Venice Travel Guide

Welcome to Venice, a captivating city built on water. An intricate network of canals and bridges, grand squares, and resplendent palaces mark the landscape of Italy's magical floating city.

How to Get There

Venice is accessible via various modes of transport:

• By Air: The main airport is Marco Polo Airport (VCE), situated on the mainland, about 13km from Venice.
• By Train: Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia is Venice's central station and connects with major Italian cities.
• By Road: Venice is linked with the rest of Italy by the Autostrada (motorway). However, cars are banned in Venice, so you'll have to park on the mainland and take a vaporetto (water bus) or water taxi into the city.

Best Time to Visit

Venice can be visited all year round, but the most favorable times are typically:

1. Spring (April to June): The weather is pleasantly warm, and the city is less crowded than in the summer.
2. Fall (September to November): Temperatures are cooler, and the summer crowds have dispersed.

Top Attractions

1. Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square): Venice's principal public square, home to the spectacular St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace.
2. St. Mark's Basilica: One of the world's most stunning cathedrals, adorned with Byzantine mosaics.
3. Doge's Palace: Once the residence of the Doge, the elected leader of Venice, it's now a museum offering insights into Venice's history and governance.
4. Rialto Bridge: One of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, it's an iconic symbol of Venice.
5. Murano and Burano Islands: Renowned for their glass blowing and lace-making industries respectively, both islands provide a charming getaway from Venice's crowds.

Museums and Cultural Sites

Experience Venice’s rich history and sophisticated art at these respected institutions:

1. Gallerie dell’Accademia: Housing a remarkable collection of Venetian art, particularly from the 14th to 18th centuries.
2. Peggy Guggenheim Collection: One of Europe's premier museums devoted to modern art.

Food and Drink

Discover the culinary pleasures of Venice:

1. Ristorante Quadri: A Michelin-star restaurant located in a historic coffee house in St. Mark’s Square.
2. Cantina Do Mori: Venice's oldest wine bar serves ‘cicchetti’ (traditional Venetian tapas) and local wines.
3. Da Ivo: Known for its seafood, pasta, and notably, its patrons (George Clooney and his bride elected it for their wedding dinner).

Day Trips

1. Padua: A historic city boasting one of the oldest universities in the world and the scenic Prato della Valle square.
2. Veneto Wine Region: Embark on a wine-tasting tour through this fertile region that brings forth the famous Prosecco.

Live Events

1. Venice Carnival: A centuries-old tradition known for its elaborate masks.
2. Venice Film Festival: The world's oldest film festival presents new international cinema in the historic Palazzo del Cinema.

Accommodations in Venice‍

Whilst in Venice, lodge at some of the city's most sought-after accommodations:

1. Aman Venice: Experience the grandeur of Venice at this luxurious hotel housed in a 16th-century palazzo.
2. Hotel Antiche Figure: Situated close to the train station, this 3-star hotel is perfect for easy access to the city.
3. Camping Serenissima: For budget travelers, this campsite provides a cheap and cheerful stay.
4. Hotel Metropole: Beautiful scenery overlooking the Lagoon, just a few steps away from Piazza San Marco
5. The Gritti Palace: Marriott-branded luxury hotel set on the Grand Canal, boating views of San Giorgio Maggiore.

For other options, consider The Gritti Palace, Hotel Metropole.

Venice, with its dreamy waterways and architectural gems, provides a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether it be a gondola ride under the Bridge of Sighs, savoring gelato in a picturesque square, or finding your way around the labyrinthine backstreets. Enjoy the singular charm of this incredible city!

‍