For travel enthusiasts, Venice is the epitome of beauty and history, merging at one place. A multitude of islands wrapped in historic and architectural marvels, yes that's what the city is about.
There are innumerable places to visit in Venice, proclaiming its ancient grandeur and charm. Touring around this beautiful city is indeed alluring and charming. Such is its magnificence that every year it entices thousands of tourists from all over the World.
I would like to share some of the best things to do in Venice, for your reference and planning.
1. St Mark’s Square
Encompassed by state-of-the-art buildings and monuments, visiting St Mark’s Square is one of the best things to do in Venice. Intricately carved arcades, pillars, arches, and domes are the key attractions of the square. You must also visit the Doges' Palace, St Mark's Basilica, and the National Archaeological Museum, and avail yourself the thrilling Gondola rides. Guided walk tours are available for tourists.
2. Grand Canal
Cruising along the Grand Canal in a gondola is phenomenal. Encircled by sprawling buildings, palaces, and castles, you can feel the essence of a dreamland. The Renaissance style of architecture portrays the inherent artistic skill and creativity of the ancient craftsmen. You can either opt for a canal cruise or a Gondola ride. As dusk prevails, the buildings are illuminated with sparkling lights.
3. Academia Gallery
If you are an art lover, then the Academia Gallery is a perfect place to visit. The gallery houses some of the world-famous and prestigious art collections. You can closely watch the evolution of art in each period as portrayed sequentially in the gallery; a powerhouse of information related to artworks, sculptures, and paintings. Masterpiece artworks of renowned European and Venetian painters are precious treasures, adorning the walls of the gallery.
4. Teatro La Venice
Visiting Venice and not watching an opera or a theatre will be an incomplete tour. The city has numerous opera houses and theatre halls, showcasing the ancient European culture and traditions. The famous among them is the Teatro La Venice. It has hosted many operas and popular stage shows. Legendary composers like Verdi, Bellini, Rossini, and many more have performed at this opera house. It has a huge gallery for the audience, for witnessing the enlivening creations of music composers and theatre specialists.
5. Murano
Murano or the Glass island is a conglomerate of 8 islands connected with beautifully carved bridges. The place earned its name from the fact that it specialises in producing glass products and items. Riding through the canals, strolling across the bridges, and witnessing the sparkling glassworks are the various ways to spend time on the island.
6. Santa Maria Della Salute
Visiting cathedrals and churches in Venice is indeed a divine experience. Santa Maria Della Salute, a Basilica dedicated to St. Mary, is an exemplary architectural marvel. With an enormous dome-shaped structure, the church is one of the tallest on the island. Wonderfully carved walls, pillars, and facades coupled with intricately carved bell towers, statues, sculptures, and images, magnify the ethereal beauty of the cathedral. Artistic windows, arcades, and astonishing paintings of St. Mary beautify the interiors of the cathedral.
7. Santi Giovanni E Paolo
Along with Santa Maria Della Salute, you must also visit Santi Giovanni E Paolo. It is another iconic church of Venice. The church is one of the largest and tallest on the island, being huge in size and following the famous Gothic style of architecture. The key attraction of the church is the stunning display of the lights and glasswork in its interiors. The exquisite carvings on the walls, columns, and pillars gracefully portray the elegant talent of the ancient artisans.
8. Rialto Market
Travel without shopping is incomplete. Hence a visit to the shopping arcades is a must. In Venice, the best place to fulfil their shopping spree is the Rialto Market. There are innumerable street-side shops and food joints present in the market. You can buy souvenirs, gift items, clothes, locally handcrafted items, jewellery, and bags. The market also sells local foods and farm-fresh products.
9. Burano
Burano is essentially a fishermen's village. The entire area is encompassed by beautifully and vividly painted houses, the dwellings of the fishermen. Do not forget to try some of the local fish delicacies. The bakery products are also quite famous in Burano. The best way to explore the place is to walk down the neatly laid pavements.
10. Bridge of Sighs
Connecting the New prison and Doges' palace is the Bridge of Sighs. It is another marvellous piece of architecture constructed over the Grand Canal. It is believed that prisoners used to breathe a heavy sigh on observing the bridge. Hence it earned the name the Bridge of Sighs. Standing on the bridge, you can watch beautiful scenic views of the island.
How to get a visa to visit Venice?
Indians need to apply for a Schengen visa for visiting Venice. The documents required are - A valid passport, passport size photos, proof of hotel bookings, flight bookings and a detailed plan of your activities, application form, an email id, proof of financial means, and the preferred payment method. You can apply for your visa online.
How to reach Venice?
By Air, the nearest airport is Marco Polo Venice Airport. You can avail various bus services to reach the city.
If you are in any other part of Europe, then you can avail the train. The nearest railway station being Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station. Also you can avail the water bus service to reach the St. Marks Square.
Which is the best time to visit Venice?
The best time to visit Venice is between the months of April and June. The period is the summer season in Venice and is quite pleasant and comfortable.
Best places to stay at Venice:
1. Palazzo San Lorenzo. Address - Castello, 4981/B, Castello, 30122 Venice, Italy. Tariff - Almost INR 21.4K per night.
2. Hotel Santo Stefano. Address - Campo Santo Stefano San Marco 2957, San Marco, 30124 Venice, Italy. Tariff - Almost INR 11.1K per night
3. Generator Venice. Address - Fondamenta Zitelle 86, Giudecca, 30133 Venice, Italy. Tariff - Almost INR 3.6K per night
4. Hotel La Fenice et Des Artistes. Address - S. Marco 1936, San Marco, 30124 Venice, Italy. Tariff - Almost INR 10.5K per night
Venice is indeed a beautiful city to visit in Europe. Shared the prominent sightseeing spots for guidance to plan your trip to this ancient and historical city..
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