Venice baby🌙 FREE travel guide
A weekend in one of the most romantic places in the world? Yes please! But since it's a famous and crowded destination, let me help you planning your stay by giving you all the informations you need and my suggestions on where to sleep and where/what to eat to still have an authentic experience. This guide includes the best places to visit + info, a selection of the best hotels and airbnbs together with restaurants/osterie (also tested by me), info about getting there and around. NB: This is not a PDF but an interactive guide which means that when you click on a place in the guide or map you can directly open directions on your phone's Google Maps app, call restaurants or book hotels. Don't forget to dowload the free Thatch app to get easier access!
31 Places ‱ 64 Saves ‱ ago
Free

Best spots and things to do

do
do
Ponte dei Sospiri
An iconic view of Venice! His 15th-century construction was dubbed the “Bridge of Sighs” as it was said that the convicted Venetian prisoners would let out a sigh at their final view of Venice from the bridge before being taken down to their cells.
Details
do
do
Libreria Acqua Alta
One of the most beautiful and unique library in the world! Open every day from 09:00 am to 19:30 pm. I would highly suggest you to go at the opening time if you can, because it's always very crowded and you'll have to queue to take pictures!
Details
do
do
Burano
Burano island is a must day trip to do from Venice! It's famous for the lace working art and its bright multicolored houses! To get there you need to catch a water bus from Venice. There are a few spots you can catch one, the most accessible one being Zaccaria Pieta near St Mark’s Square. Catch the ferry number 14 from here. The other one is line number 12 from the boat stop ‘Fondamente Nove’ (this is also shortened to ‘F.te Nove’ on most signs). The journey takes around 40-45 minutes and it's $15 for a return ticket
Details
do
do
Ponte di Rialto
Walking over Rialto Bridge, you’ll get an amazing view of the Grand Canal that is why it is the most crowded spot for sunset!
Details
do
do
Ponte dell'Accademia
The view from this bridge is simply stunning! And by crossing it you'll get to another side of Venice called Dorsoduro
Details
do
do
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
You will see this beauty from almost everywhere in Venice but you can also visit it! Opening hours: Every day 9:00 am – 12:00 pm / 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm Opening hours are reduced for the celebration of Sunday Mass, and in general are subject to change.
Details
do
do
Scala Contarini del Bovolo
An architectural gem and one of the best views from the top of the spiral staircase! Full ticket is 8 € you can get it at the link below
Details
do
do
Collezione Peggy Guggenheim
A modern art museum on the Grand Canal in the Dorsoduro sestiere of Venice, Italy. The collection is housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, an 18th-century palace, which was the home of the American heiress Peggy Guggenheim for three decades. The collection includes works of prominent Italian futurists and American modernists working in such genres as Cubism, Surrealism and abstract expressionism. Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Closed on Tuesdays and December 25.
Details
do
do
Hotel San MoisĂš
There is actually no name for this place but since it's a random dock behind an hotel called Hotel San Moise, I called the place as the hotel! This is def the perfect photo spot and the ideal location to experience the quintessential beauty of Venice. To find it you can click below on google maps or write: 2036 Piscina S. Moise Venezia VE, Italy
Details

Take a look at some of the videos I made about Venice:

What to eat

Let’s take a look at some essential and traditional Venetian foods you should really try:

- Cicchetti (small dishes of local finger foods and snacks). If you’re on a budget and looking for cheap eats in Venice, cicchetti are the perfect option. The price for an individual piece typically ranges from 1 to 5 EUR, depending on the type and size

- BaccalĂ  Mantecato (dried cod that is soaked, poached, and whipped vigorously with olive oil until it becomes mousse-like with a light and fluffy consistency).

- Sarde in Saor (fried sardine fillets marinated in a sweet and sour mixture of vinegar, raisins, sautéed sliced onions, and pine nuts)

- Nero di Seppia (consists of sliced cuttlefish in its own rich, jet-black ink sauce. It can be served with both risotto and pasta as Risotto al nero di seppia or Spaghetti al nero di seppia)

- Venetian-style liver (calf’s liver sliced into ribbons and sautĂ©ed with parsley and white onions. It is commonly served with polenta as a side dish)

- FrĂŹtole (dough ball fritters laced with liquor-soaked raisins, crunchy pine nuts and powdered sugar)

Here is a video I made about the food you should try when in Venice! :)

Where to eat

eat
eat
Enoteca Al Volto
We personally tested this little restaurant and it's amazing if you want to try the local food! Don't forget to call for a reservation
Details
eat
eat
Terminal 2.0
A typical venetian cicchetti bar (finger food), the best we tried!!
Details
eat
eat
Al Timon
Another cicchetti bar! The establishment is on a canal and they have boats out front where you can sit so you have two options: you can grab some cicchetti and a drink and sit on a boat outside or you can sit inside and have a proper meal.
Details
eat
eat
Paradiso Perduto
We didn't personally eat here but this place is a local legend. It's filled with students, professors, poets, and musicians
Details
eat
eat
Ristorante ai Barbacani
We didn't personally test this place but if you're looking for a romantic spot this might be the one! Take a look at my video below
Details
eat
eat
Ristorante Lineadombra
If you're looking for a fine dining experience this is the place! Lineadombra created a floating terrace that allows you to have a unique dining experience directly on the lagoon. Their specialty is seafood. There are some typical Venetian dishes, but they have put their own twists onto them
Details
eat
eat
Ai Gondolieri
Behind the Guggenheim Museum, this rustic restaurant offers a meat menu only linked to the classic and regional tradition. Lately, the restaurant has been enriched with a well-stocked wine shop with a wide selection of whites, reds and bubbles. Together with a good glass, Ai Gondolieri offers typical Venetian products
Details

Where to stay

There are several areas in Venice where you can stay, the most central being San Marco, Dorsoduro and San Polo but of course this means they are more crowded and expensive. Or you can choose some neighborhoods like Cannaregio and Castello that are quieter but you will have to walk more to get to most of the popular sites.

It's up to you so here is a selection I made of the best hotels and apt in Venice. Take a look at the map to understand in which area they are and what are the closer attractions! 

Budget friendly

stay
stay
Hotel Tiziano
stay
stay
Ca' Degli Antichi Giardini
stay
stay
Luxury Venetian Rooms
stay
stay
Ca Contessa Michelle in Venice apartment
stay
stay
Pensione Guerrato

Mid range

stay
stay
Ruzzini Palace Hotel
stay
stay
Aqua Palace Hotel
stay
stay
Hotel Al Ponte dei Sospiri
stay
stay
Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace
stay
stay
Ca' Bonvicini

Luxury

stay
stay
The Gritti Palace
stay
stay
The St. Regis Venice
stay
stay
Canaletto Luxury Suites – San Marco Luxury
stay
stay
Baglioni Hotel Luna
stay
stay
Hotel Danieli

Airbnbs

General informations

Getting there FROM MARCO POLO AIRPORT

To reach Venice from the Venice Marco Paolo airport, take bus route No. 5-AeroBus, a 20-minute ride to Piazzale Roma, one of the main tourist terminals in Venice: from there the ACTV public transport waterbuses leave for the historic centre of Venice. Route 5-AeroBus departs from the bus lane located just metres away from the airport's arrivals exit.

Getting there FROM TREVISO AIRPORT

To reach Venice from the Treviso Canova airport, take the ATVO Bus Express, a 60-minute ride to Piazzale Roma, one of the main tourist terminals in Venice: from there the ACTV public transport waterbuses leave for the historic centre of Venice.

Getting there FROM SANTA LUCIA STATION

ACTV waterbus landing stages are just feet away from Venice Santa Lucia railway station.

‘A’ waterbus stop for waterbus routes No. 2 and N (Night service) direction P.le Roma, Tronchetto, Giudecca and St.Mark’s-S. Zaccaria (via Giudecca).

‘B’ waterbus stop for waterbus route No. 2 direction Rialto and St.Mark’s - via Grand Canal – (up to the Lido in summer) and for the night service N direction Rialto, St.Mark’s and Lido di Venezia.

‘C’ waterbus stop for waterbus routes No. 3 to P.le Roma, No. 4.1 direction P.le Roma, Giudecca and St.Mark’s-S. Zaccaria, No. 5.1 direction P.le Roma, Zattere, St.Mark’s-S. Zaccaria and Lido S. Maria Elisabetta (S.M.E).

‘D’ waterbus stop for waterbus routes No. 3 to Murano (direct service), No. 4.2 to F.te Nove-Murano, No. 5.2 to F.te Nove-Lido S.M.E. From Murano Faro stop change with route No. 12 for Burano-Torcello or route No. 13 for Sant’Erasmo.

‘E’ waterbus stop for waterbus route No. 1 direction Rialto, St.Mark’s, Lido di Venezia via Canal Grande

WHERE TO BUY WATERBUS TICKETS

ACTV bus and waterbus tickets can be purchased:

-on line from VeneziaUnica website

-on site at the VeneziaUnica ticket offices at the Railway station

- automatic ticket machine at the landing stages

- Venezia Unica ticket offices at the Ferrovia ‘S.Lucia’ and ‘Scalzi’ landing stages

- Temporary Info Point outside the main entrance to the railway station– during certain periods of the year.

GETTING AROUND

Walking: There are a few ways to get around Venice but the most common is going to be walking!

Water Taxi: If you’re looking to go somewhere a bit further or have heavy bags that you don’t want to carry, you can take a water taxi but be aware they're not a cheap option

Water Buses: Water buses also called "vaporettos" are a great option for getting around! See the "where to buy waterbus tickets" section

Gondola ride

Visiting Venice by gondola allows you to observe the hidden and usually unreachable corners of the city in a different way.

The cost for a 30 minute ride is about €80.00. This is for the ENTIRE boat, not per person. Up to six people can ride in a gondola and split it. The water tour can start from anywhere in the city, but most gondolas are usually found in the main canals, or near the Venetian streets/alleys “calli”.

You don’t want to spend 80 or 100 euros on a gondola ride? Keep reading..

You can still have the experience for a much cheaper price: just two euros. How? Hop on a gondola crossing the Grand Canal. It’s called the traghetto, it’s not fancy, and the journey only takes a minute or two, but it’s enough time to snap a quick photo of yourself and get an incredible view of the Grand Canal from a traditional gondola.

The most reliable traghetto crossing is at the small wooden dock right beside the Rialto fish market. This gondola crosses the Grand Canal every day from around 9 AM to 7 PM.

When to go

You can go to Venice all year round but consider that for a few days a year, usually in autumn and winter, you may find that there is high water in the allies (calli) and squares (campielli).

Because of a series of phenomena - the strong south-east wind (scirocco), the Adriatic sea-currents, low pressure, gravitational attraction of the sun and the moon - the sea level rises to flood the lower areas of the city. These are floods of no more than a few centimeters that only last a couple of hours. The tide then goes out and everything returns to normal.

As a rule, you only need to wear a pair of rubber boots; the water buses continue their service, although some routes may be modified, but nevertheless access to the whole city is guaranteed. You can still reach the main places of the city on foot thanks to raised pedestrian platforms that allow you to cross the points where water would otherwise prevent you from doing so.

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Send Ludovica Caracciolo some gratitude.
Select your tip amount
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Venice baby🌙 FREE travel guide
A weekend in one of the most romantic places in the world? Yes please! But since it's a famous and crowded destination, let me help you planning your stay by giving you all the informations you need and my suggestions on where to sleep and where/what to eat to still have an authentic experience. This guide includes the best places to visit + info, a selection of the best hotels and airbnbs together with restaurants/osterie (also tested by me), info about getting there and around. NB: This is not a PDF but an interactive guide which means that when you click on a place in the guide or map you can directly open directions on your phone's Google Maps app, call restaurants or book hotels. Don't forget to dowload the free Thatch app to get easier access!
31 Places ‱ 64 Saves ‱ ago
Free

Best spots and things to do

do
do
Ponte dei Sospiri
An iconic view of Venice! His 15th-century construction was dubbed the “Bridge of Sighs” as it was said that the convicted Venetian prisoners would let out a sigh at their final view of Venice from the bridge before being taken down to their cells.
Details
do
do
Libreria Acqua Alta
One of the most beautiful and unique library in the world! Open every day from 09:00 am to 19:30 pm. I would highly suggest you to go at the opening time if you can, because it's always very crowded and you'll have to queue to take pictures!
Details
do
do
Burano
Burano island is a must day trip to do from Venice! It's famous for the lace working art and its bright multicolored houses! To get there you need to catch a water bus from Venice. There are a few spots you can catch one, the most accessible one being Zaccaria Pieta near St Mark’s Square. Catch the ferry number 14 from here. The other one is line number 12 from the boat stop ‘Fondamente Nove’ (this is also shortened to ‘F.te Nove’ on most signs). The journey takes around 40-45 minutes and it's $15 for a return ticket
Details
do
do
Ponte di Rialto
Walking over Rialto Bridge, you’ll get an amazing view of the Grand Canal that is why it is the most crowded spot for sunset!
Details
do
do
Ponte dell'Accademia
The view from this bridge is simply stunning! And by crossing it you'll get to another side of Venice called Dorsoduro
Details
do
do
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
You will see this beauty from almost everywhere in Venice but you can also visit it! Opening hours: Every day 9:00 am – 12:00 pm / 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm Opening hours are reduced for the celebration of Sunday Mass, and in general are subject to change.
Details
do
do
Scala Contarini del Bovolo
An architectural gem and one of the best views from the top of the spiral staircase! Full ticket is 8 € you can get it at the link below
Details
do
do
Collezione Peggy Guggenheim
A modern art museum on the Grand Canal in the Dorsoduro sestiere of Venice, Italy. The collection is housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, an 18th-century palace, which was the home of the American heiress Peggy Guggenheim for three decades. The collection includes works of prominent Italian futurists and American modernists working in such genres as Cubism, Surrealism and abstract expressionism. Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Closed on Tuesdays and December 25.
Details
do
do
Hotel San MoisĂš
There is actually no name for this place but since it's a random dock behind an hotel called Hotel San Moise, I called the place as the hotel! This is def the perfect photo spot and the ideal location to experience the quintessential beauty of Venice. To find it you can click below on google maps or write: 2036 Piscina S. Moise Venezia VE, Italy
Details

Take a look at some of the videos I made about Venice:

What to eat

Let’s take a look at some essential and traditional Venetian foods you should really try:

- Cicchetti (small dishes of local finger foods and snacks). If you’re on a budget and looking for cheap eats in Venice, cicchetti are the perfect option. The price for an individual piece typically ranges from 1 to 5 EUR, depending on the type and size

- BaccalĂ  Mantecato (dried cod that is soaked, poached, and whipped vigorously with olive oil until it becomes mousse-like with a light and fluffy consistency).

- Sarde in Saor (fried sardine fillets marinated in a sweet and sour mixture of vinegar, raisins, sautéed sliced onions, and pine nuts)

- Nero di Seppia (consists of sliced cuttlefish in its own rich, jet-black ink sauce. It can be served with both risotto and pasta as Risotto al nero di seppia or Spaghetti al nero di seppia)

- Venetian-style liver (calf’s liver sliced into ribbons and sautĂ©ed with parsley and white onions. It is commonly served with polenta as a side dish)

- FrĂŹtole (dough ball fritters laced with liquor-soaked raisins, crunchy pine nuts and powdered sugar)

Here is a video I made about the food you should try when in Venice! :)

Where to eat

eat
eat
Enoteca Al Volto
We personally tested this little restaurant and it's amazing if you want to try the local food! Don't forget to call for a reservation
Details
eat
eat
Terminal 2.0
A typical venetian cicchetti bar (finger food), the best we tried!!
Details
eat
eat
Al Timon
Another cicchetti bar! The establishment is on a canal and they have boats out front where you can sit so you have two options: you can grab some cicchetti and a drink and sit on a boat outside or you can sit inside and have a proper meal.
Details
eat
eat
Paradiso Perduto
We didn't personally eat here but this place is a local legend. It's filled with students, professors, poets, and musicians
Details
eat
eat
Ristorante ai Barbacani
We didn't personally test this place but if you're looking for a romantic spot this might be the one! Take a look at my video below
Details
eat
eat
Ristorante Lineadombra
If you're looking for a fine dining experience this is the place! Lineadombra created a floating terrace that allows you to have a unique dining experience directly on the lagoon. Their specialty is seafood. There are some typical Venetian dishes, but they have put their own twists onto them
Details
eat
eat
Ai Gondolieri
Behind the Guggenheim Museum, this rustic restaurant offers a meat menu only linked to the classic and regional tradition. Lately, the restaurant has been enriched with a well-stocked wine shop with a wide selection of whites, reds and bubbles. Together with a good glass, Ai Gondolieri offers typical Venetian products
Details

Where to stay

There are several areas in Venice where you can stay, the most central being San Marco, Dorsoduro and San Polo but of course this means they are more crowded and expensive. Or you can choose some neighborhoods like Cannaregio and Castello that are quieter but you will have to walk more to get to most of the popular sites.

It's up to you so here is a selection I made of the best hotels and apt in Venice. Take a look at the map to understand in which area they are and what are the closer attractions! 

Budget friendly

stay
stay
Hotel Tiziano
stay
stay
Ca' Degli Antichi Giardini
stay
stay
Luxury Venetian Rooms
stay
stay
Ca Contessa Michelle in Venice apartment
stay
stay
Pensione Guerrato

Mid range

stay
stay
Ruzzini Palace Hotel
stay
stay
Aqua Palace Hotel
stay
stay
Hotel Al Ponte dei Sospiri
stay
stay
Hotel Nani Mocenigo Palace
stay
stay
Ca' Bonvicini

Luxury

stay
stay
The Gritti Palace
stay
stay
The St. Regis Venice
stay
stay
Canaletto Luxury Suites – San Marco Luxury
stay
stay
Baglioni Hotel Luna
stay
stay
Hotel Danieli

Airbnbs

General informations

Getting there FROM MARCO POLO AIRPORT

To reach Venice from the Venice Marco Paolo airport, take bus route No. 5-AeroBus, a 20-minute ride to Piazzale Roma, one of the main tourist terminals in Venice: from there the ACTV public transport waterbuses leave for the historic centre of Venice. Route 5-AeroBus departs from the bus lane located just metres away from the airport's arrivals exit.

Getting there FROM TREVISO AIRPORT

To reach Venice from the Treviso Canova airport, take the ATVO Bus Express, a 60-minute ride to Piazzale Roma, one of the main tourist terminals in Venice: from there the ACTV public transport waterbuses leave for the historic centre of Venice.

Getting there FROM SANTA LUCIA STATION

ACTV waterbus landing stages are just feet away from Venice Santa Lucia railway station.

‘A’ waterbus stop for waterbus routes No. 2 and N (Night service) direction P.le Roma, Tronchetto, Giudecca and St.Mark’s-S. Zaccaria (via Giudecca).

‘B’ waterbus stop for waterbus route No. 2 direction Rialto and St.Mark’s - via Grand Canal – (up to the Lido in summer) and for the night service N direction Rialto, St.Mark’s and Lido di Venezia.

‘C’ waterbus stop for waterbus routes No. 3 to P.le Roma, No. 4.1 direction P.le Roma, Giudecca and St.Mark’s-S. Zaccaria, No. 5.1 direction P.le Roma, Zattere, St.Mark’s-S. Zaccaria and Lido S. Maria Elisabetta (S.M.E).

‘D’ waterbus stop for waterbus routes No. 3 to Murano (direct service), No. 4.2 to F.te Nove-Murano, No. 5.2 to F.te Nove-Lido S.M.E. From Murano Faro stop change with route No. 12 for Burano-Torcello or route No. 13 for Sant’Erasmo.

‘E’ waterbus stop for waterbus route No. 1 direction Rialto, St.Mark’s, Lido di Venezia via Canal Grande

WHERE TO BUY WATERBUS TICKETS

ACTV bus and waterbus tickets can be purchased:

-on line from VeneziaUnica website

-on site at the VeneziaUnica ticket offices at the Railway station

- automatic ticket machine at the landing stages

- Venezia Unica ticket offices at the Ferrovia ‘S.Lucia’ and ‘Scalzi’ landing stages

- Temporary Info Point outside the main entrance to the railway station– during certain periods of the year.

GETTING AROUND

Walking: There are a few ways to get around Venice but the most common is going to be walking!

Water Taxi: If you’re looking to go somewhere a bit further or have heavy bags that you don’t want to carry, you can take a water taxi but be aware they're not a cheap option

Water Buses: Water buses also called "vaporettos" are a great option for getting around! See the "where to buy waterbus tickets" section

Gondola ride

Visiting Venice by gondola allows you to observe the hidden and usually unreachable corners of the city in a different way.

The cost for a 30 minute ride is about €80.00. This is for the ENTIRE boat, not per person. Up to six people can ride in a gondola and split it. The water tour can start from anywhere in the city, but most gondolas are usually found in the main canals, or near the Venetian streets/alleys “calli”.

You don’t want to spend 80 or 100 euros on a gondola ride? Keep reading..

You can still have the experience for a much cheaper price: just two euros. How? Hop on a gondola crossing the Grand Canal. It’s called the traghetto, it’s not fancy, and the journey only takes a minute or two, but it’s enough time to snap a quick photo of yourself and get an incredible view of the Grand Canal from a traditional gondola.

The most reliable traghetto crossing is at the small wooden dock right beside the Rialto fish market. This gondola crosses the Grand Canal every day from around 9 AM to 7 PM.

When to go

You can go to Venice all year round but consider that for a few days a year, usually in autumn and winter, you may find that there is high water in the allies (calli) and squares (campielli).

Because of a series of phenomena - the strong south-east wind (scirocco), the Adriatic sea-currents, low pressure, gravitational attraction of the sun and the moon - the sea level rises to flood the lower areas of the city. These are floods of no more than a few centimeters that only last a couple of hours. The tide then goes out and everything returns to normal.

As a rule, you only need to wear a pair of rubber boots; the water buses continue their service, although some routes may be modified, but nevertheless access to the whole city is guaranteed. You can still reach the main places of the city on foot thanks to raised pedestrian platforms that allow you to cross the points where water would otherwise prevent you from doing so.

Send A Tip
Send Ludovica Caracciolo some gratitude.
Select your tip amount
$3
$5
$10
$20
Or type in other amount
$