Things to do in Venice

Planning your trip to Venice

Best time to visit

April to early June and September to October bring comfortable weather and slightly thinner crowds than midsummer. July and August are hot, humid and very busy. Late autumn and winter are quiet and atmospheric, but this is also when high tides (acqua alta) can flood low-lying areas like St. Mark's Square.

How many days you need

Two to three days is enough to see St. Mark's, the Doge's Palace, a museum or two and to wander the quieter sestieri. Staying at least one night lets you see the city in the early morning and evening, after day-trippers leave.

Getting around

Venice is entirely on foot or by water; there are no cars. Vaporetto water buses run along the Grand Canal and out to the islands like Murano, Burano and the Lido. Expect bridges with steps everywhere, so pack light luggage you can carry, and use a paper or offline map, since the lanes are a maze.

What to skip

Cafés and restaurants right on St. Mark's Square and along the main route from the Rialto to San Marco charge heavily for the location. Day visitors may also need to pay the city's access fee on certain peak days, so check before you go.