Venice, the "City of Canals," is one of the most unique and enchanting cities in the world. Here are the top 10 places to visit in Venice:
1. Venetian Gondolas
The gondolas of Venice are a traditional form of slow travel around the waterways and canals of the city. At over ten meters long, each gondola is owned and maintained by its gondolier who wears a striped top, black trousers, and a straw hat.
Once the main form of transportation in Venice for wealthy citizens, as many as 10,000 gondolas once frequented the canals! These days, a fleet of only around 400 gondolas is active within Venice. Each gondola navigates the waterways, giving rides for about 40 minutes at a time. Be sure to confirm the rates of a gondola ride before you visit if this is something that’s on your bucket list.
2. Grand Canal
Canale Grande or Grand Canal is the most important icon of Venice- lined with gorgeous and vibrant-looking palaces and castles on both sides. The canal meanders through the city in a zigzag way with a few breathtaking bridges built over it. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Venice at night, to enjoy the stunning sunset and watch the sparkling water of the canal.
3. Bell Tower
The Bell Tower is an ancient structure with European architecture that stands tall in the square's southeast corner. On top of the twelve-meter-wide square brick shaft is a white Istrian stone belfry with a balcony and a pyramidal spire, making the whole thing almost 100 meters tall. The bronze statue of Archangel Gabriel is at the top which can be explored with Venice tour.
4. Doge’s Palace
One of the famous places to see in Venice, Doge’s Palace is an immensely beautiful and gorgeous palace, located on the bank of the Grand Canal. During the early days, it was the Seat of Government, the Palace of Justice, and the official residence of Doge.
5. Bridge of Sighs
You may be surprised to find that the beautiful Bridge of Sighs was the solution to a problem you may not have even considered. In every city there is a crime, so even in Venice, there were prisoners. Spanning the canal between the Doge’s Palace and the prison, the Bridge of Sighs was used for moving prisoners through a secure zone to their cells.
6. Basilica Di San Marco
Basilica di San Marco or St Mark’s Basilica is one of the most beautifully designed churches in Italy and Venice’s top attractions. The marvelous décor with gold mosaics and works by Renaissance painters. Moreover, Byzantine domes are incredibly charming and make it one of the must-visit Venice tourist places.
7. Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco, also known as Saint Mark's Square, is the largest and one of the most important tourist attractions of Venice.
Being the widest swath of flat, open land in the water-bound city, the square has long been a popular destination for visitors to enjoy the true essence of Venice. Since the earlier Republic days, life has revolved around this piazza; then it was a market, as well as the center of social, religious, and political life. Being one of the finest squares in the world, Piazza San Marco is certainly Venice's prime attraction.
8. Rialto Bridge
Rialto Bridge is one of the famous landmarks of Venice- built over the Grand Canal in 1588. Besides linking two crowded streets of the city, the bridge is regarded as one of the top 10 places to visit in Venice, Italy. It is an important crossing point of the Canal. It is an exceptional architectural and engineering achievement of the Renaissance.
9. Teatro La Fenice
If you are looking for exciting places to go in Venice, Teatro La Fenice is an opera house in Venice and many popular Italian theatres have been showcased here. Its architectural charm makes it one of the most beautiful and must-visit places in Venice. La Fenice has hosted many famous operatic premieres and performances of famous composers like Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, and Verdi.
10. Lido Di Venezia
Lido di Venezia is a 7-mile-long barrier island that is considered to be the most renowned summer destination in Venice. It is a vibrant island with an interesting history and is known worldwide for its beautiful beaches. Importantly, the Venice International Film Festival is held here every year in the last week of August and the first week of September, which is the oldest International Film Festival in the world.
If you visit Venice, you should make time to visit Lido di Venezia. The island also has several great hotels and resorts that offer the perfect option for an exciting getaway. The food available here is also amazing.
