Venice: Latest 2025 Travel Guide
🇮🇹 Introduction to Venice
Venice, located in northeastern Italy, consists of 118 islands , over 170 canals , and over 400 bridges. With no cars, only pedestrians and boats, it's one of the most unique cities in the world.
💡Editor 's opinion : Venice is a city where "every step brings a new view". There is no need to deliberately chase tourist attractions. Just walking around will make you feel like you are in an oil painting.
🏙️ Must-see tourist hotspots in Venice
1️⃣ Piazza San Marco
- It was called "the most beautiful living room in Europe" by Napoleon.
- There is St. Mark's Basilica⛪ and the bell tower around it, and you can climb to the top to overlook the whole Venice.
- The square is often bustling with pigeons and street music performances.
2️⃣ Basilica di San Marco
- The Byzantine-style building is magnificent.
- The mosaic art inside is spectacular.
- 💡 It is recommended to go in the morning when there are fewer queues, or make an online reservation in advance to avoid queuing.
3️⃣ Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
- It was once the political center of the Republic of Venice.
- Inside, you can visit the council chamber, the prison, and walk across the famous Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) .
4️⃣ Rialto Bridge
- One of the four bridges across the Grand Canal, it is also the oldest stone bridge.
- There are shops on both sides, and you can take pictures of the classic beauty of the Grand Canal from the bridge.
5️⃣ Canal Grande
- Venice's "main road" is lined with magnificent palaces on both sides.
- You can enjoy the scenery by gondola or Vaporetto water bus .
6️⃣ Murano
- Glass craftsmanship is world-famous.
- You can visit the glass workshop and watch the master blowing glass.
7. Burano Island
- The colorful little houses are perfect for taking photos and checking in📸.
- Famous for its hand-woven lace.
🍝 Must-try food in Venice
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Cuttlefish Pasta (Spaghetti al Nero di Seppia) 🦑
Black squid ink pasta with rich umami flavor. -
Venetian-style Carpaccio 🥩
Thinly sliced beef carpaccio with olive oil and lemon juice. -
Seafood risotto (Risotto al Nero di Seppia or Frutti di Mare) 🍚
The squid ink flavor is especially representative. -
Fried Seafood (Fritto Misto di Pesce) 🍤
Fresh fish and shrimps fried until crispy. -
Tiramisu (Tiramisù) 🍰
A classic dessert from the Veneto region. -
Cicchetti snacks 🍢
The Venetian version of Tapas, served in a bacaro, is best enjoyed with a glass of local wine, Spritz .
💡Editor 's tip : Restaurants in Venice are quite expensive, especially those near Piazza San Marco. We recommend walking a little further to Bacaro in a small alley to experience the local flavors.
🚤 Transportation in Venice
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Walking 🚶♀️
- The city center is most convenient to walk to because the alleys are narrow and all attractions are within walking distance.
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Water bus (Vaporetto) 🚍
- It is equivalent to a "bus" on water and is operated by ACTV.
- The one-way ticket is not cheap (7.5 euros), so it is recommended to buy a 24/48 hour pass.
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Gondola 🎶
- The romantic symbol of Venice, the traditional black boat.
- Approximately 80 euros/30 minutes, can accommodate 5-6 people.
- 💡 Editor's opinion: Although it is expensive, it is a must-try in life, especially at dusk, the atmosphere is perfect.
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Water Taxi 🚖
- Private boats are fast but expensive.
- Suitable for those who are in a hurry or share with many people.
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Travel to and from the island 🏝️
- You can take Vaporetto to the surrounding islands such as Murano, Burano, and Lido.
✅ Editor's travel advice
- Best time to travel : Spring and autumn are the most comfortable (April-June, September-October), while summer is prone to tourist crowds.
- Waterproof equipment : In winter, you may encounter Aqua Alta (high water level), so be prepared with waterproof shoes.
- Consumer tips : The atmosphere of the cafes in Piazza San Marco is first-class, but a cup of coffee can cost €10-15, so it is recommended to experience it only once.
- Safety reminder : Be careful with your belongings in crowded places, as thieves often roam around the Rialto Bridge and the Grand Bazaar.
✨Summary :
Venice is a city where romance and history intertwine. Whether you're sipping coffee by the Grand Canal, riding a gondola and listening to the gondolier sing, or exploring the islands, you'll create unforgettable memories. I highly recommend the "St. Mark's Square → Grand Canal Cruise → Burano Isles" route – it's both classic and unique!