Venice, the city of canals and bridges, is one of the most enchanting and romantic cities in the world, with its rich history, exquisite architecture, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking views. This floating city is a wonderland of hidden alleys, winding streets, and endless waterways that connect the city’s famous landmarks and attractions. The city is home to some of the world’s most famous art galleries, museums, and architectural wonders such as St. Marks Basilica and the Rialto Bridge. In this post, we will explore the best attractions and things to do in Venice, from the iconic landmarks to the hidden gems that make this city a unique and unforgettable destination. So, prepare to be transported to a world of beauty, history, and romance as we guide you through the best of Venice.

The 5 Best Local Experiences in Venice

1. Venice on the Silver Screen
2. The Venetian Experience Jewish Ghetto of Venice Small Group Tour With Lucia
3. Venice St Marks Basilica Tour
4. The Ultimate Spritz Tour of Venice
5. Venice Highlights Private Tour

The 5 Best Local Experiences in Venice

1. Venice on the Silver Screen

Thousands of films have been set in Venice, making it a magnificent backdrop for everything from Hollywood blockbusters to independent documentaries. Take this tour to satisfy your inner movie buff by visiting corners of the city that have been used as locations for classics from “Othello” (1952) to “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (1989). Throughout the tour, you’ll take in sumptuous palaces, quiet squares, and hidden churches, and learn about their roles in the history of cinema. This is a unique way to explore Venice for fans of classic and modern cinema. You’ll visit locations across the city where famous movie scenes were shot and your guide will provide commentary about the making of films set in the Floating City. Best of all, you’ll see some of the most famous landmarks in Venice in just a few hours. The tour includes a Tour Leader & Nature and Interpretive Guide, a Gondola ferry on Canal Grande, and tip or gratuity. Make sure to meet your guide at the well in the internal yard of the COMBO premises.

2. The Venetian Experience Jewish Ghetto of Venice Small Group Tour With Lucia

The Jewish Ghetto in the Cannaregio district is a fascinating and historic neighborhood in Venice. Take an in-depth walking tour with a local guide to learn about the unique evolution and architecture of the world’s oldest Jewish Ghetto. Explore hidden synagogues, admire medieval residences, and snap photos of charming narrow lanes and tiny bridges. Stroll through the Fondamenta Dei Ormesini for a glimpse of Venetian daily life. This is a small-group tour for a more relaxed pace and personal attention. The tour does not include visits to sites inside the synagogues, but the guide can provide all the necessary information. The meeting point is Campo San Geremia in front of the San Gerem. This is an opportunity to experience the authentic side of Venice and gain insights into the history and culture of this unique quarter.

3. Venice St Marks Basilica Tour

The Venice St Marks Basilica Tour is a 2-hour group tour that offers skip-the-line access to the famous St Mark’s Basilica. With the help of a headset, provided by the tour guide, visitors get to learn about the art and architecture inside the basilica while enjoying the 360 views. The tour also includes access to the Museum of St Marks and Pala d’Oro. An official certified guide ensures visitors gain an in-depth understanding of the basilica. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also provided. Visitors are required to meet at the Columns of San Marco in Piazza San Marco. Please note that entrance tickets to attractions not mentioned in the inclusions and transportation to/from attractions are not included.

4. The Ultimate Spritz Tour of Venice

Welcome to the ultimate Spritz tour of Venice! This tour includes alcoholic beverages, snacks, a licensed local guide, bottled water, hotel pickup and drop off, and a visit to five different stops. Please meet us at Campo San Geremia, in front of the entrance of the Church Chiesa dei Santi Geremia e Lucia, where your tour guide will be waiting with a red bag featuring the Streaty logo. The tour starts at 5:30 PM and will end in campo Drio la Chiesa, just an eight-minute walk from the Rialto bridge.

During the tour, you’ll pass by the Ponte delle guglie and visit the Museo Ebraico di Venezia for 10 minutes (admission ticket not included), along with four other stops. Please note that this tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with limited mobility. Confirmation of your booking will be received at the time of booking. Additionally, the tour is not wheelchair accessible but is located near public transportation. Come join us for the ultimate Venetian Spritz experience!

5. Venice Highlights Private Tour

Our Venice Highlights Private Tour is a 3-hour walking tour at a relaxed pace that covers the city’s most iconic landmarks. You’ll have an expert local guide with insider’s knowledge to show you the best of the city. The tour includes pre-reserved tickets for Doge’s Palace and a guided tour of the Correr Museum.

We’ll begin the tour at Saint Mark’s Basilica, where we’ll meet by the big column with the winged lion on top. Your guide will have a signboard that says “Walks In Europe.” From there, we’ll explore the city’s highlights, including Piazza San Marco, before heading to the Doge’s Palace, where the tour will conclude.

Please note that if you take the 2 pm tour, the Correr Museum will be closed before your tour finishes, but you will have Correr tickets for the next day. Additionally, service animals are allowed on this tour, and it is conveniently located near public transportation.

Don’t miss out on an unforgettable experience of Venice’s rich history and architectural beauty with our Venice Highlights Private Tour.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Venice

Venice is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Its beautiful canals, stunning architecture, and rich history attract millions of visitors each year. However, many tourists have certain questions in mind before visiting the city. In this blog post, we aim to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Venice.

1. What is the best time to visit Venice?

The best time to visit Venice is between late spring and early fall, generally from May to October. During this time, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities, and the city is bustling with tourists from around the world. However, this is also the peak season, and the prices for accommodations and other activities are relatively high. If you’re traveling on a budget, you may want to consider visiting during the off-season, from November to April. The temperatures can get quite chilly during this time, but the prices are much lower, and the crowds are significantly smaller.

2. How can I get around Venice?

Venice is a pedestrian-friendly city, and the best way to explore it is by walking. You can also take a vaporetto or water taxi to get from one point to another. The vaporetto is the public ferry service that runs throughout the city and is an affordable and convenient way to get around. Water taxis, on the other hand, are more expensive but offer a more luxurious experience. If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Venice, you can also hire a gondola or a private boat tour.

3. What are the must-see attractions in Venice?

Venice is a city with a rich history and a lot of attractions to visit. The most popular attractions include:

• The Grand Canal
• The Rialto Bridge
• The Doge’s Palace
• The St. Mark’s Basilica
• The Peggy Guggenheim Collection
• The Venetian Ghetto
• The Accademia Gallery
• The Bridge of Sighs
• The Murano Glass Factory
• The Jewish Museum

4. What should I eat in Venice?

Venice is known for its delicious seafood cuisine. Some of the local specialties include:

• Sardee in saor
• Baccalà mantecato
• Polenta e sepe
• Bigoli in salsa
• Fegato alla veneziana
• Tiramisu

You can find these dishes in most traditional Venetian restaurants. It’s also worth visiting the Rialto Market, where you can find fresh seafood and vegetables and try the local street foods.

5. Is Venice really sinking?

Yes, it is. Venice is built on a group of small islands and is sinking at a rate of about 1-2 millimeters per year. The city is also experiencing the phenomenon of “acqua alta,” or high tides, which can cause flooding in certain areas during the year. However, the city has taken measures to prevent further damage, such as building a system of mobile floodgates to protect the city from high tides.

6. Is it safe to drink tap water in Venice?

Yes, it is. The tap water in Venice is safe to drink, and you can find public drinking fountains throughout the city. However, some locals prefer to drink filtered water or bottled water, as the tap water can have a slightly different taste.

7. What is the dress code for visiting churches in Venice?

When visiting churches in Venice, you should dress appropriately. This means avoiding shorts, sleeveless tops, and miniskirts. It’s also recommended to cover your shoulders and knees. However, if you forget to bring appropriate clothing, some churches offer scarfs or shawls to cover your shoulders and skirts to cover your legs.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Venice

Venice is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, attracting millions of visitors every year. Known for its picturesque canals, stunning architecture, and rich history, the city is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Italy. But with so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan your itinerary. In this guide, we’ll give you some tips on how to spend your time as a tourist in Venice.

1. Take a Gondola Ride

A trip to Venice wouldn’t be complete without a ride on a gondola. These iconic boats have been used for transportation in Venice for centuries and are now primarily used for tourists. Gondola rides can be expensive, especially if you’re traveling solo, but they’re a unique and romantic way to see the city. The cost for a gondola ride generally ranges from €80 to €120, depending on the duration and time of day. It’s worth noting that gondola rides are more expensive in the evening.

2. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the most famous landmarks in Venice and a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts. The basilica was built in the 11th century and is decorated with intricate mosaics, marble columns, and various works of art. The interior of the basilica is free to enter, but there’s an entry fee to access some parts of the church, such as the museum, treasury, and golden altar. The best time to visit St. Mark’s Basilica is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the crowds are smaller.

3. Explore the Doge’s Palace

The Doge’s Palace is another popular attraction in Venice and is located next to St. Mark’s Basilica. This magnificent palace was the residence of the Doges, the rulers of Venice, and houses some of the city’s most impressive artwork. The interior of the palace is decorated with frescoes, paintings, and sculptures, and the palace’s courtyard is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture. You can buy tickets for the Doge’s Palace online to avoid the long lines and save time.

4. Take a Tour of the Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is Venice’s largest waterway and is often referred to as the “main street” of the city. Taking a boat tour of the canal is a great way to see Venice from a different perspective and to learn more about its history and architecture. There are many different boat tour operators in Venice, and prices and tour lengths vary. A typical boat tour of the Grand Canal lasts around an hour and costs between €30 and €50.

5. Enjoy Venice’s Cuisine and Culture

Venice has a rich culinary history, and there are many local dishes that you must try during your visit. Some of the most popular dishes include seafood pasta, fried fish, and liver with onions. You can also try cicchetti, which are small plates similar to Spanish tapas, and a spritz, a refreshing cocktail made with prosecco and Aperol. Venice is also known for its glassmaking and lacework, and there are many shops and workshops where you can see these artisans in action.

6. Visit the Islands of Venice

Venice consists of more than 100 islands, and some of them are worth visiting during your trip. Murano is famous for its glassmaking, while Burano is known for its colorful houses and lacework. Torcello is the oldest settlement in the Venetian lagoon and has a beautiful cathedral and museum. You can take a vaporetto, or water bus, to reach the different islands, and tickets can be purchased beforehand to avoid the lines.

7. Attend a Concert or Opera

Venice has a rich musical heritage, and attending a concert or opera is a magical experience. The city has several stunning theaters, such as the Fenice Opera House, that offer performances year-round. The prices for tickets vary depending on the venue and the performance, but it’s worth it for the unforgettable experience.

Conclusion

Venice is a fascinating city with something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, art, or cuisine, there’s plenty to explore and discover. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your time as a tourist in Venice and create lasting memories. Remember to book your tickets in advance to save time and avoid the crowds, and don’t forget to take plenty of pictures of this stunning city.