Venice holidays

How to reach Venice

Venice is accessible by air, with flights to Venice landing at Venice Marco Polo Airport, the main international gateway about 8 miles from the city. From the UK, flight time is approximately 2 hours.

• Transfer to the City Centre: The Alilaguna water bus takes around 60-70 minutes to reach St. Mark's Square and costs about €15. A faster option is the express bus service to Piazzale Roma, taking 20 minutes and costing around €8. Taxis and private water taxis are also available, with prices varying significantly.

• Price of Transport Options: Public vaporettos (water buses) are a cost-effective way to get around, with a single ticket costing about €7.50. Private water taxis are much more expensive but offer a direct and personalized service.

Best time to visit Venice

Visiting Venice depends on your expectations, with each season offering different experiences.

• Spring (March to May) sees mild weather (average temperatures from 9°C to 21°C), fewer crowds, and beautiful blooming landscapes.

• Summer (June to August) offers warm weather (average temperatures from 20°C to 28°C) and longer days but can be crowded and hot.

• Autumn (September to November) brings cooler temperatures (average temperatures from 11°C to 24°C), fewer tourists, and the chance to see Venice shrouded in mysterious fog.

• Winter (December to February) is cooler (average temperatures from 1°C to 11°C) and less crowded, with a chance of acqua alta (high water). It's ideal for experiencing Venice's quiet beauty.

High season coincides with summer, while the low season is during winter.

Practical information for Venice holidays

• Spoken Languages: Italian is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning basic Italian phrases is appreciated.

• Local Habits and Customs: Greeting with "Buongiorno" (good morning) or "Buonasera" (good evening) is polite. Covering shoulders and knees is required when entering churches.

• Tips: Service charge is often included in restaurant bills, but leaving a small extra tip is appreciated. Be mindful of high water during autumn and winter.

• Security: Venice is relatively safe. However, be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.

• Health: Tap water is safe to drink. No special vaccinations are required, but travel insurance is recommended.

• Papers and Visa: For UK citizens, a passport is necessary for entry. Visits up to 90 days within a 180-day period do not require a visa.

• Currency: The Euro (€) is the currency. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most places.

• Getting Around: Walking and using vaporettos are the best ways to explore Venice. Cars are not allowed beyond Piazzale Roma.

• Electricity/Plugs: The standard voltage is 230 V, with type F and L plugs. UK visitors will need an adapter.

This guide offers essential information for planning your Venice holiday, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience in this unique and enchanting city.

Best things to do in Venice

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Campanile di San Marco (St Mark’s Campanile): The bell tower in St Mark’s Square offers breathtaking views of Venice’s terracotta rooftops, bustling piazzas and sparkling blue lagoon beyond. On a clear day, it’s even possible to spot the distant Alps.

• Fondaco dei Tedeschi Rooftop Terrace: This viewpoint is free to access and provides stunning vistas of the Grand Canal and historic city centre.

The best districts

• San Marco: The beating heart of Venice, it’s home to the iconic basilica and bustling St Mark's Square.

• Dorsoduro: Venice’s university district is known for its galleries. Find classic Venetian masterpieces at the Gallerie dell'Accademia, and modern art at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

• Cannaregio: This less touristy district is full of local life, quaint trattorias and the historic Jewish Ghetto.

Parks and gardens

• Giardini della Biennale: These public gardens are particularly lively during the Venice Biennale, when they’re filled with international art and architecture displays.

• Parco delle Rimembranze (Park of Remembrance): A serene spot perfect for a picnic, this park offers lush greenery and a break from the bustle of the city centre.

Historical monuments

• Basilica di San Marco (St Mark’s Basilica): A marvel of Byzantine architecture, this basilica is famous for its opulent design and golden mosaics.

• Palazzo Ducale (Ducal Palace): Once the heart of political life in Venice, this Gothic palace is now a museum showcasing the city's history and art.

• Rialto Bridge: This iconic symbol of Venice is the oldest bridge across the Grand Canal. It’s also a popular spot for photos.

Day trips in the area

• Murano and Burano: These nearby islands are famous for their artisan glass and lace-making. Just a short vaporetto ride away, they offer a colourful escape from the mainland.

• Lido di Venezia (Lido of Venice): Perfect for sunny days, the Lido combines sandy beaches with a more relaxed pace of life. It’s situated just a short boat ride from the city.

Activities for families in Venice

• Gondola rides: The classic, must-do Venetian experience. Gondola rides are a fantastic way for small groups and families to see the city from a different perspective. Engage the kids by letting them help choose the route.

• Interactive museums: The Leonardo da Vinci Museum has hands-on exhibits based on the artist’s inventions, promising a stimulating experience for curious minds young and old.

• Workshops: Join a mask-making workshop at Ca’Macana, where children can create and decorate their own Venetian-inspired masks – a perfect souvenir to take home.

• Aquariums: Small but charming, the Tropicarium Park offers an aquarium experience with tropical and oceanic zones that are sure to fascinate the little ones.

• Exploring public squares: Places like Campo Santa Margherita are bustling with local life and often have open spaces where kids can run around while parents pause for drinks at a nearby café.

• Beach day on Lido: If you’re visiting during the summer months, a day trip to the Lido provides a beach escape where families can swim, build sandcastles and relax by the sea.

Free things to do in Venice

• Free events: Venice's events calendar is brimming with free activities. Enjoy the world-famous Carnevale, a visual feast of costumes and masks that transforms the city every winter. Summer also brings free concerts and open-air performances.

• Free sites: Many churches in Venice, like the majestic Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute (Basilica of St Mary of Health), are free to enter, while others like the iconic Santa Maria dei Miracoli (St Mary of Miracles) charge a small fee.

• Explore Venice by public transport: Wander the city on foot to truly capture its essence. The vaporetti (water buses) cost a few Euros, but exploring the main areas like Cannaregio or along the Grand Canal by foot is completely free.

• Free guided tours: Look out for tip-based walking tours offered by various organisations that provide fascinating insights into the history of Venice. They cover everything from the mystical tales of the Venetian Republic to the architectural wonders that define the cityscape.

Wellness in Venice

• Spas and thermal baths: Venice might lack the thermal baths of other Italian cities, but it certainly compensates with luxurious spa experiences. Many high-end hotels offer spa services that include massages and facials, as well as wellness treatments that use local ingredients like algae and sea salt.

• Traditional body care: Embrace the Venetian way of relaxation by visiting one of the local beauty salons for a rejuvenating treatment. Try a body scrub using natural ingredients, or let a soothing massage ease your muscles after a long day spent walking the city.

• Yoga and meditation centres: For those looking to find a moment of peace in the bustling city, there are several yoga studios offering classes. Practising yoga or meditation in a studio overlooking the canals is a perfect way to relax and reflect amidst the historic beauty of the city.

Nature and outdoor activities in Venice

• Boating: Exploring the canals by hiring a paddle boat or kayak is a peaceful way to see the city from a different vantage point. Embrace a slower pace while appreciating the architecture and local life of these famous waterways.

• Beach activities: A short trip to the Lido, situated within the Venetian Lagoon, offers a chance to relax on the beach, swim or even try some light sailing or windsurfing.

• Cycling on the Lido: Rent a bike and explore the Lido’s beaches, pine woods and quaint streets with fewer crowds and an ever-refreshing sea breeze.

The best beaches in Venice

While Venice itself is renowned for its historic canals and architecture, the Venetian Lagoon and the nearby Adriatic Sea offer beautiful beach escapes. Whether you're looking for a bustling public beach or a more secluded spot with amenities, the Venice area has plenty to offer.

• Public Beaches: The Lido di Venezia is the most famous beach area, easily accessible by vaporetto (water bus) from Venice. It offers a long stretch of sandy beach open to the public, perfect for a day of sunbathing and swimming in the Adriatic Sea.

• Private Beaches with Charges: Many hotels on the Lido have their private sections of the beach equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and sometimes even private changing cabins. Access is usually reserved for hotel guests, though some may offer day passes for a fee.

• Beaches with Sunbeds and Facilities: Besides hotel-owned beaches, there are several beach clubs on the Lido that provide sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and other amenities for a daily entrance fee, offering a comfortable beach day experience.

Nearest beaches to Venice

• Lido di Venezia: Just a short vaporetto ride from St. Mark's Square, the Lido offers a mix of public and private beaches along its 11-kilometre coastline. It's the perfect seaside escape, with options ranging from vibrant beach life near the Gran Viale to quieter spots towards Alberoni.

• Pellestrina: This narrow island between the southern Lido and the Adriatic is less touristy and offers tranquil beaches and a glimpse into the local fishing culture. It's accessible by local ferry and is ideal for those seeking a more authentic beach experience.

• Jesolo: If you're willing to venture a bit further, Jesolo is a lively resort town just north of Venice, boasting a long, sandy beach dotted with bars, restaurants, and various entertainment options. It's popular with both locals and tourists for its vibrant atmosphere and extensive facilities.

• Caorle: For a picturesque beach day, the historic town of Caorle, with its colourful houses and charming old town, also offers lovely beaches. It's a bit further away but worth the trip for its unique scenery and family-friendly beaches.

These beach destinations near Venice provide a variety of seaside experiences, from the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the Lido to the serene, untouched shores of Pellestrina, catering to all preferences for sun-seekers visiting Venice.

Local dishes in Venice

One of the great delights of Venice holidays is the opportunity to sample the city’s delicious cuisine, from local flavours to tempting sweet treats.

Typical dishes

• Risotto al Nero di Seppia: This striking black risotto gets its colour from cuttlefish ink and is a common ingredient in Venetian cuisine.

• Sarde in Saor: A sweet-and-sour dish of sardines marinated with onions, pine nuts and raisins. Sarde in saor showcases Venice's love for diverse flavour combinations.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Baccalà Mantecato: Creamed dried cod served on polenta or crusty bread is a beloved Venetian antipasto.

• Fritto Misto: Similar to the Spanish fritura, this platter of mixed fried fish and seafood is popular in Venetian trattorias.

Street food

• Cicchetti: Venice’s take on tapas. These small snacks are perfect when you want to grab a quick bite while exploring. They can be found in every bacaro (wine bar) and include a variety of options such as crostini with different savoury toppings.

Sweets and desserts

For those with a sweet tooth, Venice has plenty of delicious offerings.

• Frittelle: These Venetian doughnuts filled with cream or fruit are typically enjoyed during Carnival season.

• Tiramisu: Claimed to have originated in Venice, this crowd-pleasing dessert features layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese dusted with cocoa.

Local drinks

• Prosecco: Originating from the Veneto region, this sparkling wine is perfect as an aperitif or paired with seafood dishes.

• Spritz: Refreshing Aperol spritz, combining prosecco, Aperol and soda water, is the go-to local cocktail during the warm summer months.

Local sports events during Venice holidays

Venice, with its unique geographical layout and rich history, offers a distinctive sports culture deeply intertwined with its canals and waterways. To experience it like a local, engage in traditional Venetian rowing events. The annual Vogalonga regatta is a non-competitive rowing event that sees locals and visitors alike navigating Venice's canals in various boats, celebrating the city's maritime heritage.

Sports facilities for travellers in Venice

While the city's historic centre might not be known for conventional sports facilities, travellers can find swimming pools, yoga studios, and tennis courts on the Lido di Venezia, a slender island that forms part of the Venice lagoon. Here, you can enjoy beachfront yoga sessions or play a match at the tennis clubs, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the bustle of the main islands.

Cycling in Venice

Cycling is more suited to the islands around Venice, such as the Lido, where you can rent bikes and enjoy leisurely rides along the beachfront and tree-lined avenues. The Lido presents a flat and scenic route, ideal for a day's escape from the city's crowds, offering a glimpse into the local lifestyle.

Hiking around Venice

While Venice itself may not offer traditional hiking trails, the nearby Veneto region is home to the Dolomites, offering spectacular hiking opportunities. Day trips to these majestic mountains can provide breathtaking views and a chance to explore the great outdoors, with trails suitable for all levels of experience.

Water sports in Venice

Water sports play a significant role in Venetian life, with opportunities for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and traditional rowing available. Exploring the city's canals and the wider lagoon by kayak or SUP offers a unique perspective on Venice, allowing for a closer look at its architectural wonders and hidden waterways.

Winter sports near Venice

For winter sports enthusiasts, the Veneto region's proximity to the Dolomites also means access to some of Italy's best skiing and snowboarding. Resorts like Cortina d'Ampezzo are within reach for a day trip or longer stay, offering world-class slopes and winter sports facilities against the backdrop of stunning alpine scenery.

Golf courses near Venice

Golfers will find several courses in the Veneto region that cater to all skill levels. The Circolo Golf Venezia on the Lido is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf courses in Italy, offering 18 holes amidst the tranquil setting of the lagoon, providing a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.

A Venice holiday offers a blend of traditional and modern sports experiences, from the serene to the adventurous, reflecting the city's unique character and the diverse landscapes of the surrounding region.

Seasonal events during Venice holidays

Venice is a city that thrives on tradition and celebration, with its calendar filled with seasonal events that draw visitors from around the world.

• New Year: Venice welcomes the New Year with spectacular fireworks over the lagoon, best viewed from St. Mark's Square or along the waterfront, where crowds gather to celebrate.

• Christmas Shopping & Markets: The festive season sees Venice adorned with lights and decorations. The Campo Santo Stefano transforms into a charming Christmas market, perfect for finding gifts and enjoying seasonal treats.

• Easter: Venice observes Easter with solemn religious processions and masses, particularly in St. Mark's Basilica. It's a time of reflection and also celebration, with traditional foods and gatherings.

• Gay Events: Venice Pride takes place in June, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with a parade, parties, and cultural events, contributing to the city's inclusive and vibrant atmosphere.

• Carnival: The Venice Carnival, held in February or March, is one of the city's most famous events, featuring elaborate masks, costumes, and balls. The streets and canals of Venice come alive with performances, making it a must-see spectacle.

Festivals in Venice

Venice's festivals showcase the city's rich cultural heritage, art, and love for cinema and music, making them highlights of any visit.

• Venice Biennale: A world-renowned art and architecture exhibition that takes place every two years, alternating between art and architecture, drawing international artists and architects to showcase their work.

• Venice Film Festival: The oldest film festival in the world, held annually at the Lido in late August or early September, where new films are premiered, and the prestigious Golden Lion is awarded.

• Festa della Sensa: Celebrating Venice's historic relationship with the sea, this May event features a ceremonial boat parade and the symbolic "marriage" of Venice to the sea.

• Festa del Redentore: A July festival commemorating the end of the 16th-century plague, highlighted by a stunning fireworks display over the Giudecca Canal and a pontoon bridge connecting Zattere to the Church of the Redentore on Giudecca island.

• Regata Storica: The first Sunday of September sees the Grand Canal filled with historical boats in a spectacular parade, followed by competitive rowing races.

• Vogalonga: A non-competitive rowing event in May or June, where participants from all over the world navigate Venice's canals and the lagoon in various boats, celebrating the city's rowing tradition.

These seasonal events and festivals not only offer a glimpse into Venice's historical and cultural richness but also provide unforgettable experiences for visitors, encapsulating the spirit and beauty of this unique city.