Visit Venice: What to do, when to go and where to sleep in Venice?

Today I will try to make you visit Venice. The Italian city, famous for being the city of lovers for its romantic side with its many canals, was founded in 528. It now has 270 inhabitants for more than 000 million tourists a year, which makes it one of of the most visited cities in Italy but also, unfortunately, one of the sites most threatened in the world by mass tourism.

Summary: 
> Reaching Venice from its airports
> Where to sleep in Venice?
> Visit Venice: the must-sees
> What to do in Venice?
> When to visit Venice?

Looking for a Venice travel guide?

Like many, I often travel with a travel guide. If you are looking for a guide for your visit to Venice, let me recommend the "Cartoville" guide from Gallimard. These guides are perfect for directing you during a city trip.
Organized in neighborhoods with numerous maps, the “Cartoville” guides really stand out from their competitors by their practical and intuitive aspect. You will discover the essentials of each district, the places to eat, where to go out, etc.

Buy this guide to Venice The essentials to book in Venice: 
> Airport-Venice Shuttle
> Venise City Pass
> Doge's Palace
> Gondola ride
> Saint Mark's Basilica
> Doge's Palace + Basilica
> Visit of the Campanile
> Visit the Burano Islands – Murano

Getting to Venice from the city's airports

Different ways to get to Venice. We will only discuss here access to Venice via the two Venice airports.

Reach the center of Venice from Marco Polo airport

Marco Polo airport is the main airport of the city of Venice, it is here that you will attract with most flights from France, with the exception of flights carried out with the company Ryanair.

• Bus and Vaporetto: The bus and vaporetto will be the most economical way to reach Venice city center from the airport. Take the bus to Piazzale Roma (located in the center of Venice) then take the vaporetto, a kind of water bus that will take you wherever you want in Venice.
  The bus is taken at the exit of the airport. Two solutions are then available to you, the number one solution, opt for ACTV buses, the buses of the city of Venice. Different lines go to Venice from the airport, line 5, this one will take you to the main island of Venice, but also line 15 and line 45. These lines have the disadvantage of being relatively long in travel time and increase the number of stops.
  The other solution is to opt for the private bus company: ATVO. ATVO offers express buses from the airport to Venice city centre. The buses then stop at: Piazzale Roma, from this point you can walk or take a Vaporetto, water taxis that criss-cross the canals of Venice. Bus journeys made with the company ATVO will cost you 8€ one way, 15€ with the return in addition. We recommend this solution because it is just as economical but above all faster. It is possible to book your bus ticket online.
• Les Alilaguna :The Alilaguna, big yellow boats, travel from the airport to the center of Venice, passing by the island of Murano, the Lido and finally Saint Mark's Square. The trip will cost you 15 euros per person one way, 27€ for a return trip from Venice airport to the city center. It is possible to buy tickets in advance on the company's website.
• Taxi-Mer:
  The Taxi-Mer, as its name suggests, a taxi boat that will take you where you want much faster than other means of transport. It is possible to privatize water taxis or share them to reduce costs. Slightly more expensive than bus journeys, water taxis have the advantage of being faster. To avoid unnecessary stress when you arrive in Venice, you can buy your tickets in advance.

Book your taxi boat to the center of Venice

Getting to Venice city center from Treviso airport (RYANAIR)

You will arrive at Treviso airport if you come via a Ryanair flight. Ryanair's attractive fares allow visit Venice at lower cost. To reach the center of the city, it's quite simple, you can also book a shuttle that will take you from Treviso airport to the center of Venice from 12€.

Venise City Pass + Transport
In order to make the most of your visit to Venice and to avoid a lot of stress, we advise you to opt for the Venice City Pass. Lasting one, two or three days, this pass gives you access to many places, churches or monuments in the city. You can also have access to the city's public transport networks as well as the Alilaguna which will allow you to reach the city center from the airport. It is possible to choose or not these options. Buy a Venice City Pass

Where to sleep in Venice?

Waking up in a palazzo facing a breathtaking aquatic landscape is an experience to live at least once in your life. Charming establishments abound and the Venetians gladly welcome travelers in boarding houses (locande or pensione), bed & breakfasts or rooms to rent (affittacamere). Backpackers on a budget can also sleep in youth hostels (forestry). here is the best areas to stay in Venice to discover the city easily:

Find a hotel in Venice

Venice city center map

The quarter of San Marco

The historic heart of the city, San Marco is the liveliest district of Venice. It is full of sumptuous five-star hotels, but also reasonably priced hotels near the Fenice theatre. Palatial architecture obliges, the rooms are however often cramped. But you have the advantage of easy access to the must-see monuments, which are mostly all in San Marco. On the other hand, the tourist influx is permanent and the menus of the restaurants display high prices.

Good places to stay in the San Marco district:
The San Marco district is the most touristic and popular district of Venice. Staying in the San Marco district is ideal for visit Venice.
Good value for money: The Locanda Art Deco Hotel, the Al Codega Hotel and the Rosa Salva Hotel are the best hotel addresses from a traveller's point of view. They combine an excellent location, very good value for money but also very positive feedback from most holidaymakers who have stayed in these hotels.
L’exception : The Gritti Palace is by far the most luxurious hotel in this area. A hotel that will satisfy the most demanding customers.
For smaller budgets: The San Maurizio, San Gallo or Torino hotels offer very satisfactory services for a reasonable price. See more hotels

Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro is the arty and gastronomic district of Venice. It notably houses the Punta della Dogana contemporary art museum and the majestic Venier dei Leoni palazzo, as well as the Accademia gallery and its works by Great Masters. You can also visit the squero de San Trovaso, one of the few gondola construction workshops. You will have to go west to enjoy a caffè in a trendy bar or discover Italian cuisine in one of the excellent restaurants in the area. Dorsoduro remains pleasant without being crowded, which makes it a perfect base if you want to stay near the historic center. If you like to go out in the evening, you will have some difficulty finding an establishment open after 22 p.m. in the off season.

Good places to stay in the Dorsoduro district:
Located just opposite the San Marco district, on the other side of Venice's grand canal, the Dorsoduro district is also a good choice for accommodation in Venice.
Good value for money: The Belle Arti hotel, the Palazzo Veneziano and the Palazzo Stern hotel are among the best places to stay in the Dorsoduro district.
L’exception : Sina Centurion Palace, a 5-star hotel located on the banks of the Grand Canal almost opposite the Doge's Palace.
For smaller budgets: The Antica Locanda Montin hotels and the Messner hotel are among the most affordable hotels in this area.

San Polo and Santa Croce

San Polo is the oldest district of the city and it is where you can contemplate the famous Rialto Bridge. Its neighbor Santa Croce is the residential area of ​​Venice and can be traveled by car. You can also arrive via the Piazzale Roma bus station. Therefore, staying in the area can be very convenient. You won't have any trouble finding a quaint little hotel or a spacious bed & breakfast, but don't be afraid of the miles to reach Venice's most famous sites.

Good places to stay in the districts of San Polo and Santa Croce:
Located a few minutes from the San Marco district, the districts of San Polo and Santa Croce will be very good choices for your stay in Venice.
Good value for money: The Orologio and the Hotel Olimpia Venezia will be very good choices for a stay in this area.
L’exception : Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel is an incredible hotel located 10 minutes walk from Piazza San Marco.

Cannaregio

With its peaceful canals, this district in the northwest of Venice is a good compromise for travelers. The unmissable sites are easily reached, and the inhabitants mingle with the tourists in a serene atmosphere. At nightfall, the cozy bars and restaurants frequented by Venetians come to life, for a total immersion in local life. The bed & breakfasts of character display attractive prices and the hotels are close to the station. Of course, the former Jewish ghetto, which has become the haunt of bohemian artists, is the ideal place for a first stay in Venice, the ideal compromise for visiting Venice in a few days!

Good places to stay in the Cannaregio district:
An ideal district to enjoy accommodation at a more affordable price than the San Marco district.
Good value for money: Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio and the Palazzo Cendon Piano Antico are the hotels of choice for a stay in Venice.
The exceptions: Boscolo Venezia and Ca' Sagredo Hotel are among the most luxurious hotels in Venice.
For smaller budgets: The Dolomiti, Guerrini or Cannaregio 2357 hotels are quaint hotels that will suit the tightest budgets.

Castle

This popular district is located to the east of the city of the Doges and it takes about fifteen minutes to reach San Marco on foot. Staying in Castello is an opportunity to visit the arsenal of the Serenissima Republic and attend the Venice Biennale. The shopping street Via Garibaldi invites you to savor cicchietti, the local tapas, and to shop. You will find sublime churches and great restaurants. Castello is the ideal district to stay in a warm atmosphere and save money on the accommodation budget. The eastern tip, however, is not lively enough for those who enjoy nightlife.

Giudecca and Lido

The island of Lido is located just ten minutes by vaporetto from the historic center of Venice. During the summer season, the party is in full swing on the beaches and in the cafes. If you visit Venice in winter, you may quickly get bored because the entertainment is non-existent. To discover another facet of Venice, take the direction of Giudecca. The former working-class district has become the meeting place for upscale youth. Prices are much lower there than elsewhere and youth hostels are popping up everywhere. Despite the construction of large hotels, the island remains very popular. However, it is a little out of the way and vaporetto trips will quickly put a strain on the budget of the stay.

Murano and Burano

If tourists come to Murano to admire the work of glassblowers, the rest of the island enjoys great tranquility. Partygoers be warned! Just like the travelers who wish to survey the meanders of the Serenissima every day. Indeed, Murano is 45 minutes by vaporetto from Piazza San Marco. Less than half an hour by boat from there, Burano seduces for its houses with multicolored facades and its even more confidential atmosphere. People come here to eat in the small fish and seafood restaurants. However, remember to book in advance if you plan to stay on these islands, as accommodation is scarce there.

Visit Venice: the must-sees

Let's start our tour of Venice with the essentials, the places not to be missed during your visit to Venice. I will therefore introduce you to the main places, knowing that Venice has many squares, basilicas, bridges, Campanile and small islands to see. This is sort of my “top 10” places to visit in Venice.

Buy your citypass + transport in Venice > Piazza San Marco
> Bell tower
> The Doge's Palace
> The Bridge of Sighs
> The Rialto Bridge
> Murano Island
> Burano Island
> Torcello Island
> The Lido beach

Saint Mark's Square

Piazza San Marco is the main square and the only large square in Venice. Indeed it forms a rectangle 83 meters wide for nearly 175 meters in length. This square is surrounded by monuments with very particular architecture. To the north and south are respectively the Procuratie Vecchie with the clock tower and the Procuratie Nueve with the archaeological museum and the Marciana library.
To the east of St. Mark's Square you will find the famous St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Bell Tower. I will introduce you to these three monuments a little further down. On the other side of the square, facing the basilica is the Napoleonic wing which closes the square and connects the Procuratie Vecchie and Nueve.
Another emblematic place of the place, known all over the world, the Café Florian, since 1720 and its symphony orchestra. This cafe has been copied all over the world, a real tourist spot of this square.
Now let's take a few steps towards the Doge's Palace, between it and the Marciana Library. You are then on the Piazzetta San Marco. You will find two columns in its center, decorated with statues. It was between these columns that the executions took place at the time. A tradition wants that the native Venetians never pass between these two columns.
Last celebrities of this place, the pigeons. And yes this place is literally invaded by pigeons, it is also the only place where it is authorized to feed them.
Note that depending on the period in which you visit Venice, the square may be flooded. Indeed each year between the end of autumn and the beginning of spring, part of the city is flooded. The Venetians call this “acqua alta”.

Saint Mark's Square, Venice

Saint Mark's Basilica

Saint Mark's Basilica is the most important church in Saint Mark's Square. It was built in 828. This imposing building has an impressive architectural richness. Built under Byzantine influence, this basilica is decorated with numerous sculptures and mosaics. The interior of the basilica is absolutely beautiful. Do not miss the guided tour of Saint Mark's Basilica, a must on a visit to Venice.

St. Mark's Basilica is open 9:45 a.m. to 16:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday – 14 p.m. to 16 p.m. Sunday and public holidays.

St. Mark's Basilica, Venice

Campanile

The Campanile or “El paron de casa”, as the Venetians call it, and one of the emblematic places of Venice. Located on Saint Mark's Square, this imposing tower of more than 98 meters was built in 888. At the base this building was to serve as a watchtower. Its construction had many ups and downs. After almost 80 years of construction, the ground collapsed under the weight of the tower, demolished, moved then rebuilt, the campanile collapsed again in 1902. Rebuilt in 10 years, it was inaugurated on April 25, 1912.
You can climb to the top of this campanile, and enjoy a breathtaking view of Venice and the roof of Saint Mark's Basilica. You can admire the bell tower of this campanile which after a role of watchtower served as a bell tower to warn isolated citizens of the time of prayer. If you are not afraid of heights, do not hesitate to climb to the top of this impressive monument.

The Campanile in Piazza San Marco is open every day from 9:45 a.m. to 19 p.m.

Ticket for the Campanile

Campanile, Venice

The Doge's Palace

The Doge's Palace, also located on Saint Mark's Square, like the campanile and Saint Mark's Basilica, is one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe. Built during the Republic of Venice, in 1340, this palace had an eventful life, and suffered several fires, some of which were very important. It was built to accommodate the Doges of the republic. The Doge being the first magistrate of the republic at the time. It was then used as a prison for many years until a new prison was built next door. We will talk about it in the next paragraph because it is the famous Bridge of Sighs that connects this same prison to the Doge's Palace. This palace has, today, three main uses, communal palace, courthouse and Ducal residence.
For the record, each pillar of the palace is adorned with sculptures telling a story. Spend some time and take a good look at the stories the palace has to tell you.

It is possible to visit the interior of this mythical palace, in view of the number of tourists visiting this palace every day, we advise you to opt for skip-the-line tickets which will allow you to save precious hours.

The Doge's Palace is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 19 p.m.

Skip the line ticket to the Doge's Palace

Doge's Palace, Venice

Combine visits to the Basilica and the Doge's Palace
It is possible to combine visits to St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. This will save you time but also money with a discount. Tours are available in French. Allow two hours to visit these two emblematic monuments of Venice. Basilica Ticket + Doge's Palace

The Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs is one of the most famous and touristic bridges in Venice, it is one of the must-sees in Venice. It spans the Rio de Palazzo o de Canonica. The Bridge of Sighs connects the Doge's Palace, where the detainees were heard, to the old prison of Venice. Its name would come from the sighs pushed by the prisoners when they crossed this bridge. It was built in 1602 and measures 11 meters. This bridge is totally closed so that prisoners cannot jump off the bridge.

Bridge of Sighs, Venice

The Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is a real monument of Venice. One of four bridges spanning the Grand Canal in Venice. It was the first built, in 1591, and was the only bridge to cross the Grand Canal for many years. Its shape makes it original. The Rialto Bridge, built of stone has a circumflex accent shape.

Bridge of Sighs, Venice

Murano Island

Visiting Venice also means visiting the islands that surround the city. The island of Murano is a small island located north of Venice. It is one of the islands on which I strongly advise you to visit during your visit to Venice. Indeed this island has the particularity of bringing together all the glassworks of Venice. The glassworks of Venice have an international reputation because the glass is blown there by hand. For the record, all the glassworks are located on this island following a decree signed in 1201. At that time the glassworks were spread all over the Venice and caused numerous fires. The houses being built of wood, the fires could quickly become devastating. It was therefore in 1201 that this decree forced glassmakers to settle on the island. You will also find, on the island of Murano, very beautiful gardens. A visit to this island and in particular to these glassworks is a must in Venice.

Burano Island

The island of Burano is a small island, or rather a group of 4 small islets, of 3 inhabitants, located north of the lagoon. This island is famous for its lace as well as for its very colorful houses bordering the canals. On this island you will find the San Martino church as well as the lace museum. The island of Burano can be reached by vaporetto.

Small colorful houses on the Venetian island of Burano. © Xinhua/ZUMA/Rea

Combine visits to Burano and Murano
Due to their remoteness, it may be wise, if your stay in Venice is short, to combine visits to the two islands.
Take advantage of the transport but also of a guide who will make you discover the particularity of these islands. Venice Islands Tour

Torcello Island

The island of Torcello is a historical island of Venice. Indeed this island was the first populated island of the lagoon in the XNUMXth century. The island of Torcello was for a long time the most populated island of Venice until malaria led the island to be gradually completely deserted. This island now has about sixty inhabitants. An island almost deserted nowadays but its history makes it an island rich in monuments to visit. First of all we find the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, one (see the) of the oldest cathedrals in Venice, rich in mosaics. On the island of Torcello, there is also the Santa Fosca church with its particular architecture. Legend has it that this island is home to Attila's throne, used during his visit to Italy in the Middle Ages.

Excursions to discover the islands of Venice

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Lido beach

Lido beach is one of the few beaches in Venice. This beautiful beach is located between the dikes of San Nicolo and Alberoni. This natural beach of fine sand and clear water is bordered by natural dunes. This is a step that I strongly recommend during your visit to Venice. Certainly you will not spend your entire stay there, especially if you are traveling in winter, but a short stop on this beach is worth it.

What to do in Venice?

Here we have listed all the main must-do activities in Venice. Visits to the many historical monuments, excursions to the islands of Venice or even gondola rides.

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When to visit Venice?

To help you choose the time that best suits you to visit Venice, discover the city of the Doges through the seasons and events:

Least favorable periodIntermediate periodMost favorable period

Spring in Venice

The hotels display reasonable prices and the weather being mild, the entertainment proliferates. Spring is one of the best seasons to visit Venice. On April 25 each year, do not miss the Festa di San Marco. Venetians celebrate their patron saint and march through St. Mark's Square. The Festa della Sensa takes place the weekend closest to Ascension to celebrate Venice's love of the sea. Regattas are organized as well as a mass at the Lido. At the end of June, the Castello vibrates to the rhythm of the Festa di San Pietro di Castello. On the program: games for the whole family, puppet shows, rustic meals, rock concerts.

Summer, a festive period

The heat can quickly become stifling. It can be appreciable to organize visits in the morning and in the evening, and to take a refreshing break on the terrace. A moment of idleness at the Lido beach is welcome. In this season, the festivities are not lacking. Thus, the third weekend of July takes place the Festa del Redentore at the Church of the Holy Redeemer in Giudecca. The edges of the canal are transformed into the air of giant picnics. In the evening, the fireworks offer an unforgettable spectacle.

Throughout the summer, Venice becomes the scene of concerts of all kinds such as the famous Veneto Jazz festival, or Amore e Musica in Spiaggia. If you want to rub shoulders with movie stars, don't miss the Venice Film Festival! For this, go to the red carpet of the Lido from the last weekend of August. You will have the whole first week of September to meet your favorite actors. At the beginning of September, the Regata Storica pays tribute to the visit of the Queen of Cyprus in 1489. Decorated boats, period costumes, rowing races offer you a memorable spectacle!

Autumn, the ideal season

The days are mild and the city is empty of tourists. As a result, the prices are low and you can visit Venice without a hitch. If you have the opportunity to organize your stay in October, the first Sunday of this month takes place the Festa del Mosto on the island of Sant'Erasmo. To celebrate the grape harvest with dignity, boat parades are organised, wine and local product tastings accompanied by free concerts create a friendly atmosphere. On November 21, the Festa della Madonna della Salute is an opportunity for Venetians to make a procession and feast on sweets.

Visit Venice in winter

Shrouded in thick fog, Venice becomes full of mystery. The ambient humidity should not discourage you from strolling through the Christmas markets, nor from ecstatic in front of the splendid decoration that sublimates the island of glassmakers. Illuminated and even more refined than usual, Saint Mark's Square is the place to be on December 31 at midnight. An absolutely grandiose fireworks display prolongs the magic of the moment. Finally, the Venice Carnival is the most emblematic event of the city of the Doges. Masked balls, parades and concerts will give you exhilarating moments.

The Climate in Venice

Events in Venice

Apart from the climate, the relatively numerous events in Venice are, of course, to be taken into account.
These dates are approximate and vary from year to year. However, the period remains the same.

• First of all, the most important event in Venice, the famous Venice Carnival, will take place in 2019 from February 23 to March 5.
• The 20 Mai 2018 takes place the Vogalonga, a marine hike that brings together several thousand embarkations, from gondola to kayak through skiffs.
• The Regata Storica, the first Sunday of September, is a historical re-enactment taking place on the Grand Canal.
• The Venice Marathon takes place octobre the 28 2018.
• At the end of August, the Venice Film Festival takes place over 11 days. An international film festival. It takes place at the Venice Lido.
• The 3rd Saturday and Sunday of July is the Feast of the Redeemer where Venetians celebrate the end of the great plague epidemic which took place from 1575 and 1576 and which killed more than 60 Venetians.