Venice Holidays

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Venice

🏛️ Why Visit Venice, Italy?

This floating city is like nowhere else on earth, built on 118 islands connected by over 400 bridges and steeped in romance. You've got stunning palaces rising straight from the water, gondoliers singing opera as they glide through canals, and every corner you turn reveals another jaw-dropping vista. It's romantic, it's historic, and it's absolutely crackers – which is exactly why millions of people fall head over heels for Venice every year.

Top reasons to visit Venice:

🏛️ Floating city magic – There's literally nowhere else like it, with palaces and churches rising directly from the water
🎭 St. Mark's Square spectacular – Home to the stunning Byzantine basilica and the Gothic Doge's Palace that'll blow your mind
🚣 Grand Canal adventures – Take a vaporetto ride down this aquatic highway lined with Renaissance palaces
🏰 Island hopping brilliance – Escape the crowds to colorful Burano and glass-making Murano for proper local vibes
🍷 Cicchetti culture – Venice's answer to tapas, perfect for a budget-friendly feast with local wine

🎭 Top Things to Do in Venice

Art & Culture Buffs

🏛️ St. Mark's Basilica – This Byzantine masterpiece will leave you absolutely speechless with its 24-carat gold mosaics and intricate paintings. Entry's free, but you'll want to book online for €6 to skip the mental queues!

🎨 Doge's Palace – This gothic palace was home to the Doge (basically the city's top boss) and is packed with grand halls, golden ceilings, and secret prison cells. You can even walk across the actual Bridge of Sighs – because why just look at it when you can dramatically sigh your way across?

📚 Libreria Acqua Alta – Since 2002, the Liberia Acqua Alta has been Venice's answer to Paris's Shakespeare and Co. and New York's Strand. Books are piled high outside, and inside you'll find a proper book-filled gondola – talk about literary magic!

Beach Lovers & Water Enthusiasts

🚣 Grand Canal Vaporetto Ride – Skip the pricey gondola and hop on the water bus for epic views of Renaissance palaces lining this busy waterway. A day pass is brilliant value if you're planning to explore!

⛵ Traghetto Experience – Essentially a public gondola, they cross the Grand Canal at five points. You get all the views, with less of the waves caused by all the boats – and all for €2 a pop. Genius!

🏝️ Island Adventures – Just a short ferry ride away, you'll find Burano, which is known for its intricate lace and brightly colored houses, and Murano, world-famous for its vibrant, hand-blown glass. Proper Instagram gold!

🏨 Top Hotels in Venice

Hilton Molino Stucky Venice - Located on Giudecca Island, this swanky hotel boasts a rooftop pool with panoramic views, a luxurious spa, and multiple dining options including the renowned Skyline rooftop bar. With a private shuttle boat to St. Mark’s Square, you’re just minutes away from the heart of Venice.
Carlton on the Grand Canal - Situated right on Venice’s most famous waterway, this elegant hotel offers classic Venetian decor, a rooftop lounge, and easy access to major attractions like the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square. Enjoy a romantic dinner at the on-site restaurant or sip cocktails with a view.
Palazzo Barocci - A historic gem dating back to the 1300s, this hotel combines old-world charm with modern amenities. Located near the Rialto Bridge, it features a beautiful garden, elegant rooms with canal views, and a delightful breakfast buffet to start your day.
Paganelli - Just steps from Piazza San Marco, Paganelli offers breathtaking views of the San Marco basin and the Island of San Giorgio. This former Benedictine convent now features elegantly refurbished rooms and a rooftop terrace perfect for evening aperitifs.
Hotel Al Piave - Nestled in the Castello district, this family-run hotel is a short stroll from St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. With modern amenities, comfortable rooms, and a hearty buffet breakfast, it’s an excellent base for exploring Venice.

💰 How to Have a Very Cheap Venice Holiday (that's still brilliant)

🗓️ When to Go

Just like a businesswoman in the 80’s it’s all about the shoulders - in this case, the shoulder seasons! Spring and fall in Venice are magical. The weather is comfortable, perfect for wandering the streets and taking in the sights. You'll dodge the summer crowds, find cheaper flights, and actually be able to move around without being squeezed like a sardine! January might sound mental, but it was a fantastic opportunity to see Venice without the crowds of peak summer time – plus you'll get proper local vibes.

💡 Smart Savings

🚌 Vaporetto passes – While individual tickets are ridiculously expensive at 9.50 euros, there are travel passes that are actually not that bad. The more days you buy, the cheaper your rides become. A 24-hour pass works for actual 24 hours from when you validate it – clever!

🏠 Stay in Mestre – Consider staying in Mestre (on the mainland) and taking the bus/tram to the city. Accommodations in Mestre are considerably cheaper and the bus ride is very quick and affordable. You'll escape the tourist madness at night too!

💧 Free water fountains – There are 122 water fountains to refill a water bottle around Venice. Skip the €1.50 restaurant water and stay hydrated for free!

🎉 Free Fun

🏛️ St. Mark's Basilica is completely free to enter! 🎨 Wander the squares – every campo (square) has its own character and costs nothing to explore. 📚 Libreria Acqua Alta browsing is free and absolutely bonkers. 🌉 Bridge views – The Accademia Bridge view is stunning and won't cost you a penny! 🎭 People watching in St. Mark's Square is proper entertainment, especially with a gelato in hand.

🚌 Getting About

Walking is your best mate in Venice – the whole city center is perfectly walkable! When you need water transport, the vaporetto is your best friend. This water bus system is like the metro but on water. Download the ACTV app to navigate schedules like a pro. For island hopping, your vaporetto pass covers Murano and Burano too – sorted! 🚣

Venice might have a reputation for being pricey, but with a bit of planning you can experience all the magic without spending a fortune. Get lost in the backstreets, munch on cicchetti, and remember – the main sights are free, cheap bar snacks are nutritious, and the city center is walkable. Now that's what we call a proper brilliant jollie! 🎉

Popular Venice hotels

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Weather in Venice

JAN

7^°C

FEB

9^°C

MAR

13^°C

APR

17^°C

MAY

22^°C

JUN

26^°C

JUL

29^°C

AUG

28^°C

SEP

24^°C

OCT

18^°C

NOV

13^°C

DEC

8^°C

For a warm city break to Venice, it’s best to travel between May and September when average temperatures range between 17°C and 23°C. April and October are a little cooler with averages between 12°C and 14°C and from November to March the temperatures drop, ranging from 3°C to 8°C.

FAQs

It takes around two-and-a-half hours to fly from the UK to Venice.

Venice is one hour ahead of the UK.

In Venice, they use the Euro.

They speak Italian in Venice.

Our guide to a trip to Venice:

Rialto Bridge food market

If you’re a foodie, a visit to the Rialto Bridge food market will be enjoyable just by itself, with the unique local produce that you can use to create deliciously fresh Venetian dishes. If you want to truly experience the market and all it has to offer, there’s also the Rialto Food and Wine tour, which takes you around the stalls and allows you to sample the different food and wine that are on sale.

Gondola ride

The obvious thing to do when in Venice, you can’t miss out on a ride on the famous gondolas along the city’s canal. Whether you just want to give your feet a rest or you’re looking for a romantic excursion, these boat rides are perfect for a relaxing break whilst seeing the sights of the city along the way.

Visit Castello

The centre of Venice is definitely a place to explore and see the sights, but if you want a break from the bustling city centre and the tourist-heavy areas then head to Castello. The residential area is just 15 minutes away from the main square and is filled with local independent businesses, making for a lovely day out if you want to see another side of Venice.

Carnival

If you’re looking to visit around February, the Venice Carnival is an amazing event hosted once a year and is one not to miss. You’ll find live music, a parade, events and plenty of people dressed in unique costumes and masks. A tradition since the 11th century, the Venice Carnival is definitely one you’ll remember.

What events can I go to in Venice?
You've landed in the city of masks and mystery, where every corner turns into a stage, and the calendar is as packed with events as a gondola during Carnevale. Here's the lowdown on Venice's can't-miss events:
- Carnevale (Jan/Feb)- Don your most outlandish mask and dive into the world's most stylish masquerade. It's like Halloween and your best-dressed gala had a baby, and it's fabulous.
- Venice Biennale - Art's big league, where you can pretend to ponder the meaning of modern art or actually be blown away by the sheer creativity on display.
- Regata Storica (September) - Boats, pageantry, and a whole lot of rowing. Think the Oxford-Cambridge race but with more costumes and Italian flair.
- Festa della Madonna della Salute (November) - A day where Venetians give a nod to the heavens for keeping plagues at bay. Solemn, historic, yet a sight to behold.
- Venice Film Festival (August) - Walk the red carpet in your mind as the stars descend upon the Lido. It's like the Oscars, but you can actually get close enough to the action without being a celeb.
- Festa del Redentore (July) - Fireworks, feasts, and boat parties. It's the Fourth of July meets Thanksgiving on water.
What's the nightlife like in Venice?
Oh, you're ready to dance with the night in Venice? Here's your go-to guide for when the moon winks over the city of canals, and the streets hum with secrets and soirees:
- Nighthawk Nibbles - Start with cicchetti bar hopping – Venice's answer to the pub crawl, but with more olives and less regret.
- Jazz by the Canals - Slip into a jazz bar, where the sax serenades the gondolas, and the night is as smooth as a well-aged grappa.
- Clubbing with Casanova - Wanna dance? Hit a club and channel your inner Venetian playboy. It's where history meets a DJ booth.
- Late-Night Literature - For a quieter evening, find a late-night bookshop. It's like partying with words.
- Moonlit Murano - Take a nocturnal ferry to Murano. The glass might not glow, but the street lamps over the canals sure set the mood.
- Rooftop Revelries - Cap it all off with a rooftop cocktail, where the skyline is your VIP guest, and the stars light up the VIP lounge.
What's the food like in Venice?
Venice isn't just about dreamy canals and swoon-worthy sunsets; it's a playground for your palate, a maze of mouth-watering marvels. Here, food isn't just sustenance; it's a full-on spectacle, with a spritz of history in every bite. So, let's twirl our forks and dive into the Venetian vibe, where the carbs are always welcomed, and the seafood is the star of the show.
- Cicchetti: Venice's version of tapas. Must-tries include baccalà mantecato and fried mozzarella. Pop into any bacaro and snack like a local.
- Bigoli in salsa: Thick, whole-wheat pasta with a rich anchovy sauce. It's the undercover agent of the pasta world.
- Fritto misto: A medley of fried seafood, served piping hot. It's the Venetian twist on the ultimate fish and chips.
- Risotto al nero di seppia: Squid ink risotto that’s as dramatic in colour as it is in taste. For those who live for the bold flavours.
- Pizza: Can't miss the pizza. It’s like the gondola of comfort food – essential and always a good idea.
- Tiramisu: Dive into the dessert that calls Veneto its birthplace. This isn't just a sweet treat; it's a spoonful of history.
- Drinks: Sip on an ombra (a small glass of wine) or get fancy with a Bellini at Harry's Bar. When in Venice, drink as the Venetians do.

Places to visit

St Mark's Basilica
Get ready to have your socks charmed right off at St. Mark's Basilica, the crown jewel of Venice where opulence and history hug it out. This isn't just a church; it's a celestial showroom of Byzantine art that's been dropping jaws since the 11th century. Step inside and let the golden mosaics do the talking – and trust me, they're chatty. With every inch telling a story, you’ll be walking through a glittering book of biblical tales. Look up and catch the gleam of the Pala d'Oro, a backdrop so lavish it makes the Oscars look understated. And if you're feeling extra, shimmy up to the terrace for a panoramic selfie with the bronze horses. They don’t bite; they just add sparkle to your feed. So go on, waltz into this basilica and let Venice show you how they do divine drama.
The Doge's Palace
This place is like the Oscars red carpet of Venetian history – dramatic, a little bit extra, and totally unmissable. It's a maze of marble that's seen more plot twists than a telenovela. As you glide up the Scala d’Oro (that’s the Golden Staircase to us commoners), you can almost hear the rustle of silken robes and the soft clink of secret deals. The Chamber of the Great Council is basically the VIP lounge of its day, except instead of celebs, you've got Venice's who's who in fresco form, giving you the eye from every wall. The Doge's Palace isn't just a trip through history; it's a full-on backstage pass to the drama of Venice’s glory days. So strut in there and soak up the splendour – it's your historical catwalk, darling.
Grand Canal
All aboard for a splash through Venice's Grand Canal, the city's show-stopping main artery. Picture this: a rippling runway where palatial 'float' homes drop jaws and gondolas glide with the grace of swans. It's where history is reflected on the water's surface, and every bend reveals a new, postcard-perfect scene. Zip under the Rialto Bridge, wave to waterfront cafes, and cruise the catwalk of canals where Venice's heart beats with stories of the past. Quick, grab your camera – this is one ride you'll want to remember!

Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.

For day-trippers, a daily €5 fee will apply as of 17th January 2024 for entrance to the city and its historical landmarks. The fee is applicable on specific days from 25th April to 5th May and on weekends in May, June, and July, from 8:30AM to 4PM, excluding access to the islands. You'll pay the fee online at the Venice Access Fee portal, and then receive a QR code which will give you entry to the attractions. This is in place to manage tourism and to ensure that the sights don't get overly crowded during peak times.

If you're staying overnight in Venice, then currently no tourist tax applies, but you'll still need to register for a QR code via the Venice Access Fee portal.

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Venice Holidays

Enjoy our lowest-priced travel months!

Venice

🏛️ Why Visit Venice, Italy?

Top reasons to visit Venice:

🎭 Top Things to Do in Venice

Art & Culture Buffs

Beach Lovers & Water Enthusiasts

🏨 Top Hotels in Venice

💰 How to Have a Very Cheap Venice Holiday (that's still brilliant)

🗓️ When to Go

💡 Smart Savings

🎉 Free Fun

🚌 Getting About

Popular Venice hotels

Weather in Venice

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

View destination on a map

FAQs

How long does it take to fly to Venice?

What's the time difference between the UK and Corfu?

What currency do they use in Venice?

What language do they speak in Venice?

Our guide to a trip to Venice:

Rialto Bridge food market

Gondola ride

Visit Castello

Carnival

What events can I go to in Venice?

What's the nightlife like in Venice?

What's the food like in Venice?

Places to visit

St Mark's Basilica

The Doge's Palace

Grand Canal

Key facts about Venice

Flight Time

2.5 hrs

Time Difference

+1 hr

Currency

Euro

Language

Italian

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Venice?

Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Venice?