Venice itinerary for 3 days. The best attractions in Venice in one day

In one of the most unusual and beautiful cities the world is visited by many tourists. What to see in Venice on your own in 1, 2 and 3 days? Find out about the best attractions and entrance fees.

St. Mark's Square

Each city has its own center. In Venice, this is the old Piazza San Marco. All roads that lead to ancient city on the water. The architectural ensemble of the main square is formed by the famous Doge's Palace, the picturesque St. Mark's Cathedral, the library, the clock tower and some other historical buildings.

The spacious square in front of the cathedral appeared in the 9th century, and the gray paved herringbone pavement was made in the 13th century. People come to the square to see the slender columns of St. Mark and Theodore, climb the Campanile observation deck, listen to the melodious chime of the clock on the tower and feed the pigeons.

It is easy to sail to this part of the city on river buses - vaporetto from railway station Santa Lucia or Piazza Roma. You need to get off at the S.Marco Vallaresso stop.

Mark's Square and Cathedral (Photo © unsplash.com / @dimush)

What is a must see in Venice? special attention deserves a beautiful Cathedral- the most popular and famous Christian church in the city. It received a high status at the beginning of the 19th century, and before that it was the Doge's court chapel.

Admire the facades of the luxurious building and look inside. Multicolored mosaic paintings cover 4,000 sq. m of the temple. The earliest of them were laid out in the XI century. On the huge dome of the Creation of the world there are 26 mosaic scenes from the Bible. The "Golden Altar" consists of religious miniatures, which were made in the technique of cloisonné enamel. The unique treasury of the basilica has been turned into a museum.

The cathedral rises in St. Mark's Square. Entrance to the Basilica is free. A ticket to the museum costs 5 €, the entrance to the "Golden Altar" - 2 €, and the ascent to the bell tower - 8 €.


Graceful walls of St. Mark's Cathedral (Photo © unsplash.com / @timounesays)

Not far from the Basilica of San Marco is the picturesque residence of the rulers of the city - the Doge's Palace, or Palazzo Ducale. If you have not yet decided what to see in Venice, include in your plan a walk through the museum, which is located inside the palace.

The ceilings of the residence are decorated by the famous artists Tintoretto and Veronese. Great impression leaves the Hall of Maps. On its walls are placed old maps, which were compiled by the best Italian masters.

The palace is located on Piazza San Marco. A full ticket costs 20€.


Palace courtyard (Photo © cedlambert / pixabay.com)

Tower of San Giorgio Maggiore

Venice is built on 118 islands, and one has an old 17th-century cathedral. The square brick tower of San Giorgio Maggiore rises to 60 m. It serves as a bell tower and serves as an excellent observation deck, which offers a wonderful view of the central part of Venice. An elevator takes tourists upstairs. Inside the three-nave church there are several paintings by the famous painter Tintoretto.

The tower is located on a small "cypress" island in the center of the city. The entrance to the temple is free, and the climb to the tower is 6 €.

Rialto Market

What to see in Venice to get acquainted with the daily life of the Venetians? Take a look at the old market, which has been operating in the city center since the 16th century. Its name means "high coast" in Italian. Here they sell fish, vegetables, herbs and fruits. The largest selection of fresh seafood is in the morning hours.

A chocolate shop "Visio Virtu" was opened near the market. Try different types of chocolate made according to traditional Venetian recipes. Visit the Parmesan Palace store for delicious cheeses.

The market is located on the right bank of the Grand Canal, west of the Rialto Bridge. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday in the morning. The entrance is free.

Murano Island

Murano attracts history buffs and art lovers. It was here, in the artisanal part of the city, that the mirrors and glass ornaments that made Venice famous were invented. Glass souvenirs are sold on Murano today.

Wander the narrow streets and admire the medieval temples and the summer residence of the Venetian rulers, Palazzo Da Mula. Take a tour of the factory to see how the famous glass is made.

The island-town is located 1.5 km from historical center Venice. Entrance to the Glass Museum costs 4€.

Torcello Island

We advise you to see the island of Torcello in Venice on your own, where the oldest churches of the city are located. Since the 7th century, Torcello has been one of the most prosperous settlements in the lagoon. There was an active trade on the island, and wool products were made. Then two rivers flooded the land, and most of the inhabitants moved to larger islands.

Go to the ancient Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Look out for massive stone shutters and golden doomsday mosaics. Walk over the water along the Devil's Bridge and look into the Santa Fosca temple.

Torcello is located in the north of the Venetian lagoon, you can get there by vaporetto.


Colorful buildings on the island (Photo © juliacasado1 / pixabay.com)

Cemetery of San Michele Island

What to see in Venice for connoisseurs of solitary walks? Perhaps the most quiet place located on a square island, which bears the name of the Archangel Michael. The ancient cemetery is surrounded by a brick wall and occupies the entire San Michele.

The territory with cypresses is divided into Orthodox, Catholic and Jewish sections. Here are the graves of many Venetians. Tourists from Russia visit the burial sites of Joseph Brodsky, Igor Stravinsky and Sergei Diaghilev. Out of respect for the deceased people, photographs are not allowed in the cemetery.

The island is reached by vaporetto, which go towards Murano.

Lido Island

If a walk through the cemetery of San Michele inspires a slight sadness, then a trip to the Lido Island will help you relax. Here are luxurious beaches and huge hotels often referred to as the Venetian Riviera. If you are in the city in the summer - go there to sunbathe!

The beach island is located south of the Venetian Lagoon. It closes the central part of the city from the Adriatic Sea.


Lido Island - a beach corner of Venice (Photo © somkuti / flickr.com)

Many tourists dream of attending a performance in opera house La Phoenix. The theater appeared at the end of the 18th century and, like a fabulous Phoenix, was rebuilt three times after fires. If time is short, a visit to the performance can be replaced by an excursion - the theater has a permanent exhibition about the opera diva Maria Callas. The guide will show the temple of arts and tell entertaining theatrical stories. Don't forget the dress code!

The theater is located in the San Marco area. Tickets cost 15-110 €, an excursion with an audio guide in five languages ​​- 13 €. Children under 6 years old are admitted free of charge.


Full house in the hall of La Fenice (Photo © wikimedia.org / Youflavio)

Shop for carnival masks

Where do you buy accessories for the famous Venice Carnival? Colorful paper and plastic masks are sold on the streets of the city, but most of them are Made in China. To see a real exclusive, head to an old Venetian mask store.

Il Canovaccio, a small shop, makes and sells painted masks for carnival participants. Traditional materials for them are leather, papier-mâché, ceramics and metal. True, plastic is often used today. Visitors are allowed to take pictures of any products, but masked people are not allowed!

The mask store is located in the city center, on Calle Larga Rosa, 6076. On the streets, masks are sold for 15-20€, and in the store an empty blank costs 30€. You can write it yourself. Prices for large masks in the form of luxurious animal heads reach up to 1500 €.

colorful bookstore

In Venice, connoisseurs of good books are advised to look at the real Aladdin's shop for book lovers - the Libreria Acqua Alta store. The unusual store is popular with tourists. The publications are displayed in wooden boats and gondolas, and one of the stairs is made of paper volumes. Two thirds of the books are new. The cats are sleeping on the shelves.

The bookstore is located near Piazza San Marco, at Calle Longa Santa Maria Formosa, 5176 - Castello.

What to see in Venice for lovers of unusual places? A suitable attraction is a small bridge between the Doge's Palace and the old prison. It was built at the beginning of the 17th century in the best traditions of the Baroque and decorated with marble carvings.

The graceful bridge is closed from view by walls and has only four windows - two on each side. Once upon a time, criminals were driven across the bridge. Through small windows they looked at the waters of the canal and said goodbye to freedom. Urban legends tell about the sad sighs of the prisoners. For modern tourists, the old building causes sighs of admiration.

The bridge is laid across the canal of the Rio di Palacio. They visit it for free.


Bridge over the Palace Canal (Photo © unsplash.com / @nickkarvounis)

Scuola San Rocco

Venice is a real Klondike for art lovers! What to see on your own? Connoisseurs of beauty are advised to go to the beautiful gallery of San Rocco. The two-storey building in the Venetian Renaissance style was founded in 1515. Walk through the huge halls and admire the gilded stucco, decorative panels, paintings by Tintoretto and Titian.

The gallery is located in Piazza San Rocco. Take the vaporetto to the S.Toma stop and walk to the museum. A ticket with an audio guide costs 11€.

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Giudecca Island

The large island is separated from the historic part of the city by the Giudecca Canal. People come here to admire the views of the buildings of San Marco and see three medieval churches.

On the Giudecca is luxury hotel. The neo-gothic building was built in the 19th century and was originally intended for a pasta factory. Lovers of Art Nouveau architecture cannot pass indifferently past the spectacular Casa dei Tre Oci.

The colorful island is part of the urban area of ​​Dorsoduro.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

This is the name of a small museum that exhibits 400 paintings by Picasso, Dali, Modigliani, Rothko, Miro, Chagall, Malevich, Ernst, Kandinsky and other famous artists of the 20th century.

The exposition occupies the Venier dei Leoni palazzo, which is located in the Dorsoduro district. The ticket costs 16.5€.


Palazzo Venier dei Leoni (Photo © wikimedia.org / Jean-Pierre Dalbéra)

One of the places on the Grand Canal worth seeing in Venice is called the Golden House. The fact is that in the 15th century, gold leaf was used to decorate the palace. Richly decorated gothic walls were visible from afar and reflected in the waters of the canal.

Since the 20s of the last century, the Franchetti Gallery has been located inside, where rare art objects and old paintings are collected. The only downside is that you can't take pictures.

An elegant palace stands in the San Marco area. Ticket price -11€.


Ca' d'Oro Palace (Photo © wikimedia.org / Didier Descouens)

old shipyard

Squero di San Trovaso is a 17th-century building where artisans still work. Squero means a team of people who make boats together. The shipyard produces long gondolas and other types of Venetian traditional boats. Craftsmen make 10 boats a year. Tourists are not allowed inside, but the entire shipyard is clearly visible from the canal.

The place where the boats are made is in the Dorsoduro area, 1097.

Venice is oversaturated with sights - we offer you to see only the very best in 1 day:

  • St. Mark's Square and the cathedral of the same name.
  • Tower of San Giorgio Maggiore - at least from the side.
  • Grand Canal.
  • Bridge of Sighs.
  • Rialto Bridge and Rialto Market.
  • Burano Island.
  • Murano Island.
  • Jujekka Island.
  • Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
  • Merceria.
  • Scuola San Rocco
  • Jewish ghetto.
  • Teatro La Fenice.
  • Cemetery of the island of San Michele.
  • Torcello island.

Map of attractions in Venice

Intro image source: © unsplash.com / @canmandawe.

Venice is a city rich in history and tradition. While not very big in itself, there is plenty to see and do. Having 3 days at your disposal in Venice, you should think in advance about organizing it in the best possible way. Do not forget that in Venice there are so-called "must-haves" that are worth doing and seeing in order to make your vacation unforgettable. For this I have prepared for you 3 days Venice itinerary to help you discover the Serenissima. If you follow the tips in this article, you will get to know the most personal and special aspects of this lagoon city.

Already upon arrival in Venice, you will find yourself in the historical center of the city. Rome Square (Piazzale Roma), where you arrive by taxi, car or bus, or Venice Santa Lucia train station the beginning of your acquaintance with the Venetian lagoon. After all, the city is a museum open sky. So just the fact that you have arrived already means that you have begun your dive into its history.

Piazzale Roma and the bridge of the Constitution Calatrava (Piazzale Roma) - point of arrival by transport in Venice

I guess, that three days is more than enough to see Venice. You will also have time to travel outside of it. In this way, you will be able to discover, for yourself, the islands of the Venetian lagoon. Follow the itinerary I have prepared for your 3 days Venice holiday. I can assure you that your trip will be unique and inimitable.

First day in Venice

The route starts the moment you arrive by train (Venice Santa Lucia Station) or by car or bus to Piazzale Roma. Right from here you can get the first impression of the city if you climb Constitution bridge (also called Calatrava). It is one of four bridges that cross the Grand Canal. Take some good photos here. You probably know that Venice was built on the water and it is crossed, far and wide, by canals, along which vaporettos go. Tickets for them can be purchased for 1,2,3 days or for a week. You can also travel by fairly expensive water taxis.
Vaporetto line diagram on English language You can download from the links: Otherwise, you can walk around the city on foot. In order not to feel completely overwhelmed by fatigue by the evening, I advise you to switch between these two travel options. In other words, a little walking, and a little vaporetto.

A visit to the heart of Venice

As soon as you arrive in Venice, in order to stretch your legs a bit, you can walk towards Piazza San Marco. You need to cross before the station, barefoot bridge (ponte degli scalzi). Its name comes from the fact that the bridge is located next to Church of St. Mary of Nazareth (Chiesa di Santa Maria di Nazareth), which belonged for many centuries to the Order of Discalced Carmelites. This is one of the four bridges that cross the Grand Canal. It allows direct access to the city center. There are 435 bridges in Venice.

Venice route map for the first day

I offer you a map of the route in Venice for the first day. The map shows all the places to visit listed in the article. Walking routes are also marked with a blue line. If you click on the icon in the upper left corner of the map, all legends will open.

Rialto Bridge

Following the signs that you will find on the buildings, you must go in the direction of San Marco / Rialto. Walk until you reach the oldest and most beautiful bridge in Venice - Rialto. It also crosses the Grand Canal. On the bridge, make your way among the many tourists, and take some nice "souvenir photos" with a beautiful view of the lagoon. It is best to take pictures from the middle of the bridge. The area around the Rialto Bridge offers many entertainment options:
  • shopping,
  • visiting typical Venetian Bacari;
  • fish market. It takes place only in the morning.

Bridge of Sighs

In a few minutes you will reach Piazza San Marco. First, however, take a look at Bridge of Sighs. Legend has it that if two lovers ride a gondola under the bridge at sunset, their love will last forever. Although, in fact, it was the last sad sigh of the prisoners who crossed the bridge as they were led to their execution. After all, they knew that they were seeing Venice for the last time.

Bridge of Sighs

Piazza San Marco

After crossing the bridge, you can take a short visit to Palazzo dei Prigioni. To see where the prisoners were kept. You can also go there along the routes along which each prisoner was escorted.

Palazzo dei Prigioni

Close to Palazzo dei Prigionieri worth a visit CastleDoge(Palazzo Ducale). I advise you to book an online ticket on the official website in advance to save time. There you can also find timetables, closing days and other information, including accessibility for tourists. The site is available in English and Italian.

Hall of the Doge's Palace in Venice

On the website of the Palace you can also find a ticket that will allow you to pass the "secret routes". If you don't want to spend too much time queuing to get in, then it's better to buy a "salta fila" skip-the-line entry ticket!

What else to see in the San Marco area

Below you will find a list of other 3-day Venice attractions worth visiting in the San Marco area. I recommend that you first visit the official websites of these places to find out prices, schedules, closing days and other information.
  • Basilica San Marco- the most majestic of the Venetian monumental structures. More than any other attraction, it symbolizes the greatness of the Serenissima. Given the high influx of tourists that flock here every day, I recommend buying a ticket to enter out of turn. It will allow you to take a tour with a specialized guide not only in the Basilica, but also in the Doge's Palace. Kill two birds with one stone.
  • Clock tower, also known as Torre dei Mori. It is one of the most famous architectural buildings in Venice. She goes out like a triumphal arch to the main shopping street cities - ancient Merceria (Merceria). Here were the centers of political and religious power of the city. The tower with its precious clockwork is available by appointment for small groups.
  • IslandSan-Giorgio-Maggiore(San Giorgio Maggiore). It is very easy to visit as it is only 5 minutes from San Marco. The island is easily accessible by vaporetto line number 2. We can say that this is not tourist place because there are no bars or restaurants here. However, a visit to San Giorgio Maggiore is recommended for those who want to have a special look at Venice. For those who love Palladio or who are drawn to close proximity, the serenity of monastic life.

Facade of the Monastery of San Giorgio Maggiore

It was not until 1951 that the island regained its cultural significance thanks to the Giorgio Cini Foundation. It was created by the Venetian Count Vittorio Cini. It is thanks to this private institution that the monumental and cultural values ​​of the island are being restored.

Dinner at San Marco

The area is not very suitable for an inexpensive lunch. Especially everything is very expensive in the bars around the square. The best option it will be easy to move in any direction from Piazza San Marco. Walk within a few minutes' walk. You will immediately find trattorias or osterias where you can have a decent bite to eat.

Trattoria Alla Basilica

You can go through Calle degli Albanesi. A few dozen meters from Piazza San Marco, there is Ristorante alla Basilica where the menu offers an excellent choice. You can choose something according to your taste from many different meat or fish dishes. All freshly prepared. The chef uses only fresh ingredients. What attracts travelers to this place is the fixed price menu. Here you can choose the first, second courses and snacks at a bargain price. Of course, Venice is an expensive city, but if you want to save some money and eat less typical, but at the same time, “glamorous” food, go to Hard Rock Cafe. My advice in this latter case is to book an entrance ticket with priority seats. Because here, as in other hard rock throughout Europe, there are always long queues. By the way, this is the smallest Hard Rock Cafè in all of Europe.

Afternoon in San Polo

The best way to get to and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of San Polo is by far on foot. It can also be reached by ACTV gondola and vaporetto. Historic district Campo San Polo located next to the Rialto. Here you can find some bakari - typical Venetian bars). In them you can enjoy cichetti (snacks) and a glass of good wine. This is when you want to take a delicious break for yourself.

Chichetti must try

Campo San Polo is located in the smallest district of Venice. However, it is the largest campo (field) in the city. In ancient times, it was intended for crops and pastures. It now often hosts performances, fairs and special events. The historic walls of Campo San Polo bear witness to a very curious part of the city's history, also called the "Venice of Libertina". Her main character is Casanova.

What to see in San Polo

Today in Campo San Polo you will find old majestic buildings. Such as:
  • Scuola Grande di San Rocco. It was the center of a brotherhood of wealthy Venetians. They devoted themselves to charity in the arts. The name comes from the burial place of Saint San Rocco, which is located here. In 1564 the Brotherhood commissioned the painter Tintoretto to decorate the school. He fully realized his talent in painting the Hall del Albergo (Sala dell'Albergo) in the Scuola di San Rocco. This cycle of his works is considered by everyone as Sistine Chapel of Venice. You can reach it on foot or by vaporetto line 2 (stop San Tomà)
  • Palazzo Corner Mocenigo- a very nice museum. Located in a palace that belonged to a noble Venetian family. Located near the Rialto Bridge. It is easily accessible on foot from the train station or by vaporetto (stop S. Stae). The museum has created a route that goes through beautiful rooms with original furniture and tells the story of the Venetian fashion and costumes of the eighteenth century. Here you can also visit the hall, which tells about the creation of perfumery. It is also possible to personally smell the aromas of the raw materials from which perfumes were created. I definitely recommend this museum to those who want to make an unusual visit to this area of ​​the city.

Venetian aperitif and dinner in a typical Osteria / Trattoria

There are essentially two options that I propose. This is either an aperitif in some bakari, or dinner in an osteria or trattoria. Therefore, I immediately link to an article that tells. So that you can choose an institution, depending on the area, and the dinner option you have chosen.

Vaporetto tour at night

I decided to offer you a night, not a day, vaporetto tour. In any case, if you want to do it during the day, you can always do it. In my opinion, to see Venice completely lit up with bright lights at night is a very exciting sight.
With line 2, you will be able to drive through the main canals in a short time (60 minutes).
During this tour you will be able to see the main Venetian sights from the perspective of the canals. In addition, at night, Venice is illuminated with colorful lights, which creates a unique atmosphere. Be sure to take some great pictures.

Second day in Venice

Breakfast

Breakfast is an important event of the day and even more so in Venice. Especially if you intend to walk up and down the bridges and streets of the city all day long. Among the various alternatives to having breakfast in Venice (for those who don't have much time), you can feast on patisseries in any classic Venetian bar. For lovers of classic Venice who don't count money much, I advise you to sit at a table at one of the historic cafes of Piazza San Marco, Caffè Florian. To act in the same way as the heroes of Italian and foreign literature and art did in past years.

At Cafe Florian during the Venice Carnival

Journey through the islands of Venice

The best way to get to the islands is by vaporetto.. Just go to the ACTV website and look for a map with different vaporetto lines and schedules. From the information provided, you will easily understand how to get to a particular island. Above you will find links to download the Venetian vaporetto route map. All detailed information read about the islands of Venice in the section of the site dedicated to this topic. There you will find not only descriptions and attractions of the 10 islands of Venice that you should visit, but also directions on how to get to them.

Walking tour to Dorsoduro

Having returned from a trip to the islands of Venice, I propose to get to know the Venetian area Dorsoduro better. You can go on foot from San Marco or, if the excursion to the islands tired you, then take a vaporetto and get to the Accademia stop. To get to Dorsoduro, you must cross Accademia Bridge. It was tentatively planned to be a temporary bridge and was supposed to last only a few years. Instead of this, it's been almost 80 years, and after costly repairs, its wooden structure is still holding strong. In addition, it blends well with the rest of the landscape. As soon as you reach the highest point of the bridge, don't forget to stop and look around 360 degrees to admire the surrounding beauty.

Academy Bridge

Academy Gallery

At the foot of the bridge, you will find Academy Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia). The gallery contains a fantastic collection of paintings by artists of Venice, and the entire Veneto region, from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century. It is worth visiting this gallery to see firsthand all the masterpieces that it represents. Here you can admire the work:
  • San Giorgio di Manteina,
  • San Girolamo Piero della Francesca,
  • Mother of God Cosmi Tura,
  • La Tempesta, Giorgione;
  • Pieta Titian;
  • and works of art by Tintoretto and Veronese.

Inside the Academy Gallery

Ca' Rezzonico

In addition to the gallery, you can visit Ca 'Rezzonico - an eighteenth-century museum building. This is a magnificent building overlooking the Grand Canal, which houses the fine works of this golden age. Inside the museum, you will find beautiful rooms filled with paintings, ceiling frescoes and period furniture.
You can get to the museum on line 2 of the vaporetto. Stop "Ca Rezzonico". By visiting the museum's official website, you can get all the necessary information (prices, schedule, closing days, etc.).

Ca' Rezzonico from the inside

The Dorsoduro area brings together tourists, university students and native Venetians. He is perfect place for relax. On central square Campo Santa Margherita, Venetians name local establishments by color. There is a blue, red, orange or black bar. Here you can stop to rest from your long hiking through the city of the lagoon. Here you can try the famous local snacks in the Venetian bakari. There are also many art shops and excellent restaurants.

Campo Santa Margherita

Aperitif overlooking the lagoon in Giudecca

Giudecca is an island located opposite the Dorsoduro area.
It is easy to get to on the 2 or 4.1 vaporetto lines. A one-time ticket for 75 minutes costs 7.5 euros. Giudecca can also be reached from the S. Zaccaria", taking line 2 or 4.2. The stop where you need to get off is "Zitelle".
As soon as you arrive on the island, you can try an aperitif, as well as snacks, in one of the many bars along the banks of the Channel. Try also gianduiotto or ice cream, or spritz and cichetti. The most impressive view of Venice that you can enjoy without leaving the lagoon is on panoramic terraces of the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice. Skyline Rooftop Bar The hotel is ready to receive both hotel guests and third-party visitors.

View of Venice from Skyline Rooftop Bar

From the two terraces of the Skyline Rooftop Bar, the view of Venice is truly unusual. Terrace "Marghera" is a place from where you can admire the sunset. Terrace "Venezia" offers a unique view of the city, thanks to the height of its location. This is one of the highest points in the city.

Venice at night

During the day this city is full of magic, Venice at night is mysterious and intriguing!
Not everyone knows, but Venice at night is a fascinating city, different from many other places and has its own special character.
If you're used to the idea of ​​Venice, where hordes of tourists troop in single file to see the city's main sights, then you'll be surprised. That night outfit that the lagoon will offer you at night. You will feel like you are in another dimension.

Venetian nightlife spots

Young people, university students and many Venetians prefer the Campo Santa Margherita area. If you are looking for a real nightlife Venice, this is a place not to be missed. Here you will find bars, clubs, restaurants and wine bars where you can have fun with your friends. Also a great idea would be to spend a romantic evening.

Nightlife in Venice

Those who love beer should not miss Pub Il Bevitore. It is located just minutes from the train station. The beer here is excellent. There is often live music. If you love jazz, don't miss the opportunity to visit Venice Jazz Club. It is located near Campo di Santa Margherita, in Dorsoduro. Live concerts, cocktails and good wine are the main ingredients of your evening in this interesting place. For romantics, get lost in the streets of Venice. Sit somewhere, on the banks of the canal. Perhaps sipping a glass of wine. You will be accompanied only by the sound of water and silence. Choose the least visited areas by tourists - Castello and Cannaregio.

Third day in Venice

Gondola ride

You can't say you've been to Venice if you don't experience that unforgettable experience that comes with a gondola ride. In addition, this is another option to discover Venice from the water level. The trip will allow you to look at the city from a perspective that you will never be able to see when crossing Venice on foot or on a vaporetto.
For more information about gondola rides, see the dedicated section.

What to see in the Castello area

District of Castello borders on the north with the area of ​​Cannaregio, and is located in the space between Fondamenta nove and Campo Santa Marina (Campo Santa Marina). In the south, it borders on the district of San Marco in the area between the parish of San Lio (Parrocchia di San Lio) and the famous Square San Marco. It connects to the Cannaregio area via the bridge of Saints John and Paul (ponte dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo) and to Riva degli Schiavoni via the Ponte della Paglia bridge. I remind you that this is the only area that does not overlook the Grand Canal. However, it covers the entire Arsenal complex.

Churches of the Castello district

The following monasteries are located in the northern part:
  • MonasterysaintsJohnAndPaul(Convento dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo). It was rebuilt between 1660 and 1675. Includes two monasteries and a courtyard. Today it houses the Venice State Hospital.
  • AbodeSan-FrancescodellaViña(Convento di San Francesco della Vigna). Its creation dates back to the middle of the fifteenth century. It is currently the center of the Institute of Ecumenical Sciences. In summer, organ concerts and Gregorian chants are organized here.

What else to see in the Castello area

  • In the eastern part are Public gardens (Giardini Pubblici). Most of the city's vegetation is concentrated in these gardens. The gardens were created in 1807 thanks to the decree of Napoleon.
  • In the same year 1807 it was built Via Garibaldi (ViaGaribaldi). Today it is very lively, full of life, shops, bars and restaurants of all kinds. In addition, every morning there is a fruit, vegetable and fish market.
  • Among other things, the region has Arsenal of Venice. This is an ancient complex of shipyards and workshops that make up a very large area of ​​the island city of Venice in its eastern part. It has been the heart of the Venetian maritime industry since the 12th century, and is associated with the most prosperous period of the Serenissima.
  • The Arsenal complex now includes exhibitions of contemporary art "Venice Biennale". The exhibition area occupies about a quarter of the entire complex. I highly recommend visiting them, both for art critics and for all curious tourists. This could be very interesting.

Lunch at Cannaregio

The Castello area borders the Cannaregio area. It's a bit off the usual tourist trails. Stay in seclusion Campo Widman l'Ostaria Boccadoro. After a day of walking the streets and bridges, discovering treasures magnificent Venice, there is nothing better than relaxing in this true oasis.

Dine at Ostaria Boccadoro

Venice (Venezia or Venice) attracts many travelers with its indescribable atmosphere and huge cultural potential. There are many routes in the city, and the main attractions of Venice are concentrated in the picturesque lagoon.

And it will be very disappointing if you don’t have time to see the most interesting places due to an illiterate travel itinerary. Therefore, it is better to think over everything in advance, having studied what sights are worth visiting in Venice during your vacation.

In this article, we have collected the main attractions of Venice with descriptions and photos that are worth seeing in the city on the water. On a virtual tour, you can also find out opening hours, ticket prices, addresses, and plan the time needed to see each site.

So, welcome to virtual Venice for now.

Piazza San Marco - the heart of the city

The heart and soul of Venice is Piazza San Marco, the architectural ensemble of which is designed in the style of the Renaissance. This place has been the central part of the city for centuries and a favorite place for walks of the Italian aristocracy.

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On the square are the main architectural monuments cities: the luxurious Doge's Palace, the monumental Cathedral of St. Mark, the colonnade of the same name, the campanile, which is the high-rise dominant of the city.

What does it give?

Travelers can admire the panorama of the square and the surrounding ancient streets and numerous canals from a bird's eye view by climbing the observation deck of the basilica.

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For a long time, numerous pigeons were a living symbol of St. Mark's Square. According to legend, the first birds were brought from Egypt for the wife of the doge, which served as the basis for the tradition of feeding pigeons by newlyweds. In the 20th century, birds became a problem for the city, fights began with them, which resulted in their disappearance from Venice as a whole.

Address: Piazza San Marco

Time to visit: from 15 minutes

Venetian lagoon - canal streets

The Venetian lagoon is traditionally understood as the historical center of the city, which occupies an area cut by numerous channels.

Evgenii Iaroshevskii

Water arteries play the role of streets, the main of which is the Grand Canal. Each of the islands of the lagoon has its own specifics and functional purpose. All natural, cultural and historical monuments are located in the lagoon, and the view of it is the main memory of Venice for every tourist.

In order not to miss any of the beautiful corners of the lagoon, book with a private guide. He will lead you past the Grand Canal, tell the story of an amazing city on the water and decorate the story with curious facts from the past of city dwellers. If you wish, you can visit the famous islands of the Venetian lagoon.

Bridge of Sighs - a romantic place

An elegant baroque bridge spanning over the Palace Canal and connecting the luxurious Doge's Palace with the gloomy building of the city prison attracts tourists with its romantic name and halo of secrets and legends.

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The official name of the bridge is Ponte dei Sospiri. It was created in the Baroque style, in white marble, by the architect Antonio Contini at the beginning of the 17th century. Initially, the bridge was criticized for not matching the architectural style of Venice.

It's curious:

There are many legends associated with the name of the bridge. According to one of them, in the Middle Ages, the bridge was the last route of convicts sent to the city prison. No one managed to escape from it, except for the famous Casanova, which caused sad sighs at a farewell glance at beautiful Venice.

Address: Piazza San Marco, 1

Who cares: couples, romantics, newlyweds.

Many private guides in Venice include the Bridge of Sighs in their itinerary. If you are interested in non-trivial information about the mysterious city on the water, take advantage of the Tripster offer and go to. This is the easiest and most unpretentious way to see Business Cards Venice and learn the stories associated with them.

Rialto Bridge - an interesting architectural solution

The hallmark of Venice is the elegant Rialto Bridge, bizarrely curved over the Grand Canal. Despite the fact that the structure was completely destroyed several times as a result of devastating fires or uprisings, Rialto is considered the oldest bridge in the city.

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The final version of the bridge, made of stone, was proposed and successfully implemented by the architect Antonio da Ponte in last years XVI century. Da Ponte's assistant was his then young nephew Antonio Contin, the future creator of the Bridge of Sighs.

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The Rialto structure is based on 12 thousand piles, which allows it to withstand a significant load. The length of the span is small, about 48 meters: the bridge is located over the narrowest part of the Grand Canal.

Address: Sestiere San Polo.

Time for inspection: 10 - 15 minutes

Who cares: everyone.

The famous bridge of Venice has long settled on postcards and paintings, actively bought by tourists. However, the best souvenir will be a good photo that you can take during a private tour. If you are interested in living history Italian city, feel free to book a walk for the date you are interested in!

Santa Maria della Salute - repository of a religious relic

Monumental Cathedral of Santa Maria della Salute, built on the banks of the Grand Canal, opposite the Doge's Palace - a sign of gratitude local residents for saving the city from the plague.

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The creation of the cathedral began in the middle of the 17th century under the guidance of the architect Balthazar Longen and lasted more than 50 years. The stability of the temple is ensured by almost a million piles driven into the bottom of the Grand Canal.

Worth seeing:

The interiors of Santa Maria della Salute impress with an abundance of icons, paintings, statues and mosaics. The main relic of the temple is the icon of the Madonna della Salute brought from Crete as a gift to the Venetians.

Alexander Medvedkov

Every year, on November 21, the Venetians commemorate the victims of the terrible plague epidemic: on this day, a special service is served in the cathedral, and a temporary pontoon bridge is installed from the Palazzo Ducale to the temple.

Address: Dorsoduro, 1

Opening hours: 09:30-12:00 and 15:00-17:30

Ticket price: entrance to the basilica - free of charge, to the museum - 4 euros

Time to visit: 30-45 minutes

Who is interested: couples, individual tourists, fans of painting and art.

Curious about the city's shrine's mysterious past? Ask a private guide to include her visit in the tour itinerary. This option is a more attractive alternative to exploring the city on the water on your own. In addition, communication with a well-informed guide will allow you to acquire many useful facts and information.

Ca'd'Oro - a beautiful architectural monument

The graceful Ca'd'Oro Palace, located on the banks of the Grand Canal, amazes travelers with openwork lace, airy modeling and bright colors. The abundance of gold leaf, which is used in large quantities in external decoration and interiors, is the reason for the name of the palace "Golden House".

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The palazzo was built in the Venetian Gothic style. Over the years of its existence, it has repeatedly changed owners, each of which brought new details to its appearance.

You can see the beautiful interiors of Ca' d'Oro while visiting the Franchetti Gallery, which occupies a significant part of the palace.

Address: Fondamenta Trapolin, 3932

Opening hours: 08:15-19:15 (on Mon - until 14:00)

Ticket price: 11 euros (with visits to exhibitions)

Time to visit: 1 hour

Who is interested: art connoisseurs, individual tourists, couples.

After sunset, the palace appears in a completely different guise: mysterious, intriguing, but no less beautiful. Do not miss the opportunity to capture this beauty with a camera during. It will take you back to the times of Giacomo Casanova, will be remembered for its delightful atmosphere and will reward you with a collection of interesting facts from the history of the city.

Cathedral of San Giorgio Maggiore - impressive interiors

Built on the site of an ancient Benedictine monastery, the cathedral occupies a separate island. The white marble and red bricks of the façade contrast spectacularly with the azure water of the canals. The interiors of the temple are bright and spacious, impress with the grandeur of the altar and the richness of the decor.

Lee Yiu Tung

In addition to inspecting the interior, it is recommended to climb to the observation deck, from which a beautiful panorama of St. Mark's Square appears before the eyes of tourists. It is better to have time to make the rise before the start of the service, accompanied by a deafening chime of bells.

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Address: Island of San Giorgio Maggiore (get there - by vaporetto number 2)

Opening hours: 9:30 - 12:30 and 14:30 - 18:00

Ticket price: entrance to the temple - free of charge, climb to the observation deck - 6 euros.

Time to visit: 30 minutes

Who cares: couples, romantics, art connoisseurs, lovers of panoramic views

You can get to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore and see the shrine in all its glory as part of an excursion. At the same time, you will have an amazing chance not only to take a walk on the water tram, but also to capture the picturesque views of the city on the water.

Ca Rezzonico - for art lovers

Occupying the halls of a luxurious palazzo built in the 17th century, the museum offers its visitors to get acquainted with a rich collection of paintings, sculptures, interior items, ceremonial clothes of high Venetian society, etc.

Marco Taliani de Marchio

The palace, owned by the influential Venetian Rezzonico family, was built in the Baroque style and differs from neighboring houses by the contrasts of light and dark facade details.

Address: Dorsoduro, 3136

Ticket price: 10 euros

Time to visit: 1 hour

Who cares: art lovers interested in history

A private 1.5 hour tour takes you into the lush atmosphere of the time. The guide will tell you a lot of interesting facts from the history of a noble family and will help you not to get lost among the huge number of exhibits.

Venetian Arsenal - the center of shipbuilding

Being one of the largest shipyards in Europe, the Arsenal allowed Venice to take a strong position as a major seaport.

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In the XX century on the territory of the plant was created naval museum, telling its visitors the history of the city as a powerful and influential Mediterranean port.

Remember:

You can get to the arsenal on foot by crossing the footbridge.

Address: Castello, 30122

Time to visit: from 1.5 h

Who is interested: families with children, young people interested in maritime and military topics

The former greatness of Venice as one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean is largely the merit of the Arsenal. Not visiting it is an unfortunate omission for every tourist. Join a tour of the city to see the shipyard and learn about its history from the mouth of a guide who loves his job and is happy to share enticing facts about local attractions.

Burano - an unusual island with history

When deciding what sights to visit in Venice, one should not forget about its interesting and distinctive suburbs.

Burano Island will delight guests with bright, like toy houses, an unusual lace museum, the leaning tower of the Church of San Martino and the famous local shortbread cookies - brunelli.

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How to get there: by vaporetto from Venice (from the Faro Murano stop, 2 times per hour)

Time to visit: 1.5-2 hours

Who cares: active travelers, couples, connoisseurs of new places.


- a great opportunity to walk along the most colorful island of the lagoon in the company of a licensed guide. You will learn interesting story, associated with the color "palette" of the local buildings, and you will see the main sights - not as monumental as in Venice itself, but no less authentic.

Murano - the realm of colored glass

Murano Island is famous as the birthplace of the unique Venetian glass, which is popular all over the world.

Why is it so?

An independent mini-city with churches, cozy houses and luxurious palaces has been formed here. Tourists are attracted by the Glass Museum, as well as numerous glassblowing workshops, where you can watch the process of making legendary vases or mirrors.

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How to get there: by vaporetto from Venice (41, 42, 51 and 52 routes)

Ticket price: 2-3 euros (visiting a glass blower's workshop)

Time to visit: 2 hours

Who cares: active tourists, couples, friends, families with large children

The history of Murano glass is one of the most fascinating in the chronicles of the Kingdom of Venice. Thanks to you, you will have a unique chance to learn an ancient craft! In addition to interesting information, tourists will have a master class on making glass products. Just imagine what an amazing souvenir you can please yourself and loved ones!

Lido - sandy beach and beautiful architecture

cozy and calm island Lido attracts travelers who value privacy and beautiful architecture. From other islands of the lagoon, it differs from more fashionable and expensive housing, as well as a combination of historical and modern buildings. The island has a long sand beach.

Polina Maxim

Luxurious mansions of the Lido - filming locations for fragments from the films "The English Patient" and "Casino Royale".

How to get there: by ACTV water buses (journey time 10 min)

Time to visit: from 2 hours

Who cares: amateurs measured rest, romantics and lovers, connoisseurs of cinema

You can plunge headlong into the peaceful atmosphere of the island, or you can supplement your vacation with fascinating information - it depends on you. For the second option, you should choose an excursion. You will have a trip on a private boat in comfortable conditions and in the company of a pleasant guide who will tell you a lot of fascinating facts about the main "points" of the upcoming route.

Poveglia - for lovers of mysticism

Secluded and remote from the tourist area, Poveglia is a gloomy and ghostly island that owes its fame to a hospital for the mentally ill. According to legend, the souls of the dead prisoners hover over the island, and in one of the bays there is an entrance to hell.

Kagan Kaya

Since the beginning of the 21st century, the bell tower and the hospital building on Povelje have been abandoned. Ruins and dilapidated buildings contrast with the luxurious mansions and palaces of Venice.

How to get there: rent a boat

Time to visit: from 3 hours

Who cares: lovers of the paranormal, psychics

For tourists interested in the island's mysterious past, a guided tour is a good option. Although Poveglia is not included in the itinerary, a licensed guide will tell you about the "dying island", whose appearance contrasts so extravagantly with the splendor and grandeur of the city.

Oriental Museum - interesting collections

The luxurious Palazzo Ca Pesaro, located on the Grand Canal, hides in its interiors two luxurious collections:

  • works of contemporary art;
  • artifacts and exhibits of the ancient cultures of the East, previously included in the private collection of Duchess Felicita Bevilacca La Masa.

The Palazzo was built by the famous Venetian architect Baldassare Longhenu. The external facades of the palace are remarkable for their beautiful baroque decor and lion heads facing the canal.

Address: Santa Croce, 2076

Opening hours: 10:00-17:00 (except Mon)

Ticket price: 14 euros (adult), 11.5 euros (preferential)

Time to visit: 1 hour

Who is interested: those who are interested in the culture and art of the East

If you are interested not only in the museum, but also in the palace itself as an architectural heritage of Venice, do not miss the chance to admire it in the evening within. The guide will help you feel the ancient atmosphere of the city and share with you fascinating stories from the past life of the Venetians.

Museum Correr - religious history

Created in the middle of the 19th century by Abbot Teodoro Correr, the museum is one of the largest collections of religious and historical artifacts in Italy.

Igor Guiro

Its collections, occupying 33 halls, include both paintings and ancient weapons, archaeological finds and applied art.

Napoleon Bonaparte used the museum building as his private quarters in Venice.

Address: San Marco, 52

Opening hours: 10-:00 - 19:00

Time to visit: from 1 hour

Who's interested: art connoisseurs interested in history and culture

You can visit the Correr Museum and see its rich collection as part of a private tour - for example,. The guide will talk about each exhibit in the context of the history and social life of Venice, shipbuilding, coinage, curious traditions and crafts.

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo - original architecture

The Palazzo occupies an unusual architectural building built in the middle of the 15th century. Characteristic architectural features of the palace are numerous arches, graceful columns and a majestic staircase, curved in the form of a spiral.

Pajor Pawel

The style in which the palace was created combines elements of the Gothic, Renaissance and Byzantine approaches.

You can see the luxurious interiors and the beautiful staircase of the palazzo in Orson Welles' film Othello.

Address: San Marco, 4299

Time to visit: 10 minutes

Who cares: active travelers

The palace attracts tourists with its observation deck, from where breathtaking panoramas of Venice open up. Go to the roof with a line-up So you can not only enjoy the city views, but also learn a lot of stories and legends that are known only to the locals.

Church of Santa Maria del Giglio - repository of a painting by Rubens

Built in the Baroque style, the church was erected on the site of a collapsed bell tower. The money for its construction was allocated by Admiral Antonio Barbaro, and the project of the cathedral, thrown by the patron, was implemented by Giuseppe Sardi.

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The main attraction of the cathedral is the only surviving painting in Italy by Peter Rubens "The Holy Family".

This is interesting:

The name of the cathedral is associated with the central composition depicting the Virgin Mary and the Archangel Gabriel, holding out to her a lily - a biblical symbol of the good news.

Address: Campo Santa Maria del Giglio San Marco

Opening hours: 10:30-16:30 (Mon-Sat)

Ticket price: 3 euros

Time to visit: 15-20 minutes

Who cares: connoisseurs of architecture and painting.

It is not enough to admire the shrine from afar. Join a private tour and fill up your knowledge box with interesting information about the exterior and interior of the church. This will help you feel the authentic charm of one of the most famous cities in Italy!

Church of San Moise - impressive architectural solutions

Located not far from the central square of the city, the cathedral impresses the audience with its luxurious facade richly decorated with bas-reliefs and marble sculptures. The church was built in the Baroque style by order of the family of Venetian financiers - Fini.

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The difference from other temples of the city is the plot of the compositions of the facade: they praise the financial victories of Fini's businessmen. Above the doors of the church there are portraits of both brothers, stylized as cupids.

The altar presents a picturesque diorama depicting the process of transferring the sacred commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai. "Meet Venice!" The guide will reveal to tourists the unique charm of Venice and, like a time machine, will take you to the eventful past of the legendary city.

Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari - a chic observation deck

The monumental temple, located in the center of the city, was built by the Franciscans, during the period of maximum influence of their order throughout Europe.

The cathedral and the bell tower were built in strict Gothic traditions, with a minimum amount of decor and decorations. This design of the facade and interior emphasizes the belonging of the temple to the Franciscans.

Ticket price: 3 euros

Time to visit: half an hour

Who is interested: those who are interested in history, connoisseurs of Gothic.

Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is recognized as the second most beautiful cathedral in the city (after the shrine of San Marco). By joining a private tour, you will learn the fascinating history of the construction of the temple, which has more than 6 centuries.

Church of Santo Stefano - unusual decor

Located on the opposite bank of the Grand Canal, the church is a gothic monument built by Augustinian monks.

The guide will tell you about the features of the facade and interior decoration of the attraction. As a bonus - a fascinating walk through central regions cities.

Teatro La Fenice - a temple of art

The Venice Opera House is not accidentally named after the "phoenix": its building was completely destroyed several times by a devastating fire. The theater was last restored in 2003.

Remember:

During the day, you can see the interiors of the theater with a guided tour, while in the evenings there are concerts of classical music, opera, performances by local theater groups.

Built in the late Venetian Gothic style, the palace is the residence of Doge Francesco Foscari, the city's longest reigning leader.

Felix Lipov

The Palazzo combines architectural elements and decor features of the most famous sights of Venice. Since the end of the 20th century, the building has been transferred to Ca'Foscari University, which allows travelers to get inside and get acquainted with the amazing interiors of the palace.

Address: Fondamenta S. Simeone Piccolo, 719, 30135 Venezia

Who cares: fans of architecture, culture and art.

The building in the Venetian Gothic style looks especially colorful in the evening. Check it out by joining a guided tour. You will be guided through the main sights of the city, demonstrating their greatness not only on land, but also in the water of the Grand Canal!

Cafe Florian - a place with ancient history

The legendary Venetian cafe is, according to some sources, the very first coffee house in Italy. Florian consists of 5 themed halls and a mini-orchestra, which has become a symbol not only of the cafe, but of the entire square.

Who cares: connoisseurs of the atmosphere of antiquity, lovers of places of worship.

A visit to Venice's most famous café is part of many private tours. A walk with a promising name was no exception. The guide will take you to the key sights and will gladly share the most intriguing facts about the history of the magical city.

Interesting sights in Venice on the map

What to visit in Venice in 1 day

It is impossible to see all the Venetian sights in one day, we offer only one of the options. You can see something only from the outside for a general idea, go somewhere inside to look at the interiors and exhibits.

  • St. Mark's Clock Tower (No. 1)
  • Cathedral of San Marco (No. 2)
  • St. Mark's Campanile (#3)
  • Correr Museum (#4)
  • Cafe Florian (#5)
  • Doge's Palace (№6)
  • Santa Maria della Salute (No. 7)
  • Academy Gallery (#8)
  • Ca Rezzonico (No. 9)
  • Ca'd'Oro (#10)
  • Museum of the East (№11)
  • Palazzo Foscari (#12)

On the map, these objects are located as follows:

Things to do in Venice that you can visit in 3 days

  • Piazza San Marco (No. 1)
  • Church of San Moise (No. 2)
  • Church of Santo Stefano (No. 3)
  • Teatro La Fenice (No. 4)
  • Church of Santa Maria del Giglio (No. 5)
  • Grand Canal (#6)
  • Burano (No. 7)
  • Murano (#8)
  • Lido (#9)
  • Venetian Arsenal (No. 10)
  • Cathedral of San Giorgio Maggiore (No. 11)
  • Piazza San Marco (No. 12)

On the map, these objects are located as follows:

Do not forget to read the information on the most (valuable information about the rest + tips that will really help you save money in one of the most expensive cities in the world).

Why private tours will not leave you indifferent

Trip to new town- always crushing emotions! You are happy to get a tourist guide, make itineraries for sightseeing, charge your camera batteries and look forward to independent study resort. Few people think that such walks will not be remembered as exciting. historical facts, neither atmospheric nor useful practical information for further travel.

How to fix it?

Services and offers dozens of delightful excursions around Venice. They are divided into main categories: overview, history and architecture, gastronomic, children's, panoramic, museums and art, fashion and vintage, island, etc.

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Photos courtesy of Shutterstock.com

Many tourists come to one of the most unusual and beautiful cities in the world. What to see in Venice on your own in 1, 2 and 3 days? Find out about the best attractions and entrance fees.

St. Mark's Square

Each city has its own center. In Venice, this is the old Piazza San Marco. All roads that lead to the ancient city on the water converge here. The architectural ensemble of the main square is formed by the famous Doge's Palace, the picturesque St. Mark's Cathedral, the library, the clock tower and some other historical buildings.

The spacious square in front of the cathedral appeared in the 9th century, and the gray paved herringbone pavement was made in the 13th century. People come to the square to see the slender columns of St. Mark and Theodore, climb the Campanile observation deck, listen to the melodious chime of the clock on the tower and feed the pigeons.

It is easy to sail to this part of the city on water buses - vaporetto from the railway station of Santa Lucia or Piazza Roma. You need to get off at the S.Marco Vallaresso stop.

Mark's Square and Cathedral (Photo © unsplash.com / @dimush)

What is a must see in Venice? The beautiful cathedral, the most popular and famous Christian church in the city, deserves special attention. It received a high status at the beginning of the 19th century, and before that it was the Doge's court chapel.

Admire the facades of the luxurious building and look inside. Multicolored mosaic paintings cover 4,000 sq. m of the temple. The earliest of them were laid out in the XI century. On the huge dome of the Creation of the world there are 26 mosaic scenes from the Bible. The "Golden Altar" consists of religious miniatures, which were made in the technique of cloisonné enamel. The unique treasury of the basilica has been turned into a museum.

The cathedral rises in St. Mark's Square. Entrance to the Basilica is free. A ticket to the museum costs 5 €, the entrance to the "Golden Altar" - 2 €, and the ascent to the bell tower - 8 €.


Graceful walls of St. Mark's Cathedral (Photo © unsplash.com / @timounesays)

Not far from the Basilica of San Marco is the picturesque residence of the rulers of the city - the Doge's Palace, or Palazzo Ducale. If you have not yet decided what to see in Venice, include in your plan a walk through the museum, which is located inside the palace.

The ceilings of the residence are decorated by the famous artists Tintoretto and Veronese. The Hall of Maps leaves a great impression. On its walls are placed old maps, which were compiled by the best Italian masters.

The palace is located on Piazza San Marco. A full ticket costs 20€.


Palace courtyard (Photo © cedlambert / pixabay.com)

Tower of San Giorgio Maggiore

Venice is built on 118 islands, and one has an old 17th-century cathedral. The square brick tower of San Giorgio Maggiore rises to 60 m. It acts as a bell tower and serves as an excellent observation platform, which offers a wonderful view of the central part of Venice. An elevator takes tourists upstairs. Inside the three-nave church there are several paintings by the famous painter Tintoretto.

The tower is located on a small "cypress" island in the center of the city. The entrance to the temple is free, and the climb to the tower is 6 €.

Rialto Market

What to see in Venice to get acquainted with the daily life of the Venetians? Take a look at the old market, which has been operating in the city center since the 16th century. Its name means "high coast" in Italian. Here they sell fish, vegetables, herbs and fruits. The largest selection of fresh seafood is in the morning hours.

A chocolate shop "Visio Virtu" was opened near the market. Try different types of chocolate made according to traditional Venetian recipes. Visit the Parmesan Palace store for delicious cheeses.

The market is located on the right bank of the Grand Canal, west of the Rialto Bridge. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday in the morning. The entrance is free.

Murano Island

Murano attracts history buffs and art lovers. It was here, in the artisanal part of the city, that the mirrors and glass ornaments that made Venice famous were invented. Glass souvenirs are sold on Murano today.

Wander the narrow streets and admire the medieval temples and the summer residence of the Venetian rulers, Palazzo Da Mula. Take a tour of the factory to see how the famous glass is made.

The island town is located 1.5 km from the historic center of Venice. Entrance to the Glass Museum costs 4€.

Torcello Island

We advise you to see the island of Torcello in Venice on your own, where the oldest churches of the city are located. Since the 7th century, Torcello has been one of the most prosperous settlements in the lagoon. There was an active trade on the island, and wool products were made. Then two rivers flooded the land, and most of the inhabitants moved to larger islands.

Go to the ancient Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Look out for massive stone shutters and golden doomsday mosaics. Walk over the water along the Devil's Bridge and look into the Santa Fosca temple.

Torcello is located in the north of the Venetian lagoon, you can get there by vaporetto.


Colorful buildings on the island (Photo © juliacasado1 / pixabay.com)

Cemetery of San Michele Island

What to see in Venice for connoisseurs of solitary walks? Perhaps the quietest place is located on a square island, which bears the name of the Archangel Michael. The ancient cemetery is surrounded by a brick wall and occupies the entire San Michele.

The territory with cypresses is divided into Orthodox, Catholic and Jewish sections. Here are the graves of many Venetians. Tourists from Russia visit the burial sites of Joseph Brodsky, Igor Stravinsky and Sergei Diaghilev. Out of respect for the deceased people, photographs are not allowed in the cemetery.

The island is reached by vaporetto, which go towards Murano.

Lido Island

If a walk through the cemetery of San Michele inspires a slight sadness, then a trip to the Lido Island will help you relax. There are luxurious beaches and huge hotels, which are often called the Venetian Riviera. If you are in the city in the summer - go there to sunbathe!

The beach island is located south of the Venetian Lagoon. It closes the central part of the city from the Adriatic Sea.


Lido Island - a beach corner of Venice (Photo © somkuti / flickr.com)

Many tourists dream of attending a performance at the La Fenice Opera House. The theater appeared at the end of the 18th century and, like a fabulous Phoenix, was rebuilt three times after fires. If time is short, a visit to the performance can be replaced by an excursion - the theater has a permanent exhibition about the opera diva Maria Callas. The guide will show the temple of arts and tell entertaining theatrical stories. Don't forget the dress code!

The theater is located in the San Marco area. Tickets cost 15-110 €, an excursion with an audio guide in five languages ​​- 13 €. Children under 6 years old are admitted free of charge.


Full house in the hall of La Fenice (Photo © wikimedia.org / Youflavio)

Shop for carnival masks

Where do you buy accessories for the famous Venice Carnival? Colorful paper and plastic masks are sold on the streets of the city, but most of them are Made in China. To see a real exclusive, head to an old Venetian mask store.

Il Canovaccio, a small shop, makes and sells painted masks for carnival participants. Traditional materials for them are leather, papier-mâché, ceramics and metal. True, plastic is often used today. Visitors are allowed to take pictures of any products, but masked people are not allowed!

The mask store is located in the city center, on Calle Larga Rosa, 6076. On the streets, masks are sold for 15-20€, and in the store an empty blank costs 30€. You can write it yourself. Prices for large masks in the form of luxurious animal heads reach up to 1500 €.

colorful bookstore

In Venice, connoisseurs of good books are advised to look at the real Aladdin's shop for book lovers - the Libreria Acqua Alta store. The unusual store is popular with tourists. The publications are displayed in wooden boats and gondolas, and one of the stairs is made of paper volumes. Two thirds of the books are new. The cats are sleeping on the shelves.

The bookstore is located near Piazza San Marco, at Calle Longa Santa Maria Formosa, 5176 - Castello.

What to see in Venice for lovers of unusual places? A suitable attraction is a small bridge between the Doge's Palace and the old prison. It was built at the beginning of the 17th century in the best traditions of the Baroque and decorated with marble carvings.

The graceful bridge is closed from view by walls and has only four windows - two on each side. Once upon a time, criminals were driven across the bridge. Through small windows they looked at the waters of the canal and said goodbye to freedom. Urban legends tell about the sad sighs of the prisoners. For modern tourists, the old building causes sighs of admiration.

The bridge is laid across the canal of the Rio di Palacio. They visit it for free.


Bridge over the Palace Canal (Photo © unsplash.com / @nickkarvounis)

Scuola San Rocco

Venice is a real Klondike for art lovers! What to see on your own? Connoisseurs of beauty are advised to go to the beautiful gallery of San Rocco. The two-storey building in the Venetian Renaissance style was founded in 1515. Walk through the huge halls and admire the gilded stucco, decorative panels, paintings by Tintoretto and Titian.

The gallery is located in Piazza San Rocco. Take the vaporetto to the S.Toma stop and walk to the museum. A ticket with an audio guide costs 11€.

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Giudecca Island

The large island is separated from the historic part of the city by the Giudecca Canal. People come here to admire the views of the buildings of San Marco and see three medieval churches.

There is a luxury hotel on Giudecca. The neo-gothic building was built in the 19th century and was originally intended for a pasta factory. Lovers of Art Nouveau architecture cannot pass indifferently past the spectacular Casa dei Tre Oci.

The colorful island is part of the urban area of ​​Dorsoduro.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

This is the name of a small museum that exhibits 400 paintings by Picasso, Dali, Modigliani, Rothko, Miro, Chagall, Malevich, Ernst, Kandinsky and other famous artists of the 20th century.

The exposition occupies the Venier dei Leoni palazzo, which is located in the Dorsoduro district. The ticket costs 16.5€.


Palazzo Venier dei Leoni (Photo © wikimedia.org / Jean-Pierre Dalbéra)

One of the places on the Grand Canal worth seeing in Venice is called the Golden House. The fact is that in the 15th century, gold leaf was used to decorate the palace. Richly decorated gothic walls were visible from afar and reflected in the waters of the canal.

Since the 20s of the last century, the Franchetti Gallery has been located inside, where rare art objects and old paintings are collected. The only downside is that you can't take pictures.

An elegant palace stands in the San Marco area. Ticket price -11€.


Ca' d'Oro Palace (Photo © wikimedia.org / Didier Descouens)

old shipyard

Squero di San Trovaso is a 17th-century building where artisans still work. Squero means a team of people who make boats together. The shipyard produces long gondolas and other types of Venetian traditional boats. Craftsmen make 10 boats a year. Tourists are not allowed inside, but the entire shipyard is clearly visible from the canal.

The place where the boats are made is in the Dorsoduro area, 1097.

Venice is oversaturated with sights - we offer you to see only the very best in 1 day:

  • St. Mark's Square and the cathedral of the same name.
  • Tower of San Giorgio Maggiore - at least from the side.
  • Grand Canal.
  • Bridge of Sighs.
  • Rialto Bridge and Rialto Market.
  • Burano Island.
  • Murano Island.
  • Jujekka Island.
  • Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
  • Merceria.
  • Scuola San Rocco
  • Jewish ghetto.
  • Teatro La Fenice.
  • Cemetery of the island of San Michele.
  • Torcello island.

Map of attractions in Venice

Intro image source: © unsplash.com / @canmandawe.

Of course, in this case, opening the window in the room, you will not see the canals and the gondolas floating along them, but you will be able to save money by paying about 200 euros for two for three nights, including breakfast, in a modern comfortable hotel. If you book a hotel well in advance of your trip, you can always find great deals.

How to get there and what time to choose

There are many buses from Venetian Marco Polo Airport or Treviso Airport to the center of Mestre or Venice itself.

However, when planning a trip to this city, one should take into account the time of the year (the best periods are spring and early summer), as well as periods of the so-called high water, when the sea tides are balanced by autumn and winter winds, which causes the water to rise and flood part of the city. Unfortunately, "high water" can only be foreseen a few days in advance.

First day in Venice

Let's make a reservation right away that the proposed route can be changed at your discretion, choosing from it only the most attractive for yourself and removing the excess.

So, after waking up and having breakfast at the hotel, we will go to the Roman Square (Piazzale Roma), which is located a stone's throw from railway station Santa Lucia and is connected to it by the modern Calatrava bridge (Ponte Calatrava).

Calatrava Bridge. Photo comune.venezia.it

It is best to immediately purchase a 48-hour pass ticket, which costs 30 euros. This will save on moving around Venice, since each separately purchased ticket for one trip on a boat costs 7 euros. Young people between the ages of 14 and 29 can even take advantage of discounts.

Vaporetto on the way. Photo medeaonline.net

So, the ticket is in your pocket, now you can go to see the most Beautiful places Venice. This map of the movement of cruise boats (vaporetto) will help you find your way.

From Piazza Roma we will board the N1 cruise boat in the direction of Piazza San Marco, but we will get off at the famous Rialto Bridge.

Rialto Bridge. Photobritannica. com

After walking along the oldest Venetian bridge, you can step aside a little from the traditional tourist route and, if you wish, turn towards the nearby city market, which is open every morning until 13:00 from Monday to Saturday. Here, among the noise, colorful colors and smells, you can even if not buy, then just admire the freshly caught seafood, as well as buy something from fruits, greens, and vegetables.

Returning to the boat of line N1, continue towards St. Mark's Square and get off at the San Marco Vallaresso stop. The first thing to do here is to see the Cathedral of St. Mark (Basilica di San Marco). Entrance to the cathedral itself is free, viewing the “golden altar” (pala d’oro), which is unique in its beauty, costs 1.5 euros, climbing to the roof of the cathedral costs 3 euros.

Piazza San Marco is surrounded on all sides by monuments of architecture and art, such as the Doge's Palace, the bell tower of St. Mark's Cathedral, the Correr Museum, Archaeological Museum. To visit them, you can buy a single ticket (including online), which costs 16 euros and allows you to visit the Doge's Palace, the Correr Museum, the National Archaeological Museum and the monumental halls of the Marchian National Library within three months.

St. Mark's Square. Photo it.wikipedia.org

After exploring Piazza San Marco and its surrounding sights, it's time to grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes located nearby, while not forgetting that Venice is an expensive city, but no more expensive than Rome or Florence. For example, a half-liter bottle of water will cost 1 euro, and for a sandwich bought and eaten on the go, you will have to pay 3-4 euros. By the way, in some hotels, at your request, they can prepare breakfast in the form of a “dry ration”, which will be a good reinforcement during a difficult tourist life.

Right there, on the square, there are two historical cafes: Florian and Quadri. Not far from the square, on Calla Vallaresso, there is another famous cafe called "L'Harry's Bar". These places have not only a special charm, but also keep the memory of celebrities who visited them - great artists, poets and musicians. And therefore, the prices here are slightly overpriced, for example, they will ask you 7 euros for a cup, and 10 euros for fruit juice. Musical accompaniment in the hall will increase the bill by another 12 euros. But this is just a small premium for a special cafe atmosphere, which, perhaps, is not found anywhere else in the world and which, in fact, has no price.

Cafe Florian. Photo koffiemagazine.nl

If it's time for lunch, you can choose one of the many trattoria restaurants that the Venetians call "Bàcari". Usually they are little known among tourists, although recently some guests of Venice have also appreciated them. "Eat like a local" - the British would say about the "Bàcari" trattorias and they would be right: here the tourist feels at home and pays no more for lunch than a local resident.

In these small taverns, you can taste what they call "cicheti" (cicheti), accompanied by a glass of Ombrete wine or a popular aperitif in Venice, consisting of Prosecco wine with the addition of Aperol or Campari, which gives it a red or orange color. The most popular "chiqueti" are small grilled cuttlefish, beans with sauce, polyps, sardines, herring, deep-fried anchovies, toasted bread, Venetian cutlets.

Venetian "chickets". Phototripadvisor. it

Let's go back to the same river tram N1, connecting Piazza San Marco with Piazza Roma, and again get off at the Rialto Bridge, or even better walk to it on foot. Because in addition to the most beautiful bridge, there are two excellent "Bàcari" in this area: "Osteria alla Botte" (Osteria alla Botte) - on the corner of Calle de la Bissa and Campo San Bartolomeo, and "Osteria al Portego" (Osteria al Portego) on Calle della Malvasia, where you can have a tasty and inexpensive lunch.

Refreshed with local dishes, you can continue walking or return to the N1 boat and swim a little more in the direction of Piazza Roma to get off in the Cannaregio area at the elegant Ca' d'Oro (palazzo Ca' d'Oro), also called the "Golden home." This is one of the jewels of Venice and definitely worth a visit. Within the walls of the palace there is a museum, admission ticket costs about 6 euros.

Having examined the palace, we will walk along the New Street (Strada Nuova) to the Rio Terra San Leonardo Street (Rio Terrà San Leonardo).

Ponte delle Guglie bridge. Photodinociani.com

At the Ponte delle Guglie bridge (Ponte delle Guglie) you need to turn right, and then right again to get into the old Venetian ghetto, built at the beginning of the 12th century. On its territory there is a monument to the victims of the Holocaust, a Jewish museum, a kosher restaurant.

Opposite the Venetian ghetto, on the pavement along the canal called Fondamenta della Misericordia (Fondamenta della Misericordia), there are many restaurants serving dishes. For example, you can recuperate after a difficult day of tourism in the Ostaria da Roba restaurant, where you can find excellent value for money (from 30 to 60 euros per person for a full lunch or a multi-course dinner).

And you can complete the first day in Venice in one of the numerous bars with live music. The train station and the Roman Square are only a ten minute walk away.

Second day in Venice

The route of the second day will start from the Santa Croce area, located in the northwestern part of the city, a stone's throw from the Santa Lucia station. East End of the Santa Croce area, ancient and typically Venetian, has always been of great importance for trade, as it connects Venice to the mainland.

We will again take the already familiar N1 vaporetto to get off at the San Stae stop and see the sights of this area. From the same pier, you can also admire the facade of the Ca' d'Oro Palace overlooking the Grand Canal (Canal Grande). But the first thing that catches your eye from the pier is the magnificent church of San Stae (Chiesa di San Stae).

Church of San Stae. Photo redheadeddesigner.blogspot.com

Not far from this church is ancient palace Ca’ Pesaro, which houses the International Museum of Modern Art (admission about 6 euros) and the Museum of Oriental Art (entrance about 8 euros), which also deserve attention.

From here, by boat N1 or N2 (in the direction of the island of Lido), you can swim to the San Tomà stop. Following the signs towards "Frari", in just one minute you will find yourself in front of the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari).

After the impressions of the first half of the day, it was time to take a break for lunch. If you head towards the small square of Santa Margherita (Campo Santa Margherita) located next to the Frari Cathedral, you can find yourself in the area of ​​trattoria and osteria. Restaurant-pizzeria-pub "Pier Dickens Inn", located on Piazza Santa Margherita, is one of the suitable places for this purpose, which offers a wide selection of dishes and different types of pizza at affordable prices.

Piazza Santa Margarita, where you can have a good meal. Photo flickriver.com

And having regained strength, we will continue our journey towards the Gallery of the Academy (Gallerie dell'Accademia), which is also called the Museum of the Academy (admission - about 14 euros). Masterpieces by Titian, Tintoretto and many other masters are exhibited here. From here you can also admire the third bridge of the Canal Grande - the Accademia Bridge (Ponte dell'Accademia), made in wood and metal.

Bridge academies. Photo venetoinside.com

Now, after the painting of the 17th century, it is worth devoting a little time to modern art at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum (admission - about 12 euros), which is located in the building of the Venier dei Leoni palace. In the Peggy Guggenheim collection you can see works by Picasso, Boccioni, Mondrian, Kandinsky and many other contemporary artists.

Continuing our walk through this calm and aristocratic district of the city, we will reach the nearest Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute (Basilica Santa Maria della Salute) - a masterpiece of the 17th century by the architect Longhena.

Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute overlooking the Canal Grande. Photoit. wikipedia. org

If you continue along the Canal Grande, you can come to one of the most panoramic places in Venice, from where you can see a small triangular promontory called Punta della Dogana or Punta della Salute and separating two Venetian canals. From here you can see the Gulf of San Marco, the Doge's Palace, the island of St. George.

Punta della Dogana. Photo alloggiareavenezia.com

The promenade of Le Zattere offers a romantic stroll to Punta della Salute.

Quay Le Zatteret. Photo panoramio.com

And if you make a little walk on a gondola along the Giudecca Canal, which runs parallel to the Canal Grande, you can immerse yourself in a relaxing and mysterious atmosphere and, perhaps, experience the very sensations that Joseph Brodsky described in his Venetian essay "The Embankment of the Incurable". Along the way you will meet the Giudecca island of the same name.

If you want to just relax and at the same time have something to eat, you should pay attention to the famous gianduia (a type of chocolate with nuts) of the Nico ice cream parlor, sitting comfortably with a delicious dessert at a table right on the canal embankment.

You can return to the hotel after a busy day even very late in the evening, because regular boats "vaporetto" scurry through the canals all night. And even if you haven’t managed to see everything in two short days, you will still have a huge amount of impressions and emotions and ... the opportunity to return to this unique city.