7/$7.60)
  • Squero di San Trovaso: Watch gondola builders at work at one of the last remaining boatyards
  • Church of San Zaccaria: Discover underwater crypts and Renaissance masterpieces without the crowds

Island Adventures

  • Murano Glass Experience:
    • Watch master glassblowers at Vetreria Murano Arte
    • Join a private glass-making workshop (from €100/$109)
    • Visit the Glass Museum for historical perspective
  • Colorful Burano Day:
    • Photography walks through rainbow-colored houses
    • Traditional lace-making demonstrations
    • Authentic seafood lunch at Da Romano
  • Secret Island Tours: Visit lesser-known islands:
    • San Francesco del Deserto: Ancient monastery
    • San Lazzaro degli Armeni: Armenian monastery with Lord Byron’s memorabilia
    • Torcello: Venice’s first settlement with ancient churches

Evening Entertainment

    • Musica a Palazzo: Experience intimate opera performances in a historic palace (from €95/$103)
    • Cocktail Culture:
      • Sunset spritz at Bar Longhi
      • Rooftop drinks at Hotel Danieli
      • Historic Harry’s Bar experience
    • Night Photography Tours: Capture Venice’s magical evening light and empty squares

Seasonal Special Events

    • Carnival (February): Masked balls and historic celebrations
    • Biennale (Art/Architecture): World-class exhibitions across the city
    • Regata Storica (September): Historic boat parade and races
    • Film Festival (August/September): Star-spotting on the Lido

Family-Friendly Activities

  • Leonardo da Vinci Museum: Interactive machines and inventions
  • Treasure Hunt Tours: Engaging city exploration for kids
  • Venetian Ships Pavilion: Historic boats and maritime history
  • Gelato-Making Classes: Fun workshops for the whole family

Wellness & Relaxation

  • Lido Beach Day: Escape the crowds at historic beach clubs
  • Rooftop Yoga: Morning sessions with lagoon views
  • Spa Experiences: Luxury treatments at Bauer Palazzo or JW Marriott

Adventure Activities

  • Kayaking Tours: Explore quiet canals and the lagoon
  • Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Unique city perspectives
  • Sailing Experiences: Private lagoon tours on traditional boats

Getting Around

Public Transportation:

  • Vaporetto (water bus): €7.50/$8.17 per journey
  • 24-hour pass: €20/$21.80
  • 72-hour pass: €40/$43.60

Water Taxis:

  • Base fare: €15/$16.35
  • Per minute: €2/$2.18

Budget (Daily Expenses in USD)

CategoryBackpackerMid-RangeLuxury
Accommodation$50-80$150-250$400+
Food$30-40$60-80$150+
Transportation$20-30$40-60$100+
Attractions$15-25$40-60$100+
Total/Day$115-175$290-450$750+

Travel Insurance

We recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering water-related activities and potential flooding events. Popular providers include World Nomads and Allianz Travel Insurance for their extensive coverage and reliable service.

Money-Saving Tips

  • Visit in off-season (November-February)
  • Stay in Mestre or Lido instead of central Venice
  • Buy multi-day vaporetto passes
  • Eat at bacari (local wine bars) for cicchetti
  • Book accommodations well in advance
  • Use water buses instead of water taxis
  • Visit churches and museums with combo tickets

Seasonal Recommendations

  • Winter: Carnival celebrations and fewer tourists
  • Spring: Perfect weather for sightseeing
  • Summer: Beach time at Lido
  • Fall: Film festival and cultural events
  • Year-round: Museum visits and gondola rides

Safety Precautions

  • Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas
  • Keep valuables secure, especially in crowded vaporettos
  • Check acqua alta forecasts
  • Carry a map (easy to get lost)
  • Use official water taxis
  • Keep emergency numbers handy
  • Be cautious on slippery bridges during rain

Venice is more than just a city; it’s a testament to human ingenuity and artistic achievement. Despite challenges from overtourism and rising waters, it remains one of the world’s most enchanting destinations. Whether exploring hidden campi (squares), dining on fresh seafood, or gliding through centuries-old canals, Venice offers an unparalleled experience that continues to captivate visitors from around the globe. Plan your visit thoughtfully to fully appreciate this floating city’s magic while respecting its delicate balance with nature and history.

Note: The travel package prices provided are estimates based on current market rates. Actual costs may fluctuate due to factors such as peak tourist seasons and other circumstances beyond our control.