This article is intended as a guide for anyone wishing to discover and visit Venice.. This Italian city, known for its winding canals and alleys steeped in history, offers a rich and sometimes bewildering experience for the uninitiated traveler.
With content updated daily, Bonjour Venise is the reference guide for those seeking precise, practical information.
Venice lends itself magnificently to in-depth exploration, whether it be for a short visit or a longer stay. Visitors can soak up the city's unique atmosphere as they stroll through its historic center, or benefit from the knowledge of a team of local guides.
Our services aim to offer tailor-made itineraries that will satisfy every curiosity and make every trip to Venice unforgettable.
Key points
- The heart of Venice is revealed through the advice of local experts for an enlightened visit.
- A personalized exploration is offered to discover all the city's treasures.
- Bonjour Venise is the essential guide to planning your visit.
Discover and explore Venice
Venice reveals its treasures to those who venture between its canals and alleyways. Informed by our team of local experts, these suggestions will help you capture the essence of this fascinating city.
Must-sees
Venice is an enchanted labyrinth where every street corner breathes history. Here are a few sites not to be missed:
- Place Saint-Marc the beating heart of Venice, with the Saint Mark's Basilicathe Campanile and the Doge's Palace.
- Rialto Bridge The oldest bridge crossing the Grand Canal, with a breathtaking view and traditional stores.
- Visits in gondola or vaporetto for a unique perspective on the city from the water.
Visits and Walks
For total immersion:
- Explore the Venice districts on foot: from San Marco à Cannaregiothrough Castello and San Polo.
- Visit the lagoon islands such as Murano, Burano and Torcello for their craftsmanship and tranquillity.
Art and Culture
Venice is a living masterpiece:
- Museo Correrfor a journey through Venetian history.
- Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collectionwhere works by Picasso rub shoulders with modern masterpieces.
- Visit Teatro La Feniceone of Italy's most emblematic operas.
Local Experiences and Gastronomy
Meet the real Venice through :
- Tastings of cicchettitypical small bites, accompanied by a glass of Bellini.
- A meal in the local restaurants away from the tourist traps.
- Discover the markets, such as the famous Rialto market.
Practical advice
Plan like a pro:
- Remember to buy a Vaporetto Pass for unlimited waterbus trips.
- Find out more about"acqua alta" and bring appropriate footwear.
- Visit hotels fill up quickly during Carnival or the Biennale, book well in advance.
Did you know?
Facts to help you shine in society:
- Venice is built on wooden stilts embedded in the mud, a feat of engineering.
- Visit Venice Carnival is one of the oldest in the world, with its masks and age-old traditions.
Plan Your Visit
Finding your way around Venice's tangled canals and alleyways is an art, but thanks to the recommendations of our local experts, the task becomes a pleasure. Our tips are updated daily and will provide you with the essentials for a successful Venetian getaway.
Preparing your trip
Before setting foot in Italy, it's crucial to plan your accommodation. Venice offers everything from luxurious hotels to cosy apartments. Book earlyespecially if you're planning a stay during Venice's Carnival or high season.
Essential documents :
- Passport or identity card
- Airline tickets
- Accommodation confirmation
Recommended routes and times
Venice can be explored in 3, 4 or even 5 days. For a weekend, concentrate on the key attractions, while longer stays allow you to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the lagoon islands.
- 3 days The must-sees (Piazza San Marco, Rialto Bridge, etc.)
- 4 days Adding the islands of Murano and Burano
- 5 days deeper immersion, with a visit to San Giorgio Maggiore, for example
Transport and travel
Getting around Venice is an adventure in itself. On foot, you'll soak up the winding alleys. Or take a vaporetto or water cab along the Grand Canal.
- Vaporetto Buy a multi-day pass to save money.
- On foot: Explore at your own pace, an ideal option for short distances.
- Traghetto : Use these traditional gondolas to cross the Grand Canal at lower cost.
- Train Fast and economical for your excursions to other Italian cities.
Must-see attractions
Prioritize these sites for a captivating visit:
- Saint Mark's Basilica Byzantine jewel, don't miss its gilded interior.
- Doge's Palace Immerse yourself in the opulent history of Venice.
- Rialto Bridge Architectural icon with a breathtaking view of the canal.
- Campanile Climb to the top for an aerial perspective.
Frequently asked questions
The following article gathers answers to frequently asked questions about Venice, compiled by our team of local experts. Get ready to immerse yourself in the very essence of the City of the Doges.
What are the key moments in Venice's history?
Venice was founded in the 5th century by inhabitants fleeing barbarian invasions. The city's power reached its peak during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, with the establishment of the maritime empire and the prosperous trade that followed.
How would you sum up the history of Venice's construction?
The construction of Venice was a feat of engineering. The buildings rest on wooden piles driven deep into the layer of sand and silt, providing a solid foundation on the marshy islands of the Venetian lagoon.
What's so special about the city of Venice as a result of being built on water?
Built on some 118 small islands separated by a network of canals and linked by over 400 bridges, Venice's uniqueness lies in its unique adaptation to a lagoon environment, which required innovative construction techniques specific to this watery terrain.
What itinerary would you recommend for a three-day visit to Venice?
For a three-day stay, start by exploring St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace and the Rialto Bridge. On day two, visit the neighboring islands of Murano and Burano, and on day three, stroll through less touristy neighborhoods like Dorsoduro to discover the authentic Venice.
What are the geographical dimensions of Venice?
The surface area of Venice is approximately 414.6 square kilometers, but the inhabited area represents only a small part of this. Located in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, it is made up of a mosaic of interconnected islets.
How to get around Venice efficiently?
Getting around Venice is mainly on foot or by water. Vaporettos are public water buses used to travel longer distances.
Canal crossings are made by traghetti. For a more personalized experience, gondolas and private water cabs are available, though more expensive.
What to do in Venice in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
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