Venice holidays

Gondola cruises, beautiful bridges, world-class architecture. A holiday to Venice isn't your typical city break.

The city of water

Venice is a city that breaks conventions. Grand palaces teeter on the edge of winding canals, bridges seem to levitate over water, and whole streets disappear at high tide. More than 100 islands form the city, grouped together in 16 sestieres, or districts. Although this sounds overwhelming, it’s actually very compact. Add that to the fact the biggest sites are all close together and exploring is easy.

Basilicas to bridges

St Mark’s Square is Venice’s focal point. It’s towered over by an extravagant basilica, complete with five domes and more arches than you can count. You’ve also got the grand Doge’s Palace right next to it, plus the Campanile Bell Tower, which offers up unobstructed city views from the top. What’s more, it’s also a launching point for rite-of-passage gondola rides along the Grand Canal, with the Rialto Bridge just a short cruise away.

Hidden Venice

Once you’ve ticked off all the major sights, put away the guidebook and go off-piste. The city’s backstreets are easily navigated on foot and you’ll come away with a genuine insight into Venetian life. See the canals from new perspectives, peek through the doors of historic bookshops, and rub shoulders with the locals in waterside cafés.

Popular hotels in Venice

Top things to see and do in Venice

Beaches

City beaches

The words ‘Venice’ and ‘beach’ aren’t often uttered in the same breath, unless you’re talking about the sunny strip in L.A. In fact, most people don’t know that Venice has a beach. But it does – Lido. Not to be confused with Lido di Jesolo, this is actually an island southeast of Venice – a slender sandbank that sits between city and sea. It’s got a string of great beaches to laze on. If that’s not enough sand to satisfy, there’s another stretch just under an hours’ boat ride across the water. Lido di Jesolo offers up all the froth and bubble of a classic Med holiday resort. Think parasols and buckets and spades aplenty. Plus, plenty of watersports make the sea as tempting as the sand.

The big beach

For a beach day, follow the crowds to Venice Lido – a thin island sheltering Venice from the Adriatic Sea. The sand near the Gran Viale is well geared up for sunbathers, so you’ll find plenty of loungers, parasols, ice-cream shops and restaurants. It’s easy to get to, too – just hop on a ferry over the lagoon.

The secret beach

If you’re after a quieter beach session, make tracks towards Alberoni Beach on the far end of Venice Lido. It’s about a 15-minute cab ride away from the island’s ferry terminal. This crowd-free stretch of sand-and-shingle shoreline’s bordered by grassy dunes, and has a back-to-basics feel.

Shopping

Bargain buys

For a look at local life, set an early morning alarm and head to Rialto Market. The rainbow-hued stalls offer up everything from fruit to fish, so you can put your bargaining skills to the test and grab a cheap lunch for later.

Mid-range buys

If you want to get your hands on a few souvenirs, you’re in luck – Venice is peppered with shops selling classic keepsakes like carnival masks and glass trinkets. There are no world-famous shopping streets here – instead, little gift shops are scattered all over. For the best deals, venture away from the big crowds at St Mark’s Square and Rialto, and into the quieter side streets.

Designer buys

Just off St Mark’s Square, you’ll find a few narrow streets lined with a string of designer stores. Calle Larga XXII Marzo is a good starting point for a stroll. The likes of Versace, Dior and Prada all have shops in this area, so if you love your high-end brands, this is the place to pick up a treat or two.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Laidback nights out in Venice usually consist of a late meal followed by a few glasses of local tipple. The Cannaregio district, in the northeast of the city, is a good spot to aim for – it’s packed with relaxed restaurants and wine bars.

Lively evenings

For a livelier night out, go bar-hopping around Campo Santa Margherita. The city square’s lined with bars – they’re small in size, but big on music and atmosphere, generally attracting a younger crowd.

Food & drink

Sarde in saor

This sweet-and-sour dish is served as an appetiser in authentic Venetian restaurants all over the city. It’s made up of fried sardines marinated in a tangy mixture of vinegar, onions, pine nuts and raisins.

Risotto al nero di seppia

This seafood risotto’s jet-black in colour, thanks to one key ingredient – squid ink. Red wine, tomato and onion make up the rest of the ingredients list. You’ll usually find this Venetian classic served as a starter.

Cicchetti

Cicchetti is similar to tapas – bitesized portions of fried food made for sharing. It’s popular with locals and tourists alike, especially accompanied by pre-dinner drinks. One of the most common dishes you’ll see is olive ascolane – green olives stuffed with meat and deep fried.

Buranelli

These traditional Venetian S-shaped butter biscuits are only made in Burano island, in the north of Venice, but you’ll find them in bakeries all over. They’re really simple, and go great with a cup of coffee.

Venetian spritz

The Venetian spritz is Venice’s go-to cocktail, so you’ll have no trouble finding it on bar menus. It’s made with a bitter, red Italian liquor like Aperol, prosecco, a splash of soda and an orange garnish.

Average Weather in Venice

Top Hotels in Venice

Facts about Venice

Currency
Euro
(EUR)
Language
Italian
Time zone
GMT +1
Flight duration
2 hours 20 minutes from Heathrow

FAQs

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

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