Venice, also known as "La Serenissima", is one of the most breathtaking cities in the world. Located in the north-east of Italy, in the Veneto region, they are spread over more than 100 small islands in the Venetian lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to get to Venice
Whether you're on holiday in Italy or just visiting Venice for a weekend from home, know that Venice is really easy to get to by just about any means of transport. The nearest airport is Marco Polo Airport, which is approximately 13 kilometres directly from the centre of Venice. From the airport, you can reach the city by water taxi, bus or train.
Venice also has excellent train connections to other Italian cities. The main railway station, Venezia Santa Lucia, is located right in the historic centre of the city.
Although you can't drive into Venice itself, you can park in the car parks near Piazzale Roma or Mestre and continue to the centre by public transport. If you are driving, you can also park at the port of Punta Sabbioni and from there you can take a regular bus to Venice. For more information on transport to Venice, see Venice and transport.
The main bus station is then located at Piazzale Roma.
Transport in the city
Life in Venice is unique and very different from other cities. The city is virtually car-free, as the narrow streets and canals are not suitable for motor vehicles. The main means of transport are therefore walking, gondolas, water taxis and vaporetto. This specific mode of transport gives the city a peaceful atmosphere, although it is often overrun with tourists.
Life in Venice
Venice has approximately 50,000 permanent residents, which is relatively small compared to the millions of tourists who visit the city each year. Locals face challenges associated with living in the city, such as the high cost of living, regular flooding (acqua alta) and the constant influx of tourists. Therefore, in 2024, Venice introduced an entrance fee. This is collected from tourists who plan to visit the city for a day.tourists who book accommodation in Venice will be exempt from the fee, as will children under 14 years of age, disabled persons, residents of the region and students attending educational institutions.
The main sights
Venice, a city on the water, is home to some of the most amazing historical monuments in the world.
1. St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco)
The heart of Venice is St. Mark's Square, one of the most beautiful squares in the world. The dominant feature of the square is the Basilica di San Marco, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture with its magnificent mosaics and golden domes. Next to the Basilica is the Campanile di San Marco, which offers a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding lagoon.
2. The Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
Once the seat of the Doge of Venice and the centre of government, the Ducal Palace is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. The interior of the palace is richly decorated with frescoes and works of art by important Venetian artists such as Tintoretto and Veronese. Visitors can also cross the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri), which connected the palace to the prison.
3. Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)
The Rialto Bridge is the oldest and most famous bridge over the Grand Canal. Built in the 16th century, the bridge is an important architectural monument and offers breathtaking views of the canal. The area around the bridge is full of shops, markets and restaurants that attract tourists and locals alike.
4. Grand Canal (Canal Grande)
The Grand Canal is the city's main thoroughfare, winding in an inverted "S" shape through the whole of Venice. Many magnificent palaces stand along the canal, testifying to the wealth and importance of the city in the past. The best way to enjoy the beauty of the canal is by taking a gondola or water taxi (vaporetto).
Cultural and social life
Venice is home to many important cultural events that attract visitors from all over the world. You'll be familiar with the Carnival of Venice, an annual celebration with magnificent masks and costumes that takes place in February and March. Art lovers look forward to the biennial Biennale - an international contemporary art exhibition that includes exhibitions, performances and a film festival. And let's not forget La Fenice - the famous opera house that hosts opera performances, concerts and ballet performances.
Gastronomy
Venetian cuisine is rich and varied, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and traditional dishes. But what should you be sure to try in Venice?
- Sarde in saor: marinated sardines with onions, vinegar, pine nuts and raisins. This dish is popular for its sweet and sour taste.
- Risotto al nero di seppia: Risotto with cuttlefish ink, which is black in colour and has a rich marine flavour.
- Baccalà mantecato: A creamy dish made with pounded dried cod, olive oil, garlic and lemon juice.
- Fegato alla veneziana: Venetian-style liver prepared with onions and served with polenta.
- Tiramisu: This famous dessert from the Veneto region is an irresistible combination of coffee, mascarpone, sugar and cocoa.
