If you're looking for a Venice travel guidethis article is for you.
Looking to visit the majestic Piazza San Marco and the romantic Rialto Bridge?
Together, let's discover everything you can do on your trip to Venice.
Venice travel guide: article summary
Is Venice worth a visit?
There are so many reasons to visit Venice. First of all, don't be put off by the city's small size. The number of things to do in Venice is surprisingly high.
Whether it's a lunch at the traditional Venetian "bacaro", kayaking in the lagoon or participate in a glassblowing class, the options are endless!
Venice Marco Polo Airport is well connected to many European cities such as Paris. It is served by low-cost airlines, making it an affordable travel option.
Venice's unique urban planning makes it an irresistible and attractive destination to visit! Here you can find some of of the world's most beautiful squares, iconic bridges, prestigious museums and spectacular churches.
Escape from the main city
You can explore other islands in the lagoon, such as Murano, Burano, Torcello. You can also plan a day trip from Venice to other cities in the Veneto region.
To reach the islands, you can take part in boat excursions or catch a ferry. If you're visiting other towns, just take the a direct train from Santa Lucia station.
Venice travel guide: how many days should I spend in Venice?
One day in the city is not enough to see everything there is to see. As I said, there's a lot to do in Venice. I think you need to spend at least 2 days in Venice.
If you have more time, it's even better if you spend 4 or 5 days. You'll be able to visit as many things as possible without worrying about the passage of time.
By spending at least 3 days in Venice, you can plan your itinerary to avoid the busiest times of the day to visit tourist attractions such as the Saint Mark's Basilica or le Campanile.
What's more, you'll have plenty of time to visit Venice's non-touristy neighborhoods and enjoy the beauty of the empty streets in the evening, when most visitors return to their hotels.
With 4 or 5 days in Venice, you'll also have time to visit other lagoon islands and towns in the Veneto region.
Venice travel guide: top things to do in Venice
So now it's time to dive into this guide and discover the best things to do in Venice. during your stay in beautiful Venice.
Visit the Doge's Palace
One of the great wonders of Venice is the Palazzo Ducale, which is the Doge's Palace and the center of government during the Republic's heyday.
It represents one of the finest examples of Venetian Gothic architecture you'll see in the city, and is home to a priceless artistic heritage. A visit to the Palazzo Ducale is one of the best ways to explore the history of Venice in its glory days.
The palace features three wings, the most ornate of which is the Renaissance wing, distinguished by its elaborate decorations, and the monumental Scala dei Giganti, once the main entrance.
Bridge of Sighs
Visit Bridge of Sighs is one of Venice's most famous bridges, after the Rialto. Behind its elegant face, the bridge hides a painful history.
Today, couples in love take photos of themselves in front of it, thinking that the "sighs" they get from it are a sign of love. that give the bridge its name are those of lovers exchanging promises.
In fact, the name Bridge of Sighs is a reminiscence of the sighs of those condemned by the Serenissima court. They were led across this bridge to their cells.
The story goes that as they crossed the bridge, they took one last look at the magnificent Venetian lagoon.
Take a gastronomic and wine tour
There's no better way to explore the Venetian culinary scene than to take part in a food and wine tour with the locals!
On site, you can feel like a true Venetian, gathering friends and family, surrounded by "cicchetti", tapas-style savoury snacks and a glass of wine.
During your visit, you'll discover traditional Venetian cuisine and wines, and taste different types of "cicchetti". It's up to you to discover the city's best osteria.
Visit St Mark's Square and St Mark's Basilica
Piazza San Marco is one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. Napoleon called it the "salon of Europe" for its beauty and unique features, a place where intellectuals met and discussed. This took place in Caffè Florianthe historic café of the place Saint-Marc.
It's the only square in Venice and dates back to 826. It is surrounded on three sides by the old and new Procuratie, and the last side is occupied by the Saint Mark's Basilica.
St. Mark's Basilica is the religious heart of Venice and one of the city's symbols. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the interior of the church, decorated with thousands of golden mosaics! You'll find different parts to visit for an additional entrance fee.
Venice Travel Guide: Rialto Bridge
No matter how many times you've visited Venice, chances are you've heard or seen the Rialto bridge. It's one of the most famous bridges in the world.
The bridge spans the Canal Grande. It's an architectural marvel that leaves visitors speechless with its size and beauty.
Built at the end of the XVIᵉ century, it's a 7.5-metre-long covered bridge. In addition to Piazza San Marco, it's the real center of city life.
During your trip to Venice, you'll have plenty to discover. You can visit the various Osteria or escape to the surrounding islands. The important thing is to make sure you don't miss out on any of the main attractions this magnificent city has to offer.
What to do in Venice in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Venice guide.
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