Venice Travel Guide: Canals, Gondolas & Best Itinerary

Why Visit Venice

Venice is unlike anywhere else on earth, a city built on water, with canals instead of streets and no cars anywhere on the main islands. It's one of Europe's most romantic and photogenic destinations.

Top Things to Do

St. Mark's Square and Basilica anchor the city, best visited early morning before crowds arrive. A gondola ride, though touristy, remains a classic Venice experience worth doing at least once.

The Rialto Bridge and its surrounding market are lively any time of day, while the islands of Murano (glassblowing) and Burano (colourful houses) make for a great half-day trip by vaporetto.

Getting Around

Venice is entirely walkable and best explored on foot, getting lost in the quieter back streets is part of the experience. Vaporetti (water buses) connect the main islands and outer islands like Murano and Burano.

Best Time to Go

April-May and September-October offer pleasant weather without summer's heat and crowds, or acqua alta (flooding) risk that's more common in autumn/winter.