Venice has been inspiring romantics for centuries. With its winding waterways, post card-esque palazzos and beautiful baroque buildings, the city is like a film set come to life. Despite Vegas’ attempt at recreating the floating city’s elegance and allure, there really is nowhere on the planet like Venice. Known as 'Serenissima' (most serene), most visitors head to this Italian haven for a romantic getaway, but our travel experts know all the hidden gems and treasure troves that will add a dash of culture and a generous helping of foodie treats to your Italian getaway. Whether you want to explore the city from its famous waterways, or head to the tallest building to catch a bird’s-eye-view of the hustle and bustle below, we’ve got you covered. Take a dive into our must sees in Venice…
- Cruise Down the Grand Canal
- Explore Venice on Foot
- Get a Bird’s-Eye View at St Mark’s Campanile
- Dive into history in the Venetian Ghetto
- Dine at the Caffè Florian
- Glass Making in Murano
- Opera at the Fenice
Cruise Down the Grand Canal
A romantic couple aboard a Venetian gondola cruising between seemingly floating buildings may seem like a stereotype you wish to avoid. But realistically, you can’t leave Venice without experiencing its world-famous waterways on a traditional wooden boat, to the tune of barcarolle being sweetly sung somewhere down the canal. Hopping aboard one of these elegant wooden vessels with a private gondolier is the best way to see the rainbow-hued buildings that line the waterways and indulge in a spot of holiday people watching. The Grand Canal is bordered by an abundance of picturesque palazzos and must-see sights, including the Gallery of Modern Art and Rialto Bridge. Gondolas can be a tad pricey, so make sure you check before you hop on board, but if you want a more affordable option, then catch the vaporetto (public waterbus).
Explore Venice on Foot
After hopping off your gondola, there is no better way to explore this puzzle-piece city than on foot. Set off with a local guide through winding alleys and over elegant bridges to explore the very best that Venice has to offer. This Italian snakes-and-ladders-esque city is brimming with art institutions, pretty piazzas and hidden treasures, and your guide can introduce you to all the famous sights, before taking you off the beaten track and away from the floods of tourists. The Piazza San Marco and Gallery of Modern Art are some of our favourite pit stops while on a walking tour and are a couple of our top must sees in Venice.
Image © Faustine Poidevin
Get a Bird’s-Eye View at St Mark’s Campanile
The tallest building in Venice offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the city. You can’t miss St Mark’s Campanile as it towers over St Mark’s Basilica and the piazza below. Clamber up 323 steps to the top of the building, where the bells still ring and a light once shone to warn sailors of the many islands ahead. The tower is open until 6pm, so head up for sunset and marvel at Venice looking particularly pretty and picturesque in the glowing pink light of the setting sun.
Dive into History in the Venetian Ghetto
The Jewish District in Venice is a must-visit for history aficionados. The Venetian Ghetto has been home to Italian Jews since 1516 and was the first of its kind in the world. Take a private tour through the pastel-hued walls of the old Jewish settlement, past ancient synagogues, bustling kosher shops and cosy inns then spend an afternoon exploring the Museo Ebraico (Jewish Museum) which is brimming with artefacts that will take you step-by-step through the Ghetto’s life. If culture is your thing, this is definitely one of the must sees in Venice to add to your list.
Dine at The Caffè Florian
After a long day of exploring, rest your weary legs in the oldest coffeehouse in the world – Café Florian - the ultimate pit-stop for coffee connoisseurs and history buffs alike. Shelter from the blazing sun under the arcades of the Procuratie Nuove in St. Mark’s Square while sipping on specialty coffee and nibbling on gourmet chocolates while an orchestra plays nearby. As the décor and atmosphere has remained unchanged over the years, it is like taking a trip back in time to old-age Venice, so breathe in the history and enjoy one of our top must sees in Venice.
Glass Making in Murano
The little island of Murano that lies beside Venice is world famous for its spectacular glassworks. Hop on a vaporetto and venture over to the island for a day of glass making demonstrations and workshops. Head into one of the authentic workshops scattered across the island where you will get some first-hand glass blowing experience. Watch as glasssmiths create everything from bowls and vases to baubles and jugs in vibrant shades of rossa, blu and arancia. The twirling and spinning of molten glass is a truly transfixing sight.
Opera at La Fenice
A phoenix (fenice in Italian) is the symbol of rising from the ashes. Despite the fact that water poses a constant threat to Venice, it has been fire that has destroyed the theatre not once, but three times since its opening. It was given the name ‘La Fenice’ after the first fire and has certainly lived up to it. As one of the most famous and renowned landmarks in the history of Italian theatre, La Fenice is without a doubt one of our must sees in Venice, which is why the Venice New Year’s Concert is a particular highlight if you happen to be in the city as the new year rolls in. Witness anything from Verdi and Benjemin Britten to Luciano Berio and even Woody Allen. So, don your glad rags and head into the theatre with its red velvet seats, aquamarine muralled ceiling and gold flecked décor, for an afternoon or evening of world-famous opera.
Written by Immy Kelly