Venice
Travel Guide
Built across more than a hundred small islands in a lagoon, Venice has no cars — gondolas, vaporetti (water buses), and footbridges connect its winding calli instead. St Mark's Square anchors the city's Byzantine and Gothic architecture, while quieter sestieri like Dorsoduro and Cannaregio offer a calmer glimpse of everyday Venetian life away from the crowds.
Local Time
—
Currency
EUR
Language
Italian
Best Time
April to June and September to October
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Must See Attractions
Top Attractions in Venice
1Iconic Landmark
Doge's Palace
The former residence of the Doge of Venice and seat of the Republic's government, this Gothic palace connects to the city's former prisons via the Bridge of Sighs. Its lavishly decorated council chambers reflect Venice's centuries as a maritime trading power.
2Must Visit
Grand Canal Gondola Ride
Venice's main waterway winds past more than 170 palazzi built between the 13th and 18th centuries. A traditional gondola ride — or the far cheaper vaporetto water bus along the same route — remains the classic way to see the city's grandest façades from the water.
3Culture & Shopping
Rialto Bridge & Market
The oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, Rialto has connected the city's two banks since the 16th century and is lined with shops. Nearby, the Rialto Market has sold fresh fish and produce to Venetians for over a thousand years.
4Must Visit
St Mark's Basilica
This Byzantine-style cathedral, its façade and domes covered in golden mosaics accumulated over centuries, dominates St Mark's Square. Inside, the Pala d'Oro altarpiece — a jewel-encrusted gold panel — is considered one of the finest surviving examples of medieval goldsmith work.
Venice, Made Easy.
Venice at a Glance
Everything you need to know about Venice, in one place — so you can plan less and experience more.
Peak season is July to August and Carnival (February).
English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Cards widely accepted; carry some cash for smaller vendors.
Observes UTC+1 (UTC+2 in summer).
No visa for EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia (up to 90 days). Schengen visa for others.
Extremely safe for tourists; low crime rate.
4G/5G widely available in tourist areas.
Enough for a quick highlights visit.
Flight Times
From London: 2.5 hoursFrom Dubai: 6.5 hoursFrom New York: 10 hoursMust-See Attractions
Last updated: Fri Sep 18 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time).
Travel FAQ
Got Questions?
Quick answers to the most common questions about visiting Venice.
The best time to visit Venice is April to June and September to October. Peak season runs from July to August and Carnival (February) when weather is most favourable and attractions are busiest. Consider avoiding November (acqua alta flooding risk).