Venice is one of those cities where you could spend your entire life and still have more to explore!
Planning a trip to Venice can be overwhelming, given the endless list of must-see activities, museums, and monuments in the City of Canals.
To help you out, Captain Ulysses has compiled all the essential information for organizing your Venetian getaway: when to go, how long to stay, how to get there, where to stay, and what to see and do.
Let’s set sail, sailors: follow the guide!
⚠️ Venice is a popular destination! To avoid wasting time in long lines at the entrance of monuments, be sure to book your tickets and tours in advance.
💡 Insider Tips 💡
🌟 Top tip: Free guided city tour (in English)
💤 Accommodations: all our tips & recommendations
👶 Visiting Venice with Kids: all our best tips
In This Guide:
Essential Tips for Planning Your Trip to Venice
When to Visit Venice
How Much Time to Spend in Venice?
How to Get to Venice?
Where to Stay in Venice?
Getting Around Venice
What to See and Do in Venice
St. Mark’s Square & Its Surroundings
Venice’s Bridges & Canals
Must-See Museums in Venice
Islands of the Lagoon
Iconic Churches in Venice
The Venetian Arsenal and Castello District
The Jewish Ghetto in Cannaregio
The Carnival of Venice
Venice’s Musical Heritage
Exploring Venetian Cuisine
Essential Tips for Planning Your Trip to Venice
When to Visit Venice
Venice is VERY touristy. Regardless of when you visit, be prepared for crowds and long lines (hence why Captain Ulysses recommends booking your tickets and tours in advance).
The summer months are the busiest. If you can, plan your trip for spring or autumn when the weather is mild and the crowds are slightly thinner.
While winter can be cold and windy, it is also the least crowded time (except during Carnival).
You might also consider timing your visit with the famous Venice Carnival, held annually between February and March. Be aware that prices soar during Carnival, so budget accordingly!
How Much Time to Spend in Venice
It depends on your availability:
2-3 days: You’ll get a quick overview of the main sights (Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, Rialto Bridge) but might leave wanting more.
4-5 days: You can explore the major attractions and have time to visit smaller, lesser-known churches and even take a trip to the lagoon islands (Murano, Burano, Torcello).
A week: You can truly experience the city’s vibe and savor the Venetian dolce vita. There’s plenty to keep you entertained!
How to Get to Venice?
Where is Venice?
Nestled on the Adriatic Sea coast, Venice is in the northeast of Italy, in the Veneto region. The city comprises 118 small islands connected by canals and bridges.
✈️ By Plane:
Venice has its own airport: Marco Polo Airport (VCE), about 12 km / 7.5 miles from the city center.
From the airport, you can reach the city by bus, vaporetto, or water taxi.
For booking flights, Captain Ulysses highly recommends Skyscanner to compare prices and find the best deals.
🚆 By Train:
Located on the Grand Canal, the Venezia Santa Lucia train station is serviced by numerous trains from Italy and major European cities. Night trains to Venice depart from Paris and Lyon, among others.
For booking train tickets, Captain Ulysses recommends the Omio platform.
🚌 By Bus:
Venice is serviced by several bus companies, such as Flixbus. For booking bus tickets, Omio is again the go-to recommendation.
🚗 By Car:
Planning a road trip in Italy? Note that cars are not allowed in Venice: the city is entirely pedestrian.
You’ll find parking at Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto. From there, take a vaporetto or walk to Venice’s center.
Where to stay in Venice?
Looking for accommodation in Venice? Captain Ulysses has compiled all his tips in a detailed article: [Where to Stay in Venice?]
You’ll find advice on the best neighborhoods to stay in, accommodation prices, and a list of recommendations for every budget!
Skip the lines: book your tickets and visits in advance!
Getting Around Venice
Before diving into the must-see sights and activities, let’s cover some logistics!
Venice’s center is entirely pedestrian. The city is relatively compact and easy to explore on foot. Alternatively, the most practical mode of transport is the vaporetto, a boat that serves as the city’s public transport.
If you’re staying in Mestre, planning to explore the lagoon islands, or just want to save time, Captain Ulysses recommends getting a pass for Venice’s public transport (bus + vaporetto).
What to See and Do in Venice
St. Mark’s Square & Its Surroundings
St. Mark’s Square
Located in the heart of the San Marco district, St. Mark’s Square is undoubtedly the most iconic square in Venice. It’s the only one called “piazza“; the others are known as “campo” or “campiello“.
For centuries, it was the heart of the political, administrative, and religious power of the Republic of Venice. Napoleon even dubbed it “the most beautiful drawing room in Europe.”
It was also the site of public executions. Today, it’s famous for its monuments and… pigeons (which, by the way, are prohibited from being fed)!
St. Mark’s Square is divided into two esplanades:
- Piazza San Marco, the larger one
- Piazzetta San Marco, by the lagoon
It’s the lowest point in Venice, which is why it’s always the hardest hit during periods of acqua alta (flooding).
St. Mark’s Basilica
With its domes, columns, and opulent gilding, St. Mark’s Basilica is the most essential religious building in Venice… and one of the most famous in the world.
The current basilica dates back to the 11th century, though the first church dedicated to St. Mark was built on this site in 832, and a second in 978.
Symbolizing Venetian power, the basilica was modeled after the churches of Constantinople, blending Gothic and Byzantine styles. Over centuries, it was enriched with war booty and tributes brought back from the East by victorious Venetians.
Today, the basilica is a must-visit for anyone in Venice!
💡 Practical information 💡
Entry to the basilica is €3, but access to the Pala d’Oro and the museum and terrace costs extra (€7 and €5, respectively).
The line to enter the basilica can be very long, so Captain Ulysses recommends:
– Going early
Opting for a skip-the-line ticket
– Or booking a guided tour: visit St. Mark’s Basilica alone or with the Doge’s Palace.
Appropriate dress is required to enter the basilica. Ensure your shoulders and legs are covered. Backpacks must be checked in at the free cloakroom before your visit.
The Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale in Italian) is undoubtedly one of the top monuments to see in Venice.
Located on St. Mark’s Square, next to the basilica, the palace served as the residence of the Doge (the chief magistrate in charge of administering the city) and the political power center of the Republic of Venice.
Built in the 14th century to replace the previous palace destroyed by fire (a recurring theme in Venice!), the current palace was transformed, expanded, and beautified over the following centuries. Renowned Italian artists and architects (like Veronese, Tintoretto) contributed to making the Doge’s Palace a symbol of Venetian wealth and refinement.
Take the time to admire the palace’s exterior before going inside—it’s worth it! Inside, don’t miss the Giant’s Staircase (in the courtyard), the Golden Staircase (which lives up to its name!), and the Grand Council Chamber. You can also visit the interior of the Bridge of Sighs, which leads to the palace’s prisons (more on this below).
💡 Practical information 💡
Entry to the Doge’s Palace is €30 for a full-price ticket and €15 for a reduced ticket. However, Captain Ulysses highly recommends opting for a slightly more expensive skip-the-line ticket to save time and avoid the long queue.
Note that entry to the Doge’s Palace is included in the Venice Museum Pass, which is a good deal if you plan to visit at least 3 or 4 of the included museums and monuments (like the Ca’ Pesaro and Ca’ Rezzonico palaces).
Another option to fully experience the palace’s wonders: a guided tour.
The Bridge of Sighs
Though now considered one of Venice’s most romantic spots, the Bridge of Sighs actually gets its name from the sighs of Venetian prisoners. They would cross the bridge to reach the city’s prisons from the Doge’s Palace, where they had been judged.
English poet Lord Byron helped change the bridge’s image with his poem “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage,” making it a romantic emblem.
💡 Practical information 💡
To explore the Bridge of Sighs, you have three options:
– Visit the interior of the bridge during a tour of the Doge’s Palace
– Admire the bridge from the Ponte della Paglia on the Riva degli Schiavoni
Pass under the bridge during a romantic gondola ride
St. Mark’s Campanile
Standing 98.5 meters / 320 feet tall, St. Mark’s Campanile has watched over Venice since the 12th century… or nearly.
The current campanile is a replica of the original 12th-century watchtower that collapsed in 1902. The same evening, Venice’s city council decided to rebuild it exactly as it was. By 1912, the new St. Mark’s Campanile was inaugurated, almost 10 years after its destruction.
Today, the campanile offers a breathtaking view of Venice. But beware if you’re afraid of heights!
💡 Practical information 💡
To reach the top of St. Mark’s Campanile, tickets cost €16.50 for a full-price ticket. Entry is free for children under 5.
To avoid long lines, book your tickets in advance: tickets for St. Mark’s Campanile
Other sites and monuments on St. Mark’s Square
St. Mark’s Square boasts several other attractions that, while not as iconic as the Doge’s Palace or St. Mark’s Basilica, are still worth visiting if you have the time in Venice:
- The Procuratie: These buildings once served as the residences and offices of the Procurators of St. Mark, magistrates of the Venetian Republic.
- The Clock Tower: Built in the 15th century, this tower is remarkable for its intricate mechanism that shows the time, zodiac signs, position of the sun, seasons, and moon phases.
- Café Florian: The oldest café in St. Mark’s Square, established in 1720, offering a taste of Venetian history and charm.
The Bridges & Canals of Venice
What would Venice be without its canals? Charming and romantic, they are also the most practical way to get around the city. So let’s set sail, sailors!
The Grand Canal
The Grand Canal (Il Canalezzo in Italian) is the largest and most famous canal in Venice. It stretches 3.8 kilometers long (2.36 miles) and 50 to 70 meters wide (165 to 230 ft). The Grand Canal and is lined with some of the city’s most iconic monuments (Doge’s Palace, Santa Maria della Salute Basilica, Ca’ d’Oro Palace…).
Why such a profusion of sumptuous palaces along the Grand Canal? For Venetian nobles, building a residence on the Grand Canal was the ultimate status symbol! As a result, today it boasts some 170 historic buildings (mostly constructed between the 13th and 18th centuries), each more luxurious than the last.
💡 Practical information 💡
To navigate the Grand Canal, you have three options:
• Vaporetto: This is by far the cheapest option, but also the least pleasant. Vaporettos are often crowded, and finding a spot to enjoy the view can be challenging.
• Guided Motorboat Tours: These offer a good middle ground to enjoy the Grand Canal without breaking the bank.
• Gondola Ride: This is the most expensive option but also the most charming and romantic.
Rialto Bridge
Spanning the Grand Canal, just minutes from St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge is a must-visit in Venice!
Among the 438 bridges in the city, the Rialto Bridge is undoubtedly the most famous. Built in the second half of the 16th century to replace multiple wooden bridges that constantly needed repair or reconstruction (due to humidity and fires), this massive stone bridge was long the only way to cross the Grand Canal on foot.
Its unique architecture also contributes to its fame: shaped like a circumflex accent, it features three pedestrian walkways, including a central one lined with shops.
From the bridge, the view of the Grand Canal and its historic monuments is breathtaking, especially at sunset!
💡 Practical information 💡
The Rialto Bridge is open 24/7. Captain Ulysses recommends visiting multiple times to admire the view of the Grand Canal during the day, at sunset, and at night.
Exploring Venice’s Canals
Venice boasts 177 canals: grand, small, opulent, dusty, and popular—there’s something for everyone. A tip: take the time to get lost in the Venetian alleys and discover the many canals of the Serenissima.
If you’re inclined to be on the water, consider taking a boat ride through the canals. The options are the same as those Captain Ulysses mentioned for cruises on the Grand Canal earlier in the article.
Must-See Museums in Venice
Venice is a city of art and history, with an incredible cultural richness. It’s no surprise the city is filled with museums showcasing works by some of Italy’s greatest artists, past and present. Art lovers will find plenty to admire!
Gallerie dell’Accademia
Near the Grand Canal and the Academy Bridge, the Gallerie dell’Accademia (gallerie is the plural of galleria in Italian) house the largest collection of Venetian art in the world.
Located in a large complex spanning three former religious buildings (Scuola Grande di Santa Maria della Carità, Chiesa di Santa Maria della Carità, and Monastero de Canonici Lateranensi), the galleries follow a chronological path showcasing Venetian art from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.
Among the great Italian masters exhibited in the museum are Titian, Tintoretto, Tiepolo, Canaletto, Veronese, Bellini, Giorgione, and Vittore Carpaccio. In short, the Gallerie dell’Accademia are truly a must-visit for anyone wanting to explore Venetian art!
💡 Practical information 💡
Tickets for the Gallerie dell’Accademia are €15 for full-price admission, €2 for reduced admission (free for visitors under 18, disabled visitors, students, and more).
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
After the old masters, it’s time for modern art. Nestled in the beautiful Venier dei Leoni Palace on the Grand Canal, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is one of Captain Ulysses’ favorite spots in Venice.
Opened in 1980, it is considered one of Italy’s finest modern art museums. The collection features works by numerous famous artists: René Magritte, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Wassily Kandinsky, Alexander Calder, Piet Mondrian, Marc Chagall, Marcel Duchamp, Jackson Pollock, Giorgio de Chirico, Mark Rothko, and Fernand Léger… Peggy Guggenheim certainly had an eye for art!
Outside, don’t miss the Sculpture Garden, where you can admire works by Brancusi, Giacometti, and Moore.
💡 Practical information 💡
Entry to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection costs €16 for adults, €14 for visitors over 70, and €9 for students under 26. The museum is free for children under 10.
Like all of Venice’s major attractions, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is very popular, especially during school holidays, and lines can be long.
If you’re visiting during the high season, booking a skip-the-line ticket is a good way to save time.
Ca’ Rezzonico Palace & 18th-Century Venetian Museum
Of all the palaces along the Grand Canal, Ca’ Rezzonico is one of the most famous. Built between the 17th and 18th centuries, this grand baroque marble palace now houses a vast collection of 18th-century decorative arts, including works by Canaletto and stunning frescoes by Giambattista Tiepolo.
Inside, the palace has remained unchanged, and the exceptional ballroom is particularly impressive.
💡 Practical information 💡
Tickets are €10 for full-price admission, €7.50 for reduced admission.
Tickets can be booked online. Entry to Ca’ Rezzonico is also included in the Venice Museum Pass.
Ca’ Pesaro Palace & International Gallery of Modern Art
Built between the 17th and 18th centuries by the wealthy Pesaro family and designed by architect Baldassare Longhena, the baroque Ca’ Pesaro Palace now houses Venice’s International Gallery of Modern Art ( Galleria Internazionale d’Arte Moderna).
Visitors can discover the city’s modern art collection, with works by notable artists such as De Chirico, Klimt, Kandinsky, Chagall, Bonnard, and Klee.
Ca’ Pesaro also hosts the Museum of Oriental Art (Museo d’Arte Orientale), featuring around 30,000 objects from Japan, China, and Indonesia.
💡 Practical information 💡
Tickets for Ca’ Pesaro (including access to both museums) are €10 for full-price admission, €7.50 for reduced admission. Entry is free for children under 5 and disabled visitors.
Tickets can be booked online. Entry to Ca’ Pesaro is also included in the Venice Museum Pass.
Ca’ d’Oro Palace & Franchetti Gallery
Located on the Grand Canal in the Cannaregio district, Ca’ d’Oro Palace is one of the most beautiful in Venice. Its name (“House of Gold”) comes from the golden decorations that once adorned its façade, blending Gothic and Renaissance influences.
Built between 1421 and 1434, the palace was bequeathed to the Italian state in 1902 and converted into a museum. It now houses the Giorgio Franchetti Gallery, which displays works by Venetian, Tuscan, and Flemish schools, including paintings by Carpaccio, Tintoretto, Titian, Van Dyck, and Van Eyck.
💡 Practical information 💡
Tickets are €11 for full-price admission and €5.50 for EU students. Entry is free for visitors under 18 and disabled visitors.
⥤ If you’re short on time and can’t visit all of Venice’s numerous museums, Captain Ulysses recommends focusing on the Gallerie dell’Accademia and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
Islands of the Lagoon
While it’s tempting to stay in Venice given the long list of sights, museums, and monuments to see, it would be a shame not to explore at least one of the lagoon’s islands! Captain Ulysses recommends dedicating at least half a day to this, or a full day if you can.
Murano, the Island of Glassblowers
Separated from Venice by just a kilometer (0.6 mile), Murano is one of the best-known islands in the Venetian Lagoon. This is where the glassblowers, who made Venice famous, moved in 1201 after being evicted from the city due to the fire risk their workshops posed.
But the island isn’t only known for Murano glass. Covered in vineyards, Murano also attracted wealthy Venetians as a retreat… away from prying eyes. The island’s casins (early casinos) were venues for all sorts of excesses, including, it’s said, some of Casanova’s escapades!
Today, Murano is worth visiting for its glassblowing workshops and shops, as well as for a stroll along its charming canals lined with beautiful ocher-colored houses.
💡 Practical information 💡
To get to Murano, you have two options:
The vaporetto
An organized tour including visits to Murano and Burano
Once there, don’t miss a visit to a glassblowing workshop, such as the Vetreria Artistica Colleoni, which offers glassblowing demonstrations.
Burano, the Island of Lace
About 8 kilometers (5 miles) northeast of Venice, the island of Burano is to lace what Murano is to glass. It was to rival Burano lace that King Louis XIV created the royal lace factory in France!
Often considered the most beautiful island in the Venetian Lagoon, Burano is also known for its picturesque and colorful fishermen’s houses.
While there, visit the Lace Museum, stroll along the canals, and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the island’s many restaurants.
💡 Practical information 💡
To get to Burano, you have the same options as for Murano: take the vaporetto or book a tour.
Other Islands of the Lagoon
- Torcello: Once the most populated island in the lagoon, Torcello now has only 14 residents. The Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral and its stunning mosaics are worth a visit if you have time.
- San Giorgio Maggiore: Facing the Doge’s Palace, this island is known for the San Giorgio Maggiore Basilica and its campanile, offering a breathtaking view of the Venetian Lagoon.
- San Michele: Located between Venice and Murano, this small island has been Venice’s cemetery since 1837. Quite unique!
- Lido: Just 10 minutes from Venice by vaporetto, Lido is the city’s beach resort, known for its clear waters and fine sandy dunes.
Iconic Churches in Venice
It’s Italy, so Venice is full of churches and basilicas, many hiding real treasures. Covering them all would be impossible, so Captain Ulysses has selected the most iconic ones for you. Let’s go! ⛪
Santa Maria della Salute
Perched on the edge of the Grand Canal, Santa Maria della Salute is one of Venice’s must-see churches.
Built to implore the Virgin Mary’s mercy during a deadly plague, the basilica was consecrated in 1687. It’s worth visiting for its impressive architecture, blending classical and baroque elements, as well as for the masterpieces it houses. The sacristy, for instance, holds a collection of notable paintings, including Tintoretto’s famous “The Wedding at Cana.”
💡 Practical information 💡
Entry to the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute is free. However, you’ll need to pay €6 to access the sacristy.
Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari & the Chorus Pass Churches
In the San Polo district, the Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (commonly known as I Frari) is the 2nd-largest church in Venice. While the exterior of the basilica seems austere, the interior is a lavish display of ornaments and invaluable artworks, including Titian’s “Assumption.” Also, don’t miss the striking mausoleums of Antonio Canova and Titian himself.
The Chorus Pass grants access to 17 museum-churches in Venice, listed here.
According to Captain Ulysses, it’s worth getting the pass if you stay in Venice for at least 4 days: you can visit the various museum-churches while exploring the city.
💡 Practical information 💡
A visit to the Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari costs €5 without the Chorus Pass. The pass costs €14 for a full-price ticket, €10 for a reduced ticket, and is free for children under 11. A family pass (2 adults + 2 children under 18) is available for €28.
You can purchase the Chorus Pass at the tourist office, any participating church, or online: book the Chorus Pass.
San Giorgio degli Schiavoni Church
In the Castello district, the San Giorgio degli Schiavoni Church (Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni in Italian) is notable for its incredible paintings by Vittore Carpaccio, including “The Triumph of St. George.”
💡 Practical information 💡
Entry to the church costs €3.50 for a full-price ticket, €1.50 for a reduced ticket.
Basilica San Giovanni e Paolo (Zanipolo)
In the heart of Castello, the Basilica San Giovanni e Paolo (nicknamed Basilica Zanipolo) serves as Venice’s Pantheon. Built in the 15th century, it houses the tombs of 25 doges and many notable figures, as well as paintings by Italian masters such as Giovanni Bellini, Veronese, and Palma il Giovane.
💡 Practical information 💡
Entry to the basilica costs €3.50 for a full-price ticket, €1.50 for a reduced ticket.
San Zaccaria Church
Five minutes’ walk from St. Mark’s Square, the San Zaccaria Church, built between the 9th and 15th centuries, is famous for its stunning art collection. Visitors can see works by Palma il Giovane, Palma il Vecchio, Tintoretto, Giovanni Bellini, and Van Dyck. The San Tarasio Golden Chapel and the crypt, where some of Venice’s earliest doges are buried, are also worth a visit!
💡 Practical information 💡
Entry to the church is free, but you’ll need to pay €1.50 to access the Golden Chapel and €3 to enter the crypt.
⥤ If you’re short on time and can’t visit numerous churches, Captain Ulysses recommends focusing on the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, which he considers one of the most essential!
The Venetian Arsenal and the Castello District
Venetian Arsenal
In the heart of Castello, the Venetian Arsenal is one of Venice’s most iconic monuments. It’s where the ships that made Venice a maritime power were built and maintained. Covering 15% of the city’s surface area, the Arsenal spans 332,000 square meters (82 acres)!
While most of the Arsenal still belongs to the Italian Navy, parts of the complex are now owned by the city and are occasionally open to the public during the Venice Biennale.
💡 Practical information 💡
Most of the time, visitors can only admire the Arsenal from the outside. The land and sea gates are definitely worth a look.
Castello District
East of the city, the Castello district is the largest of Venice’s six sestieri (districts). It’s also the most unrefined and authentic. Less “posh” than the rest of Venice, Castello offers a glimpse of a less touristy side of the city.
Don’t miss these main sites and monuments in the district:
- Via Garibaldi
- San Zaccaria Church
- San Zanipolo Basilica
- San Francesco della Vigna Church
- Santa Maria Formosa Church
Exploring Castello also means getting lost in the district’s labyrinthine streets. The best advice: put away your map/GPS and let yourself wander.
💡 Practical information 💡
While it’s enjoyable to explore Castello on your own, wandering from street to street, those who love historical anecdotes and don’t want to miss anything can opt for a guided tour (available in several languages) to discover Castello’s main points of interest.
The Jewish Ghetto in Cannaregio
Exploring Venice also means venturing off the beaten path. North of the city, the Cannaregio district remains relatively untouched by most tourist circuits. Yet, the Jewish Ghetto, located in the heart of Cannaregio, is well worth a visit! This is where Jewish communities settled after being expelled from Spain at the end of the 15th century.
Today, Venice’s Jewish Ghetto is a vibrant cultural neighborhood. It’s also a must-visit for foodies, with numerous spots to enjoy various treats. You’ll find countless small restaurants and shops where to try specialties of all kinds.
Key monuments in the Jewish Ghetto include:
- The Jewish Museum
- Scuola Levantina, a synagogue dating from 1538
- Scuola Spagnola, a synagogue built in 1555 and renovated in 1635 by the famous Venetian architect Baldassare Longhena
💡 Practical information 💡
Like in Castello, Captain Ulysses recommends simply getting lost in the lively streets of the Jewish Ghetto. But you can also opt for a guided tour to explore the Ghetto, Cannaregio, and local culinary specialties.
The Carnival of Venice
Experiencing Venice During Carnival
The Venice Carnival is one of the world’s most famous events.
Every year, in January or February, Venetians and visitors don their best costumes for ten days of colorful and picturesque celebrations. Instead of a parade, the city hosts street performances (jugglers, acrobats, dancers) throughout Venice, particularly in St. Mark’s Square. Private (and paid) events such as dinners, balls, and concerts are also held in various hotels and palaces.
💡 Practical information 💡
During Carnival, Venice is even more crowded than usual! Prices soar, and lines at major monuments become even longer. Captain Ulysses advises booking accommodation and activities well in advance and opting for skip-the-line tickets whenever possible.
Also, check out activities available only during Carnival, such as a guided tour, a private photoshoot, or a gala dinner.
Venice Outside of Carnival
If you can’t visit during Carnival, don’t worry—there’s an activity that lets you experience Carnival magic year-round: a mask-making workshop. It’s a great way to learn about Carnival’s history and the traditional techniques of Venetian mask makers.
Venice’s Musical Heritage
Venice has long been a cultural hub, so it’s no surprise that music remains at the heart of the city’s cultural life.
Teatro La Fenice
In the San Marco district, Teatro La Fenice (“The Phoenix” in English) is a true temple of Italian opera.
Built in the 18th century to replace the San Benedetto theater, which was destroyed by fire, La Fenice quickly became a symbol of Venice’s vibrant cultural life.
However, in 1832, the theater burned down again. It was rebuilt in 1837 and hosted the premieres of some of Verdi’s greatest masterpieces, including “Ernani” and “La Traviata.”
After yet another fire in 1996, La Fenice, living up to its name, was fully restored. It reopened in 2003 and immediately regained its success.
La Fenice owes its fame to the masterpieces performed there (including the premieres of operas by Rossini, Bellini, Verdi, and Stravinsky) and its extraordinary neoclassical architecture, which is well worth a visit.
💡 Practical information 💡
The Fenice is open for tours every day starting at 9:30 AM (closing times vary depending on performances). Tickets are €17 for a full-price ticket and €12 for a reduced ticket.
To avoid waiting in line, you can book a skip-the-line ticket with an audio guide (available in several languages) online. If you prefer, you can also opt for a guided tour (available in several languages).
If you love music, Captain Ulysses strongly recommends attending a concert or opera at La Fenice. For more information on the schedule, visit La Fenice’s official website.
Classical Music Concerts in Venice
If there are no tickets available at La Fenice or the prices are too steep, there are alternatives for attending classical music concerts or operas in Venice.
You’ll find a wide selection of options here.
Exploring Venetian Cuisine
Italy is a land of gastronomy, and Venice is no exception! Exploring Venice means discovering (and tasting) delicious local specialties. Follow the guide!
Rialto Market
Near the Rialto Bridge, the Rialto Market is one of the largest in Venice. It’s divided into three distinct markets:
- Pescheria: The fish market
- Erbaria: The fruit and vegetable market
- Beccaria: The meat market
It’s the perfect place to find fresh produce from the Venetian Lagoon, including fish, seafood, vegetables, and mushrooms.
💡 Practical information 💡
The Rialto Market isn’t open every day. The Pescheria is open Monday to Saturday from 5 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; the Erbaria is open Tuesday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Food Tours & Cooking Classes
For food lovers, nothing beats a food tour to discover Venetian culinary specialties. Captain Ulysses recommends two in particular:
For those who prefer hands-on experience, why not take a cooking class? It’s a great way to explore Venice in a unique and interactive way:
👉 Skip the lines: book your tickets and tours in Venice, Italy!
Looking for tips and recommendations? Here are Captain Ulysses’ top picks for Venice!
🛏️ Accommodations: Our complete guide
🎟️ Activities: GetYourGuide | Tiqets
🎫 City Pass: here
🚐 Transfers: bus | vaporetto | water taxi
🚌 Local Transport: Transport Pass
✈️ Flights: Skyscanner (flights) | Omio (flights, trains & buses)
Credits
La Fenice
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