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Discover Venice

Rialto Bridge, Venice
Rialto Bridge
Grand Canal, Venice
Grand Canal

City guide

About Venice

Venice spreads across 118 small islands in a shallow coastal lagoon along the northwest Adriatic Sea. The 'Floating City' is an extraordinary architectural triumph, threaded by more than 150 canals and united by four hundred stone footbridges.

The historic maritime republic has no roads, cars, or bicycles: movement takes place by boat or on foot through a labyrinth of secluded stone alleyways (calli) and quiet parish squares (campi). From monumental St. Mark's Square to the bohemian corners of Dorsoduro and the lively Rialto fish market, Venice is an enduring monument to human artistry.

Best time to go
April, May, September, and October offer the finest conditions: sunny skies, pleasant temperatures between 18 and 23°C, and exceptional golden light reflecting off the water. In February, the historic Venice Carnival fills the streets with elaborate period costumes and masks. July and August are warm, humid, and busy. Late autumn can bring occasional tidal high waters (acqua alta).
From the airport
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is located 13 kilometres north of the city on the edge of the lagoon. The Alilaguna water bus (Orange or Blue lines) cruises directly across the water to stops like San Marco and Rialto in about an hour. Express buses from ACTV (Line 5) and ATVO cross the causeway to Piazzale Roma in 20 minutes. Private water taxis cost between 120 and 140 euros.
Getting around
Venice is entirely pedestrianized and best discovered by walking; wear comfortable shoes to manage the arched bridge stairways. Waterborne public transit is provided by ACTV vaporetti (water buses). Line 1 offers a classic, leisurely cruise down the entire length of the Grand Canal. A 24-hour or 72-hour pass offers great value.

What to see in Venice

  • St. Mark's Square and BasilicaThe monumental heart of Venice, home to the Byzantine cathedral adorned with dazzling gold-leaf mosaics, alongside the iconic 98-metre Campanile bell tower.
  • Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)The Venetian Gothic palace housing lavish council halls, the famous Bridge of Sighs, and historic prison chambers.
  • Grand Canal and Rialto BridgeThe majestic main water artery of Venice lined with Renaissance and Gothic palazzi, crossed by the famous 16th-century stone Rialto Bridge.
  • Gallerie dell'Accademia and Peggy Guggenheim CollectionTwo premier art museums in Dorsoduro: the Accademia showcasing Venetian masters like Titian and Tintoretto, and the Guggenheim displaying modern masterpieces on the water.

Neighbourhoods

  • San MarcoThe grand ceremonial center containing the city's most famous monuments, luxury boutiques, and historic cafes like Caffe Florian.
  • CannaregioAn authentic, quieter residential quarter home to the historic Jewish Ghetto, wide waterside quays, and bustling neighborhood bacari.
  • DorsoduroThe leafy, artistic university quarter packed with contemporary galleries, indie bookshops, and student life around Campo Santa Margherita.

Food and drink

Experience the ritual of bacaro hopping to eat cicchetti: bite-sized Venetian bar snacks such as baccala mantecato (creamy whipped salted cod on crusty polenta), sarde in saor (sweet and sour marinated sardines with pine nuts and raisins), and crispy polpette meatballs. Wash them down with an ombra (a small glass of local wine) or a classic Venetian Spritz crafted with ruby-red Select bitter.

Questions about Venice

How does high water (acqua alta) affect visits to Venice?

High water occurs mainly between October and February during extreme high tides and lasts only a few hours. The city deploys elevated pedestrian boardwalks, and the modern MOSE flood barrier system now protects the city from most major flooding events.

Is a gondola ride worth the cost?

While expensive (official rates start at around 90 euros for 30 minutes), gliding through quiet, narrow residential canals offers an unforgettable perspective. For a quick taste, ride a traghetto: a passenger gondola that ferries commuters across the Grand Canal for two euros.

Month by month breakdown

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