Book the best 5 Star Luxury Hotels in Venice

Visit Venice and see the city on the water for yourself. The Santa Lucia train station is your gateway to an unforgettable experience. The Grand Canal also awaits you with its breathtaking beauty.

In Venice, the most romantic city globally, couples glide through the city's waterways in gondolas while gondola drivers serenade them with love songs. However, maps won't do you much good here. So relax and enjoy the disorientation, sign up for one of the best Venice tours, and get some help from a local. 

History

This beautiful city in Italy is best known for its many waterways. Venice has developed a romantic atmosphere, thanks to countless movies that have been filmed here. But if you're looking for a darker and eerie Venice, you can thank the classic horror film "Don't Look Now" for that.

The city of Venice is rich in history, dating back to the 6th century. It wasn't always just a city either - at one point, it was one of the most powerful trading empires in all of Europe. This was where goods from China would come to Europe back in the day. As a result, Venice was a pretty cosmopolitan city. It was a true melting pot of different cultures.

In 992, the empire offered Venice special trading rights in return for accepting its sovereignty again. As a result, the city quickly grew wealthier, and in 1082 they gained their independence.

Best Time to Visit Venice

Visitor numbers are at their lowest during winter, so you'll be able to enjoy all the romance of Venice without the hassle of big crowds. But during that time, it can be pretty harsh, with cold temperatures, lots of wind and rain, and fog.

Summertime in the city can be hot and crowded, but it's also the perfect time to head out to the beach on the Lido. Spring and fall are usually the best times to visit, with decent weather but few crowds. Late March to mid-April is a great time to go, Easter aside.

Also, Christmas may be calm, but New Year is always busy. And Carnival season (from mid-January to mid-February) is always packed with people.

Places to Visit and Things to Do

There's no place quite like Venice, and there's no shortage of things to do in this unique city. From strolling the canals to exploring the many museums and churches, there's something for everyone in Venice. These are some of the top things to do and places to visit here.

Walking Tour

When you first arrive in a new city, one of the best things you can do is take a free walking tour. You will get to see all the main sights, but you'll also connect with a local guide who gives you a few insider tips and advice.

These regular tours cover all the city's highlights, and at the end, you can tip your guide if you enjoyed the tour. Moreover, if you want to have a fantastic time and learn about the city, various companies offer walking tour services. They provide incredible walking and boat tours all around the city, led by expert local guides.

The Island of Lido

Lido is a perfect escaping spot. Just a 20-minute Vaporetto ride from Venice, this island is ideal for anyone looking to relax on the beach. Lido has everything you need for a perfect day (or two) away from the city with picturesque canals and plenty of restaurants and bars.

Rialto Market

This historic market has been around for over 700 years and is always bustling with fresh produce, meats, and seafood. It's an excellent place for people to watch and do some grocery shopping.

Campanile di San Marco

This tower was built in 1912, making it a replica of the original 16th-century Bell Tower of St. Mark, which tragically collapsed in 1902. This imposing structure is an exact match, down to the smallest detail. So climb on up and take in the stunning panoramic views. Afterward, have a coffee at Caffe Florian on St Mark´s Square.

The Jewish Ghetto

This historic neighborhood is located in the north-western part of Venice and is considered the world's first Ghetto. It came about in 1516 when the city's Jews had no choice but to settle here. Today, the Jewish Ghetto is a vibrant community with a rich history and culture.

Despite its troubling history, the area is now full of great restaurants, shops, and museums. It's a great place to explore, but tourists often overlook it.

Food Tour

Curious about the stories and traditions behind Venice's delicious cuisine? Then a food tour is a must. You'll get to try all the city's best foods while learning what makes the cuisine unique.

Various tour companies offer in-depth food tours. Their expert local guides will take you on a culinary tour of the best food spots, explaining the story and background behind each dish.

Culture and Customs

This city's economy largely depends on visitors with a solid tourism industry. So while you're busy making all your friends back home jealous with envy-inducing photos of your trip, remember that you will be sharing the canals with plenty of other tourists.

Everything from a person's dress to actions should be beautiful (Bella figura). This concept is so crucial to Italians that it's even written into the country's law.

When you first meet an Italian, they may seem a bit formal. But once you get to know them, you'll see that they're hot and helpful. They do value appearances, though, so it's always worth making an effort with your appearance. You might even find that you get better service if you dress well.

However, looking good isn't just about your physical appearance. It's also about your manners and how you carry yourself. So don't be obnoxiously loud or showy because that's a surefire way to make a wrong impression.

Additionally, if you want to impress Italians, try learning a bit of their language and using it whenever you can. They're usually patient and more than willing to help you learn more.

When you go into a store or restaurant, remember to say hello and goodbye to the employees. Even if you don't buy anything, it's still polite to greet them with a ciao and arrivederci. And wherever you go in Italy, don't forget to use please (per favore) and thank you (Grazie). Good manners are always appreciated.

Also, if you're planning on shopping or sightseeing while in Venice, be aware that many businesses and attractions close on Sundays (and sometimes other days too). Hours can vary from place to place, so it's always good to call ahead or check online before heading out. And during the week, some sites may close for a siesta in the afternoon.

While planning your trip, make sure you have some euros on hand – that's the city's official currency. However, it's good to check the current euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate before traveling.

What to Eat

Don't be surprised if your server doesn't bring your bill the minute you finish your meal. It's widespread for meals to last long and for people to linger over them. So you might even have to ask for the bill.

In Venice, you'll find all sorts of delicious seafood dishes and exotic fruits like pomegranates. This city has a long history as a port and merchant city, and you can taste that history in its unique cuisine. And if you're a fan of risotto, you'll be happy to know that the Veneto region is just as famous for its risotto as Lombardy is.

For some good eats from the Veneto region, you can't go wrong with tiramisù, radicchio, and polenta. Pork is also a popular option, as are hearty soups made with rice, root vegetables, and beans. Besides, pastries and sweets are an area where the Venetians excel. They know how to make some fantastic desserts.

From simple Osteria to Michelin-starred restaurants - Venice offers a food eldorado.

Where to Stay in Venice

When choosing where to stay in Venice, it is essential to consider your proximity to the attractions you want to see. It's also good to think about how to get to and from the airport and how you'll get around during your stay.

San Marco

San Marco is one of the best areas to stay in Venice to see the top tourist sights. It's famous for a reason - it's beautiful, historical, and there's always something going on. Plus, you can delight in the renowned square when you have some peace. That's usually late evenings or early mornings.

San Polo

Moreover, San Polo is the perfect place to stay if you want to be close to all the action but not right in the middle of it all. Just a short walk across the Rialto Bridge, this neighborhood is on the other side of the Grand Canal.

This lovely little neighborhood is the perfect balance of tourists admiring the pretty sights and locals who live here. You've got the city's oldest church and many charming streets to explore. It's the perfect place to experience the best of Venice. San Polo is the place for bars and nightlife.

Castello

Castello is another excellent place to stay. It's the city's largest district. With its proximity to Piazza San Marco, it's no wonder that this area is home to some of the best hotels around.

For a truly unique and peaceful experience, venture deeper into the heart of Castello. Here you'll find fascinating places like The Arsenale di Venezia and the tranquil Biennale Gardens. It's the perfect place to slow down and appreciate all that Venice offers.

Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro is the perfect place for students and young artists to get their fill of culture. There's plenty to keep you busy with Ca' Foscari university and institutions such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. And when night falls, Campo Santa Margherita is the place to partake of Venice's nightlife.

How to Get Around

The best way to explore Venice is definitely on foot. Even though the city's canals and winding roads can make things a little complicated, being out there is the best way to discover more of everything.

You can also take a Vaporetto or water bus/ferry, a water taxi, or a gondola. No matter how you choose to travel, you're sure to enjoy the city's iconic canals. Moreover, to get from the airport to central Venice, your best bet is to take an ATVO Bus or Alilaguna water bus. Both options will get you where you need to go without any hassle.

If you're coming from another European or Italian city by train, they'll drop you off at the Venezia Santa Lucia train station. You can take a Vaporetto to your destination; however, if you're looking to rent a car while in this town, you might want to rethink your plan - even the police traverse by boat. 

How to Stay Safe

This popular tourist destination has a low crime rate. However, as with any popular destination, a few pickpockets are always looking to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists. So be sure to keep your belongings close. Be sure to keep an eye on your belongings when you're in crowded areas like Piazza San Marco or riding any of the water buses.

Don't worry about getting lost in Venice's dark alleys at night. According to travel experts, the city is perfectly safe to explore after dark. However, you might get confused because the street names change so often. By getting lost, though, you might find yourself on an adventure you'll never forget.

A group of islands makes up the city, so you can't exactly walk off it. If you're ever unsure of where to go, look for signs with the word "Per" and an attraction name. However, you should ignore graffiti directions. People probably write them to confuse tourists anyways.