Venice Travel Guide: 10 Must-See Highlights & Insider Tips
Venice is one of those cities that doesn’t feel real until you’re there. No cars, just canals, winding streets, and bridges that take you in every direction. We’ve been multiple times, and while some spots are absolute must-sees, others are better when you stumble upon them. Here’s are our top 10 things you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
1. St. Mark’s Basilica – Venice’s Iconic Landmark
Why Visit? This breathtaking cathedral is a masterpiece of Italo-Byzantine architecture, featuring golden mosaics, intricate marble floors, and stunning domes.
🎟️ Tickets: Free entry to the basilica; €6 for the museum & terrace.
📍 Location: Piazza San Marco
💡 Insider Tip: Pay the small fee to access the terrace—the view over St. Mark’s Square is worth it!
2. Doge’s Palace – History and Art
Why Visit? Once the home of the Doge (Venice’s ruler), this palace is a stunning mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, with grand halls, hidden prisons, and the famous Bridge of Sighs.
🎟️ Tickets: €30 (includes Correr Museum & Biblioteca Marciana).
📍 Location: Next to St. Mark’s Basilica
💡 Insider Tip: Book your tickets online to skip the long queues, and take the Secret Itineraries Tour for a behind-the-scenes look at Venice’s hidden history.
3. Rialto Bridge & Market – The Heart of Venice
Why Visit? The most famous bridge in Venice, offering stunning Grand Canal views. Nearby, the Rialto Market is the best place to experience fresh Venetian seafood and local produce.
📍 Location: Grand Canal, near San Polo
💡 Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning to see the market at its liveliest and avoid the crowds clogging the bridge.
4. Libreria Acqua Alta – The Bookstore That Floats
Why Visit? This quirky bookshop keeps its books in bathtubs and gondolas to protect them from Venice’s frequent floods.
📍 Location: Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa
💡 Insider Tip: Climb the book staircase in the back for a unique (and Instagram-worthy) view of the canals.
5. Murano – The Island of Glass
Why Visit? Famous for its centuries-old glass-blowing tradition, Murano is the place to watch artisans create stunning glass sculptures.
📍 Location: A short vaporetto ride from Venice
💡 Insider Tip: Visit a working glass studio to see the masters in action (or even try glass-blowing yourself, like Dylan did!). Avoid touristy souvenir shops—look for authentic Murano Glass Consortium-certified pieces.
6. Burano – Venice’s Most Colorful Island
Why Visit? This tiny island is famous for its vibrantly painted houses and handmade lace. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in Venice.
📍 Location: Vaporetto ride from Venice
💡 Insider Tip: The island is much quieter in the evening, so stay for sunset to enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.
7. Torcello – A Hidden Historic Gem
Why Visit? Home to Venice’s earliest settlers, this quiet island has the 7th-century Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, featuring breathtaking Byzantine mosaics.
📍 Location: Vaporetto ride from Venice, past Burano
💡 Insider Tip: Climb the campanile (bell tower) for one of the best views of the Venetian Lagoon—with none of the crowds.
8 .Peggy Guggenheim Collection – Modern Art in a Grand Canal Palazzo
Why Visit? This museum houses an incredible collection of modern art, from Picasso to Pollock, all inside a beautiful palazzo.
🎟️ Tickets: €16
📍 Location: Grand Canal, Dorsoduro
💡 Insider Tip: Go early in the day before it gets busy—this museum is small but hugely popular.
9. Teatro La Fenice – Venice’s Historic Opera House
Why Visit? One of the most famous opera houses in the world, La Fenice has hosted legendary performances and is a masterpiece of restoration.
🎟️ Tickets: €13 for a self-guided tour, performance prices vary.
📍 Location: Campo San Fantin
💡 Insider Tip: Even if you don’t see a show, take a tour to see its stunning golden interiors and hear about its dramatic history (it burned down and was rebuilt—twice!).
10. Cicchetti & Select Spritz – Eat Like a Local
Why Visit? Venice has its own take on tapas—cicchetti—small bites like polpette (meatballs), fried seafood, and baccalà mantecato (whipped cod on toast).
📍 Where to Go: Cantina Do Mori, All’Arco, or Bacareto da Lele
💡 Insider Tip: Skip the touristy Aperol Spritz and order a Select Spritz instead—it’s the local favorite!
✅ Best Time to Visit: Avoid summer! Go in late fall, winter, or early spring for fewer crowds.
✅ Getting Around: Vaporetto (water bus) is your best bet.
✅ Avoiding Tourist Traps: Don’t eat at restaurants with tourist menus (if it has photos, walk away).
✅ Support Venice: Stay overnight and visit responsibly—Venice is trying to combat overtourism.
