St. Mark's Square is the principal public square of Venice. It's surrounded by stunning architecture, including St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace.

St. Mark's Square is the principal public square of Venice, Italy, generally known simply as 'the Piazza'. The Square is dominated at its eastern end by the great church of St. Mark. /n It is the only square in Venice to merit the name Piazza, all the others are called 'campo'. Life has revolved around this piazza since the days of the Republic, when it was a market, and the city's principal meeting place.

St. Mark's Square is the principal public square of Venice, Italy.

St. Mark's Basilica is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice. It's one of the best examples of Italo-Byzantine architecture.

St. Mark's Basilica, or Basilica di San Marco, is one of the most visited attractions in Venice, Italy. It's a stunning example of Byzantine architecture, with five domes and intricate gold mosaics that tell stories from the Bible. The basilica is located in St. Mark's Square, the city's main public square and a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. /n Inside, the basilica is just as impressive, with a golden altarpiece known as the Pala d'Oro and the Treasury, a collection of precious religious artifacts. Visitors can also climb up to the Loggia dei Cavalli for a panoramic view of the square and the city. The basilica has a rich history, having been built in the 11th century to house the remains of St. Mark the Evangelist. Over the centuries, it has been embellished and expanded, becoming a symbol of the wealth and power of the Venetian Republic.

St. Mark's Basilica is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture, located in the heart of Venice.

The Doge's Palace is a palace built in Venetian Gothic style, and one of the main landmarks of the city. It was the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the former Venetian Republic.

Doge's Palace is a gothic palace in Venice, Italy. The palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the former Venetian Republic. /n It is one of the main landmarks of the city, where it opens onto the lagoon. Inside, the palace is structured around a grand central courtyard, and its opulent apartments are packed with Renaissance masterpieces.

Doge's Palace is a gothic palace in Venice, Italy.

One of the six districts of Venice, known for its artistic vibe, beautiful palazzos, and vibrant nightlife.

Dorsoduro is one of the six districts of Venice, Italy. It's a lively neighborhood, known for its bohemian atmosphere and artistic vibe. The area is home to some of Venice's most famous attractions, including the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Accademia Gallery. /n The neighborhood is also known for its beautiful palazzos and charming canals. It's a great place to explore the local culture and enjoy the Venetian lifestyle. The area is full of small shops, cafes, and restaurants, where you can try traditional Venetian dishes and enjoy a glass of local wine. Dorsoduro is also a great place to experience Venice's nightlife, with a number of bars and clubs that stay open until late.

Dorsoduro is a vibrant neighborhood in Venice, known for its lively atmosphere and artistic vibe.

Cannaregio is the northernmost of the six historic sestieri (districts) of Venice. It is known for the 16th-century Jewish Ghetto and is a lively neighborhood with a daily fish market at Pescheria.

Cannaregio is one of the six historic districts of Venice, known for its bustling markets and local life. It's the most populated district in the city and is home to the Jewish Ghetto, which is the world's oldest. /n The district is filled with a mix of popular tourist spots and local hangouts, including the Strada Nova, one of the main pedestrian thoroughfares in the city. Despite its popularity with tourists, Cannaregio also retains a strong sense of local community, with many traditional bakeries, markets, and wine bars.

Cannaregio is one of the six historic districts of Venice, known for its bustling markets and local life.

The Rialto Bridge is one of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal in Venice. It's the oldest bridge across the canal and a significant landmark in the city.

The Rialto Bridge is a historic and iconic landmark located in Venice. /n It's one of the city's most popular tourist destinations due to its architectural significance and stunning views. The bridge offers a unique perspective of the city and is a must-visit for anyone visiting Venice.

The Rialto Bridge is a historic and iconic landmark in Venice.

The canals of Venice are one of its most iconic features, with gondola rides being a popular tourist activity.

The Venetian Canals are the iconic waterways of Venice, Italy. They are a network of waterways that crisscross the city, connecting its various islands. The canals are lined with beautiful palazzos and bridges, offering picturesque views of the city's beautiful architecture. /n The canals are a popular attraction for tourists, who often enjoy romantic gondola rides along the canals. These rides offer a unique perspective of the city, allowing you to see Venice as it was meant to be seen - from the water. The canals are also a great way to get around the city, with water buses and taxis providing regular services along the main routes. Whether you choose to explore the canals by gondola, water bus, or on foot, they are a must-see attraction when visiting Venice.

Venetian Canals are the iconic waterways of Venice, offering picturesque views and romantic gondola rides.

Experience the enchanting city of Venice, Italy, a unique architectural masterpiece built on 118 small islands. Traverse the city's labyrinth of canals on a gondola, passing under its 400 bridges and marveling at the grandeur of its palaces and piazzas. Visit the iconic St. Mark's Square, home to the stunning Basilica and Doge's Palace. Explore the city's rich history in its numerous museums and art galleries, showcasing works from masters like Titian and Tintoretto. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in charming trattorias and sip on world-class wines. Shop for traditional Venetian masks and Murano glass souvenirs. Venice's romantic ambiance, cultural treasures, and picturesque landscapes make it an unforgettable destination.

St. Mark's Square

St. Mark's Basilica

Doge's Palace

Dorsoduro

Cannaregio

Rialto Bridge

Start your day with a visit to the iconic St. Mark's Square, where you can admire the stunning architecture of St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Don't forget to take a moment to feed the pigeons and enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the local cafes.

For lunch, head to one of the local trattorias in the Dorsoduro district. Here, you can enjoy traditional Venetian dishes such as risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto) or sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines).

After lunch, take a gondola ride through the city's famous canals. This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and take in the beautiful architecture of the city's palazzos and bridges.

For dinner, head to the Cannaregio district, where you can find a variety of seafood restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood from the lagoon. Try the local specialty, fritto misto di mare (mixed fried seafood).

End your day with a stroll along the Rialto Bridge, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Grand Canal. Afterwards, head to a local enoteca (wine bar) to sample some of the region's finest wines.

A Day of Sightseeing and Gastronomy in Venice

Daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October

UTC+1

Vaporettos are the main form of public transportation in Venice. They are essentially large water buses that travel along various routes throughout the city and its surrounding islands. Vaporettos are a great way to get around, especially if you're traveling longer distances or want to visit the outer islands like Murano or Burano.

Gondolas are traditional Venetian rowing boats. They are mainly used for romantic or scenic rides along the city's canals, rather than as a practical means of transportation. A gondola ride can be a unique and memorable way to experience the city, but it's not the most efficient way to get around.

Traghettos are larger gondolas that are used to ferry passengers across the Grand Canal at various points where there are no bridges. They are a practical and inexpensive way to cross the canal quickly.

Water taxis are private, motorized boats that can take you directly to your destination. They are faster and more flexible than vaporettos, but also more expensive. Water taxis can be a good option if you're traveling with a lot of luggage or if you're in a hurry.

Venice is a compact and walkable city, and walking is often the quickest and most convenient way to get around. The city is made up of narrow, winding streets and over 400 bridges, so it's a good idea to have a map or navigation app on hand.

Ridesharing services are not applicable in Venice due to the city's unique structure of canals and pedestrian-only streets. Traditional road vehicles are not used within the city.

A classic Venetian dish, it's a creamy rice dish cooked with cuttlefish and its ink, giving it a unique black color and a rich, briny flavor. It's a must-try for seafood lovers visiting Venice.

Risotto al nero di seppia

This is a traditional Venetian appetizer made of sardines marinated in onions, vinegar, raisins, and pine nuts. It's a perfect blend of sweet and sour flavors, reflecting Venice's historical connection to the spice trade.

Sarde in Saor

This is Venice's take on liver and onions. The liver is thinly sliced and cooked with onions, providing a rich and hearty dish that's a staple in Venetian cuisine.

Fegato alla Veneziana

A traditional Venetian dish made from dried and salted cod, whipped into a creamy spread. It's typically served on polenta or bread, and is a popular starter in Venice.

Baccalà Mantecato

A traditional pasta dish made with bigoli (thick spaghetti) and served with an anchovy and onion sauce. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that's a staple in Venetian cuisine.

Bigoli in Salsa

A sparkling wine from the Veneto region, Prosecco is a popular aperitif in Venice. It's light, bubbly, and perfect for toasting your trip to this beautiful city.

Prosecco

A popular cocktail in Venice, made with Prosecco, a dash of bitter liqueur (usually Aperol or Campari), and topped with a slice of orange. It's a refreshing drink, perfect for sipping while enjoying the city's beautiful views.

Spritz

A traditional Venetian dish that's a cross between a soup and a risotto. It's made with rice and peas, and is typically served in the spring when peas are in season.

Risi e Bisi

A traditional Venetian appetizer made with polenta and schie (tiny shrimp from the Venetian lagoon). It's a simple yet flavorful dish that showcases the fresh seafood of the region.

Polenta e Schie

A traditional Venetian biscuit, Baicoli are thin, dry, and crunchy. They're often served with a sweet wine for dipping, making them a perfect dessert or snack.

Baicoli

Traditional Venetian cookies made with cornmeal and raisins. They're named after their yellow color (zaleti means 'little yellows' in Venetian), and are a popular sweet treat in the city.

Zaleti

A rich and creamy cocktail made with chocolate gelato, whipped cream, and a shot of brandy. It's a popular after-dinner drink in Venice, and a must-try for chocolate lovers.

Gianduiotto

New Year's Day

Epiphany

Easter Sunday

Easter Monday

Liberation Day

Labor Day / May Day

Republic Day

Assumption of Mary

All Saints' Day

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Christmas Day

St. Stephen's Day

Famous for its Roman amphitheater, the Verona Arena, completed around 30 AD, which is the third largest in Italy.

Verona

Known for the frescoes by Giotto in its Scrovegni Chapel and the vast 13th-century Basilica of St. Anthony.

Padua

A vibrant and historic city known for its beautiful porticos and its cuisine.

Bologna

Italy's largest lake, offering stunning scenery, with quaint lakeside towns and plenty of activities.

Lake Garda

A city and a seaport in northeastern Italy. It is situated towards the end of a narrow strip of Italian territory lying between the Adriatic Sea and Slovenia.

Trieste

A city in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. It’s known for the buildings erected by its Renaissance rulers, the Este family.

Ferrara

A city in northeastern Italy with many canals, and known for its Prosecco wine.

Treviso

A city in northeastern Italy, in the Veneto region, at the northern base of the Monte Berico, straddling the Bacchiglione.

Vicenza

A city in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, known for its well-preserved Roman and Byzantine architecture.

Ravenna

A city in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region known for its balsamic vinegar, opera heritage, and Ferrari and Lamborghini sports cars.

Modena

Amalfi Coast

Bergamo

Bolzano

Brescia

Cinque Terre

Florence

Lake Como

Milan

Pompeii

Rome

Sicily

Tuscany

Venice cityscape, water canal, campanile church

Basilica Santa Maria della Salute and Piazza San Marco

Piazza San Marco square with Basilica of Saint Mark

Medieval lion sculpture in San Marco square

Venice is a city built on water, so the primary mode of transportation is by boat. The public transportation system is called the Vaporetto.

Venice can be quite crowded, especially during the peak tourist season (April to October). Plan your visit accordingly.

Venice is a walking city, so comfortable shoes are a must. Many streets are cobblestone and can be uneven.

Venice is known for its high tides, or 'aqua alta'. If you're visiting in the fall or winter, be prepared for possible flooding in some areas.

Venice is made up of many small islands. The main areas are connected by bridges, but some islands require a boat to reach.

Venice is famous for its glass-making industry. You can visit the island of Murano to see glass-blowing demonstrations.

Venice has a strict policy against feeding pigeons in St. Mark's Square. You can be fined if caught.

Venice has a unique address system that can be confusing for first-time visitors. Make sure you have a good map or GPS.

Venice's tap water is safe to drink and comes from the nearby Dolomite mountains. Many fountains around the city provide free drinking water.

Venice can be quite hot in the summer, with temperatures reaching up to 86°F (30°C), and quite cold in the winter, with temperatures dropping to 32°F (0°C). Dress accordingly.

Venice is known for its mask-making tradition. If you're visiting during Carnival (February), you might want to buy a mask as a souvenir.

Venice has a tourist tax that is usually included in your hotel bill. This tax goes towards maintaining the city's infrastructure.

Venice is a city of art. However, flash photography is not allowed in most museums and churches.

Venice is a city with a rich history and culture. Consider hiring a local guide to learn more about its past.

Venice's cuisine is based on seafood. Try local specialties like 'sarde in saor' (sweet and sour sardines) and 'risotto al nero di seppia' (squid ink risotto).

Venice has strict rules about where you can and can't eat or drink in public. Always look for signs or ask locals if you're unsure.

Venice's shops and restaurants can be expensive. Consider eating and shopping in less touristy areas for better prices.

Venice's gondolas are a popular tourist attraction, but they can be quite expensive. Consider sharing a gondola with other tourists to save money.

Venice is a safe city, but like any tourist destination, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

Venice's main airport is Marco Polo Airport. It's located on the mainland and is about a 20-minute boat ride from the city.

January is the coldest month in Venice, with occasional snowfall. It's a quiet time for tourism, so you'll have the city almost to yourself.

February is still chilly, but the Venice Carnival livens up the city. Pack warm clothes and a festive mask.

March sees the start of spring, with temperatures gradually rising. It's a great time to visit before the summer crowds arrive.

April offers mild and pleasant weather, perfect for exploring the city. The Easter celebrations add a festive touch.

May is warm and sunny, ideal for gondola rides and outdoor dining. The city is beautiful with blooming flowers.

June marks the start of summer, with long, sunny days. It's a popular time for tourists, so expect some crowds.

July is the hottest month in Venice, with high humidity. It's a great time for beach visits and water activities.

August is still hot and humid, but with fewer tourists. It's a good time to explore the less crowded areas of the city.

September sees the start of autumn, with mild temperatures and less humidity. The Venice Film Festival attracts many visitors.

October offers cooler temperatures and beautiful autumn colors. It's a great time for photography and leisurely walks.

November is cooler and often rainy, but the city is less crowded. The Festa della Salute is a major event this month.

December is cold with shorter days, but the Christmas festivities light up the city. It's a magical time to visit Venice.

Venice, Italy, is a city known for its beautiful canals, historic architecture, and unique culture. However, the weather can greatly impact your travel experience, so it's important to plan accordingly.

Venice experiences a humid subtropical climate. The summers (June to August) are typically hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching up to 86°F (30°C). If you're visiting during this time, be sure to pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. 

The winters (December to February) in Venice can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping to around 32°F (0°C). If you're planning a winter visit, pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat. Despite the cold, winter can be a great time to visit Venice as the city is less crowded.

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are considered the best times to visit Venice. The weather during these seasons is usually mild, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C). These periods offer a comfortable climate for sightseeing and exploring the city.

Regardless of the season, Venice is known for its high humidity levels, so it's essential to stay hydrated. Also, keep in mind that Venice is prone to flooding, especially in the fall and winter months. This phenomenon, known as "aqua alta" or high water, can result in some areas of the city being temporarily submerged. 

Lastly, always check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. This will ensure you're prepared for whatever weather Venice has in store for you.

Cookie consent

1-Day Solo Local Experience: Sightseeing & Culinary Journey in Venice

About Venice, Italy