Last Updated on August 5, 2024 by Jo
A 5th-century city of canals where romance oozes from the ornate buildings, Venice is a dream destination for most of us. I’ve visited many times. And each time I fall more in love with the floating city. With 118 islands lying across a web of canals, linked by 400 bridges, it can be hard to know what to focus on when you arrive in this UNESCO World Heritage Site city. In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Venice whether it’s your first, fourth or four hundredth visit. I have included a map at the end to help with your sightseeing.
Related:
- 10 Things NOT To Do In Venice (And 10 To Do Instead)
- 21 Most Popular Places to Visit in Venice, Italy
- Venice Travel Tips For First Time Visitors
1. St Mark’s Square
St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is a grand public square in Venice featuring covered walkways that lead to rows of restaurants, cafes and bars. It’s so grand that Winston Churchill once termed it the drawing room of Europe, and it is a great starting point for your visit. Not only is it thriving with life (and pigeons!), the square is home to some of the main sights in Venice. Here, you’ll find the Doge Palace, St Mark’s Basilica, St Mark’s Campanile, St Mark’s Clocktower and the Bridge of Sighs.
2. St Mark’s Basilica
If you thought Venice’s main cathedral, with its Gothic style, is impressive from the outside, wait until you go inside. You’ll be wowed with grand domes and a staggering amount of gold leaf. Completed in 1092, Basilica di San Marco has a thick history. Visit the Mezzanine and you can see 2,000-year-old copper horse statues which are thought to be the oldest in the world – they once sat on top of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris when Napoleon stole them. Then, step onto the terrace for sweeping views of St Mark’s Square.
Tip: Get Skip-The-Line tickets and make sure they include the terrace (not all tours include it. I took the St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace Fast Track Tour (€84). It was the best tour I took in the city.
3. Doge Palace
Built in 1340, the Palazzo Ducale (Doge Palace) is an ornate palace that was once home to the Doge of Venice. Located in St Mark’s Square, it looks like a lacy pink wedding cake on the outside. Inside, the palace is just as grand with a museum showing how the palace looked when the Doge lived there. To visit the Dodge Palace, I recommend another fast-track tour which includes skip-the-line tickets. The tour above includes the Basilica, the Doge Palace and, as a bonus, the Bridge of Sights which you really should see from the inside (more on that below).
What is a Doge? A Doge was the elected lord, head of state and main magistrate in Venice.
4. St Mark’s Campanile
St Mark’s Campanile (Campanile di San Marco) is the highest point in Venice at nearly 100 metres (98.6 metres – 323 ft). This beautiful bell tower was once a lighthouse for the ships in the Venetian lagoon. Today, you can go inside the campanile and take an elevator to the top. There, you’ll get great views of St Mark’s Square. Many people think you can climb to the top. You can’t. It’s only accessible by elevator. I highly recommend booking skip-the-line tickets on the official St Mark’s Campanile website.
Tip: There are several panoramic viewpoints in Venice and if you’re short on time, you don’t need to see them all. I prefer St Mark’s Basilica terrace because there is more to see inside the Basilica than the Campanile. But my favourite view of Venice is from San Giorgio Maggiore island because you get to look back across the lagoon at St Mark’s Square, including the Campanile. Details below.
5. Bridge of Sighs – outside from Ponte della Paglia
The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) is a white bridge in Venice that links the prison, interrogation and execution rooms inside the Doge Palace. The most popular and free way to see the Bridge of Sighs is to stand on the bridge opposite – the Ponte della Paglia. With your back to the lagoon, it does make for a great picture. However, it’s not actually the best way to see the Bridge of Sights. The best way is to go inside. Read the next section to find out why.
Fun fact: Ponte della Paglia used to be one of the oldest stone bridges in Venice, dating from 1360 before it was reconstructed in 1847. Paglia means ‘straw’ and it’s thought the bridge got its name from the boats carrying straw that used to moor nearby to unload.
6. Inside the Bridge of Sighs
Seeing the Bridge of Sighs from Ponte della Paglia, the bridge opposite, is one of the main mistakes tourists make in Venice. Why? Because the Bridge of Sighs got its name from the beautiful views inside the bridge, looking out across the lagoon of Venice. Prisoners would walk through the interior of the bridge on their way to be executed in St Mark’s Square. That last view induced a final sigh at Venice’s beauty before the prisoner died. Hence the name, the Bridge of Sighs. So, if you’re standing on the bridge opposite, looking AT the Bridge of Sighs, you’re looking the wrong way!
To see the Bridge of Sighs properly, take a tour inside the Doge Palace. That way, you can go inside the Bridget of Sighs, look out over Venice, sigh and be grateful you’re not off to be beheaded! A visit to the prisons and a walk inside the Bridge of Sighs are included in the St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace Fast Track Tour (€84).
7. San Marco and San Todaro Columns
Located in St Mark’s Square are two columns topped with statues of the two patrons of Venice – San Marco (the winged lion) and San Todaro (St Theodore). They were erected around 1127 and the area between the columns was once used for executions – prisoners were walked through the Bridge of Sighs, to the columns, and to their death. The San Marco and San Todaro columns have therefore become a point of superstition and many Venetians won’t walk between them for fear of bad luck. Most tourists wander between them without ever knowing the history of what happened there. Will you?
8. St Mark’s Clocktower
St Mark’s Clocktower (Torre dell’Orologio) is an elaborate clock tower that was built during the Renaissance period as a way of showing the wealth of Venice. At the top, there’s a statue of the winged Lion of Saint Mark and every hour, two small statues (known as the Moors) ring the clock bell. The clocktower features a grand archway that serves as a connecting point between St Mark’s Square and the winding streets that lead towards the Rialto Bridge. I love the blue and gold fascia of the clocktower that features the signs of the zodiac, a nod to a time when the Venetian sailors would navigate the seas by the stars.
Prisoners faced the clock tower when they were executed. From this, there is an old Italian saying, “Te fasso véder mi, che ora che xe”. It means ‘I’ll show you what time it is’, and it is usually reserved as a threat offered to arch enemies. Don’t get that phrase stuck in your head when you’re ordering coffee in Italy.
9. Caffé Florian
Dating back to 1720, Caffé Florian is the oldest cafe in St Mark’s Square, and it’s a great way to step back three centuries to the time of an old Venetian Coffeehouse. Caffé Florian is a place to slow down, unwind and take in the atmosphere of the square. With an extravagant interior and beautiful music from live musicians, it’s understandably a tourist draw. And you wouldn’t be the first to have it on your must-do list.
However, the cafe comes with a price warning – there is a cover charge for the music. As well as steep coffee prices (nearly €6.50 for espresso and €10.50 for a cappuccino), you’ll pay close to €20 for a coffee (even if you visit when the orchestra is having a break).
10. Cafe Ai Do Leoni
If the prices at Caffé Florian feel prohibitive, walk across the square to the right of St Mark’s Clock Tower to cafe Ai Do Leoni and the coffee price plummets to €1.20 for an espresso. You will have to shuffle in among the locals and drink your coffee standing (how the Italians do it anyway), but it’s an excellent alternative for a quick caffeine fix while still enjoying being in the square. On a good day, you can hear the music drifting out of Caffé Florian for free. You might like my guide to How to Order Coffee in Italy.
11. Gondola Ride
Is there anything more iconic of Venice than punting down the Grand Canal in a Gondola? These wooden boats have been an integral part of the city since the 11th century and, during their peak, there were an estimated 10,000 gondolas in Venice. Today, there are only around 400 gondolas in the city, but their popularity hasn’t waned among tourists. The question for many: is taking a gondola ride worth it in Venice? The answer really depends – on your budget and expectations.
Tips for booking a gondola ride: Prices aren’t too high if you’re happy to join a shared gondola ride – expect to pay around €35 for 30 minutes. Private gondola tours cost around €115, also for 30 minutes. The important thing to know is that many people feel disappointed with their ride. Either the gondolier is grumpy, the shared ride reduces the romance or the high price of a private gondola doesn’t seem worth it. Check the reviews before you book and see if it’s for you. If you just want to tick a box, go for a short, shared tour then separately take a boat tour on the Grand Canal. Details below.
Suggested gondola rides:
- Shared Grand Canal Gondola Ride Includes App commentary. (€37/30 mins).
- Private Gondola Cruise for up to 5 passengers (€115/30 mins).
12. Grand Canal 2-Hour Speed Boat Tour
The Grand Canal (Canal Grande) is Venice’s central canal that carves up the city, and exploring it by boat lets you view the equally grand buildings that line the banks. While a Gondola ride will give you a short trip on the Grand Canal, there is so much more to Venice’s waterways – from deliveries to daily commutes, school boats and even ambulances, Venice is a city that functions on canals instead of roads.
On my last trip to Venice, I took a 2-hour boat tour. Take that tour and you’ll sail along the Grand Canal, under the Rialto Bridge, past Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, past the old customs house (which used to tax every vessel coming in to trade with the Merchants of Venice), past the House of Prada, the Aman Grand Canal hotel (where George Clooney got married) and out towards the smaller islands. Finally, you’ll reach San Giorgio Maggiore where you can take the elevator to the top for the best views in Venice (IMO). Here’s the tour. I highly recommend it: Venice 2-Hour Speed Boat Tour With Grand Canal & Tower Climb of San Giorgio Maggiori tower (2hrs, €119).
13. Gondola Boat Yard
Squero di San Trovaso is one of the oldest gondola boat yards in Venice and it’s the place where new gondolas are built and old gondolas are repaired. The boatyard opened in the 17th century and is still operating today. It’s a humble cabin relative to the art and skill that goes into creating the ornate black bloats. I saw it as part of the 2-hour boat tour I took (details in the section above). Otherwise, you can find it on my map below.
14. Explore Venice by Vaporetto
It takes visitors a bit of time to fully appreciate that Venice is a roadless island (with the exception of the one drop-off point in Piazzale Roma which connects the island to the airport). The rest of the time, you need to get around by boat and the best way to do that in Venice is by Vaporetto. It can feel complicated at first but you just need to equip yourself with two things. First, get a Vaporetto pass, it will save compared to one-way tickets. Then, look at the Vaporetto map. The lines are coloured and numbered for easy use. Just make sure you catch the boat heading in the right direction. Otherwise, you might end up on a scenic tour of Venice you didn’t plan (just like my brother!).
Tip: The ACTV website can be hard to navigate but it’s the official place for tickets. The only other website I trust is Get Your Guide Vaporetto tickets which has the same price as ACTV (no hidden fees like many Vaporetto ticket sites).
15. San Giorgio Maggiore Island
For the best views in Venice, head to the small island of San Giorgio Maggiore. Take the elevator inside the bell tower and from there you’ll get panoramic views across the lagoon towards Venice Island, where you can see the famous Campanile and Doge Palace. This is hands down my favourite view in Venice. A visit to San Giorgio Maggiore island is included in the Venice 2-Hour Boat Tour With Grand Canal & Tower Climb tour I took (€119). Otherwise, you can catch Vaporetto Line 2 from St Mark’s Square.
16. Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is a highly ornate Roman Catholic church that’s located at the edge of St Mark’s Square, perched on the lagoon. Salute (as it’s known locally) dates to the 1600s and was designed in the Baroque style. It has a fascinating history, built as a pledge to the Virgin Mary, Protector of Venice, following a sweep of the plague that ran through Venice killing approximately one-third of the residents. Inside, this so-called minor church is anything but minor, with the same fine detailing you’ll come to expect in Venice. However, my favourite view is of Salute from the water, with the gondolas and lagoon in the foreground. You can get this view on the boat tour I took or by taking a Vaporetto.
17. Basilica de Santa Maria dei Frari
Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is Venice’s largest church and is most famous for its gothic-style architecture. Unlike most of the churches and basilicas in Venice, Frari (as it’s locally known), has a relatively plain brown exterior, but don’t let that fool you. The inside is both impressive and imposing in equal measure. The church has a long history that dates back to 1231 when the land was donated to the church. Parts of the Frari have been added over the centuries and it’s staggering to stand inside a building with such an extensive past.
18. Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge (Pont di Rialto) is the oldest out of only four bridges that cross the Grand Canal, and it is by far the most famous. Completed in 1591, walking over this stone arch bridge offers a unique view of the Grand Canal, that you won’t get standing on the river banks. Yes, it is usually thick with crowds but it is worth the bustle. If you want an alternative view that’s just as good, either take a boat tour or walk across one of the other four bridges (like the Ponte del Accademia, see below). The bridge connects the San Marco and San Polo areas of Venice. Did you know? The first water crossing platform in the location of the Rialto Bridge was a pontoon built in 1181.
19. Ponte del Accademia
Academy Bridge, Ponte del Accademia is another one of the four bridges that stretch across the Grand Canal and while it may not be as famous as the Rialto Bridge, in many ways it’s the better bridge to visit. Not only it is beautiful, having 50 steps up and down on each side of the bridge, but not nearly as many tourists visit Ponte del Accademia. Yet, the views are just as good. The closest Vaporetto stop is Accademia.
20. Rialto Market
Beneath the Rialto Bridge, on St Mark’s side of the bridge, is the Rialto Market (Mercado di Rialto), a bustling fresh food market that has been running in Venice for nearly 1,000 years. Including fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, rounds of cheese and plenty of Italian cured meats, it’s a wonderful place to wander and sample the local flavours. The Rialto Market is technically two markets – the main produce market as well as the Rialto Fish Market (Mercado di Pescheria). Both markets are open Tuesday to Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The produce market is also open at the same times on Mondays. Both markets are closed on Sundays.
21. Take a local food tour
Most tourists don’t realise that Italian food is highly regional. We think that Italy means pizza and pasta but to have the best food experience in each part of Italy, it’s really important to eat the local dishes. Yes, you can get pizza and lasagna almost everywhere, but the best dishes are those that use the local produce and generation-old recipes. In Venice, those dishes include risotto, polenta, seafood and tiramisu. And if there’s one thing you shouldn’t do in Venice, it’s order pizza. There’s a law in the city prohibiting wood-fired ovens, to stop the city from catching fire.
The food situation is even more complicated because Venice has lots of tourists and little repeat business, leading to high prices and low quality. The solution: take a local food tour really early on in your trip. Not only will you try several restaurants serving great local dishes, you’ll get suggestions for where to eat for the rest of your visit. Find out more: Street Food Tour with A Local Guide & Tastings (€44/ 2.5 hrs)
Related: Best Bars and Restaurants in Venice
22. Libreria Acqua Alta
Libreria Acqua Alta is regularly described as the most beautiful bookshop in the world. It’s also one of the wettest. Located next to a canal, the bookstore is victim to the seasonal acqua alta – the tidal floods that fill the city each year. Consequently, the bookshop decided to house its book collections in decorative baths and basins, giving a quirky feel to this small maze of rooms. Venice has a project, Mose, mobile barriers designed to protect Venice from high tides and in 2020 the project stopped the tide for the first time in 1200 years. Since Librera Acqua Alta translates as ‘bookstore of high water’, is it time for a name change? Perhaps not.
23. Teatro La Fenice
Teatro La Fenice is one of the most famous opera houses in the world, and its history is as dramatic as any performance you might see there. The theatre opened in 1792 and was named La Fenice, which means the Phoenix after the city’s previous opera houses which were closed because of fire. In fact, La Fenice has itself suffered from flames when an arson attack ruined the theatre in 1996. Fortunately, impeccable restoration work has restored the theatre and the interior is as opulent as it has ever been. You have two choices for seeing inside La Fenice: get opera tickets (though you will need to plan in advance), or simply take a tour inside Teatro La Fenice (€12 includes audio guide).
24. Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Venice has some excellent options if you’re an art lover, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is one of the best. The museum features modern art set in an 18th-century palace, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, which is located on the Grand Canal and was once Peggy Guggenheim’s Venetian home. From the collection, expect works from the 1950s onwards. There is also a picturesque sculpture garden and terrace that offers exclusive views of the Grand Canal. As with most things in Venice, it pays to book in advance. Closed Tuesdays.
25. Gallerie dell’Accademia
The Academy Gallery (Gallerie dell’Accademia) is Venice’s fine art museum and is the museum to visit if you prefer to view art from the old grandmasters. The Academy has an extensive collection of work from before the 19th century with a focus on Venetian and Italian painters. Open daily but mornings only on Mondays. This is my favourite museum in Venice. Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous Vitruvian Man drawing is in the Academy Museum in Venice. However, it’s not on general display and you have to be quite important to see it. Sigh. I saw some of Da Vinci’s anatomical drawings in his home town of Vinci, which is a great place to visit if you are going near Florence or Lucca in Tuscany when you’re in Italy.
26. Scuola Grande di San Rocco
Scuola Grande di San Rocco was founded in 1478 and was the seat for a Christian confraternity (group of volunteers) established in the name of San Rocco, another Saint for protection from the plague. The palatial building has some of the most staggering interiors in the city and is often overlooked by tourists. The building is most famous for the many paintings by Tintoretto, a famous Italian painter. Don’t miss the Sala dell’Albergo, Sala Maggiore and Sala Superiore. If you can’t get inside the Doge Palace, Scuola Grande di San Rocco is an excellent alternative.
27. Lido Island
Given there are so many islands in Venice, it makes sense that there is a beautiful stretch of sandy beach somewhere. And, whether the crowds are wearing your nerves or the kids are ready for some time on the sand, heading to Lido Island offers a great alternative to walking the city streets. Lido di Venezia is a hotspot and does get busy (like all of Venice). However, it has a resort feel with excellent restaurants, bars and cafes. You can reach Lido on the public vaporetto.
28. Murano Island
As well as Lido Island, there are four other islands that are a really short Vaporetto ride away and make for a great full or half-day trip from Venice. What’s great about exploring the islands is that you get to see how different they each are in terms of architecture and style. Murano is one of the most visited islands, made famous as it is the island where Venetian glass is produced. Many guided tours include a visit to a workshop where you can see a glass-blowing demonstration. Otherwise, visit by Vaporetto and shop for glassware gifts to take home. It takes around 20 minutes to reach Murano from Venice by Vaporetto.
29. Burano Island
Burano is another nearby island and has an entirely different feel with brightly coloured houses that seem like they’re fresh from the pages of a Caribbean cruise brochure. In fact, the island has been dubbed one of the most colourful places in the world. However, that’s not the only attraction on Burano – the island is famous for Italian lace making and there is a lace museum if you want to learn more. Don’t miss the leaning campanile of San Martino’s church. It’s not as dramatic as the Leaning Tower of Pisa but it’s still an impressive sight. It takes around 45 minutes to reach Burano from Venice by Vaporetto.
30. Torcello Island
Torcello is the most traditionally Venetian island compared to Murano and Burano The Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta Byzantine church is the most popular sight on the island. However, I love the Ponte del Davolo bridge. There are only two bridges without parapets (sides) in Venice. One of them is the Ponte de Chiodo on Venice Island (details below), and the other is Ponte del Davolo on Torcello Island. Also, Torcello gives you great views over its neighbouring island of Burano. It takes around 50 minutes to reach Torcello from Venice by Vaporetto. It’s a good idea to combine Burano and Torecello as they are so close.
Tour of Burano, Murano and Torcello Islands: If you want to explore the three islands in one trip, you can take a guided tour: Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands with Glass Factory Tour (7.5 hrs €30).
31. Giudecca Island
Giudecca Island is one of the closest yet least visited of Venice’s nearby islands, and that’s probably what makes it my favourite. It’s not famous for anything like glass blowing or beaches or lace or pretty houses. And there aren’t any dramatic sights to see. But what it does offer is excellent restaurants, much quieter streets and tremendous views of St Mark’s Square, especially at night. Giudecca is also home to one of my favourite hotels in Venice, located in an old flour mill. Details below. Giudecca is around 300 metres from Venice island and is a short hop by Vaporetto from St Mark’s Square.
32. Canareggio – Jewish Ghetto
The few locals left in Venice’s historic centre tend to spend their time in the Canareggio district, which has a modern shopping street but also the history of the Jewish Ghetto. It feels like a different part of Venice, and it’s where I tend to eat and sleep when I’m in the city.
It can be a little confusing to get there. Take a vaporetto to Ca’ d’Oro and head to Strada Nova (New Street). Continue to Via Emanuele and ultimately onto Rio Tera S. Leonardo (it’s all the same street, but the names change as you cross the bridges). Look out for a tiny sign above an alley written in Hebrew, which will take you into the Jewish Ghetto. You can loop back via Misericordia. Canareggio is an excellent option for food and drinks without the tourist prices.
33. Ponte de Chiodo
I’ve already mentioned that Venice is home to two special canal bridges that don’t have parapets, sides. These old, traditional bridges are great for pictures but also for getting a feel for the history of Venice. One of the bridges it located on Torcello Island. The other, Ponte de Chiodo, can be found in Canareggio. You can find Ponte Chiodo on the map below. In case you’re wondering, Chiodo means nail, which was the name of the family which once privately owned this famous bridge. It’s nothing to do with the lack of nails holding up the lack of sides!
34. Bellinis at Harry’s Bar
Harry’s Bar is an institution in Venice. This 1930s bar is the place where the Bellini was invented and for many, it’s a must-do when you’re in the city. It was for me. Which is why I feel the need to warn you that there is the potential for disappointment.
The 1930s charm of the bar has long gone, and as tourists queue up to hand over close to €30 per Bellini, it’s no surprise the process has turned into a conveyor belt. I sat with growing disappointment as I watched peach puree squeezed from a foil pack into glasses while Prosecco was squirted from a soda-style tap. No blending of peaches. No popping of corks. Not even a full 125ml champagne glass. If you visit Harry’s bar, try to go when white peaches are in season (summer), to stand a chance of fresh fruit in your drink, not preserved puree.
35. Aperitivo at Bacaro Risorto
If you prefer to skip the touristy bars, head to a local bar for aperitivo (a pre-dinner snack and drinks). Aperol Spritz is one of the most popular aperitivo cocktails in Italy, made with a considerable measure of Aperol (similar to Campari but much sweeter), topped with Prosecco, chilled with ice and served with a slice of orange and a dash of soda water. Be warned, it’s hard to tell how potent this almost all-booze drink is, and it tends to evaporate (from your glass into your mouth).
I had a wonderful aperitivo experience in Bacaro Risorto. Otherwise, wander the streets, steer away from the waterfront and the Grand Canal, and head deeper into the historic centre to look for a local bar. You can read more about the Italian art of Aperitivo.
36. Cichetti at Al Merca
Cichetti are small open-faced sandwiches usually on small slices of baguette, topped with antipasti, salted cod or cheese and cured meats. Typically they are eaten alongside your pre-dinner drinks, as part of aperitivo. However, they also make a great snack or light lunch with a glass of wine (when in Rome…or Venice as the saying goes). And one of the best places I ate ciccchetti was at Al Merca. I was taken there as part of my food tour, and I’m glad I was because I wouldn’t have found it on my own, despite it being so close to the Grand Canal (don’t worry, it’s on my map below). How do you know it’s good? The gondoliers go there. There is no seating for cichetti but there is an osteria area with tables if you prefer.
Tip: if you only have one day in Venice, and time for one quick meal near St Mark’s Square, eat here.
37. Prosecco Wine Tasting Day Trip
Prosecco is one of the most popular sparkling wines in the world yet most visitors don’t realise that the Prosecco vineyards are only an hour away from Venice – just a quick train ride from the central train station, Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia. I mention this because many visitors kick themselves knowing they were so close yet they miss this stunning UNESCO World Heritage site with dramatic rolling hills and, of course, Prosecco tasting. I fell in love with the Prosecco region so much that I connected with local drivers, vineyards and restaurants and now run wine tours in the area. You can easily fit a half-day or even a full-day tour into your itinerary if you plan your time in Venice. You can find out more about our tours at Italian Sparkle (from €250 per group).
38. Tiramisu in Treviso
I’m sorry I keep tempting you out of the city with day trips from Venice but, like the Prosecco region, many tourists don’t realise that they are also very close to the original restaurant where Tiramisu was first invented. Located in Treviso, a 30-35 minute train journey from Venice, Ristorante Le Beccherie is home to this famous Italian dessert. There are two types to try – the classic and the modern, which is a little lighter than the original recipe. It’s a wonderful restaurant with a full menu and makes a great side trip for lunch while you’re in Venice. Even better: many low-cost airlines fly to Treviso Airport instead of Venice Marco Polo. Perhaps you can time a Tiramisu stop with your flight? Closed Tuesdays.
39. Venice Carnival
Famous around the world, the annual Venice Carnival is a display of extravagant costumes and flamboyant events. The carnival dates back to Medieval times and sees around 3 million people flood the narrow streets of the city. Timed for the period before Lent, visiting Venice Carnival is a bucket-list activity for many. But even if you don’t happen to be in the city at the right time, you can still brush up against the tradition. You can buy a carnival mask to take home. They are works of art and will give you life-long memories of the city (or lifelong nightmares if, like me, you find the masks terrifying).
40. Wander the streets of Venice
Sometimes it’s nice to rip up the sightseeing list, go for a stroll and get lost. In fact, stop looking at your map for a minute and it’s very easy to lose your way in the labyrinth of streets and canals in Venice. And that is the beauty of it. Wander down the quiet alleys, cross over lesser-used bridges and explore Venice on foot. It’s one of the most rewarding ways to enjoy the true charm of the city.
41. Fondaco dei Tedeschi Roof Terrace
This terrace at the top of Fondaco dei Tedeschi is an incredibly popular spot in Venice, thanks to its panoramic views. For me, it’s a little like Harry’s Bar – you’ll either love it or hate it. The building itself has a fascinating history – it was once home to the German merchants in Venice. These days, it’s a Chinese-owned Department Store. Shop, then ascend to the 4th floor for drinks, but whatever you do, don’t go without a reservation for the terrace – it’s mandatory. The terrace closes at 6 p.m so don’t plan on visiting for evening or even sunset drinks.
42. Venice sunset on the Grand Canal
Venice is spectacular at sunset. With the glimmer reflecting off the Grand Canal and the Adriatic sea turning a deeper shade of green, sunset is a time to sit, sip a drink and watch the magic of nature take hold. There are so many options for watching the sunset in Venice: anywhere along the Grand Canal or from the Rialto Bridge (if you can cope with the crowds). I like to take a wander as far as I can go before I fall into the lagoon.
43. Dinner at Cantina do Spade
If you want to try Venetian food, Cantina do Spade is the place to do it. It’s been in business since 1448, so it’s safe to say their recipes have stood the test of time. Conveniently close to Rialto Bridge, the Osteria is surprisingly well-priced and the menu is incredibly seasonal. With a focus on fish, shellfish and daily specials, you know you’re eating the regional cuisine. I’d recommend booking a table. Otherwise, consider going for lunch.
44. Sleep in a pasta flour mill – Hilton Molino Stucky
Hotels in Venice can be very hit-and-miss. Not to mention overpriced for small rooms. The Hilton Molino Stucky is one of the great exceptions. Located on Giudecca island, the hotel is a converted flour mill that once milled the flour for the pasta that served the city and beyond. Today, the Molino Stucky has modern rooms, a rooftop terrace with spectacular views and, essential in summer, a swimming pool. Facing St Mark’s, it’s one of the best hotels for escaping the crowds. Your average boxy Hilton hotel this is not.
45. Explore Venice at night
If Venice’s day crowds make you want to jump into the lagoon, take some solace that once night arrives, the city quietens considerably. Venice at night is truly magical. St Mark’s Square seems to expand back to its grand size; the bridges are passable, and the narrow streets are near empty and inviting. Go out, explore, get lost, and enjoy. Simply wandering the quiet streets is one of the best things to do in Venice at night. Take a Ghost tour. Or simply pop into a bar. Maybe I’ll see you there.
Want more Venice tips? You might like my guide to visiting Venice including the best time to visit, the best hotels, how to get to Venice from the airport and more.
Map of Things To Do In Venice
Here is the interactive map to download: Map of things to do in Venice.
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Great feature, Jo – lots of useful information
Thanks, Emma!
Thanks for sharing my coffee post – who knew a cup of joe could be so complicated!
Ayngelina, it was a great post! I still get confounded by the whole coffee situ in Italy and I’ve been there enough times that it should be so complicated…
I will be in Venice this Friday!! Great info !! Thank you 🙂
Hope you had a great time, Asi!
Cool blog and awesome post about my country, Italy I miss it so much although I love to travel and to live where I have been living in the past 6 years, Nicaragua a wounderful country!!
keep up this nice blog I just stumbled here but I make sure to mark your page among my favourites!
…and maybe we can work together some how, we are just launching a blog about travelling in Nicaragua and Central America…have you ever been here??
Hey Nicaragua Travel, glad you liked my Italy posts and yes, I have been to Nicaragua and I fell in love with the country and the people. Congratulations on the blog – hope it goes well.
We will be in Italy June 17-July 2. We will start in Venice and have been apprehensive about the crowds. Are the crowds mostly from the cruises so that is why it is quieter at night? So glad to have found your website! Will be reading your other posts. Thank you!
Thanks Bebett. Yes, the nights thin out because of the cruises. Hope you have a great time in Venice. Just go slowly and you’ll get less stressed!
Thanks for the tips! We will be there in late July. Planning to do the Rolling Venice card and then get the discounted youth travel cards. I’m also going to look into that tour you mentioned, as St. Marks and the Doge were the main two things I wanted to see. Otherwise, we plan to relax and explore!
Kelsie, glad to help. I’d be interested to hear about your experience with the Rolling Venice card. I like to try the tourist cards in cities to see if they offer good value but didn’t have enough time in Venice. I’d highly recommend Walks of Italy. They’re one of the few tour companies I’d regularly do group tours with. Have a great time!
Wow do I wish I had read this before I went to Venice! I, also, was disappointed. Thanks for the great tips! If my husband and I ever go together I will be reading this first.
Michaell, it took a couple of goes for me to get it right!
What is the best ticket to buy if I’m going from the airport to Venice but would also like to go to Lido.. I know I want to use the alilaguna, I’m just a little confused on how to use it. trip on the 25
Hi Nina, here’s a link to my favourite site for planning routes: http://www.rome2rio.com/s/Venice-Airport-VCE/Lido-Island Looks like there is a direct boat on the blue line to Lido from the Airport. It takes 59 minutes. When you get into arrivals at the airport, there will be an alilaguna ticket booth – buy your ticket there and they will direct you to the ferry (about a 15 minute walk). If you’re hungry, there’s a little cafe selling paninis etc, which make a great picnic for the ride. Have a great trip.
I agree with you about the Bellini. Must be one of the biggest rip offs in Venice. Not to mention the surly bartenders. After at least 5 trips to Venice, I would say to most people that you have to be prepared to spend some money.Venice is never going to be a cheap holiday destination. As an example, I find a private water taxi the best way to get to your hotel. It will cost around $110 Euro, but will save you a lot of time and aggravation. Regarding Cafe Florian, personally, I don’t go for the coffee, which indeed may be over priced, but sitting in San Marco at Cafe Florian with a a bottle of Prosecco in the early evening of a sunny day is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Paul, I absolutely agree with you on the spending money front – I was trying to impress this on a travel friend who was planning to visit on a pretty tight budget. After I explained the water bus prices and cost of a bite and a beer, she was a bit better prepared. I also took the private water taxi from Venice (first time around) and if you can afford it, I completely agree there is no better way to arrive than by speed boat (though my hair looked a bit more windswept than I’d have liked for a glamorous entrance to Venice!) And Cafe Florian – money spent in the pursuit of life’s pleasures is money well spent. Always!
I spent eight full days in Venice for my 40th birthday — plenty of time to see it all, or so I thought. Fighting the crowds, of course, was a constant battle, so your #5, #6, and #10 are particularly spot on, terrific ways to escape the masses and still see what makes Venice so irresistibly attractive. I would argue that taking a gondola ride is something that every visitor to this city should do, however, regardless of how touristy it is. But then, to counterbalance that, a ride on the very inexpensive vaporetto down the Grand Canal from start to finish, is the way to go.
Congrats on the birthday celebration – what a great place to go for it. I agree, there are some people who simply must take a Gondola and I wouldn’t talk anyone out of fulfilling a dream, I just don’t think many people realise there are plenty of other ways to explore the water in Venice. My poor brother took an unexpected Vaporetto end to end (he was lost) but he admits there are definitely worse ways to be lost 🙂
I agree with Paul tat the very best tip is to be prepared to spend some cash, and do your homework so you can make wise choices about where to splurge. We are getting ready to spend 10 days in Venice in Jan, arriving a few days before Carnivale starts. This will be our 3rd trip to beautiful Venice. Id love some advice about dos and don’ts during Carnivale. ere are a few things I’ve learned in previous trips: The Secret Tour of the Doge’s Palace is worth the 24 euro fee. No lines and the extra back stage places toured were cool. Did I mention no lines? I usually like traveling to discover but Venice is one place were some research and restaurant reservations come in handy. On our first trip, we had the worst meal of the trip at a pizza place ran by obviously non-Italians which seemed to be a front for the gambling going on in the back room. Sketchy. One last bit is to learn the Italian words for foods that you don’t like to eat so you know what you are ordering for a meal, or so you can ask questions wen pointing at cichetti bar. If you learn Italian vocabulary for all the items you like, it can be a long list and hard to recall wen looking at a menu. I TOTALLY agree with you about Canareggio but disagree about the gondola. Its pretty amazing to see the architecture up close from the view point of the slowly moving gondola. It is a splurge but I suggest using it as real transportation rater than making a loop – tell your gondolier that you’d like to get to ____ via the most beautiful canals and negotiate the price. Were renting an apartment tis time for about 129 euro per night, Ill let you know how that goes.
Rena, yes, I completely agree with the prepare to spend some money sentiment. There are some affordable places in Venice but they are the exception. And I do seem to be a bit out in the cold about the gondola thing. Maybe it’s just me 🙂 Oooh and do come back and let me know about the rental. I looked at Airbnb but couldn’t see anything that fit the bill when I was searching.
Your advice and suggestions are spot on. I made Venice my home for 35 years and living as a local is much different than experiencing it as a tourist. The farther you get from the Square the better.
Thanks Martha and yes, find the square and walk away from it for as long as your legs will carry you is excellent advice 🙂
So glad I found this post! I am in the process of planning for a trip to Italy and was planning on booking a few of the Walks of Italy tours – glad to hear that are worth it!
dnardi, glad to help. I don’t take many guided tours but the ones run by Walks of Italy are excellent. They’re in other countries too – I can highly recommend Walks of New York if you’re ever there!
Thanks for these tips! I am looking for my parents and I love this!
and now I wanna go as well of course!
Marlies, Magnificent Escape
Venice is home to my favourite little gallery. Peggy Guggenheim put together the loveliest collection and it’s worth an hour or two to browse through. My favourite was the Jackson Pollock room and the wishing tree in the courtyard. You write your wish on a piece of paper and hang it on the tree. I wished it would cool off as it had been 40C for days and later that day it rained and the temperature dropped considerably. In retrospect I should have wished for a million dollars!
Ha ha – you’ll just have to go back and make your million dollar wish another time. I didn’t have time to get to the Peggy Guggenheim museum. Guess that means I’ll have to return to Venice, too.
Best article I’ve found! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Christie! Have a great trip to Venice.
Most helpful blog I’ve read yet, I was just going to devote half a day to Venice and do basically all the things you’re saying not to do that are touristy (which I would love to avoid). Thanks!
Thanks Olivia! Hope your trip went well!!!
We are going to Venice in September. I love your recommendations on the tours and will check them out
Debbie, I hope you have an amazing time. Glad the tips were helpful!
As an italian I cannot but agree with you! If it doesn’t bother you, I’ve shared your article on my blog’s fb page!
Iris, it’s interesting to hear that from an Italian. Thanks for the share.
I live in Venice and we would like to have it to ourselves too…The food is mostly frozen and it is very overpriced. The summer is so crowded. Even at night. We get around 30million visitors a year. In fact when we go out for dinner we go to the mainland to eat. It is an amazing city. But mass tourism has taken its toll.
Thank You for this wonderful article…I am traveling in May to Venice for the first time. I am saving all this useful info! Teresa
Thanks Teresa, I hope you have an amazing time!
Any recommendation about a wine bar in Venice?
Hi Curt, I didn’t go to any wine bars as such but I did go to a few chiccheti bars that served good wine. My favourite was All’Arco, which was a hang out for the gondola ‘drivers’. It’s tiny, with just standing room that floods onto the street but for excellent wine, snacks and atmosphere, I really enjoyed it. http://bit.ly/2inA4jS Hope that helps?
May I add one of the most important advices for ALL of Italy: Don’t sit down to drink your coffee (“Caffè” is what you order and you get “Espresso” – and you should try that. It’s the best you will ever get). The cities (I think?) have a max price (~1€) for Coffee at the bar – and if they want to charge you more they are betraying you.
And by the way: Sitting down with an espresso is a bad idea, because a coffee shot “dies” after a few seconds. So enjoy it immediately!
Ilona, that’s great advice about the caffè in Italy. As a lover of getting a good deal, I always stand for my coffee. I didn’t know about the coffee dying though. Hmm, learn something new every day so thanks for that bit of info 🙂 I’d be interested to see if you had any other coffee tips that I haven’t included here: https://indianajo.com/2016/07/how-to-order-coffee-in-italy/
This advice while valuable, is easily found by people who do their homework before they travel. Hope this article helps novice travelers.
I guess the function of this advice was to help people (those novice travellers you talk about) ‘do their homework before they travel’ ;p
Thank You for this wonderful article…I am traveling in May to Venice for the first time. ~Anna
Thanks Anna – happy to help. Hope you have a great trip.
Wow! I’m visiting Venice for the first time this month and loved your suggestions! Have saved the post and am going to follow as many of your tips as I can 🙂 Thanks again!
Oh, Jo,
It’s like you are my travel spirit animal! Never have I had someone sum up my feelings re: Venice so accurately and concisely! For me, it was like the road to Hana, once is enough! Although I did that twice, too, and now 27 years later I find myself a guest on a trip to Italy w/my brother, sister-in-law and 3 teenage nieces. Naturally, Venice is on the must-do list, and naturally I began feeling dread and ungrateful, at a minimum! A trip to The Veneto w/Prosecco valley being so close by would suit my restaurant-owner self so nicely, but this is my niece’s sweet 16 present from her family, so I want it to be amazing. Your article has given me new enthusiasm, and hope, and the tools to make this part of the trip a highlight! Luckily, my suggestion of staying on the Lido and getting on the complimentary water taxi from our hotel waz well received so I am also looking forward to that! Thank you, thank you for such a gem- well written advice and solid alternatives to back it up!
Ha ha! I confess, this post took me a couple of goes before I could properly capture my feelings about Venice. Glad you liked my suggestions and you should definitely get out of the Prosecco region. It’s the complete Venice antidote! Have a great trip.
I am in Venice and just read your tips and responses, and I agree completely. I arrived from Milan around noon yesterday and after getting to my hotel near St. Mark’s Square went on a walking tour of the neighborhood which include a Gondola launching point. 80 Euro for 30 minutes, or you could share with strangers (I’m traveling solo). I somehow ended up at the Basilica at 4:00 PM and was surprised to find a ten minute line and went right in. Same thing happened again today. After going to Murano my boat returned to the dock by the Doges Palace and there was zero, yes, zero people in a line that had to be 200 when passed in the morning. I paid my 20 Euros for the ticker and another 5 for the audioguide and walked right in. Last night after the Basilica I took the slow Vaporetto down the Grand Canal and tonight after dark I’m going to hang out in the square, which is about 100 feet from my hotel. Tomorrow is my last full and taking the advice above I’m going to go where my feet will take me with no map hope I get lost. I do have a three day Vaporetto Pass in case i get too lost. Thanks for your good advice.
PS Tell Donna there is no comparison between Venice and the Road to Hana
Hi Jim, sounds like you’ve had great luck – thanks for the tips. Hope you enjoyed the rest of your stay in Venice 🙂
This has been very, very helpful, Jo. It will be our first time in Venice and you will help us save a lot of time. One thing I’d love to know is the name of the “perfect local dinner spot” you mention above. I’d really love to find that spot. Thanks again.
Hi Jo
Love your site. So informative. Going to Venice in May. Staying two nights at the Hotel Danieli. We are using Marriott points. My daughter woukd love to go on a processco tour. I see above you recommend a local. Do you know anyone we can contact?
Also we like authentic food not touristy restaurants. Where do you recommend
Thank you for your help
Hi Sandi, I’ve set up a website dedicated to Prosecco and your daughter can contact Oriana or Cris using this link: https://italiansparkle.com/bookings-enquiries/ or she can email me through the site http://www.italiansparkle.com if she needs any more help.
As for Venice, tbh, if I want good food in Italy, the first thing I do is leave Venice (usually out to the Prosecco region where there are splendid, local restaurants. I’m still searching for the elusive ‘you have to go here’ restaurant in Venice. I ate here last time and had a better meal than elsewhere in Venice. Typically Canareggio is going to serve up better, more authentic food. Just sniff the air! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cicchetteria-Venexiana-Da-Luca-E-Fred/468653703183523
Hope that helps.
My partner and I were in Venice for a few weeks, late summer last year (she’s a travel writer too like you). I was terrified before we left Sydney that we would be eating terrible over priced food; and yet. I found this not to be the case at all, as we/I found good food in many locations and even several very close to pont Rialto. We were even complimented on our manners by our very Venetian host at one – though we did nothing except eat and drink and enjoy!
That said, our first impressions of VENICE were both over and, underwhelming. The crowds certainly come as a shock even if you are expecting them – of course, we were also part of crowds..
Thanks for the article, very good advice; just pick a couple of things and get stuck right in. The best way to enjoy Venice, i agree.
Hi Kent, I’m glad my article helped. Good food in Venice? Tell me – tell us all. Where, where, where? I’m putting a guide together and any tried and tested tips are welcome. Congrats on the table manners. I’ve never received such a compliment but then I’m not particularly surprised by that 😉
great advise, my husband and I have been to Venice four times now, we always stay out of the main tourist area. We love to get up early in the morning and walk around, it is so much quieter. We have always planned our trips for early April or late September, and we find that Venice is less busy, but that is changing too!
Mostly we enjoy getting lost in the little lanes and buying food at the quieter little family-run shops, rather than the busy places near Saint Mark’s Square.
The getting up early is a great tip. And lends itself nicely to an afternoon nap!
Jo,
I just got back from a trip from Italy that I will remember my whole life! My fiance and I took your advice in Venice and saw the bridge from the prison. The Doge’s palace was opulent and definitely worth it. We also went to the opera and literally got caught in flooding canals in our formal wear. Quite a story. I bought the phrasebook you suggested and learned basic Italian which saved us many times (my fiance’s thick NY accent was received warily, but the sentiment was appreciated). We also met up with French friends in Conegliano and the surrounding area and had wonderful food (cut to us driving up a steep mountain and my fiancee pointing to a brochure with smoked pork and asking our concierge “can I eat this?”), to which they are recommending to their loved ones. Thank you for your great advice. I can send pictures if you like!
Oh I’m trilled you saw the bridge from within the prison – it’s quite a different experience, isn’t it. I probably shouldn’t laugh at your formal wear getting soaked but it crafts the picture of an adventure in my head! Sounds like you had a fantastic trip with plenty of stories to tell. Yes please to the pictures!
Help. I am looking for guide
Hi, I’ve linked to some tour guides I used while I was in the city. They should be able to help you out.
Hi Jo,
I am Italian and I think this article is very interesting. You have identified some points that are useful for every tourist (even for an Italian tourist coming from another region).
I hope my notes can be useful: I noticed that some foreign tourists have a wrong perception of Italy (especially if they come from outside Europe).
In Italy tourism activities are very important and many people work for tourists. This is true.
About 13% of GDP in Italy comes from tourism-related activities and about 7% of working people are employed in hotel and restaurant activities. We can say that tourism is important in Italy. But I believe that we cannot say that the country lives only on tourism (I read in some websites about tourism destinations that 60% of the GDP in Italy comes from tourism !).
When some tourists say that Italy is very touristy they often refer to these three places:
Rome, Florence, Venice. The true is that they talk about some neighborhoods in these cities. Among these cities the one closest to the definition “it lives on tourism ” is definitely Venice. But at the same time the part of the city that tourists usually visit is included in a larger one that has about 260.000 inhabitants (Venice – 55.000 on the islands and the rest on the mainland).
I think a lot of italian people look at that places as “dead neighborhoods” without social, cultural and economic vitality (outside tourism).
The real country is in the neighboring districts, a few blocks away. I ask this question: what are you looking for ? a real country or a perception of a country ?
You have to go off the beaten path!
It is very likely that you will find something that is very different from what you know ..
Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙂 I agree that people have to wander off the beaten path but at the same time a lot of these ‘big hitters’ like Venice are a draw for a very obvious reason – their undeniable beauty. I think balance of visiting the larger and smaller places is the real trick.
Hi Jo,
I see the real hard work involved in writing such a detailed and informative blog.Really appreciated. I am staying 3 days in Lido for a conference, and then in Cannaregio for 3 days.
I need your inputs on how to actually manage my evenings in Lido( till evening, I am in conference) and then in Cannaregio as well..
I am looking for a serene, memorable historic holiday!
Need your valuable suggestions please.
Muralidhar
Hi Muralidhar, my best tip if you’re staying on Lido is to buy the vaparetto pass and then you can take the boats all around Venice. That way you won’t feel stuck on the island at night. I hope you have a great trip.
Hi, I was just wondering for the St Mark Basilica and Doge’s Palace tour that you recommended, did it include the Secret Itineraries tour of the Doge’s Palace?
That doesn’t ring a bell so I’d say no…
It’s a long bit away, but I’m surprising my wife with a trip to Italy…Venice and Rome, with a stint in Sweden as well. 🙂 I’m definitely using your tips to ensure we have a memorable experience! I saw some things about spending time @ Dolimite. Any suggestions about that?
Hi Steven, I’ve never explored the Dolomites so I’m afraid I can’t help but great trip for your wife – lucky lady!
Just back from the Dolomites and wish I’d had more than the 8 days there with my son. We were there for the climbing, via ferrate and some walking but the place is amazing. The hub is Cortina but we stated 15mins drive from there which was great. All l can say is we are already planning a return visit. If your going out of ski season however lots of restaurants are closed and so, unless you research, it looks like pizza and more pizza – not true – we did source some really tasty Italian classics of the region. Enjoy if you head up there – the mountains and colours with the light are amazing.
Thanks for sharing. I keep meaning to get to the Dolomites (beyond just flying over them!)
Really enjoyed this post – thank you. We’re heading to Venice in a few weeks and this has certainly helped us focus and given us the lowdown. All good info, which we will certainly use.
Thanks, Elizabeth – have a great trip!
Hi Jo,
Excellent and informative post, and we will certainly take your advice. I’ve been to Venice 3x, but not in 25 years or so. I don’t recall massive crowds anywhere, so I expect this Venice will be very different from the one I remember. That said, we’re absolutely going AirB&B. The choices are overwhelming, though–there are so many good places available at reasonable prices! So, what I’m looking for is to pick an area to search for a place and I’m just adrift here. We’d like to be reasonably close to “touristy” stuff, but out of the main hubbub. Can you recommend an area–even down to a street or two–that you’d say “hey, if you can get a place here, you’ll be close to the thick of things but it’s also kind of where locals hang out!”? If that’s too tall an order, can you recommend an area (more detail = better!) that you’d happily stay?
Thanks so much!
Paul
Hi Paul, I’m afraid you probably will notice a difference in crowds but Venice is just as beautiful. My absolute favourite area that ticks your local but not too far box is Cannaregio. I love the whole area so I don’t think you can go wrong. Have a great trip.
Hi Jo. We have visited Venice just once and are itching to go back – hopefully things will get back to normal in the next few months as we are hoping to go in October. Your blog and suggestions were a great way for us to decide what to do on our first trip. Have you heard any updates yet on travel restrictions to Italy due to covid? Also, just a couple of suggestions for you to check out on your next trip. We stayed at Hotel Antico Doge in Cannaregio and absolutely loved it; we will almost certainly stay there again on our next visit. We also dined a couple of times at Osteria Oliva Nera at the recommendation of some very good friends. Maybe a little pricey but were not disappointed at all with the food and service. And the owner, Isabella Zambon is an absolute gem. Thanks for your tips and insight.
Hi David, thanks so much for your lovely comment and wonderful tips. I run a second website dedicated to the Prosecco region of Italy (and Venice) – Italian Sparkle, so I’m hooked into the travel news there. At the moment, I think it’s too early to tell what travel will be like in October. I do, however, know that Italy’s tourism board is very keen to reopen for visitors and many hotels are making great strides for a safe stay (some offer in-room testing). My hunch is that October will be easier than ever (during the pandemic) to travel but I hope I haven’t jinxed us by saying that. Fingers crossed for your October trip and I recommend adding a Prosecco visit to your stay 🙂
Enjoyed the blog. We stayed on the mainland and trolleyed it across to the islands. Picked up lunch items at a bakery on the mainland and ate it in the island. We did find the the island super expensive but had beautiful views. Glad I went once but not on my bucket list to do again. But Tuscany, that is a different story. . . .
Thanks and yes, I definitely agree about Tuscany. Swoon 🙂
” La molto bella VENEZIA ” and
” Geef mij maar AMSTERDAM ” are BOTH a MUST for the Civilised, Cultured World Citizen.
You can actually get Prosecco on tap!
Without wanting to be ‘that’ person, technically Prosecco can only be from a bottle. What you get on tap is frizzante, cheap Italian sparkling wine. Still fun, though!
Hi
Indiana Jo
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Indiana Jo for her remarkable blog on Italy. Despite never having visited Italy myself, her blog has allowed me to embark on a virtual journey through the enchanting country. It has been a truly wonderful experience reading her captivating stories and marveling at the stunning photographs showcasing Italy’s breathtaking architecture and landscapes.
Ms. Indiana Jo’s blog has not only provided me with valuable insights into Italy’s hidden gems and must-visit destinations but has also allowed me to gain a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich cultural heritage. Through her vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes, I have felt as though I were right there, immersed in the vibrant streets of Rome, gazing at the picturesque canals of Venice, or savoring the delectable flavors of Tuscany.
Moreover, her blog has been a source of inspiration and a window into the lives of those who call Italy home. It has allowed me to connect with the stories of her friends who hail from Italy, further enhancing my understanding and appreciation of the country and its people.
I am incredibly grateful to Ms. Indiana Jo for her dedication to sharing her experiences and insights, enabling readers like me to explore Italy vicariously through her words and images. Her passion for travel and her ability to transport readers to the heart of Italy is truly commendable. Thank you, Ms. Indiana Jo, for creating a blog that has brought the wonders of Italy into my life and sparked my own wanderlust to visit this extraordinary country someday.
Regards
Harry https://gowithharry.com/delhi-tour-guide/
The blog post provides an interesting perspective on exploring Venice beyond the usual tourist attractions. The title suggests that the author aims to highlight lesser-known or off-the-beaten-path activities and experiences in Venice.
By focusing on alternative options, this post likely offers readers a chance to discover hidden gems, unique neighborhoods, and local cultural experiences that can enhance their visit to Venice. It may cover topics such as exploring lesser-known islands, seeking out local artisans and crafts, or indulging in authentic Venetian cuisine.
Thanks for Sharing, really appreciated!
I love how your travel blog takes me on a journey of discovery. Your posts capture the essence of wanderlust and remind me of the incredible experiences waiting to be had in this beautiful world. Your writing style and attention to detail create a sense of anticipation that keeps me coming back for more. Thank you for sharing your passion for travel!