This captivating city may be famous the over world for its charming vistas and unique style, but nothing prepares you for the fairytale beauty you'll encounter on your first vaporetto ride along Venice's famed waterways.
Built on over 100 small islands, the city is home to living history in its ancient architecture as well as a huge collection of art.
Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance are the principal reference points for the artistic development of Venice. The Basilica of San Marco is a masterpiece of Romanesque-Byzantine style, the centre of Venetian life throughout the centuries, while the 16th-century Rialto Bridge is a splendid example of the Renaissance style. And, throughout the city, the testimonies of great Venetian masters are revealed in paintings from the 15th, 16th and 17th Centuries.
Stroll from the arched Rialto Bridge, a monument to the rivo alto (high bank) where many Venetians first settled, to the Piazza San Marco, the magnificent open square with its toy-town 15th-century clock tower, the long arcades of the procuratie (government buildings of the Republic), and vast open pavements. Here, enjoy a coffee or an apertivo at Florian, Quadri, or any of the stylish cafés that spill out from under the arcades and soak up the surrounding beauty.
It has often been noted that Venetians are enamoured of the surface of things, so it's hardly surprising that Venice can seem like a preposterous stage set, a city almost too good to be true.
Kelsey
Travel Specialist
Where to go in Venice
Italy travel information
When to visit Italy
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best time
Good time
Ok time
- Time zone: +1 GMT
- Flight time: Around 2 to 3 hours
- Currency: Euro
- Tipping guideline: At discretion
- Health considerations: No major health risks
- Capital: Rome
- Population: 58,697,744 (2023)
- National languages: Italian
- Electricity and plugs: Type C/F - 230V, 50Hz
- Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage
- UK passport visa requirements: No (For stays of up to 90 days)
Looking for inspiration?
You'll find expert travel guides, holiday ideas and insider tips now on Other Shores
Our Top 10 Family Holiday Destinations
Family and travel have both become even more important than ever, recently. So, you might be one...
Sophie - September, 2023The Best Spa Hotels in Europe
What could be better than a luxury holiday to one of the best spa hotels in Europe? Take a journ...
Other Shores Team - April, 2022The World's Most Romantic Places to Propose
Thinking of popping the question soon? Then be inspired by our best places to propose around the...
Sophie - July, 2022Where are the Best Beaches in Italy?
From the golden sands of Sicily, to the unspoiled shores of Puglia and the striking Amalfi Coast, t...
Ceri - May, 2023Pasta Making and the Ponte Vecchio: Florence by Belmond
Tuscany is considered something of a classic travel experience. After my September visit, I wouldn'...
Gabrielle - May, 202310 of the Best Infinity Pools in the World
It's not just extraordinary destinations that compel us to travel, but also the incredible faciliti...
Other Shores Team - September, 2023Short-Haul Sun: Top 10 Short Flight Holidays From the UK
Short flights from the UK to somewhere hot are becoming increasingly popular. Let's face it, the we...
Other Shores Team - September, 20235 Things to See in Florence
Florence comes with a reputation for being one of the most culturally, architecturally and historic...
Sophie - March, 2023Luxury Travel Calendar: The Best Holiday Destinations For Every Month in 2023
Welcome to your year of bucket list travel... From private islands to ancient cities and undisco...
Other Shores Team - September, 2023Would you like to speak to a Venice expert?
Contact our Travel Specialists for a bespoke quote or some first-hand knowledge.
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Why Inspiring Travel?
Premium & Exclusive
- Only the best private travel experiences
- Hand-picked collection of world-class luxury resorts
- Diverse portfolio of bespoke & tailored itineraries
Personal & tailored
- Every holiday created to be entirely bespoke
- Exclusive experiences arranged on your behalf
- Personal contact to tailor every aspect of your holiday
Exceptional service
- 24/7 support while you're travelling
- Every detail handled by our concierge team
- Lounge passes, airport meet & greet and private transfers included
First-hand expertise
- The experts in tailor-made travel for 50 years
- Team of well-travelled specialists offering first-hand knowledge
- Network of trusted luxury travel partners
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware