1. Canal Grande (Grand canal)
Canal Grande is the most popular attraction in Venice known for its water taxi, gondola orvaporettis. Through the very famous Gondola ride (Venetian rowing boat), it offers the ultimate Venetian experience as it cruises through some of the finest bridges and castles.
It is a magnificent reverse S-shaped canal connecting the two ends of the city - the lagoon near Santa Lucia Railway Station and the basin in San Marco. It makes for a perfect romantic night as you witness a breath-taking sunset over its sparkling waters.
Location: 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
2. Ponte di Rialto (Rialto bridge)
Ponte di Rialto is one of the most beautiful bridges on the Grand Canal known for its stone arches and shops. It is close to some gorgeous churches and on one end of the bridge is a busy food market and a popular tourist attraction. It is also dotted with some of the best eating joints that are relatively less crowded. The bridge also offers an unparalleled view of the canal and Venetian buildings and is a must for your photo sessions.
Location: Sestiere San Polo, 30125 Venezia VE, Italy
3. Palaso Dogla (Doge’s palace)
This is a lavish palace that was turned into a museum about 100 years ago. It is a minute’s walk away from the famous Bridge of Sighs and is a classic example of Venetian gothic architecture. It is popular for its amalgamation of History, Art and Roman culture.
The Museum houses ornate artwork by acclaimed Renaissance artists and thus makes for a perfect day out for appreciating European architecture. Since it is a highly popular tourist destination, the queues for passes can be exhausting, so it is advisable to book tickets in advance.
Location: Santa Croce district
Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Charges: € 14
4. Gallerie Dell’Accademia
Gallerie Dell’Accademia houses a rich collection of Venetian paintings arranged in chronological order so you can appreciate the evolution of art from the medieval period. The gallery houses art by some very notable artists like Leonardo Da Vinci (The Vitruvian Man), Bellini, Tintoretto, Lorenzo Lotto, among others.
Location: Campo della Carita, 1050, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
Opening hours: 10 AM – 7:15 PM on all days except Monday. The gallery is open from 10 am – 2 pm on Monday.
Charges: € 12 + € 1.50 as reservation fee
5. Torcello Island
Located nine kilometers from the north-eastern lagoon of Venice, is the small beautiful island of Torcello. While most of the architectural splendors have disappeared now, it is the home to cute palazzos, cathedrals, and a church. Noteworthy attractions include Atilla’s chair and the Devil’s Bridge. The place is perfect for a quiet, scenic day out or date, away from crowds and clichés.
6. Arsenale di Venezia (Arsenal and Museum of Naval History)
The Arsenal is a complex of shipyards and armories, and it symbolizes the Venetian republic’s naval power. It is also called ‘one of the earliest large-scale industrial enterprises in history.’ Close to the Arsenal is the Museum of Naval History that displays fine objects brought back from wars.
The objects housed here are appreciated for their depiction of sea-life, not so much for artistic finesse. A large model of the legendary ship, Bucintoro, is also on display over here.
Location: 30122 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Opening hours:
- 1 April to31 October: 10 am to 6 pm (last admission 5 pm)
- 1 November to 31 March: 10 am to 5 pm (last admission 4 pm)
Charges: € 10
7. Jewish Museum
Jewish museum is located in Ghetto Novo, amidst the two ancient Venetian synagogues. The museum is home to manuscripts and ancient books that were used in the important moments of civil and religious life. It was founded in 1953 by the Jewish Community of Venice and will give you an impression of the glorious past of Venice.
The museum has a collection of around thirty thousand objects reflecting the Jewish community. It contains archaeological artifacts, photographs, paintings, ceremonial objects and antiquities.
Location: Campo di Ghetto Nuovo, 2902/b, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy
Opening hours:
- 10 am - 7 pm June-September
- 10am - 5.30 pm October-May. Closed on Saturday
Charges: € 8
8. Burano
Close to Torcello, is a vibrant, lively small island of Burano which is known for housing colourful fishermen’s houses. It is famous for its traditional lace, Bussola cookies, and delicious seafood (do try risotto de gò, aka fish broth risotto–a local specialty). You can also take a leisurely walk through its hidden streets that unfold a new surprise at every corner.
9. Campo Santa Maria Formosa
This is the largest square in Venice, dating back to the 15th century. Here you’ll also find the bell tower that Peter tried to save from collapsing in Spiderman: Far from Home. It is surrounded by many beautiful buildings such as Casa Venier and Palazzo Vitturi, making it an important landmark of Venice.
