It's a phrase used all too loosely when describing so many cities around the world, but there really is nowhere else on earth like Venice. Built on 117 small islands, 150 canals flow through the city centre and each and every one will have you grabbing for your camera. While its streets can be incessantly busy, something will urge you to propel yourself through as many of them as possible. It can be unashamedly expensive, but eat and drink where the locals do and a visit there won't be as costly as you think.
Download Venice Pocket Guide »
Don't Have Adobe Acrobat Reader?
Download GuideI instantly loved this place from the moment I stepped off the bus. It is definitely a place for couples; I was alone and feel I would have enjoyed it more if I had been with others.
Insider Tip:Don't look at the map, walk until you are well and truly lost.
Venice was wonderful. A lot of people say that anyone will get lost but someone we didn't. We didn't look at a map but instead just walked around until we found something beautiful. Also, I would advise anyone staying on the bigger islands to take a day trip to Lido and visit the beach. Although seeing the ancient buildings is extraordinary, it was a great beach to relax on!
Insider Tip:Put away the map and follow the street signs (or the giant mobs of people) to the "hotspots". Eat as much gelato as you can!
Most beautiful city in Europe! A bit expensive but being in Venice is like travelling back in time. All of the buildings are old and original and there is so much history and culture around every turn. I would come back here every year if I could.
Insider Tip:Its an urban legend that Venice smells. Im sure in the past it has but after staying for 3 days (I've stayed in the high summer too on a separate trip) I couldn't find one unpleasant smell. Be ready to take water taxi's everywhere and make sure you have a detailed map because the Venetian pathways around the islands are windy and it is very easy to get lost.
I felt like I was in a movie the whole time, its indescribable. Catch the sunset on a boat from Lido to the main island because its the must beautiful I've ever seen in my life.
Insider Tip:Get the Venice Card, every boat trip coasts 6,5 euros so it will pay for itself if you are not staying in the main island. We paid 36 hours card which was 23 euros and took 7 trips so it was 23 euros instead of 45 euros.
Venice is now one of my favorite cities. It's the perfect place to just wander around, you really don't need to head anywhere specific. It's very easy to bump into sights, much easier than actually looking for them :/ the street signs can be a little confusing.
Insider Tip:Follow the arrow signs instead of street signs. Arrow signs are will be bigger and will say something like: S. Marco -> and it will take you to Canal Di S. Marco. It's much easier to navigate the city this way.
Win free nights, tours and more.
Watch our videos for tips on the world's top cities and more.
Download one of over 110 podcasts for the world's top cities.
Download one of over 90 pocket guides for the world's top cities.
