Venice Travel Guide in 2024

Venice, often referred as “city of waters” will instantly captivate your heart with its stunning canals, beautiful architecture and the romantic feeling, you can feel throughout the city. This unique destination is a labyrinth of waterways and narrow, charming streets, inviting you to wander, get lost, and discover both well-known and hidden picturesque views.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best things to do in Venice, how long to stay, and most importantly, where to find the best Italian food for your Dolce Vita.

How long to stay in Venice

Venice is a very walkable city, with most of the attractions conveniently located close to each other. While many people visit Venice as a day trip, to truly discover its major sites without feeling rushed, we recommend staying for at least 2 nights and 3 days. Doing this, allows you to explore the city at a leisurely pace and even take a day trip to the neighboring islands.

10 Best things to do in Venice

01. St. Mark’s Square

Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark’s Square, is the principal public square in Venice, Italy, and one of the most famous squares in the world. You probably know it as the squares with the hundreds of pigeons but it has much more to offer with the iconic landmarks surround it including

• Doge’s Palace: Tthe residence of the Doge, the ruler of Venice, and the seat of the Venetian government.
• The Campanile: The bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica, that you can climb up to enjoy panoramic views of Venice.
• St. Mark’s Basilica: A Basalica of Bayzantine architecture, known for its opulent design, mosaics, and the Pala d’Oro altarpiece.

02. St. Mark’s Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilicas is one of the most famous and important churches in Venice, Italy. The interior uses gold mosaics that cover the wall and domes and depicts scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The most prized treasures is the Pala d’Oro, a golden altarpiece with precious gems and enamels that is considered one of the best examples of Byzantine work.

03. Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is the oldest and most famous bridge spanning the Grand Canal and connects the districts of San Marco and San Polo. It is a crowded space but offers stunning views over the Grand Canal and therefore makes it a great spot for watching the sunset.

04. Ponte Dell’Academia

Another romantic spot for watching the sunset is the Ponte dell’Accademia, which offers stunning views of the Grand Canal. From this vantage point, you can also admire the beautiful Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. This bridge is not just a crossing but a perfect place to soak in the enchanting atmosphere of Venice.

05. Gondola Ride

Who hasn’t dreamed of taking a gondola ride in Venice as an ultimate bucket list experience? Gondolas are the quintessential symbol of the Floating City, perfectly designed with their long, narrow shape to glide through Venice’s shallow waterways. You’ll find these iconic boats all over the city, with numerous spots where you can hop on for a ride.

The cost of a gondola ride can vary depending on the time of day and the season. Here are the prices for 2024 during high season (private Gondola that can take up to 5 people):

• 30 minute ride from 9AM-7PM – 90€
• 35 minute ride from 7PM – 110€

To avoid the scorching sun from 11 AM to 5 PM, consider taking your gondola ride either early in the morning when the gondoliers are fresh or in the late afternoon when the sun isn’t as intense. This will make for a more enjoyable experience as you explore Venice’s picturesque canals.

06. La Fenice

La Fenice is an opera house in Venice. You don’t have to watch a show to experience its beauty; you can also purchase tickets to explore the opulent interior of this historic venue. 

07. Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is a lesser-known but fascinating architectural gem. You can walk up the beautiful spiral staircase and will be greeted with a scenic view above the city. Tickets are priced at 8€ and can be purchased here.

08. Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs, or Ponte dei Sospiri in Italian, is one of the most famous and picturesque bridges in Venice with an interesting history. The bridge was used to lead prisoners from the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace to their cells. Rumor has it that the bridge’s name comes from the sighs of prisoners as they caught their last glimpse of Venice through the small windows. Luckily you don’t have to commit a crime to enjoy this beautiful bridge!

09. Libreria Acqua Alta

Libreria Acqua Alta is no ordinary bookshop! They call themselves the most beautiful bookshop – for good reasons! Unlike traditional bookstores, Libreria Acqua Alta has a very whimsical layout that you only see in movies. Books are stored in waterproof bins, bathtubs, and even a full-sized gondola inside the shop to protect them from flooding as the shop is located by the water. You will also find various photo spots throughout the shop!

10. Fondaco dei Tedeschi

Fondaco dei Tedeschi is a mall that hosts some of the most luxurious brands in the world. However, that’s not the reason it made the list! The building features a rooftop with stunning 360-degree views of Venice. While access to the rooftop is free, you need to make a reservation on their website in advance. Each slot is limited to 15 minutes, which is enough time to soak in the beautiful views.

Where to eat in Venice

Sweets & treats