Plan your visit to Venice, Italy
The Floating City is as romantic as it gets, with its gondolas, serenaders, dazzling palazzos and churches, and almost timeless feel.
Walk on the cobblestone streets and arched bridges of this pedestrian-friendly island city in northeastern Italy and let your senses guide you. Hear the water lap against the gondolas in the canals. Breathe in the aroma of fresh Italian food and taste quality wine on the restaurant terraces. Feel the sun warm your skin as you wander through St. Mark's Square(Piazza San Marco) and listen to street musicians perform serenades to lovers.
Even in the cooler winter months, Venice is bustling. Summer days can get hot and crowded, while autumn and spring are usually the most pleasant times to visit. It is easy to visit all premier attractions in just a few days. St. Mark’s Square is magnificent and a good place to start. Two of Venice’s most spectacular buildings, St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) and the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), rub shoulders at the east end of the square. Find the best example of Venice’s Byzantine influence in the basilica, with its ornate golden mosaics and elaborate domes. The palace impresses with ostentatious displays of wealth and power.
The S-shaped Grand Canal brings you to most attractions. You could spend hours just watching gondolas and vaporettos (water buses), or hop on one yourself for a romantic boat ride. Glide past buildings such as the Gothic-style palace Ca’ d’Oro, the Basilica of St. Mary of Health (Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute) and beneath the iconic Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto). Stop for a plate of risi e bise (rice and peas) at a traditional osterie (a bar serving food).
Don’t miss treasures such as the Chiesa Santa Maria dei Miracoli, a 15th-century marble church. Take a ferry ride to the islands of Murano and Burano. Both are known for their artisans who work with glass and lace respectively. The islands make for a peaceful day trip away from the chaotic but irresistible heart of Venice.
Savor your days in the Floating City and enjoy the Italian passion for food, romance and style.
For more details on interesting local attractions and activities, check out our things to do in Venice page.
St. Mark's Square - Experience the timeless charm of Venice’s glorious heart, home to the city’s most famous cultural icons, many cafés ... and several thousand pigeons.
Grand Canal - Venice’s famous canal winds through the city and brings you to nearly all of its world-famous attractions. Hop in a gondola or vaporetto to take it all in!
Port of Venice - Explore the waterfront of Port of Venice and enjoy other activities such as boating in Venice. Experience the area's acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums.
Rialto Bridge - Take a stroll across Venice’s oldest and most iconic bridge for romantic views, souvenir shopping and street entertainment.
St. Mark's Basilica - Gilded mosaics, a jewel-encrusted screen and magnificent Byzantine architecture make this cathedral one of the most stunning attractions in Venice.
Doge's Palace - This grand building was home to Venice’s rulers for centuries and is still a statement of wealth and power.
Teatro La Fenice - Tour the lavish interior of one of Italy's most prestigious music venues then enjoy an evening of classic or experimental opera.
Lido of Venice Beaches - Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Lido of Venice Beaches during your travels in Venice? Check out the churches and charming cafes in this romantic area.
Venetian Islands Half-Day Boat Tour: Murano, Burano & Torcello - Cruise across the waters of the Venetian Lagoon to visit 3 famous islands, each with its own unique ambiance and time-honored traditions. Hop off to explore colorful Burano, roam the streets of quaint Torcello, and watch the famous glass-blowing masters of Murano at work.
Venice: Grand Canal by Gondola with Commentary - Glide the canals of Venice on a gondola ride with a live guide who explains the stories and secrets of the fascinating palaces around you. Let you drive along Grand Canal by your gondolier.
Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica tour – Skip the line - Enjoy the guided tour of the magnificent Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica: two of Venice’s unmissable monuments. Get a close-up view of the fantastic architecture of these historical buildings and access areas normally close to the public.
Murano & Burano Tour - The charming sights of the Venetian Lagoon are yours to explore on this tour of the islands of Murano and Burano. An expert guide joins you on an outing to discover the famous landmarks, exquisite crafts, and relaxed way of life to be found there.
Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat - Built on top of a lagoon and crisscrossed by canals, water is the heart and soul of Venice. Hop on a private boat, exclusive to your tour group, to motor away from the main city and experience the frozen-in-time charms of Murano and Burano.
Legendary Venice: St. Mark's Basilica with Terrace & Doge's Palace Tour - Combine the top two sights in Venice on one extraordinary tour led by an expert local guide. With pre-reserved tickets and skip-the-line access, you’ll head straight into St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace for an intimate small-group experience.
Venice in 1 Day from Rome by the High-Speed Train - Fancy a day-trip to Venice’s water canals, sunsets and multi-colored buildings Set off with us on this day trip from Rome and reach Europe’s most romantic city in just a few hours by high-speed train Your tour leader will be with you all the way from Termini train station, escorting you to the platform and on board, explaining the highlights of Venice and handing you your one run ticket for Venice’s waterbus transportation.
Venice Day Trip from Milan - Venice really needs no introduction. The watery city, home to gondoliers in stripy jerseys singing in front of the Bridge of Sighs, has been a fabled holiday destination for centuries. Whether it’s beautifully sunny or covered in a white vale of fog, the city is magical, charming, and romantic.