Venice, Italy
Italy

Venice

The magical floating city of canals, gondolas, and timeless romance. Venice captivates with its unique architecture, rich history, and artistic treasures.

4.7
5+ million annually
Best: April-June, September-October

Landmarks

5+

Audio tours available

Duration

2-3 days minimum

Recommended stay

Rating

4.7

Visitor satisfaction

Best Time

April-June, September-October

Optimal visiting period

Why Visit Venice?

City Highlights

  • Historic canals and gondola rides
  • St. Mark's Square and Basilica
  • Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs
  • Murano and Burano islands
  • Venetian glass and mask traditions

Enhanced with Audio Tours

Experience Venice like never before with our expert-narrated audio tours. Get insider stories, historical context, and local insights as you explore each landmark at your own pace.

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All Attractions & Landmarks

5 must-visit places with audio guides

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Featured Audio Tours

St. Mark's Basilica
Audio Tour

St. Mark's Basilica

39 min6 chaptersChurch

Venice's Byzantine masterpiece adorned with golden mosaics and treasures from Constantinople. This 11th-century basilica features the Pala d'Oro altarpiece and four bronze horses overlooking the piazza.

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Rialto Bridge
Audio Tour

Rialto Bridge

44 min6 chaptersMonument

Venice's oldest bridge spanning the Grand Canal with shops and stunning views. This 16th-century stone arch bridge is an architectural icon and bustling marketplace connecting San Marco and San Polo.

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Murano Island
Audio Tour

Murano Island

123 min6 chaptersOther

Venice's legendary glassmaking island where artisans create masterpieces for centuries. Watch live demonstrations, visit the Glass Museum, and explore colorful canals away from Venice crowds.

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Doge's Palace

Doge's Palace

26 min6 chaptersPalace

Gothic masterpiece and seat of Venetian power featuring the Bridge of Sighs. This pink and white marble palace houses Tintoretto masterpieces and the notorious prison cells.

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St. Mark's Basilica
Church
39 min

St. Mark's Basilica

Venice's Byzantine masterpiece adorned with golden mosaics and treasures from Constantinople. This 11th-century basilica features the Pala d'Oro altarpiece and four bronze horses overlooking the piazza.

6 chapters
Rialto Bridge
Monument
44 min

Rialto Bridge

Venice's oldest bridge spanning the Grand Canal with shops and stunning views. This 16th-century stone arch bridge is an architectural icon and bustling marketplace connecting San Marco and San Polo.

6 chapters
Murano Island
Other
123 min

Murano Island

Venice's legendary glassmaking island where artisans create masterpieces for centuries. Watch live demonstrations, visit the Glass Museum, and explore colorful canals away from Venice crowds.

6 chapters
Doge's Palace
Palace
26 min

Doge's Palace

Gothic masterpiece and seat of Venetian power featuring the Bridge of Sighs. This pink and white marble palace houses Tintoretto masterpieces and the notorious prison cells.

6 chapters
Grand Canal
Monument
45 min

Grand Canal

Venice's main aquatic artery lined with stunning palazzos and crossed by four bridges. This 3.8km waterway showcases centuries of Venetian architecture and serves as the city's principal transportation route.

Practical Travel Information

Getting to Venice

Getting There

  • Marco Polo Airport (VCE) - 30 min by water taxi
  • Treviso Airport (TSF) - 1 hour by bus
  • Train connections from major Italian cities
  • No cars allowed in historic Venice

Transportation

  • Vaporetto (water bus) for main routes
  • Water taxis for direct travel
  • Gondolas for romantic tours
  • Walking across numerous bridges

Accommodation

  • San Marco: Central but expensive
  • Cannaregio: Quieter, more authentic
  • Dorsoduro: Artsy neighborhood
  • Mestre: Budget option on mainland

Food & Dining

  • Seafood and cicchetti (Venetian tapas)
  • Risotto and fresh pasta
  • Spritz cocktails at canal-side bars
  • Gelato from artisan shops

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need in Venice?

A minimum of 2-3 days allows you to see major sights including St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and take a gondola ride. Add an extra day for island visits to Murano and Burano.

Is Venice expensive?

Venice is one of Italy's most expensive cities. Budget travelers can save by staying in Mestre, eating at bacari (local bars), and using vaporetto passes instead of private water taxis.

When should I avoid Venice?

Avoid July-August for extreme crowds and heat, and be aware of acqua alta (flooding) in November. Carnival season is magical but extremely crowded.

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