The Best Tourist Places in Venice/Italy [2024]

With its historic buildings, magnificent canals, and beautiful scenery, Venice is one of the most famous cities in Italy. This is not only due to its unparalleled tourist attractions but also because of its charm and unique atmosphere, which sets it apart from other Italian cities. This floating city, made up of 117 small islands separated by canals and connected by bridges, has a romantic character and breathtaking views, especially at sunset.

Tourism in Venice

Tourism in Venice: Venice is a wonderful city and one of the most popular among all Italian cities. In addition to its historical significance, it is one of the top tourist destinations for travelers in Italy. Its romantic canals and beautiful old buildings, along with its many picturesque squares, provide endless entertainment for visitors.

During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Venice was a powerful stronghold and served as a major financial and military center. Moreover, it was the site of immense cultural and artistic development, gaining worldwide fame. Today, Venice remains an important economic hub and one of the most visited cities globally. Iconic sights like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Grand Canal attract millions of visitors to this wonderful city.

When exploring Venice, in addition to riding a gondola, you can wander through its cobbled streets, visit world-class museums, and enjoy delicious Italian cuisine at some of Venice’s best restaurants. You’ll also have opportunities to discover hidden corners in this city, which has inspired many of the world’s greatest artists.

Traveling to Venice

Some tourists recommend staying at least two nights in Venice and booking a hotel near a water taxi station. Many opt to stay at the Palazzo Vittore, which is a 5-minute walk from Rialto and San Marco. Its location is ideal for exploring Venice’s key attractions. Be aware that hotel prices vary depending on the season, with significant increases during the busy summer months when tourist crowds are at their peak.

When traveling to Venice, we suggest wearing comfortable shoes and spending a day exploring the city’s lesser-known areas on foot, including neighborhoods like Cannaregio, Santa Croce, and Dorsoduro. You also shouldn’t miss the nearby islands of Burano and Murano, where you can plan a lovely lunch and a memorable day trip.

Tip: Because Venice is like a maze and many travelers get lost, it’s always a good idea to carry a map or hire a local guide when visiting multiple places in a single day.

The Most Important Tourist Attractions in Venice

Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is an iconic walkway over Venice’s canals and is definitely worth a visit. It’s not just a bridge offering scenic views of the area, but a historical structure that has stood for over 400 years. Today, it offers one of the best sunset views in the city. Your trip to Venice wouldn’t be complete without visiting it.

As one of the bridges spanning the impressive Grand Canal, the Ponte di Rialto is undoubtedly the most famous in Venice. It connects the San Marco and San Polo districts and is known for its aesthetic beauty and elegant proportions. Additionally, a row of shops along the bridge sells a range of souvenirs and exquisite trinkets.

The Grand Canal

Venice boasts hundreds of canals that link its various islands, with the largest being the Grand Canal. While there are only four bridges across it, most people prefer to travel along the canal rather than over it to enjoy the stunning views of the buildings lining its banks and to observe Venice’s bustling water traffic.

St. Mark’s Basilica

One of Venice’s most iconic landmarks, St. Mark’s Basilica is a masterpiece of architecture that has withstood the test of time since its construction in 1092. It remains one of the most important religious buildings in northern Italy.

Every detail of this church is magnificent, from the ornate carvings and artwork on the façade to the beautifully painted frescoes and Byzantine art inside. Located in Piazza San Marco, it is easily accessible from the Grand Canal and is one of the finest surviving examples of Italian-Byzantine architecture.

Saint Mark’s Square

Piazza San Marco is a vibrant hub in Venice, adorned with arched handles and iron lamps, and is an excellent introduction to the city’s charm. It’s also home to St. Mark’s Basilica, a masterpiece of architectural design, and many beautiful towers that house priceless historical artifacts.

Piazza San Marco is the most famous square in Venice, located on the Grand Canal and facing the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. It holds significant historical importance and is a great starting point for exploring Venice’s many charming attractions.

Galleria dell’Accademia

The city’s premier gallery houses a vibrant collection of Venetian art, with artworks spanning from the 14th to the 18th century. This opulent palace greets you with grand portraits and diverse scenes of artistic culture, offering many rooms and artworks worth exploring.

The building, originally a monastery, was converted into a museum in the mid to late 18th century. To this day, it remains one of the most beautiful destinations for fans of Renaissance art.

Doge’s Palace

The white palace on the edge of St. Mark’s Square was the seat of government and the official residence of the Republic of Venice. It suffered a fire in the 16th century, which led to its magnificent reconstruction, including the addition of a golden staircase, an immense wealth of fine carvings, and wonderful paintings.

One of the most famous buildings in Venice, the Doge’s Palace is also located in St. Mark’s Square, overlooking the Grand Canal. Its façade features a beautiful arched design made of white stone, with a series of decorative details on the walls. Inside, the palace impresses with a series of lavishly decorated rooms, all containing original details, furniture, and artwork.

Rialto Market

For an authentic taste of local culture, nothing compares to the experience of the Rialto Market in Venice. This beautiful market takes you on a guided tour of fresh local seafood, as well as a variety of local vegetables and other produce.

Teatro La Fenice

La Fenice has been the heart of the region’s music scene, bringing together world-renowned musicians and attracting wealthy patrons and luxury seekers. It still offers visitors a full season of opera (January to July and September to October). Even if you’re not a music fan, a one-hour walking tour of La Fenice will give you a great perspective on this magnificent structure.

Lido di Venezia

When the crowds in Venice become overwhelming, head to Lido di Venezia. This sandy beachfront strip, with its luxury resorts, peaceful residential communities, and two large public beaches, provides the perfect place to relax in the afternoon. The island leads out to the Adriatic Sea and has plenty of shops, restaurants, and comfortable accommodations. Every summer, Lido hosts the famous Venice Film Festival, drawing many visitors to this tranquil sandy strip.

San Marco Campanile

San Marco Campanile, the tallest building in Venice, stands at 98.6 meters tall. Over the years, the tower has been damaged by fire, earthquakes, and lightning but has been reconstructed each time. Its distinctive design, coupled with the breathtaking, unforgettable view of Venice that awaits at the top (accessible via an elevator), makes it a must-visit.

Murano

Murano is one of the other islands in the Venice region, known for its incomparable charm. Unlike the main areas of Venice, it is not as crowded, yet it offers many tourist attractions and historical buildings. Murano is particularly famous for its beautiful glass factories.

Glassmaking is a millennia-old tradition on the island of Murano, which remains a center of glass production. It is home to the Museum of Glass, showcasing the island’s glass history—from glass mosaics to chandeliers, beadwork, and decorative techniques dating back to the 15th century.

Torcello Island

For a quiet retreat in Venice, Torcello Island is the perfect destination, far less crowded than the main areas of Venice. Located east of Venice, beyond Murano, it’s about 45 minutes from Venice by ferry.

During your visit to Torcello, you can stroll through its picturesque streets and discover its fascinating attractions. You can also visit a museum dedicated to the history of this chain of islands, along with a variety of shops and restaurants.

The Best Hotels in Venice

Dating back to the 14th century, the historic Hotel Daniele in Venice overlooks the Venetian Lagoon, just 100 meters from Piazza San Marco and the Doge’s Palace. It features air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

The family-friendly Hotel Metropole is located in Venice’s historic district. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas, and coffee/tea is offered in a common area. Additionally, the hotel has a meeting room and concierge services on-site.