Venice Italy Travel and Tours | Keytours Vacations

Discover Venice's Wonders

Vacation to Venice and discover this enchanting Italian city built on hundreds of islands, with a hundred more canals separating each island. Let us guide you on a tour of the great monuments of the city: the Basilica of St. Mark, the Dodges Palace and the Bridge of Sighs among others. Or, enjoy a relaxing trip on a famous Venetian gondola ride through the city’s waterways.

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Description

Historical pieces of evidence suggest that refugees founded Venice. When Germanic tribes ravaged northern Italy in the 5th century, many mainlanders escaped to this difficult-to-access area on the Adriatic Sea. Over the centuries, the refugee community grew into the most powerful trading port in the Mediterranean. At its peak, Venice counted 3,000 trade ships and 300 navy vessels. After Napoleon's fall, it became part of the Austrian Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia, but after the uprising in 1848, the city reached its independence once again. Shortly after, in 1866, Venice was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy. 1932 saw the opening of the motor and rail bridge between Venice and the mainland, which led this city to come out on top as a tourist destination. It can be a bit hard to navigate around the city, but don't let that put you off, as this is part of Venice's charm. Leave the other tourists at St Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge and explore the maze-like little neighbourhoods instead. The most interesting areas and islands are Cannaregio, San Polo/Santa Croce, Dorsoduro, San Marco, and Castello.

Useful information

Population:

258,051 (2023)

Currency:

1 Euro = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

Police: 112
Carabinieri Force: 113
Fire Brigade: 115
Emergency Medical Service: 118

Opening Hours:

Shops in Venice are usually open 9am–1pm and 3pm–8pm, with some variations depending on the time of year.

Do & See

Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

Built in the 13th century and dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, usually called the Frari, is the largest church in Venice and an important example of Venetian Gothic ecclesiastical architecture. It holds many masterpieces of Venetian art from the Renaissance period, which is simply a delight for the eye. Titian, the most renowned member of the Venetian school of painting of the 16th century, not only has paintings here, Assumption of the Virgin (1516–18) and Pesaro Madonna (1519–26), as this is also his final resting place.

Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) has inherited its sad name from the condemned prisoners crossing it on their way to the execution. The covered bridge connects the prison to the interrogation room in the Doge's Palace and crosses Rio di Palazzo. If you happen to pass under it at sunset, at the time the bells of St Mark's Campanile ring, remember to kiss your loved one: as the legend goes, your love will be eternal.

Burano Island

Burano Island is famous for its brightly coloured houses, picturesque canals, and peaceful atmosphere. Other attractions include the Church of San Martino with its leaning bell tower and the Lace Museum – lacemaking is a fruitful industry in Burano, and you'll find many artisan lace shops on the island.

Ca' Pesaro

Ca’ Pesaro is the city’s modern art museum, located in an old baroque palace facing the Grand Canal. The first floor houses 19th and 20th-century paintings and sculptures, while the upper floor is dedicated to the Oriental Art Museum, exhibiting 30,000 objects from Japan, China, and Indonesia.

Ca' Rezzonico

Standing on the right bank of the Grand Canal, Ca' Rezzonico is one of the most magnificent buildings in the whole city, as well as a remarkable example of 18th-century Venetian baroque and rococo architecture. It was completed in 1756 and today serves as a public museum with an interesting display of 18th-century Venetian artefacts, including furniture, paintings, and sculptures.

Church of Saint Mary of Miracles

Santa Maria dei Miracoli is the most requested church for weddings in Venice, and if you step inside, you'll easily see why. It is said to be built from the leftovers of St Mark's Basilica. Being one of the best examples of early Venetian Renaissance architecture, its nickname is "the jewel box" due to its striking beauty.

Doge’s Palace

Built in Venetian Gothic style and one of the most iconic landmarks of Venice, the Doge's Palace or Palazzo Ducale used to be the residence of the Doge of Venice, as well as the seat of power for the Venetian Republic, which lasted more than 1,000 years. Both the court and the prison were located within the palace walls, but since 1923 the building is better known as a museum.

Food Tasting Walking Tour

A great way to eat your way around Venice and discover the local cuisine is by booking a guided food tour. And in this 3-hour food-tasting walking tour, you'll get a chance to sample an array of local specialities, including fresh seafood, homemade gelato, traditional Venetian cookies, and regional wines, plus get tips on the best places to drink and dine in the city.

Dining

A Beccafico Arte

A Beccafico Arte is a casual establishment with canalside tables and a terrace, serving a delightful selection of seafood dishes, pastas, and pizzas.

Al Nono Risorto

Al Nono Risorto serves simple and authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of the city. Enjoy classic Venetian dishes like sarde in saor (sardines preserved in a sweet and sour marinade) along with baccalà (dried and salted cod), pasta, and homemade pizza. During the warmer months, you can dine al fresco in their spacious and lovely wisteria-covered courtyard.

Algiubagio Restaurant

This restaurant's watchword is "detail". The romantic atmosphere and the elegant and refined design go hand in hand with the enchanting terrace overlooking the lagoon. The sophisticated menu featuring modern Italian dishes leaves prices on the higher side, but once you've tried the food and enjoyed the chic, rustic-style setting, you'll find it to be worth your visit.

Cantine del Vino Già Schiavi

Cantine del Vino Già Schiavi is the perfect place to go if you're looking for Italian-style tapas accompanied by a glass of wine. This 19th-century tavern offers the most inventive cicchetti in Venice. Don't miss the crostini-style layers of bread, smoked swordfish, and slivers of raw zucchini, or pungent slices of Parmigiano, fig, pistachio and toast.

Da Mamo

Italy is world-famous for making great pizza and pasta dishes. Da Mamo offers those Italian classics along with traditional local dishes such as creamy salted codfish with polenta in a cosy, candlelit setting.

Hostaria Bacanera

Spacious restaurant with an authentic Venetian charm in a secret hidden corner of the city. Hostaria Bacanera offers fresh and perfectly executed dishes, mostly seafood. The chef goes daily to the Rialto Market to choose the catch of the day. Pair the divine food offered here with a high-quality wine and you've got yourself a memorable dining experience.

La Zucca

Located near San Giacomo Square, La Zucca is a small and welcoming restaurant serving seasonal Venetian dishes with a focus on vegetarian options. Some of their specialities are pumpkin flan and pumpkin soup, hence the name La Zucca, which means "the pumpkin" in Italian. In summer, the restaurant offers 12 canalside seats.

Locanda Cipriani

Born to be a rural "maison d'hôte" (a guest house), the restaurant Locanda Cipriani is part of the world-famous luxury hotel of the same name, welcoming guests in a very simple environment where the atmosphere is cosy and relaxing. The menu includes dishes created by the Cipriani family, which are now considered classics, such as carpaccio of raw meat and Sampietro fish ‘alla Carlina’, a variety of fish-based dishes, and homemade pasta. To accompany your food, a fine selection of Italian and particularly Friulian and Venetian wines.

Cafés

Caffè del Doge

Located in a quiet side street, out of the way of the tourist crowds, yet only a short walk from the famous Rialto bridge, Caffè del Doge is a cosy espresso bar offering excellent coffee prepared by expert and friendly baristas along with fresh and tasty pastries. We suggest you try the cappuccino Veneziano, which is made with dark chocolate.

Caffè Florian

Caffè Florian opened its doors in 1720, and it's the oldest coffee house in continuous operation in Italy as well as one of the oldest in the world. Located in the famous Piazza San Marco, Caffè Florian offers coffee, cocktails, and snacks in a gorgeous Neo-Baroque setting, plus a daily permanent orchestra that livens the elegant cafe with the sounds of classical music. There are also tables outside on the square if you prefer to people-watch.

Gelato Fantasy

Gelato Fantasy opened in the space of a blacksmith's former workshop. Since 1998, it has been an artisanal ice cream shop where workers share a deep love for tradition. Here you can try the cream of the Doges — a Venetian speciality — as well as tasty fresh fruit sorbets, seasonal flavours, and crepes.

Gran Caffè Quadri

Dating from 1638, Quadri is a traditional and luxurious café opening onto St Mark's Square offering breakfast, dinner, and everything in between. It's an excellent venue to either sit down during the day and have a sandwich and a cup of coffee or enjoy martinis in the evening.

La Mela Verde

La Mela Verde is a small, artisanal ice cream shop as well as a charming creperie. Ice creams are produced with first-class products such as the Sicilian pistachio, the Piedmontese PGI hazelnut, and a great selection of seasonal fresh fruit. You can't miss the divine stuffed crepes either.

Majer - Piazzale Roma

Majer is a combined bakery, café, and wine shop located in a quaint alleyway facing the Rio Novo Canal. You can try fresh pastries, cookies, and typical Venetian cakes, or buy fresh bread and baked products.

Pasticceria Rizzardini

Established in 1742, Rizzardini is the oldest Venetian patisserie and as such, values tradition and quality. The interiors may be tiny, but the offer of sweet treats is huge. Here, you'll be able to choose among many types of biscuits and pastries and be sure to either try their signature tiramisu or indulge in some frittelle during Carnival time.

Pasticceria Tonolo

This corner patisserie is a Venetian institution, and you'll always find it bustling with people. Having a cup of coffee and a sweet pastry standing at the counter might be exactly what you need to start the day off right. The types of pastries, cakes, and baked goods you can choose are numerous, and the prices are kept affordable.

Bars & Nightlife

AquAlta

AquAlta has a modern and fresh interior and young and trendy people meet here over a glass of chilled Prosecco and delicious appetizers. It is located in Mestre and is known locally as a good pre-party bar. There is also a basement space and a menu of snacks such as cheese and salami.

Aurora Beach Club

Right on the beach on the island of Lido, this large bar and nightclub give the jet-setters of Venice the right summer vibes. Coloured lights, popular DJs, large white sunbeds, and fruity cocktails contribute to creating just the right atmosphere.

Bacaro Jazz

Right between the two main tourist attractions of Rialto Bridge and St Mark's Square, you can find this quirky cocktail bar and restaurant, where visitors' lingerie decorate the ceiling. Attracting a mix of locals and tourists, Bacaro Jazz has been around since 1997 and offers cocktails, a wide selection of beers, plus tasty food and a jazz soundtrack.

Bar Dandolo

At the award-winning Bar Dandolo, in the 14th-century luxury Hotel Danieli, guests can relax in a beautiful setting embellished with the famous Murano chandeliers and sip perfectly-made classical cocktails. Live music performances take place several nights a week.

Chet Bar

Chet Bar is a cosy and laid-back bar serving classic cocktails, spritzers, and bar fare, plus retro music every night of the week.

Devil's Forest Pub

Venice is not generally associated with pubs, but if you're in the mood for traditional pub grub, cocktails, and beers, then this is the right place to go. Live football and rugby matches will accompany the food and drinks.

El Refolo

El Refolo is a bustling but welcoming wine bar where locals come to enjoy a spritz and some appetizers. Sit down outdoors and watch people passing by while sipping on a glass of good Italian wine, possibly accompanied by salami or cheeses.

Harry’s Bar

Birthplace of the Bellini — a mix of Prosecco and white peach juice — and Carpaccio, Harry's is an iconic 1930s bar near St Mark's Square, which focuses on creating an inviting atmosphere that welcomes everybody with open arms. Having a cocktail where Humphrey Bogart, Truman Capote, and Ernest Hemingway drank is definitely something of an experience.

Shopping

Banco Lotto n.10

By the will of the Municipality of Venice, Banco Lotto 10 was opened in 2003 in an attempt to exhibit the fruit of a retraining program at the women's prison on Giudecca. The stylish clothes and accessories you'll find here are all designed and hand-made by inmates who work in the boutique assisted by many volunteers.

Cipolato Sigfrido

As a city on the water, Venice could not be spared from the passage of pirates. Master jeweller Sigfrido has been creating rings, necklaces, and other jeweller's masterpieces combining experience, originality, and craftsmanship techniques perfected since the XVII century. Every piece of art is enriched with details like skulls and colourful stones.

Designer Outlet Noventa di Piave

Located about 40km from Venice, this outlet offers fashion's most luxurious brand names at reduced prices (35% to 70%) throughout the year. Brands like Armani, Gucci, Prada, Bottega Veneta, Valentino, Burberry, Versace, and many more can all be found at the Designer Outlet Noventa di Piave. On-site, there are also a few eateries in case you want to grab a bite between shopping.

Drogheria Màscari

Drogheria Màscari is the oldest traditional food and spices store in the centre of Venice. The shop was opened near the Rialto Bridge in Calle degli Spezieri, the spices merchants' street. It offers a wide range of the best distinctive products of traditional Italian cuisine, including truffles, teas, dried mushrooms, and balsamic vinegar, as well as cookies, typical sweets, candies, and more than fifty types of honey.

Elle Elle - NasonMoretti store

At this small but elegant glassware shop, you can revel in colourful and uniquely designed glass pieces, innovative vases, and other types of glass works of art. All of them are original pieces directly from the glass factory NasonMuretti, a Venetian company in business for over 12 years.

Gilberto Penzo

The Venetian fleet is among the oldest in the world. Should you find yourself in love with the typical Venetian boats or gondolas, make your way to Gilberto Penzo, where you can buy an elaborate miniature to take home with you. And if you wish to build one by yourself, you can also buy a kit with full instructions included.

Giuliana Longo

This tiny shop is officially recognised as a historical location of the Veneto Region. In this small boutique, you can find all kinds of hats of the highest quality. If you need a gondolier's hat in your wardrobe, you'll find it here along with wool hats, hats for the carnival, wedding hats, and original Panama hats imported directly from Ecuador.

Libreria Acqua Alta

Even if you're not looking for a new book, this unique, offbeat shop is well worth a visit. This self-proclaimed "most beautiful bookstore in the world" contains thousands of books, magazines, and maps lying helter-skelter in glutted rooms or inside bathtubs, waterproof bins, and gondolas. Do not be afraid if you see cats prowling, they're on a friendly footing with the owners.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Venice and enjoy sightseeing is mid-spring, particularly the first half of May when the cold winter gives way to sunny days and comfortably warm temperatures. With less boat traffic on the canals and calm waters, this season is best for relaxing on a gondola ride. If you want to avoid the stress of the high tourist season, December through February may do the trick with quiet and peaceful local areas. Low season also provides discounted accommodation rates. Moreover, the famous Venetian Carnival takes place annually in February, which gives visitors the chance to join in on the festivities and try on a traditional ornate mask.

Passport & Visa

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Italy, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

Treviso Airport (TSF)

Treviso Airport (TSF) is located 30 km north of Venice and it's used mainly by low-cost airlines. ATVO and Barzi buses depart from/to Venice and the journey takes about 40 minutes. There is a ticket office located at the arrivals hall.

Venice Marco Polo International Airport (VCE)

Venice Marco Polo International Airport (VCE) is situated 7 km north of the city. There is a wide selection of transport from the airport to the city. Choose between buses, taxicabs, and boats. If you choose a boat, be prepared for a short walk first. The water bus is operated by Alilaguna and the journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. There are also motorboats and the price varies from company to company. A land route to Venice is offered too. The two transport companies ACTV and ATVO have direct buses between the city and the airport. The journey takes approximately 20-25 minutes.

Public Transport

The ACTV operates ordinary buses together with the bus boats, the so-called vaporettos. Tickets can be purchased at the stations, from newsstands or on board the boats. There are also several travel cards to choose from, but remember that you need to swipe them before boarding. If you need to cross the Grand Canal, you can catch a traghetto, a large gondola leaving from different places between the bridges.

Taxi

Taxis in Venice are mainly boats of different sorts. Travelling by gondola is rather expensive and it is better used for sightseeing or special excursions. The boat taxis are slightly cheaper. One of the premier boat taxi operators in Venice is Consorzio Motoscafi Venezia.

Electricity

Italy uses the Type F electrical sockets with two round holes, the same as in many countries in Continental Europe. You will also encounter Type L sockets with three round holes arranged in a line. A “universal“ socket, that accepts Type C, E, F and L plugs, is commonly used in Italy. The standard voltage is 230 volts, but some hotels have special plugs for 110 or 120-volt shavers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Venice (FAQs)

Does Venice smell? Unlike what you might have read or heard, Venice does not smell. If anything, what you will smell in the city is the salt water from the canals, just like you would at any seaside destination. However, what can happen on the hottest days of summer is that the low water levels in smaller canals allow for the contact of algae from the lagoon with the atmosphere and its consequent deterioration. But other than that, Venice is not smelly at all. Is Venice safe for tourists? Despite being one of the most visited cities in the world, Venice is a fairly safe city for travellers. However, as with most major tourist destinations, pickpocketing is the biggest concern here. So be careful with your belongings around the city's main attractions, such as Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge. Is Venice sinking? Yes, Venice is progressively sinking. A combination of factors is causing the city to continuously drop in elevation. From the city's inadequate foundations — the ground beneath Venice has slowly compacted over time — to the subduction of the Adriatic tectonic plate beneath the Apennine mountains to the rising sea level caused by global warming. Studies suggest that Venice could be underwater by the year 2100. In addition, studies have also shown that Venice is gradually tilting slightly to the east.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Venice?

The best time to visit Venice is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and the city is less crowded.

What are the must-see attractions in Venice?

Must-see attractions in Venice include St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Grand Canal, and the Rialto Bridge. Don't miss a gondola ride through the canals.

How many days should I spend in Venice?

Three to four days in Venice are ideal to explore the main attractions, enjoy a gondola ride, and take a day trip to nearby islands like Murano and Burano.

What is the best way to get around Venice?

The best way to get around Venice is on foot or by using the vaporetto (water bus) system, which connects various parts of the city and nearby islands.

What local dishes should I try in Venice?

In Venice, try local dishes like sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines), risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto), and bigoli in salsa (pasta with anchovy sauce).

Where is the best area to stay in Venice?

Staying in the San Marco area offers proximity to major attractions like St. Mark's Square, while the Cannaregio district provides a more local experience.

Are there any unique customs or etiquette in Venice?

In Venice, it's customary to greet with a friendly 'buongiorno' and to dress modestly when visiting churches. Avoid sitting on steps or bridges, as it's discouraged.

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