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Italy

Venice: itinerary & travel tips

Venice consists of more than 100 small islands in the lagoon, linked by bridges and canals. There are no cars; you get around on foot or on the water. That is exactly what makes a short trip work: the old town is compact, and just a few streets off the main routes it becomes quiet.

With two to four days you can see the major sights around St Mark's Square and the Grand Canal, plus take a trip to the islands of Murano, Burano or Torcello. From Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Venice is easy to reach by plane, train or car, parking on the edge of the city.

Ready-made itineraries

What to see

  • St Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco)

    Venice's central square, surrounded by the basilica, the campanile and the Procuratie.

  • St Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)

    A Byzantine church with golden mosaics, and a masterpiece of Venetian architecture.

  • Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

    The former seat of the Doge, with lavish halls and the Bridge of Sighs.

  • Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)

    The oldest bridge over the Grand Canal, right next to the lively market district.

  • Gallerie dell'Accademia

    The most important museum for Venetian painting from the 14th to the 18th century.

  • Santa Maria della Salute

    A Baroque church at the entrance to the Grand Canal with one of the finest views in the city.

Where to stay

  • San Marco

    For those who want to stay in the middle of the action with little walking and accept higher prices.

  • Dorsoduro

    For art lovers and those seeking quiet, with museums, student haunts and the Zattere promenade.

  • Cannaregio

    For travellers on a tighter budget who appreciate a more everyday Venice and being close to the station.

  • Castello

    For those who want to stay away from the crowds and stroll along the edges of the district.

Best time to visit

The most pleasant times are April to June and September and October, with mild temperatures and longer days. In high summer it is hot, humid and crowded, and prices rise. Carnival in February and weekends with public holidays are also very expensive and overcrowded. From November to February there can be flooding (Acqua alta) and fog, but accommodation is cheaper and the city is quieter.

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Getting there

Venice Marco Polo Airport is on the mainland. From there the bus to Piazzale Roma takes about 20 to 25 minutes and costs around 10 EUR; alternatively there are water taxis and boats, which take longer and cost more. Venezia Santa Lucia station is right on the Grand Canal and can be reached by train from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, often with a change. If you come by car, you park in the car parks at Piazzale Roma or in Tronchetto.

Getting around

The old town is best explored on foot; the yellow signs to Rialto, San Marco and Ferrovia help you find your way. For longer distances and the islands, a time-based ticket for the vaporetti is worthwhile, for example for 1 to 3 days. Single tickets are relatively expensive, so a pass quickly pays off.

Daily budget

budget

€45

mid-range

€100

per person, without accommodation. Accommodation, drinks in tourist spots and gondola rides are expensive; cicchetti in bars off the main routes and walking are cheap.

Local tips

  • Eat cicchetti, small bites, with a glass of wine at the counter in the bacari; it is cheaper than a restaurant menu.
  • Visit St Mark's Square early in the morning or late in the evening, when the day visitors have gone.
  • Plan routes with a buffer, because bridges, dead ends and crowds make distances longer than on the map.
  • Check before your trip whether an entry fee applies to day visitors, and book tickets for St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace in advance.

FAQ

How many days do you need in Venice?

Two days are enough for the main sights; three to four days leave time for museums, islands and quieter districts. Staying overnight makes sense because the city is most beautiful in the morning and evening.

Where is the best place to stay in Venice?

Dorsoduro and Cannaregio offer a good balance of quiet, atmosphere and price. San Marco is central but expensive and very touristy. You can stay more cheaply on the mainland in Mestre, with a short train ride to the old town.

Is Venice expensive?

Yes, especially accommodation and food in tourist areas are pricier than in many other Italian cities. With bacari, a time-based ticket and accommodation in Cannaregio or Mestre, you can cut costs significantly.

How do I get from the airport to Venice?

The cheapest option is the bus to Piazzale Roma, which takes about 20 to 25 minutes. From there you walk or continue by vaporetto. Water taxis are fast and convenient, but cost many times more.

Is Venice safe for tourists?

The city is considered safe, but pickpocketing does occur in crowds and on vaporetti. Tipping is not obligatory; in restaurants a cover charge (coperto) is often already included in the price; rounding up is common.

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