Venice is a city like no other: 118 islands connected by over 400 bridges, where canals replace streets and the soundtrack is lapping water. This guide covers the best things to do in Venice.
St. Mark’s Square and Surroundings
St. Mark’s Basilica
Venice’s golden basilica is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, its interior covered in mosaics containing over 4,000 square metres of gold leaf. Entry is free but queues are long. Book a skip-the-line reservation (3 euros) online. The Pala d’Oro altarpiece and the museum upstairs (5 euros each) are worth the extra cost. Modest dress required: covered shoulders and knees. Allow 1 to 2 hours. Go early morning to minimize wait times.
Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace is Venice’s Gothic masterpiece, the seat of the Venetian Republic’s power for centuries. The Bridge of Sighs connects the palace to the prison. Entry is 25 euros (includes the Correr Museum and other civic museums). Book online. The Secret Itineraries tour (additional cost) takes you through hidden passages and Casanova’s cell. Allow 2 to 3 hours.
Canals and Islands
A gondola ride is Venice’s quintessential experience. Official rates are 80 euros for 30 minutes (daytime) and 100 euros after 7 PM, set by the city. Negotiate the route and duration beforehand. For a budget alternative, take a traghetto (2 euros), a gondola ferry that crosses the Grand Canal at several points. The vaporetto (water bus) Line 1 cruises the entire Grand Canal for 9.50 euros (or included in a travel card). Day trips to Murano (glass-blowing), Burano (colourful houses), and Torcello are popular; a 24-hour vaporetto pass (25 euros) covers all lagoon islands.
