A weekend in one of the most romantic places in the world? Yes please! But since it's a famous and crowded destination, let me help you planning your stay by giving you all the informations you need and my suggestions on where to sleep and where/what to eat to still have an authentic experience.
This guide includes the best places to visit + info, a selection of the best hotels and airbnbs together with restaurants/osterie (also tested by me), info about getting there and around.
NB: This is not a PDF but an interactive guide which means that when you click on a place in the guide or map you can directly open directions on your phone's Google Maps app, call restaurants or book hotels.
Don't forget to dowload the free Thatch app to get easier access!
An iconic view of Venice! His 15th-century construction was dubbed the “Bridge of Sighs” as it was said that the convicted Venetian prisoners would let out a sigh at their final view of Venice from the bridge before being taken down to their cells.
One of the most beautiful and unique libraries in the world! Open every day from 09:00 am to 19:30 pm.
I would highly suggest you to go at the opening time if you can, because it's always very crowded and you'll have to line up to take pictures!
Burano island is a must day trip to do from Venice. It's famous for the lace working art and its bright multicolored houses!
To get there you need to catch a water bus from Venice. There are a few spots you can catch one, the most accessible one being Zaccaria Pieta near St Mark’s Square. Catch the ferry number 14 from here. The other one is line number 12 from the boat stop ‘Fondamente Nove’ (this is also shortened to ‘F.te Nove’ on most signs). The journey takes around 40-45 minutes and it's $15 for a return ticket
You will see this beauty from almost everywhere in Venice but you can also visit it!
Opening hours:
Every day 9:00 am – 12:00 pm / 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Opening hours are reduced for the celebration of Sunday Mass, and in general are subject to change.
A modern art museum on the Grand Canal in the Dorsoduro sestiere of Venice, Italy. The collection is housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, an 18th-century palace, which was the home of the American heiress Peggy Guggenheim for three decades. The collection includes works of prominent Italian futurists and American modernists working in such genres as Cubism, Surrealism and abstract expressionism.
Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
Closed on Tuesdays and December 25.
There is actually no name for this place but since it's a random dock behind an hotel called Hotel San Moise, I called the place as the hotel!
This is def the perfect photo spot and the ideal location to experience the quintessential beauty of Venice. To find it you can click below on google maps or write: 2036 Piscina S. Moise Venezia VE, Italy
Add to
Details
What to eat
Let’s take a look at some essential and traditional Venetian foods you should really try:
- Cicchetti (small dishes of local finger foods and snacks). If you’re on a budget and looking for cheap eats in Venice, cicchetti are the perfect option. The price for an individual piece typically ranges from 1 to 5 EUR, depending on the type and size
- Baccalà Mantecato (dried cod that is soaked, poached, and whipped vigorously with olive oil until it becomes mousse-like with a light and fluffy consistency).
- Sarde in Saor (fried sardine fillets marinated in a sweet and sour mixture of vinegar, raisins, sautéed sliced onions, and pine nuts)
- Nero di Seppia (consists of sliced cuttlefish in its own rich, jet-black ink sauce. It can be served with both risotto and pasta as Risotto al nero di seppia or Spaghetti al nero di seppia)
- Venetian-style liver (calf’s liver sliced into ribbons and sautéed with parsley and white onions. It is commonly served with polenta as a side dish)
- Frìtole (dough ball fritters laced with liquor-soaked raisins, crunchy pine nuts and powdered sugar)
Here is a video I made about the food you should try when in Venice! :)
Another cicchetti bar! The establishment is on a canal and they have boats out front where you can sit so you have two options: you can grab some cicchetti and a drink and sit on a boat outside or you can sit inside and have a proper meal.
If you're looking for a fine dining experience this is the place! Lineadombra created a floating terrace that allows you to have a unique dining experience directly on the lagoon. Their specialty is seafood. There are some typical Venetian dishes, but they have put their own twists onto them
Behind the Guggenheim Museum, this rustic restaurant offers a meat menu only linked to the classic and regional tradition. Lately, the restaurant has been enriched with a well-stocked wine shop with a wide selection of whites, reds and bubbles. Together with a good glass, Ai Gondolieri offers typical Venetian products
Add to
Details
Where to stay
Choosing where to stay in Venice is all about immersing yourself in the city's unique atmosphere.
Opt for accommodations along the charming canals to fully experience the romantic allure of Venice.
Consider staying in a traditional Venetian palazzo for an authentic touch of opulence and historic charm.
The central neighborhoods of San Marco and Dorsoduro provide easy access to iconic landmarks like St. Mark's Basilica and the Grand Canal.
For a more local feel, explore the peaceful streets of Cannaregio or the artistic ambiance of Castello.
Whether it's a boutique hotel, or a stylish apartment, selecting a lodging that resonates with the city's character ensures an unforgettable stay in Venice.
Here is a selection I made to help you choose your perfect stay. Also take a look at the map to understand in which areas they are located and what are the closer attractions!
Hotel Tiziano captures the essence of Venetian charm. Here you can expect a blend of classic elegance and modern comfort, making Hotel Tiziano a delightful choice for those seeking a quintessentially Venetian experience.
Looking for a chill place? Ca' degli Antichi Giardini is away from the busy spots, but you can still hit the main spots without the crazy crowds. Perfect if you want a laid-back Venetian feel.
Ca' Contessa Michelle is like your own spot in Venice. It's cozy and lets you live like a local. You've got your own space but still close to the cool stuff. It's the spot for a more laid-back stay.
Nestled right in the heart of Venice, Ruzzini Palace is the perfect mix of old-school charm and modern vibes. It's like living in a slice of Venetian history but with all the comfy stuff you'd want.
Aqua Palace Hotel is all about that canal life. It's like right on the water, so if you're into the whole Venice canal experience and want a cozy place, this spot's got you covered.
Hotel Al Ponte dei Sospiri is like stepping into a movie. It's right by the Bridge of Sighs, which is a big deal. If you want that romantic, classic Venice feel, this hotel is your go-to.
This place it's not super flashy, but it's got that authentic Venetian vibe. If you're looking for a cozy spot that's not too over-the-top, this place might be your jam.
For a taste of classic Venetian opulence, The Gritti Palace is the go-to. Its historic charm exudes luxury, making it a top choice for those seeking a regal experience in the heart of Venice. Positioned along the Grand Canal, guests can enjoy stunning views and easy access to iconic landmarks.
The St. Regis Venice offers a blend of modern elegance and Venetian allure. With sleek design and impeccable service, it's an ideal retreat for those who appreciate contemporary comfort amid the city's rich history. Conveniently located near St. Mark's Square, the hotel provides a central base for exploring Venice's cultural treasures.
Baglioni Hotel Luna exudes timeless charm without being overly ostentatious. If you're searching for a cozy yet classic Venetian experience, this hotel strikes the perfect balance. Situated near St. Mark's Basilica, guests can easily immerse themselves in the city's captivating ambiance.
The Hotel Danieli is a legendary 5-star hotel located in the heart of Venice, overlooking the iconic Grand Canal. This historic property dates back to the 14th century and was once the Palazzo Dandolo, the former residence of a noble Venetian family. Today, the Hotel Danieli offers a truly opulent Venetian experience, with lavishly decorated rooms and suites, a renowned restaurant, and stunning views of the city's iconic landmarks. Staying at this legendary hotel allows to step back in time and experience the grandeur of Venice's golden age.
To reach Venice from the Venice Marco Paolo airport, take bus route No. 5-AeroBus, a 20-minute ride to Piazzale Roma, one of the main tourist terminals in Venice: from there the ACTV public transport waterbuses leave for the historic centre of Venice. Route 5-AeroBus departs from the bus lane located just metres away from the airport's arrivals exit.
Getting there FROM TREVISO AIRPORT
To reach Venice from the Treviso Canova airport, take the ATVO Bus Express, a 60-minute ride to Piazzale Roma, one of the main tourist terminals in Venice: from there the ACTV public transport waterbuses leave for the historic centre of Venice.
Getting there FROM SANTA LUCIA STATION
ACTV waterbus landing stages are just feet away from Venice Santa Lucia railway station.
‘A’ waterbus stop for waterbus routes No. 2 and N (Night service) direction P.le Roma, Tronchetto, Giudecca and St.Mark’s-S. Zaccaria (via Giudecca).
‘B’ waterbus stop for waterbus route No. 2 direction Rialto and St.Mark’s - via Grand Canal – (up to the Lido in summer) and for the night service N direction Rialto, St.Mark’s and Lido di Venezia.
‘C’ waterbus stop for waterbus routes No. 3 to P.le Roma, No. 4.1 direction P.le Roma, Giudecca and St.Mark’s-S. Zaccaria, No. 5.1 direction P.le Roma, Zattere, St.Mark’s-S. Zaccaria and Lido S. Maria Elisabetta (S.M.E).
‘D’ waterbus stop for waterbus routes No. 3 to Murano (direct service), No. 4.2 to F.te Nove-Murano, No. 5.2 to F.te Nove-Lido S.M.E. From Murano Faro stop change with route No. 12 for Burano-Torcello or route No. 13 for Sant’Erasmo.
‘E’ waterbus stop for waterbus route No. 1 direction Rialto, St.Mark’s, Lido di Venezia via Canal Grande
WHERE TO BUY WATERBUS TICKETS
ACTV bus and waterbus tickets can be purchased:
-on line from VeneziaUnica website
-on site at the VeneziaUnica ticket offices at the Railway station
- automatic ticket machine at the landing stages
- Venezia Unica ticket offices at the Ferrovia ‘S.Lucia’ and ‘Scalzi’ landing stages
- Temporary Info Point outside the main entrance to the railway station– during certain periods of the year.
Walking: There are a few ways to get around Venice but the most common is going to be walking!
Water Taxi: If you’re looking to go somewhere a bit further or have heavy bags that you don’t want to carry, you can take a water taxi but be aware they're not a cheap option
Water Buses: Water buses also called "vaporettos" are a great option for getting around! See the "where to buy waterbus tickets" section
Gondola ride
Visiting Venice by gondola allows you to observe the hidden and usually unreachable corners of the city in a different way.
The cost for a 30 minute ride is about €80.00. This is for the ENTIRE boat, not per person. Up to six people can ride in a gondola and split it. The water tour can start from anywhere in the city, but most gondolas are usually found in the main canals, or near the Venetian streets/alleys “calli”.
You don’t want to spend 80 or 100 euros on a gondola ride? Keep reading..
You can still have the experience for a much cheaper price: just two euros. How? Hop on a gondola crossing the Grand Canal. It’s called the traghetto, it’s not fancy, and the journey only takes a minute or two, but it’s enough time to snap a quick photo of yourself and get an incredible view of the Grand Canal from a traditional gondola.
The most reliable traghetto crossing is at the small wooden dock right beside the Rialto fish market. This gondola crosses the Grand Canal every day from around 9 AM to 7 PM.
When to go
You can go to Venice all year round but consider that for a few days a year, usually in autumn and winter, you may find that there is high water in the allies (calli) and squares (campielli).
Because of a series of phenomena - the strong south-east wind (scirocco), the Adriatic sea-currents, low pressure, gravitational attraction of the sun and the moon - the sea level rises to flood the lower areas of the city. These are floods of no more than a few centimeters that only last a couple of hours. The tide then goes out and everything returns to normal.
As a rule, you only need to wear a pair of rubber boots; the water buses continue their service, although some routes may be modified, but nevertheless access to the whole city is guaranteed. You can still reach the main places of the city on foot thanks to raised pedestrian platforms that allow you to cross the points where water would otherwise prevent you from doing so.
Nice to meet you! :) I'm Ludovica, a travel creator from Rome, Italy 🇮🇹
Here you can shop my travel guides or itineraries so you can easily replicate my trips! You can also check and save my free guides.📝
Every guide includes an interactive map which means that when you click on a place you can directly open it on Google maps from your phone, call restaurants or book hotels 🗺️
Don't forget to download the free Thatch App to get easier access from your phone📱
Subscribe to get notified when I publish a new guide or when I update one and to receive special discount codes 💌
Save entire days of planning and research, I do it for you :)
