Venice Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Grand Canal featuring heritage architecture, water sports and a lake or waterhole
Venice
Doge\'s Palace which includes heritage architecture, château or palace and general coastal views
Venice
Venice featuring a gondola, a city and street scenes

One of those rare places where time appears to have stood still. Renowned for charming lovers and inspiring artists, all visitors will appreciate its splendour.

Those who have visited this corner of north-eastern Italy tend to sprinkle adjectives into their tales of the Floating City. With so many sights and sounds to behold, the island captivates your senses from the very moment your feet touch the famous streets.

Marvel at jaw-dropping architecture and bask in some of the masterpieces found in the city's wealth of museums and galleries. Quaint boulevards teeming with souvenir shops form a collector’s paradise, and after sipping on some of the best coffee in the country, make your way over arched bridges and through tiny alleyways to explore the city on foot.

You’ll learn to love the absence of road traffic and be soothed by the water lapping in the canals below. You may find yourself transfixed as you watch gondolas and vaporettos (water buses) ferrying passengers over the calm waters. Hop on one of these to take in some of the island’s most iconic buildings, such as the Gothic-inspired palace Ca' d'Oro and the Basilica of St Mary of Health (Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute).

The grandRialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) is a world-famous landmark, but nothing beats gliding beneath it in a gondola. To explore further afield, hop on a ferry to the irresistible islands of Murano and Burano. These islands offer a tranquil day retreat and are renowned for the lace and glass produced by talented artisans.

Venetians are passionate about their food, and freshly cooked Italian cuisine accompanied by excellent wine, are always best savoured on the restaurant terraces. For classical local dishes, head to one of the traditional osterias (bars that also serve food).

The perfect spot to begin your love affair with Venice is St Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco), which is where you’ll find two of Venice's most stunning buildings: St Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco), featuring opulent golden mosaics and elaborate domes inspired by the Byzantine era, and the imposing Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale).

The best time to visit Venice is during spring or autumn—the city gets crowded in summer as temperatures soar. But visitors flock to the city all year round for its innumerable attractions, which provide one of the most romantic backdrops in the world, come rain or shine.

Where to stay in Venice

Dorsoduro which includes a coastal town and heritage architecture

Venice City Center

The stunning cathedral and charming cafes are just a few highlights of Venice City Center. Make a stop by St. Mark's Square or Grand Canal while you're exploring the area.

Venice City Center
San Marco featuring kayaking or canoeing and a river or creek

San Marco

4.5/5(162 area reviews)

San Marco is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like St. Mark's Square and Grand Canal.

San Marco
Venetian Ghetto which includes a bridge, heritage architecture and a coastal town

Cannaregio

4.5/5(119 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Cannaregio is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Grand Canal and Casino of Venice.

Cannaregio
San Polo showing a bay or harbour and heritage architecture

San Polo

4.5/5(33 area reviews)

San Polo is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Grand Canal and Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari while you're in town.

San Polo
Dorsoduro featuring a bridge and a river or creek

Dorsoduro

5/5(30 area reviews)

The ample dining options and fascinating museums are top of the list for many visitors to Dorsoduro. A stop by Grand Canal or Maritime Station might round out your trip.

Dorsoduro
Default Image

Santa Croce

4.5/5(62 area reviews)

Santa Croce is known for its charming cafes, and you can make a stop by Piazzale Roma and Grand Canal while in the area.

Santa Croce
Hampton By Hilton Venice Isola Nuova

Hampton By Hilton Venice Isola Nuova

3 out of 5
Isola Nova del Tronchetto 17, Venice, VE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$239 per night from 15 Sept to 16 Sept
AU$239
15 Sept - 16 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Venice. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Piazzale Roma and Grand ...
Hampton By Hilton Venice Isola Nuova
Hotel Rialto

Hotel Rialto

4 out of 5
San Marco 5149 Ponte Di Rialto, Venice, VE
The price is AU$455 per night from 30 Sept to 1 Oct
AU$455
30 Sept - 1 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Venice. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
Wonderful study !!
"Wonderful hotel , wonderful location and wonderful view from our bedroom ! Thank you Rialto hotel ."

Reviewed on 24 Aug. 2025

Hotel Rialto
Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo

Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo

4 out of 5
Piazza San Marco 1107, Calle del Cavalletto, Venice, VE
The price is AU$321 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$321
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Venice. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Hotel Cavalletto e Doge Orseolo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Staycity Aparthotels, Venice, Mestre

Staycity Aparthotels, Venice, Mestre

Via Ca' Marcello 8L, Mestre, VE
Stay at this aparthotel in Mestre. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
Staycity Aparthotels, Venice, Mestre
Hu Venezia Camping in Town

Hu Venezia Camping in Town

3 out of 5
Via Giuseppe De Marchi 7, Marghera, Mestre, VE
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly campground in Mestre. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Hu Venezia Camping in Town
Palazzo Dei Guardiani

Palazzo Dei Guardiani

Calle Dei Guardiani, 2405, Venice, VE
Stay at this aparthotel in Venice. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and concierge services. Popular attractions Piazzale Roma and Grand Canal are located nearby.
Palazzo Dei Guardiani
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Venice