venice travel and leisure

A Love Letter to Venice and Its People

For the locals, the most breathtaking city in the world is not all Bellinis and Biennales. It is also home. When you visit, remember you're a guest in the Maybery of the Adriatic. Benvenuti!

“Everybody asks,” says Bianca Arrivabene , who, although she inhabits a portion of one of La Serenissima’s grandest palazzos, is not technically a Venetian—as she is quick to point out. “My children are,” says Arrivabene, a tall and improbably down-to-earth woman born a princess and married to Count Giberto (to whom she was already distantly related through a common ancestor, Louis XIV of France).

Venetians, she says, “do the same as you do,” as though it were everybody’s privilege to go about the tasks of everyday life against the most gorgeous backdrop in the world. “We walk. We go for coffee. We take the ferry to the Lido on Saturday for a stroll on the beach.”

Habits of reserve and caution are common to inhabitants of islands and small towns, and Venice is both. A series of islets built on un­stable mud flats at the edge of a mercurial sea, the city sits atop the pinnacle of global tourism, but in many ways it functions like Mayberry on the Adriatic.

This sense was brought home during the past two years, over several waves of Covid-19, when a city previously in peril of being overwhelmed by daytrippers grew suddenly, eerily still. Everyone read the tales of Venice miraculously restored to a calm appropriate to its nickname: La Serenissima means “most serene.” The waters of the lagoon, some claimed, were suddenly so undisturbed you could see straight to the bottom. A trip to the grocery store, for once, did not require a battle plan.

A long view of its history suggests that Venice has seldom been the placid place of legend. True, its geography made it seem a place apart, a liminal city straddling East and West. It is also the case that as an oligarchic republic it was rigidly kept under the control of a few. And yet throughout the centuries of its global might, outlanders thronged the place. This was well before tourists became its primary money crop.

Consider, for some useful perspective, the gondola, that enduring symbol of the city, and the fact that while just 433 licensed gondoliers today paddle their glossy-hulled craft through the city’s 177 canals, that number was once 10,000 or possibly more. “It was a free-for-all,” says Robert Davis, professor emeritus at Ohio State University and a scholar of Italian history, of the boat traffic in the 18th century and before.

You can see it in the canvases of Canaletto, many of whose journalistic views of the city depict waterways as gridlocked as the Long Island Expressway on a summer Friday. To live in Venice, then and now, strategy has always been required. One path to success is to follow the lead of locals—some native, some part of a wave of recent arrivals from the worlds of art, fashion, and film—who have insinuated themselves into the life of a city that, while it can seem like a mirage, is underneath a gritty little town.

“Even after having lived here for 30 years, I still get surprised,” says Chiarastella Cattana, a designer of linens whose shop in the Santo Stefano district is an obligatory destination for the cognoscenti. “The gift this town can give to people is that there is always another layer, another secret waiting to be revealed behind a door.”

Yet isn’t it true that Venice by nature is reluctant to disclose its private side? Yes and no. “When you see an open door, go in,” Arriva­bene says one afternoon, just as the Biennale’s preview week is getting underway. (The show is on view through November.) When I remark that with her name and title come advantages not available to the likes of me, she bats the notion away. “Not at all,” she says, reminding me of a January visit, when we met for dinner at Bruno Gavagnin and Luca di Vita’s 22-seat Osteria alle Testiere. “I’d only eaten there once before. I could never get in.”

It was on the same trip that Arrivabene arranged an early morning visit to the Cini Foundation, a little-known gem on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore where both the Michelangelo Foundation’s sprawling artisanal showcase, Homo Faber , and the artist Kehinde Wiley would soon set up exhibits (the latter on view through July).

There, in a cold mist, we wandered about the austere cloisters of a monastery founded in the 10th century, renovated in the 16th with a portico and refectory by Andrea Palladio (who, Arrivabene noted, built very few palaces in Venice because local architects, jealous of his genius, assiduously edged him out), and ornamented by Veronese at about the same time.

Until the fall of the Venetian Republic, the painter’s masterpiece, The Wedding Feast at Cana , hung in the refectory at the monastery. Then Napoleon ordered the massive canvas sliced into strips and shipped to the Louvre, where it still hangs. These days a scientifically rendered and miraculous reproduction hangs in its place.

There is nothing mysterious about the Cini Foundation; it is hidden in plain sight opposite the Piazza San Marco on the Grand Canal. That I had never visited it before underscores the importance of acquainting yourself with the city’s vaporettos by way of a system map, now smartphone-accessible. This has become even more useful now that the hordes are once again descending in numbers so great that on a recent weekend it was all but impossible to cross the Rialto. Says Cattana, “You might as well jump in the canal.”

In Venice, those who live there say, it is important always to have a workaround in mind, a plan B. Often that means venturing to the outer islands, as savvy newcomers and locals do. Take the young aristocrat and glass designer Marcantonio Brandolini d’Adda , who considers the untrammeled district of San Pietro in Volta “my very favorite place and destination in the lagoon.” Forget all the Harry’s Bar hype and pricey Bellinis (which are almost as good, anyway, in $17 takeout bottles). For roughly the price of two drinks at the bar there, you can enjoy a whole delicious meal at a waterside joint like Da Celeste, which also offers peerless views.

For Cattana, who lives in the quiet Dorsoduro sestiere, a necessary retreat from the tourist madness comes in the form of Sunday hikes along the Lido. Hopping the vaporetto, she rides 20 minutes to the barrier island and then strolls north, where a 1930s aerodrome contains a restaurant whose windows overlook a grass landing strip reserved for private charter flights and, it can seem, time machines. Nina Yashar , the canny doyenne of Milanese design, curated two exhibits at the Giovanni Nicelli Airport (on view until the end of June).

For Federico Marchetti, the Italian e-tailing magnate behind Yoox Net-a-Porter Group (whose personal residential portfolio is vast), the idyllic Lido is a sleeping beauty waiting to be revived. “Some people would say don’t tell anybody, and that’s the typical Italian attitude of keep it for ourselves,” he says.

Marchetti was accompanying his friend the filmmaker Luca Guadagnino two years back, during the Venice International Film Festival, when he happened upon an Art Nouveau villa held by the same family since its construction in the 19th century. Impulsively (and shrewdly) he bought the place and is now, with the aid of Guadagnino, restoring the house and gardens to their former glory. Whim also overcame prudence for the Colombian footwear designer Edgardo Osorio of Aquazzura , who, when looking for a quarantine rental, came across a palace opposite the Arriva­benes’ stupendous Palazzo Papadopoli and settled in, earning the nickname Palazzo Margarita for the property in honor of his favorite (albeit decidedly non-Venetian) cocktail.

While there have always been those who would preserve Venice in amber, its savvier residents understand that framing the city as a Renaissance Disneyland spells creeping death. Still, before the pandemic, budget tourism had reached a breaking point. “The worst year of my life was 2019,” says Toto Bergamo Rossi, who as director of the Venetian Heritage nonprofit brought in Louis Vuitton to support the latest restoration of the Ca’ d’Oro, a 15th-­century Gothic palazzo. The survival of the exquisite urban masterpiece that is this city lies in taking the middle path, he says: “Venice has to be run like a museum—with us inside.”

And if once again Venice seems threatened by a Vesuvian flow of tourists (an estimated 22 million annually in a city of only 55,000), insiders know there is always a way to find your personal flow. Designer Rick Owens, a Californian and decadeslong resident of Paris, began spending part of every summer at the grand Excelsior Hotel on the Lido 15 years ago, lured there by “the faded grandeur.” Nowadays his visits extend to several months a year, and his routine is banal by design. “I live my ordinary life, and then I can take the vaporetto to the Piazza San Marco and enjoy the pageantry.”

That may be the key to understanding the city. Venice is no more itself for Venetians than for first-time arrivals. “Whoever you are, it’s a place where you can always make a discovery, if you are curious,” Arrivabene says. Why anyone should be daunted by the place, she professes not to know. “I mean, it’s an island. You can’t go anywhere wrong. You can’t fall off.”

Hair by @Sauro_Official. Makeup by Maria Toniolo @mariatoniolomakeup. Production services provided by A Consulting Srl.

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• 1 Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
• 2 Belmond Hotel Cipriani
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• 4 Baglioni Hotel Luna
• 5 San Clemente Palace Kempinski
• 6 Palazzina G
• 7 Palazzo Venart
• 8 JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa

8 Best Hotels in Venice We’d Love to Spend a Night In

With its enchanting canals, incredible art scene (both historic and contemporary), and mouth-watering cuisine, it’s no wonder La Serenissima is one of Italy’s most popular destinations. Sure, Venice gets crowded—and it may be slowly sinking—but we think that’s all the more reason to go while you still can. From an intimate Renaissance palazzo filled with antiques to a secluded resort on one of the lagoon’s outer islands, these are the best hotels in Venice we’re dying to spend a night in.

An avid Italophile, Laura is always on the hunt for the next great travel trends, luxury hotels, best places to eat and drink, and hidden gems. Her writing has appeared in dozens of publications. She also co-wrote "New York: Hidden Bars and Restaurants," an award-winning guide to the city's speakeasy scene.

See recent posts by Laura Itzkowitz

Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Once the 15th-century home of Duke Andrea Gritti, this palace hotel is a piece of living history, and you can feel it as soon as you enter the lobby: heavily tasseled keys hang behind the front desk, oil paintings cover the walls, and even the smallest rooms feature antiques and Murano glass chandeliers. It's no wonder the hotel has played host to writers, artists, and movie stars including Peggy Guggenheim (who has a suite named after her) and Stanley Tucci. On warmer evenings, head to the hotel's outdoor Riva Lounge to sip an Aperol Spritz while watching gondolas pass by on the Grand Canal. The hotel even has its own Riva speedboat, which you can charter for tours of the lagoon's outer islands.

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Province of Venice, Italy hotels

Belmond Hotel Cipriani

Set on the island of Giudecca, a five-minute boat ride from Piazza San Marco, the Belmond Hotel Cipriani has a rich history tied to the story of Venice itself. The hotel’s founder Giuseppe Cipriani is best known as the owner of Harry’s Bar and the inventor of the Bellini. We’d be hard-pressed to think of a better way to spend an afternoon than sipping one of the bubbly peach-flavored cocktails alfresco at Cip’s Club or the Gabbiano Bar by the Olympic-size pool (the largest in central Venice). Cocktails aside, the millennial-pink hotel oozes Italian romance, with classic décor in the rooms and suites, tranquil Casanova gardens (where the legendary author once wooed his lovers), and the Michelin-starred Oro restaurant renovated by acclaimed designer Adam D. Tihany.

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Venice, Italy hotels

Aman Venice

If the Aman Venice is good enough for George and Amal Clooney’s wedding, it’s good enough for us. The luxurious hotel, set in a 16th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal, features original frescoes by Tiepolo, gilded boiserie, and sumptuous chandeliers. Each of the 24 rooms and suites was individually designed with contemporary furniture, which creates a chic contrast with the building's historic architecture. The hotel is known for arranging exclusive experiences; ask the concierge about the possibility of seeing an opera in Aman’s private box at La Fenice or a chef-led shopping excursion to the Rialto Market.

RELATED: 10 Romantic Hotels in Europe We Can't Stop Dreaming About

Baglioni Hotel Luna

You can't get more centrally located than Baglioni Hotel Luna , which sits on a side street just off Piazza San Marco. The former palace dates back to the 12th century and is reputedly Venice’s oldest hotel. Inside, hand-painted frescoes, elaborate stucco work, period antiques, and Murano glass chandeliers lend the property a grandiose sense of place. We love dining at both Salone Marco Polo, where breakfast is served beneath an epic ceiling fresco, and Canova, which specializes in Venetian classics like fritto misto with fresh seafood.

San Clemente Palace Kempinski

Itching for a tranquil city escape with all the amenities of a full-service resort? The San Clemente Palace Kempinski is the only hotel on San Clemente Island, where lush landscaped gardens, a heated outdoor swimming pool, and tennis courts make for a leisurely vacation away from the crowds. Typical Venetian terrazzo floors, refined wallpaper, and luxurious marble bathrooms lend the interiors an elegant, classic style, while all of the property’s 190 rooms and suites have views of the lagoon. When you do decide to go to the main island, a complimentary water taxi leaves the hotel every half hour and docks at Piazza San Marco.

RELATED: 8 Stunning Private-Island Hotels in Europe (Yes, They Exist!)

Palazzina G

A perennial favorite on Venice’s party circuit, Palazzina G is a hotspot for A-listers, especially during the Venice Biennale. Madonna, Angelina Jolie, James Franco, and countless others have walked its halls, and Johnny Depp stayed in one of the suites for three months while filming The Tourist . This is one of the more modern hotels in Venice thanks a whimsical design by French visionary Philippe Starck, who created carnival-inspired lamps and added fun touches like Fornasetti prints and animal sculptures. Come nightfall, head to the Krug Terrace to sip champagne while taking in the views of the Grand Canal.

Palazzo Venart

Palazzo Venart may be one of Venice’s newest luxury hotels, but it boasts a long and storied history. Originally built on the Grand Canal in the 15th century, the palazzo was a gathering place for 18th-century aristocrats (their parties were depicted in frescoes restored by a team of artisans during the hotel’s two-year renovation). The property is filled with precious antiques, gilded mirrors, and Rubelli silk curtains that recall its golden age—but the hotel’s glamor isn’t all about the past. The property gardens feature contemporary art by native Venetian Anna Paola Cibin, and the restaurant GLAM serves modern takes on regional classics courtesy of promising young chef Enrico Bartolini, whose previous restaurant in Milan earned two Michelin stars.

JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa

The JW Marriott Venice 's clean-lined modern redesign by acclaimed Italian architect Matteo Thun represents a swift departure from Venice’s typical antiques-heavy taste. This is a great option for families who want to spread out: set on a private island called Isola delle Rose, the hotel features four restaurants, from casual dining at Cucina Daily to Michelin-starred eats at Dopolavoro Dining Room, and the city's largest spa. Any foodies in the group? Guests can sign up for a lesson in Italian delicacies at the onsite Sapori Cooking Academy.

• 11 Places to Visit Now—Before They Disappear
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Venice Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 23, 2023

With its iconic canals, picturesque gondolas, and winding streets, it’s no surprise that Venice is considered one of the most romantic cities in the world. But while the city is popular with honeymooners, it’s also a huge destination for cruisers and backpackers too.

It should be obvious as to why.

Venice is beautiful, fun, and full of narrow streets and alleys to get lost in. It’s a magical place unlike any other. There are museums, palaces, historic town squares to explore, and endless gelato to eat.

Unfortunately, the city is also expensive and overtourism has become a real problem. No matter what time of the year, you’re going to encounter crowds. In fact, if you come in the summer, it’s going to be unbearable (and if you come when a cruise ship is docked, it’s even more unbearable!)

But that doesn’t mean you should skip a visit!

You can avoid the crowds if you skirt around the center of the city and head to some of the outer islands like Burano and Morano. Tourists tend to cluster in a few places and are easy to escape.

This travel guide to Venice can help you beat the crowds, save money, and make the most of your time in this famous Italian city!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Venice

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Venice

1. Visit the Basilica San Marco

St. Mark’s Basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of the city and is located in the Piazza San Marco. While there has been a place of worship on this site since 820 CE, the current basilica was built in 1063. It’s filled with amazing 11th-century mosaics, marble-covered walls, statues, and five, gold-covered Byzantine domes. The High Altar also supposedly contains some of St. Mark’s remains. It’s 3 EUR to visit the basilica (or 6 EUR for a skip-the-line ticket). There are also a variety of combined entrance tickets depending on which attractions in the complex you want to visit. The Complete Basilica Ticket, which includes the Basilica, Pala d’Oro (golden altar), Museum, and Loggia Cavalli (terrace with views and other exhibits), costs 20 EUR, which includes skip-the-line entry. You can also do a guided tour after hours when the crowds have left with Walks of Italy for around 100 EUR.

2. Walk across Rialto Bridge

While it’s now one of four bridges that cross the Grand Canal, for centuries, the Rialto Bridge was the only way to get from one side to the other. Originally built as a floating bridge in the 12th century, it was first constructed for easier access to the Rialto Market (hence the bridge’s name). The current iteration of the bridge, completed in 1591, was created by Antonio da Ponte, who beat out Michelangelo for the job. The entire bridge is made of Istrian stone and crosses the Grand Canal at its narrowest point, connecting the San Polo and San Marco districts. To beat the crowds, come at sunrise.

3. Tour the Doge’s Palace

Located in St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace is one of Venice’s main landmarks and was the home of the duke who ruled Venice. The massive building was originally built in the 14th century in the Venetian Gothic style, though it has been renovated, extended, and modified over the centuries. The interior is filled with artwork, gilded ceilings, and an armory. You can also descend into the prisons and cross the famous Bridge of Sighs. Admission is 26 EUR as part of the Combined Museums of San Marco ticket, which includes entrance to the Correr Civic Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, and the monumental rooms of the Marciana National Library.

4. Attend Carnival

Carnival is ten days of masquerade madness every February leading up to Mardi Gras, the day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. The tradition goes back centuries, starting in the 12th century and reaching the height of popularity in the 18th century. The festival was on pause for nearly two centuries, starting in 1798 when the city was under Austrian rule (when masks were banned). It wasn’t until 1979 when Carnival was revived. Today, it is one of the biggest festivals in Italy , with millions of people attending every year. The iconic and diverse masks are a central part of the festivities and every year there is a contest for the most beautiful mask. If you have the funds, you can even pay to attend a traditional masquerade ball! (Book your accommodation early as the city fills up months in advance).

5. Day trip to Burano

Other things to see and do in venice, 1. take a walking tour.

The first thing I do when I arrive in a new city is take a free walking tour. It’s the best way to see the main sights on a budget while connecting with a local guide who can share their insider tips and advice. Venice Free Walking Tour runs regular free tours that cover all the highlights. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

If you want to invest in your experience and take a more detailed walking tour, my favorite company is Take Walks . They have amazing walking tours and boat tours all around the city. They use expert local guides so you’ll not only have fun but you’ll learn a lot too!

2. Wander the Piazza San Marco

This is the most famous and largest piazza (city square) in Venice. The grand square has long been a popular meeting spot for Venetians and is home to many important city highlights, including the basilica, its bell tower, the Doges Palace, and the National Archaeological Museum. (You can visit all of these sights on a combined Piazza San Marco ticket, which costs 26 EUR). The Piazza is most impressive when approached from the water as you get a full sense of the scale and history of these antiquated buildings.

3. Head to the island of Lido

If you want to escape the city, Lido is a nearby island where people go to relax on the beach. There are lots of picturesque canals here, as well as restaurants, cafes, and bars. Every August, the world of cinema descends on Lido for the Venice Film Festival, the oldest and one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. Lido is only a 20-minute vaporetto ride (water bus) from Venice. A round-trip ticket costs 10 EUR, or for 13 EUR you can get a round-trip ticket that can be used for the buses on Lido too.

4. Visit Murano Island

Close to Venice, this island is the home of the famous Murano glassblowers, who have been creating intricate glassworks here since 1291. Although Murano is filled with expensive souvenirs (avoid buying anything on the island if you’re on a budget!), you can still have an educational and fun afternoon learning and watching how the glass is blown. The Murano Glass Factory only costs 5 EUR, which includes the glass blowing demonstration and guided tour of the factory. To get to Murano, you can take the ferry for 8 EUR.

5. Wander the Rialto Market

The Rialto Market is Venice’s main market and it has been around for the past 700 years. It’s a huge food market with all kinds of meat, produce, and fish. Come in the morning before the market is flooded with tourists to watch all the hustle and bustle. You’ll find the market northwest of the Rialto Bridge in the district of San Polo.

6. Tour the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

This is the personal art collection of art collector Peggy Guggenheim, located in her former mansion along the banks of the Grand Canal. It is a massive, avant-garde collection of art with works from more than 200 artists. While modern art is not my favorite kind of art, there are countless pieces by surrealists, abstract expressionists, and Italian futurists that make this worth a visit. There’s also an outdoor sculpture garden. Admission is 16 EUR.

7. Climb the Campanile di San Marco

Built in 1912, this tower in Piazza San Marco is a replica of the original Bell Tower of St. Mark (which was built in the 16th century and collapsed in 1902). It said that every last detail of the structure is a match. Standing at almost 100 meters (328 feet) tall, it’s the tallest structure in Venice. The tower was originally constructed for defensive purposes so that watchmen could see ships coming in and out of the city. For 10 EUR, you can climb up through the inner workings and get a panoramic view of the city.

8. Watch the Vogalonga

The Vogalonga is a non-competitive 20-mile marathon rowing event held annually in May. This tradition originated in 1974 as a protest against the increasing amount of powerboats taking over Venice’s waters. Thousands of people from all over the world take part every year, in all different kinds of boats, including gondolas, kayaks, canoes, dragon boats, stand-up paddleboards, and more (some people even swim!). It’s incredible to watch and one of the biggest events of the year.

9. Visit the National Archaeological Museum

This museum was created in 1523 by Italian nobleman and cardinal, Domenico Grimani. Although it’s a small museum, the National Archaeological Museum’s collection of Greek sculptures, Roman busts, funerary stelae, and other relics date back as far as the 1st century BCE. Tickets are 26 EUR as part of the Combined Museums of Piazza San Marco (which includes entrance to the Doge’s Palace, the National Archaeological Museum, and the monumental rooms of the Marciana National Library).

10. Check out the Correr Civic Museum

The Correr Civic Museum includes an expansive collection of art and artifacts showcasing the city’s history, as well as works from the homes of former royals (including Napoleon Bonaparte). You can spend hours here viewing the frescoes, ancient maps, statues, religious paintings, and more. Tickets are 26 EUR as part of the Combined Museums of Piazza San Marco (which includes entrance to the Doge’s Palace, the National Archaeological Museum, and the monumental rooms of the Marciana National Library).

11. Peruse the art at the Galleria dell’Accademia

The Galleria dell’Accademia was established by Napoleon Bonaparte and is home to numerous artistic works from the 14th-18th centuries, including masterpieces from Bellini and Tintoretto. Its most famous piece, however, is Leonardo da Vinci’s small ink drawing titled Vitruvian Man (however, it’s rarely on display due to the fragile and light-sensitive nature of the work). Tickets are 12 EUR.

12. Explore the Jewish Ghetto

The Jewish Ghetto is a neighborhood located in the north-western part of Venice. It’s considered to be the world’s first ghetto, established in 1516 when everyone in the city’s Jewish community was forced to relocate here. They were only allowed out during the day and then were locked up and heavily guarded in the evening. Despite its troubling history, the Jewish Ghetto is now full of restaurants, shops, museums, and synagogues. It’s a lively place to explore but is often overlooked by tourists.

13. Take a food tour

To learn more about the history and culture behind Venice’s cuisine, take a food tour. It’s the best way to eat your way around the city sampling the best eats Venice has to offer while learning what makes the cuisine unique. Devour Tours runs in-depth food tours led by expert local guides that will introduce you to the food culture and its history. If you’re a foodie like me who wants to learn more about the history and culture behind each dish, these tours are for you! Tours start at 89 EUR.

  For more information on other cities in Italy, check out these guides:

• Cinque Terre Travel Guide
• Florence Travel Guide
• Milan Travel Guide
• Naples Travel Guide
• Pisa Travel Guide
• Rome Travel Guide
• Sorrento Travel Guide

Venice Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A dorm bed in a hostel usually costs 27-45 EUR per night for a 4-6-bed dorm in peak season and 22-30 EUR per night off-peak. Private rooms cost between 75-150 EUR per night in peak season and 60-85 EUR in the off-season. Free Wi-Fi is standard and several hostels have kitchens or a bar/cafe on the premises. None of the hostels in Venice currently offer free breakfast.

For those traveling with a tent, camping outside the city costs 15-30 EUR per night for a basic pitch without electricity. There are also small lodges and cabins for 30-50 EUR.

Budget hotel prices – A room in a two-star budget hotel in Venice costs 75-125 EUR per night in peak season and 50-65 in the off-season. Free Wi-Fi is included and some also include free breakfast.

On the main island, Airbnb has private rooms starting from 60-80 EUR per night. Entire apartments go for closer to 125-150 EUR per night. Expect to pay double that price if you don’t book early.

Average cost of food – Italian cuisine is beloved around the world, though every region in Italy offers its own distinct flavor. Tomatoes, pasta, olives, and olive oil form the backbone of most meals, with meat and fish and various cheeses rounding out the menu.

In Venice, seafood is an important staple, with popular traditional dishes being bigoli in salsa (pasta in anchovy sauce), risotto al nero di seppia (risotto with cuttlefish ink), and fried sardines.

Overall, eating in Venice is really expensive. It’s hard to get a cheap meal in the city. If you do want to eat out, it’s better to go out for lunch rather than dinner since lunch menus are often around 15-20 EUR.

If you want to splash out, a mid-range meal with drinks and an appetizer costs 35-50 EUR. A set, 4-course meal is 65-70+ EUR.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 8.50 EUR for a combo meal. Sandwiches are usually just 3-7 EUR, while pizza is 5-8 EUR for a small and 12-15 EUR for a large.

Beer is 4-5 EUR, a glass of wine is 3-4 EUR, and cocktails start at 7-9 EUR. A latte/cappuccino is closer to 2 EUR while bottled water is 1 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 50-60 EUR. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, produce, and some meat or seafood.

Backpacking Venice Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 60 EUR per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all of your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation to get around, and do mostly free activities like taking free tours and wandering the markets. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 EUR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 145 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional water taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like day-tripping to the nearby islands and touring the museums and galleries.

On a “luxury” budget of 265 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need per day. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day, who knows!). We just want to give you a general idea of how to budget your money. Prices are in EUR.

Venice Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, Venice is going to be expensive. That said, here some ways to you can lower your expenses when you visit Venice:

• Don’t eat at Piazza San Marco – This is the area with the most tourists, making it much more expensive. Avoid eating here at all costs, no matter how tempting the cafe patios might be.
• Cook your food – Food is one of the biggest costs in the city so if you’re on a budget it’s a good idea to cook your own meals. It’s not fancy but you’ll save a ton!
• Walk around and get lost – Venice is so beautiful that it’s a thrill just strolling through the city seeing the old building, churches, artists, and, best of all, get a bit of people-watching in.
• Use discount vaporetto tickets – Get a day pass (or multi-day pass) for the water bus if you plan on traveling around the city a lot. It can save you money after just a few trips.
• Get a combined museum pass – There are a couple of main options for combined museum passes: St. Mark’s Square Museum Pass (which costs 26 EUR for admission to all the attractions in St. Marks Square) or the Venice Museum Pass (which costs 36 EUR for admission to the St. Marks’ Square museums as well as 9 other museums, including the Murano Glass Museum).
• Get the Venezia Unica Pass – If you are going to do lots of sightseeing, this pass gives you discounts to the top museums, tours, and attractions. It is priced to save you money when compared to buying separate tickets. You go online and pick out what you want to see ahead of time. The price varies depending on what you want to see but you’ll save a lot.
• Buy your own booze – You can buy a great bottle of wine for under 10 EUR at the store. Getting your own bottle is a much more economical way to drink. Sit in one of the squares, have a glass of wine, and watch the world go by.
• Stay with a local – Accommodation is very expensive in Venice. Try using Couchsurfing to stay with locals for free and make a new friend to show you around this amazing city.
• Go on a free walking tour – This is the best way to learn about the city on a budget. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Venice

Finding an affordable place to stay in Venice is challenging, but not impossible. My recommended places to stay in Venice are:

• Generator Venice
• Anda Venice (10% off, a free welcome drink, and free city map if you’re a member of HostelPass )
• Ostello S. Fosca – CPU Venice Hostels
• Camping Serenissima

How to Get Around Venice

Venice is a pedestrian city. Unless you’re taking water taxis or floating buses, you’ll be walking everywhere.

Vaporetto – A vaporetto is a floating “bus” that can get you just about everywhere you need to go. They’re not cheap, with one-way tickets costing 7.50 EUR. Tickets are valid for 75 minutes. You can get a 24-hour pass for 20 EUR, a 48-hour pass for 30 EUR, a 72-hour pass for 40 EUR, or a 7-day pass for 60 EUR.

If you’re traveling to Murano, Torcello, or Lido, you’ll be on the same vaporetto system but on a larger boat known as motonave . The prices are the same.

When to Go to Venice

Venice is at its peak busyness in the summer. Prices skyrocket and the crowds are intense. Temperatures hover around 18-28°C (66-83°F) from June through August. If possible, I’d avoid visiting during this time as the city is bursting with cruisers and the crowds are massive.

Spring is a beautiful time to visit since temperatures are more manageable, usually between 17-22°C (63-72°F), and the city is not overly crowded.

Tourism also eases off in the fall and winter, and temperatures are cooler, ranging from 4-12°C (44-55°F). However, this is also known as the acqua alta (“high water”) period, where flooding in the streets can occur.

In February, Carnevale takes over the city. It’s a great time, but expect chaos and inflated prices.

Overall, you’re going to face crowds whenever you go, but if you can avoid peak summer you’ll find the city pleasant to visit.

How to Stay Safe in Venice

Venice is a very safe place to backpack and travel. As with most of Italy’s cities, Venice’s biggest safety risk is petty theft and pickpocketing. This is especially true in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation, so keep a close eye on your belongings and never flash your valuables when out and about.

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.)

If you come during autumn or the winter, you may be at risk for acqua alta (“high water”). Flooding is a common occurrence due to rising ocean levels. Choose accommodations closer to the upper part of town, near Piazzale Roma or the rail station.

If you experience an emergency, dial 113 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Venice Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Walks of Italy – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of Italy.
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Venice Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Italy and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

Where to Stay in Florence: The Best Neighborhoods For Your Visit

Where to Stay in Milan: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Milan

The Best Walking Tours in Florence

The 8 Best Hotels in Rome

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Venice is enchanting. Yes, that may be cliché to say, but once you see the city on the water for yourself, you'll surely agree. Step out of the Santa Lucia train station and the breathtaking  Grand Canal  will soon greet you. You'll see water taxis coast along, passing underneath the  Ponte degli Scalzi  (Bridge of the Barefoot) and might hear the faintest hint of a serenading violin, or is that your imagination? It might not be all in your head. Romantic gondolas carrying smitten couples glide through the web of the city's many waterways, and gondola drivers are known to sing when the moment feels right. On land, narrow passageways twist past Old World storefronts and residences, and over bridges. You should note that maps aren't all that helpful here and getting lost is the norm – embrace the disorientation, or enlist the help of a local by signing up for one of the best Venice tours . 

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An Italian Mama's Guide to Italy

3 fantastic Venice neighborhoods for a stroll you will love

Our guide to three stunning Venice neighborhoods that are great for a stroll and for experiencing Venice and its magic of canals, small alleys and quiet corners.

One of the best things to do in Venice, or the very best thing of all, in my opinion, is aimlessly strolling around the city’s quietest districts.

First-time visitors to Venice tend to focus on St Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace and Rialto , Venice’s main landmarks, and this is normal and worth doing; they are so beautiful.

However, if you only see those and spend in Venice only the time strictly necessary to hit the most famous areas, you miss out on what makes Venice the outstanding magical place that is: Venice itself!

Even more than Florence, even more than Rome, Venice is one of those cities where what is in between landmarks is as significant, pleasant and worth seeing as the landmarks themselves.

But I hear you! You are right when you say: Ok Marta, we hear you and we want to do what you say and get lost and wander, but you know where to go, we don’t!

What are the beautiful neighborhoods in Venice for a stroll, these delightful areas with no crowds, beautiful canals and quintessential Venice feel?

This guide is my answer to you: my top three neighborhoods in Venice for a stroll and tapping into that quintessential, dreamy Venetian feel I cannot get enough of (warning: you won’t have enough of it either!).

Good to know : While these three areas are my favorite Venice neighborhood for aimless wandering and exploring, those I go to over and over again and make me fall deeper in love with Venice every time I visit. Since the aim of this guide is to inspire you to explore, I haven’t covered them with a precise itinerary but rather presented them as an overview, hoping to pique your curiosity enough to make you go and check them out! All photos are my own, from my latest travels to Venice in October and this past Easter.

Venice neighborhoods overview

Venice is divided into six neighborhoods, or districts called Sestieri ( sestiere singular; sestieri plural)

Sestiere is a word you only find in Venice and comes from the city being divided into six parts (6 or sei in Italian); therefore, each district is a sixth of Venice, so to speak!

The six sestieri of Venice are:

• Santa Croce

Each of these districts has its charms; however, there are three that I find the absolute best for strolling.

For me, the best Venice areas for a wander are Cannaregio, Castello, and Dorsoduro.

Let’s have a look at each.

My favorite Venice neighborhoods for a quite wander

Cannaregio is the (stunning) and large Venice neighborhood covering the northwest part of Venice.

It is one of the closest areas to the mainland and the first one many visitors see, as it is where you find the main Venice train station: Venezia Santa Lucia.

Cannaregio is a gem!

The first impression you may get from it, as you step out of Santa Lucia into the mayhem of tourists, is that Cannaregio is a passage area people have to cross to get to St Mark’s. However, all it takes is to leave behind the busy main street to find yourself surrounded by some of the most scenic corners of Venice!

In Cannaregio, you can see:

• Venice’s Ghetto, the oldest in Europe, and a wonderful area of typical Venetian architecture full of history, charm, and local feel
• Stunning piazzas (in Venice, they are called Campo) with local kids playing, making the most of the car-free nature of this city.

I know this can be surprising as we always only hear Venice described as ‘touristy’ and ‘like Disneyland’ but Venice is also a real place with real families!

• Fabulous churches such as Chiesa della Madonna del’Orto, where you can see a Tintoretto!
• Wonderful, quiet canals where the only noise is the gentle lapping of the water against the docked boats

• Lively ‘fondamenta’ such as Fondamenta della Misericordia, canal side road bustling with local restaurants and bacari (typical Venetian eateries)
• Fun hidden gems like the statues in Campo de’ Mori with a nose you should try to rub for good luck! (you’ll see exactly what I mean once you are there!)
• Fabulous Atelier Nicolao, where you can try on and rent carnival costumes for the Carnevale

Castello is maybe the most underrated of all Venice neighborhoods, yet it is one of the most beautiful and charming of all!

At the opposite end of Venice than Cannaregio, this district is big and I always think of it as divided into two parts: the more central one, which bursts with visitors as it is right beside San Marco (Riva degli Schiavoni) and the quiet part, which is the one I recommend to visit!

The quiet part of Catello is one many visitors never venture to, as the perfection is that it is too ‘far from everything’, ‘everyithing’ usually meaning Rialto and San Marco.

In reality, Castello IS everything! The area is indeed far from the station and entry point into Venice so it does take a little longer to get to.

However, once you are there, you will find Castello is like Venice in a nutshell!

In Castello, you can see:

• Fabulous, quiet campi (Venice’ squares) with laundry lines drying in the sun and cafes with outdoor tables
• Quiet, secondary canals with gently lapping waters
• The incredible Arsenale its imposing lions

• Beautiful Giardini della Biennale, a large green area (a rarity in Venice!) with also playgrounds for kids
• Wonderful churches such as San Zaccaria, San Giorgio dei Greci or Chiesa di San Giuseppe di Castello, which has a Veronese and a Tintoretto
• The quiet island of Sant’Elena and its lovely green spaces
• Libreria dell’Acqua Alta – ok, this one is not a hidden place you’ll randomly bump into, it is a famous Instagram spot, but I cannot talk about Castello without mentioning it!

Libreria dell’Acqua Alta is a bookshop with a colossal amount of books that they keep in unusual containers to protect them from the water in case of high tide, containers such as a gondola and a bathtub!

This used to be an unknown, curious place and now it has become a ‘destination’ for selfies and even donation areas at photo ops, since now people come for the photo and not for the books. Despite this however, it is a fun place to see and if you are lucky, you may find yourself not alone but still in a shop that is empty enough for you to have a browse and maybe even buy something!

Dorsoduro is a fantastic Venice neighborhood, very well known to tourists and locals alike than to the presence of some of Venice’s most important museums: Accademia and Peggy Guggenheim.

However, just like the other areas in this article, Dorsoruro is more than the backdrop to attractions and very much a place that deserves exploring.

Among the several stunning things you can see in Dorsoduro, there are:

• Stunning Punta della Dogana, the very point of Dorsoduro with the church of La Salute and stunning views over Venice city center and Giudecca island, before the Grand Canal enters the lagoon
• Delightful small campi (squares) such as scenic Campiello Barbaro and Campo Sant’Agnese

• Fab large campi such as Campo Santa Margarita, where you find local kids playing, lovely outdoor terraces for sprits and a buzzy, local feel
• The incredible squero where they build and repair gondolas

• Fun Ponte dei Pugni, with the markings of feet on it, recalling a time when fights would happen here, with different factions trying to push their opponent into the water (!)

Delicious Gelateria Nico, where to try real Venetian gelato (a local specialty, this is no standard gelato!)

• The cool and uniquely Venetian floating grocery store, selling produce from a boat

• Cute Campo San Barnaba, one of the best places in Venice to get a gondola
• The Traghetto stop to San Marco, where you can hop onto a gondola and cross the Grand Canal for just two euro!

I hope you enjoyed this overview of my favorite Venice neighborhoods for a stroll and they inspired you to stay in Venice a little longer and explore beyond the famous landmarks.

Venice Travel resources

To help you plan your stay, I have tons of other Venice guides, find them at the links below:

• How to see Venice in a day (includes some of these areas and how to make them part of your itinerary of you are short on time)
• Venice food you must try while visiting La Serenissima
• Venice itinerary ideas to help you decide how long to stay in Venice
• How to visit Venice with kids – with tips and activities for children
• What to pack for Venice
• Venice in winter
• Getting around Venice – practical guide

Venice neighborhoods that are great for a wander – pin this!

Marta Correale

Marta Correale is an Italian mama of two. Born and raised in Rome, Marta has a passion for travel and especially enjoys showing off Italy to her kids, who are growing up to love it as much as she does! A classics graduate, teacher of Italian as a second language and family travel blogger, Marta launched Mama Loves Italy as a way to inspire, support and help curious visitors to make the most of a trip to Italy and learn about Italian culture on the way.

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Why you should visit Venice

Venice, the “floating city” in northeast Italy, has an intangible magic. The canals coursing between the 118 islands on which it is built, and under the almost 400 bridges connecting them, are alive with boats and gondolas, which remain the lifeblood of Veneto’s regional capital. Its architecture defies gravity, and its vibrant traditions continue to inspire artists, playwrights, poets and musicians, as it has done since the days of Shakespeare and Voltaire.

Baglioni Hotel Luna review: the glamorous redesign of Venice’s oldest hotel Best Venice restaurants: pushing the gondola out

By day, Venice is a city of museums and churches, “packed with great art”, said American travel writer and TV personality Rick Steves . At night, when the “hordes of day-trippers” have departed, “another Venice appears”. Dance across a “floodlit square” or “glide in a gondola through quiet canals while music echoes across the water”. Pretend it’s Carnevale time, “don a mask – or just a fresh shirt – and become someone else for a night”.

“No words can do justice” to Venice, said Italy Magazine , it’s a “must-see” for any young traveller exploring Europe. Simply “getting lost” in the (car-free) streets is a “transcendent experience”, you’ll be “engulfed in alleyways adjacent to majestic canals”, smelling the fresh seawater. “It’s simply wonderful.”

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Things to do and top attractions

Venice’s six ‘sestieri’

“Shaped like a snail”, Venice is divided into six “sestieri”, said Louise Roddon in The Times , with the Grand Canal “slicing through the middle”. Each district – Cannaregio, Santa Croce, San Polo, Dorsoduro, Castello, and San Marco – has its “own special character”.

St Mark’s Square and Basilica

Most visitors to Venice “come for one thing only”, said Julia Buckley on Travel + Leisure , the “breathtaking” Piazza San Marco. Here you can enjoy a coffee outside in one of the “chi-chi” cafes and visit the Basilica di San Marco, the church “covered head-to-toe in glittering gold mosaics”. Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, is located right across from St Mark’s Basilica.

Go on a gondola ride

Taking a ride in a sleek black gondola is “a must-do”, said Gillian Price on National Geographic, and a nighttime ride is “especially romantic”. Gondolas, which are a “surprising” 11m long, have been on Venice’s waterways since the 11th century. If you’re not sure about gondola rides, for just €2 you can “traverse the Grand Canal” on one of the “traghetto” gondolas, said Louise Roddon in The Times. Carrying up to ten passengers, the trick is to “remain standing for the short, wobbly journey”.

Iconic bridges

It’s often called the “City of Canals” and “Floating City”, said Melanie Renzulli on TripSavvy , but Venice is also known as the “City of Bridges”. While many of Venice’s 400-plus bridges are “nondescript and practical”, many “embody the beauty and history of this fascinating photographic city”. Iconic bridges include the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the Doge’s Palace with the Prigioni (prisons), and Rialto Bridge, the main pedestrian crossing over the Grand Canal. “Rows of shops line this wide, arched bridge and the famous Rialto fish and food market is nearby.”

Museums and galleries

Beyond the waterways and façades are some of Venice’s “best-kept treasures” – its museums, said Jenna Scatena in Condé Nast Traveler . “Must-hit” museums for a “deeper look” at this classic city include Doge’s Palace, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Museo Della Musica, Gallerie dell’Accademia and the Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art.

Major events and festivals

Though “small in size”, Venice’s reputation as a centre of art history is “hard to beat”, said Hotels.com , and the locals “certainly know how to honour their proud cultural heritage”. Held 40 days before Easter, Carnevale is world famous for its elaborate costumes and masks. It’s one of the biggest annual events on the calendar along with the Venice Film Festival, Veneto Jazz, Venice Boat Show and Venice Fashion Week. A “jewel in the crown” of the international art scene, the Venice Biennale takes place every two years and has been running since as far back as 1895.

Take a ‘vaporetto’ to the islands

As one of the “most memorable vacation destinations on Earth”, said Julia Buckley on Travel + Leisure , Venice offers an “unforgettable adventure”. But don’t just stick to the city though, that “getting lost” vibe should also be done in the lagoon. Take the “vaporetto” (public waterbus) to the “beach-filled” Lido, “island of glass” Murano, and, further out, to Torcello and Burano. Out in sunlit St Mark’s Bay, the island of San Giorgio Maggiore is a “magical and silent place”, said Veneto Inside . Far from the tourist routes, it has “a charm that has been untouched since it was founded in the 10th century”.

Ca’ Select: a new home of the Venetian Spritz

Select Aperitivo, the core ingredient for the “ original Venetian Spritz ” cocktail, has recently opened its stylish new visitors’ centre, distillery and bar in the city. Named “ Ca’ Select ”, this multi-use space is a great excuse to “book a trip to Venice ASAP”, said Brad Japhe on Food & Wine . Set alongside a small canal in the Cannaregio district, Italian design studio Marcante-Testa led the conversion of the former metal workshop, blending “unique characteristics of Venetian identity”, said Tom Ravenscroft on Dezeen . Ca’ Select has four distinct areas for bar-mixology, events, production, and exhibitions.

Best hotels and places to stay

From plush palazzos to b&bs, there’s plenty of accommodation options in Venice. At the top end of the scale, The Gritti Palace , “a favourite with top-tier travellers”, and the Belmond Hotel Cipriani , “the definition of luxurious perfection”, both received 10/10 ratings in The Telegraph . Properties to get a 9/10 rating include Palazzo Ca’Nova , an “exclusive pied-à-terre” on the Grand Canal, and Palazzo Morosini degli Spezieri , which has “chic and modern” apartments in the San Polo district.

“Right at the heart of the action”, Hotel Londra Palace has hosted “illustrious guests” in “traditional Venetian style” since it first opened in 1853, said Orla Thomas in The Times . And designed by French “starchitect” Philippe Starck, Palazzina Grassi has 22 “gleamingly white” and “mirror-filled” bedrooms hidden behind its traditional 16th-century façade. Its roof terrace has “a canal view that’s made for alfresco aperitivi”.

Baglioni Hotel Luna has a superb location next to Piazza San Marco, said Sofia Gymer on TheWeek.co.uk . Dating back to the 12th century, Venice’s oldest hotel reopened in 2021 following a redesign by Italian studio Spagnulo & Partners, complete with a new spa and restaurant. If you’re seeking something “extra special”, enquire about the San Giorgio Terrace Suite. This two-bedroom apartment has its own 100 sqm terrace and some of the best views over the piazza and the San Giorgio Maggiore island.

Eating and drinking: best restaurants and bars

The best way to eat if you are devoting all of the day time hours to architecture and art, is to eat “cicchetti”, the bar food served in the local “bacari”, said Bruce Palling on TheWeek.co.uk . Dating from 1462, Cantina do Mori is tucked away down an alley behind the Rialto Bridge. The bar snacks are skewered with toothpicks placed in glass cases giving them the appearance of a miniature edible yacht marina.

If you’re hungry for Michelin-starred dining , top of the list should be Glam Enrico Bartolini , located within the luxury hotel Palazzo Venart. This two-star restaurant offers guests a fine dining experience with tasting menus featuring “memorable dishes of extraordinary quality”, said the Michelin Guide . It’s “a must” not only for Venetians, but also for visitors “from far and wide”.

Venice is “not your typical night out”, said Jess Simpson in Time Out . The “pace of life” is different and the bars here “tell you a story”. The best way to experience it is by “hopping from one to the next” and going on a “wine stroll”. Top bars to visit include Birreria Zanon, Il Santo Bevitore, Venice Jazz Club, and Vino-Vero.

Transport: how to get to Venice

There are direct flights from various UK airports to Venice Marco Polo , located 4.3 miles to the north of the city. Visitors arriving at Venice’s international airport have various ways of getting to the centre, said Civitatis . Bus no.5 and the ATVO blue bus go to Piazzale Roma, while Alilaguna’s water buses (vaporettos) connect Marco Polo Airport with Piazza San Marco. Other transportation options include water taxis and land taxis.

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The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Venice, Italy

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A place truly unlike any other, Venice is even more beautiful in real life than it is in the movies! This one-of-a-kind city is actually made up of 177 canals and 120 tiny islands that are connected by picturesque bridges. 

You can easily spend your days cruising around Venice’s famous canals, marveling at the centuries-old buildings, or stopping off at the many iconic attractions. From the bustling St. Mark’s Square to the scenic Canale Grande, there’s a reason Venice is one of the most-visited cities in the world!

Take a few steps away from the mesmerizing canals and you’ll find yourself immersed in Venice’s fascinating history. Explore this quaint city and you’ll stumble across palaces too magnificent to believe, churches covered in detailed engravings, and lively piazzas lined with shops and galleries. Plus, you’ll love all of Venice’s quaint cafes, swanky prosecco bars , and epicurean restaurants.

Venice is home to a huge number of hotels, ranging from giant, centuries-old palaces to small, intimate hotels with a B&B feel. In fact, there are so many fantastic places to stay in Venice that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one for your trip! To help you plan your perfect getaway, we’ve put together a list of 12 of the best hotels in Venice.

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Venice, Italy

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Where to Stay in Venice

Where you choose to stay in Venice will have a big impact on the type of vacation you have. Whether you want to spend your days sightseeing, having fun with friends, or eating your way through the city, Venice has the neighborhood to make it happen!

San Marco is an excellent place to stay if this is your first time in the city, you want to see all the major sites, or you’re in need of a romantic getaway. Here you’ll find all of the city’s most important monuments, churches, and squares, as well as countless shops, bars, and restaurants. This hotspot is also home to many of the best hotels in Venice.

If you’re traveling to Venice as a family with kids and you’re not overly interested in the major landmarks, consider Castello. Located in a quieter part of the city, Castello is where you’ll find the Botanic Gardens and Venice’s biggest park. It’s also just three Vaporetto (waterbus) stops from Piazza San Marco, so you can still go sightseeing if you want to.

To experience Venice like a local, we recommend staying in Santa Croce. This is where a lot of locals live, but you’ll still come across a handful of cool Venice hotels here. If you’re searching for buzzing nightlife, Dorsoduro is your best bet. There’s a cluster of bars and clubs around the Campo Santa Margherita square, where students gather.

The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Venice

1. ca maria adele.

Considered to be one of the most romantic hotels in Venice, Ca Maria Adele is made up of 12 intimate rooms perfect for a romantic retreat. Each unique room combines Arab and African furnishings with classic Venetian décor, ensuring you’re surrounded by luxury no matter which room you choose to stay in.

From sumptuous red velvet curtains and exotic hanging lamps to magnificent chandeliers and elegant furniture, this one-of-a-kind hotel has something eye-catching around every corner. The hotel also has a peaceful rooftop terrace where you can enjoy a breakfast made of fresh local ingredients while enjoying views of the canal.

One of the best things about Ca Maria Adele is its spectacular location. It’s set in a quiet neighborhood overlooking Santa Maria della Salute Basilica but is just one Vaporetto stop from Piazza San Marco. This means you can spend your days exploring the hustle and bustle of central Venice before returning to your tranquil hotel for some rest and relaxation in the evening.

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2. Hotel Bucintoro

By staying at Hotel Bucintoro , you’re guaranteed to have a room with a beautiful view of Venice’s lagoon. Set in the historic center of Venice, just a 10-minute walk away from Piazza San Marco, this hotel boasts something few can – a coveted view of the San Marco basin from every room!

As well as rewarding you with one of the most iconic sights in Venice, Hotel Bucintoro’s location also means you’re in the middle of all the action. There’s a huge choice of shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants in the immediate area.

You’ll also be close to all the biggest attractions in Venice, such as Doge’s Palace, the Basilica di San Marco, and the Rialto Bridge. The hotel is also just across the bridge from a Vaporetto stop, so getting around town is a cinch.

Inspired by the surrounding sea views, Hotel Bucintoro’s decor is maritime-themed. Dark wooden walls, porthole-like windows, and marine paintings will make you think you’re staying on a luxury ship! You’ll love the thoughtful extras, including coffee makers, plush robes, and fully stocked minibars.

3. Ca’ Pisani Hotel

The first design hotel in Venice, Ca’ Pisani Hotel is hidden away inside a gorgeous 14 th -century palace. An art deco gem, this hotel invites you to spend your vacation inside an art gallery that is beautifully decorated with original accessories and paintings by famed Italian artist Fortunato Depero.

Each room offers its own unique details, inspired by the first half of the 20th century and brought to life by elements of modern design. With stunning root-wood beds, fine Venetian Bevilacqua fabric, and one-of-a-kind collectibles, the rooms take luxury to a whole new level!

The rest of the hotel is every bit as enchanting as the rooms and suites. La Rivista Restaurant dishes up traditional Venetian recipes alongside a special futuristic menu. There’s also a stylish roof terrace where you can enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or two. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, you can reserve the entire roof terrace for an unforgettable evening.

4. Venice Times Hotel

One of the best boutique hotels in Venice for sightseeing, Venice Times Hotel is tucked away in the heart of the city’s historical center. The area’s ancient cobblestone streets are lined with small shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Iconic landmarks, such as the Rialto Bridge, Ca’ d’Oro, Piazza San Marco, and Canal Grande are also such a short walk away.

There’s even a train station within a short walk of the hotel, opening up your transportation options from the airport and providing you with a great connection if you want to explore other parts of Italy .

Each room is outfitted with a plush bed with a handcrafted headboard and luxury linens, a stylish bathroom, a large smart TV, and free WiFi access. One of the coolest amenities is that you’ll be given a free smartphone with data and international calls so you can keep in touch with your loved ones back home!

There’s also an incredible breakfast buffet available in the lush garden every morning. The hotel prides providing guests with a generous spread of local, organic, and healthy items. If you have dietary restrictions, there’s also a range of gluten-free and lactose-free options.

5. Santa Croce Boutique Hotel

Immerse yourself in the magic and traditions of Venice by spending your vacation at Santa Croce Boutique Hotel . In this city, space is tight, which is why the hotel is so lucky to have a spacious secret garden. At the end of a long day of exploring, you can relax with a glass of Italian wine in this tranquil spot!

Alternately, you can start your day off with an alfresco breakfast in the secret garden. Stroll through the lush grounds and you’ll find yourself in the hotel’s elegant bar. Here you can enjoy customized aperitifs and cocktails expertly made to suit your tastes. It’s a great place to take a break and reenergize at the end of the day.

You’ll love resting up in the refined rooms, which feature classic decor, beautiful hardwood floors, and marble ensuites. The suite is the largest room in the house and is outfitted with pampering extras, from a Jacuzzi tub to a hammam (Turkish steam bath).

What makes the Santa Croce Boutique Hotel such a great choice is its location. It’s tucked away into the peaceful Santa Croce district, so you’re guaranteed to get a good night’s sleep. 

It’s also just a short walk away from the city’s major attractions. Plus, the Santa Lucia Train Station is just a 10-minute walk away, making it perfect for traveling to other parts of Italy.

6. Charming House DD724

Don’t let the name fool you. Charming House DD724 isn’t a house at all. It’s actually one of the coolest boutique hotels in Venice!

Charming House provides all the sophistication of a luxury hotel combined with the intimacy of a private residence. Plus, it’s set in a quiet part of the city and within easy reach of the Accademia Museum, Punta della Dogana, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

All picture-perfect rooms in Charming House DD724 are elegantly furnished and adorned with original works of art, captivating photography collections, and designer furniture, wallpaper, and fabrics. Some rooms also boast sweeping views of the Rio Torreselle canal and Giudecca, making the outside of this hotel just as stunning as the inside.

There are two spacious lounges where you can relax with a good book or a glass of wine. Each morning you’ll be treated to a delicious buffet breakfast of Venetian goodies and amazing Italian coffee. For a romantic dinner for two, we recommend crossing the Al Formager Bridge directly in front of the hotel and spending the evening at the famous Ai Gondolieri restaurant.

7. Sina Centurion Palace

Once known as the Palazzo Genovese, the Sina Centurion Palace is now a spectacular five-star hotel located on the Grand Canal. The hotel boasts dazzling views of both the canal and the traditional Venetian gardens. A unique blend of classic gothic design and contemporary bespoke style allows this hotel to fit in harmoniously with the district, which is known for its ancient history and modern art.

One of the larger hotels in the city, Sina Centurion Palace is made up of 50 rooms and suites, each of which is entirely unique. From custom furniture built exclusively for the hotel to glamorous bathrooms covered in gold leaf, the rooms at this hotel are sure to impress! 

Even if you’re not staying at Sina Centurion Palace, you’ve got to make a reservation at the hotel’s Antinoo’s Lounge and Restaurant. This gorgeous eatery is located right next to the Grand Canal. In the summer, you can even dine on the outdoor terrace and watch Venetian life pass by as you dine.

8. Hotel Moresco

Just a five-minute walk away from Piazzale Roma lies Hotel Moresco . This grandiose four-star hotel is set inside a 19 th -century Venetian building that pays tribute to a world of different cultures. Embracing Venice’s Mediterranean spirit and East-meets-West style, Hotel Moresco is one of the most unique boutique hotels in Venice.

The hotel’s architecture, furnishings, textiles, and decorations have all been carefully chosen to create the perfect luxurious mix of old and new. Each room is a blend of traditional Venetian style, modern design, and cutting-edge technology designed to help you unwind after a long day of sightseeing. Some bathrooms are decorated with elaborate mosaics made from Venetian glass and some incorporate soothing chromotherapy.

The Study is the hotel’s cozy bar, where you’ll find leather armchairs, a roaring fireplace, and a great selection of hand-crafted drinks and cocktails. Next door, there’s also a library filled with books about the area, so you can read and sip at the same time.

9. Palazzo Venart 

Situated within a 16 th -century building overlooking the Grand Canal, Palazzo Venart is one of the most opulent places on this list. The five-star hotel is made up of 18 exclusive rooms and suites, each of which is decorated according to a unique element of Venetian culture and history.

The front of the hotel is dominated by a beautiful garden, which opens out directly onto the Grand Canal. The charming garden and the hotel building have both been fully restored to their former grandeur. Renaissance frescoes and marble fireplaces adorn the public spaces, while guestrooms feature high ceilings, original stucco walls, and canal views.

Venice is filled with amazing places to wine and dine, and you’ll find one of the very best within Palazzo Venart. The onsite GLAM Restaurant boasts two Michelin stars and serves classic Venetian fare brought to life with modern cooking techniques and contemporary twists.

10. Hotel Palazzo Stern

Located on the banks of the Grand Canal and just steps away from the closest Vaporetto stop, Hotel Palazzo Stern is within walking distance of all the city’s major attractions. Despite being so close to all the action, the hotel is far enough away to get a glimpse of authentic Venice life. The nearby areas of Campo San Barnaba and Campo Santa Margherita are great for chatting at local cafes, dining al fresco at family-run restaurants, and shopping at cute boutiques.

There’s a garden terrace on the ground floor where you can unwind and watch the hustle and bustle of the canal. This is also where the daily breakfast is served. Before heading out for the day, you’ll love indulging in Italian delights like freshly baked brioche and frothy cappuccino.

Head up to the rooftop and you’ll find another terrace where you can enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner for two or a soothing soak in the hot tub. The terrace also offers charming views of the city’s ancient rooftops. At the end of a long day, you’ll love wrapping yourself in the plush robe and resting up in your luxurious room.

11. Novecento Boutique Hotel

Tucked away down a quiet street in between Piazza San Marco and the Accademia Museum, Novecento Boutique Hotel invites you to go on a journey from Venice to the Far East. As one of the best boutique hotels in Venice, Novecento has become a haven for travelers in search of the ever-so-slightly bohemian side of the city.

Refreshingly different and forward-thinking, the rooms at this hotel are tastefully appointed with multicultural furniture from around 1900. Thai platform beds, Venetian marble floors, and thick Moroccan carpets come together to give each room an exciting and worldly feel.

The hotel’s cozy living room is decorated in the same wanderlust style, with low benches, casual cushions, and warm, welcoming colors. Here you’ll find an honesty bar where you can enjoy a drink, pick out a book, or play the provided table games whenever you’re in the mood. During the warmer months, you can start your morning with a typical Italian breakfast in the peaceful summer garden before heading out for the day.

12. The Gritti Palace

Easily one of the best hotels in Venice, the Gritti Palace boasts one of the most beautiful views of the lagoon. Overlooking the Grand Canal in the very heart of Venice, this hotel will reward you with sprawling views, which stretch from San Giorgio Maggiore Island all the way to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

The hotel is set in a noble palace, which dates back to 1475. Today, the palace is seen as a historical treasure where culture and heritage come together in true Venetian style. Given the building’s history, it’s no surprise that each individually decorated room is nothing short of spectacular. 

There are several gourmet dining options to choose from. But if you’re looking for something a little different, we suggest the Gritti Epicurean School. Here you can get involved and create your own Venetian delicacies made from the ingredients you chose from the local markets that very morning.

Other remarkable parts of the hotel include Bar Longhi with its graceful Venetian décor, hand-sculpted mirrors, and Murano glass appliqués. You’ll also enjoy getting pampered at Gritti Spa, where you can treat yourself to a range of facials, body treatments, beauty treatments, and massages. It’s the perfect way to end your day in Venice!

That completes our list of the 12 best Venice hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Venice? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Considered to be one of the most romantic hotels in Venice, Ca Maria Adele is made up of 12 intimate rooms perfect for a romantic retreat. One of the best things about Ca Maria Adele is its spectacular location. It’s set in a quiet neighborhood overlooking Santa Maria della Salute Basilica but is just one Vaporetto stop from Piazza San Marco. This means you can spend your days exploring the hustle and bustle of central Venice before returning to your tranquil hotel for some rest and relaxation in the evening.

Easily one of the best hotels in Venice, the Gritti Palace boasts one of the most beautiful views of the lagoon. The hotel is set in a noble palace, which dates back to 1475. Today, the palace is seen as a historical treasure where culture and heritage come together in true Venetian style. Given the building’s history, it’s no surprise that each individually decorated room is nothing short of spectacular.

Situated within a 16th-century building overlooking the Grand Canal, Palazzo Venart is one of the most opulent places on this list. The onsite GLAM Restaurant boasts two Michelin stars and serves classic Venetian fare brought to life with modern cooking techniques and contemporary twists.

About the Author:

Nicola is a freelance writer with an insatiable hunger for travel. She swapped her home in the UK for the sunny Canary Islands when she was just 11 and she has been based there ever since. From crawling on her hands and knees inside pyramids in Egypt to swimming with baby sharks in Bali and searching (fruitlessly!) for the Northern Lights in Iceland, Nicola takes every chance she gets to explore new places. The incredible experiences she has around the world fuels her writing and inspires her to plan even more adventures for the future.

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JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa

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Welcome to JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa

Luxuriate in our private island resort hotel in venice.

Enchantment awaits at JW Marriott Venice Resort and Spa. Beautifully situated on the private island of Isola delle Rose in Venice, Italy, our luxury family hotel offers a lush retreat, the perfect respite from the excitement of the city. Your pampering begins as you are transported just a few minutes from St. Mark's Square by our private and complimentary water shuttle to our 40-acre resort filled with gardens, olive groves and exceptional amenities. Unwind as you enter our light-filled rooms, suites and private residences. Savor award-winning cuisine at our tempting restaurants, recharge at our JW Venice Spa - one of Venice's premier wellness destinations, play in the pools, take a cooking class or join any of our family friendly activities. Our pet friendly hotel's unmatched venues create memorable backdrops for weddings, meetings and special celebrations, each with unique features and world-class services. Let the magic of our hotel's natural ambiance set the scene for your escape in Venice.

Rooms & Suites

Rooms, suites & residences.

Light and spacious rooms and suites, home to our Rooftop Pool Deck, cool and stylish Sagra restaurant, and Rose Lounge Bar. The JW rooms and suites are situated in the main building of our resort, while the JW Retreats are set in private gardens offering quiet seclusion.

Your Private Island

A true venetian escape.

Settled on its own private island in Venice – Isola delle Rose – just 20-minutes from St. Mark’s Square, our luxury Resort in Venice provides a complimentary shuttle service that runs regularly and easily connects the island to the heart of the town.

Exquisite Dining Options

Agli Amici Dopolavoro Venezia

Gli Amici Dopolavoro is a marvellous restaurant where the work of man and the natural ecosystem blend to offer an experience that expresses the uniqueness of the territory, enhancing its exquisitely local products.

Sagra Rooftop Restaurant

Dine al fresco while taking in breathtaking views of Venice, the surrounding lagoon and gardens from our rooftop restaurant. Entertain clients and savor the proposed dishes and flavor as a real culinary journey through Italian cuisine.

Rose Bar Lounge

Wake up with freshly brewed coffee beverages before heading out for a day in the city at our bar in Venice. From late morning until evening the Rose Lounge Bar, with its contemporary informal elegance, offers an alluring selection of cocktails, drinks and Italian wines.

Cucina Daily Breakfast

Cucina is the perfect starting point to enjoy a wonderful day in Venice. A renovated buffet layout, with home-made products and dedicated corners such as “healthy corner” will satisfy any kind of need.

Sapori Cooking Academy

No visit to Italy is complete without taking a cooking class, which is why a visit to Sapori Cooking Academy is a must-do for travelers to Venice. Learn how to create a whole menu in the Venetian culinary tradition in one of our many cooking classes.

Dispensa Delicatessen

Stop by our shop for snacks, drinks, freshly brewed coffee and more. Located just steps away from the boats, this is the perfect spot to pick up food for your picnic in Isola delle Rose

Giardino Grill

Giardino Grill is an inspiring setting for a relaxing casual lunch. Have a taste of delicious dishes surrounded by the peaceful garden or sip a refreshing drink while enjoying our family pool. Availability according to seasonal operativity.

Pizzeria Cucina

Savor a classic pizza or a pure and innovative invention created with the art of baking in a splendid setting in front of the Venetian lagoon.

The JW Garden

Inspired by Alice Marriott’s love of gardening, the JW Garden is a serene sanctuary that welcomes guests and grows herbs and ingredients as part of the culinary journey. Each garden created by Studio Lily Kwong uses sustainable practices and welcomes guests to connect with nature.

The JW Garden in Venice

Nestled in the heart of the Venetian lagoon, the JW Garden is a serene sanctuary where nature's bounty thrives. Discover a tapestry of fragrant herbs, bountiful fruits, and exquisite local products that infuse our culinary creations with authentic Venetian flavor. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of our lush garden, where every visit becomes a mindful journey through nature's exquisite offerings. It's a truly unique, peaceful experience just a few minutes from St. Mark’s Square in Venice.

Zero KM Culinary Odyssey

In the heart of this verdant oasis lies a culinary treasure – a vegetable garden where freshness is more than a promise; it's a way of life. JW Garden prides itself on a zero-kilometer philosophy, sourcing ingredients directly from its bountiful vegetable garden. The culinary team, inspired by the garden's offerings, crafts exquisite dishes that celebrate the essence of each season. From heirloom tomatoes bursting with flavor to crisp, hand-picked herbs, every plate is a testament to the garden's commitment to sustainable, farm-to-table dining.

Infinity and Family Pools

Dramatic 360-degrees view rooftop pool and family pool surrounded by the century old park.

Agli Amici Dopolavoro

Indulge in an exquisite fine dining experience in a unique setting of Isola delle Rose and start a gastronomic voyage that honors the land, the sea, and the Venetian heritage.

Experience a culinary enchantment at Sagra Rooftop Restaurant, where breathtaking views over the Venetian Lagoon meet the rich flavors of traditional Italian fresh dishes.

Join us for hands-on cooking classes led by passionate and skilled chefs who will guide you through the secrets of authentic Italian cuisine.

Refined Culture

Discover true venice.

Immerse yourself in leading art and cultural events. Take a walk in our sculpture exhibit, meet our Sommelier while tasting fabulous wines, or experience the grandeur and history Venice holds.

Isola delle Rose is ideally designed for your family vacation in Venice, a glorious green private island for children to run around and the historic center of Venice reached in a delightful fifteen-minute boat trip.

Relax and Play in Venice

The Kid's Club is available upon request and our Recreation Team arrange play and pleasure from volleyball to Venetian mask making. It is easy to find friends to join in with the games, swingball, badminton or kick a ball on the pitch. We recommend our Resort Package, which makes many activities and classes inclusive. There is a family pool dedicated to splashing and another for adults in search of peace.

Chic-Nic All Together

The Sapori Cooking Academy is a delicious inspiration for families with Venetian biscuit making, or kids can prepare a Chic-nic for the family, including smoothies, salads, finger food, all wrapped up in a basket with linen picnic cloth.

More Privacy for Your Family

For families seeking more privacy we recommend suites, our interconnecting rooms, La Residenza with private pools, La Maisonette Suites, with plunge pool or garden, and the entirely self-contained Villa Rose. The design concept by Thun ensures all guests can find their own place and relaxation.

GETTING HERE

Isola delle Rose, Laguna di San Marco, Venice, Italy, 30133

Private Transfer Service through our Concierge; fee: 260.00 EUR (one way) ;reservation required

Private Transfer Service through our Concierge; fee: 440.00 EUR (one way) ;reservation required

On-Property

Private Car Service

Limousine/Van Service

Local Shuttle Complimentary

Complimentary Shuttle Service

Our complimentary shuttle service connects St. Mark Square (Giardini Reali pier) and JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa at Isola Delle Rose. The service operates daily and runs every 30 minutes from 8.30 am until 11 Pm. The service is subject to change due to seasonality and events in Venice and on our Island. For information contact us by phone or send an email to  [email protected] .

JW General Enquiries Tel: +39 041 852 1300 Email:  [email protected]

JW Concierge Tel: +39 041 852 1300 Email:  [email protected]

JW Venice SPA Tel: +39 041 852 1342 Email:  [email protected]

JW F&B Department Tel: +39 041 852 1300 Email:  [email protected]

JW Events Department Tel: +39 041 852 1300 Email:  [email protected]

WHAT TO EXPECT

Plan and Prepare for your Stay

Property Details

Fitness Center

Outdoor Pool

24 Hour Room Service

Daily Housekeeping

Turndown Service

Meeting Space

Bicycle Rental:€10

Dry Cleaning Service

Activities for Kids

Room Service

Wake up Calls

Free Full American and Continental and Hot Breakfast

Service Request

Check-in: 3:00 pm

Check-out: 12:00 pm

Pets Welcome.

Contact the property to check availability for guests travelling with pets.

Maximum Pet Weight: 25.0kgs

Maximum Number of Pets in Room: 1

Accepts: Cash, Credit Cards

Concierge desk service

Property has elevators

Languages spoken by staff: Italian, English, German, French, Russian

For more information about the physical features of our accessible rooms, common areas or special services relating to a specific disability please call +39 041-852-1300

Service Animals are Welcome

Accessible Entrance to On-Site Pool

Entrance to On-Site Spa is Accessible

Main Entrance is Accessible

On-Site Restaurants are Accessible

Room and Suites Access through the Interior Corridor

Accessible Vanities

Adjustable Height Hand-Held Shower Wand

Bathtub Grab Rails

Bathtub Seat

Electronic Room Key

Guest Room and Suites Doors Self-Closing

Lever Handles on Guest Room Doors

Lowered Electrical Outlets

Lowered Viewports in Guest Room Doors

Mobility accessible rooms

Non-slip Grab Rails in the Bathroom

Roll-in Shower

Room Windows Open

Toilet Seat at Wheelchair Height - Toilet for Disabled

Transfer Showers in Guest Rooms

Viewports in Guest Room and Suites Doors

The Green Key Certified

Carbon Footprint: 17.51 kg per room night

Water Footprint: 1396.82 liters per room night

Guest Room Recycling

A Place to Revive Isola delle Rose is the youngest island in the Venetian lagoon, ‘created’ in 1870, and our high contemporary design keeps us the most youthful in style. In 2010, JW Marriott envisaged a luxury resort on the island, Italian designer Matteo Thun was commissioned, and the resort opened in 2015 to huge acclaim and awards.

Today guests come to enjoy the cooler climate ushered in on the marine currents after touring the sun beaten streets of Venice, and it was always so. As soon as Isola delle Rose was habitable, it was sought out for the salutary breeze. For a hundred years, the island was home to a clinic. In 1980, the island’s flourishing plants and rose beds were tended by a Capuchin friar, Padre Policarpo. His name comes from the Greek word polykarpos, meaning rich in fruit. We feel his spirit infuses the fertile gardens and orchards to delight guests of JW Marriott Venice.

By Italian Architect Matteo Thun "It’s all about luxury through subtraction without creating waste” says Matteo Thun. Thun is known for his sustainable, holistic outlook. He worked with the existing 19 buildings, protecting the 1920s character, with his ‘box in a box’ concept. Buildings are also integrated with the landscape – an effect achieved with paths, canals and dense foliage which in turn create a sense of privacy and space. Architect Matteo Thun’s interiors are a dialogue between reflections of the lagoon, creating a sophisticated and very natural sensation of continuity between inside and outside. With 16 hectares of park every guest can find their own private space. Thanks to its outstanding architecture and interior design, JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa has been awarded the title of Best Hotel & Tourism Resort Design.

Water, Tranquillity, and Peace

The Isola delle Rose is a natural retreat, enjoying a distinctively fresh microclimate between the flow of the lagoon and the sea. The diversity of plants has no parallel elsewhere in Venice. Stroll beneath swaying palm trees, willow, lime, larch and magnolia, pines shooting to the sky, horse chestnuts spreading shady limbs and Atlas cedars, from which migratory birds take their bearings. The soil, rich in nutrients, gives us a thriving kitchen garden and bountiful orchards. We protect our nature, always maintaining sustainable values.

Frequently Asked Questions

The check-in time at JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is 3:00 pm and the check-out time is 12:00 pm.

The pet policy at JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is:

The parking options at JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa are:

Parking Not Available

The property amenities at JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa are:

Yes, JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa has free Wi-Fi available to hotel guests.

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JW MARRIOTT® VENICE RESORT & SPA

Isola delle Rose, Laguna di San Marco,

Venice, Italy, 30133

Fax: +39 041-852-1377

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23 Best Restaurants in Venice

By Anne Hanley

It takes a little planning to eat well here. All too many Venice restaurants are happy to feed indifferent fare to the transient tourist masses. But seek out the places where serious chefs use excellent local ingredients, and you’ll find that Venice has everything a gourmet could wish for. There’s an emphasis on seafood, as befits a city with a great seafaring history, but meat eaters will be happy here too. Prices are higher than elsewhere, but that’s Venice for you. Many Venetians rarely set foot in a restaurant, preferring instead to graze at bacari (traditional bars), which fill their counters with cicheti (tapas-like snacks). A plateful of these with a glass of wine can make for a far cheaper meal leaving you more cash for those few special, memorable dinners.

Osteria Alle Testiere Arrow

Alle Testerie's website lays it out clearly: "Daily menu depends on availability of fresh fish at the market." Don’t return to this smart, diminutive seafood restaurant, which is tucked away on a Castello backstreet, expecting to eat that delicious thing you had last time. But do go knowing that everything will be just-caught-fresh. Deceptively simple and always exquisite, the daily seafood dishes from chef and co-founder Bruno Gavagnin are always a delight. There’s a lot of Venetian tradition in here, but expect some interesting spices or other unexpected treats thrown in. The desserts are to die for.

Locanda Cipriani Arrow

The Locanda Cipriani provides a pretty slice of Merchant Ivory-tinted Venice: a shady old-fashioned garden on the beautiful little lagoon island of Torcello, with old-fashioned service and old-fashioned food that verges on the hotel variety. That said, you’re here for the setting and the Grand Tour ambience. From Ernest Hemingway and generations of British royals, to mid-20th-century A-list actors and presidents: Many big names have passed through the Cipriani’s country-inn-style doors.

All'Arco Arrow

Not so much a restaurant as a crazy-busy hole-in-the wall with mouth-watering cicchetti (bar snacks), All’Arco is the quintessential Venetian bacaro (traditional wine bar). There are bulging sandwiches and crostini topped with any number of goodies including creamed cod, anchovies and onions, salami, or vegetables. You’ll be talked through it all at breakneck speed and sent swiftly on your way with food sufficient enough to either tide you over or count for a full meal.

La Zucca Arrow

Vegetarians flock to La Zucca, a much-beloved, something-for-everyone sort of local favorite, to escape Venice’s fish overload, but the restaurant does more than that. The food is simple: just good honest cooking and a daily-changing menu—a tell-tale sign that everything served was bought that morning. The savory pumpkin flan is legendary, the pasta dishes (try the tagliatelle with artichokes and pecorino if it’s available) are excellent, and all the desserts are memorable.

Erinne Magee

Lindsey Tramuta

Alex Erdekian

CNT Editors

As of 2019, chef Enrico Bartolini racked up six Michelin stars across his five restaurants; GLAM, his Venice outpost (and presently the hottest dining ticket in the city) has one. Carrying through Bartolini’s contemporary culinary vision here is resident chef Donato Ascani. You can go with the seasonally shifting à la carte list, but tasting menus (from €120) are more exciting. Dishes reveal themselves to be beautifully balanced: substance and not just flashy presentation.

Osteria La Perla ai Bisatei Arrow

In a city where restaurants can easily fall into two distinct categories—modern pretentious or tourist trap—La Perla ai Bisatei, an old-style spit-and-sawdust place in the backstreets of Murano, is a pleasant surprise. It’s loud—the voices of locals compete with staff shouting out the unwritten daily menu—and the food (only lunch) is hearty rather than refined. But outsiders are greeted with the same gruff-but-cheery welcome as old-timers. Try the fava bean and onion salad and the pasta with mussels and clams.

Il Ridotto Arrow

Il Ridotto is located just east of St Mark’s on a plaza teeming with tourist traffic, but the restaurant emanates a calm elegance from its small, brick-clad premises. Tasting menus (of five, seven, or nine courses) are the thing to get here, offering the range of seafood and meaty creations of chef and owner Gianni Bonaccorsi. The beautifully plated dishes change seasonally but might include remarkably subtle renditions of risotto with yellow tomatoes and burrata, or pork cheek and belly with chamomile-flavored creamed potato and green apple.

Local Arrow

In a sea of intimate (read: tiny) restaurants, the amount of airy space in the contemporary, pared-back Local comes as a shock. Chef Matteo Tagliapietra strayed for several years from his native Burano to work at Nobu, Noma , and a host of other gastronomic temples. He brought home Far Eastern influences that are unique in Venice, though his feet are firmly planted in the lagoon city. Each of his constantly changing dishes is a joy for the eye. This is a venue for serious food lovers.

Osteria Alla Frasca Arrow

La Frasca, in a quiet campo near the Fondamenta Nuova, has been going strong since 1903 and makes no secret about what it serves: "cucina tipica veneziana," typical Venetian cuisine. It's right there on the logo. Traditional it may be, but the food at Alla Frasca, presented with flair, leaves no doubt as to freshness. An all-seafood menu is stocked with treats such as baccalà mantecato (creamed cod) on crispy polenta and cuttlefish stewed in its own ink.

La Palanca Arrow

La Palanca is, at heart, a neighborhood café-bar. Giudecca residents roll up for coffee at 7am and for the obligatory spritz or ombra (small glass of wine) at aperitivo hour. But at lunch time (because that’s the only meal served) a whole other clientele materializes as the kitchen begins churning out some exceptional seafood. You can taste the sea in La Palanca’s dishes, which range from huge platters of excellent seafood antipasti—raw and cooked—to great pasta with squid and artichokes or simple, grilled Adriatic fish.

Ristorante Quadri Arrow

Quadri's handful of tables pushed against tall windows overlooking St Mark’s square are some of the most sought-after in Venice. With front-row seats like these—nevermind the ones further back, in the plush, glassy interior designed by Philippe Starck—it'd be hard for any chef to convince diners to focus on the plate. But multi-Michelin-starred chef Massimiliano Alajmo succeeds. Alajmo was the youngest ever chef to earn three Michelin stars at Le Calandre , his family’s restaurant near Padua. At Quadri, his extraordinary creations materialize at the hand of his long-time collaborator, executive chef Silvio Giavedoni.

Timon All'Antica Mola Arrow

All’Antica Mola—the seafood sister to Al Timon, a steakhouse next door—is young, buzzy, and casual-chic. Drop by for a glass of wine and a couple of cicchetti (bar snacks) or, better still, stay for a whole meal. Seafood is king here, and it’s as fresh and well handled as you could wish—interesting but without too many superlative ingredients. The raw appetizers are excellent; the mixed fish fry-up, for example, is marvelously light. But there are great pasta dishes and grilled whole fish, too.

Estro - Vino e Cucina Arrow

When bearded brothers Dario and Alberto Spezzamonte opened Estro in 2014, Venice offered little in the way of food-forward wine bars with a hipster edge. Estro filled the gap and still sets a high bar; the food always impresses, the locale is stylish, and the vibe, though young, feels welcoming to all. Though sharp, industrial-chic style is definitely a factor here, it’s the wide selection of natural wines and the carefully crafted fare—Venetian-inspired but imaginative—that are the important players.

Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti Arrow

Ai Artisti, a welcoming little place serving remarkably good food, has a few little tables alongside a quiet canal and a handful more in a compact dining room. Ingredients are mostly local and very fresh. But unusual things happen to old favorites here with delicious results; say, the secoe (veal cartilage, a Venetian tradition) made into a salad with beans and sesame seeds, and the pasta with sausage and green peppers.

Ai Mercanti Arrow

Ai Mercanti pulls off that difficult trick of being dark, grown-up, playful, and warm—all at once. The restaurant bills itself as a gastrosteria, and delivers with experimentation firmly rooted in Venetian tradition, and a light touch with dishes for all appetites. Some combinations here—marinated sardines with nachos; pea and cuttlefish risotto with ginger—come as a surprise in gastronomically staid Venice, but they work. You can taste the freshness of the raw ingredients in a menu that changes with great regularity.

Al Covo Arrow

Chef Cesare Benelli and his Texan wife Diane have been running Al Covo, a much-loved Venetian restaurant, since 1987, with dedication and charm. The cooking here, studied without being pretentious, is very closely tied to the territory, with produce coming from local producers and Slow Food presidiums. There are tables outside the simple osteria-style façade, and more in a grown-up interior with dark brick and cream walls, wooden fittings, and eclectic art. You can order a la carte, but there are also tasting menus for both lunch and dinner.

Corte Sconta Arrow

Corte Sconta is a long-running Venetian stalwart that's much loved for its outside seating in a charming courtyard. The restaurant gives off the air of an upmarket local trattoria, but is, in fact, a favorite with sophisticated international travelers. The Corte Sconta classic is the seafood antipasto—a procession of super-fresh offerings, both raw and cooked—which in itself will sate all but the biggest appetites. If that doesn’t suffice, a competently prepared pasta al nero di seppia (squid ink) with mussels, a fresh, grilled fish, or a delicious tiramisu will set you right.

Osteria Anice Stellato Arrow

When you’ve had about enough of Venetian traditions, Anice Stellato is a good place to come for some different flavors. The gastro-osteria, in the northern Cannaregio district, was among the first restaurants in the city to inject far-flung international touches into Venetian traditions. The name translates to "star anise," but you’ll find ginger, cilantro, hoisin, and many other decidedly non-Venetian ingredients.

Trattoria Al Gatto Nero Arrow

Trattoria al Gatto Nero—or the Black Cat—an institution on the brilliantly colored lagoon island of Burano, has been under the same management since 1965. It’s a wee bit stuck in time, and little has changed on chef Ruggero Bovo’s largely seafood menu in many years. But that’s why people come back. There are no fireworks here, but you know that whatever's on your plate will be fresh. The risotto buranese, with locally sourced goby fish, is a Gatto Nero classic.

Antiche Carampane Arrow

At Antiche Carampane, choose from a menu of classic Venetian dishes prepared, just as they should be, from super-fresh ingredients. Make sure to check out the standout dishes that regulars return for again and again: The spaghettini with granseola (crab) is divine, as is the pasta alla cassopipa, an ancient fishermen’s recipe with a sauce of slow-cooked bivalves with onion and spices. The fried moeche (soft-shelled clams) are legendary.

La Favorita Arrow

Think of a country trattoria somewhere in the Veneto where Hemingway might have eaten back in the day. Drop it on a quiet residential street of the Lido, Venice’s seaside island. Add a bucolic outside terrace, tables laid with proper linen and cutlery, and professional, old-school waiters. Good food, local but refined. A wine list drawn up by someone who cares about wine. You've got La Favorita.

Riviera Arrow

Riviera calls itself a "ristorante per onnivori"—restaurant for omnivores—and makes it bluntly clear that they’ll do nothing special for vegetarians or vegans. The rest of us couldn’t ask for a more special gastronomic experience, delicately prepared and beautifully presented. Raw seafood antipasti (literally) melt in your mouth; the squid risotto is exceptional; and the squab with cocoa and hazelnuts is extraordinary. There are tasting menus with fish, meat, or a mix of both.

Osteria Da Fiore Arrow

Da Fiore has long held a Michelin star thanks to chef Mara Martin, whose accomplished, dependable creations are comfortingly old-fashioned, which fits the classic vibe of the houseboat-like dining room. Some dishes are legends that have drawn devotees for decades: crispy fried oysters on a bed of savoury zabaione; ultra-trad bigoli in salsa (pasta with anchovies and onions); perfectly cooked soft-shelled moeche crabs. But expect solid rather than pyrotechnic, with an emphasis on comfort.

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What to Know About Venice’s Fees for Day Trips

Venice is trying to mitigate overtourism with a small fee on busy days. City leaders hope it will make visitors more aware of the city’s fragility.

By Elisabetta Povoledo

Reporting from Rome

After years of debate , Venice on Thursday began charging day visitors five euros to visit its fragile historic center on peak days, making it the first city in the world to adopt such a measure to counter overtourism.

Critics question whether a nominal fee will put people off from visiting one of the world’s most desired destinations. But officials hope that it might encourage some to rethink their plans and decide to come on weekdays or in the off-season.

That might help mitigate the impact of the estimated 20 million visitors who descended last year on the city’s beleaguered residents, who number fewer than 50,000, according to municipal statistics . About half of those visitors came only for the day, city officials said. Overnight guests are exempt from the fee.

The spirit of the initiative, city officials have said, is to make people aware of the uniqueness — and fragility — of Venice. Overtourism is creating an economy solely based on tourism that risks killing the city by pushing its dwindling residents out, said Nicola Camatti, an economics professor and expert in tourism at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice.

When will Venice start charging?

The fee went into effect on Thursday, a holiday in Italy. For 2024, city officials have singled out 29 peak days when single-day travelers in Venice between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. have to pay. The days run until mid-July and are mostly on national holidays and weekends. The access-fee website provides a list of the dates.

Who must pay?

While just about everyone visiting the city has to register to obtain a QR code, not all visitors have to pay the fee. Overnight guests at registered accommodations like hotels or Airbnbs are exempt, because they already pay a daily tourist tax, as are people who study or work in Venice and those visiting relatives. There are other exemptions as well.

Residents of Venice, those born there and minors under 14 are among those who do not have to register. But they must have documents that prove their status.

It is possible that different fees will apply next year on a sliding scale that will depend on how many people city officials expect on any one day. City officials said the fees could be as high as 10 euros per day.

How will the system work?

Before coming to Venice on peak days, visitors should use the website to register and get a QR code.

The code will be scanned at points where visitors enter, like the train station, the city parking lot, the airport and the sprawling waterfront along the San Marco basin where boats dock. The access points will have one line for tourists and another for residents and what officials call city users, who are coming into Venice for reasons other than sightseeing.

At least for now, those who do not register ahead of time can do so at some access points or on their cellphones, officials said. Assistants will be available.

Initially, the controls will be “very soft,” said Michele Zuin, the municipal councilor responsible for the city’s budget.

Speaking to reporters at the foreign press association in Rome this month, Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said the fee was not about cashing in on tourists. “The costs of the operation are higher than what we’re going to make,” he said.

Why is Venice doing this?

City officials hope to relieve some of the stress that tourists put on the city by encouraging them to come on less busy days. They also say that by knowing ahead of time how many visitors to expect, the city can better deploy services.

“We want to better manage the numbers of tourists and disincentivize mass tourism” that makes it difficult for residents and visitors to “live in this city,” Mr. Zuin said this month.

To track the flow of visitors, the city already monitors them via phone location data and surveillance cameras, a system some critics have likened to Big Brother .

Venice has also fallen under the scrutiny of the United Nations’ culture agency, UNESCO, whose experts are concerned that not enough is being done to protect the city. Last year, Venice risked being added to UNESCO’s list of Endangered World Heritage Sites after experts at the agency listed mass tourism , along with climate change and development, as a major threat to its future. It urged City Hall to take steps to ameliorate the damage.

The municipal council approved the access fee just days before UNESCO was to vote on its status, and Venice stayed off the “in danger” list . But UNESCO officials said in a statement that “further progress still needs to be made” to conserve Venice.

Critics of the access fee note that officials have not capped the number of visitors, and they say that the nominal fee is hardly a deterrent. As recently as Friday, city officials said that about 80,000 visitors swelled the city’s narrow calli, as the streets are known, and the gardens of the 2024 Venice Biennale , still the world’s principal place to discover new art .

How else is Venice trying to restrict visitors?

Venice also has taken other steps it hopes will reduce what city officials call “mordi e fuggi” tourism, or “eat and flee,” referring to those who seek the city’s greatest hits — the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square — and who bring packed lunches and dump their garbage, contributing little to the local economy.

After years of heated debate and protests by vocal Venetians, the city banned cruise ships from its inner canals in 2021 , though Mr. Camatti, the tourism expert, said the ban on the ships had not reduced the number of day visitors.

This year, the city imposed a limit of 25 people per tour group and also banned the use of megaphones.

Elisabetta Povoledo is a reporter based in Rome, covering Italy, the Vatican and the culture of the region. She has been a journalist for 35 years. More about Elisabetta Povoledo

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Venice access fee: what is it and how much does it cost?

The Italian Unesco site is hoping to reduce over-tourism with the charge – the first of its kind in a major city

After years in the making, Venice will on Thursday begin charging day trippers to enter the city in an effort to protect the Unesco world heritage site from the effects of over-tourism.

While the measure has ignited criticism and derision from some, who argue it is unconstitutional and restrictive of freedom of movement – the Venice mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, has compared his “bravery” in enacting the charge to that of the Venetian explorer Marco Polo, in daring to go where others have feared to tread.

In some ways this is true: Venice will become the first major city in the world to adopt such an initiative, and others grappling with the impact of mass tourism are keenly observing.

However, will this bold experiment work in practice? Will it help save Venice, a uniquely beautiful city that campaigners have warned for decades is in peril? And – most importantly, perhaps, for anyone looking to book their trip – how do you buy your tickets?

Why is this being introduced?

According to Simone Venturini, the city’s councillor for tourism, Venice “affixed itself” to mass tourism in the 1960s and since then visitor numbers have surged to the point that during the busiest periods of the year it attracts an average of 40,000 people a day.

That number has put pressure on the fragile lagoon, while pushing residents away from the main island. Brugnaro said he wanted to make Venice “livable” again.

However, the final push to enact the measure came after Unesco threatened last year to put Venice on its list of heritage sites in danger, citing mass tourism and rising water levels attributed to climate change.

While Venice has moved to counter mass tourism in recent years by banning huge cruise ships from chugging through its centre, the city only escaped the potential shame of losing its Unesco status after the access charge was agreed.

How much is the charge and who has to pay?

The “Venice access fee” costs €5 (£4.30). It could be worse – when the idea was first suggested it was €10. Only day trippers have to pay. Residents, commuters, students and children under 14 are exempt, as are tourists who stay overnight. Critics of the scheme say the €5 is unlikely to deter many people.

How do I buy a ticket, and on which dates is one required?

The tickets are bookable online and apply on 29 peak dates between 25 April and 14 July. The dates are listed on the site. You will be provided with a QR code on your phone – guard it as this is the proof that you have paid the fee.

Hang on, Venice is a massive place with dozens of islands. Where exactly does it apply?

The charge applies only to those entering the historic centre of Venice between 8.30am and 4pm on any of the peak dates. That includes the Rialto Bridge, St Mark’s Square, La Fenice opera house and many other top-drawer tourist attractions, as well as quieter neighbourhoods such as the island of Giudecca.

What if I arrive in Venice without the QR code or I don’t have access to a mobile phone?

Fear not. When you arrive in Venice, says the council, be it by train, bus, or boat, stewards wearing white bibs featuring the city’s logo will guide you through buying the ticket online and downloading the QR code.

Those without a phone can pay at water taxi stations or in tabacchi shops, Venturini says.

The five key entrance points are Venezia Santa Lucia train station, bus terminals at Piazzale Roma and Tronchetto, and vaporetti (water bus) stops at Zattere and the Riva degli Schiavoni, the waterfront that covers the entrance to St Mark’s Square.

How will the measure be implemented?

Brugnaro has promised the system will be imposed with “very soft controls” and “without queues”, rejecting speculation the city would be installing barriers or turnstiles in the streets.

In effect, the authorities hope the measure will be implemented by means of a fleet of 180 personnel, made up of volunteer stewards, council staff and public officials. Those wearing white bibs are there to inform, while those wearing yellow bibs are there to do random checks and have the power to issue fines for those without a QR code.

Venturini said that if you arrived without one and did not approach someone in a white bib for information, and you were then spot-checked by someone in a yellow bib, you would risk being fined.

And how bad are the penalties?

Fines range from €50 to €300. “Don’t worry, nobody will be arrested for not having paid the fee,” said a council spokesperson.

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Venice introduces charge for day-trippers as it tackles tourism influx

Venice has become the first city in the world to introduce a payment system for tourists in an effort to thin the crowds that throng the canals during the peak holiday season.

Signs warning day-trippers about the new five-euro ($8.21) charge were set up outside the train station and near an entry footbridge, telling visitors they had to pay before diving into Venice's narrow alleyways.

April 25 is a national holiday in Italy and is the first of 29 days this year when people must buy a ticket if they want to access the lagoon city from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Reservations are meant to be made online but there is also a booth on hand for those who don't have smartphones.

While there are no turnstiles at the city gateways to make sure people have a pass, inspectors will be making random checks and issue fines of between 50 and 300 euros to anyone who has failed to register.

"No one has ever done this before," Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro told reporters earlier this month.

"We are not closing the city … we are just trying to make it liveable."

Tourist numbers vastly outweigh population

Some 20 million people visited Venice last year, a city official said, with roughly half of them staying overnight in hotels or holiday lets — an influx that dwarfs the resident population currently put at around 49,000.

People with hotel reservations and visitors aged under 14 do not need to pay the entry fee, but still need to register beforehand. Residents, students and workers are exempt.

Venice narrowly escaped being placed on UNESCO's "World Heritage in Danger" list last year partly because the UN body decided that the city was addressing concerns that its delicate ecosystem risked being overwhelmed by mass tourism.

Besides introducing the entry charge, the city has also banned large cruise ships from sailing into the Venetian lagoon and has announced new limits on the size of tourist groups.

"The phenomenon of mass tourism poses a challenge for all Europe's tourist cities," said Simone Venturini, who is responsible for tourism and social cohesion on the city council.

"But being smaller and more fragile, it is even more impacted by this phenomenon and is therefore taking action earlier than others to try to find solutions."

Ticketing this year is in an experimental phase and Mr Venturini said that in future Venice might start charging more at certain times of the year to look to discourage arrivals.

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Venice art biennale 2024: 8 must-see pavilions.

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On the opening day of the Venice Art Biennale, dark storm clouds hang over the lagoon city and the ... [+] St. Mark's Tower.

Venice, a city of history and mystery, is once again at the forefront of the global art scene, hosting the 60th International Art Exhibition titled "Stranieri Ovunque—Foreigners Everywhere." Curated by Adriano Pedrosa, this year’s Biennale extends beyond just an art exhibition; it is a profound narrative on cultural exchange, environmental sustainability and the interwoven fabric of global identity. From April 20 to November 24, 2024, the Biennale transforms Venice into a canvas of multicultural dialogue, showcasing works that provoke, inspire and unite. Here are the eight pavilions and exhibitions that stand out in this year's compelling lineup.

German Pavilion—At Giardini

YaelBartana, Farewell: Light To The Nations at the German Pavilion, Biennale Arte Venezia 2024, ... [+] Giardini

Curated by Çağla Ilk, the German Pavilion's "Thresholds" confronts the ambiguous zones separating nations, cultures and historical eras. This year, artists Yael Bartana and Ersan Mondtag spearhead a thought-provoking installation that delves into the concept of belonging through mixed media, including site-specific installations and video works.

Yael Bartana: Life In The Generation Ship, Light To The Nations at German Pavilion, Biennale Arte ... [+] 2024 Venezia, Giardini

The exhibit stretches to La Certosa, allowing visitors to physically cross waters, echoing the metaphorical thresholds addressed in their works, thereby enriching the dialogue about migration and the interaction of disparate cultures.

French Pavilion—At Giardini

Curated by Céline Kopp and Cindy Sissokho, French Pavilion, Venice Biennale 2024, Giardini

In the French Pavilion, Julien Creuzet, supported by the Chanel Culture Fund, presents a complex auditory and visual journey that draws heavily on his Caribbean roots. His exhibition combines digital media, sound installations, and poetic collages to create a narrative that traverses continents and histories.

Julien Creuzet, French Pavilion, Venice Biennale 2024, Giardini

Creuzet's work often includes elements that reference oceanic voyages and cultural syncretism, illustrating the interconnectedness of global diasporas and the lingering echoes of colonial histories in contemporary cultural expressions.

The Best Romantic Comedy Of The Last Year Just Hit Netflix

Apple iphone 16 unique all new design promised in new report, the world s best beers according to the 2024 world beer cup, danish pavilion—at giardini.

Inuuteq Storch transforms the Danish Pavilion with "Rise of the Sunken Sun," a compelling photographic essay on modern Greenlandic life juxtaposed with historical imagery.

Danish Pavilion, Venice Biennale Arte 2024, Giardini

Storch's work immerses visitors in the everyday realities and the stark, beautiful landscapes of Greenland. The exhibition’s soundscape, which features ambient Arctic sounds, complements the visual narrative, offering a multi-sensory reflection on Greenlandic identity, resilience, and the impact of environmental and cultural changes on indigenous communities.

Danish Pavilion, Giardini

Senegalese Pavilion—At Arsenale

Making its striking debut, the Senegalese Pavilion showcases Alioune Diagne's artwork in "Bokk – Bounds." Diagne uses a vibrant palette and fragmented, puzzle-like compositions in his paintings to explore themes of community, daily life, and societal challenges in Senegal.

Senegal Pavilion, Arsenale

The centerpiece, a traditional canoe adorned with Senegalese textiles, symbolizes journeys of migration and the intertwined histories of people, serving as a profound commentary on unity and the shared narratives that shape human existence.

Romanian Pavilion—At Giardini

Romanian Pavilion, Giardini

At the Romanian Pavilion, Șerban Savu’s "What Work Is" delves into the dichotomy of labor and leisure through a series of deeply humanistic paintings. Savu captures serene moments of daily life, often showing individuals in reflective postures against backdrops that suggest a pause in their routine.

Romanian Pavilion, Giardini, Biennale Venice 2024

His works, set amidst Romania's shifting economic landscape, invite viewers to ponder the personal impacts of societal change and the universal quest for balance between work and rest.

Republic Of China Pavilion—At Arsenale

China Pavilion, Arsenale, Biennale Venice 2024

The China Pavilion, under the theme "Atlas: Harmony in Diversity," elegantly navigates the continuum between ancient Chinese art traditions and contemporary artistic expressions. This exhibition is split into "Collect" and "Translate" segments, featuring a digital archive of historic artworks alongside modern pieces that draw inspiration from these artifacts. The juxtaposition fosters a dialogue that not only spans ages but also highlights the universal themes of harmony and cultural continuity.

United States Pavilion—At Giardini

Jeffrey Gibson’s vibrant showcase at the U.S. Pavilion celebrates the diversity of Indigenous and multicultural influences through his use of traditional crafts like beadwork and textiles, combined with modern artistic elements.

US Pavilion, Giardini, Venice Biennale 2024

Gibson's installations and artworks create a dynamic narrative space that reexamines and celebrates the complexity of American identities, emphasizing the rich, often underrepresented stories of Indigenous and minority communities within the broader American dialogue.

The International Exhibition By Adriano Pedrosa

Curator Adriano Pedrosa orchestrates the central exhibition of the Biennale, "Stranieri Ovunque," which features works from 331 artists focusing on themes of migration and identity. Not to be overlooked is the gigantic mural painting of the facade of La Biennale’s central pavilion at Giardini, painted by a group of indigenous Amazonian artists “Movement dos Artists Uni Kuin.”

Central Pavilion La Biennale Arte 2024, mural painted by indigenous Amazonian artists Movement dos ... [+] Artists Huni Kuin

The exhibition emphasizes textiles and familial legacies, promoting a nuanced discussion on the shared and diverse experiences that define humanity. Through this global canvas, Pedrosa encourages viewers to perceive the foreign not as distant or other, but as an integral part of the collective human story.

Main hall of La Biennale's Central Pavilion.

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Pay to enter: Venice becomes the first city to implement a tourist ticket system

Venice became the first city in the world on Thursday to introduce a payment system for visitors in an experiment aimed at dissuading tourists from arriving during peak periods.

However, it isn't the only place in Italy that has recently introduced new measures aimed at slowing tourist flows.

Here are some of the initiatives currently in force.

Venice tourist tax

The lagoon city has introduced 5 euros (about $5.35) tickets for day trippers, valid from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The experiment came into force on April 25, a national holiday in Italy. Tickets will be needed for the following 10 days and thereafter for most weekends until mid-July.

Venice residents, students, workers, and homeowners are exempt from paying or booking a slot. Visitors aged under 14 and tourists with hotel reservations will need to register, but access for them will be free of charge.

Other cities, such as Como, have said they are considering introducing a similar measure but are waiting to see how the Venice initiative works before deciding.

In addition, Venice has said that from June, it will limit the size of tourist groups to 25 people and ban the use of loudspeakers by tour guides.

Florence tourist measure

Florence announced in October that it was banning new short-term residential lets on platforms such as Airbnb in its historic center. It also offered three years of tax breaks to landlords of short-term holiday lets who start offering ordinary leases for residents.

The city's famous museum, the Uffizi, offers discounts to people who arrive before 8.55 a.m. and lower prices off-season. To spread out crowds, it also closes at 10 p.m. once a week.

Cinque Terrer overtourism

The five villages that make up the Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera regularly get swamped with visitors.

To try to reduce the overcrowding at peak periods, the authority which oversees the area said this week it would charge visitors 15 euros (about $16) to walk the most celebrated coastal path. In addition, the path can only be walked in one direction.

Capri tourism measure

The picturesque small island that lies across the bay from the southern city of Naples has doubled its entry fee, which is automatically added to ferry tickets, to 5 euros. The fee will be charged from April 1 to October 1.

Capri, Ischia, Procida, Lampedusa and Linosa changes

These islands have introduced limits, or outright bans, on cars for non-residents during the main tourist season.

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Venice Will Soon Have a Tourist Fee for Day-trippers — What to Know If You're Visiting

Day-trippers will have to sign up online the day they plan to visit and pay a fee ranging from 3 euros to 10 euros per person.

Venice has unveiled specifics for its new tourist fee that will be implemented next year.

The new tax will go into effect on Jan. 16, 2023, and will apply to day-trippers only, The Associated Press reported , citing officials in the canal city. The city had initially planned to implement the tourist fee this summer as a way to combat overtourism, but decided to push it to next year in May.

Simone Venturini, Venice's councilor for tourism, called the tax a "great revolution," CNN reported .

"Venice is a living city and it has to stay that way," Venturini said, explaining the goal was to reduce "tourist peaks."

Day-trippers will have to sign up online the day they plan to visit and pay a fee ranging from 3 euros to 10 euros per person, depending on the time of year and how crowded the city is, the AP reported. Those who don't pay the tax will risk a fine up to 300 euros (or $315).

Children under 6 will be exempt from the fee. Overnight visitors who book a hotel stay will also be exempt as they already pay a €5 ($5.33) per night tax.

About four-fifths of all tourists who visit Venice go for the day with about 19 million day-trippers visiting in 2019, according to The AP.

The fee, which has been a consideration since 2019, is Venice's latest effort to combat overtourism. The idea has been boosted by the near immediate improvement the city saw after the pandemic halted tourism, including allowing its famous canals to start to clear up .

Last year, Italy declared the waterways around Venice a "national monument ," and banned large cruise ships from the lagoon basin near St. Mark's Square and the Giudecca Canal. Venice's efforts have since earned it a reprieve from being included on the UNESCO World Heritage danger list.

Italy welcomes travelers from the United States and does not require them to show proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test to enter. The country has also stopped requiring visitors to show proof of vaccination to visit places like restaurants, bars, and museums.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .