Book flights to Venice (VCE)

Book your visit to Venice

Venice is, arguably, the most beautiful city in the world. This incredible fairytale location set in a blue lagoon and surrounded by tiny islands is stunning and has inspired artists, musicians and poets for hundreds of years. Famous for its canals, its imposing buildings and its 400 bridges, it’s a destination that will call you back again and again.

From Murano glass to exquisite masked balls, espresso bars and the iconic gondoliers that ply their trade along the canals, everything about Venice is unique. While the sublime beauty of St Mark’s Square and the Renaissance-inspired church interiors are dazzling and can be seen in a weekend, a longer city break will give you the chance to explore its side streets and secret piazzas. This is where the true heart of Venice can be found.

Things to do in Venice

The heart of Venice is the Piazza San Marco or St Mark’s Square. This iconic location has been used in countless films, and its cafés sitting beneath the porticoes and the huge bell tower are just some of the delights on display. Don’t miss the glittering gold icons and mosaics on display in the Basilica de San Marco.

Sail down the Grand Canal in style with a gondolier, or travel like the locals on one of the vaporetti (water buses) that take you past sights like the Fondaco dei Turchi or the carved marble façade of the 15th-century Ca’ d’Oro.

The Rialto Bridge is one of Venice’s most famous landmarks and if you’ve chosen this city as a city break destination, one of the must-sees during your stay. The market on the western side of the bridge has been operating for over a thousand years.

Activities in Venice

Visit the Murano glassmaking island in the lagoon to see highly skilled craftspeople creating the most exquisite glassware. The island is just a ten-minute water taxi ride from Venice and is the home of glassmaking in Europe. A visit to the Museo del Vetro will introduce you to the craft and its history.

Another island to visit is Burano, with its brightly-coloured cottages and authentic ambience. This fishing community has managed to hold onto its cultural heritage and is a fascinating glimpse into life in Venice, the traditions such as lacemaking and a chance to try some Venetian food.

The best way to see Venice is to get lost! This compact city is easy to explore on foot and a few steps away from the busy tourist locations you’ll find the old Venice, with its piazzas and tiny streets.

Food in Venice

Thanks to its location and importance as a trade centre, Venice is a food lover’s delight. From the restaurants and cafés that line St Mark’s Square to fine dining and stand-up coffee bars, there’s lots to experience.

Fish plays a big role on the menus, especially cuttlefish. One of the city’s trademark dishes is seppie al nero, where black cuttlefish ink is used to create a rich sauce. Or try sarde in saor, fried sardines dipped in fried onions, raisins and pine nuts.

For a light lunch, try the Venetian version of tapas, cicchetti. Most traditional cicchetti dishes involve seafood including anchovies and tuna. Or try the local pizza.

For something more substantial, one of Venice’s favourite dishes is risotto, and risi e bisi is one of the most popular, a mix of rice and fresh peas.

Shopping in Venice

Venice has always been a trade hub, so shopping here is a delight. Calle Larga XXII Marzo is the city’s most famous shopping street, lined with luxury boutiques and restaurants.

The area around Piazza San Marco is the place to go for high-end international brands, or browse around Campo Santo Stefano and Calle de la Mandola for more quirky boutiques and some great vintage stores. For a truly luxurious shopping experience, visit the Fondaco dei Tedeschi, in front of the Grand Canal.

The Rialto market has been a bustling hive of activity for 1000 years, and it’s still a place to buy trinkets and souvenirs today, especially masks and enamel jewellery.

And for some authentic Murano glass, head over to the island of Murano to ensure you buy authentic pieces made by the island’s artisans.