Discover Venice: A Floating City of Canals, Art and Timeless Romance

There is no more iconic Venice experience than gliding through the canals by gondola. Drift beneath ornate bridges, admire palazzo facades along the Grand Canal, and discover quiet backwater rii. For a budget-friendly alternative, hop on a vaporetto water bus or a traghetto crossing for unforgettable views from the water.

Begin at Piazza San Marco, the beating heart of Venice. Step inside the golden mosaics of St Mark's Basilica, tour the opulent halls of the Doge's Palace, and cross the legendary Bridge of Sighs. Climb the Campanile for sweeping views over the rooftops, lagoon, and distant Dolomites.

Escape the crowds with a day in the Venetian lagoon. Watch master glassblowers at work on Murano, photograph the rainbow-coloured fishermen's houses of Burano, and discover the ancient mosaics of tranquil Torcello. Island-hopping by vaporetto is one of the most rewarding things to do in Venice.

Eat like a local by hopping between bacari, Venice's traditional wine bars, sampling cicchetti small plates with a glass of spritz or local wine. Explore the Rialto Market at dawn, savour fresh lagoon seafood and squid-ink pasta, and end the night with views over the canals.

Venice is an open-air museum of art and history. Admire Renaissance masterpieces at the Gallerie dell'Accademia, modern works at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and contemporary installations during the Venice Biennale. Wander hidden churches filled with Titian, Tintoretto, and Bellini paintings.

The monumental heart of Venice, San Marco is home to the city's most famous sights, including St Mark's Square, the Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge nearby. Staying here puts you steps from grand cafés, designer shops, and the Grand Canal, making it ideal for first-time visitors.

Venice's artistic and bohemian quarter, Dorsoduro is home to the Gallerie dell'Accademia, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and the striking Santa Maria della Salute church. With lively student bars around Campo Santa Margherita and the sunny Zattere promenade, it's perfect for art lovers and those seeking local atmosphere.

One of the most authentic and residential districts, Cannaregio offers a glimpse of everyday Venetian life. Home to the historic Jewish Ghetto, peaceful canals, and some of the city's best bacari, it's the perfect area for an evening of cicchetti and spritz away from the busiest tourist crowds.

The largest of Venice's six sestieri, Castello stretches east from San Marco and blends grand monuments with quiet local lanes. Visit the Arsenale, stroll the leafy Giardini gardens that host the Biennale, and enjoy a relaxed, lived-in side of the city just minutes from the main attractions.

The smallest but liveliest sestiere, San Polo surrounds the famous Rialto Bridge and bustling Rialto Market. Browse stalls of fresh fish and produce, discover the masterpiece-filled Scuola Grande di San Rocco, and dive into a dense network of shops, bacari, and atmospheric squares.

Often the first part of Venice travellers reach, Santa Croce contains Piazzale Roma and the city's main car and bus terminals. Beyond the gateway, it hides quiet residential canals, the grand Ca' Pesaro palace, and easy access by vaporetto, making it a convenient and characterful base.

We recommend: Venice Highlights

We recommend: Venice Culture Itinerary

We recommend: Murano + Burano + Torcello

We recommend: Venice for Couples

We recommend: Best Day Trips from Venice

Just a short vaporetto ride from Venice, Murano has been the home of Venetian glassmaking for centuries. Watch master artisans shape molten glass in working furnaces, browse showrooms of dazzling creations, and visit the Glass Museum to trace the island's remarkable history.

Famous for its rainbow-coloured fishermen's houses and centuries-old lace-making tradition, Burano is one of the most photogenic spots in the lagoon. Wander the quiet canals, shop for handmade lace, and enjoy fresh seafood in this cheerful island village.

Just over an hour from Venice by train, romantic Verona is the city of Romeo and Juliet. Marvel at the remarkably preserved Roman Arena, visit Juliet's balcony, and stroll elegant piazzas and bridges along the Adige River.

A short train ride away, Padua (Padova) is one of Italy's oldest university cities. Admire Giotto's breathtaking frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel, visit the Basilica of St Anthony, and relax in the vast Prato della Valle, one of Europe's largest squares.

For dramatic alpine scenery, the Dolomites lie within reach of Venice for a memorable day or overnight trip. Discover jagged peaks, emerald lakes, and charming mountain towns, perfect for hiking in summer and snow sports in winter.

Often overlooked, charming Treviso is laced with canals and frescoed facades, and serves as the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Prosecco hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. Tour scenic vineyards, enjoy tastings, and savour the relaxed countryside just north of Venice.