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 fascinating museums and acclaimed art scene.
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.
Lido of Venice Beaches - Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Lido of Venice Beaches during your travels in Venice? Check out the churches and charming cafes in this romantic area.
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.
Bridge of Sighs - Arching high over the water, linking a palace with a prison, is a spectacular bridge steeped in local legends.
Venice: Four Seasons Concert Ticket at Vivaldi Church - Delight your ears with a performance of Vivaldi's Four Seasons by the “I Virtuosi Italiani” ensemble in the church of Santa Maria della Visitazione in Venice. Experience the emotion of listening to Vivaldi's music in the places where it was composed.
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: 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.