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Think of a holiday here as the ultimate game of hide and seek, where you're chasing down secret courtyards, legendary cafés, and stories that are begging to be told. Venice isn't just a city; it's a floating stage where every day is a scene from a movie you always wanted to be part of. From the moment you step off the Vaporetto, you're in a world where the streets are made of water, and the pizzas come with a side of history. So pack your bags, but leave space for the memories – and maybe a bottle of Prosecco. Venice is not just a trip; it's a full-blown, all-senses-on-deck, can't-believe-this-is-real-life experience. Get ready to be swept off your feet – literally, because, you know, boats.
A stunning city on the northeast coast of Italy, Venice is definitely a unique destination for a city break. Ride along the canal in a gondola, discover true Italian and Venetian cuisine and most importantly, soak up the sun (and the culture too).
Venice is known for being a city that is surrounded by water, so if you just want to be by the sea then you’re in luck. As for beaches, over in Lido there is a spectacular stretch of sandy shore, spanning 11km in length. The Venice Lido is a fantastic pick for a beach day, with enough area to find yourself the perfect spot to enjoy a day of sun, sand and the Adriatic Sea. Plus, it has a selection of cafés and restaurants along the beachfront so you can enjoy the local food too!
For a warm city break to Venice, it’s best to travel between May and September when average temperatures range between 17°C and 23°C. April and October are a little cooler with averages between 12°C and 14°C and from November to March the temperatures drop, ranging from 3°C to 8°C.
It takes around two-and-a-half hours to fly from the UK to Venice.
Venice is one hour ahead of the UK.
In Venice, they use the Euro.
They speak Italian in Venice.
If you’re a foodie, a visit to the Rialto Bridge food market will be enjoyable just by itself, with the unique local produce that you can use to create deliciously fresh Venetian dishes. If you want to truly experience the market and all it has to offer, there’s also the Rialto Food and Wine tour, which takes you around the stalls and allows you to sample the different food and wine that are on sale.
The obvious thing to do when in Venice, you can’t miss out on a ride on the famous gondolas along the city’s canal. Whether you just want to give your feet a rest or you’re looking for a romantic excursion, these boat rides are perfect for a relaxing break whilst seeing the sights of the city along the way.
The centre of Venice is definitely a place to explore and see the sights, but if you want a break from the bustling city centre and the tourist-heavy areas then head to Castello. The residential area is just 15 minutes away from the main square and is filled with local independent businesses, making for a lovely day out if you want to see another side of Venice.
If you’re looking to visit around February, the Venice Carnival is an amazing event hosted once a year and is one not to miss. You’ll find live music, a parade, events and plenty of people dressed in unique costumes and masks. A tradition since the 11th century, the Venice Carnival is definitely one you’ll remember.
You've landed in the city of masks and mystery, where every corner turns into a stage, and the calendar is as packed with events as a gondola during Carnevale. Here's the lowdown on Venice's can't-miss events:
Carnevale (Jan/Feb)- Don your most outlandish mask and dive into the world's most stylish masquerade. It's like Halloween and your best-dressed gala had a baby, and it's fabulous.
Venice Biennale - Art's big league, where you can pretend to ponder the meaning of modern art or actually be blown away by the sheer creativity on display.
Regata Storica (September) - Boats, pageantry, and a whole lot of rowing. Think the Oxford-Cambridge race but with more costumes and Italian flair.
Festa della Madonna della Salute (November) - A day where Venetians give a nod to the heavens for keeping plagues at bay. Solemn, historic, yet a sight to behold.
Venice Film Festival (August) - Walk the red carpet in your mind as the stars descend upon the Lido. It's like the Oscars, but you can actually get close enough to the action without being a celeb.
Festa del Redentore (July) - Fireworks, feasts, and boat parties. It's the Fourth of July meets Thanksgiving on water.
Oh, you're ready to dance with the night in Venice? Here's your go-to guide for when the moon winks over the city of canals, and the streets hum with secrets and soirees:
Nighthawk Nibbles - Start with cicchetti bar hopping – Venice's answer to the pub crawl, but with more olives and less regret.
Jazz by the Canals - Slip into a jazz bar, where the sax serenades the gondolas, and the night is as smooth as a well-aged grappa.
Clubbing with Casanova - Wanna dance? Hit a club and channel your inner Venetian playboy. It's where history meets a DJ booth.
Late-Night Literature - For a quieter evening, find a late-night bookshop. It's like partying with words.
Moonlit Murano - Take a nocturnal ferry to Murano. The glass might not glow, but the street lamps over the canals sure set the mood.
Rooftop Revelries - Cap it all off with a rooftop cocktail, where the skyline is your VIP guest, and the stars light up the VIP lounge.
Venice isn't just about dreamy canals and swoon-worthy sunsets; it's a playground for your palate, a maze of mouth-watering marvels. Here, food isn't just sustenance; it's a full-on spectacle, with a spritz of history in every bite. So, let's twirl our forks and dive into the Venetian vibe, where the carbs are always welcomed, and the seafood is the star of the show.
Cicchetti: Venice's version of tapas. Must-tries include baccalà mantecato and fried mozzarella. Pop into any bacaro and snack like a local.
Bigoli in salsa: Thick, whole-wheat pasta with a rich anchovy sauce. It's the undercover agent of the pasta world.
Fritto misto: A medley of fried seafood, served piping hot. It's the Venetian twist on the ultimate fish and chips.
Risotto al nero di seppia: Squid ink risotto that’s as dramatic in colour as it is in taste. For those who live for the bold flavours.
Pizza: Can't miss the pizza. It’s like the gondola of comfort food – essential and always a good idea.
Tiramisu: Dive into the dessert that calls Veneto its birthplace. This isn't just a sweet treat; it's a spoonful of history.
Drinks: Sip on an ombra (a small glass of wine) or get fancy with a Bellini at Harry's Bar. When in Venice, drink as the Venetians do.
Get ready to have your socks charmed right off at St. Mark's Basilica, the crown jewel of Venice where opulence and history hug it out. This isn't just a church; it's a celestial showroom of Byzantine art that's been dropping jaws since the 11th century. Step inside and let the golden mosaics do the talking – and trust me, they're chatty. With every inch telling a story, you’ll be walking through a glittering book of biblical tales. Look up and catch the gleam of the Pala d'Oro, a backdrop so lavish it makes the Oscars look understated. And if you're feeling extra, shimmy up to the terrace for a panoramic selfie with the bronze horses. They don’t bite; they just add sparkle to your feed. So go on, waltz into this basilica and let Venice show you how they do divine drama.
This place is like the Oscars red carpet of Venetian history – dramatic, a little bit extra, and totally unmissable. It's a maze of marble that's seen more plot twists than a telenovela. As you glide up the Scala d’Oro (that’s the Golden Staircase to us commoners), you can almost hear the rustle of silken robes and the soft clink of secret deals. The Chamber of the Great Council is basically the VIP lounge of its day, except instead of celebs, you've got Venice's who's who in fresco form, giving you the eye from every wall. The Doge's Palace isn't just a trip through history; it's a full-on backstage pass to the drama of Venice’s glory days. So strut in there and soak up the splendour – it's your historical catwalk, darling.
All aboard for a splash through Venice's Grand Canal, the city's show-stopping main artery. Picture this: a rippling runway where palatial 'float' homes drop jaws and gondolas glide with the grace of swans. It's where history is reflected on the water's surface, and every bend reveals a new, postcard-perfect scene. Zip under the Rialto Bridge, wave to waterfront cafes, and cruise the catwalk of canals where Venice's heart beats with stories of the past. Quick, grab your camera – this is one ride you'll want to remember!
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
For day-trippers, a daily €5 fee will apply as of 17th January 2024 for entrance to the city and its historical landmarks. The fee is applicable on specific days from 25th April to 5th May and on weekends in May, June, and July, from 8:30AM to 4PM, excluding access to the islands. You'll pay the fee online at the Venice Access Fee portal, and then receive a QR code which will give you entry to the attractions. This is in place to manage tourism and to ensure that the sights don't get overly crowded during peak times.
If you're staying overnight in Venice, then currently no tourist tax applies, but you'll still need to register for a QR code via the Venice Access Fee portal.