What to see in Venice and how can you experience it fully? This city suspended on water offers unique emotions, from must-see attractions in Venice, postcard views, and an atmosphere like no other. From the museums in Venice to historical squares, from gondolas gliding through the canals to the secrets hidden behind every narrow street, there are a thousand reasons to visit it at least once in a lifetime. And to do so without stress, remember to book your skip the line in Venice tickets: the queues can be very long, and the time saved will allow you to enjoy the city without worries.

Venice: a city that can either make you fall in love or test your patience. But one thing is certain: it’s a destination that should be seen at least once in your life. If you want to discover what the must-see attractions in Venice are and what you absolutely cannot miss in this unique city in the world, you’re in the right place!

After just a few hours wandering through its narrow streets and canals, I realized that both feelings can coexist. The relentless flow of tourists can be overwhelming, but the timeless charm of this city on the water is simply irresistible.

Getting lost among the streets of Venice is an experience I recommend to everyone. I let my instincts guide me, without a precise destination, discovering hidden corners and retracing already traveled streets. But I wasn’t in a hurry: I wanted to savor every moment.

If you want to enjoy the city in all its splendor, my first tip is to wake up early. Have you ever seen Piazza San Marco empty at the first light of dawn? An experience that will leave you speechless. And the golden light of the evening caressing the Grand Canal from the Accademia Bridge? Simply magical. Venice is a city that deserves to be experienced to the fullest, a destination that shouldn’t be missed from your bucket list.

This post contains affiliate links. 

What You Need to Know Before Visiting Venice

If it’s your first time in the city, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Venice is completely car-free: you get around exclusively on foot or by water, with the vaporetto or private taxis. Vaporetto fares range from 6 to 15 euros depending on the route, while private taxis can be quite expensive!

The crowd can be overwhelming, especially in the most famous spots, so I recommend booking your skip the line in Venice tickets in advance to avoid long waits and make the most of your trip.

Another factor to consider is the phenomenon of “acqua alta” (high water), which can affect your experience in the city. If you want to know how to handle it best, I suggest reading my article dedicated to this topic.

The Sestieri of Venice and the Calli

Venice is divided into six sestieri, each with its unique character and history to tell. Walking through the narrow and labyrinthine calli, you’ll find yourself immersed in a microcosm that allows you to experience the city authentically.

Each sestiere has a different character: San Marco, the heart of the city, Cannaregio, is the largest and quietest sestiere, where you can discover hidden corners, far from the crowds. Castello offers a more authentic Venice, while Dorsoduro blends art and serenity. Santa Croce, less touristy, is perfect for those who want to discover the more genuine side of Venice. Finally, San Polo takes you to the heart of the lively city, famous for the Rialto market and historic churches.

Each sestiere is a world of its own, and the calli allow you to get lost and discover the true Venetian life, away from the tourist crowds.

What to See in Venice

Piazza San Marco

One of the most iconic and fascinating places in the city, Piazza San Marco is the heart of Venice, a must-see attraction in Venice when asking yourself what to see in Venice. Once a simple garden, it became the center of Venetian life with the arrival of the relics of Saint Mark.

Today, it is surrounded by historic cafes, including the famous Caffè Florian, and the majestic Basilica of San Marco, one of the most impressive buildings in the city. I highly recommend booking a skip the line in Venice ticket to visit the Basilica without stress.

Doge’s Palace

A symbol of the power of the Serenissima, the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is one of the must-see attractions in Venice. The seat of government and residence of the Doges, the palace houses extraordinary works of art and rooms rich in history.

Its prisons, connected by the famous Bridge of Sighs, are one of the most suggestive parts of the visit.

Again, I recommend purchasing a skip the line in Venice for Dege’s Palace ticket to avoid wasting precious time.

Canal Grande

The main artery of the city, the Canal Grande divides Venice into two parts and offers breathtaking views. Navigating it by vaporetto is a unique experience: historic buildings line the water with their timeless elegance.

For an even more exclusive experience, you can opt for a gondola ride. Here too, it’s better to book a skip the line in Venice pass in advance to avoid long waits.

The Most Famous and Unmissable Bridges in Venice

Venice has 354 bridges, but the most famous are undoubtedly the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs.

• The Rialto Bridge is the oldest and most famous on the Grand Canal. Built-in stone in 1593, it replaced a previous wooden bridge and is now one of the most photographed spots in the city.

• The Bridge of Sighs, on the other hand, gets its name from the condemned prisoners who crossed it to reach the prisons. A must-see for those wanting to discover the more mysterious side of Venice.

Museums in Venice: Endless Art and Culture

If you’re an art lover, the museums in Venice will offer you unforgettable experiences. The Gallerie dell’Accademia houses masterpieces by artists such as Bellini, Veronese, and Titian, while the Peggy Guggenheim Collection displays modern art works by Picasso, Pollock, and Kandinsky. To visit these museums in Venice without enduring endless queues, I suggest purchasing skip the line in Venice tickets.

Excursions to Burano and Murano

If you have time, dedicate an afternoon to exploring Burano and Murano. Burano is famous for its colorful houses, which once helped fishermen recognize their homes even in thick fog, and for its lace-making tradition, an ancient craft passed down through generations. Murano, on the other hand, is the kingdom of blown glass, where you can visit ancient furnaces and watch master glassblowers at work. An excursion that will take you away from the tourist chaos and show you a different side of Venice.

If you want to discover Burano in detail and immerse yourself in its fascinating history, I invite you to read my article dedicated to this wonderful island!

Gondola Ride

An evergreen classic: getting on a gondola and letting yourself be rocked by the water while the gondolier sings a Venetian melody.
A romantic and unique experience, perfect for those visiting the city for the first time.

However, it’s important to know that a personalized gondola ride can be quite expensive, with fares often exceeding 100 euros for a ride of about 30 minutes. If you want to experience this without emptying your wallet, consider sharing the gondola with other travelers or booking in advance to find the best deals.

Where to Eat in Venice

Venice offers extraordinary gastronomy but beware, it can be tricky not to end up in a tourist trap where you spend a lot but the food is not of the best quality! I recommend these three places that I had personally found among the calli of Venice to savor the true essence of the Venetian culinary tradition:

• Aciugheta (Campo Santi Filippo e Giacomo): great for an aperitif with cicchetti and local wine.

• Ristorante La Feluca (Calle de la Mandola): perfect for a dish of fresh pasta with seafood.

• Pasticceria Chiusso (Salizzada dei Greci): a sweet stop for delicious Venetian pastries.

Venice is a city to be lived slowly, savoring every detail. To avoid the stress of long waits, my advice is to always book skip the line in Venice tickets, so you can fully enjoy the magic of this unique city. This way, you’ll have all the time to evaluate the prices of various attractions and activities in Venice, without making impulsive decisions on the spot that might turn out to be very costly!

Prepare to be conquered by a timeless place, where every corner tells an extraordinary story.

Do you want to ask me for advice, share your opinions, suggest something to do or see, or simply… say hello?

Leave me a comment below or,

I’ll be waiting for you on my FACEBOOK page LETYGOESON

on the INSTAGRAM profile @letygoeson

Or follow me on Pinterest so you will not miss any of my travel articles, itineraries, tips, and food recommendations.

See you there!