Venice is a charming Italian city popular with couples due to its endless romantic appeal, though it has something special for every type of holiday maker. Visit Venice on a city break and discover its picturesque canal network, beautiful palaces, Renaissance art, historic piazzas, traditional Italian restaurants, and so much more. Brightsun Travel offers cheap holidays to Venice from the UK, taking you to the heart of this wonderful city.
Look forward to admiring boundless art masterpieces in Venice at museums, galleries and crafts centres, plus on the city’s buildings including palaces and inside churches. Another unmissable experience in Venice is a classic gondola ride along the Grand Canal, and there are also lots of hidden gems in the city, from independent bookstores to backstreets and waterfront restaurants.
Venice is located in northeastern Italy, Veneto region, on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and connected by bridges.
Venice is best explored on foot. Many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. The public water buses called vaporetto are essential for longer distances and island hopping. Venice Gondolas make for a special experience and allow you to take the scenic route, but are more expensive than other transport options.
Staying in central areas near San Marco or the Rialto can be convenient for accessing Venice’s main attractions, but this can be more expensive. Cannaregio and Dorsoduro are more affordable and authentic options, offering a quieter experience with easy access to the main sights.
Visit Venice’s Popular Attractions During Non-Peak times
Landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica are less crowded early in the morning or later in the afternoon; we’d advise getting up early to see the sights.
Explore Lesser-Known Areas
Venture beyond the main tourist spots to discover quieter and more authentic parts of Venice.
Acqua Alta (High Water)
Check forecasts for Acqua alta which can occur in autumn and winter. Look out for forecasts and be prepared with waterproof footwear if you’re visiting during these times.
St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) - Venice’s most iconic church, renowned for its stunning Byzantine architecture, golden mosaics, and intricate marble floors. Enjoy panoramic views from the terrace.
Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) - the former residence of the Doge of Venice, showcasing Gothic architecture and lavish interiors. Admire the ornate Doge’s apartments, the Bridge of Sighs, and the prison cells.
Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) - the oldest and most famous bridge spanning the Grand Canal, known for its architectural elegance and the Rialto Market.
Grand Canal (Canal Grande) - the main waterway of Venice, lined with beautiful palaces and buildings. Take a Vaporetto (water bus) or a private water taxi to see the city’s stunning architecture from the water.
St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) - the central square of Venice, surrounded by historic landmarks, the Campanile bell tower, cafes, and shops.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection - a modern art museum housed in the former home of the American art collector Peggy Guggenheim.
Murano Island - known for its glassmaking industry, Murano is famous for its intricate glassblowing techniques. Visit the Murano Glass Museum and enjoy a stroll around the island’s picturesque canals.
Burano Island - a colourful island known for its brightly painted houses and lace-making traditions.
Torcello Island - a quiet, historically significant island known for its early Christian churches and serene countryside atmosphere.
Ca’ d’Oro (Palazzo Santa Sofia) - a beautiful Gothic palace on the Grand Canal with an ornate facade and impressive art collection.
Gallerie dell'Accademia - Venice’s most important art museum, showcasing a vast collection of Venetian paintings.
Teatro La Fenice - Venice’s historic opera house, renowned for its beautiful interiors and performances.
Biblioteca Marciana (Marciana Library) - a historic library housing ancient manuscripts and rare books. Highlights include the grand reading room and collection of Renaissance manuscripts and texts.
Campo Santa Margherita - a lively square in the Dorsoduro district. Relax with a coffee or a meal at one of the local cafes and enjoy the authentic Venetian vibe.
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute - not only an architectural marvel but also a key part of Venice's historical and cultural landscape, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's artistic heritage and spiritual devotion.
Venice experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons.
Spring (March to May)
Weather in spring is mild and gradually warming, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 8°C to 22°C, and blooming flowers that make it a great time for exploring Venice and its canals.
Summer (June to August)
Weather in summer is warm to hot and typically dry, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C. Summer is ideal for outdoor activities and gondola rides but can be crowded with tourists. Be prepared for occasional high humidity.
Autumn (September to November)
Venice in autumn is mild to cool, with increasing chances of rain. Temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 13°C to 24°C. Autumn sees fewer tourists, but it is also the season when the city might experience acqua alta (high water), particularly in October and November.
Winter (December to February)
Venice winters are cool and damp, with occasional frost. Temperatures range from 0°C to 8°C. This is a quieter time to visit with fewer tourists, which makes for a more peaceful experience. Be prepared for rain and occasional fog, and check forecasts for acqua alta.
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