Venice has a history that spans thousands of years, but that history technically took place before the city was known as Venice. Venice, as the tradition of the town goes, was founded in 421 A.D. Throughout its history, the city has seen a lot of things. Venice was originally a part of and controlled by the Byzantine Empire.
In the beginning there have been a host of invasions; Attila the Hun in 453 A.D., the Lombards in 568 A.D., the Franks in 810 A.D. and the Turks in 1453 A.D. This region was seen as a strategic position due to its geographic location on the Adriatic Sea. Throughout all of the invasions, Venice continued to thrive as a trade city and port. Due to its geographic location the economy of Venice flourished as well. Many don’t know that Venice was under Austrian rule until 1866. In 1866, Venice was allowed to become part of the newly formed nation of Italy following the defeat of the Austrians by the Prussians. Throughout its history, Venice maintained itself as a leader in the Arts as well as a center of cultural expression.
Water dominates Venice when it comes to architecture, infrastructure, and transportation. The canals of Venice are a sight to behold, and they are also the highways of the city. Water is the best way to get around this city. Venice is a unique city because there are no cars that operate within Venice. Venice is a city that is dictated by water, and transportation is no different. Venice is the only pedestrian city in the entire world. When getting around Venice, your options are to go on foot or by water. There are plenty of water buses and water taxis available. Water taxis are going to be more expensive than water buses. Travelers can purchase travel cards if they are going to be in the city for a few days or a week visiting. A travel card is an excellent alternative for international travelers.
Venice is a city that is known for uniqueness and its rich history as a center for European culture. Venice is widely known to many as "La Serenissima, " meaning the most serene republic. It is a place that puts a significant emphasis on the importance of family, food and being together, as all Italians do. Venetians are proud of their city, and they take pride in sharing it with the world. One of the best times to see Venice is during their Carnival celebration. It is a way to see the most beautiful parts of the Venetian culture on full display through costume, food, music, and merriment.
The Piazza San Marco in Venice is one of the most historically significant locations in the city. If you stand in the middle and look around, you will find yourself surrounded by major landmarks of Venitian history. The San Marco Basilica is unmistakable, but take notice of the three flag poles in front. They are former ship's masts that once represented the kingdoms Venice conquered. The Florian, on the perimeter of the piazza, is also considered to be the oldest café in Europe. What other hidden facts will you uncover when you visit Venice?
When you picture Venice, you undoubtedly picture a gondola floating along the canals. These carefully designed boats date back to the 11th century and were once used as the primary form of transportation between the islands. Gondoliers represent one of the oldest trades in Venice, and they must complete rigorous training before they can take tourists around the canals.
Some of the must-see sights in Venice are not as old as the city itself. In 2017, a sculpture of two giant hands supporting the Ca'Sagredo Hotel along the Grand Canal was unveiled. This art installation was created by artist Lorenzo Quinn to bring awareness to the effects climate change has on the city and humankind's power to change it. See this incredible work of art for yourself when you visit Venice.
Venice is well known for having some of the most festive and unique holidays. Carnival, which takes place in February, is perhaps the most well known with its masked balls and parades. The Festa della Sensa is one of the most traditional holidays in Venice, celebrating the relationship between the city and the sea. The Dodge would parade out and toss a ring into the sea to seal the marriage, but today the procession is led by the mayor, and a symbolic wreath is placed in the lagoon.
As you walk around Venice, you'll notice motifs of a winged lion on the walls, pedestals, in churches, and museums. Representing the evangelist and patron saint, St. Mark, the winged lion holding a bible, has been the symbol of Venice for centuries. High above Piazza San Marco, there is even a bronze sculpture of the Lion of Venice, which stands watch over the city, asserting its dominance and power for all to see.
After spending time getting wonderfully lost on the streets of Venice, head to higher ground for a more scenic view. Atop the Campanile di San Marco, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city below along with the lagoon, Piazza San Marco, and neighboring islands. Originally built as a lighthouse, this 323ft bell tower is a great place to start or finish your day in Venice.
Part of the charm of Italy comes from the music that can be heard on every street corner. Fall into the rhythm of the day as you venture through the city. With live music all over the city, don't be surprised if you find yourself wanting to dance in the piazza. Let the music serenades you as you explore the magical city of Venice.
Also known as the City of Masks, Venice has an alluring and romantic reputation associated with masks that is centuries-old. What has now become a fun souvenir was once part of Venetian daily life. Masks were widely used to conceal the wearer's identity and social status. Today ornate masks are worn mostly during Carnival celebrations, and you'll even see people dressed in traditional Venetian costumes.
Choosing a mask in Venice is as personal as it is aspirational. With about seven different styles of Venetian masks, it is important to understand the meaning as well as the style. The Bauta mask is traditionally white and covers the entire face while the famous Colombian mask covers only half the face and is highly decorated. Look out for the Medico della peste with its long beak. This mask was traditionally worn by doctors to prevent the spread of disease!
Known for handmade lace and colorful homes, the picturesque island of Burano is a great escape from the crowded streets of Venice. The tradition of the brightly colored houses is said to have been a way for fishermen to spot the island when they returned home from the sea. When you take the ferry from Venice to Burano, you'll see why this worked as this colorful city begin to appear on the horizon.
When you think of popular Italian dishes, you might not think of zucchini flowers, but you should! These delicate blossoms are a summertime staple and very popular in Venitian cuisine. Scan the menu for fried zucchini flowers stuffed with cheese, and you'll be in for a treat. If you're feeling adventurous, stop by a local market, pick up some fresh blossoms and try making them on your own. A little batter and some aioli is all you need!
Italy is known for their delicious pasta and decadent desserts, and Venice is no exception. Cited as the home for many fan favorites, including the Bellini, Venice is a food lover's dream. After indulging in a plate of risotto al nero di seppia, be sure to save room for a delectable fruit tart, gelato, or fritole, which is a fried doughnut that is popular in the region.
Imagine sitting down at a café after a long day of walking around Venice and having your first taste of authentic Italian tiramisu. This light yet rich dessert is an Italian classic. Made with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and layered with airy mascarpone creme, tiramisu is the perfect treat to reward yourself with at the end of your day. Can't wait until dinner? Go ahead and have it with lunch, you won't be the only one!
Italy is part of the European Union and, thus, the Euro is the accepted currency in Venice. ATMs are not hard to find in Venice, especially in the major hotels, tourist attractions, and shopping areas. Many of the ATMs are multilingual, and they accept international cards. Travelers should be aware of any international transactions fees that their bank may charge them.
Credit cards are accepted in most places. Mastercard and Visa are the most commonly accepted credit cards in the city. Travelers also have the option to exchange their money at post offices, Bureaux de Change, and banks.
Venice experiences a relatively continental climate with humid, warm summers and wet, cold winters. December and January are the coldest months of the year with an average low around 33 degrees Fahrenheit as these are averages it can, and does, get colder. July and August are the warmest months with an average high around 82 degrees Fahrenheit, but Venice does experience heat waves where the highs can reach into the 90s. Because of the lagoon location of Venice, they can experience flooding in the winter and spring months, of which travelers need to be aware.
Italy adheres to the European standard when it comes to electrical outlets. The outlets accommodate 2- or 3-prong round plugs. Adapters are available for travelers in the major hotels. Italian outlets also run on 220 volts, where are U.S. outlets run on 110 volts. Travelers will need to get an adapter that is going to convert the power as well.
Travelers will have access to wifi networks in the major hotels in the city, the airport, and major train stations as well. There are also public wifi hotspots around the city. There is a list of these wifi hotspots available on the Autostrade website. Travelers can use these hotspots for up to 3 hours a day without a fee. These hotspots are going to be a much more economical way to access their phones and other devices. Roaming can get expensive. They will be able to make calls, but they are going to have to activate international service with their providers first.
Italian is the dominant language in Venice, as more than 95% of the population speak it as a first language. More than 85% of the population identifies as Catholic, with small pockets of Muslim and other religions.
GETTING THERE
Marco Polo International Airport is the most common way to get to Venice. It is located only about seven and a half miles from Venice by land and just over 6 miles from Venice by water. You can reach Venice from the airport by land via bus (Piazzale Roma terminal ACTV lines) or by water bus (Alilaguna motoscafi).
Sample 3 Days in Venice Itinerary: Add on other destinations
There’s much more to Italian food than pizza and pasta, and this Venice tasting tour offers a delicious introduction to Venetian cuisine. Get an insider’s perspective on where to drink and dine in the city, and sample an array of local specialties including fresh seafood, homemade gelato, traditional Venetian cookies, and regional wines.
Visit several bars, restaurants and foodie hotspots around Venice. Sample different regional foods, like fresh seafood, Venetian wines, and homemade gelato. Admire the beautiful canals and historic landmarks of Venice on a guided walking tour. Small-group tour ensures a personalized experience.
Venice’s earliest settlement and a tranquil escape from the typical tourist path. Enjoy the dedicated attention of your private guide on this 4-hour tour. of Murano, Burano and Torcello islands, in the Venetian Lagoon. Cruise by motor boat with your guide. Watch skilled glassblowers at work on Murano Island. Admire Burano Island’s pretty fishing port and browse for lace in the island's traditional shops. Explore Torcello Island and admire Venetian-Byzantine mosaics at the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. This private tour ensures you’ll see the best of Murano, Burano and Torcello while receiving undivided attention from your guide.
Venice is more than an open-air museum, it’s also a world-renowned gastronomy hub. Discover the full-flavored wines of Veneto during this insider’s wine crawl, which features six different labels in six different bars or restaurants. Enjoy tasty food pairings along the way from fresh regional ingredients, as you learn how to eat—and more importantly, drink—like a true Venetian local.
An insider’s small-group wine tasting and bar crawl through Venice. Visit a variety of bars and restaurants for a diverse cross-section of the city’s gastronomy scene. Listen to legends and stories from each neighborhood, plus the foods you sample. Ditch the tourist traps: discover places frequented only by locals and learn how to choose wine.
Explore the famous sites and hidden charms of Venice on this walking tour, followed by a ride through the city’s canals on an iconic gondola. Follow your local guide through a romantic maze of surrounding backstreets to discover some of Venice’s lesser-known gems. Learn the fascinating history of Venice as you wander through narrow alleys and over stone footbridges, and then hop aboard a Venetian gondola for a leisurely ride along the Grand Canal. Take a gondola ride down the Grand Canal of Venice! Enjoy a walking tour of Venice, passing sights that the tourist maps miss. Stroll through narrow back streets and alleyways while learning about Venetian history.
Credits:
Created with images by Bruna Branco - "Carbonara" • Markus Spiske - "A lot of cash EURO banknote cash money € 10,- € 20,- € 50,- and € 100,-" • Francesco Ceccarelli - "untitled image" • Markus Winkler - "untitled image" • Bernard Hermant - "untitled image" • James Coleman - "Rosary" • Dan Novac - "Summer in Venice" • Liubov Ilchuk - "Tasty stories" • Peggychoucair - "venice lido lido di venezia"