City Guide

Venice Travel Guide

Italy

Set within a lagoon on Italy’s northeastern Adriatic coast, Venice is a world of canals, stone bridges, and historic palaces. The grand buildings lining the Grand Canal, St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the Doge’s Palace reflect the city’s rich maritime trading history. Wandering through narrow lanes and small squares reveals a different view of Venice around every corner. The city’s appeal extends well beyond its famous landmarks. Explore everyday life in Cannaregio and Dorsoduro, or stop at a traditional bacaro to sample cicchetti, small Venetian bites. Across the lagoon, Murano’s glassmaking traditions and Burano’s colorful houses offer further discoveries. Bringing together art, architecture, and a way of life shaped by water, Venice offers an unforgettable travel experience.

Must-See Places in Venice

Discover the landmarks, historic sites, natural highlights, and memorable places worth seeing in Venice.

Bridge

Rialto Bridge

Rialto Bridge is a historic stone bridge spanning the Grand Canal and one of Venice’s most recognizable landmarks. Designed by Antonio da Ponte, it was constructed at the end of the 16th century to replace an earlier wooden bridge at the same location. Distinguished by its single arch, rows of shops and views over the canal, the bridge has connected both sides of the Rialto commercial district for centuries. Its steps and viewing areas are popular places to observe the palaces and boat traffic along the Grand Canal.

Free
Outdoor
European History

Palace

Doge’s Palace

Standing beside St Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace served for centuries as the seat of government of the Venetian Republic and the official residence of the doge, Venice’s elected head of state. Largely shaped during the 14th and 15th centuries, it is one of the finest examples of Venetian Gothic architecture. The museum route includes monumental staircases, the doge’s apartments, the Great Council Chamber, Tintoretto’s enormous Paradise, courtrooms, the armoury and the historic prison cells. The Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the New Prisons, is also included in the standard visitor route.

Ticketed
Architecture
Palace

Church

St Mark’s Basilica

Located at the eastern end of St Mark’s Square beside the Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Basilica is Venice’s principal religious building and one of its most recognizable landmarks. The present structure was built during the 11th century and enriched over the following centuries with Byzantine, Gothic, and Romanesque elements. Its domes covered with golden mosaics and its elaborate marble decoration have earned it the nickname “the Church of Gold.” Inside are mosaics depicting biblical scenes, the jewel-covered Pala d’Oro altarpiece, and relics traditionally believed to belong to Saint Mark. Visitors to the museum and upper terrace can also see the famous Horses of St Mark and enjoy elevated views over the square.

Ticketed
Photo Spot
Basilica

Tower

St Mark's Campanile

Rising opposite the basilica in St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Campanile is the tallest structure in Venice at approximately 98.6 metres. Its origins date to a 9th-century watchtower that was gradually transformed into the bell tower of St Mark’s Basilica. Galileo Galilei is traditionally believed to have demonstrated his telescope to the Venetian authorities here in 1609. The tower collapsed completely in 1902 and was reconstructed in keeping with its former appearance, reopening in 1912. Its viewing level, reached by elevator, offers expansive views over St Mark’s Square, the Venetian Lagoon, the city’s rooftops, and the surrounding islands.

Ticketed
Architecture
Photo Spot

Bridge

Bridge of Sighs

One of Venice’s most recognizable historic structures, the Bridge of Sighs was designed by Antonio Contino in the early 17th century. Built from white Istrian stone, the enclosed bridge crosses the Rio di Palazzo and connects the interrogation and court rooms of the Doge’s Palace with the New Prisons. Its name is associated with a Romantic-era legend claiming that prisoners sighed as they caught their final glimpse of Venice. One of the best public viewpoints is Ponte della Paglia.

Photo Spot
Free
European History

Square

St. Mark's Square

St. Mark’s Square is Venice’s most famous public square and is widely regarded as the city’s historical and cultural centre. Often associated with the description “the drawing room of Europe,” traditionally attributed to Napoleon, the square is surrounded by major landmarks including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Campanile and the Procuratie buildings. Once the setting for official ceremonies, religious celebrations and public gatherings, it remains one of the best places to experience Venice’s architecture and lively atmosphere.

Photo Spot
Outdoor
European History

Tower

St. Mark’s Clock Tower

St. Mark’s Clock Tower is an important Renaissance landmark situated on the northern side of St. Mark’s Square. Constructed at the end of the 15th century, its astronomical clock features an elaborate dial displaying the time, phases of the Moon and signs of the zodiac. At the top of the tower, two bronze figures traditionally known as the “Moors” strike the large bell on the hour. The monument reflects Venice’s maritime history, timekeeping tradition and technical craftsmanship.

Ticketed
Architecture
Photo Spot

Canal

Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is Venice’s principal waterway, following an S-shaped route through the historic centre. Approximately four kilometres long, it is lined with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque palaces built for prominent families during the Venetian Republic. Major landmarks along the canal include Rialto Bridge, Ca’ d’Oro, Ca’ Rezzonico and Palazzo Grassi. Travelling by vaporetto or gondola offers an opportunity to experience Venice’s distinctive architecture from the water.

Photo Spot
Panoramic View

Church

Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute

The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute is a major Baroque landmark situated near the entrance to the Grand Canal and an important feature of Venice’s skyline. It was constructed following a vow made for the city’s deliverance from the plague of 1630–1631 and was designed by architect Baldassare Longhena. The basilica is distinguished by its octagonal plan, monumental dome and elaborate stone façade, while its interior contains works by Venetian masters including Titian and Tintoretto.

Architecture
Photo Spot
Religious Site

What to Eat & Drink in Venice

Discover local dishes, traditional flavors, and notable drinks associated with Venice.

Local Food

Venetian Cicchetti

Cicchetti are traditional Venetian small bites typically served in local bars known as “bacari.” They come in many varieties, often featuring seafood, cheese, vegetables, or other local ingredients served on bread or in small portions. More than a single dish, cicchetti represent a distinctive part of Venice's food culture and are one of the city's most characteristic culinary experiences.

Seafood

Sarde in Saor

Sarde in Saor is one of the most traditional dishes of Venetian cuisine. It consists of sardines prepared with onions and vinegar, often accompanied by raisins and pine nuts. Its distinctive combination of sweet, sour, and savory flavors reflects Venice's historic maritime food culture.

Seafood

Baccalà Mantecato

Baccalà Mantecato is one of Venice's best-known fish specialties. Traditionally prepared by working stockfish into a soft, creamy consistency, it is commonly served on toasted bread or polenta. It is also frequently found among the traditional cicchetti served in Venice's bacari.

Seafood