Venice

Venice Travel Guide

A one-of-a-kind floating city of 118 canal-linked islands, famed for gondolas and Carnival masks. The elegance of Piazza San Marco, the artistic vibe of Dorsoduro, and the tranquility of Giudecca island each reveal a different Venice. Getting lost in the labyrinthine alleys is a uniquely Venetian experience, and it is the ultimate destination for couples seeking romance.

Essential Venice Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Venice

★ 4.7

Piazza San Marco

Once the political, religious and social heart of Venice, this is the square Napoleon called 'the most beautiful drawing room in Europe.' The Byzantine St. Mark's Basilica gleams with golden mosaics, and the 99 m Campanile offers panoramic views of Venice and its lagoon. On the square sits Caffe Florian, opened in 1720 as Italy's first cafe, where you can sip coffee to live orchestra music. Square free to visit. Basilica free; Campanile admission about EUR 10. 2-minute walk from Vaporetto Line 1 San Marco Vallaresso stop.

HoursBasilica: 09:30-17:15 (Sundays 14:00-16:30); Campanile: 09:30-21:15 (varies by season)

LocationSan Marco, Venice

TipsAcqua alta floods can submerge the square between October and January - pack waterproof boots. The Campanile observation deck can be booked in advance.

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★ 4.6

Rialto Bridge

Completed in 1591, the Rialto is the oldest bridge across Venice's Grand Canal, rebuilt in stone after its wooden predecessor. Jewelers' and souvenir shops line both sides, and the view of the Grand Canal from the center of the bridge is stunning. Nearby, Venice's oldest market sells fresh seafood and produce. Gliding under the bridge in a gondola is a classic experience. Free to visit. Directly at Vaporetto Line 1 Rialto stop.

HoursOpen 24 hours (Rialto Market: Tue-Sat 07:30-13:00)

LocationSan Polo, Venice

TipsVisit early in the morning for quiet photos. The Rialto Market runs only in the mornings, so combine your visit.

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★ 4.6

Dorsoduro & Gallerie dell'Accademia

A world-class museum showcasing Venetian painting from the 14th to 18th centuries, with highlights including Giovanni Bellini's Madonnas, Titian's 'Assumption of the Virgin', Tintoretto's monumental canvases, and Leonardo da Vinci's 'Vitruvian Man' (shown in special exhibitions). The surrounding Dorsoduro quarter is Venice's most artistic neighbourhood, with the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute within walking distance. Don't miss the Grand Canal view from the Accademia Bridge. Admission about EUR 12 (free first Sunday of each month). Directly at Vaporetto Line 1 Accademia stop.

Hours08:15-19:15 (Mondays 08:15-14:00)

LocationDorsoduro, Venice

TipsCombine with the Peggy Guggenheim Collection for a half-day art tour. The Grand Canal photo from the Accademia Bridge is one of Venice's best shots.

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★ 4.7

Doge's Palace

Next to Piazza San Marco, the Doge's Palace served for a thousand years as the residence of Venice's Doge and the seat of the Republic's government. A 14th-century Venetian Gothic masterpiece, its striped exterior in pink Verona marble and white Istrian stone is iconic. Inside lie Tintoretto's 'Paradise' (the world's largest canvas painting), Veronese's ceiling frescoes, the Golden Staircase, and the four Doges' chambers. Cross the Bridge of Sighs to the old prisons where Casanova once escaped from the Piombi cells. Admission about EUR 30 (combined St. Mark's museum ticket). On the east side of Piazza San Marco.

Hours09:00-19:00 (last entry 18:00)

LocationSan Marco, Venice

TipsThe Secret Itineraries tour visits Casanova's cell and the torture chambers - book in advance.

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★ 4.4

Bridge of Sighs

Built around 1600 of white Istrian stone in Baroque style, the Bridge of Sighs links the Doge's Palace courtrooms to the New Prison (Prigioni Nuove). Its name comes from the sighs prisoners supposedly let out as they glimpsed Venice for the last time before incarceration. Lord Byron coined the romantic name in the 19th century, though in reality most who crossed it were petty offenders. Photographing the bridge from the seaside canal at sunset is one of Venice's iconic shots; with a Doge's Palace ticket, you can also cross through its interior. Free to view from outside. Right next to the Doge's Palace.

HoursExterior 24 hours (interior with Doge's Palace hours)

LocationSan Marco, Venice

TipsThe best exterior photo is from Ponte della Paglia. With a Doge's Palace ticket, you can walk through the bridge's interior.

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★ 4.8

Burano Island

A small island in the northern Venetian lagoon, Burano is famous for fishermen's houses painted in vivid reds, blues, yellows, and pinks - colors chosen so sailors could spot their homes through the fog. Burano lace, world-renowned since the 16th century, can be admired at the Lace Museum. The leaning San Martino bell tower rises about 53m, and sampling a local buranelli butter cookie with espresso is a treat. Free to visit. About 45 minutes on Vaporetto Line 12 from Fondamente Nove.

HoursOpen 24 hours (shops 10:00-18:00)

LocationBurano, Venice Lagoon

TipsArrive in late afternoon for sunset photos of the colorful houses. Pair with Murano for an efficient one-day lagoon tour.

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★ 4.5

Murano Island

In 1291 the Venetian government ordered all glassworks to relocate here to reduce fire risk, and Murano has been the world's glassmaking center ever since. Studios across the island demonstrate glassblowing live, and the Murano Glass Museum traces masterpieces from ancient Roman times to today. The 12th-century mosaic floor of Santi Maria e Donato is a gem of Venetian Byzantine art. Genuine Murano glass makes a wonderful Venice souvenir, but check the authenticity mark. Free to visit (museum about EUR 10). Start at the Murano Colonna stop on Vaporetto Lines 4.1/4.2.

HoursWorkshops 09:00-17:00 (museum closed Tuesdays)

LocationMurano, Venice Lagoon

TipsWorkshop demonstrations are usually free, but expect a sales pitch afterwards. Watch the demo and shop at your leisure.

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★ 4.6

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Housed in the 18th-century unfinished Palazzo Venier dei Leoni where American heiress Peggy Guggenheim once lived, this museum shows her lifelong modern art collection. Some 300 works by 20th-century masters including Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, and Max Ernst (Peggy's second husband) make it the only place in Venice to dive into modern art. The garden facing the Grand Canal and the rooftop with lagoon views are equally appealing, and Peggy's grave alongside that of her 14 dogs lies in the garden. Admission about EUR 16. 5-minute walk from Vaporetto Line 1 Accademia or Salute stop.

Hours10:00-18:00 (closed Tuesdays)

LocationDorsoduro, Venice

TipsRelax in the garden and rooftop cafe with Grand Canal views. Family-friendly and a great pairing with a Dorsoduro walk.

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★ 4.7

St Mark's Basilica

Built in 828 after Venetian merchants smuggled the relics of St. Mark from Alexandria, the current structure dates to a 1063 reconstruction. It is renowned for roughly 8,000 square meters of gold mosaics covering its interior and facade, plus four bronze horse statues (the originals are displayed inside). The building blends Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic styles. Entry to the nave is free, while the Pala d'Oro golden altarpiece and the terrace require separate tickets (about EUR 5-7). It sits right beside the Doge's Palace on St. Mark's Square.

Hours09:30-17:15 (Sundays and holidays afternoon only)

LocationSan Marco, Venice

TipsLines are long in high season, so visit early morning or book online in advance. Shorts and sleeveless tops may bar entry.

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★ 4.6

St Mark's Campanile

First built in the 9th century and rebuilt several times, the tower collapsed suddenly in 1902 and was rebuilt to its original design by 1912. At about 98.6 meters, it is Venice's tallest structure; an elevator carries visitors to the observation deck for sweeping views over St. Mark's Square, the Grand Canal, the lagoon, and surrounding islands. Admission is about EUR 12-15, and early morning or evening visits help avoid long queues in peak season.

Hours09:00-21:00 (varies by season)

LocationSan Marco, Venice

TipsGo up around sunset to see the sun setting over the lagoon and the city bathed in red light.

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★ 4.6

Santa Maria della Salute

Built as a votive offering after the plague that struck Venice in 1630, this baroque church was designed by Baldassare Longhena, begun in 1631, and completed in 1687. Its octagonal plan topped by a huge dome defines the skyline at the Grand Canal's mouth, and the interior holds works by Titian and Tintoretto. Every November 21, the Feast of the Salute, a temporary pontoon bridge lets visitors walk across the Grand Canal to it. Entry to the church is free; the sacristy charges a small fee.

Hours09:30-12:00, 15:00-17:30

LocationDorsoduro, Venice

TipsPair it with a Dorsoduro walk across the Accademia Bridge, and enjoy the night view from St. Mark's Square across the water.

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★ 4.5

Ca' Rezzonico

Baldassare Longhena began designing this baroque Grand Canal palace in 1649, and Giorgio Massari completed it in the 1750s. It was once owned by the son of poet Robert Browning, and today it operates as a museum showing 18th-century Venetian aristocratic life through frescoes, furniture, and porcelain. The ceiling frescoes by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo are a highlight, along with the lavishly decorated ballroom. Admission is about EUR 10.

Hours10:00-18:00 (closed Tuesdays, shorter hours in winter)

LocationDorsoduro, Venice

TipsIt sits right by the Ca' Rezzonico vaporetto stop, easy to combine with other Dorsoduro sights.

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★ 4.7

Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Founded in 1478 in honor of St. Roch, patron saint against plague, this confraternity hall was built between 1515 and 1560. It is celebrated for roughly 60 large canvases painted by Tintoretto over about 23 years starting in 1564. Highlights include the Old and New Testament scenes covering the upper hall's ceiling and walls, and the monumental Crucifixion. Often called a Sistine Chapel of painting by art lovers, it represents a peak of Venetian Baroque art. Admission is about EUR 10.

Hours09:30-17:30

LocationSan Polo, Venice

TipsUse the hand mirrors provided to comfortably view the ceiling paintings. Easy to pair with the Frari Basilica nearby.

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★ 4.6

Teatro La Fenice

Opened in 1792, this is one of Italy's leading opera houses; its name means 'phoenix,' fitting since it burned down and was rebuilt twice, in 1836 and again in 1996. Verdi's Rigoletto and La Traviata both premiered here, and the gilded auditorium and chandeliers are striking. Besides attending opera or concerts, visitors can take a daytime audio-guided tour of the interior. The tour ticket costs about EUR 12.

Hours09:30-18:00 (tours available on non-performance days)

LocationSan Marco, Venice

TipsPerformance tickets sell out early, so book ahead; the daytime tour alone lets you enjoy the lavish interior.

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★ 4.4

Lido di Venezia

Unlike the main islands of Venice, this long sandbar has roads that cars can use, and it became a fashionable European seaside resort from the late 19th century. It hosts the Palazzo del Cinema, home of the Venice International Film Festival held every August-September, and its seafront promenade is lined with Art Nouveau and Liberty-style grand hotels. In summer, paid beach clubs and bicycle rentals are popular. It's about a 15-20 minute vaporetto ride from St. Mark's Square.

HoursOpen year-round (beach clubs operate seasonally)

LocationLido, Venice

TipsRent a bike to ride along the coastal road. Beach clubs may require reservations in peak summer season.

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★ 4.5

Torcello

Settled by refugees fleeing the mainland from the 5th to 7th centuries, Torcello was the first island to flourish in the Venetian lagoon, once a city of some 20,000 people before malaria and silting canals caused its decline; today fewer than a dozen residents remain. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built in 639, still stands, famed for its Byzantine mosaics of the Last Judgment and the Madonna Enthroned. Ernest Hemingway was known to favor the island, which is connected to Burano by a bridge and reachable on foot. Cathedral admission is about EUR 5.

Hours10:30-17:00 (shorter hours in winter)

LocationTorcello, Venice

TipsPair it with Burano for a half-day trip; the island is sparsely visited, perfect for a quiet stroll.

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★ 4.5

Ca' d'Oro

Built between 1420 and 1434, this is a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture, originally covered in gold leaf decoration that gave it the nickname 'House of Gold.' It features lace-like tracery windows and arches. In the early 20th century, Baron Giorgio Franchetti restored the palace and donated it along with his art collection to the state; it now operates as the Galleria Franchetti. Highlights include Mantegna's St. Sebastian and works by Titian and Van Dyck. Admission is about EUR 8, and the balcony overlooking the Grand Canal offers a superb view.

Hours08:15-19:15 (shorter hours on Mondays)

LocationCannaregio, Venice

TipsIt's close to the Rialto Market, easy to combine on a walk. Don't miss the Grand Canal balcony view.

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★ 4.4

Venetian Ghetto

Created in 1516 when the Venetian Republic confined Jewish residents to a former foundry (geto) site in the Cannaregio district, this area gave rise to the word 'ghetto,' now used worldwide for forced Jewish quarters. As the population grew on limited land, buildings were raised to unusually tall heights for Venice, and five synagogues built in the 16th-17th centuries — German, Italian, Spanish, and others — remain. Guided tours from the Jewish Museum let visitors see synagogue interiors; admission including the museum and tour is about EUR 12.

Hours10:00-17:30 (closed Saturdays and Jewish holidays)

LocationCannaregio, Venice

TipsCombine with a kosher bakery visit and the Jewish Museum; the quiet campo is a good place to reflect on the history.

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Things to Do in Venice

Culture

Gondola Ride

Glide through Venice's small canals and Grand Canal aboard an iconic gondola for 30 minutes. About EUR 80-120 per gondola (up to 5)

Price EUR 80-120 per gondolaDuration 30 minutes

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Culture

Carnival Mask-Making Workshop

Craft and paint your own Carnival mask in the city that invented them. About EUR 40-60

Price EUR 40-60Duration 2 hours

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Tour

Lagoon Island Hopping (Burano-Murano-Torcello)

Day boat tour visiting Burano, Murano, and Torcello, with glass demonstrations and the Lace Museum. About EUR 25-45

Price EUR 25-45Duration 5-6 hours

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Culture

Bacaro Wine Tour

Hop bacari (traditional Venetian wine bars) with a guide, sampling cicchetti and Veneto wines. About EUR 60-85

Price EUR 60-85Duration 3 hours

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Tour

Vaporetto Line 1 Grand Canal Cruise

Take the public water bus along the Grand Canal for an hour, admiring palaces and bridges. One-way ticket EUR 9.50

Price EUR 9.50 one-wayDuration 1 hour

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Tour

Burano Island Half-Day Tour

Visit Murano for glass-making and Burano for colorful houses and lace craft by vaporetto.

Price Day vaporetto pass EUR 25Duration About 4-5 hours

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Must-Try Food in Venice

Tiramisu

🍰 Dessert

An Italian dessert of espresso-soaked ladyfingers layered with mascarpone cream. About EUR 6-10. Best tried at a traditional bacaro (wine bar) near San Marco.

Cicchetti

🍢 Street Food

Venetian-style tapas — small bread slices with various toppings. About EUR 1-3 each. Try them with prosecco at All'Arco or Cantina Do Spade near the Rialto Bridge.

Spaghetti al Nero di Seppia

🍱 Traditional

Traditional Venetian pasta blackened with squid ink. About EUR 14-20. Trattoria Ai Cugnai in Dorsoduro is a local favorite.

Risotto al Nero di Seppia

🍱 Traditional

A Venetian classic of carnaroli rice cooked with squid ink. About EUR 16-22. Antiche Carampane in San Polo is a celebrated trattoria.

Fritto Misto di Pesce

🍱 Traditional

A light Venetian fry-up of squid, shrimp, and small fish. About EUR 14-20. Enjoy with white wine at a seafood trattoria near the Rialto Market.

Bigoli in Salsa

🍱 Traditional

Thick whole-wheat pasta in an onion and anchovy sauce - a Venetian home-cooking classic. About EUR 12-16. Family-run trattorias in Cannaregio serve the most authentic version.

Spritz

🍵 Drink

Venice's signature aperitif of prosecco, Aperol or Campari, and soda. About EUR 3-6 a glass. Mingle with locals at the bacari on Campo Santa Margherita.

Venice Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Venice?

April-June and September-October are ideal. The February Carnival is famous; summer is overwhelmingly crowded and winter brings acqua alta (flooding).

How much does it cost to travel in Venice?

Daily budget about $105-200 (lodging $70-130, food $30-45, transport and entry $15-30).

How do I get around in Venice?

The Alilaguna water bus from Marco Polo Airport reaches San Marco in about 1 hour. Within the islands, travel by vaporetto water bus and on foot. Prepaid SIMs are available at the airport (TIM, Vodafone, etc., about EUR 10-15/week). Card payments are widely accepted, though some small shops are cash-only. Restaurants add a coperto of EUR 2-4 automatically.

Do I need a visa to visit Venice?

Korean passport holders may enter the Schengen Area visa-free for 90 days.

Is Venice safe for tourists?

Generally safe, but beware of pickpockets at busy tourist spots and inflated water-taxi fares.

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