What should you do in Venice?
Walk in the footsteps of famous residents of the past such as Marco Polo, Casanova, and Bellini in the lagoon city of Venice. Enjoy a breakfast of pastries and espresso in a local café among the bridges and old buildings. Visit the spectacular Doge's Palace and then make your way to St. Mark's Square. Hop on a gondola to float along the Grand Canal by moonlight.
Doge's Palace
Seat of Government of the Republic of Venice
Rialto Bridge
Stone Bridge Over the Grand Canal
St. Mark's Square and Basilica
The Most Famous Square in Venice
Teatro la Fenice
Where Bellini, Donizetti, and Verdi Took the Stage
Grand Canal
The Most Important Waterway in Venice
Which sights to explore in Venice?
Doge’s Palace
For centuries, the Doge’s Palace was the heart of political power in Venice. This magnificent Gothic building served as the seat of the Venetian Republic for more than 1,000 years. Step inside to explore opulent council chambers, gold-covered ceilings, and ornate frescoes that reveal the city’s powerful past. Don’t miss the Bridge of Sighs, which once led prisoners from interrogation rooms to their cells—and offers one of Venice’s most poetic views.
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Rialto Bridge
Spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is one of Venice’s oldest and most iconic crossings. Built in 1591, it’s a favorite spot for scenic views and sunset photos. Just steps away, stop by a traditional bàcari tavern and try cicchetti—Venetian small plates like sardines, octopus, or meatballs—paired with a glass of prosecco. This historic bridge is a picture-perfect place to soak in the city’s charm.
St. Mark’s Square and Basilica
St. Mark’s Square is the beating heart of Venice, framed by elegant arcades, cafes, and the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica. Inside the cathedral, you’ll find more than 85,000 square feet of shimmering gold mosaics. Outside, the lively square fills with music and energy, offering one of the most atmospheric public spaces in Europe. Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to enjoy it at its quietest.
Teatro La Fenice
One of Italy’s most storied opera houses, Teatro La Fenice has seen the premieres of masterpieces by Bellini, Donizetti, and Verdi. Rebuilt multiple times after fires, its name—“The Phoenix”—reflects its legendary resilience. With its ornate interiors and world-class acoustics, it’s a must-visit for music lovers. Whether attending a performance or touring the historic venue, you’ll feel the grandeur of Venice’s cultural legacy.
Grand Canal
The Grand Canal is Venice’s main thoroughfare, winding through the city in an elegant S-shape. Take a vaporetto or gondola ride along this historic waterway to pass Renaissance palaces, elegant bridges, and bustling neighborhoods. The canal is especially magical at sunset, when the sky turns pink and the buildings are reflected in the rippling water—a truly timeless experience.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
For a modern twist in a historic setting, visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Housed in a former palace along the Grand Canal, the museum features works by Picasso, Pollock, Dalí, and Kandinsky. It's one of the most important museums of modern art in Italy and offers a peaceful sculpture garden with views of the canal.
Bridge of Sighs
Connecting the Doge’s Palace with the historic prison, the Bridge of Sighs gained its name from the sighs of prisoners catching their last glimpse of Venice through its small stone windows. Today, the bridge is a symbol of romantic legend and a popular photo stop. Walk through it as part of the Doge’s Palace tour for a deeper sense of its dramatic past.
Santa Maria della Salute
This grand baroque church stands majestically at the entrance of the Grand Canal. Built in the 17th century as a votive offering to end a plague, its soaring dome and intricate sculptures are a striking part of the Venetian skyline. Step inside to find works by Titian and a peaceful, light-filled interior perfect for a quiet moment of reflection.
Murano and Burano
Take a boat trip to Venice’s nearby islands for a different perspective on lagoon life. Murano is world-renowned for its glassmaking tradition—visit a studio to see artisans at work. Burano, known for its colorful houses and delicate lace, is postcard-perfect and full of charm. Both offer a slower, quieter experience just a short ride from the main city.
Accademia Gallery
Art lovers should head to the Gallerie dell’Accademia, home to the most significant collection of Venetian paintings in the world. See masterpieces by Bellini, Carpaccio, Tintoretto, and Veronese in this peaceful museum that traces the city’s rich visual history from the 14th to 18th centuries.
Practical information for your trip
Venice is best visited in the fall, when the summer crowds have thinned and the weather remains pleasantly mild—perfect for exploring canals, piazzas, and quiet alleyways at a more relaxed pace.
Where you stay in Venice depends on your travel style and preferences, as the city offers a wide range of neighborhoods and accommodations—from boutique hotels to vacation rentals. Staying near the Grand Canal or close to St. Mark’s Square puts you within easy walking distance of major sights. If you plan to explore other parts of Italy by train, consider lodging near the Santa Lucia train station. For a more peaceful experience, the island of Murano offers a quieter atmosphere and charming local character.
We recommend that you spend at least four days and nights on vacation in Venice so that you can enjoy the city at a comfortable pace. The city has so many extraordinary attractions to enjoy.
Venice has a large, centrally located train station with high-speed trains to all of Italy. Popular day trips by train from Venice include the medieval city of Verona (the setting for Romeo and Juliet) and Lake Garda, which is one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe. Wine lovers should consider a day trip by train to the Prosecco region.
Venice is located in northeastern Italy along the Adriatic Sea. The city was built on 118 small islands just off the mainland, all connected by canals and bridges. A 2.5-mile (4 km) causeway links it to the mainland by road and rail. Venice is about 350 miles north of Rome, 175 miles east of Milan, and 260 miles northeast of Florence.
