Grand palaces, fresh fish and waterfront scenes – holidays to Venice are iconic for a reason.
Fairytale feels
There are cities, then there’s Venice. The whole thing’s floating on a lagoon in northern Italy, so it feels like something from a fairytale. Instead of roads, the city’s connected by canals and waterways, and the main mode of transport is boat. It’s actually made up of over 100 islands, but it’s surprisingly easy to get around – just take the vaporetto (water bus), explore on foot using the bridges or hop in a gondola for the classic Venetian experience.
Sights and snacks
Each neighbourhood brings its own vibe – San Marco’s home to the major sites, Dorsodoro draws a younger crowd and Cannaregio has a local feel. St Mark’s Square (or Piazza San Marco if you want to sound like a local) is the beating heart of the city. It’s where you’ll find all the big names – St Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile bell tower, Doge’s Palace – and it’s dotted with cafés where orchestras play while you sip espresso. Between sights, fuel up at a bar with cicchetti, Venice’s version of tapas – little plates of seafood, crostini or fried bites.
Canal views
The Grand Canal is Venice’s best feature – wide, dramatic and lined with Renaissance palaces that used to belong to the city’s elite. A gondola ride here is a must, and with a local guide you’ll hear all the hidden stories behind the palaces and bridges you’re gliding past. But don’t just stick to the main drag – ask your gondolier to take you through the smaller canals and suddenly it feels like another city, with laundry strung across the water, neighbours chatting from windows and cats sunbathing like they own the place. It’s quieter, but just as photogenic.
Island-hopping
Venice’s islands were made for exploring. If you want beach energy, jump on a ferry to Lido di Jesolo – it’s got miles of sand and plenty of spots for swimming or just soaking up the sun. Then, Burano’s canals are lined with houses in every shade, plus it’s home to a lace-making tradition that goes back centuries. Murano is another classic – glassblowers here have been perfecting their art for generations, and you can watch them turn molten glass into chandeliers, beads or even tiny sculptures right in front of you.
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Venice FAQs
The best time to visit Venice is during the shoulder seasons, so April-June and September-October, when the weather’s milder and there are fewer crowds. February is also popular for Carnevale, although it’s a busier and more expensive time to visit. Avoid the peak summer months if you can, as it gets super busy and hotels book up quickly.
Two to three full days gives you enough time to tick off the main sites in Venice, plus a lagoon island daytrip. Add an extra day if you want a slower pace or time to explore Venice’s less-touristy neighbourhoods.
The Alilaguna waterbus runs directly from the airport to key stops in Venice’s city centre, like Rialto and San Marco (60-75 min). Or, the ATVO airport bus to Piazzale Roma (20 min) is faster and cheaper, then switch to a vaporetto.
Venice is quite expensive if you stick to the main tourist areas. There are ways to keep the cost down, though – avoid sitting at cafés in St Mark’s Square, eat at ‘osterie’ in Cannaregio or Dorsoduro and buy a multi-day vaporetto pass. Cicchetti bars are great for affordable lunches, too.
Generally, no – gondolas operate like taxis and can be hired on the spot across the city. Prices are fixed and you can usually find a gondola without booking. Pre-booking is a good idea if you’re after a particular tour or serenade, though.
Yes – your kids will love Venice’s boat rides, colourful houses on Burano, mask-making workshops and exploring the maze of streets. Buggies can be tricky due to the number of bridges, so a baby carrier’s handy for younger children.
Yes – Venice is safe, relaxed and welcoming place for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Pride events take place on the nearby Lido in June, and the vibe across the city is open and inclusive.
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Venice travel advice
Good to know
Passports and Visas
British passport holders don’t need a visa to enter Italy but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport’s valid for Italy using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit the FCDO website.
Don’t forget to arrange your travel money and insurance before you go.
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. If you’re travelling to the EU and you apply for a card now, you’ll get a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of an EHIC. This entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Italian nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment. Visit the NHS website for full details on what it covers. You do not need to apply for a GHIC if you already have an EHIC. Your EHIC remains valid in the EU until it expires. An EHIC or GHIC is free of charge. For the latest health and safety information, visit the FCDO website.
Healthcare
Italy has a high standard of healthcare. Pharmacies (farmacie) are common and usually have English-speaking staff. For minor health issues, visit a pharmacy first – they can offer advice and over-the-counter medicines.
Water
Tap water in Venice is safe and clean to drink. You’ll find public drinking fountains (fontanelle) across the city that are handy for refilling your bottle while you’re out and about.
Language
Italian (Italiano) is the official language in Venice. English is widely spoken in touristy areas like the San Marco and Rialto districts, as well as in hotels, restaurants and museums. In smaller neighbourhood cafés and local shops, you’ll hear mainly Italian, but most people working in hospitality understand basic English. Using a few simple Italian words is always appreciated by locals, though.
Basic phrases
Here are some Italian essentials to use on your trip:
- Hello / Good day – Ciao / Buongiorno
- Thank you – Grazie
- Please – Per favore
- Excuse me / Sorry – Mi scusi
- Do you speak English? – Parla inglese?
- How much does this cost? – Quanto costa?
Social norms & etiquette
Tipping
Tipping in Venice isn’t mandatory, and service is usually included in the bill (coperto). Locals leave a small extra amount (around 5-10%) in restaurants or round up the fare in taxis as a thank you if the service was good. Tour guides and hotel staff (like porters) also appreciate something small.
Dress code
Venetians are always put together – they tend to dress smart-casual and love a neat outfit. Avoid beachwear or swimwear in the city centre. When visiting churches (like St Mark’s Basilica or Frari Church), shoulders and knees should be covered – a light scarf or shawl is handy to keep on you if you’re unsure.
Money
Currency
Italy uses the Euro (€). Venice has a rep for being expensive, but there’s something for every budget – from casual osterie and cicchetti bars to fine-dining restaurants and luxury boutiques.
Exchange
ATMs (bancomat) are widely available around the city, particularly near main squares and transport hubs. They usually offer better exchange rates than currency exchange counters. Always choose to be charged in euros (not pounds) when using international cards.
Mobile payments
Visa, Mastercard and contactless payments (including Apple Pay and Google Pay) are commonly accepted throughout Venice. However, small bàcari, market stalls and island cafés may still prefer cash, so it’s useful to carry a small amount of euros.
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