Venice Travel Guide
Venice, or the "Floating City," attracts visitors with its history, architecture, and romantic vibe. There are a variety of things to add to your Venice travel guide.
Venice's story begins in the 5th century AD when refugees fleeing barbarian invasions sought safety on islands in the Venetian Lagoon. Its location between Europe and the East was helpful in facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures. Today, Venice continues to captivate visitors with its rich history, timeless beauty, and the enduring legacy of its glorious past.
Keep reading for the top 3 must-do's when visiting Venice, Italy. And if you're thinking of planning a trip to Venice, but don't want to plan, check out my Venice travel guide.
Top 3 To Do When Visiting Venice
Stroll through Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) is the heart of Venice and a must when visiting Venice. Start by seeing St. Mark's Basilica, decorated with Byzantine mosaics and intricate details that display its historical significance. Piazza San Marco is also home to the Doge's Palace and Campanile bell tower. As you wander around the square, you'll hear music playing by nearby cafes, giving you the quintessential Venetian experience.
Explore the Canals
Venice's labyrinthine canals are its most iconic feature. They were initially created as a means of defense and transportation. The natural channels within the lagoon were widened and deepened, creating navigable waterways that allowed the Venetians to move goods and people efficiently. Today, you can spend hours wandering around the canals, finding hidden gems along the way. There are plenty of bridges and archways to see. And if you're looking to discover more of the local neighborhoods (and get away from the crowds), head to Dorsoduro or the historic Cannaregio.
Take a Gondola Ride
No Venice travel guide is complete without adding a gondola ride. Your guide will take you along the Venice canals where you'll get to see a completely different side of the city. If you're looking for a quieter ride, I recommend going in the morning or evening. It's truly such a great experience!
Looking for more to add to your Venice travel guide?
If you're traveling to Venice and don't have time (or patience) to plan, check out the ultimate Venice travel guide. It includes recommendations for:
»Where to stay
»How to get around
»Top things to do
»Top places to eat & drink
*This post is not affiliated with any of the places mentioned.