Venice Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Venice which includes boating, heritage architecture and a river or creek

Venice Travel Guide Video

To describe Venice as a unique city would be unjust. It has more canals than roads, and pigeons than Trafalgar Square, and a winged lion as a mascot. It is also bursting with beauty, romance and history probably more so than anywhere in Italy,and that's saying something.

The most unique thing about Venice its composition the city is the sum of 118 small islands set on a marshy lagoon in Northeast Italy. There aren’t any roads, in the traditional sense instead travelling around the city is made possible by canals and bridges. The only ways to get around are on foot, by water taxis, gondola ferries, and pricey gondolas, mostly only frequented by tourists.

From a water taxi trip along the canals you’ll see palaces dating back centuries. Including the 9th-century Doge's Palace, once the centre of the Venetian Republic’s government and the official residence of Venetian ruler Doge. It is now one of Venice’s most famous museums. The Palace’s interior is as stunning as its ornate exterior.

Dotted throughout the city you’ll see lots of churches. Next to the Doge's Palace, you’ll find the most visited and renowned, the stunning Byzantine Cathedral Basilica of St Mark. This church has been built three times, the first, in the 9th –century, prior to its destruction by fire in 978. It was consecrated in the 17th-century. There are many striking features at the church, including Romanesque carvings, intricate mosaics, Greek Horses of St Mark, and the winged lion, the city’s symbol.

Both landmarks sit on the St Mark's Square (Piazza de San Marco), one of the city’s main public squares. Here you’ll find throngs of tourists feeding the many pigeons that are guaranteed a feast. There are lots of cafes and shops in and around the square, although they can be pricier than those off the main tourist trail.

San Rocco Church (Scuola of St Rocco), known as the Sistine Chapel of Venice, is another superb place of interest. Take in Tintoretto’s breath-taking ceiling paintings and remarkable wooden carvings. Go early to beat the crowds and take a guide to learn more about its history.When in Venice, you must experience a journey on the Grand Canal connecting the city’s many islands. It is a great way to see the best of the city and see how it is like to live on water.

Naturally, Venice has many bridges for getting around. The 17th-century Bridge of Sighs is legendary. Sitting over the Rio di Palazzo, this beautiful white limestone bridge connects the New Prison to Doge’s Palace, where prisoners were lead for interrogation, sighing as they had their last look at Venice. Legend has it that if you share a kiss at sunset, when passing underneath on a gondola, you will be granted eternal love!

Explore Venice on foot, away from the tourist trail, and you will navigate through picturesque narrow streets and alleyways, discovering hidden gems and charming squares along the way.

Where to stay in Venice

Dorsoduro which includes heritage architecture and a coastal town

Venice City Center

The stunning cathedral and charming cafes are just a few highlights of Venice City Center. Make a stop by St. Mark's Square or Teatro Goldoni while you're exploring the area.

Venice City Center
San Marco which includes a river or creek and kayaking or canoeing

San Marco

4.5/5(1,050 area reviews)

San Marco is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like St. Mark's Square and Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo.

San Marco
Venetian Ghetto which includes boating, a coastal town and heritage architecture

Cannaregio

4.5/5(577 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Cannaregio is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Jewish Museum of Venice and Venetian Ghetto.

Cannaregio
Castello which includes heritage architecture and a river or creek

Castello

4.5/5(409 area reviews)

Castello is known for its popular shops, and with sights like St. Mark's Square and Venetian Arsenal, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Venice.

Castello
Dorsoduro which includes a bridge and a river or creek

Dorsoduro

4.5/5(297 area reviews)

The ample dining options and fascinating museums are top of the list for many visitors to Dorsoduro. A stop by Maritime Station or Campo Santa Margherita might round out your trip.

Dorsoduro
San Polo featuring heritage architecture and a bay or harbour

San Polo

4.5/5(146 area reviews)

San Polo is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari and Palazzo Pisani Moretta while you're in town.

San Polo
Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
4 out of 5
Piazza San Marco 1107, Calle del Cavalletto, Venice, VE
The price is £145 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
£145
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, room service and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"Perfect for our stay-family of 4. Loved the location. Just a one minute walk to St. Marks Square. Staff was so helpful and accommodating. Many bakery and dining choices nearby. Gondolas outside the hotel. Cute bar to sit and view the canal. Lovely! We’ll be back!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
Hotel Montecarlo
Hotel Montecarlo
3 out of 5
Calle Specchieri 463 San Marco, Venice, VE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £184 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
£184
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"it was great."

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2024

Hotel Montecarlo
The St. Regis Venice
The St. Regis Venice
5 out of 5
Campo Barozzi, San Marco 2159, Venice, VE
The price is £842 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
£842
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast. Popular attractions St. Mark's Square and Rialto Bridge are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (69 reviews)
Fabulous
"Excellent service from the St Regis pickup at the train station, water taxi to the departure all coordinated to the perfection. Very welcoming and knowledgeable staff"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

The St. Regis Venice
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hu Venezia Camping in Town
Hu Venezia Camping in Town
3 out of 5
Via Giuseppe De Marchi 7, Marghera, Mestre, VE
Stay at this 3-star campsite in Mestre. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (2,103 reviews)
"The shuttle that takes you in & out of Venice was good.The restaurant was good. The accommodation was good"

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2023

Hu Venezia Camping in Town
Staycity Aparthotels, Venice, Mestre
Staycity Aparthotels, Venice, Mestre
Via Ca' Marcello 8L, Mestre, Venice
Stay at this aparthotel in Mestre. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (521 reviews)
"Everything went smoothly. The appartment was also really nice."

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

Staycity Aparthotels, Venice, Mestre
San Marco Palace
San Marco Palace
4 out of 5
Piazza San Marco, Ponte dei Dai 875, Venice, VE
Stay at this 4-star residence in Venice. Enjoy breakfast, room service and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (667 reviews)
"What an amazing staff. Rooms were beautiful. Staff was so helpful and polite. I’ve stayed in other areas but this was the best. Took my 85 year old mom, and she was able to get around well. Close to so much dining, coffee, shopping. Easy to get to water taxis. Definitely a great hotel to stay ..."

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2024

San Marco Palace
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

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Reviews of Venice

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1576
" "5 - Excellent 77.3307163886163%
4 - Good
411
" "4 - Good 20.166830225711482%
3 - Okay
43
" "3 - Okay 2.1099116781158%
2 - Disappointing
4
" "2 - Disappointing 0.19627085377821393%
1 - Terrible
4
" "1 - Terrible 0.19627085377821393%

5/5 - Excellent

Sarita
21 May 2020

Venice is a very beautiful city, best place to do for a baecation

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller
26 Apr 2020

Please put your customers first during a global crisis where the cancellation was not the customers fault. It’s disheartening and I would have expected a better service and options. Thank you.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
7 Apr 2020

we love venice

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Mar 2020

I will be going back for sure!!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
15 Mar 2020

It was excellent. Venice doesn't have to be expensive if you eat where the Venetians eat. Many places were closed or restricted but it was really easy to get around, as Corona virus kept many tourists away.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
13 Mar 2020

Love Venice we were the last tourist from the Uk Before lockdown so most places were closed will return again to finish our tour fantastic city

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