THE BEST WAY TO VISIT VENICE

16 July 2025

Venice is like a dream gently floating on water. With its labyrinth of canals, graceful gondolas, and charming bridges, it's a city unlike any other in the world. The absence of cars creates a uniquely intimate and magical atmosphere, where the lapping of water and the distant chime of a bell are the only sounds you will hear. For many travelers, especially those discovering Italy for the first time, knowing how to approach this floating city makes all the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one.

Let TourTailors guide you through the real Venice, with thoughtful itineraries that unveil its most cherished secrets.

 

Arrive and Soak In Your First Views of Venice

Bright daytime scene of Venice’s bustling Piazzetta San Marco filled with visitors, flanked by the Doge’s Palace and Libreria Sansoviniana, with columns and the sparkling lagoon beyond.

Your arrival in Venice is a breathtaking experience that awakens all the senses. As your boat glides along the Grand Canal for the first time, the city unfurls like a masterpiece, showcasing gothic palaces, Renaissance façades, and vibrant reflections dancing on the water's surface. The gentle hum of vaporettos, the melody of distant church bells, and the soft lapping of water against ancient stone create an atmosphere like no other.

As you step onto the floating city, pause on a bridge to watch gondolas glide under arched passages, and savor the aroma of fresh espresso mingling with the salty sea breeze. If you arrive by train, the moment you exit Santa Lucia Station, you are immediately greeted by the sight of boats navigating the shimmering canal. This first encounter sets the stage for an extraordinary journey filled with history, romance, and memorable discoveries.

 

Discover Venice's Iconic Landmarks

Panoramic aerial view of Piazza San Marco in Venice, showcasing the domes of St. Mark’s Basilica, the towering Campanile, and the Grand Canal filled with boats in the distance.

At the heart of Venice lies the magnificent St. Mark's Square, the city's grandest piazza and home to its most iconic treasures. Here, you'll find the stunning St. Mark's Basilica, with its intricate golden mosaics that glitter in the sunlight. Beside it stands the impressive Campanile, the bell tower offering panoramic views of the city's rooftops and the shimmering lagoon. A guided visit to the Doge's Palace is a must, where you can wander through opulent chambers and learn about the city's powerful past before crossing the legendary Bridge of Sighs.

A stroll across the Rialto Bridge, an architectural marvel and the oldest bridge spanning the Grand Canal, is an essential part of experiencing Venice. Nearby, the vibrant Rialto Market buzzes with local life, offering a feast for the senses with its colorful produce and fresh seafood.

 

Glide Through the Canals by Gondola and Vaporetto

Traditional gondola gliding along Venice’s Grand Canal at sunset, with the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Campanile rising behind in the golden light.
 

A trip to Venice shines even brighter with a glide through its famous waterways. For those truly special moments, a private gondola ride offers an intimate and romantic journey through the quieter, hidden canals, with a gondolier serenading you as you pass under charming bridges. It is a classic Venetian experience that creates lasting memories.

For a more practical and equally scenic way to see the city, the vaporetto, or water bus, is your best friend! It’s an efficient way to navigate the Grand Canal and reach different parts of the city. While a gondola offers romance, the vaporetto provides a fantastic opportunity for sightseeing. We recommend a vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal just before sunset. The golden light bathes the historic palaces in a warm glow, creating absolutely stunning photo opportunities and a truly magical atmosphere.

 

Wander into Venice's Hidden Corners

Smiling couple enjoying a moment on a quaint Venetian bridge, surrounded by narrow canals and colorful historic buildings with shuttered windows.

While the main sights are breathtaking, the true soul of Venice is found in its quieter, less-traveled corners. We encourage you to put away the map and simply get lost in the city's enchanting maze of alleys, or calli. Neighborhoods like Cannaregio, with its historic Jewish Ghetto, the artsy Dorsoduro, and the Castello district, where many locals reside, offer a glimpse into authentic Venetian life.

Here, you will discover quiet, picturesque canals, charming little squares, and local osterias where you can enjoy a glass of wine. You might stumble upon artisan workshops crafting beautiful masks or intricate glasswork. Exploring on foot is the best way to uncover these hidden gems and experience the wonderful surprises that Venice has to offer around every corner.

 

 

Venture Out to the Venetian Lagoon Islands

Colorful houses along a canal with boats in Burano, Italy, on a sunny day.

 

A short boat ride from the main island will transport you to a different side of Venetian culture in the enchanting lagoon islands. A visit to Murano is a must for anyone interested in the centuries-old art of glassmaking. You can watch skilled artisans transform molten glass into intricate chandeliers, vases, and delicate jewelry in their workshops. It’s a fascinating spectacle of fire and creativity.

Just a little further lies Burano, a vibrant fishing village famous for its brightly colored houses that create a kaleidoscope of color along the canals. Legend has it that the houses were painted in these brilliant hues so that fishermen could find their way home in the fog. Burano is also renowned for its delicate lacemaking, a tradition that has been passed down through generations. These islands offer a peaceful and colorful escape from the bustle of the city center!

 

Savor Authentic Venetian Flavours  

Close-up of a vibrant orange Aperol Spritz with an olive garnish and a plate of Venetian cicchetti on a stone ledge, with gondolas softly blurred in the background.
 

Venice’s culinary scene is as unique and delightful as the city itself. To eat like a local, be sure to try sarde in saor, a sweet and sour sardine dish that reflects the city's trading history, and the rich risotto al nero di seppia, a creamy risotto colored with squid ink.

For a truly authentic experience, dive into the world of cicchetti, small, tapas-like snacks served in traditional wine bars called bacari. These are perfect for a light lunch or pre-dinner bite. Imagine enjoying these delicious morsels with a glass of crisp Prosecco, the region's famous sparkling wine, while overlooking a quiet canal. From elegant canal-side dining to cozy, family-run trattorias tucked away in hidden alleys, Venice offers a culinary journey that is sure to delight your taste buds.

 

Choose the Perfect Time to Visit

Two elaborately costumed and masked figures in pink dresses pose at sunrise during Venice Carnival, with gondolas moored along the lagoon and clear blue skies.

 

Timing your visit to Venice can greatly enhance your experience! The spring and fall are arguably the best seasons, offering pleasant, sunny weather and fewer crowds than the peak summer months. The city is alive with blooming flowers in the spring, while the autumn brings a soft, golden light that is simply magical. It's important to be aware of acqua alta, or "high water," a seasonal flooding that can occur in late fall and winter. While the city is well-prepared with elevated walkways, it's something to keep in mind when planning your trip.

For a truly unique and festive experience, consider visiting during Carnival in late winter. The city comes alive with elaborate masks, costumes, and a celebratory atmosphere that is unlike anything else!

 

Follow These Helpful Tips for a Smooth Visit

Early morning view of the Piazzetta San Marco in Venice with warm streetlights glowing, Doge’s Palace arches on the left, the Lion of Saint Mark column, and the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore across the lagoon under a soft dawn sky.
 

Put on Your Comfy Shoes: Venice is made for walking! With its charming cobblestone streets and countless bridges, comfortable shoes will make it much easier (and more fun) to explore all its hidden gems.

Admire the Canals from Afar: The canals are the heart of Venice and part of what makes it so special. Enjoy their beauty from the bridges and walkways, but please stay out of the water to help protect this fragile environment.

Keep St. Mark’s Square Beautiful: The pigeons add to the lively atmosphere, and letting them find their own food helps preserve the beauty of the historic monuments and keeps the square sparkling for everyone.

Enjoy Venice’s Unique Way of Getting Around: Enjoy the charm of a city completely free of cars and bicycles. Navigating by foot or by boat is a peaceful and integral part of the Venetian experience.

Appreciate Venice as a Living City: Remember that beyond the tourist sights, Venice is a home to a vibrant local community. Be mindful of residents' space and daily routines as you explore their beautiful city.

 

Experience Venice Your Way with TourTailors

Ready to fall in love with the floating city? Let TourTailors craft a Venetian itinerary that is perfectly suited to your pace and interests. We believe in experiencing the best of both worlds, from the iconic landmarks that take your breath away to the authentic hidden gems that capture your heart. With our fully customizable tours, you can be sure to make the most of every moment in this unforgettable city. Contact us today, and let's start planning your dream Italian getaway!


 

Topics: portuguese travel agency, self-guided, tourtailors, Italy, Visit Italy, tourism travel, visit Venice, lagoon islands, Venice travel, how to visit Venice, best way to explore Venice, hidden gems in Venice, Venice canal tour guide

 

 

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