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Things to see in Venice

Attractions

St Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)

The golden Byzantine St Mark's Basilica was founded in the 9th century as a shrine for the relics of St Mark. Built on a plan of a Greek cross, its Eastern appearance is enhanced by golden mosaics, originally created by craftsmen from the Byzantine court at Ravenna. The interior houses many of Venice's greatest treasures, including the famed Pala d’Oro altarpiece.

Address: , Piazza San Marco, 328, Venice, 30124
Telephone: +39 41 270 8311.
Opening times:

Mon-Sat 0930-1700, Sun 1400-1630 (Nov-June); Mon-Sat 0945-1700, Sun 1400-1630 (June-Nov).

Website: http://www.basilicasanmarco.it
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: Yes

Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

Once home to the elected leader of Venice, the Doge’s Palace is a Venetian landmark of Islamic and Gothic styles that broods over the city. The facade dates from 1365, but its interior is more Renaissance in its flair, originating from the 16th century. The Ducal apartments have exemplary paintings by Titian and Bellini, ancient prison cells and an armoury.

Address: , Piazza San Marco, 1, Venice, 30135
Telephone: +39 41 271 5911.
Opening times:

Daily 0830-1900 (Apr-Oct); 0830-1730 (Nov-Mar).

Website: http://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/home
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)

When a market developed on an adjacent island to Venice in the 10th century, a wooden bridge was built to join the two. It collapsed under the weight of a crowd in 1444 and was replaced in 1591 by a single-stone arched bridge designed by Antonio da Ponte. The bridge has been lined with two rows of shops since the 15th century, which today cater to tourists.

Address: , Sestiere San Polo, Venice,
Telephone:
Opening times:

Daily 24 hours.

Website:
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: Yes

Galleria dell'Accademia

One of the most important art galleries in Venice, the Academia has some powerful canvases by Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese. Other highlights include Giorgione's La Tempesta, depicting a naked mother and child sheltering under a stormy sky, and Veronese's bawdy Feast in the House of Levi. Titian’s final painting, Pietà, is here too and is said to include a self-portrait of him facing death.

Address: , Campo della Carita 1050, Venice, 30123
Telephone: +39 41 520 0345.
Opening times:

Tue-Sun 0815-1915, Mon 0815-1400.

Website: http://www.gallerieaccademia.org
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (Basilica dei Frari)

This glorious gothic church, constructed around 1330, is primarily associated with the painter Titian. He is buried here alongside the celebrated sculptor, Antonio Canova. It was here that Titian made his reputation as he crowned his early years by painting the huge altarpiece, The Assumption of the Virgin, for the Franciscan brothers of the Frari in 1518.

Address: , San Polo, 3072, Venice, 30125
Telephone: +39 41 272 8611.
Opening times:

Mon-Sat 0900-1800, Sun 1300-1800.

Website: http://www.basilicadeifrari.it
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: Yes

Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri)

This 17th-century architectural masterpiece, restored in 2012, once linked Doge's Palace with the Prigioni Nuove (New Prison), which once held Casanova. The bridge takes its name from the sighs let out by convicts as they caught a final glimpse of the outside world. There’s a romantic notion here that lovers will find eternal happiness by kissing under the bridge at sunset.

Address: , Piazza San Marco, 1, Venice, 30100
Telephone:
Opening times:

Daily 24 hours.

Website:
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Campanile di San Marco (Bell Tower)

The bell tower of Basilica San Marco, which is located to one side of St Mark’s Square, is the tallest structure in Venice and offers a unique view of this fabulous city. At 318ft-high (97m), visitors prepared to make the lengthy climb might glimpse the distant Dolomites over the rooftops.

Address: Piazza San Marco, , Venice, 30124
Telephone: +39 41 270 83 11.
Opening times:

See website for opening times.

Website: http://www.basilicasanmarco.it
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: Yes

Gran Teatro La Fenice

Built in the late 1700s, this fabulous Gran Teatro La Fenice was devastated by fire in 1996. A full restoration has returned this inspiring piece of Venetian architecture to its former glory and it now the theatre plays host to operas, classical concerts and ballet performances throughout the year.

Address: , San Marco 4387, Venice, 30124
Telephone: +39 41 786 672
Opening times:

Daily 0930-1800.

Website: http://www.teatrolafenice.it
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: Yes

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Peggy Guggenheim's collection of modern art is probably the most distinguished in Italy. This assembly of artwork spans Cubism, Surrealism, and European and American abstract expressionism. It includes work by a wide variety of artists, including Pollock, Picasso, Kandinsky and Dalí. The sculpture garden is particularly fine and enjoys lovely views over the Grand Canal.

Address: , 704 Dorsoduro, Venice, 30123
Telephone: +39 41 240 5411.
Opening times:

Daily 1000-1800.

Website: http://www.guggenheim-venice.it
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Palazzo Grassi

This impressive museum displays numerous works, including the vast collection belonging to French businessman Francois Pinault. Controversial artist Jeff Koons' colourful giant Balloon Dog is on display in the main hall while upstairs, visitors will find work by video artist Bill Viola and installations by artist duo Peter Fischili and David Weiss.

Address: , San Samuele 3231, Venice, 30124
Telephone: +39 41 2401 308
Opening times:

Daily 1000-1900.

Website: http://www.palazzograssi.it
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

Venice Pavillion

Address: , Giardini Ex Reali, San Marco (Venice Pavilion), Venice, 30124
Telephone: +39 41 529 8711.
Opening times:

Daily 1200-1800.

Website: http://www.turismovenezia.it

This tourist office next to San Marco–Giardinetti vaporetto stop offers the usual array of maps and pamphlets with information on current exhibitions and events.

Tourist passes

 

The Museum Pass (tel: +39 41 4273 0892; www.venice-museum.com) allows entry to 11 civic museums, including the Doge's Palace. The ticket is valid for six months and allows a single admission to each museum.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Featured Hotels

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JW Marriott Venice Resort and Spa

With the largest spa in Venice, this resort on a private island boasts a complimentary shuttle service to St Mark’s Square, 250 contemporary rooms and suites designed by architect Matteo Thun. This is an exclusive getaway set in acres of private garden with a rooftop pool overlooking the lagoon.

Ca Maria Adele

Just minutes from the Salute Vaporetto stop, this lush boutique hotel has Old World Venetian charm. Its beamed ceilings meet lavish furnishings as part of its eastern theme. In the evening, it's possible to have drinks on the terrace while listening to opera music.

Hotel Santa Lucia

This cheap hotel might not win any awards, but it's trim and well run and enjoys a handy location a few minutes walk from Santa Lucia train station. The rooms all have TVs and are cleaned daily; some also have their own bathrooms. Breakfast is served on the small garden terrace outside.

Hotel ai Mori d'Oriente

The 55 rooms in this 15th-century palace are designed in unique oriental style, but the elegance and grandeur of Venice is still clear. The hotel caters for breakfast but doesn’t have a restaurant, however staff will make suggestions and there is a small, intimate bar for a late night drink.

Hotel Henry

This family-run hotel is far from the grandeur of its 5-star canal-side cousins, but what it lacks in luxury, it makes up for in friendly and welcoming service. One of the best cheap hotels in Venice, visitors can expect staff on hand 24 hours a day, and reasonable room facilities including free Wi-Fi access.

Hotel Saturnia and International

Situated on one of Venice’s smartest shopping streets, this sophisticated hotel is very good value. Run by the same family since 1908, you will get a friendly welcome, a good-sized room with elegant antique furniture and a plentiful breakfast. The suntrap roof terrace is an excellent retreat.