Venice is one of the most visited places in Italy which comprise of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by over 400 bridges.
Venice had 36,000 sailors operating 3,300 ships at the peak of its power. As the final destination of the Silk Road trade which starts from China, Venice was the most prosperous city in the late 13th century and one of the greatest trading powers in European history.
Getting In
Venice is a pedestrian-only city. Visitors can get into Venice by train. Depending on the location of your accommodation, you can either take the ferry or carry your own luggage from the train station.
It is a very tiring and non-pleasant walk from the train station if your accommodation is near St Mark’s Basilica. It is advisable to take the ferry instead.
There is no lift in most of Venice’s accommodation hence it is recommended to carry light when visiting Venice. Our accommodation was located on the 3rd floor with steep stairs.
Bus – Bus from Marco Polo Airport to/from Venice City Center Ticket
1. St. Mark’s Basilica
St. Mark’s Basilica was built as the Doge’s private chapel and is linked to the Doge’s Palace. The Basilica is opulently decorated with Byzantine art treasures accumulated after the fall of Constantinople.
Built-in the 11th century, the building’s design mixes Byzantine and Gothic architecture styles with elaborate medieval mosaics cover much of the cathedral’s walls and vaulting.
Behind the tomb believed to hold the remains of Saint Mark stands the altarpiece Pala d’Oro, a jewel-adorned screen of gold that is considered one of the finest works of Byzantine craftsmanship in the world.
Book Online: Guided Tour with Fast Track Entry to Saint Mark’s Basilica
2. St. Mark’s Square
Piazza San Marco is the principal public square of Venice. The square is laid out in a trapezoid shape with three sides are framed in arcades, beneath which are fashionable shops and exorbitant tourist traps cafés.
Book Online: Venice Morning Walking Tour
3. Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace was the home to the Doge of Venice (the ruler) for 400 years. The Venetian Gothic style palace was founded in 1340 and was continuously beautified throughout the centuries.
The palace not only housed the ruling doge’s chambers and the government but also the courts of law and the prison, which is connected to the palace by the world-famous Bridge of Sighs.
Book Online: Doge’s Palace Priority Admission Ticket | Doge’s Palace & St Mark’s Basilica Skip-the-Line Tour
4. Bridge of Sighs
The bridge of sighs was designed by Antonio Contino and was built in 1600. The bridge connects the New Prison (Prigioni Nuove) to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace.
Convicted prisoners would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice through the white limestone window bar on the bridge before their imprisonment.
5. Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal in Venice. The stone bridge was the only way to cross the Grand Canal on foot.
The bridge’s 7.5-meter (24-foot) arch was designed to allow passage of galleys, and the massive structure was built on some 12,000 wooden pilings that support the bridge.
6. Gondola Ride
The gondola dates back as far as 1094 mentioned in a letter from a Venetian Republic official. Gondolas are decorated with the ornate ornamentation popular in the Baroque period.
Only Venetians can apply to be a gondolier. Many gondoliers inherited the trade from their fathers and can be spotted on the streets of Venice in their distinctive striped shirts and boater hats.
As a tourist attraction, it is a great experience to travel in a gondola around Venice. You can either book a private gondola or shared with other passengers. Price is approx Euro 80 for a 30 mins private ride.
7. Burano
Burano is located 45 mins ferry ride away from Venice. The place is well known for its brightly coloured fishermen’s houses and its casual eateries serving seafood from the lagoon.
The colours of the houses follow a specific system, originating from the golden age of its development. If someone wishes to paint their home, a request must be sent to the government and the government will notify the certain colours permitted for that lot.
Book Online: Venetian Lagoon Tour: Visit Murano, Burano and Torcello| Guided Tour of Burano Island
Find out more photos and how to get there: Burano
8. San Giorgio Maggiore
San Giorgio Maggiore is one of the islands of Venice with its Palladian church, is an important landmark. From the tower of the church, visitors can admire the spectacular views of San Marco and Venice.
The church features a façade clad in gleaming white marble and its interior is full of Tintoretto paintings and classical features.
9. Grand Canal
The grand canal is Venice’s most important waterway with a length of 3.8 kilometres. Curving in a reverse S through the heart of the city the Grand Canal ends with a magnificent view Saint Mark’s Basilica.
10. Entire Venice
The entire Venice is a unique attraction itself, you can wander off in its picturesque little streets and passageways and stroll along its enchanting canals.
Venetian masks are a centuries-old tradition usually worn during the Carnival of Venice. It is also used as a device for hiding the wearer’s identity and social status.
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