Plan your visit to Venice, Italy
The Floating City is as romantic as it gets, with its gondolas, serenaders, dazzling palazzos and churches, and almost timeless feel.
Walk on the cobblestone streets and arched bridges of this pedestrian-friendly island city in northeastern Italy and let your senses guide you. Hear the water lap against the gondolas in the canals. Breathe in the aroma of fresh Italian food and taste quality wine on the restaurant terraces. Feel the sun warm your skin as you wander through St. Mark's Square(Piazza San Marco) and listen to street musicians perform serenades to lovers.
Even in the cooler winter months, Venice is bustling. Summer days can get hot and crowded, while autumn and spring are usually the most pleasant times to visit. It is easy to visit all premier attractions in just a few days. St. Mark’s Square is magnificent and a good place to start. Two of Venice’s most spectacular buildings, St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) and the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), rub shoulders at the east end of the square. Find the best example of Venice’s Byzantine influence in the basilica, with its ornate golden mosaics and elaborate domes. The palace impresses with ostentatious displays of wealth and power.
The S-shaped Grand Canal brings you to most attractions. You could spend hours just watching gondolas and vaporettos (water buses), or hop on one yourself for a romantic boat ride. Glide past buildings such as the Gothic-style palace Ca’ d’Oro, the Basilica of St. Mary of Health (Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute) and beneath the iconic Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto). Stop for a plate of risi e bise (rice and peas) at a traditional osterie (a bar serving food).
Don’t miss treasures such as the Chiesa Santa Maria dei Miracoli, a 15th-century marble church. Take a ferry ride to the islands of Murano and Burano. Both are known for their artisans who work with glass and lace respectively. The islands make for a peaceful day trip away from the chaotic but irresistible heart of Venice.
Savor your days in the Floating City and enjoy the Italian passion for food, romance and style.
For more details on interesting local attractions and activities, check out our things to do in Venice page.
St. Mark's Square - Experience the timeless charm of Venice’s glorious heart, home to the city’s most famous cultural icons, many cafés ... and several thousand pigeons.
Rialto Bridge - Take a stroll across Venice’s oldest and most iconic bridge for romantic views, souvenir shopping and street entertainment.
Port of Venice - Explore the waterfront of Port of Venice and enjoy other activities such as boating in Venice. Experience the area's acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums.
St. Mark's Basilica - Gilded mosaics, a jewel-encrusted screen and magnificent Byzantine architecture make this cathedral one of the most stunning attractions in Venice.
Doge's Palace - This grand building was home to Venice’s rulers for centuries and is still a statement of wealth and power.
Teatro La Fenice - Tour the lavish interior of one of Italy's most prestigious music venues then enjoy an evening of classic or experimental opera.
Grand Canal - Venice’s famous canal winds through the city and brings you to nearly all of its world-famous attractions. Hop in a gondola or vaporetto to take it all in!
Bridge of Sighs - Arching high over the water, linking a palace with a prison, is a spectacular bridge steeped in local legends.
Classic 30 minutes Gondola Ride - Glide through enchanting canals just like Venetians of yesteryear with a serene ride in a traditional gondola. As a master gondolier leads you down the Grand Canal and into smaller waterways, soak up the sights of the distinct Gothic buildings and arching bridges that make the city so magical.
Murano & Burano Tour - The charming sights of the Venetian Lagoon are yours to explore on this tour of the islands of Murano and Burano. An expert guide joins you on an outing to discover the famous landmarks, exquisite crafts, and relaxed way of life to be found there.
Venice in A Day: St Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace & Gondola Ride - If you want to make sure you cover the highlights of Venice, this full day tour is your best choice. If you’re only spending a few days in Venice, covering the best attractions in a single day is a smart idea.
Venice in a Day with St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, & Gondola Ride - Get a sense of the history, art, and culture of Venice on this full-day tour combining all the best experiences into one day. Enjoy a guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, take to the water on a gondola ride, and explore famous piazzas and hidden backstreets on a walking tour.
Half Day Murano and Burano Island Tour by Private Boat - Looking for a convenient and hassle-free way to explore the enchanting realms of Murano and Burano during your visit to Venice? Say goodbye to the commotion of public ferries, and instead, join our intimate group tour that unveils the charms of these Venetian Islands, from the comfort of your private round-trip transportation by water taxi.
Venice: Murano and Burano Half-Day Lagoon Trip - Depart from the railway station on Piazzale Roma and journey to Murano, famous for its glass-blowing industry. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the still-thriving tradition has been passed down over generations and each glass blower has developed their own personal style.