Best things to do in Venice
Find out more about those top places in Venice
Venice: The Floating City That Will Steal Your Gondola (and Your Heart!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide to This Watery Wonderland!
Ciao amici and welcome to Venice, one of Italy's most famously fabulous cities! Imagine a place where streets are replaced by shimmering canals, where your morning commute might involve a graceful glide on a gondola, and where the only traffic jams involve politely maneuvering around fellow water taxis. Situated on a captivating group of 118 small islands in north-eastern Italy, Venice is the proud capital of the Veneto region and a city that truly defies gravity (and traditional urban planning!).
Often affectionately nicknamed the "City of Bridges" (and trust us, there are a lot of them!), Venice isn't your run-of-the-mill metropolis. Forget honking horns and crowded sidewalks; here, the soundtrack is the gentle lapping of water against ancient stone and the melodic calls of gondoliers serenading their passengers. Instead of roads, a network of intricate canals serves as the city's arteries, with its numerous picturesque bridges acting as the charming veins that link this unique archipelago together. It's like someone took a beautiful city and decided to set it adrift in a dream!
Like most of its Italian brethren, Venice is a top tourist destination, and for darn good reason! Prepare to be mesmerized by its fascinating palaces that whisper tales of powerful doges and opulent merchant families, its top art galleries brimming with masterpieces that have inspired generations, and its incredibly welcoming locals who will greet you with a warm smile and maybe even a helpful tip on the best cicchetti (Venetian tapas!).
But Venice is more than just pretty buildings and friendly faces. It's a city that dances on water, a place where history and romance intertwine at every turn. Get lost in its labyrinthine alleyways, discover hidden courtyards bathed in sunlight, and let the magic of this extraordinary city wash over you. Just be prepared to fall head over heels – and maybe get slightly disoriented (it's all part of the fun!).
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most exciting things to do in this enchanting floating city. Get ready for some truly unforgettable sightseeing, from gliding along iconic canals and exploring magnificent palaces to admiring world-class art and savoring the unique flavors of Venetian cuisine, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Venice a truly special and hilariously unforgettable destination.
Top Attractions: Canals, Palaces, and Artistic Treasures!
Venice is a city overflowing with iconic sights and experiences:
The Grand Canal: Venice's Majestic Waterway
Glide along the Grand Canal, Venice's main thoroughfare, aboard a gondola, vaporetto (water bus), or traghetto (gondola ferry). Admire the stunning palaces lining its banks – a quintessential Venetian thing to do and a must for your sightseeing.
St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco): The Heart of Venice
Explore the iconic St. Mark's Square, the bustling heart of Venice, home to architectural marvels like St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. A top attraction and a fantastic place to visit.
St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco): Byzantine Splendor
Marvel at the breathtaking St. Mark's Basilica, with its stunning Byzantine mosaics and opulent interiors. Climb St. Mark's Campanile (bell tower) for panoramic views of the city. A key place to visit for art and history lovers.
Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale): A Seat of Power
Explore the magnificent Doge's Palace, the former seat of Venetian power, filled with opulent rooms and fascinating history. Walk across the Bridge of Sighs for a touch of romance (or perhaps a bit of historical drama!). A top attraction for sightseeing.
Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto): Iconic Crossing
Stroll across the iconic Rialto Bridge, one of the most famous bridges in Venice, offering stunning views of the Grand Canal. Browse the shops lining its sides. A must-see landmark.
Things to Do Beyond the Iconic Landmarks: Islands, Art, and Culinary Delights!
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Venice vibe:
- Get Lost in the Backstreets: Wander through Venice's labyrinthine alleyways and discover hidden courtyards and charming bridges away from the main tourist crowds.
- Visit the Islands of the Venetian Lagoon: Take a boat trip to the colorful island of Burano (famous for its lacemaking), the glassmaking island of Murano, or the tranquil island of Torcello.
- Explore the Peggy Guggenheim Collection: Admire modern art masterpieces in this beautiful gallery located on the Grand Canal.
- Indulge in Cicchetti and Wine: Experience the Venetian tradition of enjoying small snacks (cicchetti) and local wine at bacari (traditional Venetian bars).
- Take a Gondola Ride: While it might be a bit touristy, a gondola ride is a classic Venetian experience that offers a unique perspective of the city's canals.
So, if you're looking for places to visit in Italy that offer a truly unique and enchanting experience, Venice is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an unforgettable adventure filled with incredible sightseeing and exciting things to do. Just be prepared to fall in love with its watery charm and maybe get slightly lost (it's all part of the fun!). Ciao bella Venezia!
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Basilica di San Marco
The emphatic cathedral is the most famous structure in Venice, also known as the St. Mark’s Basilica it represents the prestige of the Venetians. Built in 1092, it was designed by various Italian architects - the St. Mark’s Basilica interior and exterior can be said to be one that exudes opulence, with its mixture of Italian and Byzantine style. The cathedral is well-known for its several domes and 8000 square meters mosaics decorations.
All-Inclusive Tour: Doge Palace, St Mark's Basilica & Square
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Palazzo Ducale
The Palazzo Ducale remains one of Venice's most important landmarks. Built in 1340 using Venetian Gothic architectural style, the palace was once the residence of the Doge of Venice, the leader of the Former Venetian Republic. Officially now a museum, it remains one of the best places in the city to explore - it features the Museo dell’Opera and the old Doge’s Apartments which are now used for art exhibitions. But the highlights of the Palace are the Sacla d’Oro (Golden Staircase) a 24-carat gilt stucco-work and the Sala delle Quattro Porte (Hall of four Doors).
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Gallerie dell’Accademia
If you are looking for the best of Venetian art, then a trip to the Gallerie dell’Accademia is a must. Situated on the south bank of the Grand Canal, the former convent turned gallery houses most of the Venetian artworks from before the 19th century. It has works from famous artists such as Lazzarro Bastiani, Giulio Carpioni among many others. However, its crown jewel is the masterpiece “Drawing of Vitruvian Man” by Leonardo da Vinci.
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Canal Grande
Venice is majorly known as a city that has no roads but one of several canals, the most popular of them all is the Canal Grande. The S-shaped canal is 2.8 km long and runs from the lagoon close to the Santa Lucia railway Station into the basin at San Marco. A tour on the Canal Grande is one of the best ways to see the city – passing through its famous bridges and seeing the city’s best architectural works in one full sweep using the city’s vaporetto (water bus).
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Campanile di San Marco
Located in the Piazza San Marco, the bell tower is the tallest structure in Venice, towering at a height of 98.6 meters. The building has been reconstructed several times after suffering from a series of natural and man made disasters, its most recent reconstruction was in 1912 after its collapse of 1902. Crowned by the golden Statue of the Angel Gabriel, the building is one of the Venice symbols - it offers visitors a chance to take an elevator to its highest floor for a panoramic view of the city.
