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Buongiorno!
Buongiorno!
Welcome to Venice
Welcome to Venice
The unforgettable floating city of dreams...
The unforgettable floating city of dreams...
Venice, a labyrinth of 118 islands stitched by canals in Italy’s Veneto region, is a 400,000-strong marvel where gondolas glide and history seeps from every weathered brick. It’s a city that floats on a dream. St. Mark’s golden domes shimmer over lagoon tides, while the Rialto’s bustle hums with fishmongers’ calls and the clink of espresso cups.
From the Grand Canal’s palatial sweep to the whisper-quiet alleys of Cannaregio, Venice is a living canvas. Renaissance art in the Doge’s Palace, Murano glass glowing in shop windows, and the sigh of a gondolier’s oar at dusk.
Whether you’re sipping spritz on a campo, tracing Peggy Guggenheim’s modernist stash, or losing yourself in a mask-maker’s maze, Venice pulls you into its watery embrace—a place where time blurs and every turn’s a postcard.
Finding All The Right Places
Finding All The Right Places
We've compiled a helpful map showing all of the attractions we've detailed throughout the guide.
Click on the icon at the top left of the map to open the Attractions menu.
Click on one of the numbered waypoints to open details about that attraction.
You can also expand the map using the icon at the top right of the map.
You can also click the icon at the top right of the details pane for directions when you're there.
Best Flights to Venice This Year
Best Flights to Venice This Year
Venice’s main gateway is Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), 13 km northeast of the city center on the mainland, a compact hub buzzing with lagoon-bound travelers.
Malaysian Airlines: Fly with Malaysian Airlines for a seamless, affordable experience. Their Venice-bound flights offer top-tier service and competitive pricing. Book your flights now!
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Popular Airlines and Routes
From Europe: London, Paris, or Berlin flights cost $40–$180 (1.5–3 hours) with easyJet, Ryanair, or Alitalia—directs from Gatwick, CDG, or Tegel; budget options abound.
From the U.S.: New York or Chicago to Venice runs $500–$1,200 (9–13 hours) via Delta, United, or ITA Airways—direct from JFK, one stop via Amsterdam or Frankfurt otherwise.
From Asia: Singapore or Tokyo flights hit $600–$1,300 (14–18 hours) with Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, or Emirates—one stop via Istanbul or Dubai; no directs.
From Australia: Sydney or Melbourne to Venice costs $900–$1,800 (22–27 hours) via Qantas, Emirates, or Qatar—two stops via Dubai or Singapore, no direct lifeline Down Under.
When to Book for the Best Deals
Peak season (Jun–Aug) and Carnevale (Feb) spike prices and crowds—book 4–6 months ahead to keep fares under $800 from the U.S. or $150 from Europe. Shoulder seasons (Apr–May, Sep–Oct) offer mild weather and better rates—nab deals 2–3 months out, especially mid-week (Tuesday/Wednesday) for $50–$150 savings. Winter (Nov–Jan, sans Carnevale) dips fares—last-minute steals under $500 from NYC pop up. Watch Ryanair’s flash sales or ITA Airways’ promos for extra wiggle room.
Venice Travel Tips
Airport Transfers: From VCE, the Alilaguna water bus to San Marco costs €15/$15.75 USD (70 minutes)—scenic, every 30 minutes. ATVO bus to Piazzale Roma runs €8/$8.40 USD (20 minutes)—fast, every 15 minutes. Water taxis hit €120–€150/$126–$157.50 USD (30 minutes)—pricey but luxe; pre-book via Expedia (#affiliate-link).
Visa Requirements: U.S., UK, and Aussie citizens get 90 days visa-free in Schengen—pack proof of onward travel and a stay. Others need a Schengen visa (€80/$84 USD, apply at italyvisa.com)—check e-visa updates.
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Top Places to Stay in Venice
Top Places to Stay in Venice
Whether you’re traveling on a shoestring budget or looking for high-end luxury, Venice offers accommodation to suit every type of traveler. From city center high-rise luxury apartments to traditional retreats, here are our top recommendations:
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Where to Stay: Hotels in Venice
Venice’s sestiere (districts) offer charm from budget boltholes to canal-side splendor—pick your perch.
Budget: Hotel Antico Capon in Dorsoduro (€40–€80/$42–$84 USD/night) gives basic rooms near Peggy Guggenheim—quiet, artsy. Generator Venice on Giudecca (€30–€70/$31.50–$73.50 USD/night) blends hostel vibes with lagoon views—social and cheap.
Mid-Range: Hotel Antiche Figure in Santa Croce (€120–€200/$126–$210 USD/night) overlooks the Grand Canal—cozy, steps from the train station. Hotel Al Codega in San Marco (€150–€250/$157.50–$262.50 USD/night) hides in a courtyard—central yet calm.
Luxury: Gritti Palace in San Marco (€600–€1,200/$630–$1,260 USD/night) dazzles with frescoed walls and canal-front decadence—old-world royalty. Hotel Danieli near St. Mark’s (€400–€900/$420–$945 USD/night) stuns with Gothic glam and rooftop views—cinematic luxe.
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Best Local Food in Venice
Best Local Food in Venice
Venice’s cuisine is a lagoon-fresh love letter to the sea, bold with Venetian flair. Born from its watery roots, this is food that mirrors the city: simple yet refined, tied to the tides, and kissed by centuries of trade. It’s a feast that demands you slow down, savor, and let the lagoon’s bounty sink in.
Cicchetti: Venice’s answer to tapas—small, irresistible bites that pack big flavor. Trattoria al Gatto Nero on Burano (€5–€10/$5.25–$10.50 USD/plate) serves them with a view—perfect with a glass of crisp Soave (€3/$3.15 USD).
Risotto al Nero: A jet-black squid-ink risotto that’s pure Venetian alchemy—inky, briny, and silky, with the sea’s depth in every spoonful. Osteria alle Testiere in Castello (€25/$26.25 USD).
Sarde in Saor: Sweet-sour sardines marinated with onions, vinegar, and a scatter of raisins and pine nuts—a dish born to last on long voyages, now a bacaro staple. Cantina do Mori near Rialto (€8/$8.40 USD).
Traditional Venetian Dishes to Try
Traditional Venetian Dishes to Try
Bigoli in Salsa: Thick, chewy pasta tangled in a salty-sweet sauce of anchovies and onions—humble but haunting. Trattoria da Fiore in San Polo (€15/$15.75 USD) keeps it classic—pair it with a bold Veneto red (€5/$5.25 USD/glass).
Fegato alla Veneziana: Calf’s liver sautéed with onions until meltingly tender—a rich, rustic plate that divides tables but defines tradition. Antiche Carampane in San Polo (€20/$21 USD) serves it with polenta—brace for the iron kick.
Polenta e Schie: Soft polenta crowned with tiny lagoon shrimp, fried or stewed—a delicate dance of textures straight from the marshlands. Al Timon in Cannaregio (€12/$12.60 USD) offers it with a canal-side seat—pure comfort.
Frittelle: Doughnut-like fritters stuffed with custard or raisins—street food that peaks around Carnevale but pops up year-round. Pasticceria Tonolo in Dorsoduro (€2/$2.10 USD each)—grab one and dodge the pigeons.
Best Restaurants in Venice
Best Restaurants in Venice
Osteria alle Testiere (Castello): Tiny, seafood-driven—book ahead (€40/$42 USD mains)—intimate brilliance.
Antiche Carampane (San Polo): No-tourist-trap Venetian—fegato rules (€30/$31.50 USD mains)—authentic grit.
Trattoria al Gatto Nero (Burano): Lagoon-fresh fish—risotto shines (€25/$26.25 USD mains)—colorful vibes.
Ristorante Quadri (San Marco): Michelin-starred—artful plates (€100/$105 USD mains)—piazza elegance.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
La Tecia Vegana (Dorsoduro): Plant-based cicchetti—vegan polenta (€15/$15.75 USD)—cozy and green.
Frary’s (San Polo): Veggie Venetian—risotto twists (€12/$12.60 USD)—fresh and friendly.
Staying Connected in Venice
Staying Connected in Venice
Best eSIM Providers for Venice
TIM and Vodafone blanket Venice with 4G/5G—strong in tourist zones, wobbly in outer islands like Burano. Airalo’s “Italy” eSIM (5GB, $20, 10 days) fits short trips—activate pre-arrival. Ubigi’s plans (500MB for $3, 10GB for $30) flex for longer stays or data buffs. Hotel Wi-Fi’s free but spotty in budget spots—luxe pads charge €10–€15/$10.50–$15.75 USD for speed. Stick to mobile for canal selfies!
iRoamly eSIMs: iRoamly offers eSIM data packages tailored to Asia, including Japan, with fast and affordable plans. You can activate it before departure and start using it as soon as you arrive. Get your iRoamly eSIM here!
easySim: For frequent travelers, easySim offers global coverage and flexible data plans perfect for staying connected no matter where you go. Purchase your eSIM now!
See our Travel eSIMs page for more options.
Best Attractions in Venice
Best Attractions in Venice
Must-Do in Venice: Unmissable Experiences
Venice is a floating treasure—here’s what you can’t miss, with all the juicy bits.
Gaze at St. Mark’s Basilica
Why: Byzantine gold mosaics and rooftop views—a lagoon jewel.
Details: Free entry, €3/$3.15 USD for altar, €7/$7.35 USD for terrace; 9:30 AM–5 PM (Sundays 2 PM start). Takes 1–2 hours.
Tip: Skip the line—book online; dress modestly, shoulders covered.
Ride the Grand Canal
Why: Venice’s main artery—palaces and bridges from a vaporetto’s deck.
Details: Vaporetto Line 1 ticket €9.50/$10 USD (75 minutes), dawn to midnight. Allow 1–2 hours end-to-end.
Tip: Sunset rides glow—grab a bow seat for Rialto Bridge shots.
Cross the Rialto Bridge
Why: Iconic stone arch—market buzz meets canal vistas.
Details: Free, 24/7—spend an hour; nearby market opens 7:30 AM–1 PM.
Tip: Dawn beats crowds—haggle for trinkets at stalls (€5–€15/$5.25–$15.75 USD).
Tour the Doge’s Palace
Why: Gothic power hub—secret rooms, Bridge of Sighs, and Tintoretto’s art.
Details: €25/$26.25 USD (includes museums), 8:30 AM–7 PM summer, 6 PM winter. Needs 2–3 hours.
Tip: Pre-book—cross the bridge to the prison cells for chills.
Wander Burano
Why: Rainbow houses and lace—Venice’s cheery outer isle.
Details: Vaporetto Line 12 from Fondamente Nove €9.50/$10 USD (45 minutes each way), 6 AM–11 PM. Half-day trip.
Tip: Snap pics at golden hour—buy lace from locals (€10–€50/$10.50–$52.50 USD).
Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Why: Modern art in a canal-side palazzo—Picasso to Pollock.
Details: €15/$15.75 USD, 10 AM–6 PM (closed Tuesdays). Takes 1–2 hours.
Tip: Chill in the sculpture garden—Dorsoduro’s quiet gem.
Glide in a Gondola
Why: Classic Venice—narrow canals, a crooning gondolier.
Details: €80/$84 USD (30 minutes, daytime), €100/$105 USD (night); haggle at smaller docks.
Tip: Split with mates—sunset off San Marco’s magical.
Check out our Venice collection on Viator for all the best Traveler rated experiences!
Travel Doctor
Travel Doctor
We hope you'll never find yourself in the intrepid position of needing a doctor whilst you're on the other side of the planet. But life happens! And so does the need for quality medical care.
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Protecting Your Trip to Venice
Protecting Your Trip to Venice
Venice is safe but tricky—pickpockets prowl Piazza San Marco, and canal edges get slick. Clinic visits start at €50/$53 USD—more on outer islands or private spots. Insurance covering health, cancellations, and gear costs 5–7% of your trip—$50–$100 for a $1,000 jaunt. Take a closer look at some of the great options below.
Faye Travel Insurance: Whether you’re planning adventurous activities like diving or trekking, Faye Travel Insurance offers comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations and even has add-ons for adventure & extreme sports. Get a free quote here.
OnshoreKare Travel Insurance: For those seeking a range of coverage options, OnshareKare offers affordable plans that include trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency medical assistance. Protect your trip today!
Freely Travel Insurance: Need specialized coverage? Freely offers essential travel insurance that is customizable with the add-ons you need to suit the needs of families, solo travelers and adventurers alike. You can even add daily boosts to suit those last minute trips. See your insurance options.
See our Travel Insurance page for more options.
Practical Tips for Venice
Practical Tips for Venice
Best Time: Spring (Apr–May) for blooms, fall (Sep–Oct) for calm—avoid summer (Jun–Aug) crowds and heat. Winter (Nov–Jan) is misty and quiet—Feb’s Carnevale dazzles but packs out.
Getting Around: Vaporetto day pass €25/$26.25 USD—covers all lines; walking’s free but winding—bring a map! Water taxis start at €70/$73.50 USD—pricey for short hops. No cars—Venice is all feet and boats.
Currency: Euro (€); $1 USD = ~€0.95. Cards work widely—cash for cicchetti bars, small vendors; ATMs charge €2–€5/$2.10–$5.25 USD.
Pack: Waterproof shoes (acqua alta floods), light layers, a mask for fun—Venice is damp and dreamy.
Venice Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Venice Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Cannaregio’s Jewish Ghetto: Wander this quiet sestiere, the world’s first ghetto (1516), with synagogues and kosher bakeries tucked into narrow alleys. Campo del Ghetto Nuovo feels worlds from San Marco—grab a €1.50/$1.58 USD falafel at Gam Gam. Free, best in mornings; 1–2 hours.
Day Trip to Torcello: Skip Murano’s glass crowds for this lagoon island, a 1-hour vaporetto ride (Line 12, €19/$20 USD round-trip). Its 7th-century cathedral stuns with Byzantine mosaics, and marshy trails feel primal. Lunch at Locanda Cipriani (€30/$31.50 USD mains) channels Hemingway vibes. Half-day trip.
Libreria Acqua Alta: Dodge St. Mark’s bookshops for this quirky Cannaregio gem, where tomes stack in gondolas and staircases—cats roam, and lagoon views peek through. Free entry, €5–€20/$5.25–$21 USD for used books. Open 9 AM–7 PM; snap pics but buy to support.
Why It’s Worth It: Cannaregio’s history, Torcello’s solitude, and a bookshop with soul let you taste Venice’s depth without selfie-stick chaos.
Venice Cultural Insights and Etiquette
Venice Cultural Insights and Etiquette
Customs
Greetings: A light handshake or cheek kisses (two, starting right) for friends—say “Ciao” casually or “Buongiorno” formally. Venetians are polite but guarded with tourists.
Dress: Modest attire for churches like St. Mark’s—cover shoulders and knees (scarves work). Casual chic (sundresses, loafers) fits piazzas; waterproof shoes beat acqua alta floods.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do: Greet shopkeepers with “Buongiorno” and a smile—it opens doors. Sit for coffee at cafés—standing is cheaper but less social (e.g., €1 vs. €4 at Florian).
Don’t: Tip heavily—Italians round up slightly (€10 to €12) or skip it; servers won’t chase you. Don’t block narrow bridges—step aside for locals rushing past.
Respect: Avoid eating in St. Mark’s Square—fines sting (€200/$210 USD). Keep canalside paths clear; Venetians navigate tight spaces daily.
Festival Highlights
Carnevale (February): Masks and costumes flood the streets—join the revelry with a simple mask (€10/$10.50 USD) to spark chats with artisans. It’s a nod to Venice’s secretive past.
Festa del Redentore (third Sunday in July): Fireworks and a pontoon bridge to Giudecca—locals picnic on boats. Share prosecco to feel the communal vibe.
Blend In: Master “Grazie” (thank you) and “Scusi” (excuse me)—small efforts charm busy Venetians. Wander quieter sestieri like Cannaregio to mingle at bacari (wine bars) over cicchetti.
Let the Good Times Roll in Venice
Let the Good Times Roll in Venice
Venice is a city that floats on wonder—a liquid dream where canals carve its soul like veins of shimmering glass, palazzos frame its past with faded grandeur, and every clink of an Aperol spritz toasts its irrepressible charm. From the golden glitter of St. Mark’s Basilica, where mosaics catch the lagoon’s glow, to Burano’s riot of pastel hues, where fishing boats bob against candy-colored walls, it’s a maze of magic that tugs at your curiosity and begs you to linger. The air hums with the creak of gondolas, the chatter of cicchetti bars, and the faint echo of Vivaldi’s strings drifting from a hidden courtyard.
Book your flights sharp to catch its rhythm, pick a stay that pulses with its watery vibe—be it a tucked-away pensione or a canal-side palace—savor lagoon-fresh bites that taste of the sea, and chase its must-dos with this guide in your pocket, covering flights, hotels, eSIMs, and insurance with ease. You’re primed to drift into the Floating City’s spell, where every corner whispers secrets and every wave carries a story—Venice awaits, ready to sweep you off your feet this season!
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