Venice, Italy

Venice is one of the most unique and jaw-dropping gorgeous cities in the world. From the glamour and glitzy shopping opportunities, incredible marble architecture, and delightful luxurious atmosphere, to the incredible turquoise blue water views, Venice is a place full of magic around every corner. Whether you love architecture, history, delicious Italian cuisine, or the elite way of life, it’s definitely a place everyone should visit at least once.

Full of winding canals and intimate gondolas, Venice is much most than meets the eye. While there is see much to see and experience, we’ve put together all the information needed to plan accordingly and have an overall incredible trip to Venice.

Venice is known not only for its immaculate beauty but its huge historical significance in Europe. During the Italian Renaissance, Venice was a financial powerhouse, military stronghold, and home to some of the most beautiful architecture in the country. It sits on 117 small islands connected by bridges, with a network of canals flowing through the city. Today, it is one of the most tourist destinations in the world, but its also at high risk for flooding due to the effects of climate change and rising ocean waters.

It’s best to do a little research before your trip to make everything more convenient and stress-free as possible. Knowing what to expect before you arrive can save a lot of time and money in the long run. Here are some basic tips about how to plan your trip to Venice.

• When to visit: Venice is a grand destination all year round, but there are better times to visit than others. If you are looking to avoid enormous crowds or uncomfortable weather, the best time to visit Venice is during the spring or the fall. Flooding occurs from March-November, and June-August especially is the city’s high season.

• Weather: Venice is lucky to experience all 4 seasons each year. Spring and fall months are more cool and comfortable with lots of sunshine. Winter months bring in frost and colder temperatures, and summer is hot with high chances of flooding. However, due to its geographical location and it’s being located on the water, Venice doesn’t get extremely humid, and there’s a comfortable constant breeze.

• How to get around: Venice is the largest car-free, pedestrian city in the world. To get around visitors have 2 options; by foot and by water. While it’s large in size, it’s still small enough to easily get around on foot, although it is easy to get lost if you aren’t familiar with the area. If you choose to travel by water, you can take the Vaporetto, the 24/7 public water bus, water taxi which is more private and expensive, or for the best sightseeing, many opt for a gondola.

While Venice is a highlight all in itself, the city has a strong reputation for beauty, history, and luxury. Best known for its glitzy architecture, canals, and incredible shopping, here are the 3 top highlights of the magical city of Venice.

The Grand Canal: Venice is known for its canals, and the Grand Canal is one of the biggest draws to the city. It splits the city in 2 cutting between St. Marks Basilica and Santa Chiara. Riding along the canal is one of the best ways to experience the city, see top landmarks, and view the floating city by night for a brand new perspective.

Burano Island: Sitting within the Venetian Lagoon, Burano Island is famous for its boldest and most intricate style, and most specifically, lace making. It is lined with streets of bold colors and alluring shapes, artisan shops and boutiques, and the infamous La Casa di Bepi Sua. Travel by water taxi, and explore the island on foot or by the canal on an intimate gondola.

St. Marks Square: Described by Napoleon as the “world’s most beautiful drawing room,” St. Marks Square is the epiphany of the beauty and luxury that Venice holds. Otherwise known as the Piazza San Marco, it is home to various points of interest such as St. Marks Basilica, Doges Palace, and the infamous Clock Tower. The square requires deep pockets as it is one of the most expensive points in the city, but the sights are worth every penny.

Besides the major highlights and locations mentioned above, Venice has an incredible amount of things to do and see. Whether you are looking to discover the beauty, immerse in the culture, or wander around historical streets, these are some of the best things to do in Venice.

• This is undoubtedly the most iconic bridge in Venice. Ponte di Rialto connects San Marco and San Polo, making it a huge tourist hotspot. It has incredible detail and design, with perfect symmetry and views of the Grand Canal.

• The Gallerie dell’Accedamia is an art museum that is home to incredible works from the 19th century. It boasts a wide range of Renaissance style art, and a most famous masterpiece from Da Vince, ‘Vitruvian Man.’

• The bridge of sighs is small in size, but marks significant relevance in the city. Connecting Prigioni Nuove to Doges Palace, it comes with a legend; when prisoners were taken over the bridge, they would sigh upon their last look at Venice. 

• It’s almost impossible to visit any Italian city and not indulge in sweet and tasty gelato. Perfect after a long day of sightseeing, Venice is home to a number of delicious gelato shops with an uncountable number of flavors to choose from.

It’s no secret that Venice boasts incredible and luxurious shopping opportunities. Many name-brand designers have stores and offices along the canals, showing off even more of the city’s elite status and elegant beauty.

• Sitting on the opposite side of the Grand Canal is the infamous Basilica di, Santa Maria. The 2nd most renowned basilica in Venice, its delightfully pleasing to the eye, elegant and spaciously light inside, with the outside of a Roman design with 4 statues of the Apostles towering above.

We hope you have enjoyed this beginner’s guide to the floating city of Venice! No matter how you spend your time,  we hope this guide has inspired you to explore the incredible city and make the most out of your experience in Venice.