15 BEST THINGS TO DO IN VENICE

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Venice is a city of immense beauty and historical significance. A city that appeals to the imagination. But it is also unique and not like any other city in Italy. Many cruises depart or end in Venice. And although the city will no longer allow large ships from 1 August 2021, it remains a very beautiful city to discover. A day is certainly not enough to explore this wonderfully special and car-free city. Because there is a lot to see and admire we will help you. To spend your days well, we have listed the must-sees , the absolute best tour tips and 15 Best Things to do in Venice.

As the capital of the Veneto region of northern Italy, Venice is actually located on 117 small islands. These are connected by a huge network of channels. With a population of about 250,000, Venice is not one of the largest cities in the Veneto. It is one of the most visited tourist destinations and very popular with cruise lovers.

A little background and history

During the Middle Ages and the Italian Renaissance, Venice was an extremely powerful stronghold and developed as an important financial and military center. It was also a place that went through great cultural and artistic development and that was also known worldwide.

The first settlement of the swampy islands in the lagoon was for protection from barbarian tribes who terrorized farms and villages on the mainland. Island life quickly led to the development of skills in handling boats and then ships. Maritime trade was led by shrewd merchants. This brought great wealth with it and palaces, churches, and monuments were built with it.

The city became the center of the vast Venetian Empire. Her name forever evoked visions of grandeur, magnificence, wealth, grace, and beauty. Later it was connected to the mainland by a railway bridge in 1848 and also by a highway in 1930. But there are no cars in Venice itself. Transportation is by boat or on foot along the old cobbled streets and over some 400 bridges spanning and decorating the city’s 177 canals.

Enchanting Venice truly offers an atmosphere that does not exist anywhere else. It’s worth being careful with! The city has many problems with flooding and the lagoon is a vulnerable natural phenomenon. That is why the authorities have also decided to no longer allow large cruise ships in the lagoon from 1 August 2021. The fight against water and for nature is being vigorously pursued in the hope and with the intention of preserving the city for the future.

Cruise ships are no longer allowed to sail past Saint Mark’s Square and mooring is planned a few kilometers away. At the time of this writing, it is not yet entirely clear what exactly the solution is for these larger ships. But I am convinced that the cruise companies will take care of the transport to and from the city together with the local government.

However, Venice remains an important economic center and is one of the most popular cities for tourism and cruise enthusiasts in the world. Sights such as St. Mark’s Basilica and the Grand Canal attract millions of visitors to this small archipelago every year.

But there is so much more to do and discover in Venice. You want to spend your day, or days in Venice well. That is why we have put together the 15 best things to do in Venice for you.

THE 15 BEST THINGS TO DO IN VENICE & THE BEST TOURS!

First time in Venice? Book a tour!

Maximize your time in the city with a full-day itinerary that ticks off all the most memorable attractions. Stroll across the Rialto Bridge and browse the lively Rialto fish market, then hop aboard a traditional gondola for a romantic cruise along the Grand Canal.

Next, access St. Mark’s Basilica and gaze down over the city from the cathedral’s rooftop terrace. Finally, enjoy the skip-the-line entrance to the grandiose Doge’s Palace. This small-group tour is limited to 15 people ensuring a personalized experience.

TOUR TIP: This Full-day ‘Venice in One Day sightseeing tour Witness local life walking tour 7.5 hours – €129 incl admission tickets

This tour is really a fantastic way to explore Venice in an organized way. A good and cheaper alternative for your cruise ship’s excursion. For more info CLICK HERE.

For those who have less time, the below tour is the best tour!

TOUR TIP: Venice Walking Tour and Gondola Ride – 2.5 hour- €45.00

Explore the famous sites and hidden charms of Venice on this walking tour, followed by a ride through the city’s canals on an iconic gondola. Follow your local guide through a romantic maze of surrounding backstreets to discover some of Venice’s lesser-known gems. Learn the fascinating history of Venice as you wander through narrow alleys and over stone footbridges, and then hop aboard a Venetian gondola for a leisurely ride along the Grand Canal. For more info CLICK HERE

Venice Canal Grande

1 – Discover the hidden Venice with a local

Venice will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Why? It is small and compact and perfect for exploring in a few days. Venice is romantic, historic, and overwhelmingly beautiful. The canals, the gondolas, the architecture, the bridges, and palaces… how can you not love this city?

The list of sights in Venice is so incredibly long. So long, in fact, that it would take weeks to truly see them all. Most people only have a few days in this magical city. And a very first tip from us is: Grab your card or phone and just wander around.

Forget the big, popular sites (you really come across them naturally). The smaller canals of the main tourist route are perfect for wandering. There are very nice walking routes available where you can discover the more hidden spots and treasures of the city. The tour

TOUR TIP: The Real Hidden Venice – 2 hours – €39

Discover the real Secret Venice with a native Venetian guide! The experience to live the uniqueness of the most authentic local districts. From Cannaregio, admiring its small canals and millenary legends, the tour will take you back in the 1400s, learning the stories of the Venetian Republic, full of secrets and mysteries. During this exciting walk, you will breathe a 100% local atmosphere, out of the beaten tracks, to admire the real-life of Venice with its locals and crafts. For more info click here.

The experience will arrive up to Rialto bridge where your guide will show the old trade center from completely a different perspective! Last but not least, an insightful exploration of San Polo where the oldest “Mascareri” (creators of Carnival masks) are still working following the tradition of centuries ago. Histories, Legends, and Secrets.. from the Venetian eyes!

  • What’s Included
  • Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
  • 1 City Map per person
  • Local guide & taxes
  • maximum of 10 travelers
  • aprox. €39.00 pp

Explore the canals, sit down, and relax in the small squares that punctuate the city. Go cafe-hopping for coffee or wine, and just enjoy this city without feeling like you have a lot of sites to check off your to-do list. Do like the Venetians.

2 – St. Mark’s Basilica

The absolute most famous building in Venice is St. Mark’s Basilica. This sublime piece of architecture that has stood the test of time since its foundation in 1092 is not to be missed. It is still one of the most important religious buildings in northern Italy.

Every aspect of this church is fantastic. From the ornate details, sculptures, and artwork of the front facade to the beautifully painted frescoes and Byzantine artworks lining the vaulted ceiling.

This basilica, located in Piazza San Marco, is easily accessible from the Grand Canal. It is one of the best-known surviving examples of Italian Byzantine architecture.
Keep in mind that it can be busy. And to understand it all better and get even more interesting information and discover the most special places of the palace, we recommend a guided skip the lines tour.

TOUR TIP: Venice Skip the Line St. Mark’s Basilica Tour 1 hour – €32

St. Mark’s Basilica is one of Venice’s most visited attractions and this skip-the-line tour ensures you don’t waste any time queuing outside. Enjoy priority access and a 1-hour guided walking tour of the Golden Basilica, followed by an optional cruise to visit a glass factory on Murano Island. Maximize your time with priority entrance and a guided walking tour of St. Mark’s Basilica. Explore inside the magnificent Golden Basilica, including the Pala d’Oro and the Bell Tower. Cruise to Murano Island and visit a traditional Murano glass factory (optional). For more info CLICK HERE.

  • Local guide in English, Frenche, German, Italian and Spanish
  • 1hour guided walking tour of Saint Mark’s Square and its Basilica
  • Personal audio system and headset for tour commentary
  • Saint Mark’s Basilica first floor museum and the terrace
  • Keep in mind that backpacks aren’t allowed inside the basilica and photography/videography is prohibited.
  • Clothing should also be appropriate for a place of worship.
  • Hours vary throughout the year, but generally, the basilica is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 or 5:30 p.m.
  • Monday through Saturday; on Sunday, it’s open from 2 to 4:30 or 5 p.m.
  • The basilica’s museum is open daily from 9:35 or 9:45 a.m. to 4:45 or 5 p.m.
  • Wheelchair accessible

TOUR TIP: St Mark’s Basilica After-Hours Group or Private Tour with Optional Doge’s Palace – 1.5 hours – from €89

See the wonders of Venice’s St. Mark’s Basilica without the crowds during this after-hours, small-group tour. Learn about the basilica’s famed mosaics from your guide and explore the crypt below the church to see where St. Mark’s remains are said to lie. Upgrade to see the Doge’s Palace after the basilica and wander the former home of the Venetian Republic’s government. For more info CLICK HERE

3 – St. Mark’s Square

While St. Mark’s Basilica is the most famous building in Venice, St. Mark’s Square is the most famous square. Located on the Grand Canal, opposite the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, this square is very important in Venice. It is also a truly spectacular place to visit.

Surrounding the Piazza is a series of ornate buildings with arched walkways that frame the square beautifully. St. Mark’s Square is the heart of Venice. This square really is the perfect place to start your tour of Venice and tick off some of its most impressive sights.

Three of Venice’s main landmarks are located in this square. The Basilica di San Marco (a Byzantine miracle), the Torre dell’Orologio and the Doge’s Palace. This Gothic palace had also been the seat of government during the Venetian Republic.

The square itself is majestic and visitors who go to Venice in the autumn or winter months may even, unfortunately, see it flooded. There are numerous cafes and restaurants dotted around the outskirts, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up the local culture. And of course to make the perfect Venitian selfy or panorama pictures.

4 – Canale Grande

Venice has literally hundreds of canals connecting the various islands of the city. The largest of which is the Canale Grande.

The width of the canal is striking. This varies between thirty and seventy meters, This creates a fairly large capacity in terms of the number of boats that can sail through the canal at the same time. Therefore, this monumental canal looks more like a river and runs from one side of Venice to the other. Winding through the center in a large S-curve. It is the largest, most important, and busiest canal in Venice.

More than 170 buildings dating back to the 13th-century line the banks of the canal. For example, the Ca’ Dario, Ca’ d’Oro and the Palazzo Vernier dei Leoni. Because many important sights are located on this canal, it is also an important waterway for the water buses (Vaporetti). There are also some fantastic hotels located on this canal.

There are only four bridges across the canal. This is because people, and tourists, generally travel along the canal and not across it. Of the four bridges, the Rialto Bridge is the oldest and the most famous. From the Rialto Bridge, you can take beautiful pictures of the bustle on the Grand Canal.

5 – Ponte di Rialto

As one of the main bridges spanning the impressive Grand Canal, the Ponte di Rialto is undoubtedly the most famous, popular, and iconic. Connecting the San Marco and San Polo districts of Venice, the bridge is a major pedestrian artery as well as a hugely popular tourist attraction.

Originally it was a wooden bridge. And this pinnacle stood there for hundreds of years until it collapsed in 1524. After this incident, an ornate stone bridge was built and still stands.

From the top of the bridge, you have a fantastic, iconic view of this city. Whether you do it at sunrise or at sunset. Or join the crowd of tourists in the middle of the day, because it does get crowded!

It’s fascinating to watch the gondolas, Vaporetto’s, and ferries travel up and down the Grand Canal from this spot. But also pay attention to the details and the design of the bridge itself. They are simply beautiful and the symmetry frames the grand canal perfectly.

Furthermore, there is also an array of shops on the bridge that sell a range of wares from souvenirs to jewelry.

6 – Doges Palace

One of the most renowned buildings in Venice apart from the Basilica and the Campanile is Doges Palace. The palace is also located in St. Mark’s Square but faces the Grand Canal. This ornate palace is absolutely stunningly impressive and the front facade has a beautiful curved design made of white stone with a series of diamond patterns on the walls.

Inside, the palace is just as impressive and there is a series of immensely decorated rooms, all of which have original details, furnishings, and artwork.

The Doge’s Palace is a palace built in Venetian Gothic styles. For centuries this building served as a residence for the Doge, the seat of government, and a palace of justice. Now it is a museum. A visit to the Doge’s Palace is without a doubt a must-see experience in Venice. The history that took place here is incredible.

Fantastic tours of the palace are available and we recommend booking a tour in advance. A tour gives you much more insight and information about the palace. View both the exterior and interior to truly capture a piece of Venice’s history. Unforgettable!

And here too is going to be very busy and there is often even a long queue to get in. You can visit the palace on your own but we really recommend booking one of the guided tours below.

As you tour the palace, get even more amazing views of Venice. One of the most unique views of Venice is from the Bridge of Sighs. From this window, prisoners on their way to execution would have this last view of the city. Face the Doge’s Palace with the Grand Canal behind you. There is a small bridge that spans the canal along the eastern boundary of the Doge’s Palace. From this bridge, you have this iconic view.

Hours: April 1 to October 31: 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM (last entry at 8:30 PM); November 1 to March 31: 8.30 am to 7 pm (last admission 6.30 pm)
Cost: €25, audio guide €5

TOUR TIP: Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica Tour – 2 hours – €85

Visit two of the most popular attractions in Venice on this guided tour of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Listen to your guide’s commentary clearly with provided headsets and avoid hours-long queues with skip-the-line admission tickets. Entrance tickets to the Doge’s Palace are also included for a hassle-free tour. For more info CLICK HERE.

TOUR TIP: Historic Venice: Doge’s Palace, Basilica guided tour & gondola ride – 3 hours – €99

Skip the lines at Saint Mark’s Basilica and Doge Palace and opt for a shared guided tour instead. Then, enjoy the quintessential Venice experience—a gondola ride through the city’s canals and waterways. Your ticket also includes access to several landmarks surrounding Saint Mark’s Square, as well as access to a mobile app that provides commentary to a walking tour of the city at your own pace. For more info CLICK HERE.

7 – Bridge of Sighs

It’s really just a small bridge when you look at it relatively. But the Bridge of Sighs is one of the most viewed structures in the city and an important historical monument.

The bridge crosses the Rio di Palazzo and connects the Prigioni Nuove with the Doge’s Palace. Its name is derived from the fact that it was part of the prison complex of the Doge’s Palace. Convicts had to cross the bridge to get from the Doge’s interrogation rooms to the New Prison once they received their sentence. It was the last they saw of Venice before their incarceration. So many sighs could be heard as they crossed the bridge and surrendered to their approaching fate.

Today, the bridge has much happier associations. With millions of people flocking every year to witness the beautiful design. While visiting St. Mark’s Square, it is an absolute must to also catch a glimpse of this iconic bridge and breathe a sigh of admiration…

8 – Vaporetto tour

The Vaporetto is the main form of transport in Venice. Of course, you can take a train to or from the central station. And yes, you can walk the streets. But to really experience Venice, you should definitely experience this city of canals from the water!

The Vaporetto system is very efficient and is one of the fastest ways to travel to the various islands of Venice. You can buy extended passes that can be used multiple times. This is much easier and more efficient than buying a separate ticket every time. Try to travel with the Vaporettos as much as possible during your stay in Venice. You enjoy the water traffic and the sights and sounds you encounter. From the water, you see so much more!

What exactly is a Vaporetto? It is basically a kind of water bus or taxi that takes passengers from point to point. Most people use the Vaporetto as a way to travel between the main attractions. For an inexpensive yet fantastic way to explore the Grand Canal, take the Vaporetto from the lagoon through the Grand Canal, past the Rialto Bridge, all the way to the train station.

Take the No. 1 Vaporetto (ACTV) Linea 1 from Piazzale Roma to Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square). If you like, this Vaporetto also travels all the way to Lido Island. It also sails in both directions, so if you’re coming from Lido Island, you can take the Vaporetto across the lagoon and across the entire Grand Canal.

9 – San Marco Campanile

The simplicity of the Roman concept in its strict harmony of line and proportion with the tower with the shining golden angel on a rotating platform at the top has always been the first sight of Venice for those arriving by sea.

A visit to the campanile was an attraction that was also offered to illustrious guests in the past. However, the Lords were very careful about allowing foreigners to climb the tower. Fearing that they would oversee the layout of the city and its ports for military purposes. Galileo used the campanile as an observatory to study the sky and it was there in 1609 that he demonstrated his telescope to the Lords.

The Campanile is the bell tower that dominates the skyline of Venice. As the tallest structure in Venice, the Campanile is a towering building that stands at a whopping 98.6 meters in height. It was crowned by a spire that was once a lighthouse for shipping. The building that stands there now is actually a reconstruction. The original collapsed in 1902.

Originally created in the 9th century, the campanile was used as a watchtower. Over the years, the tower has been damaged by fire, earthquakes, and even lightning.
The main shaft is made of a simple red brick design and is quite plain. But the core and top have a myriad of arches and masonry, and the top has a golden statue of the angel Gabriel.

Admire the tower from Piazza di San Marco, but also take the elevator up for perhaps the best panoramic view of Venice.

Hours: Hours vary by season. April 16 to September 30: 8:30 am to 9:00 pm (last admission 8:45 pm). Reduced hours for the remainder of the year. Get the full schedule here.
Cost:  €10; €13 if you book a time slot in advance (recommended!!)
Important:  During adverse weather conditions (high winds, cold temperatures) the campanile will close.

TIP: Lines can be long to enter the bell tower. Before your visit to Venice, book a time slot on the official St. Mark’s Basilica website. Only 12 tickets are available for each time slot so I recommend you make your reservation as soon as you know your dates of travel to Venice. 


10 – Ride a Gondola

IS THE GONDOLA RIDE THROUGH VENICE WORTH IT?
Yes, it may be cliché and super touristy, but in our opinion, a visit to Venice wouldn’t be complete without a gondola ride through the canals.

How much does a gondola ride cost? That is a good question. The city of Venice sets the rate at €80 per 40 minutes (€100 after 7 pm). But that doesn’t mean this is the rate you get. You will need to negotiate with your gondolier before riding. Make sure you agree on the price and how long you will ride before getting on the gondola. Special services, such as singing, can increase the rate even more.

If you don’t like bargaining, you can leave that chore to your hotel concierge, although he (or she) may charge a hefty fee. But let’s face it, a romantic gondola ride at sunset… could it be more romantic?

There are two important rules to remember about gondola rides in Venice:

-If the price bothers you, don’t do it.

-If the price doesn’t bother you, make sure you understood the gondolier correctly.

To avoid any problems we have selected two fantastic pre-booked gondola ride options:

GONDOLA TOUR TIP 1: Venice: Grand Canal by Gondola with commentaryprivate or shared ride 30-50 min. from €28.90 – For more info ClICK HERE

GONDOLA TOUR TIP 2: Classic 30-Minute Gondola Ride in Veniceprivate ride – €31 – For more info ClICK HERE

11 –  The Cannaregio & Campo del Ghetto district

In addition to the many islands that belong to the municipality of Venezia, Venice consists of six larger districts. Cannaregio is one of these districts and is the most northerly. In Cannaregio, you will find the Jewish quarter with synagogues and museums. There are also kosher restaurants and Jewish shops. Furthermore, the non-touristy Cannaregio district is known for the churches Madonna dell Orto and Santa Maria Assunta Detta I Gesuiti and the Ca’ d’Oro and a wonderful neighborhood to wander around.

Visiting the Jewish Quarter in Venice is one of the best things to do in the city. It was the world’s first ghetto (in fact, the word ghetto itself comes from Italian). It was founded in 1516 when the Venetian Republic restricted Jews to this part of the city.

TOUR TIP: Historical and Charming Venice Jewish Ghetto – Small Group Tour – 2 hours – €35

An unusual stroll to discover the secrets of the 1st Jewish Ghetto of the world. Avoid the tourist trail and explore an authentic, lesser-known but incredibly well-preserved area of Venice enjoying the secret corners. Discover with me this very old section of Venice and learn why the Serenissima Republic forced the Jewish community to live under strict rules and how they lived for centuries.

Did you know that the word “ghetto” is coming from a local Venetian word? I will help you to recognize the hidden synagogues and I will give you insights into the tragedy of the Nazi deportation and how the Holocaust left a deep mark on my beloved city. And then? You will explore together the sister of Cannaregio, with its beautiful streets and the Venetian “skyscrapers”, you will cross beautiful bridges draped in the local’s laundry, Italian style. You will end this unique experience with a convivial stop. I’ll be sure to show you all of the highlights, symbols, and secrets along the way! CLICK HERE to read more.

This district shows you a better reflection of the real Venice where tourism does not play such a big role.

12 – Take a ferry to Murano, Burano and Torcello

More than 120 islands lie in the Venice Lagoon and it would be a shame if you only see that one world-famous city during your visit. Hop on the Vaporetto and go island hopping for a day. Murano, Burano, and Torcello are the three most famous islands near Venice. Go from the glassblowers of Murano and dazzling Burano through the green Torcello.

Murano is one of the islands in the Venice district. This part is actually made up of several small islands connected by a series of canals and bridges (just like Venice). Murano has a great charm and is often not as busy as the main areas of Venice. This beautiful island city has numerous attractions, including the Basilica Dei Santa Maria, the Campo Santo Stefano, and the Palazzo Da Mula. Furthermore, Murano is known for glass blowing and you can see live demonstrations at the various factories located here.

Colorful Burano

Burano’s splendor hides all the way to the dock, a wide quay under leafy trees. But when you arrive at the first canal through a narrow alley, you are pleasantly dazzled by the brightly colored houses. And that’s exactly the point. The fishermen traditionally painted their houses as colorful as possible, so that they could easily come home in thick fog.

With a bit of luck, their wives would sit in front of the door making lace. Because that’s what they are known for. Burano’s lace has been considered the most exquisite on the entire continent. This island is an adorable mini replica of Venice.

There are boats in front of the door, bridges have been built over the water and the sea shimmers at the end of the streets. It is not necessary to follow a walking route. The island is only small, so wander around, and sooner or later you’ll end up at the Vaporetto stop. Eating pasta and fresh fish on a terrace is a party. For dessert, you can buy a bag of Busolai. These are the famous super sweet aniseed cookies from Burano. Enjoy it on the Vaporetto to the next island: Torcello.

Torcello Island

Only about twenty people live on the green and somewhat swampy Torcello. During the summer season, they are joined by the staff of the few restaurants on the island. But it rarely gets really busy at Torcello. Italians mainly come here for their weekend trip. Take a pleasant detour on narrow hiking trails and see the island basilica of Santa Maria dell’Assunta.

Torcello Basilica

In Torcello, the cathedral was built in the 7th century and the ruins of the baptistery are a striking example of Byzantine art. Visitors can tour all three in one day or choose to explore one of the islands in depth.

We have selected two great tours for you;

TOUR TIP 1- Murano, Burano, and Torcello Half-Day Sightseeing Tour – 4.5 hours – from €20 – CLICK FOR MORE INFO

  • Half-day sightseeing tour of Murano, Torcello, and Burano from Venice
  • Visit the three most famous islands in the Venetian Lagoon by motorboat
  • Watch master glass blowers at work at a factory on Murano
  • See Byzantine churches on Torcello— the Church of Santa Fosca
  • Browse for lace on Burano and admire the painted houses
  • Hear commentary provided by an expert guide
  • Choose from morning and afternoon departure times

TOUR TIP 2- Murano & Burano Islands Half-Day Guided Tour by Private Boat – 5 hours – from €39 – CLICK FOR MORE INFO

  • Watch local craftsmen at work in a Murano glass workshop
  • Browse an impressive collection of glass artwork
  • See Burano lace being made by local islanders
  • Visit the Burano Lace Museum independently
  • Small groups of up to 20 people for a more personalized experience
  • Round-trip transport by a private boat with personal guide
  • Glassmaking demonstration in Murano
  • Discount at the glass gallery and lacemaking shop where the demonstrations are given
  • Admission Tickets Included

13 – Gallerie dell’Accademia

Located opposite the Ponte dell’Accademia on the Grande Canal, this museum houses a fine collection of pre-19th century art and displays works by artists such as Bellini, Canaletto, and Titian.

The building houses the gallery and it used to be a monastery. It was converted into a museum in the mid-late 18th century.

For lovers of Renaissance art and iconic masterpieces, this gallery delivers. Perhaps the most famous piece is the Vitruvian Man by Da Vinci, which shows the ideal proportions of man. Other notable works include the Resurrection of Tintoretto, Virgin, and Child by Titian and Veronese’s Battle of Lepanto.

14 – San Giorgio Maggiore

This is one of the smaller individual islands that is not connected to the main Venice canals. San Giorgio Maggiore is a short distance from the Venice Basin and the Grand Canal and can be reached by Vaporetto or private water taxi.

Located on the island are the fantastic San Giorgio Monastery, the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, and the large bell tower that mirrors the one in St. Mark’s Square.

Walk through the small harbor and see the various boats docked, visit the fantastic church and monastery, and climb the campanile for fantastic views from the other side to the capital of Venice. This will provide beautiful photos because your cruise ship is no longer allowed to sail so close to St. Marco square.

15 – Venice Lido

If you’re looking for a place to relax and get away from the crowds, Lido is the place to go. This separate island forms a barrier between Venice and the Adriatic Sea and boasts an elongated beautiful beach to enjoy.

The Lido, with about 20,000 inhabitants, also has a large number of residential areas, shops, restaurants, and hotels. This island has a much quieter, more laid-back, and relaxing feel than the center of Venice. Lido is a real escape and is a stark contrast to the busy streets and waterways around the Grand Canal.

There are also some wonderful hotels on this island to stay away from the crowds. But even if you’re not staying at the Lido, it’s a good day out, relaxing on the beach or taking a stroll admiring the ‘Liberty style’ architecture.

To the city From Venice Marco Polo Airport

Alitalia, KLM, EasyJet, and other major airlines fly into Marco Polo Airport, also known as Venice International Airport (airport code: VCE), which is 6 km or 4 miles from the city on the Venetian lagoon.

When you’ve claimed your baggage and obtained a free luggage cart, go to the money-exchange window and buy euros. Better yet, use the Bancomat (ATM), where you’re likely to get a better exchange rate.

At the ground-transportation ticket counter, purchase a Venice airport boat ticket to the Piazza San Marco or any of several other stops in the historic center.

Alternatively, you can ride an ATVO or ACTV airport bus to reach the Piazzale Roma. Buses are cheaper than the Alilaguna boat, and the Piazzale Roma may be more convenient to your hotel. (Check your hotel’s map ahead of time.)

If you prefer a cab, figure on paying up to €50 for a land taxi to the Piazzale Roma or €110-120 for a water taxi to your hotel. (The latter sounds expensive but can be affordable if you’re splitting the cost with friends.)

It’s also possible to book private transfers that include someone to meet you in the arrivals terminal, porterage service, and a van or car to the water-taxi pier. We advise pre-booking Venice Marco Polo Airport Link Arrival Transfer which will take about 1 hour and costs about €32. Click here for ticket info.

Do you want a VIP treatment? Start your stay in Venice the easy and stylish way with a private water taxi transfer from Marco Polo Airport to your Venice hotel. A representative will greet you at the airport arrival terminal and escort you to a waiting private motorboat. Then, sit back and relax as you speed past the spectacular scenery of the Venetian Lagoon and canals in your comfortable, private ride. Click here for more info.

Conclusion

Venice is perhaps the most fairytale-like city in all of Italy. The hundreds of bridges and bridges, the sloshing water, the colorful houses, and the narrow alleys with cheerfully waving wax, the Moorish architectural style… you really feel like you are in another world. Really take a few days to discover this city. Also, try to make time to get off the beaten track and avoid the bustle of the city and go a little further in search of the real Venice. Either way, it will make an indelible impression and will be another lifelong memory.

1 thought on “15 BEST THINGS TO DO IN VENICE”

  1. Charles (Chuck) Gehrman

    Third trip as part of a tour to Venice for Oct. 2021. Have done most things. Anyone have any suggestion beside just walking around, which we also love,

    cmg0271@gmail.com

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