Venice Holidays

Holidays to Venice are ideal for city breaks, whether you’re after a family holiday or a dreamy escape for couples.

• The Dorsoduro district gives you a glimpse at the real Venice among fantastic attractions. Visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia and people-watch in the vibrant Campo Santa Margherita.
• First built in 1792, the Teatro La Fenice is the city’s most prestigious theatre, adorned in dazzling red and gold decor. Catch a show during opera season or take a guided tour.
• Stroll around the dynamic neighbourhood of Cannaregio, day or night. Fuel up at traditional osterias, then explore the Jewish Ghetto, the Church of Madonna dell’Orto and the Ponte delle Guglie.
• The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is housed in Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the Grand Canal. Discover works from around 200 artists, including Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali.
• Include San Giorgio Maggiore on your island-hopping itinerary. It’s home to the brilliant marble Basilica of the same name. Climb to the top of the bell tower for sweeping Venetian views.

Ready to tick off some famous landmarks from your bucket list? You’ll find several in Venice.

• The most significant waterway in Venice, Canal Grande, is a breathtaking hive of activity flanked by glorious Venetian architecture. Discover some of the city’s most famous landmarks along the Grand Canal, including the Rialto Bridge.
• Piazza San Marco is nothing less than a show-stopper, so get your camera ready. Apparently, Napoleon called the famous square the ‘drawing room of Europe’. Shops, cafes and iconic buildings add to the splendour.
• A Gothic masterpiece, the Doge’s Palace, overlooks the Grand Canal and Piazza San Marco. It was the historic seat of power for the Venetian Republic for more than 700 years.
• Take an elevator ride to the highest point in Venice, atop the Campanile di San Marco. The bell tower is a symbol of the Venetian landscape and offers incredible views across the lagoon.
• Founded in the 9th century, Basilica di San Marco is a spectacular blend of marble pillars, grand domes and stonework arches. The stunning interior houses sumptuous gold Byzantine mosaics.

Around 150 canals make up the floating city of Venice, with charming bridges and scenic walkways.

• Four spectacular bridges stand over the Grand Canals: The famous Rialto, the Accademia Bridge, the Scalzi Bridge and the Constitution Bridge.
• Step into the alleys surrounding Piazza San Marco and into a world of quaint bridges across narrow canals filled with gondoliers.
• Discover the shopping on Via Garibaldi in the neighbourhood of Castello, and join the locals at the adjoining canal for fresh produce. The ‘boat of fruits’ is a historic reminder of the floating shops of days gone by.
• To find secluded bridges and narrow canals away from the tourist crowds, lose yourself in Santa Croce. Colourful buildings stand alongside the water, and the area has a tranquil, local atmosphere.

Venice is a walkable city, but you'll want to experience transport on the water.

• Book a gondola ride: A favourite with romantics, this one-of-a-kind experience is fun for everyone. The best way to discover the narrowest canals is in the company of a singing gondolier.
• Try public transport: The Vaporetto, or water bus, is Venice's main form of transport. They’re an affordable, reliable and scenic way to get around the main canals and outer islands.
• Splurge on a water taxi: A private taxi over the water is an exclusive way to travel on the water. Although pricey, the sleek, wooden boats give you a slice of movie star luxury, especially for your arrival from the airport.
• Catch a traghetto: After a day of exploring, rest your legs on a traghetto to get across the Grand Canal. The gondola ferries are affordable and depart from docking points along the canal.

Dine by lantern-lit canals, discover traditional osterias and follow your nose to tasty street food in Venice.

• You’ll find restaurants, cafes, takeaway pizza stands and wine bars no matter what district you're in, with most clustered around the famous landmarks of Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge.
• Proust and Casanova were regulars at Caffe Florian in Piazza San Marco, which opened in 1720. Eat pastries from silver trays and sip hot chocolate surrounded by the glamorous decor of the past.
• Harry’s Bar has long been a haunt of artists, writers, royalty and celebrities. If you’re looking for a liquid lunch or dinner, this is the spot to try the legendary Bellini cocktail.
• The Hotel Danieli is one of the most famous in the world, occupying three former palaces. Treat yourself to fine wines and a seasonal menu at Restaurant Terrazza Danieli, with panoramic Grand Canal views.
• For a night out among bar-lined laneways and canals, head to Campo Santa Margherita, the Rio della Misericordia in Cannaregio, and the summer beach clubs of Lido and Jesolo.

Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly snacks with the locals, traditional gourmet fare or fresh market produce, it’s easy to eat like a Venetian.

• You’ll find the Venetian version of tapas at bacari. The bars serve small plates, called cicchetti, that include delicious bites like fried meatballs, panini and stuffed vegetables.
• Italy is known for its pizza and pasta dishes, and Venice has plenty of delicious options. Tuck into a huge pizza from a side street pizzeria or opt for a risotto dish from a cosy restaurant.
• Buranelli is a sweet Venetian biscuit named after its place of origin, Burano. They’re shaped like the letter ‘S’, so they’re easy to dunk in coffee or mulled wine.
• Take your basket to the Rialto Market for self-catering. You’ll find everything from peaches and cherries to succulent seafood at the Pescheria. Popular choices are soft-shelled crabs and giant swordfish.
• Love wine? The varied landscape of the Veneto region produces sparkling prosecco for bellinis and luscious reds, such as Valpolicella and Amarone.

From sharing prosecco on a canalside terrace to marvelling at sunsets over the harbour, Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world.

• Take a private water taxi over to beautiful Torcello Island: Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Dell’Assunta and enjoy a long, lazy lunch on an outdoor terrace.
• Follow in the footsteps of one of the world’s most famous lovers: Casanova was imprisoned in the Doge’s Palace, and his family house is located on Calle Malipiero.
• Take a memorable photo beneath the Bridge of Sighs: Legend has it that if a couple kisses in a gondola while passing under the bridge at sunset, their love will last forever.
• Catch the sunset: Under the pinkish, golden rays of sunset, Venice oozes romance. The best spots to soak up the view include the Rialto Bridge, Murano Island, Piazza San Marco and Burano Island.
• Go shopping in the narrow streets: Treat your loved one to something new in the little shops. Seek out Venetian masks, Murano glass and Burano lace.

Taking the kids on Venice holidays? They’ll love the gondola rides, little side street pizzerias and quirky ice cream shops.

• Mask making: Create your perfect keepsake at a Venetian mask-making workshop. After watching the masters at work and learning about the tradition, you’ll receive a mould to design in your style.
• See traditional glassblowing: Take a fun Vaporetto ride to the glassblowing island of Murano. Several factories showcase artists creating their magic.
• Try Venetian gelato: You'll find a gelateria on every corner when you need to keep the kids going on long walks. A favourite is the historic Gelateria Nico, featuring old-fashioned scoops made with fresh fruit and natural ingredients.
• Relax on the beach: Hit the beaches of Lido di Venezia to splash in the Adriatic and play on wide strips of sand. Many Venice hotels offer sunbeds for hire on private beaches. Or, head to the free beach of Spiaggia Libera.
• Explore a spooky prison: Doge's Palace is extravagant, but walk across the Bridge of Sighs to visit the connected prison, which tells a different story.