Venice, Italy Travel Guide

Discover the timeless charm and romance of Venice, Italy, where winding canals, historic landmarks, and artistic treasures create a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

Venice, a city built on water, is known for its winding canals, stunning architecture, and rich history. This enchanting city is made up of 118 small islands connected by over 400 bridges. With no cars or roads, the primary mode of transportation is by boat, giving visitors a unique and serene experience as they navigate the city's waterways. The heart of Venice is the iconic St. Mark's Square, home to the awe-inspiring St. Mark's Basilica and the towering Campanile. The square is a bustling hub of activity, where visitors can enjoy a coffee at a historic café, listen to live music, and watch the world go by. Just a short walk away is the Doge's Palace, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that offers a glimpse into the city's grand past. Exploring Venice's narrow alleyways and hidden corners reveals countless treasures, from charming piazzas and historic churches to local artisan shops and quaint cafés. The Rialto Bridge, one of the city's most famous landmarks, offers stunning views of the Grand Canal and is a must-visit for any traveler. For a truly magical experience, take a gondola ride through the canals at sunset, when the city's beauty is bathed in golden light. Venice is also renowned for its art and culture. The city hosts the prestigious Venice Biennale, an international art exhibition that attracts artists and visitors from around the world. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection, housed in a grand canal-side palace, features works by some of the most important artists of the 20th century. Food lovers will delight in Venice's culinary scene, which features fresh seafood, delicious cicchetti (small plates), and traditional Venetian dishes. Whether you're wandering through its historic streets, savoring its culinary delights, or simply soaking in its timeless beauty, Venice offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Venice.

Visit St. Mark's Basilica early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Purchase a Venezia Unica City Pass for discounted entry to major attractions and unlimited use of public transportation.
Explore the lesser-known neighborhoods of Dorsoduro and Cannaregio for a more authentic Venetian experience.
Try the local cicchetti (small plates) at a traditional bacaro (wine bar) for a taste of authentic Venetian cuisine.
Take a day trip to the nearby islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello for a different perspective on Venetian life.

Neighbourhoods in Venice

San Marco

Cannaregio

Castello

Dorsoduro

San Polo

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Venice

Explore Venice: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Venice

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Piazza San Marco

Discover the enchanting beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Piazza San Marco, Venice's iconic heart and a must-visit tourist attraction.

4.7

St. Mark's Square

Explore St. Mark's Square, Venice's iconic plaza filled with stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture, perfect for soaking in the city's charm.

4.7

Ponte di Rialto

Explore Venice's iconic Ponte di Rialto, a stunning bridge that connects history, culture, and breathtaking views over the Grand Canal.

4.7

The Basilica of St. Anthony

Discover the architectural beauty and spiritual significance of the Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua, a must-visit destination for travelers.

4.8

Best landmarks in Venice

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

St. Mark's Square

Experience the vibrant heart of Venice at St. Mark's Square, a historic plaza surrounded by stunning architecture and lively atmosphere.

4.7

Rialto Bridge

Explore the iconic Rialto Bridge in Venice, a breathtaking architectural marvel that connects vibrant markets with stunning canal views.

4.7

Doge's Palace

Discover the grandeur of Doge's Palace, a historical gem in Venice showcasing exquisite Gothic architecture and captivating art.

4.7

Bridge of Sighs

Discover the haunting beauty of Venice's Bridge of Sighs, a historical landmark connecting the Doge's Palace to the city's prisons.

4.6

Best restaurants in Venice

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Trattoria Al Gazzettino

Savor authentic Italian cuisine at Trattoria Al Gazzettino in Venice, where fresh seafood meets traditional flavors in a warm atmosphere.

4.4

Rio Novo

Experience exquisite seafood and authentic Italian cuisine at Rio Novo, one of Venice's premier dining destinations for food lovers.

4.6

Bacaro Quebrado

Experience authentic Venetian cuisine at Bacaro Quebrado, where delicious cicchetti and local wines create unforgettable moments in Venice.

4.5

Nevodi

Discover authentic Italian cuisine at Nevodi, where fresh seafood meets traditional Venetian hospitality in the heart of Venice.

4.6

Best bars in Venice

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Bacareto da Lele

Discover Bacareto da Lele: Venice's charming wine bar offering exquisite local wines and delicious cicchetti in a cozy atmosphere.

4.8

Devil’s Forest Pub

Discover the inviting atmosphere of Devil's Forest Pub in Venice, where cocktails and local brews create the perfect Italian experience.

4.3

Arcicchetti Bakaro

Discover the authentic taste of Venice at Arcicchetti Bakaro, where delightful cicchetti and local wines create unforgettable moments.

4.8

Irish Pub Santa Lucia

Discover an authentic Irish pub experience in the heart of Venice, offering hearty meals and a vibrant atmosphere for travelers.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Venice

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Bacaro Jazz

Experience the enchanting blend of live jazz, exquisite cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere at Bacaro Jazz in Venice.

4.0

Venice Jazz Club

Discover the heart of jazz in Venice at the Venice Jazz Club, where enchanting music and an intimate atmosphere come together for an unforgettable experience.

4.7

Molocinque

Discover Molocinque: Venice's premier disco club offering unforgettable nights of dance, music, and vibrant energy in a captivating setting.

3.7

Bra's Cocktail Bar

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Venice at Bra's Cocktail Bar, where innovative cocktails meet a welcoming atmosphere for all.

4.0

Best shops in Venice

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Designer Outlet Noventa di Piave

Discover amazing discounts and indulge in delicious cuisine at the Designer Outlet Noventa di Piave, a must-visit shopping destination near Venice.

4.4

Nave de Vero

Explore Nave de Vero, Venice's vibrant shopping mall offering a range of stores, dining options, and family-friendly entertainment all in one place.

4.3

Venice | Fondaco Dei Tedeschi by DFS

Discover luxury shopping and breathtaking views at Fondaco Dei Tedeschi, Venice's iconic duty-free destination, blending history and modern elegance.

4.6

T Fondaco dei Tedeschi by DFS

Experience luxury shopping at T Fondaco dei Tedeschi, Venice's premier destination for fashion, beauty, and breathtaking views.

4.6

Explore Venice on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Venice, mapped for you.

Venice Essentials

Venice is accessible by air, rail, road, and sea. The nearest airport is Marco Polo Airport (VCE), located about 13 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take a water taxi or the ACTV bus to Piazzale Roma. Venice is also well-connected by train, with Santa Lucia Station serving as the main rail hub. For those arriving by car, parking is available at Tronchetto or Piazzale Roma, but it's important to note that Venice's historic center is car-free. Cruise ships also dock at the Venice Cruise Terminal, offering another convenient entry point.
Venice is renowned for its unique transportation system, which relies on waterways rather than roads. The primary modes of transport are vaporetti (water buses), water taxis, and gondolas. The vaporetti are the most cost-effective way to get around, with routes covering the Grand Canal and the lagoon islands. Water taxis offer a more private but expensive option. Gondolas are best suited for short, scenic trips rather than practical transportation. Walking is also a great way to explore the city's narrow streets and alleys, but be prepared for numerous bridges and stairs.
The official currency in Venice is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated; rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount for good service is customary.
Venice is generally a safe city for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge, and on public transportation. Avoid poorly lit and deserted areas at night. The Cannaregio district, particularly around the train station, has reported higher incidents of petty crime, so extra caution is advised there.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Venice has several hospitals and clinics, with the main hospital being Ospedale SS Giovanni e Paolo. Pharmacies are also widely available for minor health issues. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For lost or stolen items, report to the local police station (Questura) for assistance.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites; shoulders and knees should be covered. Avoid overly casual attire in fine dining establishments. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remain quiet and respectful inside churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding vaporetti. Don't block the passageways and be respectful of seating. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Buongiorno' (good morning) or 'Buonasera' (good evening). A handshake is common for formal introductions. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and savor Venetian cuisine. Don't rush meals; dining is a leisurely and social experience.
To experience Venice like a local, visit the less touristy areas such as Cannaregio and Dorsoduro. Enjoy a spritz at a local bacaro (wine bar) and try cicchetti (Venetian tapas). Take advantage of the Traghetto, a gondola service that ferries people across the Grand Canal for a minimal fee. Visit the Rialto Market early in the morning for fresh produce and seafood. Engage with locals; Venetians are generally friendly and willing to share their city's rich history and culture.

When is the best time to visit Venice?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Venice

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Venice. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloCiao
  [chow]
- GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
- YesSì
  [see]
- NoNo
  [no]
- Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
- Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
- Excuse me/SorryScusi/Mi dispiace
  [skoo-zee/mee dees-pyah-cheh]
- How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stah-ee]
- Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
- Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
- I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore
  [vohr-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
- I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
- Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
- I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-ray pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]
- Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
- Go away!Vai via!
  [vai vee-ah]
- Call the Police!Chiamate la polizia!
  [kyah-mah-teh lah poh-lee-tsyah]
- Call a doctor!Chiamate un medico!
  [kyah-mah-teh oon meh-dee-koh]
- I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-no pehr-soh]
- I'm illSono malato
  [soh-no mah-lah-toh]
- I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-ray kohm-prah-reh]
- I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwahr-dahn-doh]
- How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
- That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
- Can you lower the price?Può abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwoh ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preht-soh]
- What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
- It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
- Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezzo
  [soh-no leh dee-eh-chee eh meh-tsoh]
- MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
- AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
- EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
- YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
- TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
- TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
- 1Uno
  [oo-no]
- 2Due
  [dweh]
- 3Tre
  [treh]
- 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
- 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
- 6Sei
  [say]
- 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
- 8Otto
  [oht-toh]
- 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
- 10Dieci
  [dee-eh-chee]
- Where's a/the...?Dov'è un/il...?
  [doh-veh oon/eel]
- What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-reet-soh]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-trahr-mee soo-lah mahp-pah]
- When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohss-see-moh ow-toh-boos]
- A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-lyeh-toh pehr]

History of Venice

Venice was founded in the 5th century by refugees fleeing the invasions of northern tribes into Italy after the fall of the Roman Empire. The original settlers sought refuge in the marshy lagoon islands for their strategic location, which provided natural protection against invaders.
By the 9th century, Venice had emerged as a powerful maritime republic. Its strategic position along the trade routes between the East and West allowed it to dominate Mediterranean commerce. The city became a hub for trade, with goods like silk, spices, and precious metals flowing through its ports.
Venice played a crucial role in the Crusades, particularly the Fourth Crusade (1202-1204). The Venetians provided ships and logistical support in exchange for economic and territorial gains. This involvement led to the controversial sacking of Constantinople, which significantly boosted Venice's wealth and influence.
The 15th and 16th centuries marked the Golden Age of Venice. The city became a leading center of art, culture, and architecture. Renowned artists like Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese flourished during this period, leaving behind a legacy of masterpieces that still adorn Venetian churches and palaces.
By the 17th century, Venice began to decline due to several factors, including competition from other European powers, the discovery of new trade routes, and the rise of the Ottoman Empire. Despite its decline, Venice maintained its political independence until 1797, when it was conquered by Napoleon and later handed over to the Austrian Empire.
From 1815 to 1866, Venice was part of the Austrian Empire following the Congress of Vienna. During this period, Venice experienced significant cultural and economic stagnation. However, it also saw the rise of a strong nationalist movement that ultimately led to Venice joining the Kingdom of Italy in 1866.
In the 20th and 21st centuries, Venice has faced numerous challenges, including flooding, environmental issues, and the impact of mass tourism. Efforts to preserve the city's unique heritage and architecture are ongoing, with initiatives like the MOSE project aimed at protecting Venice from rising sea levels and tidal surges.
The Carnival of Venice is one of the city's most famous cultural events, dating back to the 12th century. Known for its elaborate masks and costumes, the carnival was historically a time when social norms were relaxed, and people from all walks of life mingled freely. Today, it remains a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world.
Venetian cuisine is a reflection of the city's rich history and its role as a trading hub. Traditional dishes include 'risotto al nero di seppia' (squid ink risotto), 'sarde in saor' (sweet and sour sardines), and 'baccalà mantecato' (creamed codfish). The use of spices like cinnamon and cloves, brought by Venetian merchants from the East, adds a unique flavor to the local cuisine.
Venetian architecture is renowned for its distinctive Gothic style, characterized by pointed arches, elaborate facades, and intricate details. Iconic structures like the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica exemplify this style. The city's unique setting on water also led to the development of palazzi with grand canal-facing entrances, designed to impress both residents and visitors.