What to do in Venise?
Unique in the world, Venice is discovered on the water, from St Mark's Square to the colourful islands of the lagoon. Gondola rides, visits to the Doge's Palace and getaways to Murano and Burano await you.
Venise highlights
The places and experiences not to miss under any circumstances.
St Mark's Square & Basilica
Venice's beating heart, St Mark's Square unfolds its arcades around the Byzantine basilica with golden domes and shimmering mosaics. Have a coffee on a terrace to the sound of the orchestras, then visit the basilica with a skip-the-line ticket.
Doge's Palace
Former seat of Venetian power, the Doge's Palace dazzles with its gilded halls, Tintoretto ceilings and the famous Bridge of Sighs that led to the prisons. A skip-the-line ticket or the Secret Itineraries tour is strongly advised.
Gondola ride
The ultimate cliché but irresistible, the gondola ride glides through the narrow canals you can't see any other way. Allow about thirty minutes; share the ride to lighten the bill, which is often steep.
Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge spans the Grand Canal in a marble arch lined with shops. At its foot, the Rialto market bustles from morning with fish and fresh produce — one of the city's most authentic corners.
Murano & Burano
Two gems of the lagoon: Murano and its master glassblowers, Burano and its houses painted in every colour. A boat trip, often with a glassblowing demonstration, offers a lovely escape from the crowds.
St Mark's Campanile
From its 99 metres, St Mark's Campanile offers the finest panorama over Venice's rooftops, the lagoon and, on a clear day, the Alps. A lift takes you to the top; come early to avoid the queue.
Plan your visit to Venise
Our practical tips for a great stay: when to go, how to get around, where to stay.
When to visit Venice?
Spring and autumn are the mildest; summer is stifling and packed. In autumn–winter, watch out for acqua alta, the high waters that can flood some squares.
Getting around Venice
Everything is done on foot or by vaporetto (water bus). If you plan to reach the islands, a day transport pass quickly pays for itself.
Where to stay in Venice
Sleep in the city (Cannaregio, Dorsoduro) to experience it in the evening, once the day-trippers have left: pricier, but incomparable.
Activities & tickets to book in Venise
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Venise by theme
Book your activities in Venise by theme — guided tours, skip-the-line tickets, cruises, food tours, outdoor activities and day trips. Click a category to explore the best deals available right now.
Guided tours
To grasp the soul of Venise, nothing beats a guided tour. Follow a local guide through the great monuments and hidden lanes, and discover the stories that paper guides leave out. Allow 2 to 3 hours, often in a small group, at a pace suited to your curiosity.
Book →Museums & skip-the-line tickets
Venise is packed with must-see museums and monuments. Book your skip-the-line tickets in Venise and enjoy the finest collections without losing an hour in the queue. Tickets are dated and timed: book the day before in high season, as morning slots go first.
Book →Cruises & boat trips
Seeing Venise from the water means rediscovering it. Hop aboard a cruise or boat ride and admire the finest views of Venise on the water, by day or at sunset. One-hour guided cruises, with or without a meal option: there's something for every budget, often boarding right in the centre.
Book →Food tours & gastronomy
Food is part of the journey. Treat yourself to a food tour in Venise: local markets, regional specialties and tastings to savour Venise like a true local. Allow 3 to 4 hours and come hungry: between street bites and neighbourhood spots, a good food tour is often worth a full meal.
Book →Outdoors & activities
Feel like moving? Venise lends itself to bike rides, hikes and outdoor activities to explore the city and its surroundings from a different angle. Bike rentals, guided e-bike tours or active excursions: a way to cover more ground while enjoying the fresh air.
Book →Day trips
The most beautiful treasures sometimes hide at the gates of Venise. Book a day trip to discover the villages, castles and landscapes nearby. Transport, guide and sometimes lunch are usually included: a hassle-free day to see more without the logistics.
Book →Venise: frequently asked questions
Should I book activities in advance in Venice?
Yes for the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica, which run on timed slots. Note too that a city access fee applies on certain high-traffic days.
How many days to visit Venice?
Two days are enough for the city, plus a half or full day for the lagoon islands (Murano, Burano).
Which area to stay in Venice?
San Marco to be central, Cannaregio or Dorsoduro for more calm and authenticity, often at gentler prices.
When is the best time to visit Venice?
April-May and September-October. Avoid summer (heat, crowds) and beware of the acqua alta in autumn-winter.
Plan Venise day by day
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