Quick Venice Travel Guide – Introducing Venice
Updated: May 2023
Central Venice is comprised of six main districts: Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, Santa Croce, San Polo, and San Marco, each full of local charm and appeal. One of the city’s most famous landmarks is San Marco Square, the only public square in Venice. It boasts a rich heritage, with magnificent buildings such as Doge’s Palace and Basilica San Marco nearby. Castello is the city’s most historic area and is known for its Arsenale ship-building yard.
On the northern side of Venice, Cannaregio contains the Santa Lucia Railway Station (or “Ferrovia”), with nearby Santa Croce linking the city to mainland Italy. The smallest district is San Polo, which offers many local eateries and inns. On Venice’s southern side, you’ll find Dorsoduro, which contains the notable 17th-century Dogana da Mar.
Transport in Venice:
Central Venice is easy to navigate on foot as it’s generally well pedestrianized. Popular modes of transport include inexpensive water buses and pricier motorboat taxis, both of which offer a convenient and scenic way to travel around the canals. Connected by rail to many large cities in Italy and Europe, Venice is also accessible via the A4 Autostrada.
If you’re coming from neighboring cities such as Rome, Milan, Treviso, Florence or Padua, you can take the train to Santa Lucia railway station. Since Venice is serviced by national and regional train lines, you can reach the city quickly. However, if you prefer to travel by car, you’ll have a problem since Venice is built on water and is considered a “no car zone.” You can still drive near Venice using the Ponte della Liberta bridge from Mestre but will have to park your car at the terminal. From there, you can take the ferry from Lido and then transfer to a “vaporetto” to reach Venice.
The city has a large and busy airport located about 8 miles / 13 km from the center that serves many international airlines. Venice’s Marco Polo International Airport is easily accessible by various modes of transportation such as buses, cars, taxis, boats, and rail. When you arrive at Marco Polo airport, you’ll need transportation to reach Venice. The easiest option is to hire a water taxi which will take about half an hour but can be expensive at €80 to €100. If you’re on a budget, you can take a bus to Piazzale Roma (located just across the Grand Canal from the train station) for €5 to €10 or take an Alilaguna waterbus for less than €15.
Many people enjoy walking through the streets of Venice but with easy access to public transportation, you may find yourself wanting to take one of the beautiful bus-boats called “vaporetti.” Since Venice is a city built on water, vaporetti are considered the main mode of transportation in the city with regular routes cruising through Venice, Murano and Burano along the Grand Canal. A single vaporetto ticket costs around €7.50 and allows you to stay on board for almost an hour.
For those not interested in sightseeing, taking a vaporetto may not be a good option as it can be expensive for just a few minutes of travel to a specific location. However, for those who want to see what Venice has to offer along the Grand Canal, it’s worth it. One thing to remember when buying a ticket is to validate it in the machines before reaching the plank leading off the canal.
What not to Miss in Venice:
St Mark’s Square: St Mark’s Square, probably Venice’s most famous square, is often crowded. Enjoy a coffee in one of the cafes while admiring the beautiful surrounding architecture. Many of Venice’s main attractions, such as the Campanile and the Clock Tower, are nearby. Don’t miss the golden altar piece in the impressive St Mark’s Basilica.
Gallerie dell’Accademia: The Accademia Gallery boasts one of Europe’s finest art collections. Its walls are lined with works by Venetian master painters including Bellini, Titian, Veronese, and Tintoretto.
Palazzo Ducale & the Bridge of Sighs: The Palazzo Ducale was home to the Doges who ran the Venetian state. You can see all aspects of the Doge’s life, from where he lived to where state matters were discussed and justice dispensed. Walk over the infamous Bridge of Sighs, named for the time when it led from the court to the prison cells. Prisoners would see the view of the beautiful lagoon and sigh.
Ca’ d’Oro: Ca’ D’Oro (House of Gold), located on the Grand Canal, is a beautiful palazzo and a great example of Gothic architecture. The palazzo displays a fine collection of sculptures, tapestries, and paintings.
Santa Maria della Salute: Guarding the entrance to the Grand Canal is Santa Maria della Salute, a Venetian landmark and magnificent Baroque church. The sacristy boasts paintings by Titian and Tintoretto’s Marriage at Cana.
San Giorgio Maggiore: The San Giorgio Maggiore church is a well-known Venetian landmark designed by Palladio, the famous Renaissance architect. Inside, you’ll find several of Tintoretto’s paintings, including “The Last Supper.”
Canals: It’s impossible to think of Venice without thinking of canals and gondolas. Cars are not allowed in the city and all transportation is on water. Travel like a true Venetian by hopping on a vaporetto (water bus) and traveling along the Grand Canal. It will take you under the Rialto Bridge and is a perfect way to admire the beautiful palaces lining the canal.
Rialto Markets: The lively Rialto Markets are open every morning. You’ll find fruit, vegetables, souvenirs, and clothing on offer. The fish market has been held here for 1000 years – don’t miss the live lobsters and crabs.
Scuola Grande di San Rocco: The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is one of Venice’s finest art museums with an impressive collection of more than 50 Tintoretto works.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection: The Venier dei Leoni Palace was home to American collector Peggy Guggenheim for 30 years. Now it’s a museum with an impressive collection of modern art featuring artists such as Magritte, Picasso, Pollock, and Kandinsky.
The Lido: Just 20 minutes by waterbus from Venice, The Lido is a long strip of sand sheltering Venice’s lagoon from the sea. The island’s sandy beaches make it a popular day trip destination for families and sun worshippers.
Verona: Just 80 minutes by train from Venice, the charming city of Verona has plenty to offer visitors including Roman monuments, impressive architecture, and delightful restaurants. Don’t miss the Roman Arena where an open-air opera festival takes place every year.
