A city on the water, timeless art
Venice, easily reachable from the Venetian beaches, offers a unique combination of the sea, UNESCO World Heritage sites, charming islands and major cultural events
Venice, the city born on water
What to see in Venice
You will be captivated by its unique architecture and evocative atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to discover its true soul by strolling through canals and calli, the narrow streets of Venice, where you can admire local artisan creations or enjoy a good glass of wine accompanied by delicious cicchetti in the bacari, the city’s traditional wine bars. And don’t forget to take a gondola ride, from which you can admire breathtaking views. Thanks to its uniqueness, Venice and its Lagoon have been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.
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Among Venice’s must-see attractions is St Mark’s Square, the beating heart of the city, overlooked by some of its most iconic landmarks such as St Mark’s Basilica, the Bell Tower, the Doge’s Palace and the evocative Bridge of Sighs. Continuing along the Grand Canal, it is impossible not to stop at the Rialto Bridge, one of Venice’s most famous symbols, a privileged panoramic viewpoint and a place rich in history and trading tradition.
Overlooking the St Mark’s Basin stands the majestic Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, an extraordinary example of Venetian Baroque architecture, beloved by both visitors and locals alike. Another place of great interest is the Venice Arsenal, the former shipyard of the Serenissima, now an important cultural hub hosting events, Biennale exhibitions and the renowned installation Building Bridges by Lorenzo Quinn.
For those wishing to discover a more authentic and historic side of the city, the Jewish Ghetto of Venice, one of the oldest in Europe, tells centuries of history through its synagogues and still-living cultural traditions. Art lovers can visit Ca’ Rezzonico, an elegant palace on the Grand Canal housing the museum dedicated to 18th-century Venice, and the Gallerie dell’Accademia, home to absolute masterpieces by masters such as Tintoretto, Titian, Veronese and Bellini.
The Lagoon islands
Just a few minutes from Venice’s historic centre lie the Lagoon islands, easily reachable thanks to the ACTV waterbus connections. These areas represent an important historical, cultural and natural heritage, complementing that of the historic city.
Murano is world-famous for its ancient glassmaking tradition, an artisanal excellence that can be discovered through visits to the furnaces and live demonstrations by master glassmakers. Burano, on the other hand, is known for its lace-making tradition and its unmistakable brightly coloured houses, which define the island’s urban landscape. Torcello, one of the oldest islands in the Lagoon, preserves a remarkable historical and religious heritage, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Church of Santa Fosca, bearing witness to the origins of Venice. Completing the offer is the Lido of Venice, renowned for its elegant Art Nouveau architecture and its international cultural role, particularly linked to the Venice International Film Festival.
Events in Venice
Venice hosts cultural and traditional events of great importance, which every year attract visitors from all over the world and make a significant contribution to enhancing the city’s historical and cultural heritage. These events offer a privileged opportunity to experience Venice in an authentic way, respecting its traditions and its strong cultural vocation.
Among the most famous events is the Venice Carnival, during which masks and historical costumes transform calli and campi into an evocative open-air stage. The Festa della Sensa, linked to the celebration of the Ascension, renews the deep relationship between Venice and the sea through the symbolic Rite of the Marriage of the Sea, accompanied by the traditional historical procession. The Festa del Redentore is one of the most eagerly awaited events by locals, featuring spectacular fireworks that light up the St Mark’s Basin.
The city’s international dimension is further strengthened by the Venice International Film Festival, held every year at the Lido of Venice, and by the Venice Biennale, one of the world’s most important cultural institutions dedicated to contemporary art and architecture. Completing the calendar is the Historical Regatta, an ancient Venetian tradition combining water parades and traditional rowing races along the Grand Canal, evoking the city’s centuries-old maritime culture.
Venice access fee
Starting from 2024, the Municipality of Venice has introduced an access fee for visitors entering the city on specific days characterised by high tourist flows. This measure aims to protect the city’s artistic and cultural heritage and to improve the liveability of the historic centre.
The fee applies exclusively to day visitors, namely those who enter Venice without staying overnight in the city. Guests staying in accommodation facilities, residents, commuting workers and other categories identified by the Municipality are exempt from payment. The fee must be paid online via the official Municipality of Venice portal, which issues a QR code to be shown in the event of checks.
Before visiting, it is recommended to consult the official Municipality of Venice website to check the applicable dates and the most up-to-date access procedures.
How to get to Venice
Direct connections are available from the main Venetian seaside resorts to Venice – Piazzale Roma.
Rail connections to Venice Santa Lucia depart from the San Donà di Piave–Jesolo and Portogruaro–Caorle railway stations.
Organised excursions and transfers are available, with information and bookings provided by hotels, campsites and local agencies in the seaside resorts.
