This picturesquely famous and historical city known as the city of water, bridges, and canals is a must-visit. Get lost in its maze full of art, culture, and marvelous sites to see and explore. This is a photographer’s playground.
Top 10 Things to Experience only in Venice
- Watch the yearly Festa del Redentore fireworks.
- Explore Piazza San Marco.
- Take a tour of the Basilica of San Marco.
- Enter the Doge’s Palace.
- Go up the campanile.
- Rest at Caffe Florian for coffee and music.
- Dinner along the Rialto Bridge and canals.
- Wander the maze of the city and discover new plazas and sceneries.
- Window shop for Venetian glassware, jewelry, art, and treats.
- Take in the scenery by Vaporetta or gondola.
Piazza San Marco
This visit to the main square cannot be missed! This is Venice’s main center and plaza where the Doge’s Palace and the campanile is. Visit the waterfront next door for more fantastic views.
Doge’s Palace
This was the magnificent Doge’s Palace built in the Gothic style and is a museum to the public starting in 1923.
Come to admire the architecture on the outside as well as the splendors and artwork within. It can get crowded so purchasing advanced tickets is recommended.
Basilica of San Marco
Next door to the Doge’s Palace is the famous Basilica of San Marco. It is free to enter but to avoid waiting in a long line, book a tour to head in without a wait. Going to the balcony will give you a great view of St. Mark square and the bell tower. Admire the gold and the intricacies of the basilica within.
St. Mark’s Campanile
If you are coming here during the peak season, make sure you secure your reservation online to skip the long lines if you want to go up to the iconic bell tower to see the magnificent views around. If not available online, tickets may only be purchased on-site as suggested on their website.
Vaporetto Water Bus
The Vaporetto water bus is a great way of transportation to see more of Venice without having to pay the pricey gondola prices. It is like a small ferry and is a more affordable and great alternative. It is easy to purchase tickets but there is more information on how to purchase Vaporetto tickets and passes for more frequent travel.
Gondola Ride
For those who want a classic Venetian experience, the gondola ride is a popular way to go through the canals with. To make it extra romantic, you can find an option for a gondolier to serenade you as you ride.
Rialto Bridge
Come find the famous and the oldest of four bridges over the Canals. Explore the shops at the bridge during the day.
Check out the view looking out from the bridge during the day and again at night. It is a completely different feeling and mood. Take a stroll here after dinner, perhaps with a gelato in hand…
Wander the streets to find hidden sights and window shops
Festa del Redentore
A great time to visit Venice is during the Redentore celebration that is held on the third Sunday of July. This is Venice’s longest and largest celebration commemorating the end of the plague in 1576 that killed 50,000 people. Venice celebrates it by throwing amazing fireworks that begin at 11:30 pm and goes on constantly for 45 minutes. The fireworks get more and more amazing by the second until their finale.
Thousands of people show up out of nowhere it seems and begins to wait at their secured location at St. Mark’s square or by the water to view the spectacular fireworks. A great idea is to set up a picnic and enjoy food while they wait until the fireworks begin.
There was a warning first shot to signal that the show will begin soon! My friend and I were so glad that we waited this long. The fireworks did not hesitate and continued to sparkle and blast loudly since we were so close to the source by the canal. 40 minutes of straight fireworks of a variety of colors, primary and even fluorescent colored electric fire lights up the sky. Each time I take a break from my tired arms from photographs, the more compelling and grandeur the spectacle becomes. It all leads up to the finale where it took away my breath and I gasp with chills running through me. I cannot believe how the Venetians celebrate!
It was glorious and I have never seen a firework quite as long and as spectacular as this one yet. Everyone cheers, including myself. An overwhelming sense of happiness, collectiveness, appreciativeness of where we are and what we just witnessed; as we see the campanile lighted up with the words: #Enjoy Respect Venezia. Everyone did just that, and it is something I hope everyone is able to experience once in their lives.
Here is a quick video of the fireworks display at this celebration.
Dining
Caffe Florian
Try Caffe Florian, the oldest coffee house still serving delicious cups of coffee and desserts within St. Mark square.
With a fancy interior and an outdoor patio to enjoy musicians, this provides a relaxing break from the sightseeing and to soak up the Venetian atmosphere.
We order the iced coffee and coffee cream dessert. I loved the aromatic and smooth coffee. It was heavy with the cream as it soaked up most of the coffee.
This coffee cream is fit for someone with a big sweet tooth.
With its extravagant look and price to reflect, this historical cafe is a worthwhile break and indulgence!
Ristorante Terrazza Sommariva
Enjoy a relaxing Venetian cuisine along the famous canal with a view of the Rialto Bridge at the Ristorante Terrazza Sommariva.
All along this street, there will be enthusiastic attempts to entice people to come to eat at their restaurant but we enjoyed our meal here.
I ordered a langoustine pasta that was delicious and flavorful and an Aperol spritz. The spritz is bright orange with white sparkling wine which is a popular beverage here in Italy.
Da Bepi Venesian
This restaurant is nearby our hotel which is actually off the island and was recommended by our hotel. Da Bepi Venesian recommended the seafood spaghetti and the squid ink pasta. I also ordered a grilled veggies platter. Even though it looks like a basic appetizer, it was tasty and grilled exceptionally well.
The food was delicious and fresh! I was happy with these dishes and I felt like they spoke of authenticity. I saw a couple next to us order some amazing seafood platter and fried seafood plate that looked amazing. I wish I had a second stomach to have ordered that platter.
Good fresh flavors and nice waiters. I later bumped into a Venetian studying in Rome and she mentions that her father enjoys coming to this restaurant. This restaurant is a definite local favorite!
Venice CityPass Card
Venice now has an official Venezia Unica City Pass card where you can create your card by adding the museums and attractions you want to see. There are also public transportation options in Venice and airport transfers that you can add to your card. This is an option to consider if you plan to spend more time in Venice and want to see all the different museums and attractions they have to offer.
For an Affordable and Good Stay Option
Best Western Plus Hotel Bologna
This particular weekend we are visiting happens to be extremely expensive because of the Redentore celebration, so we opted to stay at Best Western Plus Hotel Bologna, which is one short and inexpensive train station away from Venice. This hotel is not only less expensive but offers great accommodations, clean, and great value with a solid breakfast buffet.
