Walking around Venice feels like a dream. The impossible blue of the canals, the fine mist that sometimes hangs over the city, the experience of turning a corner and seeing an all-white church on an island of its own, or a spindly tree sprouting directly out of the lagoon, give the place a “wait, is this real?” quality that’s hard to shake. It’s also a city of contrasts: You can see Renaissance masterpieces in dark, moody churches or cutting-edge contemporary art on the repurposed grounds of a Byzantine shipyard, drink prosecco on the terrace of a Grand Dame hotel or sip plastic cups of Cynar spritz across the canal from a gondola repair shop. And although it’s notoriously easy to get lost, that’s part of the joy of discovery. You never know where you might find the next romantically crumbling palazzo, secret garden, or plate of perfect ciccheti.
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Venice Travel Guide
Plan Your Venice Trip
After Banning Cruise Ships, Venice Puts a Cap on Day Trippers
Electronic turnstiles at entry points and a dedicated booking app are also being introduced.
By Marianna Cerini
How Venice Is Retackling Overtourism After COVID
Venice has long been the poster child for the global overtourism crisis. Could a year without visitors prove to be a turning point?
By Jackie Caradonio
Featured
The Lost Golden Grape of Venice: How an Italian Family Resurrected its Rarest Wine
You can visit the famous vineyard that brought the golden dorona grape back to life—and stay at their new lodgings on the neighboring island of Burano.
By Melanie Haiken
What It's Like to Tour Venice's 14th-Century Quarantine Island
Visiting the place where today's anti-contagion practices began feels more timely than ever.
By Julia Buckley
How a Trip to Venice Taught Me to Accept the Unpredictability of Travel
It wasn’t a cure for my agoraphobia, but it was a beginning.
By Melinda Hansen
16 Best Hotels in Venice
The loveliest places to stay in Venice, from grande dame palazzos to quirky guesthouses.
By Anne Hanley and Sarah James
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice$$$ | Italy, Venice, Campo Santa Maria del GiglioThis grande dame is the ultimate in traditional luxury: a rich-hued marvel of a place that defines classic Venetian hospitality.Read full review
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Powered By: Expedia - Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice$$$ | Italy, Venice, Giudecca, 10Super-attentive service, manicured greenery, and an air of sophistication combine into a pampered world all its own.Read full review
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Powered By: Expedia - Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel$$$ | Italy, Venice, Calle Tron, 1961The grandness of the grande dames, with none of the dust.Read full review
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Powered By: Expedia - JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa$$ | Italy, Venice, Isola delle RoseThis private island is green and spacious, and the facilities are many.Read full review
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Powered By: Expedia - Hotel Violino d’Oro: First In$$$ | Italy, Venice, San Marco 2091This family-run hotel is a sophisticated bolthole full of artisan furniture and decor.Read full review
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Powered By: Expedia - San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice$$ | Venice,This is a true resort: You could spend five days here and never leave—plus, it's a calm oasis away from the crush of the Venice crowds.Read full review
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Powered By: Expedia - Splendid Venice, Starhotels Collezione$$ | , Venice,A historic hotel high on charm and perfectly located for visitors who want to hit the streets of Venice (or see it via waterway).Read full review
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Powered By: Expedia - Aman Venice$$$ | Italy, Venice, Calle Tiepolo Baiamonte, 1364, Palazzo PapadopoliIn a city awash with much-loved legends, this relative newcomer wins out.Read full review
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Powered By: Expedia - Hotel Metropole$$ | Italy, Venice, Castello 4149, Riva degli SchiavoniEscape from the tourist-packed lagoon-side Riva degli Schiavoni into the Metropole’s shadowy salon, and wait for your eyes to adjust.Read full review
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Powered By: Expedia - Hilton Molino Stucky Venice$$ | Italy, Venice,Set on Venice's Giudecca Island, this 379-room hotel has the second largest spa in the city, plus a rooftop pool and seven restaurants and bars, making for a real get-away-from-it-all atmosphere.Read full review
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Powered By: Expedia - Hotel Danieli, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice$$$ | Italy, Venice,An iconic city landmark, this 14th-century converted Doge's palace dominates the lagoon, and sits just a short stroll away from the Bridge of Sighs and the monuments of Piazza San Marco.Read full review
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Powered By: Skylark - Ca’ di Dio$$ | Italy, Venice, Riva Ca' di Dio, 2183The artsy Eastern Castello district of Venice finally has a hotel that channels its discreetly chic spirit.Read full review
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Powered By: Expedia - Generator Venice$ | Italy, Venice, Fondamenta Zitelle, 86Generator brought its signature brand of design-savvy backpacker hostels to Venice in 2013, when it opened on an island.Read full review
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The Best Things to Do in Venice
- 15 Best Things to Do in VeniceYes, it's a major tourist town, so let us steer you to the stuff that's really worth seeing.By Andrea Whittle
- 11 Best Places for Shopping in VeniceIt may not be a shopping mecca like Florence or Milan, but Venice does specialize in artisan shops that sell things you truly can't find anywhere else.By Andrea Whittle
- 10 Best Museums in VeniceIn a city this historic, there's no shortage of sites that will speak to interests new and old.By Jenna Scatena
- 3 Best Day Trips from VeniceThere’s plenty to see in the Veneto region, whether you rent a boat and check out the distant islands of the lagoon, or head inland for some serious art and architectural history.By Andrea Whittle
- Traveling in Venice With KidsHow a family of ten gradually disappeared into the floating city's hidden alleyways and Byzantine canals until they felt right at home.By Oddur Thorisson
Editor Recommendations
- Villa Almerico Capra (La Rotonda)Italy, Vicenza, Via della Rotonda, 45This domed hilltop villa is a must for architecture buffs and anyone who loves a good house tour.Read full review
- Villa Foscari (La Malcontenta)30034, Mira, Via dei Turisti, 9The most famous of the legendary villas designed by the architect Andrea Palladio in the 16th century.Read full review
- Villa Barbaro (Villa di Maser)Italy, Maser, Via Cornuda, 7An elegant Palladian villa and working vineyard in one.Read full review
- Museo del Vetro30141, Venice, Fondamenta Marco Giustinian, 8Get up close and personal with the largest collection of Murano glass in the world, which we promise is much more fascinating than it sounds.Read full review
- Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta (Basilica di Torcello)Italy, Venice, Fondamenta dei Borgognoni, 24This small, 7th-century church doesn't look like much from the outside; the mosaics inside make up for that though.Read full review
- Museo del MerlettoVenice, Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi, 187Dedicated to lace, the museum offers an intimate look at Burano's most famous craft.Read full review
- Scuola Grande di San RoccoItaly, Venice, Campo S. Polo, 3052The ornate "scuola" is home to some of the Renaissance painter Tintoretto's best works, which cover the ceilings and walls.Read full review
- Fondazione Querini StampaliaItaly, Venice, Campo Santa Maria Formosa, 5252Part 19th-century house museum, part contemporary exhibition space, and part architecture nerd's dream garden.Read full review
- Fondazione PradaItaly, Venice, Calle Corner, 2215Much like the Italian fashion brand's designs, the programming at this palazzo is bold, contemporary, and innovative.Read full review
- Peggy Guggenheim CollectionItaly, Venice, Dorsoduro, 701-704The former home of one of the world's great art patrons and the current home of some of the world's great art.Read full review
- Museo CorrerItaly, Venice, Piazza San Marco, 52It tells the story of the city’s history, from its founding to its union with Italy in the 19th century.Read full review
- Museo della MusicaItaly, Venice, Campo San MaurizioThe building that houses the museum is worthy of a visit: a church that dates back to the 10th century.Read full review
- Teatro La FeniceItaly, Venice, Campo San Fantin, 1965The gilded theater has risen from the ashes three times.Read full review
- Ca'RezzonicoItaly, Venice, Dorsoduro, 3136It's an icon of the 18th century, and each room houses a trove of opulent historical and artistic relics.Read full review
- Pinault CollectionItaly, venice, Campo San Samuele 3231 and Dorsoduro 2The collection of French Billionaire Francois Pinault draws art lovers of all levels, including those just looking to snap a Louise Bourgeois piece for Instagram.Read full review
Currently Obsessed With: Amo Restaurant in Venice
The last place I expected to have a transcendent meal was in a fancy shopping center by the Rialto.
By Corina Quinn
The Best Places to Eat & Drink in Venice
- 23 Best Restaurants in VeniceIt takes a little foresight to eat well in this tourist-filled city, but seek out the places where serious chefs use excellent local ingredients, and you’ll find that Venice has everything a gourmet could wish for.By Anne Hanley
- 16 Best Bars in VeniceWhere else could drinking wine from plastic cups feel this cool?By Jenna Scatena
- 9 Best Gelato Shops in VeniceNo trip to Venice is complete with a scoop of gelato or 10.By Jenna Scatena
- 10 Best Coffee Shops in VeniceCome in the morning for a shot of caffeine and the evening for an aperitivo.By Anne Hanley
- A Beginner's Guide to Italian Aperitivi Cocktails and Where to Try ThemFrom Campari in Turin to Select Aperitivo in Venice.By Tyler Zielinski
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- Bar Longhi$$$ | Italy, Venice, Campiello Traghetto, 2467This opulent bar in the Gritti Palace is the place to go for special occasions—or for a mean martini.
- Vino Vero$$ | Italy, Venice, Fondamenta Misericordia, 2497Indulge in biodynamic and experimental wines at this modern Canneregio bacaro with outdoor seating.
- Al Bottegon$$ | Italy, Venice, Fondamenta Nani, 992Take a step back in time at this old-school bacari serving up Old World wine.
- Wine Bar 5000$$ | Italy, Venice, Fondamenta S. Severo, 5000A decidedly non-touristy wine bar with organic, biodynamic, and vegan bottles from across Italy.
- Il Santo Bevitore$$ | Italy, Venice, Fondamenta DiedoMingle with locals in this casual Venice pub that has a decidedly "Cheers" vibe about it.
- Al Timon Bragozzo$$ | Italy, Venice, Fondamenta dei Ormesini, 2754,Fill up your plate with meat-centric cicchetti to complement your spritz or glass of local wine at this casual canalside spot.
- Skyline Rooftop Bar$$ | Italy, Venice, Giudecca, 810The panoramic city views from this rooftop bar on Giudecca are unrivaled.
- Taverna al Remer$$ | Italy, Venice, Cannaregio, 5701Head down a quiet alley in Cannareggio to find this gem of a tavern with one of the best happy hours in Venice.
- Blind Spot$$ | Italy, Venice, Via Torino, 6This Mestre cocktail bar is known for both the sunset views from its terrace and its innovative cocktails.
- Il Mercante$$ | Italy, Venice, Fondamenta Frari, 2564The perfect date-night spot, this romantic bar at the foot of the Ponte dei Frari bridge serves up inventive and modern cocktails.
Venice Sees a New Future for Tourism Post-Pandemic
After a year light on visitors, locals see an opportunity for the city to reset.
By Julia Buckley
More from Venice
Train Journeys
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Just Got More Luxurious—Here's What It's Like Inside the New Luxury Suites
Sleeper train expert Monisha Rajesh journeys back in time on the updated icon.
By Monisha Rajesh
News & Advice
UNESCO Says Venice Is in Danger as a Destination—Should You Still Visit?
Mass tourism, rising sea levels, and scorching temperatures have been plaguing the unique Italian city.
By Rachel Chang
News & Advice
Venice's Grand Canal Is Suddenly Bright Green—Here's Why
Though the cause was originally unknown, officials have finally determined the reason for the city’s verdant channel.
By Katherine McLaughlin
Places to Stay
13 Best Airbnbs in Venice, From Tiny Alleyway Apartments to Palazzos
Start planning your trip to the floating city with these top vacation rentals in Venice.
By Julia Buckley
Inspiration
A Weekend in Venice, With the People Working to Preserve Its Extraordinary Museums and Churches
As Save Venice marks half a century with a grand celebration in Venice, the organization prepares for much more work to come in future decades.
By Arati Menon
Style & Culture
Fashion Designer Alberta Ferretti’s Favorite Places in Venice
The fashion titan shares the places she returns to again and again in the floating city.
By Charlotte Davey
News & Advice
What to Know About Venice's Strict Tourism Rules
As the floating city continues to combat overtourism, here's how to make the best of your visit.
By Louis Cheslaw
News & Advice
Venice to Start Charging Day-Trippers in May
The fee will cost up to €10.
By Meredith Carey
Destinations
How to Make the Most of Venice When it Floods
Here's what you need to know about the canal city's acqua alta.
By Meredith Carey
News & Advice
Venice Is Banning Tourists from Some Parts of the City
The city is separating tourists and locals during the busy Festa del Lavoro weekend.
By Meredith Carey
Inspiration
Recreating “Lo Spritz,” the Venetian Happy Hour
Skye McAlpine, author of cookbook A Table in Venice, breaks down the food and drinks that come with Venetian happy hour.
By Andrea Whittle
News & Advice
Venice to Ban Large Cruise Ships from Historic City Center
The days of massive boats chugging down the magical Giudecca Canal will soon be a thing of the past.
By Cassie Shortsleeve
News & Advice
Venice's Procuratie Vecchie Palace to Re-Open After 500 Years
One of the city's most famous buildings will become a center for art, seminars, and activism.
By Bridget Hallinan
News & Advice
How Venice's Artisans Are Working to Save the City
In the wake of overwhelming visitor numbers, there's a new plan to help preserve the city's traditional craftsmanship.
By Julia Buckley
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