What are your best tips for visiting Venice?

Hi there.

May I share a few tips with you?

First of all, how will you be getting to Venice—by car, train, or plane?

And which neighborhood is your accommodation in?

You’re going to love Venice.

Hi there, We’re flying into Marco Polo Airport. Our hotel is in Saint Mark’s Square. I haven’t booked any tickets yet—sightseeing, gondolas, etc.—and I’d love to find some offbeat spots. Thanks for your tips!

Hello

There are places to see all over Venice, and the goal is often to get lost in the canals to discover less touristy spots. Of course, there are the must-sees (Doge’s Palace, Rialto, etc.), but we really love all these other hidden and unusual places (locations).

For the length of your stay, you can also head to the islands to the north: Murano, Burano, and Torcello.

I’ve put together our day-by-day sightseeing plan for Venice on this page if it helps give you some ideas.

Hello again.

So, my tips for Venice. Five days is ideal.

Be warned: you’ll walk a lot in Venice.

Beyond the must-sees (Doge’s Palace, Basilica, Rialto, etc.), here are a few remarkable spots (my favorites) that tourists completely overlook.

1. The church of San Pantaleon. An incredible treasure inside. Don’t hesitate to turn on the light for 1 €—it’d be a real shame not to. (Dorsoduro)

2. The church of San Alvise, a bit off the beaten path. Another masterpiece (Cannaregio). Dedicated to Saint Louis of Toulouse.

3. The church of San Pietro. The former Basilica, all the way east (Castello). Check out the “surprising” throne of Saint Peter, found in Antioch (among other things).

4. Ponte del Lovo for the iconic photo of the Campanile (near the Rialto).

5. The Sotoportego of San Zaccaria. Just restored—99% of tourists walk right past it without even looking.

6. The Sotoportego del Calle Paradiso (San Polo). Incredibly spectacular.

7. The church of Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo). Huge.

8. The church of San Francesco della Vigna. Stunning.

9. Sotoportego della Corte Nova. This is where the plague stopped in 1630. A must-see.

10. The Correr Museum and the Procuratie.

Do try to enjoy the local cuisine. Please, no pizza (that’s for cruise ship tourists). Pizza isn’t Venetian—it’s Roman or Neapolitan.

One last tip: from St. Mark’s Square, walk along the basin and head to Via Garibaldi. That’s where Venetians live, and you’ll feel the true Venetian spirit.

For a gondola ride, the price is the same everywhere. It’s more romantic in the evening.

P.S. I’ve got 10 more tips where these came from.

Thanks so much!

Thanks so much! We’re breaking in the good shoes!