Venice Top 10 Attractions

Venice Introduction: The main centre of Venice is divided into six quarters (sestieri). They are: San Marco, Dorsoduro, San Polo, Santa Croce, Cannaregio and Castello. The Grand Canal is the main artery of Venice; it intersects with each district as it stretches through the length of Venice from the Santa Lucia train station - all the way to Piazza San Marco.

Venice stands on 117 small islands separated by over 100 canals and linked by over 400 bridges. Navigating through the city can sometimes appear tricky as most of the stone walkways look the same, so look out for the 'yellow signs' on the sides of buildings or signposts as they give directions to San Marco, Rialto, Piazzale Roma, Ferrovia (train station) and Accademia, from these locations you can regain your bearings and be on your way.

Venice Attractions and most visited places of interest:

(1). The Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale): The Doge's Palace is located on St Marks Square and is one of the most famous landmarks in Venice. Built-in 1340, the Palace has been extended and modified over the centuries - and remains an absolute masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. The Palace was the residence of the powerful Doge of Venice; (ruler of Venice) and the seat of power for the Venetian Republic; it was also the meeting place for governing councils and ministries.

When traders and merchant ships sailed along the Venetian lagoon, on their way to St Marks Square - their first sight of Venice would be the imposing and magnificent Palace. When visiting the Doge's Palace, you'll discover the richly decorated residential apartments and vast council chambers with their incredible gilded ceilings depicting the glories of the Venetian Republic. The interior is beautifully presented and delicately decorated by renowned artists, such as Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese.

Situated on the grand Piazza San Marco, the Doge's Palace became a museum in 1923 and is one of the best places to learn about the fascinating history of Venice. Museum entry tickets and Venice Museum pass information can be found direct from the Museum.

Top Tips: Book a special tour at the Doge's Palace to see the Hidden Treasures and for an opportunity to walk through the Bridge of Sighs; (the 17th-century Baroque bridge that crosses the Rio di Palazzo, connecting the palace to the city's historic prisons).

(2). St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco): St Mark's is breathtakingly beautiful and known locally as La Piazza - the geographic and cultural heart of Venice. San Marco is steeped in history and is home to the most famous landmarks, including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile di San Marco and the Torre dell'Orologio (Clock Tower), which is located above the entrance to the Merceria, the main shopping street leading to the Rialto.

There are numerous (and quite expensive) cafés and restaurants dotted around the edge of the Piazza San Marco, perfect for relaxing with a Moka or glass of Bellini - whilst absorbing the local culture and Renaissance splendour. It's also worth wandering through the Piazza at dusk or just after, especially during the warmer months when the cafés and restaurants are all lit-up, and local bands play live for restaurant clientele.

If visiting Venice in the autumn or winter, you may experience the Acqua Alta. Acqua Alta literally means 'high water' - and because St Mark's Square is the lowest point in Venice, the Square can be sensitive to surrounding water levels. When the Venetian lagoon water levels rise, the Square can become entirely flooded. Flooding can happen several times a year - however, the authorities are well-practised at providing wooden footbridges and walkways to enable locals and tourists to move around. When the Adriatic Sea has exceptionally high tides, seawater is pushed into the Venetian Lagoon, causing large areas of Venice to become temporarily flooded; fortunately, this only happens approximately once every four years - worryingly, the frequency of these events has increased.

Top Tips:
(1) Try not to feed the pigeons, and the city will thank you; there's an increasing concern that pigeons damage the surrounding architecture and artwork. (2) Finding your way to San Marco should be relatively straightforward, but if you are not sure of the route, follow the yellow signs to 'San Marco' - which can be found on the sides of many buildings. (3) If walking to San Marco from the rail station, give yourself around 40 - 50 minutes of walk-time and expect to wander off track several times; walking is not recommended if you have bulky or heavy baggage. Alternatively, use one of the Vaporetto (canal bus) services to San Marco, which runs along the Grand Canal with regular departures from the station and the airport.

(3). Saint Mark's Basilica: Saint Mark's Basilica is the crown jewel of Venice and is a 'must-visit' for any first-time visitor. Located in St. Mark's Square next to the Doge's Palace, the magnificent basilica was first constructed in the 11th century. The basilica is a supreme example of Byzantine architecture with its regal spires and domes, decorative marble pillars, and astonishing golden mosaics on its facade.

Saint Mark's Basilica, known locally as the Chiesa d’Oro or the Golden Church, is the most important religious temple in the city. Over time, the Basilica has undergone several modifications - and now represents an impressive and beautiful blend of Gothic, Byzantine, Romanesque and Renaissance architectural styles. Top Tip: Entrance to St. Mark’s Basilica is free of charge, but the queues to enter are usually very long; to avoid long waits, book a timed guided tour or book a Skip-the-line ticket reservation.

(4). St. Mark's Campanile (Campanile di San Marco): The Campanile di San Marco is the bell tower of St Mark's Basilica; at 99 meters tall, it's the tallest structure in Venice. The Campanile di San Marco stands boldly on the edge of Piazza San Marco - and is one of the most recognisable symbols of the city. The tower was first completed in 912; during the decades that followed several redesigns, additions and alterations were carried out, mainly due to structural and fire damage caused by poor design, earthquakes and lightning strikes.

Originally built as a watchtower, the Campanile served as a landmark to assist sailors navigating the lagoon - and to assist ships arriving into the harbour. At the top of the tower sits the belfry, which houses five bells; during the time of the Republic of Venice, the sounding of a particular bell would signal a specific meaning or purpose, from indicating the start and end of the working day to summoning members of political offices & senior councils and even signalling executions.

In 1902 the tower collapsed, and shortly after was rebuilt to its original design. Consequently, the structure seen in the Piazza today looks very similar to the one Venetians saw 1,000 years ago. A visit to the top of the tower is recommended. There is an elevator transporting visitors to the viewing area at the top - where you'll be rewarded with superb views of the impressive Piazza directly below, plus the colourful terracotta rooftops and sweeping views out over the lagoon.

Top Tip: Long queues for the elevator (especially at peak times) are inevitable, consider buying skip-the-line tickets directly via the Basilica website, which can help reduce waiting times.

(5). The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri): The decorative 17th-century Baroque style 'Bridge of Sighs' is one of the most famous bridges in Venice. The enclosed white-limestone bridge spans the narrow Rio di Palazzo canal, connecting the Court of the Palace with a notorious state prison; called 'Prigioni Nuove' (New Prison) because it was a new prison at that time. The bridge is located near Piazza San Marco, just a 2-minute walk from the entrance to the Doge's Palace.

The bridge inherited its sorrowful name in the Romantic era when condemned prisoners crossed the bridge on the way to prison after receiving their sentence. As the prisoners passed along the bridge, many sighs could be heard - as they caught their last glimpse of freedom and of beautiful Venice through patterned stone-barred windows, resigning themselves to their imminent fate.

Top Tip: The beautiful Bridge of Sighs was built in 1614 and is worthy of a closer inspection from the outside. The best and cheapest way to view the bridge is to cross one of the neighbouring bridges or take an expensive gondola ride along the Rio di Palazzo. Alternatively and for a chance to cross the bridge, follow the Prisons route from inside the Doge's Palace museum or take a museum-guided tour of the Palace and Prisons, pricey but worth it.

(6). The Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto): The famous Rialto Bridge is the oldest of four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, connecting the San Marco and San Polo districts (Sestieri). Designed by Antonio da Ponte, the white marble bridge features a single central 24-foot arch reaching high over the canal, allowing boats, gondolas and vaporetto to pass under. The original 12th-century wooden bridge was replaced in 1592 by this impressively designed Istrian stone structure - supported by thousands of 400-year-old wooden pilings.

The Rialto Bridge is named after the nearby Rialto market - it's one of Venice's best-known and most photographed landmarks. The bridge is always busy, especially with tourists taking pictures or stopping off at the arcade of small souvenir shops that line the bridge. The best time to visit is early morning when it's less busy however, you'll probably end up crossing the bridge a couple of times during the day as you walk between the city's main tourist attractions and places of interest.

Top Tip: There are stunning views of the Canal Grande and of Venetian Palazzi from the Rialto Bridge, it's one of the most popular places to photograph and capture the unique beauty of Venice.

(7). Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute: The stunning Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is a magnificent Roman Catholic church (regarded as one of the city's most important religious buildings). Known locally as the Salute, it's an impressive, eye-catching sight as you travel along the Grand Canal. The Salute is also one of the city's most impressive important examples of Baroque-style architecture.

Work began on the Basilica in 1631 in honour of the Virgin Mary and to commemorate the end of the plague that killed a large portion of the Venetian population. The Salute was built with stunning white Istrian stone; it features a large octagonal dome that's become an iconic part of the Venetian skyline, visible from most parts of the city. The church features exquisite marble and mosaic flooring and an interior full of impressive paintings by artists such as Tintoretto, Luca Giordano and Titian.

Top Tip:
If you have spare time during your stay, the Salute is well worth visiting however, with so many other important places to discover, don't worry if it's not on your 'must do list'. You'll have plenty of opportunities to admire and photograph the Salute from across the lagoon or when travelling up and down the Canal Grande.

(8). Campo Santa Maria Formosa: Campo Santa Maria Formosa is an oasis of space amongst the crowded piazzas of Venice and provides a glimpse into the local way of life. Santa Maria Formosa is a charming and relatively quiet square ideal for exploring local shops and wandering the nearby cobbled lanes lined with stunning buildings of historical and architectural importance. Alternatively, relax at one of the unfussy bars or cafes and admire local artists at work, or simply enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and the occasional live entertainment provided by local musicians practising on the square.

Campo Santa Maria Formosa is easy to find; located in the Castello district - about a 10 minutes walk from the Rialto Bridge or St Mark's Square. The closest vaporetto stop is Rialto on the waterbus Lines 1 and 2. Top Tip: Check out the Ristorante Santa Maria Formosa for delicious fresh seafood and pasta dishes, with indoor seating or outdoor terraces overlooking the square, a great location in an alternative and scenic part of Venice. Look out for the specialità del giorno (daily specials menu).

(9). The Grand Canal (Canal Grande): The vast majority of Venice is built on water, and the Grand Canal is the main artery serving the city. The canal stretches the length of Venice from the Santa Lucia rail station - all the way to Piazza San Marco. The canal stretches for 3.8 km and is lined with stunning Renaissance Gothic architecture, including Venetian palaces (palazzi), state buildings, decorative hotels and many unique buildings of historical and architectural importance. On most days - the canal is a busy spectacle of gondolas, merchant ships and vaporetti transporting commuters, tourists and goods around the city.

Top Tips:
(1) If arriving in Venice by train, take a Vaporetto (water bus) from the station; line 2 will take you to San Marco (it's not the quickest route but operates via the Grand Canal for the best views).

(2) Vaporetti or water bus services are probably the most convenient method of travelling around Venice, however, buying tickets is not so easy. If you plan on travelling the canals, buy a ACTV Tourist Travel Card, these travel cards are a convenient way to travel; they can be purchased online for a 1 to 7-day pass validity.

(3) If the weather is good and you have time to spare, ride up and down the Canal Grande a few times; each time you travel the canal, there's always something new going on, but avoid the busy morning and evening commutes.

(10). The Peggy Guggenheim Modern Art Museum: Located in a 17th-century Customs House can be found the Peggy Guggenheim Collection - one of the most popular and prestigious museums in Venice. The museum contains an impressive collection of twentieth-century European and American art. Peggy Guggenheim discovered, promoted and collected the artworks of many European and American artists, including renowned artists such as Jackson Pollock, Paul Klee, Kandinsky and Max Ernst.

Peggy Guggenheim lived in Venice for three decades, and her former home on the Grand Canal (the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni) is the location for the museum and the collection. Peggy Guggenheim began displaying her private collection of modern artworks in 1951. After she died in 1979, it passed to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, and in 1980 opened in Venice for year-round viewing.

Top Tips:
(1) Take advantage of the daily free presentation at the museum introducing visitors to the life of Peggy Guggenheim and her collection.

(2) Pay a visit to the museum's sculpture garden, the Nasher Sculpture Garden. At the Nasher Sculpture Garden, you'll find displayed works and sculptures by major 20th-century artists, including Anthony Caro, Max Ernst, Henry Moore and Germaine Richier. Pease note: The museum's artworks change regularly; please check directly with the museum for up-to-date details on current works on display.

Venice - Public Transport: There's a saying, "Don't ride when you can walk" this applies to Venice. Venice is very much a walking city, with most of the city's main historical sites and attractions within walking distance and easily reachable with a good guidebook and paper map. (GPS is unreliable and electronic maps still haven't entirely mapped the city).

However, riding the waterways and canals can be great fun; and an excellent way to explore and appreciate the romance of Venice. You'll need to use the waterways to reach the places not accessible by land, such as Murano & Burano Islands, Torcello, exploring the canals of Cannaregio (the local and authentic Venice) and San Giorgio Maggiore island.

A great alternative to walking is to cruise along the veins of Venice and meander the labyrinth of canals and waterways onboard a vaporetti (waterbus). Or you can choose one of the more expensive options and hire a gondola or private water taxi (motoscafi); you can also share a water taxi if the option presents itself (which it often does), and a convenient way of saving on the fare.

Waterbus (Vaporetto): The Vaporetto (Vaporetti plural) waterbus services are operated by ACTV, the public transport authority for Venice. The vaporetto is one of the best ways to travel around the city's canals and waterways. They depart frequently and travel up and down the Grand Canal; to the Islands and the mainland. If you plan on using the Vaporetti often, buy an ACTV Travel Pass; the pass allows unlimited travel, and it's also the most convenient and economical way to travel around Venice using public transport services.

Top Tip: A great way to tour the Grand Canal using public water transport services is to hop aboard the No1 Vaporetto (line one). The waterbus departs every 10 minutes from the Piazzale Roma; it sails along the Grand Canal, passing the Rialto Bridge, the Salute, Venetian Palazzi and other stunning sights along the way - it's a great deal for under €10.

The ACTV Travel Pass and the Venezia Unica City Pass: The Venezia Unica City Pass is a tourist pass - that allows you to customise and modify it according to your travel and sightseeing needs. The one card can be loaded with public transport tickets and entry to attractions, churches, monuments and museums; all on one card. To build your city pass (including adding an ACTV Travelpass) or to find more information on how it works, visit the Venezia Unica website.

The ACTV Travelcard can be purchased for a 12, 24, 48, 72 hours or 7-day validity period; and includes 1 piece of luggage. You can buy a travel card to include airport transfers for an additional charge. To use the card, swipe it by holding it close to the white electronic ticket reader near the entrance to the floating boat platform; each time you change transport services, you must re-swipe your travel card.

Water Taxi (Motoscafi): At first glance travelling by Water Taxi may appear expensive; however, there are several good reasons for using water taxis over Vaporetti. We've listed a few reasons we consider hiring a water taxi as a great way to travel around Venice. Most noticeably, nearly all water taxi motorboats look impressive - they have classic European styling, and most are made with beautifully varnished mahogany hulls, highly polished metalwork and stylish leather-upholstered interior cabins.

The fare/price for a Water Taxi from Venice Marco Polo Airport to the city centre will cost between €120 and €150. The price from Venezia Santa Lucia railway station and Piazzale Roma to the city centre is around €70 and €110.

Information & Tips for travelling by Water Taxi in Venice:

• (1) Riding the canals and waterways in your own privately hired motorboat is the ultimate in luxury, style and comfort.
• (2) Watertaxi's are super quick and incredibly convenient especially when travelling to and from the airport or train station.
• (3) With a watertaxi you have your own private captain to chauffeur you along the Grand Canal or on a high-speed run between the airport and your hotel.
• (4) Depending on the weather you can either sit inside in the warmth or in the open-air seating area in the stern, with the wind in your hair.
• (5) Taxis can be easily booked online. (If you book via a hotel or travel agency the fare can be more expensive).
• (6) There are water taxi stations at most major tourist sites and transportation hubs. Water taxis can deliver you right to the front entrance of your hotel.
• (7) If you book in advance, a water taxi will be waiting for you at the airport and will deliver you to your hotel in style.
• (8) Depending on the size of the boat, water taxis can usually carry up to 10 people, with the cost per person working out very reasonable when splitting the fare with family or friends.
• (9) When picking up a taxi from the waterway, make-sure you are boarding a licensed taxi. Licensed water taxis have a yellow stripe and license number displayed on the boat's windscreen. Green licensed taxis can offer transport by reservation only and can not pick up passengers randomly.
• (10) If travelling to Venice from the airport, ask the driver to take the slightly longer route down the Grand Canal for a 'ride with a view' - it's a great way to arrive!

Gondola Rides in Venice: Should you hire a gondola? Gondolas are one of the most iconic symbols of Venice; a classic gondola ride is an ideal way to enjoy the splendour, peace and tranquillity of the city's waterways. The traditional flat-bottomed rowing boat is a unique mode of transportation dating back 100's years; it's also well-suited to navigating the design and busy conditions of the Venetian canals.

At first glance, Gondola rides may appear expensive - but when visiting one of the world's most romantic and historic cities, there's no better way to explore than to glide down the narrow canals of Venice in comfort and style.

Information & Tips for hiring a Gondola:

• (1) You can hire a gondola direct from the many gondola stations (servizio gondole) positioned around the waterways of Venice.
• (2) Gondola rides have a fixed cost of up to €90 for a 30-40 minute ride; prices are usually non-negotiable. Additional 20-minute increments can be added to your ride for €40. The price for added increments can sometimes be negotiated with the Gondolier. Gondola rides after 7PM are more expensive.
• (3) Gondola rides usually include either a route along the Grand Canal or one of the quieter inner-city canal routes. The inner-city canals are less busy, allowing more time to appreciate and take in the detail. Top Tip: Some of the best Grand Canal ride experiences can be had by taking the inexpensive No. 1 Vaporetto from the Piazzale Roma.
• (4) Gondola rides are not usually designed to journey to specific Venice landmarks, nor can you expect a particular route. However, many fascinating sights will be included in your gondola ride; if you have a request, let the Gondolier know, they are professional, courteous and willing to assist if able to.
• (5) A private Gondola can accommodate up to five / six passengers. You can buy a ticket for a shared gondola or rent the whole boat for a private ride.
• (6) Always try to book your gondola ride in advance - it can save time researching and arranging one on arrival.
• (7) Many gondoliers speak good English and are willing to share their knowledge of the city.
• (8) Gondola rides are round trip; they usually return you back to your initial starting point once the ride is complete.
• (9) Gondolas have been sailing the canals of Venice since the 11th century.
• (10) Being a gondolier is a highly-regarded and sought-after profession and is one of the best-paid jobs in the city, with an expected income of over $140,000 a year.

Riding a gondola is to enjoy an authentic Venetian experience - in a way the city was meant to be seen.

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE): Venice airport VCE is located 10 miles (15km) northeast of Venice.

How do I get from Marco Polo Airport to Venice city Centre? There are 4 main travel options when transferring between Venice airport and the centre of Venice: (1) The Alilaguna water ferry. (2) Private water taxi. (3) ACTV Public bus services to Piazzale Roma central bus station. (4) ATVO Private bus company providing express bus services to Piazzale Roma. Your decision on which form of transport to use will depend on your transportation budget and the level of convenience required in reaching your destination.

Please remember that both the ACTV & ATVO bus services terminate at Piazzale Roma central bus station (located north of the city), the only area of Venice accessible to cars and buses. Depending on where you're staying in Venice, you may have to walk or take a water taxi or water bus from Piazzale Roma central bus station to your hotel. Piazzale Roma is very close to Venezia Santa Lucia railway station; both water taxi and water bus stops are nearby and well signposted.

Airport Shuttle Bus services: .

ACTV Airport Bus Services ACTV is a public-transportation company operating in Venice and the mainland suburbs. The 'Aerobus Line 5' departs from the front of the arrivals terminal, with departures approximately every fifteen minutes and a travel time to Piazzale Roma of approx 25 minutes; this service stops en route to pick up local passengers. Please note: On ACTV services, you take your luggage onboard with you, and place it in the racks provided (there is no lower-level luggage compartment on the bus to store your luggage).

Fares are €8 one-way or €15 roundtrip; if using an ACTV Tourist Travel Card, the fares are discounted. The Aerobus services are identifiable by a LED display on the front of the bus that shows both the route number and destination. Tickets can be purchased at automatic self-service ticket machines located in the arrivals area and at Piazzale Roma.

ATVO Bus Services ATVO (Venezia Express) is a private company providing express non-stop bus services to Piazzale Roma departing from Marco Polo Airport every thirty minutes. This service is quick and convenient, with plenty of low-level luggage space for larger bags. Tickets can be bought online, inside the arrivals terminal or outside - at the ATVO bus stop.

The Airport Alilaguna Water Ferry: Alilaguna provides regular and efficient boat transportation from Venice Marco Polo airport to Venice city centre. Alilaguna operates several interconnecting routes providing convenient services to many city-centre locations, including the Lido and Murano islands. Popular Venice stop-off points include San Marco (1 hour and 12 minutes), Rialto (57 minutes), Lido (58 minutes), and Fondamenta Nuove (38 minutes).

The Alilaguna airport water bus is easily identifiable; they are large, with a bright yellow hull and can easily accommodate passengers with large luggage. Three routes take you into Venice, with the Blue and Orange line routes being the most popular (Orange Line makes multiple stops).

Top Tips: (1) Ask the ticket office before buying your ticket which route is best for your hotel location; the accommodation may be located close to one of the Alilaguna ferry stops, saving you time compared with getting from Piazzale Roma where the land buses drop you. (2) The Alilaguna airport dock is approximately a ten-minute walk from the arrivals terminal, with departures every 60 minutes. Please see Alilaguna for further details.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the ticketing offices located at Venice Marco Polo airport (in the arrivals hall and at the airport water port). A one-way ticket will cost you approximately €15 round trip €27.

The Venice Water Taxi: Airport water taxis are one of the most convenient forms of travel between Venice airport and the city centre, but unfortunately, it's also the most expensive. The cost of a water taxi is approximately €120 to €150, depending on the final destination, plus the number of pieces of luggage carried. It's advisable to ask the driver before boarding what the total fare will be to avoid any nasty surprises. Remember, when travelling with a family or small group, the total price could work out reasonably when divided between all party members.

If there's only a small number in your party, consider a shared taxi service, they're much less crowded than a water ferry and a cheaper alternative to a full private hire. For further details, ask at the taxi desk at the arrivals terminal. The water taxi pick-up point is the same pier as the water bus, about a 10-minute walk from the arrivals terminal and is well signposted.