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Plan Your Trip to Venice: Best of Venice Tourism

Venice, Italy

Centuries-old architecture, cobblestone alleys, a maze of eye-catching islands, and of course, the famous canals that run through it all—Venice is quite literally unlike anywhere else. While the capital of the Veneto (one of the 20 regions in Italy) is undoubtedly a stunner, it’s also a very real city. The Grand Canal and Piazza San Marco are hotspots for visitors: Their winding streets are filled with cafes, gelaterias, and boutiques interspersed among Renaissance palaces and Gothic churches. But once you’ve ticked off the must-see landmarks (like St. Mark’s Campanile and the Gallerie dell'Accademia museum), explore lesser-known neighbourhoods like Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, and Castellom, where locals crowd low-key trattorias for afternoon aperitivo. And don't miss the nearby islands. Just a short ferry ride away, you'll find Burano, which is known for its intricate lace and brightly coloured houses, and Murano, world-famous for its vibrant, hand-blown glass. Explore more recs below.

Essential Venice

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Travel Advice

How to do Venice in 3 days

Museums, gondola rides, and—yes—the best gelato
Read on

A tour of Venice’s most fabulous hotel bars

During my many trips to Venice, I’ve discovered that the aperitivo is the standout meal of the day for both Venetians and tourists. For the uninitiated, the aperitivo is an elevated happy hour. Think of it like an Italian pre-dinner ritual of delicious drinks and snacks. For the best aperitivo, I highly recommend visiting the city’s swanky hotel bars and ordering a Select Spritz instead of the more Americanized Aperol to blend in with the locals.
Laura Itzkowitz, Rome, Italy
  • Violino D'oro Venezia
    13
    Stepping inside Violino d’Oro feels like entering the living room of a sophisticated art collector. Original cocktails by award-winning bartender Francesco Adragna are served on silver platters and come with light bites from the hotel’s excellent restaurant. Settle into one of the comfy sofas or armchairs to enjoy the drinks and the people-watching.
  • Nolinski Venezia Evok Collection
    42
    The Library Bar at Nolinski Venezia is the kind of warm, cosy bar you want to hide out in on a cold or rainy day. Grab a seat on one of the burgundy velvet banquettes under the aquatic-themed ceiling mural by French artist Simon Buret and sip on one of the creative cocktails by lauded bartender Jérémy Bacquet.
  • Ca' Di Dio - Vretreats
    272
    On a nice day, you can enjoy an aperitivo outside on the terrace of this luxury boutique hotel near the artsy Arsenale district. Still, I love the atmosphere inside the wood-paneled Alchemia bar, which feels a bit like being on a fancy yacht. In keeping with the hotel’s sleek design by famed architect Patricia Urquiola, the bar menu offers modern takes on classic cocktails and a plentiful selection of cicchetti (the Venetian version of tapas).
  • Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice
    1,334
    The Bellini was invented by Harry’s Bar owner Giuseppe Cipriani, who opened this glamourous hotel in 1958, and it tastes incredibly refreshing here on a hot summer day. When you want to escape the maddening crowds around Piazza San Marco, I recommend taking a boat to Giudecca Island and relaxing at the Gabbiano Bar, a verdant poolside oasis. You never know who you might spot there.
  • The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
    1,943
    The legendary Gritti Palace may be one of the city’s most historic gems, but it still feels intimate and special. The décor is best described as Renaissance-chic, with ornate chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and heavy drapery, all of which are on full display in the Bar Longhi. On a warm day, it’s hard to beat the Riva Lounge, which is decked out in sleek furniture inspired by Riva speedboats and has unbeatable views of the Grand Canal.
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Venice travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Accommodation Suggestions

Some travelers recommended using www.viewsonvenice.com and www.trulyvenice.com for apartment listings in Venice, as these sites offer details about the floor level and the presence of lifts, which is crucial information for mature travelers or those with mobility issues. A particular apartment mentioned was the San Moise Lounge Apt, although it was noted for having many stairs.

Hotel Recommendations

For hotels, forum posts pointed out the Hotel Santa Marina, which was praised for its good location and value. Another recommendation was the Hotel Locanda Salieri, which offers affordable rates and has received decent reviews, although potential guests should be prepared for a unique check-in process.

Neighborhood Insights

For a more authentic Venice neighborhood feel, areas like Santa Croce, Dorsoduro, and Cannaregio were mentioned. These locations offer a blend of proximity to attractions and a quieter, more residential atmosphere.

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Gondola Pricing and Timing

According to forum posts, gondola rides in Venice have fixed prices: €90 for a 30-minute ride during the day (0900-1900) and €110 for a 35-minute ride at night (1900-0300). The gondolas can accommodate up to 5 people.

Booking and Locations

Travelers have mentioned that there is no need to pre-book gondola rides as gondoliers are available throughout Venice, especially around tourist hotspots. For a less crowded experience, some travelers suggested taking a ride from quieter, less touristy areas.

Alternative Gondola Experiences

For those seeking a quicker or cheaper option, some users recommended taking a traghetto, which is an empty gondola used to ferry passengers across the Grand Canal for about €2 per person. This offers a brief experience of a gondola ride and a great view of the Grand Canal.

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Water Transport and Sightseeing

According to forum posts, many families enjoy exploring Venice via its water buses, known as vaporetti. Children especially like riding on these boats, with some even being able to secure outside seats for better views. A nighttime ride down the Grand Canal on a No. 1 vaporetto is recommended for its beauty.

Outdoor and Play Areas

Travelers have called out specific areas where children can play and interact with local kids. Campo San Stefano and Campo Santa Margherita are popular spots where Venetian children often play football and where families can enjoy local cafes. These areas also offer ice cream shops, which are a hit with kids.

Museums and Educational Activities

Some travelers mentioned the Museo Storico Navale in Castello, which captivates children with its model ships. Additionally, the Natural History Museum is highlighted as a good spot for children, offering engaging exhibits that can keep their interest piqued.

Ice Cream and Dining

For many users, stopping for gelato is a must-do with children. Nico's ice cream on the Zattere comes highly recommended for its broad quayside, which is ideal for children to run around while adults relax.

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Train Ticket Purchase Options

According to forum posts, train tickets for Venice can be bought online via the official websites of Trenitalia and Italo, two main train operators in Italy. These sites offer the convenience of comparing schedules and prices to find suitable options.

Station Purchase

For those preferring in-person purchases, tickets can be bought at train stations either from manned ticket windows or multilingual kiosks. Venezia Santa Lucia and Venezia Mestre are the primary stations in Venice where these facilities are available.

Risks of Advance Booking

Some travelers have highlighted the risks associated with booking discounted tickets in advance, especially if traveling on the same day as a flight arrival. Missing a pre-booked train due to flight delays could render these cheaper tickets useless. Hence, buying tickets at the station upon arrival might be safer if your travel plans are not fixed.

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Public Transportation

According to forum posts, travelers can use the ATVO shuttle service for transfers from Marco Polo Airport to Mestre train station. This service is directly mentioned in the posts with a link to the ATVO website for further details.

Airport Bus Services

For transfers between Treviso Airport and Venice, some travelers suggested using the ATVO bus service which connects with flights and costs €12 for a one-way trip to Mestre and Piazzale Roma. This service is noted for its convenience and direct route.

Private and Taxi Services

In cases requiring a transfer during late hours or for a more comfortable experience, forum users have mentioned private taxi services. For instance, a taxi from Treviso Airport to Piazzale Roma costs around €76 and takes about 40 minutes.

Alternative Transport

Other suggested means include using the public bus service, such as bus no. 6 from Treviso Airport to the train station, and then connecting to a train to Venice, providing a cheaper but less direct option.

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Public Bus and Taxi

According to forum posts, from Marco Polo Airport, travelers can use the ATVO bus to reach Venice Mestre railway station or ACTV public bus no. 5 to Piazzale Roma. Taxi services are also available, with an approximate fare of €35 to the Mestre station.

Ferry and Water Taxi

Some users have mentioned the Alilaguna ferry lines, such as the Orange and Blue lines, providing direct routes to various points in Venice. For a more private and direct option, water taxis are available, costing around €120 to the central areas of Venice.

Hotel Shuttles and Private Transfers

Travelers have called out that some hotels, like Axel Hotel, offer their transport services directly from the airport. Additionally, private transfer options are mentioned, which can be booked for direct and comfortable rides from the airport to specific hotels or destinations.

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New Year's Eve Celebrations

According to forum posts, New Year's Eve in Venice is marked with fireworks, usually around Piazza San Marco, and various parties. Travelers have noted that hotels and some palaces host cenone dinners with specific menus followed by parties. The square itself becomes a large party spot with fireworks over the lagoon.

Venice Carnival

Some travelers mentioned that the Venice Carnival is a major event occurring in February. It involves a lot of public festivities, with people walking around in masks and costumes, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. Recommendations include visiting San Marco to experience the full program of the carnival.

Epiphany and Regatta Events

For the Epiphany on January 6, forum users have discussed a traditional regatta and other events. Information on such events is typically released close to the date, but the Venice tourism website often provides details.

Feast of San Marco

On April 25, the Feast of San Marco includes various festivities like boat races. Detailed event schedules are usually available on the official Municipality of Venice website closer to the event date.

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Venezia Unica City Pass Functionality

According to forum posts, the Venezia Unica City Pass allows users to preload various tickets for transportation and attractions in Venice. It can be used as a virtual or physical card, making it convenient to manage multiple tickets in one place. Travelers can purchase and load tickets like the Doges Palace, Fenice Theatre, and a seven-day vaporetto pass onto the card before arriving in Venice.

Pass Flexibility and Usage

Some travelers noted that the Venezia Unica City Pass provides flexibility in choosing only the services needed. For example, you can add specific museum entries and transportation options such as airport transfers to the card. This feature simplifies access to multiple services without needing separate tickets.

Additional Information

For those looking to explore religious sites, the Chorus Pass, which grants entrance to sixteen churches, can also be added to the Venezia Unica City Pass. According to users, this integration enhances the utility of the pass, offering a more comprehensive travel experience within Venice.

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