Overview of Venice:
Venice, Italy is one of the world’s most unique cities you’ll visit, built entirely on water with 118 small islands connected by over 400 bridges. This magical city, with its canals instead of roads, feels like it’s frozen in time. Back in the 13th century, Venice was actually one of the richest cities in Europe, thanks to its powerful trading empire. Did you know that the famous Venice Carnival started in the 11th century? People wore masks not just for fun, but also to hide their social status and do business without judgment!
Today, Venice, Italy continues to attract visitors with its marble palaces that seem to float on water, the sound of gondolas splashing through canals, and the aroma of fresh Italian coffee drifting from cafes. From riding a vaporetto (water bus) down the Grand Canal to getting lost in lanes, Venice is worth it. Many Europe Tour Packages include Venice as a must-visit destination, and rightfully so – there’s simply no other place quite like Venice in the world.
What are the Key Highlights of Venice?
- St. Mark’s Basilica: This golden church is nicknamed the ‘Church of Gold’ thanks to its stunning golden mosaics that cover 8,000 square meters.
- Grand Canal: Take a water taxi ride through this S-shaped waterway to see colourful palaces and watch daily Venetian life unfold.
- Rialto Bridge: The oldest bridge in Venice offers amazing views and houses unique shops selling Venetian crafts.
- Gondola Rides: On a boat, glide through canals while your gondolier shares local stories and maybe even sing traditional songs (₹5,000-7,000 per ride).
- Mask Making Workshops: Learn to create your own Venetian carnival mask from local artists (₹3,000 per person).
- Food Tours: Sample cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at local bacaro (wine bars) while learning about Venice’s food culture (₹4,000-6,000 per person).
Best Time to Visit Venice:
Visit between March to May or September to November. You’ll find pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and better hotel rates. Avoid August (too hot and crowded) and winter (except for Carnival in February).
Travel Tips/Essential Information for Venice:
- Marco Polo Airport: The main gateway, located 13 km from Venice (Take water taxi – ₹3,000 or water bus – ₹800)
- Santa Lucia Train Station: Well-connected to major Italian cities (Rome to Venice – ₹3,500-7,000)
- Book in Advance: Venice hotels fill up quickly, especially during peak season
- Waterbus Passes: Buy multi-day vaporetto passes to save money (₹2,000 for 3 days)
- Avoid Restaurant Crowd: Eat lunch between 12-1 pm and dinner before 7 pm for better service
- Packing Tips: Comfortable walking shoes are a must – Venice has lots of stairs and bridges
- Avoid Flooding Times: Check acqua alta (high water) forecasts before booking
- Stay Connected: Buy a local SIM card (₹800-1,000) for maps and emergency contacts
- Respect Local Rules: Don’t sit on church steps or bridges, and don’t swim in canals
Also Read: Places to Visit in Europe
Must Read: Things to do in Europe
