Whether you’ve been to Venice two or 20 times, there’s always something new to discover. Indeed, even the most seasoned visitors get lost in the city’s labyrinthine network of islands, bridges, pedestrian alleys, and canals. And therein lies the beauty of the destination: afternoons spent wandering from palace to piazza, exploring the small art museums, shopping the stalls that line the streets, and encountering a fresh side of Venice, a fascinating amalgamation of influences—Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Italian—every time you round a corner.
Swoon-worthy beauty is Venice's calling card. Canals and bridges crisscross the Italian city, people gather in 17th-century palazzi, Renaissance masterpieces hang in museums, and not a single car traverses its stone paths. Experience this beloved city in-depth with our Venice travel guide.
Things Not to Miss in Venice
Venice is just as otherworldly as it appears on film. Here, three of the best activities:
• Campamnile di San Marco—Erected in 1912, the bell tower of St. Mark affords spectacular views from the top. It's a Venice travel must.
• Torre dell'Orologio—Take a guided tour of this restored astronomical clock.
• Ca 'Pesaro—This museum houses a serious collection of modern art.
• Basilica di San Marco—When visiting this architectural wonder, keep in mind no large bags or cameras of any kind are allowed inside.
• Galleria dell' Accademia di Venezia—This is one of Italy's best art museums.
When to Visit Venice
Travel to Venice between April—June or September—October for mild temperatures and sparser crowds. High season lasts from July until mid-September and the city is also very busy during Carnival (February—March), which falls during rainy season. August isn't a great time to visit Venice as it's muggy, crowded with tourists, and when many locals take their own vacation.
DON'T MISS
Seeing a Verdi or Puccini masterwork at the newly restored Teatro La Fenice, the city’s famous 1836 opera house.
Dining on pappardelle with oysters, tuna carpaccio, or fritto misto (fried seafood) at Da Fiore, a favored restaurant among foodies around the globe.
Getting lost among Venice’s romantic, labyrinthine streets and canals.
RECOMMENDED LINKS
- For more lounges in Venice, visit NileGuide
-
Perfumer Jo Malone Shares Her Family-friendly Venice Itinerary — and Her Best Tips for Finding Cheap Eats
A Room with a ViewMy husband, Gary, and I have been to Venice many times and have stayed in properties all over the city, from cheap B&Bs to high... Read More
-
You Can Travel Around Italy for Less Than $25 This Fall (Video)
Visiting Italy is a bit like discovering the discography of a prolific musician. You’ve got to check out the greatest hits before you can delve into the... Read More
-
How to Plan a Destination Funeral
You can spend 99 years in Venice without ever having to deal with tourists.Last year, Venetian mayor Luigi Brugnaro announced a radical plan to fund... Read More
-
Venice Is Banning Kayaks, Canoes, and Other Boats From the Grand Canal
Locals and tourists in Venice will have to look for some other means of getting around the city now that a new regulation will ban certain types of... Read More
-
Serena Williams Wanted Italian Food for Dinner, So Her Husband Flew Her to Venice
Get yourself a lover that’ll satisfy your carb cravings, am I right?About a week after Serena Williams competed in a Wimbledon final showdown (she lost... Read More
-
The Top Hotels in Venice
Visitors to Venice feel like they’ve stepped back in time as they wander the cobblestoned streets, marveling at the palazzos and aging buildings that... Read More
-
The Top 10 Europe City Hotels
Europe’s city hotels are among the oldest in the world, and they continue to set the gold standard for service. But the Continent is also home to some... Read More
-
This Private Island Hotel in Venice Has a Rooftop Pool With Perfect Sunset Views
In Venice, the sidewalks almost feel like an afterthought — narrow and winding, leading even skilled navigators in frustrating loops. To travel by water... Read More
-
When in Venice, Don’t Think Like a Tourist
Venice. It's the Queen of the Adriatic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and so popular with tourists that the city has considered imposing a limit.In fact... Read More
-
Venice Looks Absolutely Breathtaking Covered in Snow (Video)
A major weather system, known as the “Beast from the East,” that has affected most of Europe has blanketed many Italian cities with their first snowfall... Read More
-
The World's Most Romantic Cities
This past month, Paris Hilton had the surprise of a lifetime when her boyfriend, actor Chris Zylka, bent down on one knee and popped the question while... Read More
-
4 Tourists in Venice Were Charged $1,350 for Steak, Fried Fish, and Water
This article originally appeared on BusinessInsider.com. The mayor of Venice has pledged to intervene in a "shameful episode" in which four tourists... Read More
-
This New Travel Show on Netflix Will Make You Plan a Culinary Trip to Venice
Despite the warm glow of the magic hour, the outdoor tables facing the small canal at Il Refolo were empty but for one couple, due to the drizzle. It... Read More
-
Venice Is Restricting Access to Cruise Ships — Here’s What It Means for Travelers
Italy’s transport minister announced this week that Venice will ban all cruise ships from entering the city center. The announcement comes after years... Read More
-
A Trip Inspired by 'Murder on the Orient Express'
It was 7 p.m., and a pre-dinner crowd dressed in black tie had gathered in the bar car of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which was rattling through... Read More