Venice city breaks

Venice has a dream-like quality that makes it the most magical of all Italy’s cities. And locals say the best way to experience it is to get lost. Forget the map and head down side streets to find a quaint trattoria where you can dine on cicchetti with the Venetians. Of course, St. Mark’s Square with its terracotta clock tower, Basilica and Doge’s Palace is a bucket-list must. While you’re there, treat yourself to bow-tied waiter service and a creamy cappuccino at Caffè Florian. Arty types can swing by the Peggy Guggenheim Museum and foodies can get their fill at the Rialto Market, but no trip to Venice is complete without a fizzy peach Bellini at iconic Harry’s Bar.

Things to see in Venice

An architectural triumph

Few cities in the world can compete with Venice’s sheer beauty and architectural feats. A breathtaking medley of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings line its gondola-filled canals. The Basilica di San Marco is a spectacular sight – the church was 800 years in the making and is undoubtedly the pearl of Venice.

An old romantic

Swoonworthy Venice is up there among the most romantic cities in the world and you can see why in just one glance. At dawn, watch the amber sun rising over the blue lagoon as this magical city starts to shine. Take a stroll across the stunning Rialto Bridge or a moonlight river trip on a gondola.

Culinary delights

Foodies, rejoice. Venice is the place to eat just-plucked lagoon seafood at a canalside bistro or graze on cicchetti, the city’s version of tapas. When it comes to the drinks menu, look out for the region’s famous bubbly prosecco. Try it with fresh peach juice at the famous Harry's Bar, the birthplace of the Bellini.

Principe Hotel

Venice City, Venice

Our rating

Based on 2739 reviews

Great for sightseeing
Located next to the Grand Canal
1.6km from the Rialto Bridge
2.1km from St. Mark's Square
150m from the nearest vaporetto stop

Hotel Amadeus

Venice City, Venice

Our rating

Based on 1019 reviews

Great for local culture
100m from the Grand Canal
200m from the vaporetto stop
1.6km from the Rialto Bridge
2.1km from St. Mark's Square

Hotel Scandinavia

Venice City, Venice

Our rating

Based on 988 reviews

Beautiful, historic building
Central location on a charming square
450m from St Mark's Square
550m from Doge's Palace
Family run hotel

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Accademia Gallery

Venice

Founded in 1807 by Napoleon, the greatest collection of Venetian paintings in the world hangs in the Gallerie della Accademia on the south bank of the Grand Canal. Take the water bus or walk across Accademia...

Bridge of Sighs

Venice

The Bridge of Sighs connects the opulent Doge's Palace with the new prison, and is named after the sighs of the prisoners who passed across it. The limestone enclosure crosses the Rio di Palazzo and the bars on...

Church of San Giorgio Maggiore

Venice

San Giorgio Maggiore is a Benedictine church sat on the island of the same name. It looks directly towards the St Mark's area and you get a perfect view when travelling on the public waterbus. Queues here are...

Language

Italian

Currency

Euro

Time difference

+1hr

Cost of a beer

£4

24-hour vaporetto ticket (water bus)

£17.20 / €20

Three course meal

£45

Sightseeing

Settle into a gondola and enjoy jaw-dropping views of the Grand Canal as you cruise along. Back on dry land, Rialto Bridge makes for splendid views and a stretch of the legs. But if you want to unearth a rich fabric of history, venture to St Mark’s Square. You’ll find art galleries all around and Doge’s Palace, a pink-tinged wonder from the 14th century.

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Eating and drinking

Rialto Market is alive with traders calling out goods on their stalls, while quiet canals feature authentic ice cream shops with an exotic array of flavours. Originality flows throughout this city – something you’ll find when you try local Venetian delicacies like soft-shell sweet crab, cuttlefish pasta and pancetta risotto.

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Shopping

You’ll come across lots of shops filled with colourful, curving glass figures, many made on the nearby island of Murano, the home of world-famous glassware. As you wander, you’ll also spot Venetian mask shops – their intricate, delicate designs add more intrigue to this elegant city. Shop the latest fashions on the Mercerie network of streets.

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Getting around

Travelling in Venice is truly unique. There are many water-based ways to get around, including the frequent, super-value water buses known locally as vaporetti. Traditional rides on the iconic gondola are also a must, or opt for a private water taxi and arrive like a celebrity! Strolling on foot alongside the many canals is a real joy too.