Charm laden canals, golden squares, waterside palaces – it’s little wonder that Venice is billed as the most romantic city on earth.
A city for the curious, getting lost in Venice is half the fun. Time-worn streets lead you past tiny pizzerias and shops hung with Venetian masks. Gondoliers glide down waterways navigated by their ancestors, while vaporetti speed down the Grand Canal to St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. Islands gather in the surrounding Venetian Lagoon – and each have their own specialty. Nip over to Murano to see the masterful glass blowers or to Burano to wander the canals framed by rainbow-coloured houses.
Inghams operate a telephone Rep service in Venice.
Things to do in resort
Piazza San Marco
Home to the Basilica di San Marco, the Torre dell’Orologio and the Doge’s Palace, Saint Marks Square marks the heart of Venice and you’re bound to be drawn to it in no time. The square has a great energy about it always buzzing with people and plenty to see and do.
Basilica di San Marco
It’s one of the most visited sights in the city for good reason! The Basilica is a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture with its five teardrop domes. Its lavish decoration and intricate gilt mosaics have lead it to be nicknamed the Basilica d’Oro or Golden Basilica. It originated as the chapel of the Doge and became the resting place of Saint Mark in 829. The ornate decorations are in part thanks to a law passed by the Doge in 1075, which required all ships returning to Venice to bring back something precious to decorate the basilica. Spot the spot the “modern” mosaic designs by the likes of Titian and Tintoretto, as you explore this architectural masterpiece. These designs replaced some of the originals between 1500 and 1750.
Harry’s Bar
Harry’s bar has been a popular watering hole for artists, writers and aristocrats since 1929. The home of the original Bellini, Harry’s bar is where Giuseppe Cipriani invented the delicious combination of prosecco and pureed white peaches in 1948 and named it after the 15th century artist Giovanni Bellini.
Murano
Learn about the elite pursuit of the glassmaking artisans of the Venetian Republic with a trip to the island of Murano in the Venetian Lagoon. You’ll find glass-lined streets, factories and shops selling the famous colourful glass. Weekday mornings are the best time to catch the glass blowers in action.
The Venetian Ghetto
This was the Jewish quarter of Venice from the 16th to 19th centuries. Originally, a getto (foundry) it became the living quarters of the Venetian Jewish community. The law restricted them to this district at night and during Christian Holidays. With growing numbers of people and limited space, the buildings grew taller, housing synagogues and publishing houses. It wasn't until Venice joined with Italy in 1866 that full emancipation was gained for the Jewish people of Venice. However, this was short lived with many fleeing before the Nazi occupation. Today, the Jewish Museum brings to life the tumultuous history of Venetian Jews by sharing their stories. The Jewish quarter is a vibrant site of Jewish history, with a distinct Jewish population still living here. Wander through the streets lined with synagogues, restaurants and bakeries.
Venice Lido
The Venice Lido is a small island in the Venetian lagoon which has lovely beaches and great views of the city. Take a break from city life and find a spot on the 11 kilometre coastline. There’s a public beach to the north (come early to get a good spot) or you can choose from one of the paid private beaches.
The Bridge of Sighs
Known as the Ponte dei Sospiri in Italian, the covered bridge passes over the Rio di Palazzo and links the Doges Palace to the Prigioni, the prisons built across the canal in the 16th century. Hence the name, the bridge of sighs, it’s the last thing the prisoners would see before being incarcerated. As you pass beneath, spot the ten faces that decorate its baroque exterior, only one is smiling. If you visit the Doges Palace you can actually cross the bridge, but the best views are from the water.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
If you’ve had your share of Renaissance and are looking for something more contemporary, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is the place to go. It offers a more modern roster of works by mostly European artists from Picasso to Matisse, curated by the eccentric American heiress in the mid-20th century. Think cubism, futurism and surrealism. The gallery's artsy café is a great spot for a tea or coffee break.
Location in resort
- Longitude: 12.3278783
- Latitude: 45.435319
For more information on travel and transport visit our Venice page
