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Let Venice be your next big adventure where you will feel the Heartbeat of this magical floating city with this Venice Travel Guide. Walk the same streets where the great master artists have walked. Feel the culture, see the art, eat some fabulous food, then you have felt the heartbeat of Venice. My research started with TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet where I found some of the best places of interest to visit. Join me as I explore this city, share some history and great travel tips.
History Venice
Venice has 118 Islands surrounded by canals connected by bridges. The city got is start by providing refugees a place to flee the barbarians who conquered Italy after the fall of the Roman Empire in 400 AD. More invaders swept through the mainland which increased people to back to the islands for refuge. After each wave of invaders swept by, the people returned to the mainland to try and resume their normal life. Venice became an official city at noon March 25th 421 AD but the people did not actual settle in Venice permanently until approximately 450 AD after the arrival of Attila the Hun.
The settlers now in Venice were cut off from the mainland enjoyed the isolation and independence. Their were riches in fish and wildlife which gave them something of power. The people constructed the islands and conquered the malaria ridden swamps to turn it into their new home. The venetian’s cut off from the main land was also cut off politically for many years. They finally looked toward the east at the mercantile markets and so began the great trade with the East. That is how Venice became one of the most interesting and beautiful cities.
Venice and it’s lagoon situated in the Veneto northeast region are a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is shaped like a large fish with the Grand Canal that winds through the middle. The Grand Canal starts at the mouth of the fish passing under the Rialto Bridge, and ends at St. Mark’s Church.
Venice Vibe – Venice Travel Guide
Careful once you take a ride on the vaporetto through the canal, Venice will suck you into the culture, food, history, people and fun! Navigate Venice by landmarks and venture outside the box. Oh yes, I was taken by my husband all through the back streets and worried I was going to get lost but had the best time of my life. Experience the beauty of the church’s, meet people, take beautiful photographs and eat at the best restaurants.
If you do not want to experience Venice travel outside the box, you can navigate the city by following the signs on the corners that direct to St. Marks Square, Rialto Bridge and more. If you didn’t take your Rick Steves’ Travel Book, I suggest a stop off at the IT located at the Train station or the one at St Marks Square. There pick up a map and jump on the vaporetto, a city water bus to get an overview of Venice. Venice is divided into districts which will help with navigation of the city while walking or taking the vaporetto.
Two important vaporetto lines to know are Line #1 slow boat, makes all stops up and down the canal between the mouth of the fish to St Mark’s Square in 45 min. Line #2 the fast boat, zips along the canal in 25 min with limited stops. Of course you can walk but a hop on and off the vaporetto is a fast and fun way to get around.
Places to Visit – Venice Travel Guide
St. Marks Square
St. Marks Square located in the Marco District is an amazing place that can not be missed. Stand there and take in the view of St. Marks Church, bell tower and two rows of renaissance style buildings. Visit the artesian shops in the renaissance style buildings that line the square.
St. Marks Basilica
St. Marks Basilica a Romanic Byzantine style with its 5 domes and marble facade on the outside is astonishing. Inside one will find the gold leaf mosaics that shows the journey of St. Mark. Cost: free. Vaporetto stop: San Marco or San Zaccaria
Bell Tower
The highest tower in the city is the Bell Tower that stands 98.6 meters tall. Originally in the 9th century was used as a watch tower and lighthouse. Collapsed in the 1500’s and 1900’s due to an earthquake and was rebuilt twice. Take a tour to the top by walking up the stairs and see the amazing views.
The Grand Canal
The Grand Canal is the most important waterway that is 3800 meters long. This waterway splits the city into two sections.
Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sights built in the 17th Century to link the Dogi Palace to the Prison. This bridge allowed the guards to take the prisons directly to the trial hall. Here was last place to see the condemned prisoners once they received the guilty plea. Next time your on a romantic gondola ride the saying goes make sure to look up and tell the truth as you go under the bridge.
Dogi Palace
The heart of the political decisions on the life of Venice in its gothic architecture. Important place in 1799 when Venice was annexed to Italy. Walk the halls with its periodic art pieces, marvel at the magnificent sculptures, stairs, and courtyard.
Correr Museum
Located in St. Marks Square where a number of art exhibits, extraordinary pieces of art plus rooms in 1856 that were occupied by of Empress Elizabeth “Sissi” of Austria. Take a peak at the period pieces of tapestry and furniture while there. Hours: 1000-1700 or 1900 depends on the time of year.
Friar Church (Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa del Frari)
Frari Church has an Italian Gothic style architecture with beautiful art inside featuring three great Renaissance masters that is worth a visit. Hours: Mon-Sat: 0900-1830, Sun: 1300-1730. Cost: Please check on current price. Vaporetto Stop San Toma.
Galleri dell’ Accademia
Galleri dell’ Accademia includes the Church of Santa Maria della Carità. Make sure to check out the paintings, sketches from the 14th – 18th Century from the likes of Bellini, Leonardo de Vinci, Carpaccio, Tiziano, and Tintoretto.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
One of the most important museums to visit for American and European Art. Located in the former home of Peggy Guggenheim “Palazzo Venier dei Leoni”, on the Grand Canal in Venice.
Teatro La Fenice
Venetian Opera House. Check out the opera schedule to catch a show.
Island of the Lagoons
Venice Islands are beyond the City of Venice. One can visit the other islands, Murano, Burano, Giorgio, Giudecca, San Michele, and Torcello. Some have great views of Venice and one has the skinny Lido Beach.
Island of Murano Italy
My favorite island is Murano which is known for its famous glass. I hope on a fast boat not far from St. Marks Square to Murano. I always plan a few hours there which includes lunch along the canal, shopping in the beautiful shops, & a stop at the factory and watch them blow the glass. Just amazing!
My Suggested Itinerary – Venice Travel Guide
This itinerary is great for those cruise ship travelers or one just passing through to other adventures. I found this would make the best use of your time to visit the amazing places above. Make sure to check out the blog for more detail information.
- Friar Church
- St. Marks Square
- Correr Museum
- Dogi’s Palace
- Gondola Ride
Venice is wonderful to visit for a week but if you only have 3 days here is your chance to pack in as much suggested amazing places to see from those listed above in this post. To find out more details make sure to visit the blog for more details.
- Friar Church
- St. Marks Square
- Correr Museum
- Dogi’s Palace
- Gondola Ride at Sunset
- Galleri de’ Academia
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection
- Tearto La Fenice
- Island of the Lagoons
Lodging – Venice Travel Guide
Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo a mid-luxury hotel along the river with 10 plush rooms in the vicinity of the Rialto Bridge. Restored modern with traditional beauty. For more information see my review.
Map Locations – Venice Travel Guide
Venice Tips – VENICE TRAVEL GUIDE
- Ticket suggestion is to purchase a combo ticket which includes the Correr Museum and the Doge’s Palace.
- A Museum pass is also offered if you are staying more days. Cost: check on the current price.
- Tickets to the other islands can be purchased at the dock
- Take a Gondola Ride a sunset.
- Treat yourself to a gelato
- Try lunch at the Friar’s Church area
- If using the One Day or Three Day Travel Guides, stop into a pub for a quick lunch to conserve time.
- Drinks in St. Mark’s square in the evening.
- Visit Venice during Carnival
More
Venice with its beautiful architectural masterpiece with works from some of the great artist’s like Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese plus others. Do not miss this captivating historic pulsing heart of a city with this Heartbeat of Venice Travel Guide.
Plan your time in Venice and look for more blogs from 1Adventure Traveler on One Busy Day Venice, Three Days Travel Guide for a great Venice itinerary, hotels & travel tips. You can follow me on Facebook, Twitter , Pinterest, and Instagram for the latest travel information. Do not forget you Venice Travel Guide.
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Pin this for later!
Ah, Venice! I’ve been twice and would gladly go back in a second. This is so helpful as a guide — for future visits I’m hoping to make! Pinned for inspiration and reference. You list a gondola ride and that’s one thing I didn’t do but would love to!
Thanks Sharon, Like you, I would love to do a gondola ride maybe around sunset would be great. Hope this inspires you to go back again for your 3rd visit. 😁
Looks lovely, but did it smell? I’ve heard those canals can do!! I think I’d go just for the food though! Mmmmmmm!
Hi Kate and Kris, I am sure some of the canals did smell but I’m thinking this happens more during a certain time of the year. In winter and spring when I visited, did not notice the smell as much but did enjoy the food! 😁
Unbelievably, we have yet to visit Venice! I know…Shame, shame, shame. 😉 One serious concern is that we will fall madly in love with yet another Italian city, and never want to leave. We can see ourselves cruising the canals, spending leisurely days exploring the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Galleria dell’Accademia, and sipping endless Cappuccini. Yep, when we grow up, we want to be Italians. 😉
Hi Rob & Ann, I totally agree with you on wanting to be Italians when you grow up. Such a wonderful country with some great towns and cities including Venice. Just walking the Venice cobblestone streets lost, just exploring is a wonderful place to be. Hope you get to visit this beautiful city 😊
I have been two times to Venice but that was a long, long time ago. I really want to go since I recognize it is a unique city. If I go again, I want to stay on site and walk around as much as possible. During my previous visit, I stayed on the mainland. I want to see other islands on the lagoon too.
How exciting Ruth you have been to Venice and your next visit a stay on the island is a must. That will bring you close enough to feel the 24hr vibe of the city. Waking up at first light to visit the fish market. Fun! Next time make sure to visit Murano one of the other islands just a boat ride away from Venice. See how they make the Venice glass. 😊
Ah, Venice! Your photos are lovely — but boy, that bridge is full of people! Pinned this post as a great guide for an itinerary. When I visited, we had tickets to St. Mark’s and otherwise had no plan — just wandered, which works well. We got “lost” on purpose and just loved it. I’m hoping to return someday and include Murano in our visit!
Thanks Sharon… I agree it is so fun to just get lost in Venice on purpose and just wander around. Hope you get to visit Murano one day its amazing.
I haven’t been to Italy yet but Venice seems like a must visit city, Stephanie. This is probably the most detailed guide I have read and I really hope to use it soon. Is it possible to duns accommodation in Murano?
Thanks Lydia, I have not heard of accommodations on Murano but there are residents who live there that might rent out. Not sure. Murano is not that far if you stay in Venice with lots of boats going that way. Hope you get to use the Venice guide soon. 😊
Such a great guide! I’ve been to Venice two time, first – at the end of Oct and didn’t like it and second – in July and loved it. Unbelievable how the same place can have “so many faces”. Such a touristic city and yet so charming! Loved the Murano island! And every time I see on the TV the Johny Depp´s movie Tourist – I feel like I need to go back to Venice! lol
Thanks Anna, I too want to go back to Venice when watching the movie “Tourist” too! 😁 lol One of my favorite time to visit Venice is in late winter just as the flowers are starting to bloom. Yes, it does have many faces and I think picking the right season to visit is key.
I have visited Venice twice; I was only 7 the first time so don’t have much recollection, but the second time was part of a tour of Italy. I went in October and it was flooded! We had to walk along boards, including a bride! I guess I will just have to visit again so I can see more! #feetdotravel
Hi Angie, How terrible to see Venice all flooded along with having to walk on boards to see this amazing city. Hope you get a chance to visit Venice again to enjoy this magical city. 😁
Venice is definitely one of my favorite places. We’ve been several times and my husband is still talking about going back again. It’s definitely one place that I feel like I always discover something new by taking a different route. I also appreciate that you can’t truly get lost because you are on an island. 😉 Murano is definitely my favorite for the glass, too!
Hi Sara, How great you like Venice as much as I do. Love how we can always find something new on each visit. Hope you make it back soon 😊