VENICE
Venice & The Lagoon is an incomparable world of water, history, and art, where the canals are the streets and the light shimmers on ancient palaces. It is a city that defies reality, a masterpiece floating on the Adriatic Sea.
This region is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a testament to a powerful maritime republic that connected the East and West. It is a land of iconic sights, from St. Mark’s Square to the vibrant colors of the outer islands.
Most Popular Attractions
San Marco & Castello (The Historic Center):
St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco): The heart of Venice, often called “the drawing-room of Europe,” surrounded by historic buildings.
St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco): A breathtaking cathedral, a masterpiece of Italo-Byzantine architecture with glittering mosaics.
Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale): The former seat of the Venetian government, a stunning Gothic palace facing the lagoon.
St. Mark’s Campanile (Campanile di San Marco): The basilica’s bell tower, offering panoramic views of Venice and the lagoon.
Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri): A famous enclosed bridge connecting the Doge’s Palace to the New Prisons.
Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto): The most famous bridge on the Grand Canal, a critical pedestrian crossing and viewing point.
Teatro La Fenice: One of the most famous and beautiful opera houses in Italy, tragically rebuilt after a fire.
Libreria Acqua Alta: A charming, unique, and eccentric bookstore known for storing books in bathtubs and gondolas to protect them from flooding.
Scuola Grande di San Rocco: A Venetian confraternity building adorned with magnificent paintings by Tintoretto.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection: A premier museum of European and American modern art housed in an 18th-century palace on the Grand Canal.
Palazzo Grassi: A significant contemporary art museum housed in an elegant Neoclassical palace.
Church of San Giorgio Maggiore: Located on its own small island, a stunning church designed by Andrea Palladio, offering magnificent views from its tower.
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute: An imposing Baroque church dominating the entrance to the Grand Canal, built to celebrate the end of a plague.
Gallerie dell’Accademia: A museum housing a collection of Venetian paintings, featuring masterpieces by Bellini, Titian, and Veronese.
Cannaregio District: A less-touristy residential area, home to the historic Jewish Ghetto and charming fondamenta (waterside walkways).
Dorsoduro District: Known for its art museums, quieter atmosphere, and popular student life.
Campo Santa Margherita: A large, lively square in the Dorsoduro district, popular with students and locals.
Frari Church (Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari): A grand Gothic church containing the tombs of Titian and Canova, and Titian’s Assumption of the Virgin.
Cicchetti crawl: The quintessential Venetian experience of hopping between bàcari (local bars) for small snacks and local wine.
Mercato di Rialto: The historic food market, especially the Pescheria (fish market), offering a vibrant glimpse into Venetian daily life.
The Northern Lagoon Islands (Artisanal & Colorful):
Murano: Famous worldwide for its history of glass-making. Visit a glass factory for a demonstration or explore the Murano Glass Museum.
Burano: Known for its brightly painted fishermen’s houses, making it one of the most photogenic islands in the world, and its tradition of lacemaking.
Torcello: The oldest continuously populated region of Venice, now sparsely inhabited but home to the historic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
San Francesco del Deserto: A tranquil, secluded island with a Franciscan monastery, an oasis of peace.
Mazzorbo: A quiet island connected to Burano by a wooden bridge, famous for its Venissa vineyard and traditional Venetian vegetable gardens.
The Southern Lagoon & Coast (Beaches & History):
Lido di Venezia: A long, narrow island, famous for its sandy beaches and hosting the Venice Film Festival every September.
Chioggia: Often called “Little Venice,” a bustling fishing port with canals, bridges, and a less-touristed, authentic atmosphere.
Pellestrina: A thin barrier island known for its colorful houses and the murazzi (massive stone sea defenses).
San Lazzaro degli Armeni: A small island home to a monastery of the Armenian Mekhitarist Congregation, a significant center of Armenian culture.
Forte Marghera: A historic fortress on the mainland, now a cultural and leisure hub, offering views back toward the lagoon.
Activities & Experiences
Take a Gondola Ride Through the Canals: Experience Venice’s most iconic activity, floating along the intimate back canals and under historic bridges. Opt for a serenaded ride for a classic romantic experience.
Witness Glass Blowing on Murano: Take a vaporetto (water bus) to the island of Murano and visit a furnace to watch master artisans create stunning glassworks, a tradition dating back centuries.
Attend an Opera or Classical Music Concert: Experience world-class music in a historic Venetian venue like the Teatro La Fenice or a small Scuola (fraternity hall) for an unforgettable evening.
Explore the Colorful Island of Burano: Visit Burano, famous for its brightly painted fishermen’s houses, and wander the canals. It’s also the traditional home of intricate Venetian lace-making.
Learn to Row a Venetian Voga alla Veneta: Take a lesson in the unique stand-up rowing style of Venice, offering a workout and a truly local way to navigate the canals in a traditional sandolo or caorlina.
Go on a Cicchetti and Wine Crawl: Experience the Venetian version of a tapas crawl. Hop between traditional bacari (bars) and sample cicchetti (small snacks) alongside a glass of local ombra (wine).
Visit the Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs: Tour the political and judicial heart of the Venetian Republic for centuries, exploring the magnificent halls and crossing the famous Bridge of Sighs.
Take a Cooking Class for Venetian & Lagoon Cuisine: Learn to prepare local specialties, such as sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines) or fresh seafood risotto, with a professional chef.
Climb the Campanile di San Giorgio Maggiore: Take the elevator up the bell tower on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore for the most iconic, postcard-perfect views of Venice’s skyline and Doge’s Palace.
Bike or Hike the Lido di Venezia: Rent a bike and explore the quiet, less-crowded parts of the Lido, the famous sandbar that hosts the Venice Film Festival, or relax on its beaches.
Visit the Mosaics of Torcello: Take a trip to the quiet, sparsely populated island of Torcello to see the stunning Byzantine mosaics in the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Venice’s first cathedral.
Explore the Grand Canal by Vaporetto: Ride the Vaporetto Line 1 from one end of the Grand Canal to the other to see all the major palaces, bridges, and landmarks from the water—it’s the cheapest sightseeing cruise.
Local Tips & Transport
Walking is Essential and Rewarding: Venice is a pedestrian-only city. Be prepared to walk extensively and get gloriously lost in the labyrinthine alleys (calli). Your phone GPS may be unreliable, so look for the yellow signs pointing to major landmarks like Rialto, San Marco, and Ferrovia (Train Station).
Vaporetto (Water Bus): This is the city’s public transport lifeline.
Tickets: A single ride is expensive; purchase a Venezia Unica City Pass or a multi-day pass (1, 2, 3, or 7 days) if you plan on using the water buses more than twice a day or visiting the lagoon islands.
Key Lines: Line 1 is the slow, scenic route down the Grand Canal. Line 2 is faster but follows a similar route. Lines 12 and 14 are essential for reaching Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
Gondolas & Traghetti:
Gondolas are for sightseeing and are often booked as a full experience.
Traghetti are shared gondolas that ferry people across the Grand Canal in places where there are no bridges. They are a much cheaper, quick local way to cross (pay the gondoliere directly).
From the Airport (VCE):
Water Taxi: The fastest, most expensive, and most luxurious way, taking you directly to your hotel dock.
Alilaguna Water Bus: A more affordable water option that stops at various points, including Murano and San Marco.
ATVO Bus: A fast, direct bus to Piazzale Roma (the main entry point for cars and buses on the edge of the island). From here, you must walk or take a Vaporetto.
Acqua Alta (High Water): If visiting in late autumn or winter (October to March), be prepared for potential flooding. The city now has the MOSE flood barrier system, but lower-level areas may still flood. Small, temporary walkways are put up. You may want to pack or buy waterproof boots.
The Bacaro (Tapas) Culture: Embrace the Venetian bacari tradition.
Food: Order Cicchetti (small bites, like crostini, meatballs, or mini sandwiches) and enjoy them standing at the bar with a glass of local wine, known as an ombra (shade, a small glass of wine).
Time: This is a late afternoon/early evening ritual (6 PM – 8 PM) before a later dinner.
Dining Times & Cover Charges:
Dinner is typically later, starting around 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Avoid “Tourist Menus”: Restaurants near major landmarks often offer inflated prices and mediocre food. Wander into the Cannaregio or Castello neighborhoods for better quality.
Coperto & Servizio: Most restaurants charge a Coperto (cover charge for bread and setting the table) and sometimes a Servizio (service charge, effectively a tip). Check the menu—if servizio is included, no further tip is expected.
The Lost Art of Getting Lost: The best parts of Venice are found when you deliberately turn away from the San Marco/Rialto crowds. Leave your map and follow the quiet fondamenta (waterside paths) and calli to find hidden squares (campi) and authentic local life.
Hidden Gems:
Libreria Acqua Alta: A charming, quirky bookstore where books are stacked in gondolas, bathtubs, and canoes to protect them from high tides. It’s a wonderfully photogenic spot.
Scuola Grande di San Rocco: Often overshadowed by the Doge’s Palace, this “school” houses a stunning cycle of paintings by Tintoretto, rivaling the Sistine Chapel in scope.
Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio (Santa Croce): A beautiful, peaceful, and large campo where local children play, and life proceeds at a relaxed pace, far from the tourist frenzy.
The Jewish Ghetto: Located in Cannaregio, this is the world’s oldest Jewish Ghetto, a historic and quiet area with unique architecture and museums.
Top Restaurants
Osteria Al Squero [$10-$20] – A classic, unpretentious bacaro (traditional Venetian pub) located directly across the canal from a working gondola shipyard, famous for its excellent and affordable cicchetti (small snacks).
Cantine del Vino già Schiavi (Al Bottegon) [$10-$20] – A beloved, historic bacaro in Dorsoduro known for its incredible selection of wine and a wide array of creative, high-quality cicchetti at very low prices. No seating, stand-up only.
Trattoria Alla Madonna [$25-$45] – A long-standing, old-school Venetian institution near the Rialto Bridge, favored by locals for its consistently high-quality, traditional seafood dishes and buzzing atmosphere.
Trattoria Antiche Carampane [$40-$70] – Tucked away in San Polo, this trattoria is an authentic, family-run spot famed for its strictly fresh fish and seafood, with a cozy, unpretentious atmosphere.
Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti [$35-$60] – A tiny, intimate spot in Dorsoduro that’s highly regarded by locals for its short, daily-changing menu based on the freshest market ingredients and excellent wine list.
Cà D’Oro alla Vedova [$25-$45] – Known simply as ‘Alla Vedova,’ this classic osteria in Cannaregio is an institution, beloved for its traditional Venetian dishes, especially their famous polpette (meatballs).
Osteria alla Ciurma [$15-$30] – A small, bustling bacaro in San Polo popular for its deep-fried treats like tuna polpette and zucchini flowers stuffed with cod mousse.
Trattoria da’a Marisa [$30-$50] – A rustic, canal-side restaurant in Cannaregio, known for its authentic, hearty Venetian cuisine and a famous Menu Fisso (fixed-price menu) for locals, often featuring simple but excellent meat and seafood.
Osteria Al Portego [$20-$35] – A tiny, rustic spot near Campo San Lio, a favorite among locals for its simple, delicious food like spaghetti with clams and its fantastic, locally-focused cicchetti.
La Bitta [$30-$50] – A unique, cozy, and often quiet osteria in Dorsoduro that stands out in seafood-centric Venice for specializing in lovingly cooked, meat-based dishes.
Trattoria Al Gatto Nero [$50-$80] – Located on the colorful island of Burano, this renowned restaurant is a must-visit for its traditional, high-quality lagoon cuisine, particularly its exceptional seafood risotto di gò (goby fish risotto). Reservations are essential.
Locanda Cipriani [$70-$120] – An institution on the quiet island of Torcello, this restaurant is famous for its simple, classic Venetian elegance, beautiful gardens, and history of hosting royalty and celebrities like Ernest Hemingway.
Trattoria da Romano [$40-$70] – A historic restaurant on the island of Burano, famous for its old-school atmosphere and traditional fish dishes, particularly its seafood risotto, which draws food aficionados from afar.
Osteria Acquastanca [$35-$60] – Located on Murano, this bright and modern-rustic restaurant is praised for its fresh, high-quality seafood and creative twists on traditional island cuisine.
Il Paradiso Perduto [$25-$40] – Located on the lively Fondamenta della Misericordia, this eccentric, large osteria is known for its sprawling atmosphere, live music on certain nights, and generous portions of traditional Venetian seafood dishes.
Estro [$30-$55] – A chic, modern bistro in Dorsoduro with a focus on seasonal Venetian ingredients and an extensive, well-curated list of natural, organic, and biodynamic wines.
Lineadombra [$40-$70] – A sleek, contemporary restaurant in Dorsoduro with a stunning floating wooden terrace directly on the water, offering a modern take on classic Venetian seafood.
Osteria alle Testiere [$60-$90] – Widely regarded as one of Venice’s best, this tiny, 20-seat restaurant near the Rialto is highly exclusive, offering a daily-changing menu of creative, refined seafood dishes based on the morning’s catch.
Ristorante Riviera [$50-$80] – A contemporary restaurant on the Zattere (Dorsoduro) with a lovely waterfront terrace, offering a modern, minimalist interpretation of Venetian classic dishes.
La Zucca [$30-$50] – A charming, small, canal-side restaurant in Santa Croce offering one of Venice’s most unique menus, with a strong emphasis on seasonal vegetables, a rarity in this fish-heavy city.
Osteria Al Covino [$40-$70] – An intimate bistro near the Rialto that is fiercely local and focuses on sustainable, seasonal, and organic ingredients, often featuring a surprise tasting menu that blends Venetian and Neapolitan roots.
Vino Vero [$20-$35] – A modern bacaro in Cannaregio that focuses on natural wine and offers an inventive selection of cicchetti with both traditional and international influences.
Taverna al Remer [$30-$50] – Set in a gorgeous courtyard with an ancient well and a romantic view of the Grand Canal, this spot offers traditional dishes with a contemporary touch and a lively, local-favorite happy hour.
Venissa [$150-$250+] – Located in a walled vineyard on the island of Mazzorbo (connected to Burano), this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a serene, luxury Slow Food experience with hyper-local, seasonal tasting menus.
Glam Ristorante [$120-$200] – Venice’s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant, located in the lush garden of Palazzo Venart, offering an avant-garde and highly refined culinary experience that reimagines Lagoon flavors.
Ristorante Quadri [$150-$250+] – A historic, Michelin-starred restaurant located above the famous Caffè Quadri in Piazza San Marco, offering sophisticated, modern interpretations of Venetian cuisine in an opulent, stunning setting.
Club del Doge [$80-$150] – The signature restaurant of the Gritti Palace Hotel, offering a sublime, high-end dining experience with classic Venetian cuisine and a terrace with an unparalleled view of the Grand Canal.
Osteria Da Fiore [$100-$180] – A former Michelin-starred restaurant (now Bib Gourmand) in San Polo known for its refined, strictly seafood-focused cuisine with creative flair and an elegant, intimate setting.
Aman Venice Restaurant [$100-$180] – Located in the Aman Canal Grande hotel, this restaurant offers refined Italian and local cuisine in one of the city’s most breathtaking, palatial settings overlooking the Grand Canal.
Birraria La Corte [$25-$45] – Housed in a former brewery near Campo San Polo, this spacious and lively restaurant is popular for its wood-fired pizza, craft beer selection, and classic Venetian dishes.
La Tecia Vegana [$20-$35] – A highly-regarded spot in Santa Croce, unique for being one of the few places in Venice to focus entirely on creative, delicious, and hearty vegan and vegetarian Venetian-inspired cuisine.
Ristorante Al Covo [$60-$90] – A charming, rustic-style restaurant near the Arsenale that focuses on traditional Venetian and regional cuisine with an emphasis on local, sustainable products.
Bacareto da Lele [$5-$10] – A legendary, tiny, hole-in-the-wall bacaro near the train station, famous among students and locals for incredibly cheap but delicious mini-sandwiches (paninetti) and house wine. Stand-up only.
Hostaria Boccadoro [$40-$70] – Located in Cannaregio, this charming and elegant hostaria specializes in high-quality, authentic Venetian seafood and offers a very strong selection of wines.
Trattoria Alla Rampa [$20-$35] – An institution at the end of Via Garibaldi in Castello, famously opening at 5 am. It’s an unpretentious local favorite for a traditional, simple meal of meat and seafood dishes.
Al Mercà [$10-$20] – A tiny, vibrant stand near the Rialto market that is hugely popular for its gourmet mini-sandwiches (paninetti) and wide selection of wine and prosecco served by the glass.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Harry’s Bar: A legendary and historic bar located near Piazza San Marco, famous worldwide as the birthplace of the Bellini cocktail. It was a favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway and retains its classic, intimate 1930s charm.
Il Mercante: Found near the impressive Basilica dei Frari in the San Polo district, this sophisticated bar offers an adventurous cocktail menu inspired by the city’s merchant history, focusing on seasonal and artisanal ingredients.
Skyline Rooftop Bar: Perched atop the Hilton Molino Stucky on the Giudecca island, this bar boasts possibly the best panoramic views of the entire Venetian skyline. It offers creative cocktails, a sleek, modern ambiance, and often features live music or a DJ set.
Bar Longhi: Situated in the luxurious Gritti Palace hotel in the San Marco sestiere, this bar is known for its exquisite decor, Murano glass, and a terrace overlooking the Grand Canal, making it an ideal spot for an elegant, classic cocktail.
Arts Bar at The St. Regis Venice: Located in the San Marco area, this sophisticated hotel bar lives up to its name with an ambiance and libations that pay homage to artistic expression, offering inventive and visually stunning cocktails.
Taverna al Remer: Tucked away in a charming courtyard in the Cannaregio district, this hidden gem is known for its beautiful dockside location on the Grand Canal, offering a relaxed atmosphere perfect for sipping signature cocktails.
Time Social Bar: A charming and modern cocktail bar located in the Cannaregio district, offering a menu of expertly crafted cocktails, craft beers, and quality wines in a friendly, professional setting.
Vino Vero: Located on Fondamenta della Misericordia in Cannaregio, a popular nightlife area, this quaint wine bar focuses on natural wines and offers delicious small plates (cicchetti), with a small but quality selection of spirits and mixed drinks.
Margaret DuChamp: A popular and lively spot located in the student-friendly Campo Santa Margherita in the Dorsoduro district, known for its vibrant atmosphere, excellent selection of drinks, and being a late-night hangout.
Bar Dandolo: Located within the lavish Hotel Danieli near Piazza San Marco, this award-winning bar is embellished with Murano chandeliers, offering a beautiful setting to enjoy perfectly-made classic cocktails and live music.
Top of the Carlton: A sophisticated open-air rooftop bar on the highest floor of the Carlton Hotel in the Santa Croce district, offering lovely views of the Grand Canal, making it a great spot for an evening aperitivo.
Blue Bar: The glamorous bar at the Hotel Excelsior on the Lido di Venezia, famed for hosting high-profile stars during the Venice Film Festival. It features a Murano glass counter and offers signature cocktails in a timeless setting.
Rivalonga Bar + Lounge: Situated within the Hyatt Centric on the island of Murano, this bar provides a tranquil escape with cocktails and local wines, overlooking the Murano lagoon away from the main Venice crowds.
Chet Bar: A vibrant and laid-back bar in the Cannaregio area, popular with students and locals, offering classic cocktails, spritzers, and a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere with retro music.
Bacaro Jazz: Conveniently located between the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco, this quirky cocktail bar features a distinctive interior (including ceiling decorations) and offers cocktails, beers, and a lively vibe with a jazz soundtrack.
Piccolo Mondo Disco: Often cited as Venice’s oldest and one of the only full-fledged disco clubs on the main islands, located in the Dorsoduro district. It’s an intimate, small-capacity venue popular with university students for dancing into the early hours.
Molocinque: Located on the mainland in Mestre (Marghera), this is one of the larger and more established nightclubs in the region, featuring a multi-level space with varied music rooms ranging from commercial house to hip-hop and techno.
Aurora Beach Club: A popular summer-only beach club and nightclub located on the Lido di Venezia island. It offers open-air decks, live DJs, and a laid-back, yet lively, dance scene right by the sea.
Tag Club: An intimate venue behind the Venezia Mestre train station on the mainland, known for its eclectic line-up, which includes underground electro DJs, concerts, and exhibitions, appealing to a contemporary, alternative crowd.
Venice Jazz Club: An intimate, low-lit club in the Dorsoduro district, providing a sophisticated atmosphere for music lovers. While primarily a live music venue (featuring the VJC quartet and guest acts), it offers a full bar and a relaxing alternative to typical clubbing.
Al Vapore: Located in Mestre (Marghera), this waterfront venue is known for its diverse music selection, including live bands and DJ sets, making for an energetic space perfect for dancing, complemented by refreshing cocktails.
Area Venice: Found in the industrial-chic Marghera area of Mestre, this club is a hub for electronic music enthusiasts, specializing in techno, deep house, and EDM, attracting a dedicated underground following.
Skyline Rooftop Bar (DJ Events): While a cocktail bar, this venue on Giudecca island occasionally hosts high-end pool parties or late-night DJ sets, transforming the space into one of the most stylish spots for dancing with a view.
Blue Drop: A modern cocktail bar located on the Lido di Venezia. In the summer, its location near the beach can become a lively late-night spot, offering a chance for a night out on the island.
Pachuka Beach Club: Located in Jesolo, a popular beach town about an hour from Venice and part of the greater Lagoon area. This is a dedicated beach club offering a classic party atmosphere popular in the summer months.