Venice, Italy: An Ultimate Guide

Venice is a dream come true—with its winding canals, stunning bridges, and gothic architecture, this magical floating city feels like something straight out of a fairy tale. While many visitors fall in love with Venice, others find it overrated—but for me, it is absolutely worth the visit. It's a destination you have to visit at least once to fully immerse yourself in its unique charm and unforgettable experiences. Below is my ultimate Venice travel guide, featuring the best hotels, Airbnbs, must-see sights, top restaurants, essential travel tips, and more!

How many days in Venice?

Two to three days in Venice is the perfect amount of time to soak in the city's charm at a relaxed pace while covering the must-see sights. You'll have plenty of time to explore St. Mark’s Square and its surroundings, visit the city's top landmarks, wander through Dorsoduro, take a day trip to Burano and Murano, enjoy a gondola ride, and indulge in some of Venice’s best restaurants.

Best time to visit

April, May [SPRING] or September, October [FALL]  (shoulder season)- May and September in Venice offers the perfect balance of pleasant weather, reasonable hotel prices, and manageable crowds. April and October can be a bit unpredictable, with weather that varies between sunshine and showers.

June-August (peak season)- While summer in Venice can be quite hot, it's also the best time to visit if you want to avoid rain. However, this is when crowds peak, and hotel prices skyrocket. If you're visiting in the summer, early June is your best bet for more affordable accommodations before peak season fully kicks in.

November-March (low season)- From November through March, Venice tends to be cold, overcast, and rainy, making it less ideal for sightseeing—unless you don’t mind bundling up and enjoying the city without the crowds.

Venice travel tips

CURRENCY – The local currency in Venice is the Euro (€). While it’s always smart to carry some cash for small purchases, most places in Venice readily accept credit cards. Keep in mind, many family owned cafes and local shops prefer cash. Also, you will need cash for your gondola ride. 

BEAT THE CROWDS – To avoid Venice’s overwhelming tourist crowds, plan to visit popular spots early in the day. For example, if you go to Caffe Florian right when it opens at 9 AM, you’ll likely find just a handful of visitors. But if you wait until mid morning, expect an extremely long wait to dine at one of Italy’s oldest cafes.

LEARN A FEW ITALIAN PHRASES– Chatting with locals is a fun and authentic way to immerse yourself in Italian culture. Ciao! – Hi/Bye and Grazie! – Thank you! are two simple phrases that I used to interact with the locals. 

PACK LIGHT– I quickly learned that Venice is unlike any other city. The city is filled with staircase bridges you’ll need to cross, often up and over the canals—which can be tricky with heavy luggage. Keep this in mind as you pack for your getaway to Venice. 

‍Explore Venice

Venice is best experienced by putting your phone away and getting lost in its enchanting alleyways. Around every corner, you'll stumble upon something magical—whether it’s a charming café or a breathtaking canal view straight out of a postcard. I absolutely loved wandering through Venice in the early mornings, watching café owners set up for the day as the aroma of freshly baked pastries filled the air while they were delivered to local cafés. To truly embrace the charm of Venice, here are some must-do experiences I highly recommend adding to your itinerary:

St. Mark’s Square: Venice’s iconic public square!! It is the heart of the city and home to St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Campanile, and is lined with shops, charming cafes, and restaurants with outdoor seating. It's the perfect place to soak in the atmosphere and experience the essence of Venice. Truly one of the city’s most unforgettable spots!

St. Mark’s Basilica: A breathtaking masterpiece in St. Mark’s Square, nestled beside the Campanile and Doge’s Palace. As the largest church in Venice, it dazzles visitors with its vibrant golden mosaics and awe-inspiring architecture. Entry to the church is free for all visitors, but if you don’t arrive right when it opens, expect long lines. By midafternoon, I saw lines wrapping around the church. Not an early bird? Skip-the-line tickets are available to save time. Remember that dress code is important—your knees and shoulders must be covered, or you won’t be allowed inside. Plan accordingly to ensure a smooth visit.

St. Mark’s Campanile: St. Mark’s Campanile is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice, standing tall at 323 feet in the heart of St. Mark’s Square. Visible from various points across the city, this historic bell tower was originally built in the 10th century but was rebuilt in 1912 after its collapse in 1902. For breathtaking 360° views over Venice, I highly recommend taking the elevator to the top—it’s an unforgettable experience!

Doge’s Palace: Doge's Palace is a symbol of the Republic of Venice's power and prestige, renowned for its stunning Venetian Gothic architecture. Take a tour around the palace for a glimpse into Venice’s rich past.

Bridge of Sighs: The Bridge of Sighs is a beautifully enclosed white limestone bridge that connects the Doge’s Palace to the old city prison. You can walk through it as part of a Doge’s Palace tour, or admire its stunning design from the Ponte della Paglia, one of the best viewing spots in Venice.

Accademia Bridge: A charming wooden structure connecting the Dorsoduro and San Marco districts of Venice. During my stay in Venice, I crossed this bridge multiple times soaking in its breathtaking views.

Santa Maria Salute: A stunning Gothic-domed church that sits right on the water, directly across from St. Mark’s Square. It is featured in countless photos, paintings, and postcards of the Grand Canal. Built in the 17th century, it’s one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks—and best of all, entry is completely free!

Rialto Bridge : The Rialto Bridge is the famous stone bridge that spans the Grand Canal, connecting San Marco to San Polo. It’s the perfect spot for photos, shopping, and admiring the canal views. If you're an early riser like me, make this one of your first stops—by 10 AM, it’s packed with tourists.

Rialto Bridge Boutique shops: Whether you're looking for handmade leather goods, authentic Venetian masks, or stylish Italian fashion, this is the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind souvenir. However, keep in mind that shops along the main walkways tend to have the highest prices. For better deals and more unique finds, venture into the side streets, where you'll find more personal shopping experiences to bring home a special piece of Venice.

Burano: A must-do day trip from Venice, Burano is a charming island in the Venetian Lagoon, just a 35-minute vaporetto ride away. Famous for its vibrantly colored houses lining the canals, Burano feels like a real-life postcard. The island is small and walkable, making it easy to explore all its beauty in just one morning. Get your tickets here!

Libreria Aqua Alta: Tucked away in the alleyways of Venice, this cozy little bookstore is a paradise for book lovers. Inside, you'll find! In the back of the shop is a small outdoor space lined with stacks of old books that overlooks the canal- very picturesque

Gondola Ride: Yes, it’s pricey, but a gondola ride in Venice is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you truly can’t replicate anywhere else. There’s something magical about gliding through Venice’s picture-perfect canals, surrounded by centuries-old architecture. I personally recommend skipping the gondoliers on the Grand Canal, where it’s crowded and noisy, and opt for a quieter, more charming neighborhood. Keep in mind, Gondola prices are fixed at €80 before sunset and €100 after sunset for a private 30-minute ride (CASH ONLY, PAY AT END)!!

Best Venice Hotels

Gritti Palace: The 15th century iconic hotel is pure Venetian glamour, right on the Grand Canal with dreamy interiors and top-tier service. Rooms are an opulent Venetian design, very spacious and clean. Club del Doge is the property’s beautiful restaurant with terrace seating right on the Grand Canal.

Aman Venice: A luxurious 5-star hotel set along the Grand Canal, this elegant retreat offers an exclusive and intimate experience. Housed in one of the eight great Venetian palazzos, it exudes historic charm and sophistication. Plus, its prime location places you just a short walk from Piazza San Marco, making it the perfect blend of opulence and convenience in the heart of Venice.

Belmond Hotel Cipriani: Check into one of Venice’s premier luxury hotels, where you can enjoy mesmerizing lagoon views or opt for the adjoining 15th-century Palazzo Vendramin for a more historic stay. The rooms are fresh and bright, seamlessly blending Venetian elegance with modern glamour, offering a truly unforgettable experience. 

Ca Cappello Venice Apartment: A delightful San Marco apartment boasting a stunning view over a picturesque canal. The one-bedroom property features a spacious layout, including a bathroom, kitchen, and cozy living area, making it perfect for two guests. 

Ca’sole Residence: For a stylish and comfortable stay in Venice, I highly recommend Ca’ Sole Residence! This modern two-bedroom retreat  is nestled in the Dorsoduro district and features high ceilings, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a lovely balcony overlooking a peaceful canal.

Hotel Antiche Figure: Housed in a beautifully restored 15th-century palace and located directly across from the train station, Hotel Antiche Figure seamlessly blends historic charm with modern comforts. This hotel provides a truly elegant and comfortable stay in the heart of Venice at a more affordable price.

Hotel Concordia: The family-run Hotel Concordia offers stunning views of St. Mark’s Basilica. Tucked away on Calle Larga, a charming street lined with restaurants and cafés, this hotel provides an authentic Venetian experience with a perfect blend of comfort, elegance, and prime location. 

Venice Restaurants

Breakfast 

Caffè Florian: One of the oldest cafés in Italy, located right in St. Mark’s Square. Grab a cappuccino and soak in the views.

Pasticceria Marchini Time: Tucked away in a quaint Venetian courtyard, this family-run café is a must. I stumbled upon it one morning while wandering the alleyways, and it quickly became my favorite spot in Venice—especially for their delicious chocolate croissant and freshly squeezed orange juice.

Lunch

Trattoria Antiche Carampane: A hidden gem serving up the best seafood pasta in town– pure, delicious Venetian flavors.

Antico Forno: A San Polo take-away pizza counter that offers both slices and whole pizzas. With over a dozen thin-crust pizzas to choose from, you can enjoy everything from the classic Margherita to unique house specials like the Carbonara, Pugliese, and Palermitana. It’s the perfect spot for a quick and delicious meal on the go!

Casual Bite 

Dal Moro’s: The famous to-go pasta spot in Venice. If you want fresh, made-to-order pasta in a box, this is your spot.

Dinner

Osteria alle Testiere: Cozy, intimate, and perfect for a romantic Venetian dinner with fresh seafood and homemade pasta.

Osteria Alla Staffa: A welcoming, family-owned restaurant with just eight tables, offering delicious handmade seafood pastas. The standout for me was the handmade black ravioli with seabass, which was absolutely delicious.

Ristorante Pizzeria Dolfin: An inviting restaurant that comes alive at night, always buzzing with activity and filled with guests. The menu offers a delightful mix of Italian and Venetian classics, with standout fresh seafood options that I absolutely loved.  

Best Venice Gelato

• Gelatoteca Suso
• Gelato di Natura
• Venchi
• Gelateria il Doge
• Gelateria Gallonetto
• Bacaro del Gelato
• La Mela Verde

Get around Venice

The most convenient ways to get around are on foot or by Vaporetto, the city’s public water bus. While gondolas are iconic, they are more for sightseeing than actual transportation.

The Vaporetto system is easy to navigate, with various routes and stops throughout the city. Timetables are posted at each stop, and tickets can be purchased there. A one-way fare costs €9.50 (valid for 75 minutes), or you can opt for a one-day pass (€25), two-day pass (€35), or three-day pass (€45).

For a more private option, water taxis are available, though they are significantly more expensive than the Vaporetto, with prices varying by company.

Get to Venice

Getting to Venice is easier than you think, but for first timers, it can feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared. That is why I am here to help!!

Flying in? You’ll land at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE).  From the airport, the only way to get into Venice is by water. Once you land, you'll navigate through the airport to the port, where you have two main options:

• Water Taxi – A scenic, luxurious ride that takes you straight to your hotel. However, beware—prices tend to be steep, especially for tourists.
• Alilaguna Water Bus – A budget-friendly alternative. Tickets can be purchased here in advance, or at the airport. Although it makes multiple stops and has limited space for luggage I opted for this option as it was more affordable. However, in my opinion it is worth the additional charge to have a private taxi that takes you to the closest port by your hotel.

Arriving by train? The Venice Santa Lucia Station drops you right on the Grand Canal, so you’ll step out and immediately be surrounded by Venice’s iconic views. However, keep in mind that the train station is not centrally located. Piazza San Marco—home to most of the city's top attractions, restaurants, and shops—is about a 30-minute walk from the station. Like mentioned before, walking in Venice is unlike anywhere else. The staircase bridges you’ll need to cross can be tricky with heavy luggage. Pack light if you are taking a train and plan to walk to your accommodation!

** Below is a map of Venice that gives you a visual. The pin on the left marks the location of Venice Santa Lucia Station, where you'll arrive by train. The pin on the right represents Piazza San Marco, the heart of Venice, and the best area to stay for easy access to top attractions, restaurants, and shops. As you can see, the distance between the two is quite far. By staying near Piazza San Marco, you'll be within walking distance of iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the Grand Canal, while avoiding the hassle of long walks or extra transportation from the train station.