Venice

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Venice

From its unmatched romantic allure to its historical heritage to its indisputable beauty, there is no other city like Venice. The "Queen of the Adriatic" is composed of a maze of islands, canals, and bridges, hiding magnificent buildings, historical landmarks of great artistic and cultural importance, as well as charming restaurants and squares. There are no cars in Venice, but you won't need them anyway since "The City of Bridges" is best explored on foot.

The City

Historical pieces of evidence suggest that refugees founded Venice. When Germanic tribes ravaged northern Italy in the 5th century, many mainlanders escaped to this difficult-to-access area on the Adriatic Sea. Over the centuries, the refugee community grew into the most powerful trading port in the Mediterranean. At its peak, Venice counted 3,000 trade ships and 300 navy vessels. After Napoleon's fall, it became part of the Austrian Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia, but after the uprising in 1848, the city reached its independence once again. Shortly after, in 1866, Venice was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy. 1932 saw the opening of the motor and rail bridge between Venice and the mainland, which led this city to come out on top as a tourist destination. It can be a bit hard to navigate around the city, but don't let that put you off, as this is part of Venice's charm. Leave the other tourists at St Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge and explore the maze-like little neighbourhoods instead. The most interesting areas and islands are Cannaregio, San Polo/Santa Croce, Dorsoduro, San Marco, and Castello.

Do & See Dining Cafés Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Venice is the only city of its type in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage site representing a cultural absolute, demanding preservation and transmission to future generations. The whole city is a unique sight in itself, and to enjoy its exceptional beauty, the best way to explore it is on foot.

St Mark's Basilica

Located in St Mark's Square (Piazza di San Marco), next to the Doge's Palace, The Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark — commonly known as St Mark's Basilica — is the most important religious temple in the city, as well as one of the finest examples of Italo-Byzantine …

St Mark's Square

St Mark's Square is the biggest and the most well-known square in Venice. If you truly want to comprehend the power of the former Venetian empire, this is the right place to visit. The square is full of striking and inspiring sights, like the bell tower, from which you can grasp a splendid view …

Doge’s Palace

Built in Venetian Gothic style and one of the most iconic landmarks of Venice, the Doge's Palace or Palazzo Ducale used to be the residence of the Doge of Venice, as well as the seat of power for the Venetian Republic, which lasted more than 1,000 years. Both the court and the prison were …

Gondola Ride

There are several tour operators offering different types of Gondola tours. You can choose between a more romantic style with serenades sung to you and your beloved partner or a more classical sightseeing tour with a guide telling you the history of all the beautiful buildings around. There are even tours where you can …

Burano Island

Burano Island is famous for its brightly coloured houses, picturesque canals, and peaceful atmosphere. Other attractions include the Church of San Martino with its leaning bell tower and the Lace Museum – lacemaking is a fruitful industry in Burano, and you'll find many artisan lace shops on the …

Murano Island

Murano Island is a popular tourist destination in Venice renowned for its glassmaking industry, which is the result of a centuries-old tradition. You can learn more about it by visiting the Murano Glass Museum or any of the numerous glasswork studios on the …

Glassmaking Workshop

The island of Murano in Venice is famous worldwide for its long tradition of glassmaking. And if you're looking for a fun and unique way to spend an hour and a half on Murano and then leave with a glass treasure you made yourself, consider taking a personalised glassmaking lesson. In this 90-minute glassmaking workshop …

Venice Carnival Mask-Making Class

A fun activity for both kids and adults while visiting Venice is to craft your own Carnival mask. Enjoy a course on mask making from a master artisan in Venice while learning all about the history of this ancient tradition. Choose between a production class, decoration class, or both. Whichever option you choose, you …

Food Tasting Walking Tour

A great way to eat your way around Venice and discover the local cuisine is by booking a guided food tour. And in this 3-hour food-tasting walking tour, you'll get a chance to sample an array of local specialities, including fresh seafood, homemade gelato, traditional Venetian cookies, and regional wines, plus get tips on …

Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) has inherited its sad name from the condemned prisoners crossing it on their way to the execution. The covered bridge connects the prison to the interrogation room in the Doge's Palace and crosses Rio di Palazzo. If you happen to pass under it at sunset, at the …

Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is one of the several bridges crossing Canal Grande. Be prepared to meet many other tourists here since this is one of the most well-known landmarks of Venice. The architecture is impressive, especially considering it was built on approximately 12,000 wooden pilings over 400 years …

Rialto Market

This fish and vegetable market has been around since the year 1097, and there is frantic activity here, especially early in the mornings. The fishmongers, the bustling scenes, the old facades, and the fascinating canal combine to create a great experience for all …

Torcello Island

Torcello is a small island that is usually not included on the typical tourist path in Venice. On this sparsely populated island, you'll find the oldest Byzantine church of Venice, which is truly amazing during the sunset, after which it even gets a little …

Grand Canal

Canal Grande is the largest canal in town, almost 4 km long and 90-metre-wide in some parts, with an average depth of 5 metres. Public transport is available in the form of gondolas, water taxis, and the popular vaporetti — water buses. Along the canal, which is crossed by three stunning bridges, you'll discover …

Teatro La Fenice

La Fenice is a world-renowned opera house and a symbol of the Italian theatre tradition. Its name means "the phoenix", which suits the theatre very well, as it happened more than once that it burned down and had to be reconstructed. La Fenice was originally built in 1755 and witnessed several world-class performances, like …

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Peggy Guggenheim, the wife of the artist Max Ernst, once resided in Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, which now serves as a museum that houses her remarkable art collection, featuring works from Europe and America dating back to the first half of the 20th …

Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Let yourself be swept away by the beautiful Renaissance paintings in this gallery. The Venetian painter Tintoretto was paid to provide art for the halls of the Scuola and his masterpieces are still there to be admired. Take the audio tour to get a deeper knowledge of the artist and his …

Interpreti Veneziani

Whether or not you're a fan of classical music, the Interpreti Veneziani is a welcome break from the city's pulsating core. After its inauguration in 1987, its concerts have been performed all over the world, in countries such as the US, Japan, Canada, and across Latin America. Take one evening to enjoy the harmony …

Ca' Rezzonico

Standing on the right bank of the Grand Canal, Ca' Rezzonico is one of the most magnificent buildings in the whole city, as well as a remarkable example of 18th-century Venetian baroque and rococo architecture. It was completed in 1756 and today serves as a public museum with an interesting display of 18th-century Venetian …

Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

Built in the 13th century and dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, usually called the Frari, is the largest church in Venice and an important example of Venetian Gothic ecclesiastical architecture. It holds many masterpieces of Venetian art from the Renaissance period, which is simply a …

Ca' Pesaro

Ca’ Pesaro is the city’s modern art museum, located in an old baroque palace facing the Grand Canal. The first floor houses 19th and 20th-century paintings and sculptures, while the upper floor is dedicated to the Oriental Art Museum, exhibiting 30,000 objects from Japan, China, and …

Musica a Palazzo

Musica a Palazzo is a cultural association created in 2005 and housed within the elegant Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto. Its primary goal is to convert this historic palace into a captivating and intimate setting, perfect for delving into the rich world of opera culture. If you plan to visit, be sure to visit their website …

San Giorgio Maggiore

Occupied in the Roman period, San Giorgio Maggiore is one of the several islands around Venice. At the beginning of the 19th century, after the Republic fell, the island became a free port housing Venice's artillery. This is another perfect opportunity to capture a gorgeous panoramic view of Venice, especially from the top of …

Lido

Lido is a big island featuring the city's only public beaches as well as some private ones. It can be reached by ferry, and the journey can last from ten minutes to half an hour depending on the starting point. The famous Venice Film Festival takes place here every year in …

Marciana Library or Library of Saint Mark

The Marciana Library or Library of Saint Mark (Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana) is located in a beautiful Renaissance building and takes its name after St Mark, Venice's patron. Being one of the most ancient manuscript depositories of the city, it is an exquisite place to become more familiar with the history of …

Church of Saint Mary of Miracles

Santa Maria dei Miracoli is the most requested church for weddings in Venice, and if you step inside, you'll easily see why. It is said to be built from the leftovers of St Mark's Basilica. Being one of the best examples of early Venetian Renaissance architecture, its nickname is "the jewel box" due to …

Museum of Natural History

For families with children, this is an ideal destination to explore. It features an assortment of botanical exhibits and animals, including fossils and well-preserved creatures that will keep the whole family …

Dining

Venice has a large variety of restaurants, and as usual with Italian cities, the best dining experience can be enjoyed at a simple neighbourhood trattoria off the tourist rabble. The city boasts many culinary specialities, like bigoli in anchovy sauce or castraure — tiny artichokes with Parmesan shavings and olive oil.

Vini Da Pinto

Ristorante Vini Da Pinto is situated right across from the Rialto Fish Market, which means a daily fresh selection of locally caught fish and crustaceans — just ask for the special of the day. Seafood specialities served all year round include spaghetti alle vongole (clams), tagliatelle all’astice (lobster), and seppie al nero (squid in …

Osteria Da Fiore

Once a neighbourhood tavern fit for "un' ombra" (Venetian slang for a glass of wine), today Da Fiore could possibly be the city’s best restaurant, with sober décor, elegant rooms, and delicious dishes like misto crudo (marinated raw fish) and pennette with crayfish and …

Ristorante Ca' Dolfin

Fresh, unpretentious seafood dishes are the focus of this traditional restaurant located in a small piazza, just a few minutes from the Rialto Bridge. That combined with impeccable service and affordable prices is what keeps visitors coming back to Ristorante Ca' …

Cantine del Vino Già Schiavi

Cantine del Vino Già Schiavi is the perfect place to go if you're looking for Italian-style tapas accompanied by a glass of wine. This 19th-century tavern offers the most inventive cicchetti in Venice. Don't miss the crostini-style layers of bread, smoked swordfish, and slivers of raw zucchini, or pungent slices of Parmigiano, fig, pistachio …

Al Nono Risorto

Al Nono Risorto serves simple and authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of the city. Enjoy classic Venetian dishes like sarde in saor (sardines preserved in a sweet and sour marinade) along with baccalà (dried and salted cod), pasta, and homemade pizza. During the warmer months, you can dine al fresco in their spacious …

Da Mamo

Italy is world-famous for making great pizza and pasta dishes. Da Mamo offers those Italian classics along with traditional local dishes such as creamy salted codfish with polenta in a cosy, candlelit …

La Zucca

Located near San Giacomo Square, La Zucca is a small and welcoming restaurant serving seasonal Venetian dishes with a focus on vegetarian options. Some of their specialities are pumpkin flan and pumpkin soup, hence the name La Zucca, which means "the pumpkin" in Italian. In summer, the restaurant offers 12 canalside …

Algiubagio Restaurant

This restaurant's watchword is "detail". The romantic atmosphere and the elegant and refined design go hand in hand with the enchanting terrace overlooking the lagoon. The sophisticated menu featuring modern Italian dishes leaves prices on the higher side, but once you've tried the food and enjoyed the chic, rustic-style setting, you'll find it to …

Riviera

Facing the Giudecca Canal, Riviera encompasses magic views of Venetian domes. The spectacular sight combines with soft music to create the perfect atmosphere for a sensational dinner. High-quality seafood is on focus here and the sommelier will help you find a wine that best matches your …

Osteria Antico Giardinetto

Osteria Antico Giardinetto is a homely family-run restaurant, close to the Rialto Fish Market, serving exquisite Mediterranean food and typical Venetian cuisine with fresh fish, meat-based dishes, and homemade pasta and …

Locanda Cipriani

Born to be a rural "maison d'hôte" (a guest house), the restaurant Locanda Cipriani is part of the world-famous luxury hotel of the same name, welcoming guests in a very simple environment where the atmosphere is cosy and relaxing. The menu includes dishes created by the Cipriani family, which are now considered classics, such …

A Beccafico Arte

A Beccafico Arte is a casual establishment with canalside tables and a terrace, serving a delightful selection of seafood dishes, pastas, and …

Hostaria Bacanera

Spacious restaurant with an authentic Venetian charm in a secret hidden corner of the city. Hostaria Bacanera offers fresh and perfectly executed dishes, mostly seafood. The chef goes daily to the Rialto Market to choose the catch of the day. Pair the divine food offered here with a high-quality wine and you've got yourself …

Cafés

Coffee is as important as pasta for the Italians. And as the place where it all began — coffee was introduced to Europe through the port of Venice — it is no surprise the city is full of cafés. If you want to act like a local, there are some unwritten rules you should keep in mind when ordering your coffee. - Cappuccino or any other kind of coffee based on milk should only be drunk in the morning. - When ordering an espresso, do not use the word espresso, which is actually just a technical phrase. Ask the barista for simply "un caffè". - And last but not least, when ordering "un caffè", you do not usually sit down, you simply stand at the bar and enjoy your cup of coffee.

Caffè del Doge

Located in a quiet side street, out of the way of the tourist crowds, yet only a short walk from the famous Rialto bridge, Caffè del Doge is a cosy espresso bar offering excellent coffee prepared by expert and friendly baristas along with fresh and tasty pastries. We suggest you try the cappuccino Veneziano, …

Caffè Florian

Caffè Florian opened its doors in 1720, and it's the oldest coffee house in continuous operation in Italy as well as one of the oldest in the world. Located in the famous Piazza San Marco, Caffè Florian offers coffee, cocktails, and snacks in a gorgeous Neo-Baroque setting, plus a daily permanent orchestra that livens …

Torrefazione Cannaregio

For any coffee lover, this is the place to come to get your caffeine fix while in Venice, plus its lovely location on a side canal makes the trip even more worth it. Torrefazione Cannaregio offers an amazing range of house-roasted coffees along with sweet treats in a rustic-chic setting with exposed bricks and …

La Mela Verde

La Mela Verde is a small, artisanal ice cream shop as well as a charming creperie. Ice creams are produced with first-class products such as the Sicilian pistachio, the Piedmontese PGI hazelnut, and a great selection of seasonal fresh fruit. You can't miss the divine stuffed crepes …

Rosa Salva

Being one of the city’s best patisseries, especially recommended for breakfasts or coffees, Rosa Salva offers several local specialities like zaleti and baicoli, which are typical Venetian cookies, as well the famous tiramisu, as well as a vast patisserie selection. At lunchtime, they also offer light meal …

Gelato Fantasy

Gelato Fantasy opened in the space of a blacksmith's former workshop. Since 1998, it has been an artisanal ice cream shop where workers share a deep love for tradition. Here you can try the cream of the Doges — a Venetian speciality — as well as tasty fresh fruit sorbets, seasonal flavours, and …

Majer - Piazzale Roma

Majer is a combined bakery, café, and wine shop located in a quaint alleyway facing the Rio Novo Canal. You can try fresh pastries, cookies, and typical Venetian cakes, or buy fresh bread and baked …

Gran Caffè Quadri

Dating from 1638, Quadri is a traditional and luxurious café opening onto St Mark's Square offering breakfast, dinner, and everything in between. It's an excellent venue to either sit down during the day and have a sandwich and a cup of coffee or enjoy martinis in the …

Pasticceria Rizzardini

Established in 1742, Rizzardini is the oldest Venetian patisserie and as such, values tradition and quality. The interiors may be tiny, but the offer of sweet treats is huge. Here, you'll be able to choose among many types of biscuits and pastries and be sure to either try their signature tiramisu or indulge in …

Pasticceria Tonolo

This corner patisserie is a Venetian institution, and you'll always find it bustling with people. Having a cup of coffee and a sweet pastry standing at the counter might be exactly what you need to start the day off right. The types of pastries, cakes, and baked goods you can choose are numerous, and …

Bars & Nightlife

Bacaro (plural bacari) is the term Venetians use for bars. Traditional establishments featuring simple furniture and serving ombre (small glasses of wine) along with ciccheti (small appetizers). Venice has many good bars, primarily in the Dorsoduro district. However, it's not a party scene city. Youngsters and party-seekers often hop over to Venice's modern sister city, Mestre, on the mainland. In the summer, they prefer to travel to the seaside town of Jesolo, where they can enjoy tanning and swimming.

Skyline Rooftop Bar

Elegant rooftop bar offering high-quality cocktails, summer pool parties with DJ sets, and quite possibly the best panoramic views in …

Harry’s Bar

Birthplace of the Bellini — a mix of Prosecco and white peach juice — and Carpaccio, Harry's is an iconic 1930s bar near St Mark's Square, which focuses on creating an inviting atmosphere that welcomes everybody with open arms. Having a cocktail where Humphrey Bogart, Truman Capote, and Ernest Hemingway drank is definitely something …

Osteria Ai Pugni

In an overly touristic city like Venice, Osteria Ai Pugni is a local gem. A rustic, wood-beamed wine bar serving cicchetti (small snacks or side dishes), plus wines and cocktails in a lovely location by a …

Vineria all'Amarone

Vineria all'Amarone is a lovely wine bar, tucked away in a quiet alley, offering an extensive selection of Italian wines both by the bottle and by the glass, with a focus on the Valpolicella region, to be paired with cicchetti finger food, pizza, or seafood …

Piccolo Mondo Disco

Piccolo Mondo is the oldest and only disco club in Venice. Born as an art gallery in 1963, today, El Souk (its original name) is a club with a bar vibe where university students meet, dance, and have fun until the early hours of the …

Venice Jazz Club

Low-lit and cosy jazz club featuring live music from the Venice Jazz Club quartet as well as guest acts. You can also book the VJC for private parties and …

The Irish Pub Venezia

Hole-in-the-wall-type pub serving a variety of beers, including Guinness, whiskey, and sandwiches in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, plus sports on TV and outdoor …

Devil's Forest Pub

Venice is not generally associated with pubs, but if you're in the mood for traditional pub grub, cocktails, and beers, then this is the right place to go. Live football and rugby matches will accompany the food and …

Chet Bar

Chet Bar is a cosy and laid-back bar serving classic cocktails, spritzers, and bar fare, plus retro music every night of the …

Bacaro Jazz

Right between the two main tourist attractions of Rialto Bridge and St Mark's Square, you can find this quirky cocktail bar and restaurant, where visitors' lingerie decorate the ceiling. Attracting a mix of locals and tourists, Bacaro Jazz has been around since 1997 and offers cocktails, a wide selection of beers, plus tasty food …

Aurora Beach Club

Right on the beach on the island of Lido, this large bar and nightclub give the jet-setters of Venice the right summer vibes. Coloured lights, popular DJs, large white sunbeds, and fruity cocktails contribute to creating just the right …

Bar Dandolo

At the award-winning Bar Dandolo, in the 14th-century luxury Hotel Danieli, guests can relax in a beautiful setting embellished with the famous Murano chandeliers and sip perfectly-made classical cocktails. Live music performances take place several nights a …

Margaret DuChamp

Even if the party doesn't go on until the very sunrise, this vibrant, student-friendly hangout does come to life after midnight. The drink menu includes a wide array of beers, wines and cocktails, and the food list comprises snacks like burgers, club sandwiches, piadina and antipasti, all at fair prices. And if you're a …

LondraBar

To add an international atmosphere to your evening cocktails, head to LondraBar at the four-star Hotel Londra Palace overlooking the St Mark's basin. Take a seat on the beautiful terrace and contemplate, or mingle with fellow …

AquAlta

AquAlta has a modern and fresh interior and young and trendy people meet here over a glass of chilled Prosecco and delicious appetizers. It is located in Mestre and is known locally as a good pre-party bar. There is also a basement space and a menu of snacks such as cheese and …

Molocinque

Molocinque lies in a former theatre complex in Porto Marghera, and, since 1999, this large club equipped with several bars, a pizza restaurant, and dance floors has gathered a fashionable crowd. The music is mostly techno, pop, 70s, 80s, and Latin …

Orange

Once you step inside this vibrant bar, the origin of its name becomes evident — the walls are entirely awash with a funky hue of orange. House music sets the lively tone, while a terrace provides a picturesque view of Campo Santa Margherita — one of Venice's most enchanting squares. Catering to the tastes …

El Refolo

El Refolo is a bustling but welcoming wine bar where locals come to enjoy a spritz and some appetizers. Sit down outdoors and watch people passing by while sipping on a glass of good Italian wine, possibly accompanied by salami or …

Osteria Al Squero

Al Squero owes its name to its location in front of Squero di San Trovaso, one of Venice's traditional gondola boatyards. It is a traditional bacaro — the term Venetians use for bars — offering a vast selection of cicchetti (small bites) and other snacks. As for drinks, you can order wine, beer, or …

Shopping

Walking through the labyrinth of streets in Venice, you'll come across many interesting shops that are certainly worth a visit. From traditional markets selling local specialities like prosciutto and a variety of Italian cheeses to shops selling Venetian treasures like a gondolier's hats and colourful glass items made on the island of Murano. If you're after high fashion shops, they're located at Via XXII Marzo and neighbouring streets. Via XXII Marzo stretches from St Mark's Square towards Academia, and it's one of the main streets for luxury shopping in Venice, where you'll find renowned brands like Prada, Valentino, Etro, Chanel, and Gucci. There's also a designer outlet located about 40km from Venice.