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
St. Mark's Basilica and Piazza San Marco
2
Doge's Palace
3
Rialto Bridge and market
4
Gondola ride on side canals
5
Burano and Murano island hop
6
Grand Canal vaporetto ride
7
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
8
Bridge of Sighs
Budget travel
Free things to do in Venice
St. Mark's Basilica and Piazza San Marco
Rialto Bridge and market
Gondola ride on side canals
Grand Canal vaporetto ride
Bridge of Sighs
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
Local favourites
- $
Cantine del Vino già Schiavi
Cicchetti · Classic bacaro — locals' cicchetti pick
- $$$
Osteria alle Testiere
Seafood · Tiny seafood temple — book ahead
- $
All'Arco
Cicchetti · Standing-room-only Rialto favourite
- $$$
Trattoria da Fiore
Venetian · San Polo classic
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
The Gritti Palace
Grand Canal · 15th-century palazzo on the canal
- $$$$
Aman Venice
Grand Canal · Palazzo Papadopoli luxury
- $$$$
Belmond Hotel Cipriani
Giudecca · Legendary resort away from the crowds
- $$$
Hotel Flora
San Marco · Family-run garden hotel favourite
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
