Ah, Venice. The land of gondolas, ornate masks and… kayaking? Well, why not? It may not be the first thing that springs to mind when picturing the city’s iconic waterways and grandiose architecture, but the truth is there are plenty of surprises to be found here -if you know where to look. Take the neighbouring islands for example. Sure, you’ve probably heard about the glassblowing capital of Murano, and the colourful buildings of Burano are prime Pinterest material these days. But what about the other, lesser known islands; the secret Nazi base, the plague quarantine spot, the Armenian monastery? These true hidden gems are just a Vaporetto ride away.
Of course, there’s plenty of exploration to be done on the island of Venice itself. Every picture-perfect narrow street seems to lead to something interesting, and you don’t have to wander too far from the main tourist route to feel like you have the city to yourself. Just don’t forget your camera – there are few places on the planet that look as impressive in real life as they do in heavily filtered and photoshopped pictures on the ‘gram, but when it comes to unadulterated, jaw-dropping beauty, holidays in Venice definitely live up to the hype.
Venice Travel Guide
Ah, Venice. The land of gondolas, ornate masks and… kayaking? Well, why not? It may not be the first thing that springs to mind when picturing the city’s iconic waterways and grandiose architecture, but the truth is there are plenty of surprises to be found here -if you know where to look. Take the neighbouring islands for example. Sure, you’ve probably heard about the glassblowing capital of Murano, and the colourful buildings of Burano are prime Pinterest material these days. But what about the other, lesser known islands; the secret Nazi base, the plague quarantine spot, the Armenian monastery? These true hidden gems are just a Vaporetto ride away.
Of course, there’s plenty of exploration to be done on the island of Venice itself. Every picture-perfect narrow street seems to lead to something interesting, and you don’t have to wander too far from the main tourist route to feel like you have the city to yourself. Just don’t forget your camera – there are few places on the planet that look as impressive in real life as they do in heavily filtered and photoshopped pictures on the ‘gram, but when it comes to unadulterated, jaw-dropping beauty, holidays in Venice definitely live up to the hype.
Soundtrack of the city
Everyday grandeur
Everyday grandeur
Soundtrack of the city
Gorgeous in every colour
The best time to visit Venice? Whenever you can book a flight. From spectacularly sunny days in the height of summer to the romantic mist-covered canals in winter, this little island is glorious all year round. If you want to avoid crowds (and the strong heat), the months of April, May, June, September and October are great. A visit at Christmas time is also magical, and the annual Carnival celebrations make February holidays extremely worthwhile.
Discover the real Venice
With its narrow cobbled streets and maze-like alleyways, Venice is ripe for exploration. While you’ll definitely want to factor some time for aimless wandering into your itinerary, you don’t want to miss out on all of the hidden gems the city has to offer. No worries – we’ve got you covered with the very best bits of Venice – as well as the overrated spots you can skip.
From fresh pasta-to-go to the finest of fine dining, the options in Venice are (almost) endless. Arrive by boat to a fancy dinner, or rub shoulders with the locals while munching on authentic dishes at a traditional tavern. Whether you’re hunting for the city’s best cicchetti or a gluten-free snack, our insider tips will have you eating like royalty.
There are plenty of activities and attractions in Venice; from museums and galleries to canoeing and cycling, but which are actually worth your time (and cash?). Let us help you narrow it down and put together a top-notch itinerary, whether you’re here for a week or just dropping by for the day.
Finding the best of a new city is no easy task – especially if you’re just there for a couple of days. Want to know where the best secret photo spots are, or how to keep restless kids entertained? Whether you’re visiting the breathtaking major sights or in search of more low key neighbourhoods, our insider guides make for hassle-free trip planning.
- Food & Drink
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From fresh pasta-to-go to the finest of fine dining, the options in Venice are (almost) endless. Arrive by boat to a fancy dinner, or rub shoulders with the locals while munching on authentic dishes at a traditional tavern. Whether you’re hunting for the city’s best cicchetti or a gluten-free snack, our insider tips will have you eating like royalty.
- See & do
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There are plenty of activities and attractions in Venice; from museums and galleries to canoeing and cycling, but which are actually worth your time (and cash?). Let us help you narrow it down and put together a top-notch itinerary, whether you’re here for a week or just dropping by for the day.
- Guides & Tips
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Finding the best of a new city is no easy task – especially if you’re just there for a couple of days. Want to know where the best secret photo spots are, or how to keep restless kids entertained? Whether you’re visiting the breathtaking major sights or in search of more low key neighbourhoods, our insider guides make for hassle-free trip planning.
- Map View
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More of the Italy
If you’re looking for a destination that pretty much has it all, where better than beautiful Italy? Picturesque landscapes, world-class sights and attractions, incredible food and a comparatively mild climate… need we go on? Whether you’re into skiing, exploring historical sites, or chilling at a beach side resort, you’ll find that Italy caters to pretty much every type of holiday. From serene mountains and lakes to busting cities and pristine beaches, the country is as diverse as it is eye pleasing. From the long summers brimming with golden sunshine to the infamously hospitable locals, there’s plenty of warmth throughout this friendly country. There’s also plenty of delicious food; fresh seafood, pasta, pizza, risotto, stews and soups… plus gelato in an almost ridiculous array of flavours… going home heavier is almost guaranteed.