Venice, the floating city of Italy, is an all-time favorite for summer holidays. With its winding canals, beautiful architecture, and rich cultural heritage, Venice is a perfect destination for those seeking a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beaches, explore the art and architecture, or indulge in the local cuisine, Venice has something to offer everyone. Here’s your ultimate guide to a summer holiday in Venice.
The Venetian Riviera is a stunning coastal region along the Adriatic Sea in northern Italy. It stretches from Venice to nearby seaside towns like Jesolo, Cavallino Treporti, and Eraclea Mare. The Venetian Rivier is known for its golden sandy beaches, blue waters, and lush pine forests. An enchanting Italian region that offers a mix of natural beauty, history, and culture.
Popular activities include relaxing on Blue Flag-rated beaches, exploring Venice’s iconic canals, cycling through scenic routes, and enjoying local cuisine like wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood. It’s a perfect destination for families, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a blend of beach holidays and cultural experiences.
Venice’s Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is the main airport serving the city and is about 12 km rom the city center. From the airport, you can take a water taxi, a private water shuttle, or a public water bus (vaporetto) to reach the city center.
Low-cost carrier Ryanair also makes use of the nearby airport of Treviso.
Venice is well connected by train and there are several train stations in the city, including Santa Lucia station, which is the main station. From Santa Lucia station, you can take a water taxi, a private water shuttle, or a public water bus (vaporetto) to reach the city center.
If you’re driving to Venice, you’ll need to park your car in a car park outside the city and then take a water taxi, a private water shuttle, or a public water bus (vaporetto) to reach the city center, as private vehicles are not allowed in the city center.
Once you’re in Venice, the best way to get around is on foot, as the city’s narrow streets and canals make it difficult to drive or take public transport.
ACTV operates several bus lines in the city, but they are mainly used to connect the mainland with the islands in the Venetian lagoon.
The public water bus system, operated by ACTV, is a good option for getting around the city’s canals. There are several lines that serve different parts of the city, and tickets can be purchased at ACTV ticket booths or on board the boats.
There are no trains in the city center, but the main train station, Santa Lucia Station, is a good starting point for exploring the surrounding areas.
Taxis in Venice are only water taxis, also known as “motoscafi”. These are a convenient and expensive option for getting around the city’s waterways, especially for longer distances or for travelers with mobility issues.
The number of days you need to explore Venice depends on your personal interests and pace of travel. However, I would recommend a minimum of 2 to 3 days to get a good sense of the city and its main attractions.
With 2 to 3 days, you can visit St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace, take a gondola ride, enjoy a traditional Venetian lunch, and explore the city’s charming streets and waterways. You can also visit some of the city’s many museums and art galleries, such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
If you have more time, you can visit the nearby islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello, which offer a glimpse into the traditional Venetian way of life and beautiful views of the lagoon. You can also take a day trip to the nearby towns of Padua, Verona, and Vicenza to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Veneto region.
Convenient access to the city center!
With its elaborate Gothic front, frescoed interiors, and gilded ceilings, it is undoubtedly a sight to behold.
Venice’s most well-known church is an outstanding example of the city’s wealth and influence in the Middle Ages.
Taking a gondola trip down Venice’s longest canal will allow you to see the grand residences of past merchants.
Admire contemporary works by Picasso and Pollock, as well as masterpieces from the Cubist, Surrealist, and Abstract Expressionist movements.
09:00 – Start your day at St. Mark’s Square, one of the most famous landmarks in Venice and home to the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica. Take a tour of the basilica and enjoy its incredible architecture and history.
11:00 – Take a gondola ride along the famous canals of Venice. This is a unique and intimate way to see the city and experience its beautiful waterways.
13:00 – Have lunch at a local restaurant and try some traditional Venetian cuisine, such as seafood dishes and pasta.
14:00 – Visit the Doge’s Palace, once home to the powerful Doge of Venice and now a museum showcasing the city’s rich history and art.
16:00 – Take a stroll through the vibrant streets of the Dorsoduro neighborhood and admire the colorful buildings, street art, and charming canals.
18:00 – Enjoy a sunset aperitif at one of the many bars and cafes along the Grand Canal.
09:00 – Start your day at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, one of the world’s finest modern art collections, featuring works by Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí.
11:00 – Take a walk through the beautiful and peaceful gardens of the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, a Renaissance palace with a stunning spiral staircase.
13:00 – Have lunch at a traditional Venetian “bacaro” (wine bar) and sample some local wine and small plates of food.
14:00 – Visit the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, a stunning Renaissance building famous for its Tintoretto frescoes.
16:00 – Take a boat ride to the beautiful island of Murano, famous for its glass-making tradition and breathtaking views of the Venetian lagoon.
18:00 – End your day with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and savor the last flavors of this enchanting city.
Eating in the square is way more expensive than eating in the backstreets. We found the tiniest of tiny little restaurants on one of the narrow streets. The food was superb, and the vibe was great. The best part… The price was much cheaper than what we paid at the square.
“Experience the flavors of Venice on a guided walking tour. Visit the Rialto Market, try tapas, such as “cicchetti,” and admire historical highlights along the way, including Basilica dei Frari.” – more about this activity...
“See an abundance of delicious food produce at the Rialto Market in Venice, and select seasonal ingredients with your chef before the start of your cooking lesson. Then, enter a Venetian home for a hands-on cooking class and enjoy lunch with wine.” – more about this activity…
“Embark on a candlelit dinner cruise through the Venetian Lagoon. Taste the chef’s specialities and admire the views of San Marco Square from the water. Feel the magic of Venice as the night falls.” – more about this activity...
My very first visit to Caffè Florian, one of the world’s oldest coffee houses, was one of those experiences I wanted to repeat, which I did years later. Many feet have crossed the threshold of this charming landmark since its doors opened 300 years ago. A few famous names include Grace Kelly, Gary Cooper, Marcello Mastroianni, and Paul Newman. Check out our article about the world’s oldest coffee houses, featuring this beautiful symbol of elegance.
▲ Find your perfect Italian restaurant—click & go!
A tourist fee was introduced to limit day traffic caused by day-trippers. Take note, it does not apply to tourists that have overnight accommodation, because they already pay a €5 ($5.06) per night tax.
The new tourist tax was planned to go into effect on Jan. 16, 2023. However, the taxation has now been delayed, which means day visitors will not have to buy a ticket to visit Venice – at least for now.
According to Associated Press, you’ll have to sign up online and pay up depending on the time of the year, and how crowded the city is. The tourist tax could range from three to ten euros per person.
Tickets will be distributed as QR codes that “ticket controllers” will scan as the visitor enters the city at one of the entry points.
The Venice City Council may delay the process by “at least six months”.
Should you risk not paying the tourist tax, you could face a fine of up to 300 euros (or $315). So, clearly, it’s in your best interest to pay the tax for a hassle-free trip.
Riding motorized surfboards, surfing, paddle boarding, canoeing, and swimming are all banned on the Grand Canal. You’ll be facing a steep fine, your equipment will be confiscated, and you could face further action for damaging Venice’s image.
Ecco due imbecilli prepotenti che si fanno beffa della Città… chiedo a tutti di aiutarci a individuarli per punirli anche se le nostre armi sono davvero spuntate… servono urgentemente più poteri ai Sindaci in tema di sicurezza pubblica!
— Luigi Brugnaro (@LuigiBrugnaro) August 17, 2022
A chi li individua offro una cena! pic.twitter.com/DV2ONO3hUs
Skip the laughable effort of trying to “navigate” Venice’s arms-length-wide lanes. Honestly, you’re better off wandering without a plan than trying to stick to some must-be-there route. When you let yourself explore, you stumble onto the same gorgeous sights—only they feel so much more rewarding because you discovered them.
And here’s another little insider tip: stroll those narrow streets at night. Once the crowds disappear and the city finally exhales, all you hear is your own footsteps on the stone and the gentle splash of water against the canal walls. It’s magic.
Taking the Vaporetto is the smart, budget-friendly way to see Venice’s canals — it’s basically the city’s water bus, and you get the same views for a fraction of a gondola’s price. But for me, I couldn’t resist the classic gondola. It’s one of those bucket-list things, and yes… it costs a pretty penny.
Even more special, though, was booking a tiny private boat for a canal tour. It was just the skipper and us — way too small for a big group — and it made the day feel completely personal. Honestly, that little boat ride, just for a birthday surprise, was one of those magical moments you remember long after the gondola selfie fades.
Suggested Read: Burano vs. Murano
Venice is more than canals and gondolas—it’s a living storybook of art, history, and everyday magic. Whether you’re sipping a spritz at sunset, wandering hidden alleys, or hopping over to Burano for a splash of color, every moment here lingers long after you’ve left. Travel light, wander freely, and let Venice surprise you in ways no map ever could.
💬 We’d love to hear from you! Have you explored Venice before, or is it still on your bucket list? Share your favorite memories, hidden gems, or travel tips in the comments below—we’d love to hear your story and keep the conversation flowing like the Grand Canal!
Author: Arina JVR – 30+ countries, countless stories.
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