Venice, the city of canals and bridges, is a place with no equal in Europe. This floating jewel is rich with centuries of history and culture, from its iconic landmarks to world-famous art exhibitions and romantic gondolas.
It also has some pretty amazing islands to explore, including Murano and Burano, where you can visit glassmakers and lace makers and take in their crafts. Or try day-tripping to the long, thin island of Lido, which is a perfect beach getaway!
1. St. Mark’s Basilica
With an intricately designed exterior, St. Mark’s Basilica is one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks and also ranks among the world’s top cathedrals.
Visitors flock to this basilica from all over the globe to admire its unique blend of Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Moreover, the interiors are adorned with more than 8,000 square meters of golden mosaics.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit for travellers! The gleaming mosaics and plundered sculptures are awe-inspiring to witness.
You can take a guided tour to learn more about the history and art of this church. It is the best way to experience this renowned monument as you will get the opportunity to see parts of this beautiful building that are usually overlooked by tourists.
2. Doge’s Palace
Doge’s Palace is an iconic example of Venetian architecture and it’s full of fascinating stories. Its iconic facade overlooking the Piazzetta was built mainly in the 14th century and it showcases an incredible collection of paintings by some of the greatest artists of all time.
The interior of the palace is quite impressive as well - it showcases a massive amount of paintings and there are also some interesting sculptures. However, a visit to the Doge’s Palace can be tiring for younger children, especially if they’re not used to walking for long periods of time.
It’s worth visiting this historic building if you’re in Venice and it’s one of the city’s must-see attractions for tourists. There are a number of tours you can book prior to your trip that will take you around the palace and show you some hidden gems. These tours are a must if you want to experience this unique piece of history and see some of the world’s most famous artworks.
3. Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge, also known as Ponte di Rialto, is one of the most famous landmarks in Venice. Its beautiful views over the Grand Canal make it a popular tourist spot for people visiting Venice.
A curved bridge, Rialto Bridge is one of the four bridges that span the Grand Canal in Venice. It is also one of the oldest.
In its history, it has been built in several phases. In the beginning, it was a simple structure made of boats linked together. Then, it was completely rebuilt.
To reach the bridge, you can use any Vaporetto water bus line 1 or 2. You should know that it is very crowded during the day and at the peak of the high season.
4. St. Mark’s Campanile
Originally constructed as a watchtower, the 97-metre-high bell tower is now Venice’s highest structure. From its gilded spire, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking pigeon’s-eye view of the city, including the lagoon and surrounding islands.
The tower also houses a marble belfry and a gilded weather-vane resembling the Archangel Gabriel. During the 15th century, the tower underwent extensive restorations following fires and lightning strikes.
In 1902, a lightning strike destroyed the tower’s spire, but the city decided to build a new one. Luckily, no people were hurt during the collapse.
5. Piazza San Marco
The largest of the city’s squares, Piazza San Marco is a bustling commercial and religious center that attracts tourists from all over the world. It’s lined by Procuraties (three connected buildings) whose arcaded ground floors host elegant cafes.
- A stroll along the promenade reveals a riot of domes, arches, and soaring St. Mark’s Campanile on one side. On the other are a plethora of museums and monuments.
- If you’re in the mood for history, visit the Museo Correr - Venice’s premier art and history museum, which is located on the square. You’ll also want to check out the Archaeological Museum and Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana.
- Another iconic landmark is the Clock Tower, a medieval architectural wonder that was rebuilt by Mauro Codussi between 1496 and 1499. It features the winged lion of Saint Mark and two bronze Moors who strike the bell to indicate the hour.
