There aren’t many cities on earth like Venice. The town once was the hearth of the globe. It has many names like “Queen of Adriatic,” “City of Bridges,” “City of Canals,” “La Dominante,” “Floating City,” “City of Masks,” and the most known “La Serenissima.” It means the most serene in Italian. Venice was the epicenter of maritime, art, architecture, sculpture, music, trade, and many other things for more than 1000 years.
Venice is the most crucial city in northern Italy. It is also the capital city of the Veneto region. The town is built over more than 100 hundred small islands. Canals and bridges connect the whole city. Venice was also awarded as the most beautiful city in the world. If you consider visiting the city, do not hesitate it. But you should carefully plan your vacation because the city is also famous for submersion. Since the flood affects some hotels choosing the best area to stay in Venice is also crucial.
From the early days of October to the late winter, there is a natural phenomenon Venetians called acqua alta. When the Adriatic Sea rises during winter, the city floods. Some visitors might want to experience this phenomenon and visit in winter. But if you don’t like to get wet, you should stay away from Venice in winter.
Venice is also one of the most visited cities in Europe. It is impossible to say there is a high season in Venice. The city is constantly flocked by tourists. But as you may assume, the visitor numbers increase during summer. If you want to visit the town, you should either be ready to get wet or enjoy yourself with the crowd. If you want to stay in Venice’s best hotels, you should also book in advance to secure your room.
Places to Visit in Venice
If you want to explore the city and its countless beauties truly, you should spend a week at least. Venice was rich, beautiful, and powerful during Middle Ages and Renaissance. Since the city is filled with many essential attractions, it might be challenging to decide where to visit.
St. Mark’s Basilica
St. Mark’s Basilica is the most famous building in the city. It is also home to some of the most sacred relics in the world. St. Mark’s Basilica is also known as the Church of Gold because fascinating golden Byzantine mosaics embellished the church. It was built on the remains of the house of St. Marks in the early 9th century. The crown jewel of the basilica is Pala d’Oro. It is 345 cm in length and 142 cm in height. There are over 2500 precious gems like gold, pearl, emerald, sapphire, ruby, and many others. The Crusades brought many relics from Istanbul, Alexandria, and Jerusalem. Treasury, Museo di San Marco, Marble Inlays, Tomb of St. Mark, and Horses of Saint Mark are some of the most outstanding pieces. There are more than 500 columns from Istanbul. They were taken after the fall of Byzantine.
Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco is the heart of the city. It is the central public square. Some of the most visited places, like St. Mark’s Basilica or Doge’s Palace, are located in this square. The city has hundreds of piazzales, but Piazza San Marco is the only square. The square is also the lowest point of Venice. During acqua alta, it is impossible to walk sometimes. Caffe Florian, located in the Piazza San Marco, is one of the oldest bars in the country. It has been serving its customers since 1720.
Doge’s Palace
Doge’s Palace is amongst the essential landmarks of the city. It was built in 1340. The palace served as the seat of the Doge of Venice. In 1923 it was turned into a museum. Today it is one of the eleven museums of Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia. Doge’s Palace has a unique architectural style. It blends Renaissance, Byzantine, and Gothic layers. Even today, it is considered the most stunning example of Venetian Gothic architecture. When you visit the city, you can’t take your eyes off its magnificent faΓ§ade. The museum has some of the most influential artworks of Bellini, Tintoretto, and Titian. Paradise, the largest oil painting in the world from Tintoretto, is exhibited in Doge’s Palace. The famous prison that Casanova escaped in 1756 is also located in this breathtaking palace. Casanova is the only prison that manages to escape from the palace.
Best Hotels in Venice π¨
Since Venice is such an important city, there are a lot of hotels to stay in. From splendor places even you can’t imagine to great hotels for couples or families with kids, these are the best places where to stay in Venice.
Hilton Molino Stucky Venice π
Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is the most overwhelming hotel in the city. It is located in a former flour mill with stunning architecture. There are more than 100 rooms, suites, or deluxe rooms with city or canal views. If you want to pamper yourself, you can have a great time in the rooftop pool and spa center. The hotel is located on the banks of Guidecca island. It is the best location to stay in Venice. The Restaurant II Molino offers the best of Italian specialties. The hotel also has a terrace restaurant where you can dine and drink the finest wines overlooking Venice. If you want to relax and unwind, you can take advantage of various services in the spa center, such as a sauna, hot tub, or Turkish bath, or you can choose one of the many massages to relax your whole body.
Londra Palace Venezia π
London Palace Venezia is an excellent choice for those looking for an elegant hotel in central Venice. The hotel is within walking distance of St Mark’s Square and offers easy access to many parts of the city. It is easy to walk to many tourist attractions from Londra Palace Venezia. The San Zaccaria stop is just by the hotel if you need a water bus. The hotel’s award-winning on-site restaurant, De Leoni, serves the finest Italian and Venetian cuisine. The hotel rooms offer breathtaking views of the St Mark’s Basin. Sip an original Italian espresso in your room in the morning and enjoy the orange hues of St Mark’s Bell Tower. It is the best place to stay in Venice.
Ca’di Dio-Small Luxury Hotel π
At first, Ca’di Dio-Small Luxury Hotel might make you think it is a small hotel because of its name, but it is one of the most glamorous ones in the city. The hotel has an excellent restaurant, a bar where you can taste the best wines, a green garden, and a complete fitness center. Located in the center of the city, you can reach many places in a short time, such as the Doge’s Palace. When you enter the hotel, with its classic Italian and Venetian splendor, you will feel as if you are back in the golden age of Venice. In the restaurant, you will be able to taste the different flavors of Italian cuisine every day. You can also enjoy a fabulous spa evening if you want to relax, unwind and enjoy your holiday in Venice.
Places to Visit in Venice for Couples π
One of the nicknames of Venice is City of Love. Considering the canals, bridges, couples in gondolas, and romantic waterfront, you can understand why Venice is the City of Love. There are many things to make and places to visit for couples in Venice. It is also one of the top destinations for honeymooners.
The Bridge of Sighs
The first place every couple should visit in Venice is The Bridge of Sighs. The bridge was used to transfer prisoners to another building, but today it is a favorite haunt of couples. Ponte dei Sospiri is a great place to take a selfie. In Venetian lore, the couples who kissed under this bridge will stay together. They will live in bliss forever. Join one of Venice’s famous gondola tours and experience a romantic moment as you pass under the Bridge of Sighs. After passing under this wonderful bridge, you can continue your tour through the romantic canals. If you are lucky, the gondolier will sing you a beautiful song.
Teatro La Fenice
Teatro La Fenice is the most famous and magnificent landmark in the history of opera. Since 1792, Teatro La Fenice has hosted many world-famous operas and plays. If you want to have a romantic holiday in Venice, you should definitely visit Teatro La Fenice. If you are lucky, you might come across a play like La Traviata. The 362-seat auditorium is decorated with 23-carat gold. Whether you like opera or theatre, you will indeed have an unforgettable experience at Teatro La Fenice.
Burano
There are over 100 islands in Venice, and Burano is one of them. It is famous for its colorful buildings. This lovely and romantic island is also famous for its lace. Intricate lace creations of artisans in Burano are globally known. You can take some of these creations as souvenirs for your romantic holiday. Burano is just 30 minutes away from Venice. Thus you can have a romantic boat ride during your trip to Burano.
Best Hotels in Venice for Couples π©
If you decide to go on holiday as a couple, there’s no place in the world more romantic, dazzling, awe-inspiring, and magnificent than Venice. If Venice is your destination for the whole of your vacation, make sure to book your hotel well ahead of time, or you might have problems with your accommodation. Fortunately, Venice has many hotels where you will have an unforgettable holiday. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, here are the best hotels where to stay in Venice for couples.
Baglioni Hotel Luna π
Located in Piazza San Marco, the hotel is one of the best choices for couples. As soon as you enter the hotel, you will feel as if you are in a Venetian gallery of the Renaissance period, thanks to the original frescoes on the walls. The views of St Mark’s Basilica from the beautifully decorated rooms will take your breath away. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Canova, is the ideal place for a romantic dinner. Serving Venetian cuisine, the restaurant also offers a wide selection of wines. Thanks to the hotel’s private pier, you can return to the hotel by gondola or boat after an exhausting tour of Venice. The Baglioni Hotel Luna is one of the most romantic hotels in Venice, with its views, facilities, and dazzling architecture.
San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice π
Unlike any other hotel in the city, the San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice is unique. One of the most luxurious hotels in Venice, the San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice, is located on its island. It is one of the few places in Venice where you can have fun and be together in a serene place simultaneously. The hotel has three gourmet restaurants, three bars, a swimming pool, a terrace area, and a great spa center. The hotel’s free boat service allows you to leave the hotel anytime and explore other parts of Venice. The hotel’s spa center is perfect for unwinding after a busy day, relaxing, and being pampered during a wonderful Venetian evening. With options such as a Turkish bath, sauna, and steam room, you will losπ track of time in the spa center. San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice is an excellent choice for those who want to explore the city without getting lost in crowds.
Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice π
Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice, is another ideal destination for couples looking for a holiday in Venice. Decorated in a modern Italian style, the hotel’s interiors reflect the classic Venetian taste. You can try the finest Italian wines while watching the sunset over Venice from the hotel’s terrace. Spend romantic moments in the hotel’s lush garden. A favorite of couples, the Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice, also has a great location. When you leave the hotel, you can walk to many places, such as the Rialto Bridge or St Mark’s Basilica.
Best Places to Visit in Venice with Kids π§π¦
If you are visiting Venice with the kids, you are in luck. Many places in Venice will attract the attention of children. Furthermore, this city, which is considered the center of the Old World, is like an open-air museum for kids’ knowledge of history. Venice is one of the best choices to spend a wonderful holiday with your children.
Grand Canal
Grand Canal is a crucial canal of Venice. It is like the main coronary artery that feeds the heart. There are over 170 buildings on the banks of the canal. The palaces of the most influential families of Venice are lined up along Grand Canal. On tour throughout the canal, you can admire the magnificent faΓ§ades of these palaces. Many of these palaces were built between the 13 – 18th centuries. They’re well-preserved architectural marvels in the city. Since there is no pavement, the only way to see these landmarks is by taking a boat tour. Ca’ d’Oro, Ca’ Rezzonico, Palazzo Barbarigo, Palazzo Dario, Ca’ Foscari, and Santa Maria della Salute are some of the most important landmarks on the banks of the canal.
Libreria Acqua Alta
Libreria Acqua Alta is actually a “High Water Bookstore.”Some say it is the most beautiful bookstore in the world. It might not be the most beautiful one for you, but it is definitely one of the most interesting. It is a secondhand bookshop in the Castello district. Since Venice is famous for its flood having a bookshop might not be the best idea, but Libreria Acqua Alta has a different solution for this problem. The books are presented in different bathtubs, a room-sized gondola, and many other things. These pictures, posters, other souvenirs other than books. You’ll be sure that the kids will love Libreria Acqua Alta.
Gallerie dell’Accademia
Gallerie dell’Accademia is the most influential gallerie in Venice. Most of the masterpieces of Venetian artists, such as Titian, Veronese, Lorenzo Lotto, Tintoterrotto, Gentile Bellini, Tiepolo, and much more. You can even run into other great Italian artists’ temporary exhibitions, like Leonardo Da Vinci. Da Vinci’s one of the most recognizable works, VitrΔ±vian Man sometimes displayed in Galleria dell’Accademia. The gallerie is a great place to teach kids art.
Best Hotels in Venice for Families with Kids π¨βπ©βπ¦βπ¦
If you visit Venice with kids, the hotel is crucial. Hotel rooms must be spacious, well-lit, and comfortable. Families with kids also tend to choose central hotels. With a great location, you can explore most of the city on walking. If you plan a family trip, here are the nicest hotels in Venice for families.
Hotel Bisanzio π
Hotel Bisanzio is a cozy Venetian-styled hotel. As a family, you can stay in a Venetian palazzo built in the 16th century. It is possible to have 4 or 5 bed rooms in the hotel. The hotel is just by St. Mark’s Square. It is effortless to visit the most important tourist attractions of the city. You can also use the water bus stop 200 meters from the hotel to visit the other sides of the town. Hotel Bisanzio is located in the best neighborhood to stay in Venice.
JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa π
JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is an excellent place for a luxurious and complete family trip. Located over Isole delle Rose, the hotel is one of the most glamorous in Venice. There are four restaurant offers, from Italian or Venetian cuisine to international delicacies. One of them, Fiola at Dopolavoro Venezia, is run by Michelin-starred chef Fabio Trabocchi. The hotel has a lush green park where you can have a great time with kids. JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa also has a complete spa. You can enjoy it in a Turkish bath or sauna. Having a great time in the rooftop pool with kids is also one of the best activities. If you are looking for where is the best place to stay in Venice for families, JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa great option.
Hotel Saturnia & International
Hotel Saturnia & International is one of the most fantastic places where to stay in Venice on a budget. It is run by a family, and all rooms have soundproofing. There are four bedrooms for families with kids. Hotel Saturnia & International is in a great location. You can easily reach significant landmarks of the city. There is also a tiny restaurant in the hotel where you can eat great pastries for breakfast.
Best Places in Venice for Backpackers π
Venice is among the world’s marvelous cities, and it has offerings for everyone, including backpackers. You can also see many backpackers visiting Venice during their Europe trip.
Ponte di Rialto
The Ponte di Rialto is the oldest bridge over the Canal Grande. It connected St. Mark’s and St. Polo and was started to build in 1588 and completed in 1591. The bridge is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. It has a beautiful view over the canal. The shops on the bridge offer a wide range of souvenirs to make your vacation memorable. You’ll be amazed by the symmetrical design of the bridge.
San Marco Companile
San Marco Campanile is the most recognizable structure in Venice. The tall orange tower is about 98,6 meters high. It was built as a watch tower in the 9th century and reconstructed after collapses in 1902. You can climb this beauty and have a magnificent Venice view on top of it. The Golden Angel Gabriel statue embellishes the top of the tower.
Torcello Island
If you have more than a few days in Venice, you can visit Torcello island. It is 45 minutes away by ferry. You can admire the view of the dazzling canal. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta is the most famous spot on the island. The church is small but has a fantastic design. There are also great restaurants to eat delicious Venetian delicacies.
Best Hotels for Backpackers in Venice βΊοΈ
Venice might be a dazzling place in many other aspects. This might not be very comforting if you are on a budget, but there are many great places to stay for backpackers in the city. If you are on an adventure in this beautiful part of the world, here where to stay in Venice for cheap.
Centauro Hotel
Centauro Hotel is one of the most magnificent hotels in Venice. It might be a cheap hotel, but it is worth to stay. Serving in a 16th-century building, Centauro Hotel reflects every element of elegant Venetian style. It is just a few minutes from St. Mark’s Square or Rialto Bridge. It is a great place to stay on a budget. You can have a great breakfast with pastries, fruits, and cold meats, or try something different in close restaurants.
Hotel Gorizia a La Valigia π
Hotel Gorizia, a La Valigia, is another excellent place preferred by backpackers and visitors with a tight budget. It is also very close to the heart of Venice, Piazza San Marco. It is possible to reach anywhere quickly thanks to the water bus stop close to the hotel. You can have a great breakfast with cereals, pastries, and fresh fruit in the hotel’s breakfast room. If you are looking for a budget-friendly place to stay in Venice, Hotel Gorizia a La Vaglia is an excellent choice.
Hotel Montecarlo π
Three hundred years old building just by the banks of a narrow canal in Venice sounds like a great place to stay. Hotel Montecarlo is a great option if you want to stay in an excellent yet cheap place. The hotel has great rooms with large windows. The best part of the Hotel Montecarlo is its wine cellar. There are more than 900 wines in the hotel, at it has the Best of Award of Excellence. Hotel Montecarlo is an excellent example of a cheap but great hotel.
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