Venice Holidays & City Breaks

Located in the northeast of Italy, Venice is a romantic and enchanting city of turquoise canals, ancient palaces and serenading gondoliers. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the city’s contributions to art, architecture and music are evident around every corner. Whether you’re falling in love on a moonlit gondola ride or soothing your soul at an orchestral symphony, Venice promises to dazzle you with its artistic flair.

Things to do

Even if you chose to do nothing else but wander the streets your entire stay, this city would still dazzle you with its history, culture and romance. From museum-hopping in the Dorsoduro District, to soaking up the historic sights and orchestral sounds at Piazza San Marco, there are plenty of fascinating things to see in Venice

Stunning setting

The real star of Venice is the city’s amazing setting. It’s in north east Italy on the country’s Adriatic coast, and built on almost 120 small islands. The Grand Canal winds its way through the city, which has no cars or proper roads. Instead you’ll wander among a maze of tightly knit alleys and pleasant little squares, crossing bridges and navigating canals to make your way around the city.

Romance and mystery

Feel the breeze on your face as you take to the water on a classically romantic gondola ride, or settle down for a long dinner for two with a canal view as the sun goes down. As well as a reputation for romance, Venice is also known for its mystery. If you’re in town for the city’s Carnevale then you’ll be treated to a centuries-old tradition of masquerades and medieval costumes, while you can also go on a secret wine tour that will showcase the best of Venetian wine.

Magnificent architecture

The Piazza San Marco is the centrepiece of Venice, and it’s a great starting point for exploring the city. Gaze up at majestic buildings like St. Mark’s Basilica before visiting an art gallery. Then relax at one of the countless cafés and wait for the sun to go down and the city streets to come alive as the locals enjoy the evening.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | FlorenceLake Garda | Limone | Malcesine | RomeSant'AgnelloSardinia | Sicily | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera

 

Map of Venice

world_map
40 ℃

Best time to visit: During the spring for warm and comfortable temperatures.

View live forecast

2 - 2.5 hours

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is located 12km from the city.

Venice is best for...

Honeymooners: Fall in love all over again on a moonlit gondola ride along the Grand Canal.

Festival-goers: Take your pick from a rich programme of art and cultural festivals throughout the year. A highlight is the Venice Carnival, which is famous for its elaborate masks. 

Art enthusiasts: From ancient churches displaying gold-plated mosaics to grand palaces decked in Renaissance art, there is a piece of culture on every corner of this fascinating city.

Fast facts for Venice

Language: The language spoken in Venice is Italian. 

Currency: The currency used in Venice is the Euro (€).

Local time: Venice is one hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is located 12km from the city.

Flight time from the UK: 2 - 2.5 hours.

Tourist information: Further Venice tourist information can be found at https://en.venezia.net/venice-tourist-information.html

 

 

Getting around Venice

By foot: The best way to truly experience the heart and soul of Venice is to take on its narrow alleys and numerous bridges on foot. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes. 

By waterbus: Navigate the city’s vast network of canals by vaparetto (waterbus). A timed pass will give you unlimited access to all vaparetto lines for a set number of time. 

By watertaxi: Local water taxis are a pricier but more luxurious way to travel from one side of the city to the other. 

By gondola: For an unforgettable tour of the city, book a moonlit gondola ride.

Events in Venice

Party in the streets: The Venice Carnival sees thousands of masked locals take to the city streets for music, fireworks and theatrical performances. Join the party in February. 

Contemporary art exhibition: Experience the very best in Italian contemporary art at La Biennale di Venezia in May. This world-famous art exhibition is held every odd-numbered year, in various venues throughout the city.

Film Extravaganza: Be in the presence of filmmakers, world-famous directors and movie stars at the Venice International Film Festival in August. Held at the Palazzo del Cinema, this prestigious event has a limited number of tickets available the day before screenings.

Venice weather

Temperature: Average highs of 40 (°C) in summer and 5 (°C) in winter.

Best time to visit: During the spring for warm and comfortable temperatures.

Venice experiences a humid, subtropical climate with hot summers, cool winters and an even amount of rainfall throughout the year. Venice can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time to visit is from March to May for mild temperatures, with average highs of 3 - 23°C.

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