Venice is a city in the northern part of Italy of Veneto region. It is one of the largest cities in Veneto and very popular among the tourists. Venice is based on 118 small islands that are connected with over 400 bridges. Here you can see several architectural styles: Gothic, Byzantine and Islamic. Also it’s a very romantic destination. So, if you have an option to take a gondola ride, I promise you will see things from different angles. What else can you do in Venice? Let’s see!
Moving south to Rimini? I have post about Rimini and things to do in this amazing city.
St. Mark’s Square
San Marco square is the main and significant square in Venice. The square is located on the Grand channel so you can get here easily by Vaporetto. It is better to start your Venice trip from the square because it is mostly famous and has important buildings on it such as Basilica San Marco, San Marco Bell Tower, and Doge Palace. San Marco Basilica is amazing, her exterior seems very special with Byzantine elements, golden mosaics, and marble. Also you can climb to the San Marco Bell Tower and take photos from there.
Learn more about San Marco Basilica and Doge Palace with a guided tour.
Ponte di Rialto
Rialto bridge is the ancient bridge of Venice, it was built in the 12th century. It was a wooden bridge until its collapse in the 16th century. The bridge crosses the Grand channel and connects two districts: San Marco and San Polo. Nowadays it’s one of the popular places among tourists and a great spot for photos and sketches. I think that Venice is both a photo and sketch city, you must capture it!
See the most beautiful moments of Venice in Sightseeing Tour with a Local Guide.
Doges Palace
Doges Palace is one of the landmarks of Venice. It was built in the 14th century and used as a residence for Doge of Venice. Doges palace became a museum in 1923, inside you find an impressive interior including furniture, art and decorated details. The exterior of the building changed during the centuries, the style you can see now is Italian Gothic. Doges palace located in San Marco square near the San Marco Campanile.
Plan your visit to Doges Palace in advance here.
Grand Canal
Grand channel as it is named is the largest channel in Venice. One of the best ways to see Venice in general, if you have not much time, is to take a ride through the Grand channel. Vaporetto is a water train and main transport in Venice. Seeing Venice from the water side is a different story from just walking on her streets. You will pass the 13th century buildings, Basilica of St Maria Salute, different bridges such as Rialto bridge, the most beautiful that crosses the channel.
Enjoy the gondola ride with a guide and explore stories and secrets of Venice.
San Giorgio Maggiore
San Giorgio Maggiore is one of the separated islands in Venice. You can reach the island from Basin Venice or Grand channel by water taxi or Vaporetto. On the island located San Giorgio monastery, San Giorgio Maggiore and Bell Tower of St. George di San Giorgio Maggiore. From the bell tower you can observe an amazing view to Venice, so I recommend you climb it. Also it is worth visiting the monastery and church due to it’s beauty.
Visit San Giorgio Maggiore Island, and climb the Bell Tower with a boat tour.
Murano
Murano is one of the several islands that are connected with bridges in Venice district. It is less busy than Venice, so if you want to rest from crowded Venice this place is for you. Murano is known for its glass blowing factories, you can visit one of them and see the process. Also Murano has cozy colorful houses that are asking for sketch and take a photo. So don’t miss a chance to visit Murano island, sure it will please you.
Take a tour to Murano and Burano with Boat Tour with Glass Factory Visit for better experience.
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute located on San Polo side, the opposite to San Marco. You can see it if you are traveling in Vaporetto through the Grand channel. It was built in Baroque style, the construction began in 1631 and completed only in 1687. The Basilica was built in regards to Our Lady of Health due to the epidemic of plague. The entry inside is free, it’s beautiful and worth a visit! Also an interesting sketch spot for those who love to draw.
As you see, Venice is an amazing city with a lot of things to do. I mentioned only the most famous of them, so pack your bags and go on a journey! I wish you fantastic travel full of joy!
