Venice

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32 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓

10 places on the map

Top 10

1
Golden Byzantine basilica on Venices grandest square
- Tip: Book ahead
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Arrive before 9am to skip long queues
- Bags are not allowed inside
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2
Gothic palace of Venetian rulers with grand council halls
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Book ahead
- Tip: Allow a few hours
1 tip
- Combine with the Museo Correr ticket
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3
Iconic stone bridge arching over the Grand Canal
- Tip: Watch your bag
2 tips
- Go at sunrise for empty photos
- Shops on the bridge are pricey
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4
Venices main waterway lined with palaces
3 tips
- Vaporetto line 1 is the cheap scenic ride
- Sit at the front outside for views
- Traghetto gondola crossings cost about 2 euros
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5
Enclosed limestone bridge linking palace and prison
3 tips
- Best viewed from Ponte della Paglia
- Expect crowds at midday
- Seen from inside on the Doge's Palace tour
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6
98 m bell tower with panoramic lagoon views
- Tip: Late afternoon
2 tips
- Lift takes you to the top
- Clear days give Dolomite views
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7
Premier collection of Venetian painting
3 tips
- Closed some Mondays so check hours
- Allow 2 hours
- Do not miss Titian and Bellini rooms
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8
Baroque domed church guarding the Grand Canal entrance
3 tips
- Free entry to the main church
- Cross the pontoon bridge during the November festival
- Great photo spot from Accademia bridge
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9
Island of brightly painted fishermens houses and lace
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Take vaporetto 12 from Fondamente Nove
- Try bussola biscuits
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10
Modern art in a Grand Canal palazzo
- Must know: Closed Tuesdays
2 tips
- Sculpture garden is lovely
- Audio guide is free in the app
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Before you go: Venice tips

Transportation

Get an ACTV pass: Multi-day vaporetto passes pay off fast if you ride the water buses more than a couple of times a day; validate before every boarding.
Ride a traghetto: These shared gondola ferries cross the Grand Canal at several points for a fraction of a private gondola ride. Locals stand up for the short trip.
Walk most places: Venice is compact and car-free, so walking is often quicker than waiting for a vaporetto. Pack light, as you will carry bags over many bridges.

Security

Watch for pickpockets: Crowded spots like the Rialto Bridge, St Mark's Square and packed vaporetti are prime territory. Keep bags zipped and in front of you.
Know the fines: Sitting on monuments, swimming in canals, feeding pigeons and picnicking in St Mark's Square can all bring hefty fines from local police.
Check the bill: Restaurants near major sights may add cover and service charges or push pricey specials. Read the menu and receipt carefully before paying.

Saving

Drink coffee at the bar: Standing at the counter costs far less than table service, especially around St Mark's Square where seated prices soar.
Fill your bottle: Public fountains around the city pour clean, cold drinking water, so you rarely need to buy bottled water.
Stay on the mainland: Hotels in Mestre are usually cheaper, and frequent trains and buses reach Piazzale Roma and Santa Lucia station in minutes.

Weather/Clothing

Pack for acqua alta: Autumn and winter high tides can flood low areas like St Mark's. Bring waterproof boots or buy plastic overshoes locally.
Expect humid summers: July and August are hot, sticky and buggy, so bring breathable clothes, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Cover up for churches: St Mark's Basilica and other churches require covered shoulders and knees. Carry a light scarf or shawl in warm months.

Cultural

Try cicchetti: Hop between bacari, Venice's wine bars, for small bites like baccala mantecato with a glass of local wine or a spritz.
Keep right on bridges: Narrow calli and bridges are commuter routes for residents. Do not stop mid-bridge for photos; step aside instead.
Respect residents: Venice has a shrinking local population. Keep voices down at night in residential areas like Castello and Cannaregio.

Local Hacks

Check the access fee: On peak days, day-trippers must pay an access fee to enter the old city. Check the official calendar before your visit.
Explore early: Visit St Mark's Square and the Rialto at dawn before the crowds; the light is beautiful and the city feels completely different.
Get lost on purpose: Wander into Dorsoduro, Cannaregio or Castello to escape the crowds and find quieter canals, local bars and real neighbourhood life.

1-day itineraries in Venice

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 2

St Marks Basilica and around

🕘 9:30–17:00📍 5 stops

1Libreria Acqua Alta
2St Marks Basilica
3Doge's Palace
4St Marks Campanile
5Rialto Bridge

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Day 2 of 2

Gallerie dell'Accademia and around