Venice is so controversial. It’s one of those cities people love to argue about. Some say it’s overcrowded and overrated. Others say it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. After visiting Venice, Italy twice, I honestly think both can be true.
Hear me out.
My first trip to Venice was in peak season, and while I understood the hype, I also found it intense. Crowds, queues, and the constant feeling of rushing between sights. But my second trip, this time in winter, completely changed how I felt about the city.
We stayed a little further away from the main tourist sights on the island, explored slowly, and saw Venice wrapped in fog, mist, and soft winter light. Early mornings were quiet, evenings were calm, and once we stepped away from the busiest areas, Venice felt almost local.
That trip made me realise Venice isn’t a place to tick off quickly. It’s a city to wander and experience at a slower pace.
Now I can easily say Venice is one of my favourite places in Italy, and I’d happily go back a third time.
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⏰ Short on time?
👉 Gondola ride here – classic Venice experience, but book ahead to avoid queues
👉 St Mark’s Basilica skip-the-line here – this gets VERY busy
👉 Doge’s Palace tickets here – worth it if you love history
👉 Venice walking tour here – best way to understand the city
Hotels with canal views in Venice
($$) Hotel Antiche Figure
($$$) Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel
($$$) Aman Venice
Top Things to Do in Venice
If this is your first trip to Venice, you’ll want (and probably feel like you have) to see the iconic sights. The key is how and when you see them. These are some of the best places to visit in Venice, especially if you want a balance of famous landmarks and quieter moments.
St Mark’s Square is the heart of Venice and one of the most famous places to see in Venice, Italy.
Yes, it’s busy, but it’s also one of the most impressive squares in Europe. I spent time here simply soaking in the atmosphere and watching the light hit the buildings.
👉 Skip-the-line entry here – this gets extremely busy and I wouldn’t risk waiting
On this trip, I admired St Mark’s Basilica from the outside, but if it’s your first visit and you have time, going inside is absolutely worth it. The golden mosaics are stunning, especially later in the day when the light reflects off them.
If you want views over the city, the bell tower offers panoramic views across Venice and the lagoon, making it one of the best viewpoints in the city.
👉 Skip-the-line entry here – I wouldn’t risk waiting, this gets extremely busy
The Doge’s Palace is one of the most important historic attractions in any Venice travel guide. Walking through the grand halls and learning about Venetian politics gives real context to everything you see around you.
The visit includes crossing the Bridge of Sighs, one of the most famous places to visit in Venice, which once transported prisoners from the palace to the prison.
👉 Book your ticket here – I’d definitely do this in peak season, queues can get long
The Rialto Bridge is one of the most recognisable Venice landmarks, offering iconic views over the Grand Canal.
Right next to it is the Rialto Fish Market. Go early in the morning to see locals shopping for seafood and produce. It’s one of the best places to experience everyday Venetian life.
👉 If you want a guided walking tour to understand what you’re seeing, I’d recommend this one here
This is one of my favourite churches and one of the most beautiful places to see in Venice. Sitting right on the Grand Canal, it feels calm and peaceful compared to the main sights.
Early morning is the best time to visit if you want a quiet moment and soft light.
I did a gondola ride on my first Venice trip and skipped it on my second. It’s expensive, but it’s also one of those classic Venice travel experiences.
If it’s your first visit and it fits your budget, I’d do it once. Otherwise, the vaporetto gives you great canal views for far less.
👉 Book your gondola ride here – this is one of those things I’d do once, but I’d book ahead to avoid queues and price surprises
The vaporetto is Venice’s public transport system and one of the easiest ways to get around without stress. Line 1 runs along the Grand Canal and feels like a sightseeing cruise.
For most weekend stays, the 2-day pass offers great value and works perfectly for a short Venice itinerary.
👉 I’d recommend buying a multi-day vaporetto pass here if you plan to use it more than once
Cicchetti are Venetian bar snacks and one of the most enjoyable ways to eat during a trip to Venice. Cannaregio is one of the best areas for this and feels much more local.
👉 Cicchetti food tours are a great addition to a relaxed Venice itinerary
Venice is packed with world-class art and architecture, and any longer Venice itinerary should include at least one museum.
- Gallerie dell’Accademia – One of the best places to understand Venetian art and history
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection – A must for modern art lovers and a popular stop on many Venice itineraries
Wandering is one of the best things to do on any Venice trip. Our hotel was about a 30-minute walk from St Mark’s Square, which made the area feel far calmer and more residential.
This is where Venice really shines.
👉 If you only have 1–2 days, I’d prioritise booking your key sights early so you don’t waste time waiting in queues.
Day Trips & Lagoon Islands
If you have extra time, these are some of the best places to visit near Venice:
- Murano – glass-blowing traditions
- Burano – colourful houses and lace-making
- Torcello – quiet and atmospheric
- Lido di Venezia – beaches and cycling
These work well as add-ons to a longer Venice itinerary.
👉 This day trip combines them all
Where to Stay in Venice
Close to the train station and local bacari. Great for first-timers who want fewer crowds, better food, and a more local Venice feel, especially at night.
Our Picks for Cannaregio
($) Hotel Ariel Silva
($$) Carnival Palace Hotel
($$$) Madama Garden Retreat
👉 More hotel options in Cannaregio here
Close to Piazzale Roma and easy arrivals. Ideal if you want a calm base, minimal crowds, and stress-free luggage days while still walking into central Venice. This is where we stayed on our last trip.
Our Picks for Santa Croce
($) Hotel Arlecchino
$$) Casa Nova Four Rooms – Where we stayed
($$$) Hotel Papadopoli Venezia
Close to the Accademia and Grand Canal views. Perfect for couples and art lovers who want a peaceful, scenic area without feeling disconnected.
Our Picks for Dorsoduro
($) Hotel Tivoli
($$) Hotel Moresco
($$$) Ca Maria Adele
Getting Around Venice
Getting around Venice is simple once you understand the basics:
- Vaporetto single ticket: €9.50
- 1-day pass: €25
- 2-day pass: €35
- 3-day pass: €45
- 7-day pass: €65
Walking is often faster than transport in central Venice. We mostly walked and found Google Maps easy to use for navigation, even down smaller streets.
👉 Venice is one of those cities where planning ahead makes a huge difference especially for things like St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace.
👉 Don’t wait, Venice gets busy fast and you wont want to miss the top attractions here
Venice Travel FAQs (Quick Answers)
Yes, especially if you stay overnight and explore beyond San Marco.
Two nights minimum. Three days is ideal for a relaxed itinerary.
Yes, if you hate crowds and don’t mind cold weather.
Worth doing once on your first trip.
Worth doing once on your first trip.
Stay overnight and explore quieter areas like Cannaregio and Castello.
Stay overnight and explore quieter areas like Cannaregio and Castello.
A €5–€10 day-tripper fee applies on selected dates in 2026.
Cannaregio, Santa Croce, Dorsoduro, and Castello.
Yes, especially if you have more than two days in Venice.
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