What to do in Venice, Italy
93Somehow I was sure I would be disappointed with Venice because I knew it too well from watching Death in Venice, Don't Look Now or The Italian Job.
How wrong I was!
However well you think you know Venice before you arrive, you can be sure of being surprised and astonished. Overwhelmed, even.
Gondola ride in Venice
Movies about Venice, Italy
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It's not just the famous sights of Venice, though goodness knows they are impressive enough. It's the way that you can meander through theseemingly endless maze of backstreets and then find yourself in the most enchanted square, completely alone and at ease even in the busiest time of summer.
It's the way that you can relax in small bars on, say, Campo Santa Maria Formosa, eating your cichette - small tapas-like portions such as a stuffed tomato or some mortadella on a toothpick - and drinking your chianti, watching the world go by, and feeling totally content.
It's the way that you can jump on what must be the most spectacular public transport system in the world - the vaporetto, or water bus - and pay 5 dollars to float down the Grand Canal alongside the gondolas which make the same journey for 150 dollars!
But let's consider some of the treasures for which Venice, Italy is known around the world, and which make the city one of the most popular of all tourist destinations. The good news is that the city is only about 4.5 kilometers long, and although it is really 117 different islands, you can walk around it easily.
So, where should you go?
Obviously, there are some ‘must see' places that are emblematic of Venice.
- If you arrive by sea, the first recognizable feature for you will be the unmistakable Doge's Palace, perhaps the city's most famous individual building, and one which rises more like a castle out of the waters. This imposing structure, which played a key role in the city's history, is a Gothic masterpiece.
- Nearby is the Basilica of San Marco - Saint Mark's Cathedral - a mixture of Byzantine, Roman, Venetian and Gothic styles, full of columns, arches, gigantic domes and the incredibly precious Golden Pala, an altarpiece with sapphires, emeralds, pearls, amethysts, rubies, agate, topaz and garnets -1927 stones in all - inlaid into gold leaf. No visit to San Marco, of course, would be complete without going to the top of the 325 foot campanile, or bell tower, to see the spectacular city and lagoon laid out at your feet. And, if you can't face the climb, there is an elevator now!
- Saint Mark's Square itself, Piazza San Marco, the focal point of Venice's transport system, is also the hub of the city itself. Its patterned floor, outdoor cafes, women shaking their bags of maize for you to buy to feed the pigeons and its surrounding architectural glories will live in your memory for long after you've departed.
Explore Venice, Italy
Basilica of San Marco, Venice - 
Piazza San Marco, Venice - 
Ponte di Rialto, Venice - 
Campo di Santa Margarita, Venice - - The Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) is another truly memorable sight. If you're really lucky, the first time you see the bridge will be when you are on a vaporetto - I know the number 1 comes this way and I suspect others do - and you turn a corner in the Grand Canal and the bridge is there in front of you. It's an arched bridge, lined with shops - the price hike is horrendous here, though, so be careful - and has been exactly as it is now for about 400 years.
- For something a little different, I suggest you go over to the island of Murano, which is where you can see Venetian glass being blown in the traditional manner. You can see, and buy, all kinds of mementos made from the multi-colored glass. It is possible to buy a ticket for guided tours which includes the boat trip out to the island but, personally, I would suggest jumping on a number 71 vaporetto ( you'll have gathered, I'm a big fan! ) and you then can do things at your own pace.
- A similar experience can be had visiting another small island, Burano, where the most delicate Venetian lace is still being handmade.
- In the evenings, I can recommend the area around Campo di Santa Margarita, which has a lot of upbeat bars, student haunts and good restaurants. My favorite here is L'incontro, which serves Sardinian cuisine rather than Venetian, but it is sensational.
Of course, you will want to take a ride in a gondola and be serenaded by a handsome young Italian in a striped shirt but the 150 dollar remark earlier wasn't a joke, I'm afraid, so be prepared for it.
For me, the best time to visit Venice, Italy would be in the spring or autumn, when the weather is milder and the streets less crowded. But even in the busy season, you can escape the crowds on smaller streets, and early in the morning -- check out Venice Italy in the morning. Bottom line, whenever you decide to go, the important thing is to make sure that you do!
Venice Guidebooks
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Useful links for Venice, Italy
- Venice, Italy - Planning your trip to Venice
Useful info in planning a visit to Venice - Venice webcams
From the official site of the city, webcams of Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, or a couple of other locations - Venice - Wikipedia
Has an extensive history of the city, as well as descriptions of local landmarks you'll see today. - Venice Travel and Tourist Information
Venice guide for visitors, all sorts of useful information if you're visiting.
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Hi Keith - Thanks so much for the comment! It really is an amazing city, isn't it? Cool that you got to experience the cichette like a local. (-: - Deanna.
Greetings, Happy Explorer, Thank you for the journey down memory lane. Though my visit to Venice was with a college fraternity brother and his Italian-American parents 30 years ago, I visited all of the attractions described vividly by you. The glass factories of Murano are a unique and eclectic experience. However, the beauty of the 14th and 15th century wall fresco art should not be overlooked. Several pieces were being restored from flood damage at the time of my visit. If my memory serves me, Leonardo DaVinci painted one of them. Italian seafood cuisine was another memorable flavor of Venice for me. Cheers, sligobay
Hi sligobay - Thanks for your comment! I'm glad it brought back some good memories for you, and you've certainly added some additional useful points for readers too. Cheers, - Deanna.
it was my dream to visit venice and you made it happen in fo]ront of my eyes
happy explorer
happy exploring
Hi tinyteddy -
I'm so happy to help you with that dream! Maybe someday it can still come true in person, and you'll be the one taking videos on the canal. (-:
Thanks for your comment, and have a great day! - Deanna.
We visited Venice in 2001 and loved it - but we had only a day and 1/2 to experience it. We are going back in October this year for our 25th wedding anniversary and plan to savor the things you have on your list...some of which we saw before, but, its to experience another world! So looking forward to sitting in San Marco, listening and dancing to the bands in the evening! One of my favorite memories.
A beautiful hub.But I wish to clear a doubt. Was Marco Polo from Venice?
Hi FeatherzMom -
Thanks for your comment That's wonderful that you're going back for a milestone anniversary. Enjoy your time in San Marco! (-:
- Deanna.
Hi Ram-m -That's an excellent question about Marco Polo. It's certain that he lived in Venice, but even experts disagree on where he was born. I was in Korcula Croatia a few years ago, and they claim the birthplace of Marco Polo to be there. Others say he was born in Venice. Nobody seems to have definitive proof one way or the other.
Thanks for your comment! - Deanna.
Venezzia - Venice is one of my favorite places. When I am there I almost cannot sleep, I mean it. Don't go to Venice for less than a long weekend, because there are simply too many things to see and to enjoy. I especially like it, when it is not so crowded and that means not in the high tourist season. Go to any of the churches there, especially smaller ones which are not so crowded, sit and enjoy the special silence of long centuries of art and prayer which surrounds you, there. Go to the Galleria Academia, sit in front of the any master painting and the time will stop. Go to the small restaurant in any side street, ask the waiter what is his recommendation that day, order a bottle of Chianti Classico(also recommended by the author of this hub) and take time for tracing different tastes of food melting with wine. When ordering your coffee choose espresso, macchiato or cappuccino, never 'grande Americano' or Starbucks style late, because you are going to renounce yourself that you have absolutely no old manners and taste. Venice is my dream place on Earth and I'd chosen a name for my daughter in one of its churches, there - Little church, where is the thumb of St.Lucia.
Hi solarshingles -
WOW - what a powerful comment! I agree with you totally about going in the off-season, when it's quiet and calm enough to enjoy those reflective moments you describe. Honestly, my scalp tingled when I read the part about sitting in front of a master painting and time stopping. You've got it exactly. (-:
Thanks for sharing a great (and timeless) moment! - Deanna.
Hi happyexplorer,
Nice to read your hubpage and getting a chance to know interesting things about Venice, sitting here in India. However, I’ve one question. You talked about gondola ride and also made a comment on its cost (150 dollar remark earlier wasn't a joke, I'm afraid), but you didn’t specify whether is it worth 150 $ or not. This question just haunted me and so I’d to ask. I myself feel that it’s too costly.
Hi indianguy -
It's hard to say whether it's worth it or not. That depends on everything from your financial situation, to the weather (gondola-ing on a cold rainy day?), to how romantic you're feeling about the person you're with. (-: Personally, the first few times I went to Venice I skipped the gondola because of the cost, but the last time I was there I did it -- largely because it's such a tradition, and I wanted to experience it at least once in my life. Thanks for your visit!
This is a great article, since I am planning a trip to venice Italy in the very near future. This information is very insightful for were I need to go and do when I arrive in Venice Italy.
Well, actually you really sound romantic and look romantic. Will you accompany me if I ever decide to go to Venice? I'm waiting eagerly for your reply, to be more specific, for your "positive" reply. Until then, I'll enjoy dreaming. Hope you don't mind:)
P.S.: I'm no dangerous creature and you'll be completely safe with me, at least from me. Think about it!!!
happyexplorer,
I can't find the comment I submitted here yesterday. Can I know why? I mean to ask whether you deleted it or it just didn't get posted due to some error. Please reply. Thanks!!!
Hi indianguy -
I haven't deleted any comments, but sometimes it takes me a while to get around to moderating them, so perhaps that's why it wasn't showing up when you looked.
Thanks for the compliments!
Hello again H.Ex.
You've inspired a return visit booked for December. hope all is well with you. G
Hi Sligobay -
How cool! I hope you have a wonderful trip in December. It's nice visiting in the winter, when it's not so crowded. Enjoy!!!
is it worth taking the tour Murano, Burano and Torcello Half-Day Sightseeing Tour? or should we go tomurano on our own?
Just came back from Venice and have to say it's the biggest tourist trap inthe world. Beautiful city though! Shame that's it's so expensive. Coffee for 2 at Florian's will cost you $50 (6 euro each for the coffee plus another 6 euro each for the table, plus tip) Public washrooms cost 2 euro. You always end up paying extra for things such as sitting at the table, wrapper for takeout food, bread with your meal etc The food portions are measly. A plain spaghetti dinner, no drinks, no bread will cost $20. Gondolas cost 80 euro for 1/2 hour and the gondoleers do not dress up anymore, just wear jeans. They take you around one building where you're stuck between other gondolas for most of that time. Trust me, the whole essence of Venetian romance is gone!
Hi Maria - It's really quite easy to visit Murano on your own, so if you're comfortabel venturing out on your own I'd recommend that. It also gives you more flexibility, instead of having to stick to a preset tour schedule. However, the flip side is that a tour guide could point out things that you might not catch on your own.
Hi Andrew - I'm sorry to hear you didn't feel the romance. It's certainly true that Venice can get overcrowded and expensive in tourist season. I think there is still beauty, peace and romance there, but you have to get away from the crowds to find it, into the little back streets and quiet islands (or in the off season). It's hard to feel romantic with a thousand tourists jostling around you!
great information.
thank you
ive been there its boring i got to ride on a gondola
Great hub, I hope to visit Venice one day
Mary - Thanks!
Jen - Sorry you found it boring... To me, it was anything but! I love Venice, and there's a lot to see and do there.
Sophs - I hope you make it there, too! (-:
i just came back from venice and its such a betiaful city! I did enijoy the gondola rides every day... expensive but fun! Im going back in december with my 2 firends... its one of there birthdays. Im so excited 2 go back though!
Went to Venice last year and its AMAZING! I never go board.. there was just always something to do or see! Its so pretty and just so amazing. I'm hoping to go again this year or next but with a friend this time. I give Venice 2 thumbs up.. no questions asked! But i will tell you its nothing the the hotel remodeled after it in las veges!
Lily - How lucky you are to go twice like that! And what an amazing way to celebrate somebody's birthday. Now who could I suggest this to for my birthday... hmmm... LOL (-:
Absolutely stunning hub!
Thanks for the great hub happyexplorer.
Booked up to go Venice next year the other day. Cannot wait to experience it.
very Nive description Keith,of this beautiful jewel in the region of Veneto! I would like to remind everyone that Venice is famous for its carnival-old! If you come to Italy in March or February, do not miss it!
Hi almurray! I'm sure you'll have an amazing time in Venice. Have a great trip!
Hello Lastminute tour. That seem likes a wonderful idea! I will definitely check on it.
Fantastic Hub. I'd love to visit Venice one day!
Beautiful presentation. Venice looks fantastic, as I'm sure it is.
Hi st lucia for sale and daktari,
Thank you! I write a lot about Venice. I always have a fantastic time visiting Venice. If you do go I'd love to hear about your trips!
Hi! will be goin to Venice in two days time with my girlfriend. wish me luck! thank you for the tips.will do my best to make our stay as romantic as i can.. i shall express my views soon!
Hi paulrobert! I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time with your girlfriend - Venice is simply gorgeous! I'm looking forward to hearing from you! Safe trip!
Hi.... i'm going to Venice and all other parts in Italy in two weeks. I was there once but didn't enjoy it all that much but after reading this its given me lots of ideas so i decided to go back
Thanks for writing this article!! :)
heres a good pic of Venice
Hi Alexis! I'm really glad that this hub inspired you to go back! Thanks for sharing the photo - stunning!
Excellent Hub. I want to visit Piazza San Marco and go for a ride in a gondola. The closest I have gotten to that was in Las Vegas
Thank you danfresnourban. Piazza San Marco is splendid! Who knows? A Venice trip might be just around the corner. :-)
what a beautiful place. this hub is going into my bookmarks and will help serve as a guide for when i travel here one day.
Hi applejuic3! I'm glad that you find this hub useful for your future travel plans. Share with us your experience when you you do so. :-)
hi i am coming venice nxt week can u pls tell some famous and nice places to visit and some good medetireean restaurant pls?
and what is cichette?
Just like to add Gallerie dell'Accademia to your list - some fabulous renaissance artwork, especially the paintings by Bellini.
Hi cressinia!
Thanks for adding to the list - Bellini artwork is indeed amazing!
this has helped me a lot
Hi Marika!
You'll surely love Venice! Do not miss out on the must see sights like The Rialto Bridge and The Bell Tower. Cichette are small tapas-like portions such as a stuffed tomato or some mortadella on a toothpick - you must try it.
HI! I would like to know whether August is an off season time or season time.
Thank you.
Hi D - August is a very popular time to visit Venice, but it's not my favorite. August can be quite crowded. If your travel plans aren't tied to a school schedule, I'd prefer to travel in spring or fall. However, Venice is lovely in any season, so if August is when you can travel, then go for it! (-:
KeithB 4 years ago
Great Hub. It really made me visualize this beautiful city and took my back to my trip their a few years ago. Our favorite thing was experiencing the cichette at several different bars.