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About Venice
Venice is one of the world's most extraordinary cities, built on 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by over 400 bridges. This guide covers the best hotels, attractions, restaurants and experiences in Venice.
- Capital
- Venice (regional capital of Veneto)
- Largest city
- Venice
- Population
- 258,685 (metropolitan area)
- Languages
- Italian (Venetian dialect widely spoken)
- Currency
- Euro
- Time zone
- CET/CEST (UTC+1/UTC+2)
Explore Venice by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Venice
The 25 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Gallerie dell'Accademia
Scuola Grande di San Rocco
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Venice Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Venice, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Venice
- Days 1-2Venice city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Venice
- Days 1-3Venice comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Venice, departure
Where to stay in Venice
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget €90
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range €200
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury €600+
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Danieli
Check rates on Booking.comBauer Palazzo
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Cipriani (Belmond)
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Venice
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Osteria alle Testiere
Trattoria da Romano
Cantina Do Mori
Riviera Restaurant
Trattoria alla Madonna
Il Ridotto
Getting around Venice
Venice has no cars or roads — all travel is by water or on foot. Vaporetti (water buses) are the main public transit. Marco Polo Airport connects to the city by water taxi or bus.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €40 | €110 | €400 |
| Food (per day) | €25 | €55 | €130 |
| Transportation | €15 | €20 | €50 |
| Activities | €10 | €15 | €20 |
| Daily total | €90 | €200 | €600+ |
Best time to visit Venice
Spring and autumn offer the best balance of mild weather and manageable crowds. Carnival in February draws huge numbers but is a unique cultural experience.
Essential travel tips
- Book St. Mark's Basilica entry and Doge's Palace tickets online to skip queues
- A 24-hour or 48-hour ACTV vaporetto pass saves money over single tickets
- Eat cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at bacari for affordable, authentic meals
- Walk early morning when the city is quieter and light is magical for photos
- Stay on the main island — hotels on Giudecca or near the Arsenale are quieter and cheaper
Safety information
Keep bags zipped and worn in front in St. Mark's Square and on vaporetti
Check menu prices before ordering — restaurants near major sights often charge service fees
Carry a paper map; phone GPS can lose signal in the narrow calli (streets)
Wear rubber-soled shoes — wet pavements and bridges become slippery in rain
Download the 'Città di Venezia' app for acqua alta flood alerts
Frequently asked questions
Is Venice safe to visit in 2026?
Venice is one of the safest cities in Italy with very low violent crime. The main concern is pickpocketing in crowded areas like St. Mark's Square. Emergency: 112 (general), 118 (ambulance), 113 (police).
What is the best time to visit Venice?
April-June and September-October offer the best weather and manageable crowds. Carnival in February is spectacular but very busy. August is oppressively hot and packed. November-January brings acqua alta (flooding) risk.
Do I need a visa to visit Venice?
Italy follows Schengen rules. EU/EEA citizens need only a valid ID. Most non-EU nationals can visit up to 90 days without a visa. Check with your country's nearest Italian embassy before traveling.
What currency is used in Venice?
The Euro (EUR). ATMs are available throughout the city. Most hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, but carry cash for bacari and small shops.
How do you get around Venice?
Venice has no cars. The main transit is the ACTV vaporetto (water bus), costing €9.50 per single trip or €25 for a 24-hour pass (~$27). Water taxis and gondolas are also available. Most sightseeing is done on foot.
What are the top attractions in Venice?
St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the islands of Murano and Burano, and the Frari church are must-sees.