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11 best venice tours: st. mark's basilica & more.

Explore one of the world's most beautiful cities on these top tours.

The Best Venice Tours

The venetian lagoon

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You can see the scenic city of Venice by water (on a kayak, boat or gondola) or on foot (via a walking tour or food tour).

Known for its canals, waterways, bridges and other historic attractions, Venice, Italy , offers travelers everything from centuries-old history to unparalleled beauty. Some of the best Venice tours take you to the quietest areas of the city – away from the crowds – to discover Venice's cuisine, wine and culture, while others showcase the city from the water by gondola or kayak. Consulting both traveler opinion and expert input, U.S. News identified the tours below as the best Venice has to offer.

Avventure Bellissime – Venice in 1 Day Tour

Price: Adults from 109 euros (about $120); kids from 95 euros (about $104) Duration: 3 hours

If you're short on time, consider this three-hour tour that hits multiple of Venice's top attractions . You'll enjoy skip-the-line access to St. Mark's Basilica , as well as a two-hour walking tour (capped at 20 participants) passing sights like Doge's Palace , St. Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs , the Rialto Bridge and more. The final leg of your tour is reserved for exploring Venice's world-famous waterways on a one-hour boat ride down the Grand Canal . This is a great way to see much of Venice in just one day, according to tourgoers. Travelers also say it's a great value.

Tickets start at 109 euros (about $120) for adults and 95 euros (about $104) for children 7 to 12; kids 6 and younger can join the tour for free. Complimentary headphones are included. Tours run Monday to Saturday around 11 a.m., though you can break the tour into sections and complete it over two days if you prefer. Note: Your shoulders and knees must be covered to enter St. Mark's Basilica; large bags are prohibited inside as well. Know, too, that St. Mark's Basilica only offers skip-the-line tickets from April to October.

View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide 

Venice Free Walking Tour – Campo SS Apostoli Venice Through the Centuries: North

Price: Free Duration: 2.5 hours

This 2.5-hour tour could be a great way to start your visit to Venice. According to reviewers, valuable information is shared on the walk, including locals' recommendations of the best restaurants and places to visit, which could serve you well during the rest of your trip. Though each guide takes travelers along a slightly different route, you'll likely see some of the city's top attractions, learn about its centuries-old history and see much of its incredible architecture. Tours depart daily at 11 a.m. from Campo Santi Apostoli in front of the well and travel to the eastern part of the Cannaregio district and the western part of the Castello district.

Trips are free, but the company asks you to consider donating what you think the tour is worth at its conclusion. Additionally, you must reserve a spot online in advance (there is a booking fee of 3 euros, or about $3, per participant). The company offers a couple of other sightseeing tours throughout Venice, as well.

View & Book Tickets: Venice Free Walking Tour

Venice Kids Tours – A Thrilling Secret Journey Into the Doge's Palace

Price: From 85 euros (about $93) per hour, per party Duration: 2 hours

Ideal for families with kids ages 7 to 18, this approximately two-hour tour explores Doge's Palace. Guides lead families through some of the hidden corridors and secret passages not open to the general public as they share stories about the building's history. Also on the agenda is the attic prison, the former torture chamber and the armory, among other spots. Reviewers say their kids love the tour and recommend it to other families.

Prices for the private outing start at about 85 euros (about $93) per hour, per party (up to groups of five) but vary based on the length of the tour and number of participants, which is limited to five people. Kids must be at least 6 years old to tour; the company does not recommend the tour for pregnant women, or for those who have mobility problems or are claustrophobic. Trips depart in the morning only. Venice Kids Tours offers other family-focused activities, such as scavenger hunts, walking tours and boat tours.

View & Book Tickets: Venice Kids Tours

Beautiful and delicious italian gelato in waffle cone in front of streets and bridges of Venice. Ice cream in girls hands on background of water canal and historic buildings of Italy. Travel Europe.

Food Tours of Venice – Jewish Ghetto & Cannaregio Food Tour

Price: From 105 euros (about $115) Duration: 4 hours

Explore all there is to both see and eat in Venice's Jewish Ghetto along this four-hour tour. This foodie excursion stops at more than six eateries for samplings of pasta, gelato, wine, baked goods and more. The route also takes travelers past historic synagogues, over the oldest bridge in Venice and through the city for spectacular evening views. Tour-takers say the food was plentiful and delicious, and they highly recommend the tour.

Tickets cost about 105 euros (about $115) per person, regardless of age. Tours run Saturday to Thursday at 4 p.m. Food Tours of Venice also offers a Rialto Food Tour, among others.

View & Book Tickets:  Viator

City Wonders – Murano & Burano Small Group Tour with Private Boat

Price: Adults from $43 Duration: 5 hours

Explore two of Venice's most beautiful islands on this half-day tour. You'll first journey to Murano by boat to see a glassmaking demonstration followed by time to shop and explore on your own. You'll then cruise to Burano, where you'll observe Italian women crafting lace by hand, visit a lace museum and stroll around the island. Travelers say the tour is educational and are pleased with the informative guides. Others wish they were given more time to explore the islands.

Tickets start around $43 for adults with discounts available for children ages 2 to 14. Infants 1 and younger can join the tour for free. The five-hour tours run daily at a variety of times between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (and vary by season). City Wonders also operates tours of the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica, among other Venetian hot spots.

View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide

Best Venice Tours

Courtesy of Walks of Italy)

Walks of Italy – Exclusive Alone in St. Mark's Basilica After Hours

Price: Adults from $102; kids from $98 Duration: 1.5 hours

This special 90-minute tour treats you to an inside look at St. Mark's Basilica after it closes its doors to the general public. Guides lead no more than 25 tourgoers inside the basilica, sharing stories of its history as you explore. In addition, you'll visit the crypt, which is not open to the public during normal visiting hours. The crypt is said to house St. Mark's remains, as well as the Pala d'Oro altarpiece, which is adorned with nearly 2,000 gems. Tour-takers say after-hours is a wonderful time to see the cathedral and that guides are passionate and informed.

Ticket costs vary by day but start around $102 for adults, $98 for children ages 2 to 14 and are free for kids younger than 2. Tour times depend on the day, but generally depart between 7 and 9:45 p.m. several times a week. The company also offers a secret passages tour of the Doge's Palace, gondola rides and food tours, among other options.

Raphael Tours & Events – Rialto Food Tour in Venice

Price: From $98 Duration: 4 hours

On this four-hour tour, you'll explore Rialto by way of your taste buds as your guide takes you to pastry shops, wine bars, restaurants and markets. Along the way, you'll sample meats, cheeses, wines (including sparkling), polenta, olives and more. Travelers say the tour is wonderful and offers plenty to eat. They also appreciate the stories guides share during the adventure. Others warn, however, that the company may cancel the tour last minute if not enough bookings are made.

The tour operates daily, and start times are customizable. Tickets start around $98 per person. Raphael Tours also operates a walking tour of Venice.

Intrepid Urban Adventures – Cicchetti & Wine Tour of Venice

Price: From $109 Duration: 2.5 hours

Support the local economy on this foodie trip that takes you to locally owned and operated businesses to sample Venetian cuisine. During the 2.5-hour tour, you'll eat four cicchetti dishes (think: polenta, seafood and vegetables), drink five glasses of wine and indulge in one dessert. Though you may pass by some big sights like St. Mark's Square , you'll mostly visit less-touristy spots in the Cannaregio and Rialto areas of the city. Plus, you'll get to ride in a gondola. Travelers praise the tour guides and compliment the food and wine chosen.

Tickets cost approximately $109 per person for both children and adults. Children must be at least 6 years old to join the tour. Tours are typically offered Monday through Saturday at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Aerial view of the lagoon of Venice and San Giorgio Maggiore at Sunset. Heavy ship traffic, turistic boats and beautiful blue sky with fantastic cloudscape over the island. Venice, Italy.

Venice Kayak – Lagoon Natural Tour

Price: Adults from 110 euros (about $121); kids from 80 euros (around $88) Duration: 2 hours

Kayak your way through the Venetian lagoon on this two-hour tour. You'll leave the city behind and immerse yourself in nature while your guide leads you through wild marsh. The company rates this excursion as a "beginner" tour, which makes it ideal for those new to kayaking. Tourgoers say this is a wonderful way to see the wildlife and islands surrounding Venice and describe it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Tickets cost approximately 110 euros (about $121) for adults and 80 euros (around $88) for children 14 and younger. Tickets include the use of all equipment, water, lockers and shower facilities after your tour. Trips run Tuesday to Sunday at 9 a.m. and depart from Certosa island. Venice Kayak offers canal kayaking tours as well.

View & Book Tickets: Viator

Friend in Venice Private Tours – Venice by Venetians

Price: From 120 euros (about $132) Duration: 2 hours to full day

This is a fully customizable tour that takes travelers to the lesser-known areas of Venice away from the busy city center. Along the way, your guide will teach you about Venice's history and answer all your questions about their city. Children are welcome on the tour, though the company asks that you advise them ahead, so they can tailor the tour to keep the kids' interest. Tourgoers say guides are friendly, engaging and intelligent.

Tours run for two hours, a half day or a full day; prices are tiered based on the length of your tour and start at 120 euros (about $132) for up to six people. Friend in Venice Private Tours offers a number of other themed Venice tours, such as an exploration of Marco Polo's Venice and the city's cuisine.

Gray Line/Park View Viaggi – Inside Venice: Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica

Price: Adults from 95 euros (about $104); children from 80 euros (about $88) Duration: 2 hours

Breeze past the crowds of tourists waiting to see both the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica with this skip-the-line tour. During your roughly two-hour sightseeing journey, you'll see important works of art and prisons inside the Doge's Palace and learn about the history of Venice inside St. Mark's Basilica. For many reviewers, the promise to skip the line at these crowded attractions proved worth the ticket price. The knowledgeable guides also earn praise from tourgoers.

Tickets cost approximately 95 euros (about $104) for participants 15 and older and 80 euros (about $88) for children 6 to 14. Children 5 and younger can tour for free. Tours start at 10:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. daily and are offered in English, French, Spanish and German. Gray Line also offers wine tours, boat tours and island tours in Venice.

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More about venice, italy, why visit venice, historic sites.

The historic sites you’ll encounter while wandering along Venice’s footpaths and riverside quays only bolster the originality and charm of this unique city. Whether you crave to learn more about how this water-locked paradise came to be or wish to walk across one of its iconic bridges, it won’t take much to be captivated by Venice. Here are some historic highlights we recommend on your Venetian getaway.

Venice AdobeStock 44176315

Grand Canal

The water-based unifier of Venice is its Grand Canal. Hop aboard a gondola ride for a leisurely and romantic row along this 2-mile-long main “street.” Float under iconic bridges and marvel in the stacked houses that line the Venetian streets as you soak in la bea vita (the beautiful life). While in Venice, we highly suggest you take time to appreciate this picturesque aquatic site.

Saint Mark's Basilica

Take a moment to appreciate the elaborate Saint Mark’s Basilica after enjoying a stroll through the popular square of the same name. Featuring many different styles of architecture, the church is replete with lavish statues and thousands of square feet of intricately painted mosaic works. Our guests loved spotting the statue of St. Mark along with Venice's emblem: a lion with wings.

Bridge of SIghs

Amble along one of the most romantic bridges in Italy and let out a blissful sigh as you’re surrounded by Venetian beauty. Our local experts say that the original intent of this famed bridge was to connect Venice’s Old Prison in the Doge's Palace to the New Prison, which was situated directly across the river. Now, the bridge is mostly reserved for lovers, travelers, and those looking to make their way to the other side of the Rio di Palazzo.

Rialto Bridge

Revel in the beauty of this marvel of engineering. Whether you stand atop of it at sunset or pass under it via a gondola ride, the Rialto Bridge is a testament to what makes Venice such a splendid destination. We think this iconic bridge should be on your must-see list.

Art and Culture

Like the city itself, Venice’s art and cultural scenes are known for being one-of-a-kind. From trendsetting fashions to controversial and evocative artwork, Venice is known for defying convention. Explore the city’s museums and creative happenings to connect with Venetian culture on a deeper level.

Pollock art venice italy   AdobeStock 138529329

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Examine the work of contemporary artists and their boundary-pushing pieces as you tour one of the first modern art museums in Italy. While there, you might recognize priceless works of 20th-century painters such as Pollock, Klee, Mondrian, and de Chirico. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is located in Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, Guggenheim's former home in Venice.

Galleria dell'Accademia

Though similar in name to the Accademia in Florence, this gallery offers a tribute to Venetian heritage with a display of local artistic works. Here you’ll find the luminaries of Venetian painting from the 14th to the 18th centuries, including Paolo Veneziano, Giovanni Bellini, Giorgione, Titian, and Tiepolo.

Glass Blowing

Take a boat trip with your fellow travelers to Murano Island and see the ancient art of glass blowing. Watch a demonstration as to how this intricate art is created and revel in the beautiful glassware created by local artisans. This is a unique experience many of our previous guests have enjoyed.

Museo Civico Correr

Venice’s rich and illustrious legacy of art and history unfold in the Museo Civico Correr. Step back in time as you explore intricate Neoclassical rooms, and meander through the Imperial Apartments as you marvel at the ancient architecture. This is a great way to get acquainted with Venice’s storied past.

Thanks to ample water and lagoon aquaculture, the seafood in Venice is truly divine. This metropolis offers a wide variety of distinctive food and drink. Let us whet your appetite for delectable Venetian fare.

italianwineAdobeStock90680079

Take a sip of Venice’s own take on sparkling wine, the delightfully bubbly prosecco. This airy sweet drink is not fermented in the bottle, but produced using the Charmat method where the wine is fermented in steel tanks. Enjoy an aperol spritz as you watch the sun set below the Venetian skyline.

Vermicelli al nero di sepia

For a pasta dish with a delightful seafood twist, order the vermicelli al nero di sepia, or spaghetti with squid ink. Don’t be alarmed by the black hue of the noodles; it’s merely a result of the squid ink mixing with the tomato sauce to create a delightfully briny flavor. This is a truly delicious and unique meal.

For an on-the-go Venetian snack with a lot of flavor, try a tramezzino. This simple handheld meal consists of two triangular pieces of white bread with a variety of inventive savory fillings inside. From prosciutto and mozzarella to radicchio with olives and melted cheese, you’ll love nibbling on this while exploring the Grand Canal.

Moeche fritte

Our local guides suggest ordering this seasonal seafood delicacy if you happen to see it on the menu. Plucked from the Venetian waters, Moeche are little crabs battered and fried whole. With a crunchy exterior and soft, sweet interior, they’re a treat for shellfish fans.

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Venice Tours

Venice Tours

Discover the hidden gems of venice.

From the iconic Doge's Palace to the stunning St. Mark Basilica our expert guides, we will make your vacation in Venice one to remember.

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Skip the line, exclusive care, master storytellers, our venice experiences.

St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace on a sunny day in Venice

Skip-the-Line: Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica Fully Guided Tour

Glassmaking and the Islands of Murano and Burano near Venice

Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat

Enjoy venice with city wonders.

Venice could be the one place on earth where the dream matches up to reality. Embarking on an exploration of the Floating City is an experience not to be missed. Whether you’re traveling by water taxi or walking through the city’s famous St. Mark’s Square, you’ll be completely beguiled by Venice’s charm and mysteries.

Our Unique Tours

You’ll experience Venice exactly as you want to with our many tours. From St. Mark Basilica to the iconic Doge's Palce and tours that focus specifically on Venetian attractions, the choice is yours!

Exploring Venice

Once the travel bug has bitten, explore the rest of the lagoon  with a day trip from Venice . Take a boat to the Venetian island of Murano where assassins ensured that the elite craftspersons of the island never gave away their secret glassmaking methods. Or visit colorful Burano where legend has it that the foamy splashes of a mermaid inspired the local signorinas to create their intricate lace veils. 

Our tours are renowned for the “something extra” we try to add to every experience. Take a look at our tour details for information on our unique Skip-the-Line access to cut out the crowds.

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Italy Tours & Trips from Venice

Find your perfect adventure! We have 98 tours of Italy that start in Venice, Italy. The most popular month is September, and tour lengths range between 4 and 17 days.

98 Italy tour packages from Venice with 384 reviews

Flavors of Italy & Amalfi Coast Tour

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Christmas & New Year

Flavors of Italy & Amalfi Coast

Enjoyed this tour. Accommodation was nice and travel voucher had most of the information needed. One thing which we were disappointed with was being referred to use the emergency number even for critical scheduling information, such as the bus time for the group included tour. This information should be relayed ahead of time to us, instead we had to actually seek it out ourselves. Thanks to Anne from Wingbuddy for helping communicate important information to us throughout the tour, much appreciated!

Highlights of Italy Tour

Highlights of Italy

Italian Treasures Tour

Italian Treasures

Hotels rooms nice but no Ac in the one in Sorento and each time I called they said they would send someone but did not and the room in 2nd hotel had a bad smell in room the time we spent there

Venice, Florence and Rome escorted small group by train Tour

  • Train & Rail

Venice, Florence and Rome escorted small group by train

Before we left there was some concern our trip was not going to happen. But we had Valentina and her partner that made everything work out. They actually made our trip more special because of the issue. It was well organized all activities included went without issue. Favourite excursion was day trip to Sienna/Pisa/vineyard and favourite city by far Venice! Recommend extra days in Venice and Rome. I would book through Tour Radar again.
  • 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Northern Italy: Venice to Rome (Small Group) Tour

Northern Italy: Venice to Rome (Small Group)

My husband and I spent an amazing ten days in Italy thanks to Alex from Eskapas. Also our guide Adrian was fun, extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his subject. I would absolutely recommend your tour company again and I have already. Thank you again! We loved every minute of it!

Eco-Comfort - Tour Of Italy By Train Tour

Eco-Comfort - Tour Of Italy By Train

Overall the tour was very good, hotel very central, clean and some beautiful ones. I really loved Palazzo dal Borgo in Florence. Naples is the most beautiful town in Italy! a real surprise. We meet Claudia for the welcome briefing, she was very helpful and we were in touch with her by phone almost everyday. Thank you for your patience! My suggestion is not to buy the return transfer from Venice, there is a comfortable public boat connecting the center to the airport for £15.
  • €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Hiking in the Dolomites Tour

  • Hiking & Trekking

Hiking in the Dolomites

Great value for money. Good tour guide. Excellent travel company. Some days the hiking was a bit light. Would have given it 5 stars if the hiking was every day. Also tourradar/intrepid could also consider providing a higher cost tour where we stay at different refuges every day. This will reduce the transportation constraints and time and increase the Dolomites amazing experience.

Italy By Train Tour

Italy By Train

Well done booking the hotel , excellent service from hotel’s and people to pick us up from the airport and taking us back! Thank you! We enjoy it!

Italian Trio Tour

  • Coach / Bus
  • Sightseeing

Italian Trio

The tour was well arranged and executed, tour director Mr Massimo was very attentive to every detail and made sure every member of the group felt comfortable. The tour guides in Venice, Florence and Rome were commendable, rich in knowledge and careful about all relevant details.

Train tours Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento by train Tour

Train tours Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento by train

Excellent experience. Excellent Guide!

Ultimate Italian Adventure: Venice, Rome, and Amalfi Coast Experience Tour

Ultimate Italian Adventure: Venice, Rome, and Amalfi Coast Experience

Essential Italy Tour

Essential Italy

Venice & the Jewels of Veneto (2024) (Venice to Venice, 2024) Tour

Venice & the Jewels of Veneto (2024) (Venice to Venice, 2024)

Italy Real Food Adventure Tour

  • Food & Culinary

Italy Real Food Adventure

Italian Tapestry Tour

Italian Tapestry

It's a challenge to see more than a small slice of Italy in eight days, but the Italian Tapestry tour offered by Globus does this very well. It hits most of the expected must-see places like Venice, Florence, Sienna, Pompeii, Rome and Sorrento, while mixing up small and large destinations, urban settings and agritourismo.

Reviews of Italy Tours from Venice

We enjoyed our trip and most accommodation was very good. We had a hiccup at one place, the room we were given by the hotel was very sub-standard which caused some stress. However, the booking staff answered our messages promptly and worked at getting a resolution asap. We were changed to a better room for the remaining 2 nights. The other hotels were very good although not always central requiring a little travel to and from. I appreciated the booking staff answering questions asap and checking in with us, as this was the first time we had done a 'tour ' such as this and at times needed clarification on what was included and what we needed to arrange.
Ourfearless tourleader Annamaria did an outstanding job. She gave us 110% at all times and rolled with the punches from train derailments to explaining to our group the optimal way to get 10 pounds of touring in a five pound bag and while still keeping everybody happy. Annamarias' experience combined with her local touring associates in Venice , Florence, Sienna and Rome gave us as much depth of information, history, and local flavor as possible within our alloted schedule. The best thing about the walking tour is the waistline didn't take a hit in spite of the occassions of overindulgence. Great folks Great memories Phil & Sue from The Mitten

Tours starting from Venice

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  • Italy Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
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  • Best 7 Day Italy Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
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International Versions

  • Deutsch: Italien Rundreisen ab Venedig
  • Français: Circuits Italie au départ de Venise
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Looking for a custom vacation in italy, tours straight to your inbox, discover venice.

Whether it’s your first time in Venice or your tenth, get ready to make the most of your Italian adventure with the extensive range of Vacation Packages provided by Tours Italy – Avventure Bellissime. We offer escorted private tours to Venice, day tours and excursions around the Veneto region, shore excursions and delicious wine and food tours for a unique gastronomic experience of Italy’s culinary delights! Choose from one of our popular Venice vacation packages and get ready to enjoy an exclusive travel experience in the most romantic city of all. On our escorted tours to Venice you’ll have the one-of-a-kind opportunity to take your time and admire the city’s magnificent palaces and streets, churches and canals. With its historic buildings and gorgeous cultural attractions, Venice is one of Italy's most famous travel destinations. And, as if that was not enough, with our Venice vacation packages you can also combine different itineraries around the Veneto region for a comprehensive exploration of Italy’s most picturesque landscapes, from Romeo and Juliet’s Verona to the peaks of the Dolomites and the Palladian villas of Vicenza.

Top Venice Tours

Small Group Venice to Dolomites and Cortina Day Trip

Small Group Venice to Dolomites and Cortina Day Trip

Venice City Tour in 1 Day  - St Mark's Basilica, Guided Walking Tour and Grand Canal Boat Tour

Venice City Tour in 1 Day - St Mark's Basilica, Guided Walking Tour and Grand Canal Boat Tour

Private Venice in a Day Tour

Private Venice in a Day Tour

Private Murano and Burano Tour: Discover the Magic of Venice's Islands

Private Murano and Burano Tour: Discover the Magic of Venice's Islands

Small Group Doge's Palace Tour in Venice

Small Group Doge's Palace Tour in Venice

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Rossi Writes

10 Best Tours in Venice to Book for Your Visit to Italy’s City of Water

By Author Rossi Thomson

Posted on Last updated: 4th September 2022

Categories Veneto , Venice

Here are the 10 best tours in Venice to book for your visit to Italy’s city of water.

They cater to different interests – from the art and history of venice to venetian food, traditional crafts, and exclusive shopping..

Booking a tour of Venice with a reputed tour guide or travel company is a shortcut to getting to know intimately this unique, beautiful, and often overwhelming city. It equals stepping through a secret door to discover all of the best corners of Venice and the Venetian Lagoon which otherwise may be difficult to come across one by one on your own.

The facade of St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace - Venice, Italy - rossiwrites.com

With a millennial history, a rich catalogue of art, and many traditional crafts with outstanding output, Venice in Italy is a delight to visit. It’s a city with canals instead of roads and boats instead of cars. It keeps many secrets that it reveals to only those in the know. No matter how many books or guidebooks you may read about Venice before coming here, the city of water can still be a shock to the system. You may find yourself traversing its narrow curving lanes unsure where to head to first and what to delve in next.

It is at this point that an expert local guide or a reputable tour company can be of great help. With a structured approach and offering tours covering specific fields of knowledge or tailored to your personal interests, you can see and experience the maximum of Venice within the shortest amount of time. Even better, in many cases, you can start exploring Venice in real-time even before stepping foot in it. Several licensed Venetian guides now offer virtual explorations of the city of water taking you behind closed doors and showing you the beauty and the history hidden there.

The funerary crypt - Church of San Simeon Piccolo - Venice, Veneto, Italy - rossiwrites.com

So, in this blog post today, I want to give you an overview of the best types of guided tours of Venice you can pick and choose from. From the traditional Venetian highlights tours to some very unusual excursions in Venice, there are many options to get to know this exciting city in a short amount of time, from an unexpected point of view or both.

To give you lots of travel inspiration and show you how many options there are at your disposal, below I have collated the best Venice tours, tours of the Venetian Lagoon, and even organised day trips from Venice. They cover a large array of interests and different portions of time – from a couple of hours to a whole day. This way you can pick and book a tour based on your particular passions, specific travel plans, budget, and length of stay in Venice.

The Grand Canal seen from the Accademia Bridge - Venice, Italy - rossiwrites.com

To help you decide which sights of Venice you would like to explore during your visit, have a look at these detailed blog posts:

  • 20 Venice Landmarks – for the major sights to see in the city of water. A guided tour could be the best way to approach them in order to experience fully their many layers of history, traditions, and art.
  • 101 Hidden Gems in Venice  – for 101 things to do and see here off the beaten track. A tailor-made tour of Venice can help you see several of them and learn their curious stories in depth.

If this is your first visit to Venice, this blog post will be of help, too:

  • 45 Essential Tips for Venice  – for handy tips on how to navigate the city of water and book your acommodation.

Now, let’s start!

10 best tours in venice to book for your visit to italy’s city of water.

10 Best Tours in Venice, Italy to Book for Your Visit - rossiwrites.com

1. Best Tours of Venice by Local Licensed Guides

Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal - Venice, Italy - rossiwrites.com

The best way to see Venice is in the company of a licensed Venetian guide. These are people who have undergone strict and rigorous training and are authorised by the Italian state to take visitors to Venice on guided tours. The tours can be built around particular historic periods, artistic movements or sights in Venice. Alternatively, they can be tailor-made to your specific interests. This way you get to see exactly what you want to see at a convenient for you time during your stay in the city of water.

Licensed Venetian guides have intimate knowledge of Venice and access to many unusual places and hidden corners here. They can take you to see places which, otherwise, may be closed to the general public. Best Venice Guides is an excellent resource to find a licensed Venetian guide in your language. It has the contact details of many professional and qualified guides who can help you experience Venice like a local. Best Venice Guides also has a very interesting blog which you can follow to learn more about the city of water and the many must-see places here even before your Italian holiday.

Luisella Romeo from SeeVenice and Erika Cornalli from WhenInVenice remain my two favourite Venetian guides. They are very knowledgeable and reveal to you what makes Venice special in a very engaging way. Both cover a wide range of topics in a number of sightseeing formats. Have a look here for prices and details:

  • See Venice Tours , Experiences , and Virtual Tours
  • When in Venice Tours

From An Introduction to Venice to Family Tours and Venice Off the Beaten Path , and from Arts and Crafts to Music in Venice and even Coffee, Chocolate, and the Theatre of Marionettes , the choice is yours.

Luisella and Erika also have must-read blogs about Venice. They can give you many ideas for things to see and experiences to immerse yourself in during your visit:

  • See Venice Blog
  • When in Venice Blog

2. Best Tours of Venice Highlights

St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace - Venice, Italy - rossiwrites.com

Venice has a long list of major landmarks (which I have summarised in this blog post ). The Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica are two of the most important ones among them. A visit to them is a must even if your stay in the city of water is rather short. Their multilayered history, beautiful architecture, and extensive catalogue or art rank them very high in the scope of the world’s cultural heritage.

Joining an organised tour of the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and other major landmarks in Venice is a great way to experience the highlights of the history and the art of the city of water. A knowledgeable tour guide will help you skip the queues, navigate through many historic periods, and easily absorb large quantities of information. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the sheer size of it all, you will get to feel excited and mentally stimulated by the stories of the people who had so much political and creative power and who – among many other things – created so much beauty.

Some of the best tours of Venice’s highlights are:

  • Venice Highlights Tour
  • Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica Tour
  • Venice Small-Group Walking Tour with Gondola Ride
  • Legendary Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace Group or Private Tour
  • Venice Highlights Small Tour Group
  • St. Mark’s Basilica After-Hours Group or Private Tour with Optional Doge’s Palace
  • St. Mark’s Basilica with a Visit to the Islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello

3. Best Venice Boat Tours

Colourful canoes at Rialto Fish Market - Venice, Italy - rossiwrites.com

You need to see Venice from the water to best experience its beauty. The lavish main facades of the most famous Venetian buildings traditionally face the canal on which they are built. The city’s Grand Canal – considered to be the world’s most beautiful thoroughfare – is lined by breathtaking historic palazzi on both sides. And then, St. Mark’s Square – flanked by the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Marciana Library, and the Procuratie – was designed to inspire awe in the foreign visitors to Venice who, traditionally, approached it by boat.

You could also be like those travellers of yore and experience Venice from the water. The easiest way to do it is to get on the local water buses. Vaporetto linea 1 traverses the Grand Canal from start to finish. So, you can sit down and just take the panoramas in. Click here to buy your ticket or pass in advance.

For more ways to experience Venice and the Venetian Lagoon from the water, consider one of these boat tours:

  • Venice Sunset Cruise by Typical Venetian Boat
  • Venice Tour by Real Venetian Kayak
  • Venice Canal Tour: 2-Hour Grand Canal and Secret Canals Semi-Private Tour
  • Boat Tour of the Giudecca Canal
  • Venetian Lagoon Tour and Galeon Dinner

4. Best Venice Gondola Tours

Venetian gondolas and the island of San Giorgio Maggiore under a purple dawn - Venice, Italy - rossiwrites.com

A gondola ride is one of the most iconic things to do in Venice. The gondola is an elegant boat made of eight different types of wood. It’s lacquered in mirror-shine black and it’s rowed by a single oarsman – the gondolier – who stands upright on the stern. He is dressed in a uniform of a striped top and straw hat, has undergone a strict training over several years, and most often than not his father and forefathers have also been gondoliers. Rowing a gondola is one of the oldest trades in the city of water. Centuries ago, there were over 10,000 gondolas in Venice. Nowadays, their number has shrunk to around 400.

A gondolier knows where to find all the best waterside views and hidden spots in Venice. Customarily, a gondola ride lasts around 30 mins and the prices to hire a gondola are set up by the city council – Comune di Venezia . Click here to check them on the official website. Further down on the same web page, you can find a list of the official gondola stations with email addresses and telephone numbers to contact them and book a gondola tour in advance.

In addition, you can check these Venice gondola tours to see which one will appeal to you. Many of them combine a gondola ride with another must-have experience in Venice to help you maximise your time:

  • Grand Canal by Gondola with Commentary
  • Shared Gondola Ride across the Grand Canal
  • Venice Walking Tour and Gondola Ride
  • Private Gondola Ride and Photo Session in Venice
  • Best of Venice: Doge’s Palace and Gondola Tour
  • Gondola Ride with Commentary

5. Best Venice Food Tours

The small market hall - Rialto Fish Market, Venice, Italy - www.rossiwrites.com

Traditional Venetian food is one of the least known components of the Italian food culture. While Italian food nowadays is customarily taken to mean pizza and pasta, Venice has its own specific culinary traditions. They were developed over 1,600 years in close contact with many cultures beyond the confines of modern-day Italy.

From baccala’ mantecato prepared with stockfish from Norway’s Lofoten Islands to pastries and cakes inspired by the Austrian Empire, from risottos coloured with cuttlefish ink to white polenta, the Venetian table has centuries-old traditions and some very unusual dishes and flavours. Plus, the Venetian Lagoon provides fresh seafood abundantly in any season, including some rather unique crustaceans. For example, moeche – crabs that shed their shells for short periods twice a year thus becoming very soft all over. They are a prized local delicacy!

Taking a food tour in Venice is a great way to discover and enjoy the local rich culinary traditions. It will also allow you to find out where the locals go when they eat out and what they order. Having a local guide to introduce you to the Venetian food customs – perplexing as they are at a first glance – is a great shortcut into a complex yet authentic culinary history. Here are some of the best Venice food tours to consider:

  • The 10 Tastings of Venice with Locals: Private Food Tour
  • Eat, Drink, and Repeat: Wine Tasting Tour in Venice
  • Eat Like a Local: Three-Hour Venice Small Group Food Tasting Walking Tour
  • Rialto Market Food and Wine Lunchtime Tour of Venice
  • Morning Market Tour with Tastings
  • Good Morning, Venice: Coffee and Dessers with Highlights of Venice

By the way, if you want an introduction to Venice’s food before your arrival here, I can wholeheartedly recommend these two books in English:

  • A Table in Venice: Recipes from My Home by Skye McAlpine
  • Veneto: Recipes from an Italian Country Kitchen by Valeria Necchio

I have them both and they are a wonderful introduction to the food of Venice in particular and the food of the Northern Italian region of Veneto in general. Beautifully illustrated and with recipes that are easy to follow in a home kitchen they will allow you to recreate the flavours of Venice long after your return from the city of water.

6. Best Full-Day Venice Tours

Facade of St. Mark's Basilica - Venice, Italy - rossiwrites.com

Time is never enough and often visitors to Venice are on a very tight schedule. You may only have a couple of days here or you may want to see Venice on a day trip from a different city in Italy or even Slovenia and Croatia . This can feel like a Herculean task. After all, Venice took 1,600 years to evolve from a cluster of marshy islands in the heart of the Venetian Lagoon into one of the world’s most stunning and unusual cities. Is it possible to see it all in a day? The answer is yes, in a way, and a full-day tour of Venice could be just what you need.

It will be a very active day filled with emotional discoveries and lots of walking. Yet, you will be able to truly maximise your time, cover a lot of ground, and tick off many of Venice’s landmarks and hidden corners. One way to do it is to book a private guide (see point 1 above). He or she will be able to tailor your day in Venice specifically to your interests as well as recommend many little-known yet outstanding sights to visit.

Alternatively, have a look at these highly rated full-day tours of Venice. The last one also includes transport from Milan to make your travel planning even easier:

  • Group or Private Venice in a Day: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and a Gondola Ride
  • Venice in a Day Tour with St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, and a Gondola Ride
  • Venice in a Day
  • Private Full Day Tour from Milan to Venice with Local Tour Guide and Fast Train

7. Best Hidden Venice Tours

Venetian boat moored in a canal by a brick wall - Venice, Italy - rossiwrites.com

Venice is a city that doesn’t reveal its secrets easily. It stashes them both in hidden corners and in plain sight and you have to be in the know to find them and understand their meaning. It could be a statue designed by the teacher of Leonardo da Vinci, churches hosting priceless works of intarsia art, huge paintings that cover whole walls or ceilings, or simply the world’s oldest coffee house. Or it could be a crypt covered in faded frescoes which you enter candle in hand and which has chambers that haven’t been opened for centuries. Or it could be a spot in the city that, according to local beliefs, is haunted by a disgruntled ghost or two.

The best way to discover the hidden Venice is to see it with someone in the know. This excellent guidebook dedicated to the many secrets of the city of water is a good starting point for your research. Still, you will need to spend weeks in Venice to cover them all by yourself. Otherwise, consider joining some of the best hidden Venice tours to help you explore the city of water and get to know its secrets:

  • The Real Hidden Venice
  • Venice: Jewish Ghetto Walking Tour
  • San Giorgio Maggiore Island: 3 Tour Package
  • Private Venice Tour – Hidden Gems and Main Attractions with a Local
  • Legends of Venice Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide
  • Ghosts and Legends Tour of Venice

8. Best Venice Shopping Tours

The window display of the mask-making shop Ca' Macana - Venice, Italy - rossiwrites.com

Venice is a great city to go shopping in. It’s both the cradle of many centuries-old crafts and a place where all the high fashion brands and high street chains have a shop. You can visit the workshops of artisans who make unique pieces of jewellery, paper, and mosaics using ancient techniques. You can buy typical Venetian items like Murano glass objects and chandeliers, handmade lace, imaginative Venetian masks , and lavish costumes in the traditions of the Venetian Carnival . You can even see silk brocade and velvet fabrics being woven on 18th-century looms.

To explore Venice’s craft traditions and enjoy a shopping session like no other, the best course of action is to book a private licensed Venetian guide. Have a look at point 1 above for contact details. They can tailor a special experience for you and take you to visit curious places like the studio of a marionette maker and the workshop of Venice’s only goldbeater.

You can also book to visit a historical Venetian weave factory , a 19th-century furnace producing gold-leaf mosaics, or a walking tour taking in various artisan workshops along the way.

Alternatively, during the high season you can take the shuttle bus to Noventa di Piave . There is a huge McArthur Glen Designer Outlet with dozens of shops by famous international brands.

9. Best Murano and Burano Tours

Colourful houses and boats alongside a canal - Burano, Veneto, Italy - rossiwrites.com

The Venetian Lagoon is a vast place and apart from the cluster of islands on which Venice is built, there are dozens of other islands here with their unique environment, customs, and food. The two most famous islands here are Murano and Burano.

The first is known for its centuries-old glassmaking traditions. Jewellery, objects, and chandeliers made of Murano glass are highly prized. Observing a Murano glass artisan at work is one of the best experiences to have in Italy. Burano, on the other hand, is known for its technocolour houses, the local handmade lace, and the traditional risotto di go ‘. It’s a wonderful place to visit – so vibrant and full of life.

Water buses – called vaporetto in Italian – crisscross the Venetian Lagoon all throughout the day. They can take you across to Murano and Burano from Venice for a fun day out. Alternatively, you can book one of these handpicked guided tours. Some of them even include a visit to Torcello – the island where nowadays only a handful of people live and which 1,600 years ago was the first populated place in the Venetian Lagoon. There, you can admire the splendid gold mosaics in the Torcello Basilica, enjoy a meal in Locanda Cipriani which has been a hotspot for famous people for decades, and see the Devil’s Bridge – one of only two remaining bridges without railings in the whole of the Venetian Lagoon.

  • Murano and Burano Islands Half-Day Guided Tour by Private Boat
  • Six-Hour Lagoon Tour to Murano, Burano, and Torcello
  • Private Excursion by Typical Venetian Motorboat to Murano, Burano, and Torcello
  • Tickets for the Islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello: Excursion from Venice

10. Best Organised Day Trips from Venice

Bassano del Grappa with the Alpini Bridge - Veneto, Italy - rossiwrites.com

Venice is the capital of the Italian region of Veneto and it also stands an easy distance away from several large Italian cities like Padua , Vicenza , Verona , and even Bologna and Milan . Near the city of water you can explore some of Italy’s most famous natural sights, too. From the Delta of the River Po and the Euganean Hills (dotted with spa resorts) to Italy’s largest lake – Lago di Garda – and the majestic mountain group of the Dolomites , there are many wonderful places to visit coming from Venice. Prosecco Country is also among them. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on account of the local production of the famous prosecco wine.

If you are spending more than a few days in the city of water and you have already explored by organised tour or independently its sights and some of the other islands in the Venetian Lagoon, consider joining a guided trip to one or more of the following destinations:

  • Prosecco Wine Tour from Venice
  • Dolomite Mountains and Cortina Semi Private Day Trip from Venice
  • Day Cruise on a Traditional Burchiello Boat from Venice to Padua with stopovers at historic Venetian villas
  • Hilltowns of Veneto Day Trip from Venice

In Conclusion

The Southern end of the Giudecca Canal with the Doge's Palace and the St. Mark's Belltower - Venice, Italy - rossiwrites.com

There are many things to see and enjoy in Venice, Italy and time is never enough. Booking a guided tour or two to take during your stay in the city of water can make it so much easier to learn about the history, art, and traditions of this fascinating place.

In this blog post I share with you the ten best types of guided tours you can take in Venice. From an exploration of the Venetian highlights to exciting boat trips around the Venetian Lagoon, there are many ways to get to know Venice with the help of a local guide. To make your travel planning even easier, I have also included contact details for licensed Venetian guides and handpicked guided tours.

I hope that the information shared herewith will pique your curiosity, give you lots of ideas for things to do in Venice, and – at the end of the day – provide you with a great experience to enjoy during your Venice trip.

Have a wonderful time touring venice in italy with a guide or by yourself, more helpful venice info for you.

Venice:   Essential Tips , Major Landmarks , Hidden Gems ,  Venice in a Day for Art Lovers , How to Navigate Venice , Nearest Airports ,  Best Train Station , Boats in Venice ,  Beaches in Venice , Haunted Venice ,  Day Trips from Venice ,  Arco del Paradiso Venice Videos:   Grand Canal ,  St. Mark’s Square at Carnival ,  St. Mark’s Square ,  View from Rialto Bridge ,  View from Accademia Bridge ,  Venetian gondolas ,  Historical Regatta ,  Squero di San Trovaso ,  Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo ,  Fondazione Querini Stampalia ,  Palazzo Grimani ,  Rialto Fish Market ,  Ca’ Macana ,  Festa della Madonna della Salute

More Helpful Italy Info for You

Italian Food:   Budget Italian Food ,  Italian Markets ,  Rules of Italian Breakfast , Italian Breakfast Foods and Drinks , Italian Food Gifts Italian Coffee: Rules of Italian Coffee Culture , Italian Coffee Drinks , History of Italian Coffee Culture Christmas in Italy: Facts , Nativity Scenes , Things to Do , Christmas Guide Northern Italy: Best Cities to Visit , Major Airports Lake Garda:   Best Towns ,  Nearest Airports ,  Travel Options ,  Lake Garda with Kids , Malcesine , Riva del Garda , Torri del Benaco Lake Como:   Things to See ,  Nesso Veneto:  Best Cities to Visit ,  Prettiest Small Towns , Beautiful Villages , Top 15 Places ,  30 Adventures ,  Most Colourful Places , Beautiful Piazzas , Must-See Lakes Friuli Venezia Giulia:   Venzone ,  Most Beautiful Villages Emilia Romagna:  Bologna ,  Ravenna ,  Comacchio ,  Most Beautiful Villages Marche:   6 Reasons to Visit ,  Gradara ,  Frasassi Caves ,  Temple of Valadier Verona:   Things to Do in One Day ,  Day Trips from Verona Padua:   Things to Do in One Day ,  101 Facts About Padua ,  10 Reasons to Visit Padua ,  Day Trips from Padua Vicenza:   Things to Do ,  10 Must-See Museums ,  Day Trips from Vicenza

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Pollo alla Cacciatora

Literally translating to ‘hunter’ in Italian, cacciatore offers an appreciation for Italy’s meals of days gone by. Typically a preparation of rabbit or chicken, it’s the simmering tomato stew that makes this dish so mouthwatering. Satisfy a genuine hunger and consume with hand-ripped bread.

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A date with Italian food will likely start and end with a slice of pizza. But it’s the menu items that we share with you in between that will take your appreciation to new heights; think cacciatore and Carbonara with a slice of tiramisu in between.

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Where to Stay in Venice, Italy in 2024: 5 Best Areas for First-Time Visitors

Written By: Sara Oprasic

Updated On: March 14, 2024

Everyone dreams of visiting Venice at one point in their life, and you’re incredibly lucky if your time has come. The sinking city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, with more than 30 million visitors every year. But most of those tourists come to Venice for the day, and less than 3 million actually spend a night in the city. We visited the city twice, and both times, we stayed for 3 days , which was the perfect amount of time, in our opinion. If you’re planning to stay in Venice for more than 24 hours, this guide to the best Venice hotels will help you find the best accommodation! 

Venice is not a very big city, so you can stay anywhere on the island in terms of just the location. You’ll be a 30-minute walk from the top attractions at most, and you can get around quicker in water buses and taxis. But some areas are better than others, especially for first-time visitors, and that’s what I’ll mainly focus on in this guide to the best areas to stay in Venice. 

Table of Contents

Best Places To Stay In Venice, Italy

I want to mention that I’ve only focused on the central island of the Venetian Lagoon, and that’s because it’s undoubtedly the best part of the city for a first visit. We have chosen to stay in two different areas during both our visits to Venice. San Marco, the first time, as it is really central and we wanted to be in the middle of the action, and San Croce the next time, as we wanted to be closer to the train station yet still have good access to the main sights .

While Lido and Murano have a lot to offer, they shouldn’t be your top priority if you’ve never visited this magical city before. Save something for the next time you’re here, and then you have the perfect excuse to return to Venice! 

1. San Marco

San Marco is the central neighborhood of Venice. It’s home to all this floating city’s most iconic tourist sights, including the Rialto Bridge, Saint Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Piazza San Marco, Campo Santo Stefano, and many others. Stay in this part of Venice if you want easy walking access to all the best-known landmarks. This is why this area appealed to us so much.

But keep in mind that hotels in San Marco are some of the most expensive in Venice. Even the two-star hotels aren’t cheap, and I wouldn’t recommend a hotel room in San Marco to travelers on a very tight budget. On the other hand, this district has some of Venice’s best palazzos, several of which have been converted into hotels and guest houses. If the idea of staying in an ancient palazzo sounds exciting, San Marco is the area for you. 

Another thing to consider is that San Marco is the busiest area of Venice. Hordes of tourists are everywhere, and in peak season, the neighborhood gets so busy that walking down the street becomes challenging. However, the same can be said for most parts of Venice, and it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, especially in such a central area of the city. 

Luxury: The Gritti Palace

If you want to live the good life in Venice, it can hardly get better than The Gritti Palace . This lavish hotel is set in a former noble residence and features spacious rooms with opulent decorations. Think decorated walls and marble bathrooms, with furniture that matches the color theme of each room. 

Murano glass and antiques are found in every room of the hotel, along with classic Venetian furniture. The hotel restaurant is on the canal, and you can enjoy spectacular views along with tasty Italian food every day. Also, all hotel rooms are equipped with spacious ensuite bathrooms, free WiFi, and air conditioning. 

Mid Range: Hotel Rialto

Hotel Rialto is an excellent four-star hotel in the northern area of San Marco. It’s adjacent to the Rialto Bridge, one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks. All the rooms and suites are equipped with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs, but the style of the rooms varies drastically. Whereas the smaller rooms feature the more classic and somewhat tacky decor, the larger suites are decked out with mostly modern furniture. 

Book a room with a view of the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge to enjoy the sight of Venice’s best landmarks from the comfort of your bed. Breakfast is included in the rate of every room, and you can enjoy it at the restaurant terrace right next to the Canal. Also, the water bus stop is right in front of the hotel, so you have a direct connection to the train station and the nearest airport. 

Budget: Hotel ai do Mori

Hotel ai do Mori is a budget hotel in the heart of San Marco, just a couple of minutes from St. Mark’s Square. The location of this hotel is fantastic for the price because you can hardly find a more central place to stay in Venice. The rooms are small but clean and equipped with all the necessities, making this hotel a good option for travelers who want nothing more than a place to rest their heads at night. 

All the rooms at Hotel ai do Mori are air-conditioned, which is certainly a plus. Every room also has a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom, so you will have access to all the essentials. The only thing to keep in mind is that the nightly rates for this hotel start at around 160 Euros. That’s pricey when you look at the photos of the rooms, but you’re paying mostly for the superb central location. 

Pros of Staying in San Marco

  • Walking distance to all the best landmarks in Venice 
  • Views of the Grand Canal from hotel rooms
  • Plenty of shops and eateries throughout the neighborhood 
  • Connected by bridge with San Polo and Dorsoduro

Cons of Staying in San Marco

  • Pricey hotels 
  • Extremely crowded almost all the time
  • Far from the train station 

2. San Polo

San Polo is the second-best area of Venice for first-time visitors. Just like San Marco, it’s home to iconic Venice landmarks that you can’t miss when staying in the city. From the Rialto Market in the east to the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in the west of San Polo, the neighborhood is ideal for casual strolls through narrow alleys and rides in Venetian gondolas. 

Trendy restaurants and excellent art museums are other staples of San Polo. You can’t walk along the Grand Canal without passing by countless restaurant terraces, all of which will tempt you with the lovely smells of classic Italian cuisine. 

The hotels in San Polo are on the pricier side, just like those in San Marco. There are very few true budget hotels, so you might want to consider staying in a different part of Venice if you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck. But if you want to stay in an actual Venetian palazzo and wake up to views of museum-worthy painted ceilings, I think you’ll find several suitable options in San Polo. 

Luxury: Aman 

Aman is a luxury hotel in central Venice, mere steps away from Campo San Polo. It’s set in one of Venice’s great palazzos and features only 24 rooms, so it’s pretty much perfect for travelers who prioritize privacy. The hotel rooms feature the perfect blend of modern furnishings and classic Venetian accents, so you get the best of both worlds. 

The beds are very comfortable, and you’ll sleep like a baby. Every room has a spacious private bathroom, a private balcony, a minibar, and air conditioning. The common rooms are the highlight of the hotel for me, as they are classic palazzo rooms with gorgeous decorations on the walls and painted ceilings. This hotel also has two private gardens, and you can relax at the shaded tables, enjoying the views of the Canal as if you had Venice all to yourself. 

Mid-Range: H10 Palazzo Canova

H10 Palazzo Canova is a great four-star hotel on the Grand Canal overlooking the Rialto Bridge. Featuring modern rooms with stylish furnishings, this hotel offers excellent value for money, considering the location, amenities, and service quality. My favorite part of the hotel is the rooftop restaurant, where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast along with one of the best views in Venice.  

The rooms at Palazzo Canova are spacious, clean, and equipped with more than just the bare necessities. Every room has a coffee machine, a seating area, and a dedicated workspace. Guests all have access to free WiFi and a minibar, and it goes without saying that all rooms have an ensuite bathroom with either a bath or a shower. 

Budget: Hotel Marconi

Hotel Marconi is an affordable three-star hotel just steps away from San Giacomo di Rialto Square. It’s on the Grand Canal, and some rooms offer a view of the Rialto Bridge from the balcony. The nightly rate starts at around 160 Euros, which is a seriously good deal for this location. Hotels across the canal from this one are at least double the price, so choose this hotel if you’re looking for affordable accommodation in the heart of Venice. 

The rooms are decorated with classic furnishings, and that’s honestly my least favorite part of Hotel Marconi. I’m not a big fan of the myriad of gold accents everywhere, but the price is attractive enough to help me get past that. Also, all the rooms have a private bathroom, a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat-screen TV.   

Pros of Staying in San Polo

  • Historic attractions and landmarks
  • Beautiful neighborhood with views of the Grand Canal
  • Choose from dozens of hotels 

Cons of Staying in San Polo

  • Few cheap hotels 
  • Very crowded part of Venice 
  • Restaurants and cafes here are pricey 

Santa Croce 

Santa Croce is an excellent neighborhood for a first trip to Venice, especially if you’re looking for affordable hotels. It borders San Polo so you’re still very close to the central Venice neighborhoods, plus it’s home to many popular landmarks and attractions. We stayed here on our second visit to Venice and loved it.

The famous art gallery, Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art, is right here in Santa Croce, as well as Giardini Papadopoli, and the Natural History Museum. The area is also home to many excellent eateries, which are usually less crowded than those in San Polo and San Marco.

Staying in Santa Croce also means you’re close to the train station, which is great for longer stays in Venice. It is a bit of a longer walk from Santa Croce to the attractions in San Marco, but absolutely worth it because you’ll get to discover more of Venice and venture into parts of the city that otherwise wouldn’t even be on your radar. Who knows what hidden gems you might discover! 

Luxury: Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel

Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel is set in a 16th-century building on the Grand Canal. It’s also a five-minute walk from the more central San Polo, so you’re still very close to all the best Venice attractions. The rooms are exquisite, with classic decor, marble bathrooms, and stunning artwork. Every room has a TV, minibar, desk, and a comfortable seating area. 

A restaurant with 2 Michelin stars is part of the hotel, so you don’t have to go anywhere for a fabulous dining experience. Also, the hotel has a private garden overlooking the Grand Canal, so you can enjoy wonderful views in the evenings, but without the hordes of tourists that are usual for Venice. 

Mid-Range: Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal

Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal is a four-star hotel across the canal from the train station. A stone bridge is very close to the hotel, so you’re only five minutes away from the Santa Lucia train station, which is very convenient. This hotel boasts rooms decorated with classic Venetian furnishings, but they’re all very small. 

Even the triple rooms are under 20m², so you might want to consider a different hotel if you like having lots of space. All the rooms have a private bathroom and a desk, but the seating area usually consists of just a small chair. Every guest will also have a TV and a minibar in the room, as well as beautiful Murano glass lamps. 

Budget: Albergo Marin

Albergo Marin is an affordable hotel with a fabulous location in Santa Croce. It’s a short walk from the train station and just 10 minutes from Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in San Polo. If you prioritize location and affordability over decorations and amenities, this is one of the best hotels in Venice to consider. 

The rooms don’t look stunning or anything, but they are all air-conditioned and equipped with surprisingly comfortable beds. Every hotel room has an ensuite bathroom complete with a shower and a bidet, as well as a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. Also, you can book the hotel now and you don’t have to pay anything until you arrive in Venice. 

Pros of Staying in Santa Croce

  • Cheaper-hotels 
  • The train station is close 
  • Fewer crowds 

Cons of Staying in Santa Croce

  • About a 20-minute walk from central Venice
  • Not many tourist attractions 
  • Fewer options for luxury hotels 

Cannaregio encompasses most of northern Venice. It borders Santa Croce and San Marco, plus it’s separated from San Polo by the Grand Canal. The location is great for exploring Venice, and you’ll find that the area is home to more affordable restaurants and hotels than the city center. 

Also, there’s lots to see and explore in Cannaregio. Once upon a time, this was Venice’s Jewish ghetto. The Jewish population of the city was forced to live in this area from the 16th to the 19th century, and this impacted the architecture of the district quite a bit. For one, buildings are taller than in other areas of Venice because they were constructed to accommodate more people. This is the part of the city where you’ll find the synagogues, history museums, and the best kosher restaurants in Venice. 

Cannaregio is very close to San Michele Island, which has a famous cemetery, and even Murano Island. Boat transfers to the smaller islands are offered from practically every pier on the north side of Cannaregio. In order to get to the main attractions in San Marco, you can walk, which will take about 30 minutes and weave you through the streets and canals, or you can jump on a Vaperetto, which we found is an easier and faster option.

Luxury: Ca’ Bonfadini Historic Experience

Ca’ Bonfadini Historic Experience is an opulent hotel set inside a 16th-century building. Stay here to experience world-class service in one of the prettiest palazzos in the Venetian Lagoon. The hotel rooms are spacious, with extremely comfortable beds and elegant Venetian decor. The guest suites are absolutely magical, with gorgeous paintings on the ceiling and walls. 

Whether you book the cheapest or most expensive room at this hotel, you’ll get a TV, ensuite bathroom, and free WiFi. Breakfast is included in the nightly rate, and every room also features a small seating area with at least an armchair and a desk. The hotel also has a restaurant with a terrace right next to the Grand Canal. 

Mid-Range: Ca’ Vendramin Zago

Ca’ Vendramin Zago is a four-star hotel situated in a building from the 17th century. It features classic Venetian rooms but also some modern suites, in case that’s your preference. It’s very close to the Casino of Venice, and just a short water bus ride from the center. 

The rooms are small but equipped with all the essentials. The beds are quite comfortable, and the decor is much more elegant than in some cheaper hotels. I particularly like that there aren’t as many gold accents here because they tend to look tacky when overdone. Every hotel room has a bathroom, TV, and minibar, plus breakfast is included in the nightly rate. The suites are fabulous, boasting a blend of modern and Venetian decor, as well as desks and separate living rooms. 

Budget: Hotel Henry

Hotel Henry is a very affordable two-star hotel. The nightly rate starts at 135 Euros, which is pretty good considering that it includes dinner. Also, this hotel is only a 10-minute walk from Ponte degli Scalzi, which will take you through Santa Croce and to San Polo in no time. And it’s mere steps away from the Jewish Ghetto in Cannaregio, so the location is excellent.

But I wouldn’t use the same word to describe the hotel rooms. They’re small, and the furniture is a bit outdated; I’d call the style ancient Venetian if you catch my drift. Every room has an ensuite bathroom, though, and all guests have access to free WiFi. Except for the cheapest economy room, all guest rooms also have a desk and an armchair. Overall, if you don’t care too much about the furnishings and are just looking for a good deal, this is certainly a hotel worth considering. 

Pros of Staying in Cannaregio

  • Better rates for hotels 
  • Lots of landmarks in the area 
  • Easy access to the center with water buses
  • Great for day trips to Murano and San Michele islands

Cons of Staying in Cannaregio

  • The hotels aren’t quite as nice as in the city center
  • The area surrounding the train station is known for pickpockets 

Dorsoduro is Venice’s university district, so one of the best areas for students and young adults. The streets of this neighborhood are filled with indie local eateries, vintage boutiques, and unassuming buildings that house some of the most spectacular artwork in the city.  

Stay in Dorsoduro, and you’ll experience smaller crowds than in the central San Marco or San Polo. You’ll also get better hotel deals, and you’ll have more options if you want budget accommodation. Best of all, you’re always just a quick ride across the canal from San Marco or a short walk across the bridge if you stay in the southeastern part of Dorsoduro. 

It’s also by far the best area of Venice for art lovers. Dorsoduro is home to the city’s best art museums and galleries, as well as historic buildings adorned with special artwork. Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is home to 12 of Titian’s works, while Campo Santa Margherita boasts historic statues and ornate building facades. 

Luxury: Sina Centurion Palace

Sina Centurion Palace is a wonderful five-star hotel right next to Basilica Santa Maria della Salute. It’s set in a 19th-century building and seamlessly blends contemporary and original elements. You’ll sleep in comfortable modern beds, but wake up to the view of old wooden beams on the ceiling. 

All the rooms are air-conditioned and feature a minibar, flat-screen TV, ensuite bathroom, and high-speed WiFi. There’s also a private courtyard where you can enjoy drinks at the hotel bar’s terrace while admiring the views of the Grand Canal. The hotel is just eight minutes from Ponte dell’Accademia, so can be in the center of Venice in no time. And the hotel even has its own private dock, for quick transfers in a water taxi. 

Mid-Range: Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace

Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace is hands down one of the prettiest hotels in Venice. The boutique hotel is set inside an actual palazzo and features mesmerizing decorations throughout. With painted ceilings, huge chandeliers, and extraordinary artwork, the decor of this hotel is a proper masterpiece. The presidential suite is without a doubt the most beautiful room in the hotel. 

Other rooms are also beautiful but without as many pretty details. The standard hotel rooms are much smaller, and they’re all equipped with an ensuite bathroom, TV, coffee machine, and minibar. This lovely hotel has a breakfast bar and a sprawling garden but lacks a pool and a fitness center. 

Budget: Hotel Belle Arti

Hotel Belle Arti is an affordable three-star hotel near the Church of Saint Mary of the Rosary. The location is excellent because the hotel is super close to Ponte dell’Accademia, the only bridge that connects Dorsoduro to San Marco. It’s only a 15-minute walk from Hotel Belle Arti to Piazza San Marco in the heart of Venice. 

The nightly rate is around 80 Euros, which is really good for the location. Plus, breakfast is included in that rate, and you could save quite a bit of money on food. Just keep in mind that the rooms are very basic; they include a bed, a private bathroom, air conditioning, and not much else. The decor is described as classic Baroque, but I think that’s an overstatement. But for the price, there’s absolutely no need to be nitpicky about curtain colors. 

Pros of Staying in Dorsoduro

  • The hotels are cheaper 
  • Lots of interesting landmarks and attractions 
  • Not as crowded as San Marco and San Polo 

Cons of Staying in Dorsoduro

  • Only one bridge connection to San Marco 
  • Far from Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square 
  • It’s the university district, and there are a lot of students 

Best Areas To Stay In Venice: FAQs

Which part of venice is best to stay .

San Marco is the best part of Venice for tourists. All the famous landmarks and attractions are within easy walking distance, as are the best hotels and restaurants in Venice. 

Where should I stay in Venice for the first time? 

If you’re visiting Venice for the first time, stay in either San Marco or San Polo. Both neighborhoods are centrally located and offer easy access to the best things to do in Venice. 

Where to avoid staying in Venice? 

Avoid staying in the eastern parts of Castello because they are quite far from central Venice. Also, try to avoid hotels near the Santa Lucia train station, as this area is known for pickpockets. 

What is the prettiest area in Venice?

San Polo is the prettiest area of Venice. This central neighborhood offers beautiful views of the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge, as well as many other historic landmarks. 

Where Not To Stay In Venice

Avoid booking a hotel in Castello, especially in the eastern areas of the neighborhood. Consider hotels that are close to the border with San Marco, but avoid the ones further away because you’ll spend most of your time in the city just walking to the city center. Or even worse, you’ll spend all your time – and money – on water taxis. While it is fun to have the experience of riding in a Vaperetto, it becomes much less exciting when you have to do it multiple times a day, just to get to dinner on time. 

I don’t recommend the hotels in the immediate vicinity of the Santa Lucia train station in Venice. The area is known for pickpockets, and tourists are usually the victims of theft in this part of the city, especially at night. Cannaregio is generally a safe neighborhood with lots of excellent hotels, and as long as your hotel room doesn’t overlook the train station, you should be fine. 

Don’t stay on Murano Island if it’s your first time in the city. While it might seem like a good idea to avoid the crowds, it will be a nightmare to travel constantly from the island to central Venice, and there’s really not much to see on the island apart from the glass factories. You can’t just go shopping and then drop off your bags at the hotel because you have to take a ferry and then walk for who knows how long to your room. The same goes for Lido Island; although it’s popular for nice beaches and resorts, it’s logistically not a good idea to stay here if your main goal is to explore the historic attractions in central Venice. 

Why We Love Venice

We love Venice because it’s a special, historic city. It’s a place everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime, even for a few days , preferably as soon as possible while it’s still there. Venice is sinking, slowly but surely, and the rising sea levels have endangered the city’s future. 

We also love it here because Venice offers so many fun and interesting things to do . Come to the city to ride in a Venetian gondola through the Grand Canal, cross the iconic Rialto Bridge, and stand at St. Mark’s Square admiring all the historic buildings that line it. Visit a Murano glass factory and see where the Venice Biennale is held. Discover the magic of the city that has inspired William Shakespeare and Agatha Christie, and see for yourself why Venice is one of the best cities to visit in Italy .

Plan Your Next Trip To Venice, Italy, With These Resources

  • 25 Best Things to Do in Venice, Italy
  • 3 Days in Venice – The Complete Venice Itinerary
  • Venice: A City Tour By Boat – The Way it Was Meant to Be
  • How Much Does A Trip to Italy Cost: Detailed Budget Breakdown

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

  • Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
  • Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About Sara Oprasic

Sara loves writing about travel as much as she loves traveling. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her cats, and crossing items off her bucket list. She’s yet to cross off Japan, Tromsø, and Hogsmeade. You can see what she’s up to on her Instagram Page

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8 thoughts on “Where to Stay in Venice, Italy in 2024: 5 Best Areas for First-Time Visitors”

Venice is a true masterpiece of beauty and exquisite architecture. With so much to do and see. Thank you for sharing.

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Yardbarker

15 things you must do in Venice, Italy

Posted: September 26, 2023 | Last updated: September 26, 2023

<p><span><span>Even if you've never been to Venice, you know what it looks like. Venetian buildings lined across canals, open courtyards dotted with plants, exotic bridges soft with seaweed, and buzzing with tourists. The mere mention of Venice conjures a whirlpool of images. </span></span></p><p><span><span>So why not dive in? Visit the historic city and you can amble around sun-speckled canals, mysterious alleyways, unmissable museums, and romantic restaurants. There are a million things to do in Venice, but there are only 15 things you can't go without. </span></span></p>

Even if you've never been to Venice, you know what it looks like. Venetian buildings lined across canals, open courtyards dotted with plants, exotic bridges soft with seaweed, and buzzing with tourists. The mere mention of Venice conjures a whirlpool of images. 

So why not dive in? Visit the historic city and you can amble around sun-speckled canals, mysterious alleyways, unmissable museums, and romantic restaurants. There are a million things to do in Venice, but there are only 15 things you can't go without. 

<p><span><span>The city's beating heart and romantic soul, there's no shortage of things to do here. Take a water taxi or a gondola ride. Admire the view from a bridge or a nearby restaurant. Or circle back at night when the crowds are thin, the streets are quiet and the lights flicker across the canal, beckoning you to take a closer look. </span></span></p>

Grand Canal

The city's beating heart and romantic soul, there's no shortage of things to do here. Take a water taxi or a gondola ride. Admire the view from a bridge or a nearby restaurant. Or circle back at night when the crowds are thin, the streets are quiet and the lights flicker across the canal, beckoning you to take a closer look. 

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<p><span><span>St. Mark's Square is kind of like Times Square without the streakers. Or the homeless people, trash cans, or New Yorkers. OK, so it's not exactly like Times Square, but <em>it is</em> nicknamed "the Times Square of Venice," because it's the central spot for tourists and is surrounded by history. Thankfully, this slice of history is lined with columns and museums, and if you arrive early enough, you can have the place to yourself. </span></span></p>

St. Mark's Square

St. Mark's Square is kind of like Times Square without the streakers. Or the homeless people, trash cans, or New Yorkers. OK, so it's not exactly like Times Square, but it is nicknamed "the Times Square of Venice," because it's the central spot for tourists and is surrounded by history. Thankfully, this slice of history is lined with columns and museums, and if you arrive early enough, you can have the place to yourself. 

Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.

<p>While you're in St. Mark's Square, you'll want to visit Caffe Florian. This iconic Venetian restaurant was once a watering hole for Proust, Dickens, and Casanova, and the decor hasn't changed much over the years. My advice: enjoy an espresso in the same seat Dickens once enjoyed a beer. </p>

Caffe Florian

While you're in St. Mark's Square, you'll want to visit Caffe Florian. This iconic Venetian restaurant was once a watering hole for Proust, Dickens, and Casanova, and the decor hasn't changed much over the years. My advice: enjoy an espresso in the same seat Dickens once enjoyed a beer. 

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<p>The name Teatro La Fenice, a landmark opera house, means "The Phoenix"--a nod to the fact that it's risen from the ashes not once, but three times, most recently after two arsonists burned it down in 1996. But it's been renovated and restored back to its former glory, complete with rows of balconies and red-velvet chairs. </p>

Teatro La Fenice

The name Teatro La Fenice, a landmark opera house, means "The Phoenix"--a nod to the fact that it's risen from the ashes not once, but three times, most recently after two arsonists burned it down in 1996. But it's been renovated and restored back to its former glory, complete with rows of balconies and red-velvet chairs. 

<p>This private collection was once the home of Peggy Guggenheim, who played a big role in the careers of Jackson Pollock, Max Ernst, and Alberto Giacometti. Now, you'll find the walls lined with Picasso, Dali, Mondrian, and Malevich. Plus, Joseph Cornell! </p>

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

This private collection was once the home of Peggy Guggenheim, who played a big role in the careers of Jackson Pollock, Max Ernst, and Alberto Giacometti. Now, you'll find the walls lined with Picasso, Dali, Mondrian, and Malevich. Plus, Joseph Cornell! 

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<p>After wandering museums and alleyways, you'll want to lie down on the serene sands of Lido. A 15-minute Vaporetto ride from St. Mark's Square, the island offers beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with kids, teens, families, and leather-skin grandpas. Two hours on the beach and you'll have a pretty great tan, too. </p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.</a></p>

Lido Island

After wandering museums and alleyways, you'll want to lie down on the serene sands of Lido. A 15-minute Vaporetto ride from St. Mark's Square, the island offers beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with kids, teens, families, and leather-skin grandpas. Two hours on the beach and you'll have a pretty great tan, too. 

<p>Speaking of the Lido, when the Venice Film Festival hits town every September, there's no better place to be. Pro tip: get to screenings early. Even if you have a pass, you'll need to be there a couple of hours before the film starts. </p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/lifestyle/articles/20_essential_organizing_tips_for_living_in_small_spaces/s1__35651417'>20 essential organizing tips for living in small spaces</a></p>

Venice Film Festival

Speaking of the Lido, when the Venice Film Festival hits town every September, there's no better place to be. Pro tip: get to screenings early. Even if you have a pass, you'll need to be there a couple of hours before the film starts. 

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<p>While your hopping from island to island, make time for a trip to Murano and admire the glass-making artistry. The products are held on display at the Murano glass museum, where you're gonna want to keep an eye on your pocketbook. Not because of pickpockets, which are a problem in Venice. But because these dreamy works of art are going to inspire you to stop by the gift shop on your way out, or at a glass factory nearby. </p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.</a></p>

Murano Glass Museum

While your hopping from island to island, make time for a trip to Murano and admire the glass-making artistry. The products are held on display at the Murano glass museum, where you're gonna want to keep an eye on your pocketbook. Not because of pickpockets, which are a problem in Venice. But because these dreamy works of art are going to inspire you to stop by the gift shop on your way out, or at a glass factory nearby. 

<p>For a true Venetian dinner, Osteria Alla Frasca is one of the most authentic spots in town. You come here, of course, for the delightful seafood pasta, but you're really here to eat like the locals, with the locals. It's an adventure just trying to find this small, family-owned gem, though once seated in its courtyard, you won't want to leave. </p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/lifestyle/articles/our_20_favorite_brands_of_chocolate_092523/s1__25606490'>Our 20 favorite brands of chocolate</a></p>

Osteria Alla Frasca

For a true Venetian dinner, Osteria Alla Frasca is one of the most authentic spots in town. You come here, of course, for the delightful seafood pasta, but you're really here to eat like the locals, with the locals. It's an adventure just trying to find this small, family-owned gem, though once seated in its courtyard, you won't want to leave. 

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<p>Everyone needs a picture of themselves in Venice. Whether it's for Instagram, Twitter, or Tinder, you can't go wrong with the tower of San Giorgio, which boasts panoramic views of Venice from 350-feet up. </p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.</a></p>

Church of San Giorgio Maggiore

Everyone needs a picture of themselves in Venice. Whether it's for Instagram, Twitter, or Tinder, you can't go wrong with the tower of San Giorgio, which boasts panoramic views of Venice from 350-feet up. 

<p>Another candidate for best-selfie: Rialto Bridge has the best view of the Grand Canal, though best not to go midday. Like every main attraction in Venice, make plans to go in the morning or at night. </p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/lifestyle/articles/15_things_to_do_in_luxembourg_according_to_someone_who_used_to_live_there/s1__38224039'>15 things to do in Luxembourg, according to someone who used to live there</a></p>

Rialto Bridge

Another candidate for best-selfie: Rialto Bridge has the best view of the Grand Canal, though best not to go midday. Like every main attraction in Venice, make plans to go in the morning or at night. 

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<p>Burano is a beautiful island 40-minutes away from Venice, but what truly sets this destination apart are the colorful buildings sprinkled around the city. The fisherman painted each house a different color so they knew whose house was whose, which makes it look like a paint sampler come to life. Every street is a rainbow of discovery. </p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.</a></p>

Burano Island

Burano is a beautiful island 40-minutes away from Venice, but what truly sets this destination apart are the colorful buildings sprinkled around the city. The fisherman painted each house a different color so they knew whose house was whose, which makes it look like a paint sampler come to life. Every street is a rainbow of discovery. 

<p>Every February, the city hosts a carnival where three million people dress up in costumes and dance until dawn. It's the closest thing to Fellini-esque Venice has to offer. </p><p>You may also like: <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/lifestyle/articles/20_big_batch_cocktails_that_are_perfect_for_small_gatherings_092523/s1__34869380'>20 big-batch cocktails that are perfect for small gatherings</a></p>

Carnevale Festival

Every February, the city hosts a carnival where three million people dress up in costumes and dance until dawn. It's the closest thing to Fellini-esque Venice has to offer. 

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<p><span><span>Known as the spot where Ernest Hemingway wrote <em>Across the River</em>, the Hotel Locanda is nicely situated just outside of town, and it's $75 a night. Not bad for a place with so much history...and such great croissants! </span></span></p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.</a></p>

Hotel Locanda

Known as the spot where Ernest Hemingway wrote Across the River , the Hotel Locanda is nicely situated just outside of town, and it's $75 a night. Not bad for a place with so much history...and such great croissants! 

<p>Venice is a crazy, decadent maze of streets--and each one leads to a new, exciting place. You're going to get lost. Your map is going to be off. The best thing to do is walk around, lose the schedule, and discover a new restaurant, cafe, canal, or church. Once you've seen the tourist spots, wander into the heart of Venice, glide across a sun-soaked street, dance into a wine-soaked night, share a bottle with a loved one or a spritz with a stranger. There are a million things to do in Venice, but getting lost is <em>mio preferito</em>. </p><p><a href='https://www.msn.com/en-us/community/channel/vid-cj9pqbr0vn9in2b6ddcd8sfgpfq6x6utp44fssrv6mc2gtybw0us'>Did you enjoy this slideshow? Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.</a></p>

Venice is a crazy, decadent maze of streets--and each one leads to a new, exciting place. You're going to get lost. Your map is going to be off. The best thing to do is walk around, lose the schedule, and discover a new restaurant, cafe, canal, or church. Once you've seen the tourist spots, wander into the heart of Venice, glide across a sun-soaked street, dance into a wine-soaked night, share a bottle with a loved one or a spritz with a stranger. There are a million things to do in Venice, but getting lost is mio preferito . 

Did you enjoy this slideshow? Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.

Holy See Pavilion at Venice Art Biennale seeks to 'turn our eyes back to reality'

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

The Holy See Pavilion at the 60th International Art Exhibition – Venice Biennale—to go on display in the Giudecca Women’s Prison—will illustrate the ability of inmates to welcome art to transform their lives.

This was the message conveyed at the press conference held at the Holy See Press Office on Monday regarding the Pavilion, which will take place in the northern Italian city from 20 April to 24 November 2024.

The project is unprecedented  for the Venice Biennale, thanks to its physical and conceptual installation inside the Giudecca Women's Prison, which will host the Pavilion.

Presenters at the press event were Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education;  Giovanni Russo , head of the Department of Prison Administration of the Ministry of Justice of the Italian Republic;  Dr. Chiara Parisi , curator of the Holy See Pavilion;  Dr. Bruno Racine , curator of the Holy See Pavilion; and,  Dr.   Paolo Maria Vittorio Grandi,  Chief Governance Officer of   Intesa Sanpaolo, an Italian bank.

'With My Own Eyes'

Entitled “With My Own Eyes,” the Pavilion is dedicated to the theme of human rights and people living on the margins of society, and seeks to draw the world’s attention to those people who are largely ignored while fostering a culture of encounter.

The Holy See Pavilion invites the viewer to take Pope Francis’ words literally, as he invites everyone to look others directly in the eyes, looking beyond their social status to encounter their humanity.

"Contemporary culture prefers to metaphorize sight," said Cardinal Mendonça. "But seeing with one's own eyes gives vision a unique status, as it directly involves us in reality and makes us not spectators but witnesses."

The 2024 Art Biennale of Venice bears the title “Foreigners Everywhere” and will be open from April 20 until November 24.

Pope Francis' April visit to the Pavilion

Pope Francis will make a one-day pastoral visit to Venice, where he will make a stop at the Exhibition, making him the first Pope in history to attend the Venice Biennale. 

The Holy Father will take a moment to appreciate the  Pavilion at the exhibit in the Prison, and will spend some time with members of the Church community in Venice.

The full schedule of the Pope’s visit, Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça told the journalists present, will be released in the near future.

Press Conference releases details

During the conference, Cardinal Mendonça said, "It is with great joy that we welcomed the news of Pope Francis's visit to the Pavilion."

"It will be a historic moment," the Cardinal Prefect underscored, "as he will be the first Pope to visit the Venice Biennale, which clearly demonstrates the Church's willingness to consolidate a fruitful and close dialogue with the world of arts and culture."

The Cardinal stressed that it is no coincidence that the Holy See has chosen to present its pavilion at the Venice Biennale in a seemingly unexpected place, such as the Women's Prison on the island of Giudecca.

He added that neither is it a "coincidence that the title of the pavilion, 'With My Own Eyes,' aims to focus our attention on the importance of how we responsibly conceive, express, and build our social, cultural, and spiritual coexistence."

Gospel according to Matthew

Regaining the ability to look at reality as a starting point for redesigning it, he noted, is what Pope Francis stressed during his meeting with artists in June 2023 in the Sistine Chapel, when he urged artists to "have the ability to dream new versions of the world."

The year in which the Art Biennale celebrates its 60th anniversary, the Prefect also pointed out, also marks 60 years since the first showing of Pier Paolo Pasolini's film "The Gospel According to Matthew," which was first screened in Venice. In this context, the Cardinal recalled that Chapter 25 of St. Matthew's Gospel, which begins, 'For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat...,' remains "one of the most commented biblical texts by Pope Francis" throughout his pontificate.

Before concluding his remarks, Cardinal Mendonça expressed his gratitude to the Italian authorities, the Ministry of Justice represented by the Head of the Department of the National Penitentiary Administration, the curators, all collaborating in the realization of the pavilion, the Patriarchate and Patriarch of Venice, and the Dicastery's main partner, the Intesa Sanpaolo Bank.

Art to reconstruct lives

Meanwhile, Giovanni Russo, the president of the Department of Prison Administration of Italy's Ministry of Justice, welcomed the occasion, stressing that artistic work and commitment help inmates rebuild their lives.

"Calling our detainees to, with their hands, participate, has put them in contact with universal values, such as solidarity, and helps them have confidence in themselves."

"They were called," Mr. Russo observed, to be "protagonists," in a way "that connected them with universal values" and "with great spiritual and practical value." 

Former convent to help struggling women

Moreover, Dr. Racine, one of the Pavilion's curator, discussed the Pavilion itself, and recalled that the women's prison had before been a convent that had helped women rediscover their dignity through the Church's help.

"It is a historic place, with a very beautiful history," he stressed.

The Pavilion's other curator, Dr. Parisi, also discussed its work to include the spontaneous contributions of inmates, illustrating how their involvement greatly enriches the venue.

Lastly, Dr. Paolo Maria Vittorio Grandi, Chief Governance Officer of Intesa Sanpaolo, spoke of the bank's great dedication to art, explaining various initiatives, in which they promote this culture.

"This is not a matter of philanthropy, but rather part of what it means to be part of the group of Intesa Sanpaolo."

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Delta is bringing the U.S. and Italy closer than ever, restarting its nonstop flights between New York-JFK and Venice Marco Polo Airport. The flights will operate daily using a Boeing 767-300 aircraft with 216 seats.

Additionally, for the first time, the airline will offer two flights from Venice to Atlanta – resuming its nonstop service later this month and adding a second service throughout the summer. In total, Delta will operate 17 weekly flights between Venice and the U.S. during peak season with connections to more than 200 cities across North America and beyond.

“As one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Venice is hugely popular with U.S. travelers, and our flights bring valuable tourism and trade opportunities to the city and the region as well as unrivalled opportunities for Venetians looking to explore destinations across the Americas,” said Matteo Curcio, Delta’s Senior Vice President for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India. “We’re glad to offer customers increased choice this summer with flights from New York and additional service from Atlanta.”

Camillo Bozzolo, Aviation Development Director of the SAVE Group commented: “The resumption of Delta Air Lines connections to the hubs of New York and Atlanta confirms the constant growth of flows between Venice and North America, which with over one million passengers in the last year have largely exceeded the volumes of 2019.” He added, “The increase to 10 weekly frequencies on the Venice-Atlanta route will further expand the offer of destinations in connection with North, Central and South America.”

Customers will have a choice of four product experiences including Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin. Delta One customers can stretch out in a lie-flat seat and enjoy premium amenities like plush bedding made from recycled plastic bottles, more beverage options, and a seasonal chef-curated four-course meal. Customers flying in Delta Premium Select will have more space to relax and stretch out, with a wider seat, deeper recline, an adjustable footrest and leg rest. All customers can enjoy a wide selection of in-flight entertainment options and stay connected with Wi-Fi and enjoy free mobile messaging.

As part of Delta’s $12 billion airport terminal investments, frequent flyers will enjoy new premium lounges at New York-JFK and other U.S. destinations including Boston and Los Angeles to boost the customer experience. Connecting customers will also benefit from the upgrades at Delta’s JFK Terminal 4, enabling easier transfer to over 60 onward connections.

Delta’s summer 2024 schedule between New York, JFK and Venice will operate in cooperation with its European partners Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic and is as follows:

Venice – New York JFK

*Subject to change

For more information and to book flights, please visit  delta.com .  

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  26. Holy See Pavilion at Venice Art Biennale seeks to 'turn our eyes back

    By Deborah Castellano Lubov. The Holy See Pavilion at the 60th International Art Exhibition - Venice Biennale—to go on display in the Giudecca Women's Prison—will illustrate the ability of inmates to welcome art to transform their lives. This was the message conveyed at the press conference held at the Holy See Press Office on Monday ...

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  28. Delta restarts service to New York from Venice

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