What to Visit in Venice
Venice is an open-air museum. Every street, every bridge and every corner tells a centuries-old story of art, power, travel, and commerce. It is a city full of wonders, with museums, churches, famous bridges and theatres to visit.
St. Mark's Square and the Bell Tower
St. Mark's Square is undoubtedly the most famous and photographed spot in the city. Every visit should begin here, not only because of its beauty, but also because you can easily access some of the most important attractions in Venice from here.
The majestic St. Mark's Basilica, the elegant Doge's Palace and the famous Clock Tower are located here. A concentration of art and history like few others in the world.
Just steps from the basilica is one of Italy's most beautiful panoramic spots: St. Mark's Bell Tower. Standing at almost 100 meters tall, it offers visitors a 360° view of the lagoon, the basilica’s domes, the city's red rooftops and, on clear days, even the Dolomites.
The Doge's Palace
The Doge's Palace is a stunning building with frescoed halls and is the symbol of Venice’s power during the golden centuries of the Republic. Visiting the Doge's Palace means stepping into a world of politics, history and art.
The Prisons and the Bridge of Sighs are among the most fascinating areas to explore. Don’t miss the Hall of the Great Council, which is one of the largest column-free spaces in Europe.
La Fenice Opera House
If you love music and opera, you can't miss a visit to La Fenice Opera House. It is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. Its name is no coincidence: it has "risen from the ashes" multiple times throughout its history after several fires, always maintaining its splendour and prestige.
Thanks to tours that take you through golden rooms, aristocratic boxes and behind-the-scenes areas, you can also visit it without attending a show. It's a journey through time that tells the story of the city's passion for opera and the performing arts.
The Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge
The Grand Canal, which is Venice’s “main street,” is about 4 km long and is lined with over 170 historic palaces. The best way to admire it is by vaporetto or, for a more intimate experience, by gondola.
The Rialto Bridge, the oldest of the four bridges crossing the Grand Canal, stands at its centre. While it was once home to a bustling market, today it houses artisan shops and offers one of the city’s most iconic views.
Peggy Guggenheim Museum: Modern Art on the Grand Canal
A must-visit for lovers of contemporary art, the Peggy Guggenheim Museum is located in the beautiful Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, overlooking the Grand Canal. It houses works by Picasso, Dalí, Magritte, Pollock and other renowned artists.
The collector’s garden is a unique place where art and nature come together in perfect harmony. Visiting it offers an insight into a lesser-known but vibrant aspect of Venetian culture.
The Academy Galleries
The Academy Galleries represent the heart of Venetian painting. Located in the Dorsoduro district alongside the Grand Canal, they house an invaluable collection of works spanning centuries of art history. Each room is a journey through the most significant moments of lagoon art production, featuring works by artists such as Giorgione, Bellini, Tintoretto and Canaletto.
Among the masterpieces on display are The Tempest by Giorgione, The Miracle of the Slave by Tintoretto and many sacred and allegorical paintings.
The Basilica dei Frari and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco
In the heart of the San Polo district stands the Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, one of Venice's most important churches. Inside, you’ll find masterpieces by Titian, including The Assumption and The Madonna of Ca’ Pesaro, as well as his tomb. Antonio Canova is also buried here, and his monument is a neoclassical work of art in itself.
Just a few minutes' walk away is the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, a triumph of 16th-century Venetian art. Entirely decorated by Tintoretto, the building offers an unparalleled visual experience. Created over more than twenty years, the pictorial cycle tells episodes from both the Old and New Testaments, transforming the halls into an immersive and powerful journey.
Explore the Main Districts
Venice is divided into six historic districts, known as “sestieri”, each of which has its own identity. Cannaregio, the most populous district, is home to the Jewish Ghetto and is perfect for those seeking an authentic and local atmosphere. Castello, the largest district, has many quiet, off-the-beaten-track areas, which are ideal for those who enjoy walking. Dorsoduro is the art district, boasting museums, galleries and beautiful walks along the Zattere. San Polo preserves the city’s merchant soul, with its shops and taverns, as well as the Rialto market.
The Islands of the Lagoon
If you have more than three days in Venice, one of the most fascinating experiences you can have is to visit the islands of the lagoon. Each island has its own unique character: Murano is famous for its historic glass furnaces and glassmaking tradition, while Burano delights visitors with its colourful houses and lace-making tradition. Torcello, the oldest island, offers a silent and spiritual atmosphere, with archaeological remains and the beautiful Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
Taking a boat trip to these islands is a great way to discover a different and surprising side of Venice.
