Venice

Italy

The famous Rialto Bridge Venice (Italian: Venezia; Venetian: Venexia) is a sanctuary on a lagoon is virtually the same as it was 600 years ago, which adds to the fascinating character. Venice has decayed since its heyday and is heavily touristed (there are slightly more tourists than residents), but the romantic charm remains. It is also known as the birthplace of composers Tomaso Albinoni and Antonio Vivaldi. Venice and its lagoon are a UNESCO World Heritage site. It used to be an independent republic, and remains one of Italy's most important cities.

Bell tower of Saint Mark

The comune (municipality) of Venice is made up of numerous islands in the Venetian Lagoon as well as a stretch of terraferma (mainland) in northern Italy. The comune is divided into six boroughs, the most famous of which (known as Venezia Insulare) comprises the historic city of Venice as well as the islands of Giudecca, Murano, Burano, Torcello, Mazzorbo, and Sant'Erasmo. Lido and Mestre are other popular areas of the comune.

The historic city is divided into six sestieri (districts): Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, San Polo, Santa Croce, and San Marco, where the main monuments and sights are. Each sestiere uses separate house numbers, however, they are not allocated in a specific pattern.

The Most Serene Republic of Venice dates back to 827, when a Byzantine Duke moved its seat to what is now known as the Rialto, and for the following 970 years, it prospered on trade (especially from the Silk Road) and under the rule of a Roman-style Senate headed by the Doge. Eventually, the Republic of Venice grew into a powerful city-state, and the cradle of Italian renaissance. In the late 15th century, the Ottoman Empire's expansion around the Mediterranean, new routes on the high seas shifted commerce to the Atlantic, demoting Venice's political status.

The city remains a centre for the arts. One of the significant events in the history of Venice was the opening of the first public opera house in 1637, which allowed members of the general public (those who could afford to pay for the tickets) to enjoy what was once court entertainment reserved for the aristocracy, thus allowing the genre of opera to flourish. Venice was an important destination of the Grand Tour from the 17th century. In 1797, the city was conquered by Napoleon, a blow from which it never recovered. The city was soon absorbed into Austria-Hungary, then ping-ponged back and forth between Austria and a nascent Italy, but Venice is still a monument to the glory days of the Renaissance, and historical culture still throbs powerfully in the old Italians' veins.

July and August may be the worst time to visit: it's sometimes very hot and often humid, there are mosquitoes and occasional infestations of flies, and there are a lot of tourists and large crowds anywhere you go. Spring and autumn are probably best, a compromise between temperature (expect 5-15°C in March) and the tourist load. Between November and January, you may manage to feel you have Venice all to yourself, an interesting and quiet experience. Beware of the weather during the winter months: it can be quite cold, windy, and damp. Fog is an additional hazard if you are driving in or out, doubly so in the unlikely chance that you will pilot a boat. But if you've never been to Venice, it's better to go in summer than not to go. You won't regret it. Many cities are far worse in summer. Although Venice has no cars, diesel motors used by boats contribute to less than slar air quality.

Acqua alta (high water) has become a fact of life in Venice. The lagoon water level occasionally rises above the level of the squares and streets, flooding them. This can happen several times a year, at irregular intervals, usually in the colder months. Acqua alta usually lasts a few hours and coincides with high tide. You'll see raised walkways in side alleys ready to be pulled out when acqua alta hits. When the city begins to flood, sirens will sound to warn residents and businesses. If you speak fluent Italian, tune into news programs since their predictions of the times the flood begins and ends are usually accurate. Normally, the tide rises and falls in six-hour cycles.

You can get an acqua alta map at the tourist offices either at the railway station or St Mark's Square. This will show you the higher, dry routes and the ones with walkways set up during the various flood alerts. There is a tide measuring station at the Rialto vaporetto piers, and a noticeboard at the base of the Campanile in the Piazza San Marco that shows a live tide reading and predictions for the next few days.

  • Doge's Palace, Piazetta San Marco, San Marco 1 (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to San Marco, +39 041 2715911. Nov to Mar 08:30 to 17:30, Apr to Oct 08:30 to 19:00, closed Jan 1 and Dec 25. Don't miss the guided tour named Secret Itinerary, which will let you discover the part of the palace where the city's administration worked, as well as Casanova's jail and the wonderful five hundred year old roof structure. A MUVE museum. Adults €20, reduced €14.
  • Bell tower of St. Mark, Piazza San Marco, San Marco (vaporetto line 1 to San Marco, +39 041 5224064. Nov-Mar: 09:30-15:45; Apr-Jun, Oct: 09:00-19:00; Jul-Aug: 09:00-21:00. The current tower dates from 1912; an exact replica of the previous tower which collapsed in 1902. The top of the tower offers great views of Venice and the lagoon. €8.
  • Clock tower, Piazza San Marco, San Marco (vaporetto lines 1-2-5, 1.5.2 to San Marco, +39 041 5209070. Having been closed for restoration for many years, the restored astronomical clock is now visible. The fascinating tour of the clock mechanism (and rooftop bell) can only be visited on a guided tour, in English: Mon-Wed at 10:00 and 11:00, on other days at 14:00 and 15:00, in French Mon-Wed at 14:00 and 15:00, advance reservation required online or by phone at +39 041 5209070. A MUVE museum. Adults €12, reduced €7.
  • Scuola Grande di San Rocco, San Polo 3052 (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to San Tomà, near the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, +39 041 5234864. 09:30-17:30, closed Dec 25, Jan 1, Easter Sunday. A masterpiece of Tintoretto, this guild house is an exquisite example of Mannerist art at its best. In order to allow a comfortable admiration of the detailed ceiling, mirrors are offered to the visitors. Cycles of allegories, life and passion of Christ, scenes from the Old and New Testament. Adult €10, concessions €8.
  • Jewish Ghetto of Venice, Cannaregio. While racial and ethnic neighborhoods had existed prior to the Venetian Ghetto, Venice's ghetto was the first "ghetto" (coming from a Venetian word for the Iron Foundry that was on the site previously) and "ghetto" eventually came to mean any neighborhood that was made up of a single ethnic/racial group. Today, Jewish life is still very active in the ghetto, and elsewhere in Venice, and is home to five synagogues. Visiting on Saturdays or late Fridays (the Jewish Sabbath) will prove very fruitless because all shops, restaurants, and other Jewish places will be closed.
  • Ponte di Rialto. The bridge has become one of Venice's most recognizable icons and has a history that spans over 800 years. Today's Rialto Bridge was completed in 1591 and was used to replace a wooden bridge that collapsed in 1524.
  • Zattere, Dorsoduro. It's a long and sunny walk along the Giudecca canal, protected during winter time from cold northerly winds for being exposed to south and shielded by buildings. You might find interesting to see how a gondola is made, stopping by the Squero (Venetian for small ship yard) across the canal near San Trovaso Church. It's one of the few still in business in town. With some luck, you'll see some gondole through various manufacturing steps (note that gondole are not straight to counterbalance the gondoliere push).

Basilica di San Marco Although San Marco is free, other famous churches charge an entry fee. If you plan to visit three churches or more, you are better off buying the churches pass. There is also a combined pass for museums, churches and transportation only available at the tourist information office but it is relatively expensive.

  • Saint Mark's Basilica, Piazza San Marco, San Marco 328 (water lines #1, 52, and 82 will take you from Santa Lucia (the train station) or Piazzale Roma to Piazza San Marco. Walking is another option but will require a map and lots of time and energy, +39 041 5225205 (procuratorial phone number). 1 Oct-31 Mar: 09:45-16:45; 1 Apr-30 Sep: 09:45-17:00. Saint Mark's Basilica is on the Piazza San Marco and is one of the highlights of a visit to Venice. As with most churches in Italy, you must be dressed appropriately to be allowed in; this means no short skirts or bare shoulders. You are not allowed to carry large bags or rucksacks inside, sometimes even small daypacks may need to be deposited. Storage is available just around the corner from the main entrance (free of charge). Filming and photography is forbidden so be prepared in advance. The visit within the basilica lasts ten minutes. Waiting for entry into the basilica can last up to five or so hours and it may be wise to use a ticket service to reserve your visit (reservation costs €2, official tickets at venetoinside.com). Once you have a reservation you can take the group entrance on the left, where you hand in the printout of your reservation. Admission to the basilica is free, however, the museum upstairs costs €5 and to view the high altar and treasury costs €2 and €3 respectively.
  • San Giacomo di Rialto, San Polo. This church is possibly the oldest church in Venice built around 421. It is most recognized for its 15th-century clock above the entrance of the church. It is also recognized for the red pillars and beautiful gold accents around the church itself.
  • San Giovanni e Paolo, Castello. A fine, huge Dominican church with the tombs of many Doges. It shares its piazza with the fine Renaissance façade of the Scuola San Marco and an equestrian statue of the mercenary (condottiere) captain Bartolomeo Colleoni. Look out for the testicles (coglioni in Italian - it's a lousy pun) on his coat of arms!
  • Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, San Polo 3072, +39 041 2728618. M-F 09:00-18:00, Su and holidays 13:00-18:00. Last admission 30 min before closing time. The big friary church, fine example of Venetian Gothic architecture, with fine monuments and paintings of Titian, Belliniand Donatello, among which the famous 'Assunta' by Titian. Adult €3, reduced €1.50.
  • Santa Maria dei Miracoli, Cannaregio. A perfect jewel box church, simple in form but ornamented with fine exterior marble facings.
  • San Simeone Piccolo, Santa Croce (located opposite the Santa Lucia train station across the Canal Grande. The last church built in Venice. One of the things that it is recognized for is the fact that they celebrate Tridentine Mass on Sundays. It is also recognized for its dome because it is used to make the church look taller than it is and the dome itself is entirely covered with lead sheet.
  • Santa Maria della Pietà, Castello. A church that used to house an orphanage and hospital in the 18th century, it is known among classical music enthusiasts as the church where the Catholic priest and composer Antonio Vivaldi worked for most of his career.
  • Convento di S.Francesco del Deserto, S.Francesco del Deserto. Tu-Su 09:00-11:00, 15:00-17:00. Old Franciscan convent in one of the most beautiful islands in the Venice lagoon. By donation.
  • S. Francesco della Vigna, Campo San Francesco della Vigna, Castello, +39 041 5206102. 08:00-12:00, 16:30-18:00.
  • Gesuati, Fondamente Zattere delle Gesuati, Dorsoduro, +39 041 5230625. 08:00-12:00, 17:00-19:00.
  • Gesuiti, Campo dei Gesuiti, Cannaregio, +39 041 5286579. Summer 10:00-12:00, 17:00-19:00, winter 10:00-12:00, 16:00-18:00, closed Su afternoon.
  • S. Giobbe, Campo San Giobbe, Cannaregio. 08:30-12:00, 15:30-18:00.
  • S. Giovanni in Bragora, Campo Bandiera e Moro, Castello, +39 041 5205906. 06:00-11:00, 17:00-19:00.
  • S. Giovanni Crisostomo, Campo San Giovanni Crisostomo, Cannaregio, +39 041 5227155. 07:00-12:30, 15:00-19:00.
  • S. Giuliano, Campo di San Giuliano, San Marco.
  • Madonna dell'Orto, Campo Madonne dell'Orto, Cannaregio, +39 041 719933. Summer 09:30-12:00, 16:00-19:00, winter 09:30-12:00, 15:00-17:30. With the grave and 10 paintings of Tintoretto.
  • S. Maria del Carmelo.
  • S. Maria Formosa, Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Castello, +39 041 5234645. 08:30-12:30, 17:00-19:00.
  • S. Maria della Salute, Campo delle Salute, Dorsoduro, +39 041 5225558. 08:30-12:00, 15:00-17:30.
  • S. Michele in Isola, Isola San Michele.
  • Basilica di San Pietro di Castello, Campo di San Pietro, Castello. Venice cathedral up to 1807, when the see was transferred to San Marco.
  • SS. Redentore, Fondamente della Croce, Giudecca.
  • S. Salvatore, Campo San Salvatore.
  • S. Sebastiano, Campo San Sebastiano, Dorsoduro, +39 041 5282487.
  • S. Stefano, Campo Santo Stefano, San Marco 3825, +39 041 5222362.
  • S. Zaccaria, Campo San Zaccaria, +39 041 5221257. 10:00-12:00, 16:00-18:00.

Saint Mark's Basilica, Piazza San Marco, San Marco 328 (water lines #1, 52, and 82 will take you from Santa Lucia (the train station) or Piazzale Roma to Piazza San Marco. Walking is another option but will require a map and lots of time and energy, +39 041 5225205 (procuratorial phone number). 1 Oct-31 Mar: 09:45-16:45; 1 Apr-30 Sep: 09:45-17:00. Saint Mark's Basilica is on the Piazza San Marco and is one of the highlights of a visit to Venice. As with most churches in Italy, you must be dressed appropriately to be allowed in; this means no short skirts or bare shoulders. You are not allowed to carry large bags or rucksacks inside, sometimes even small daypacks may need to be deposited. Storage is available just around the corner from the main entrance (free of charge). Filming and photography is forbidden so be prepared in advance. The visit within the basilica lasts ten minutes. Waiting for entry into the basilica can last up to five or so hours and it may be wise to use a ticket service to reserve your visit (reservation costs €2, official tickets at venetoinside.com). Once you have a reservation you can take the group entrance on the left, where you hand in the printout of your reservation. Admission to the basilica is free, however, the museum upstairs costs €5 and to view the high altar and treasury costs €2 and €3 respectively.

San Giacomo di Rialto, San Polo. This church is possibly the oldest church in Venice built around 421. It is most recognized for its 15th-century clock above the entrance of the church. It is also recognized for the red pillars and beautiful gold accents around the church itself.

San Giovanni e Paolo, Castello. A fine, huge Dominican church with the tombs of many Doges. It shares its piazza with the fine Renaissance façade of the Scuola San Marco and an equestrian statue of the mercenary (condottiere) captain Bartolomeo Colleoni. Look out for the testicles (coglioni in Italian - it's a lousy pun) on his coat of arms!

Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, San Polo 3072, +39 041 2728618. M-F 09:00-18:00, Su and holidays 13:00-18:00. Last admission 30 min before closing time. The big friary church, fine example of Venetian Gothic architecture, with fine monuments and paintings of Titian, Belliniand Donatello, among which the famous 'Assunta' by Titian. Adult €3, reduced €1.50.

Santa Maria dei Miracoli, Cannaregio. A perfect jewel box church, simple in form but ornamented with fine exterior marble facings.

San Simeone Piccolo, Santa Croce (located opposite the Santa Lucia train station across the Canal Grande. The last church built in Venice. One of the things that it is recognized for is the fact that they celebrate Tridentine Mass on Sundays. It is also recognized for its dome because it is used to make the church look taller than it is and the dome itself is entirely covered with lead sheet.

Santa Maria della Pietà, Castello. A church that used to house an orphanage and hospital in the 18th century, it is known among classical music enthusiasts as the church where the Catholic priest and composer Antonio Vivaldi worked for most of his career.

Convento di S.Francesco del Deserto, S.Francesco del Deserto. Tu-Su 09:00-11:00, 15:00-17:00. Old Franciscan convent in one of the most beautiful islands in the Venice lagoon. By donation.

S. Francesco della Vigna, Campo San Francesco della Vigna, Castello, +39 041 5206102. 08:00-12:00, 16:30-18:00.

Gesuati, Fondamente Zattere delle Gesuati, Dorsoduro, +39 041 5230625. 08:00-12:00, 17:00-19:00.

Gesuiti, Campo dei Gesuiti, Cannaregio, +39 041 5286579. Summer 10:00-12:00, 17:00-19:00, winter 10:00-12:00, 16:00-18:00, closed Su afternoon.

S. Giobbe, Campo San Giobbe, Cannaregio. 08:30-12:00, 15:30-18:00.

S. Giovanni in Bragora, Campo Bandiera e Moro, Castello, +39 041 5205906. 06:00-11:00, 17:00-19:00.

S. Giovanni Crisostomo, Campo San Giovanni Crisostomo, Cannaregio, +39 041 5227155. 07:00-12:30, 15:00-19:00.

S. Giuliano, Campo di San Giuliano, San Marco.

Madonna dell'Orto, Campo Madonne dell'Orto, Cannaregio, +39 041 719933. Summer 09:30-12:00, 16:00-19:00, winter 09:30-12:00, 15:00-17:30. With the grave and 10 paintings of Tintoretto.

S. Maria del Carmelo.

S. Maria Formosa, Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Castello, +39 041 5234645. 08:30-12:30, 17:00-19:00.

S. Maria della Salute, Campo delle Salute, Dorsoduro, +39 041 5225558. 08:30-12:00, 15:00-17:30.

S. Michele in Isola, Isola San Michele.

Basilica di San Pietro di Castello, Campo di San Pietro, Castello. Venice cathedral up to 1807, when the see was transferred to San Marco.

SS. Redentore, Fondamente della Croce, Giudecca.

S. Salvatore, Campo San Salvatore.

S. Sebastiano, Campo San Sebastiano, Dorsoduro, +39 041 5282487.

S. Stefano, Campo Santo Stefano, San Marco 3825, +39 041 5222362.

S. Zaccaria, Campo San Zaccaria, +39 041 5221257. 10:00-12:00, 16:00-18:00.

The Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia (MUVE) (call center 848-08.2000) offers two museums passes for the San Marco Museums valid for 3 months at €16 (€8 reduced) granting admission to Palazzo Ducale, Museo Correr, Museo Archaeologico Nazionale, Sale Monumentali della Bibliotheca Marciana, and another museum pass valid for 6 months for €24 (reduced €18) granting admission to the above mentionned museums plus Ca' Rezzonico, Mesue del '700 Veneziano, Palazzo Mocenigo, Casa di Carlo Goldoni, Ca' Pesaro, Museo del Vetro Murano, Museo di Merletto Burano and Museo di Storia Naturale.

  • Correr Museum, Piazza San Marco, Ala Napoleonica, San Marco 52 (on San Marco Square, vaporetto line 11-2-5, 1-5-2, +39 041 2405211. Nov 1 to Mar 31: 10:00-17:00, Apr 1 to Oct 31: 10:00-19:00, closed Dec 25, Jan 1. Interesting collection of globes, starting from the 16th century. There is also an only library hall, an archeological museum of Roman antiques and an important picture gallery. The museum offers a tour of Venetian history. Remarkable painting gallery with masterpieces of the 14th to 16th cent from Venice, works of the Venetian sculpture Canova, studies on urban development and social life. At the end of your visit, don't miss the museum art cafe, with their tables on the San Marco Square. A MUVE museum. €14 (reduced €8), which also includes Doge's Palace.
  • The Peggy Guggenheim Museum, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, Dorsoduro 701 (located to the east of the Accademia bridge, on the southern side of the Grand Canal, +39 041 2405411. W-M 10:00-18:00. Closed on Tuesdays and on 25 December. Open on national holidays (including Tuesdays). The Peggy Guggenheim Museum offers a personal collection of modern art collected by Peggy Guggenheim. Peggy was an American married to modern artist Max Ernst, and funded a number of his contemporaries. The gallery includes a sculpture garden and works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Tanguy, Duchamp, Pollock, Dali, and Mondrian. Adult €15, seniors (over 65 years) €13, students (18 years and under or holders of valid student ID) €9.
  • Ca' Pesaro - International Modern Art Gallery, Santa Croce 2076 (vaporetto line 1 to San Stae, +39 041 524695. Nov-Mar: 10:00-17:00, Apr-Oct: 10:00-18:00, closed Dec 25, Jan 1, May 1. Modern art collection, paintings of the 19th and 20th century. A MUVE museum. Adults €14, reduced €11.50 (valid for both museums in the Ca' Pesaro).
  • Ca' Pesaro - Museum of Oriental Art, Santa Croce 2076 (vaporetto line 1 to San Stae, +39 041 5241173. Nov-Mar 10:00 to 17:00, Apr-Oct: 10 :00-18:00, closed M, Dec 25, Jan 1, May 1. Beautiful palace housing the gallery of modern art focusing on Italian art in the 19th century as well as the Marco Polo Museum, a rich collection mainly of Asian exhibits (fabrics, clothes, armours, porcelain). A MUVE museum. Adults €14, reduced €11.50 (valid for both museums in the Ca' Pesaro).
  • Galleria dell'Accademia di Venezia, Campo della Carità, Dorsoduro 1050 (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to Accademia. M 08:15-14:00, Tu-Su 08:15-19:15 (ticket office closes 1 hr before). Venice's most significant art museum which is also one of Italy's best. Among the most important paintings in the Accademia are: Gentile Bellini: Procession on St. Mark’s Square (1496) and Miracle of the Cross at the Bridge of S. Lorenzo (1500), Giovanni Bellini: Pieta (1500), Jacopo Bellini: Madonna with Child and Cherubs (ca. 1450), Paris Bordenone: A fisherman presents the ring of St. Mark to the doge (ca. 1535), Vittore Carpaccio: Legend of Saint Ursula (1490-1498), Cima da Conegliano: The Holy Virgin under the Orange Tree (ca. 1496), Giorgione (1477-1510): The Tempest and La Vecchia ("The Old Woman"), Andrea Mantegna (1431-1506): St. George, Veronese Paolo (1528-1588): The Feast in the House of Levi (1573), Tintoretto: The Miracles of St. Mark (1548), and Titian: Pietà (ca. 1576). Adults €16, reduced €7.50, advanced reservation fee €1.50.
  • Palazzo Grassi, Campo San Samuele, San Marco 3231. M W-Su 10:00-19:00. Last admission 1 hr before closing. Contemporary art museum. Temporary exhibitions from François Pinault's Collection. Adults €18, reduced €15.
  • Punta della Dogana, Dorsuduro 2 (on the tip between Grand Canal and Giudecca Canal, vaporetto line 1 to Salute, +39 041 2001057. W-M 10:00 to 19:00, closed Tu and Dec 24. Former customs house, centre for contemporary art, permanent exhibition of works from the François Pinault Collection. Renovation by world renowned architect Tadao Ando. €15, reduced €10.
  • Galleria Giorgio Franchetti Ca' d'Oro, Strada Nuova, Cannaregio 3932 (linea 1 to Ca d'Oro, +39 0415200345. Tu-Sa 08:15-19:15, M 08:15-14:00, Su 10:00-18:00, closed Dec 25, Jan 1, May 1. A collection of paintings and statues in a former palace from the 15th century. One of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Venice, sculptures, bronzes, paintings of Mantegna, Giorgione and Titian, Flemish and Dutch paintings. Adults €8, reduced €6.
  • Palazzo Fortuny, San Beneto, San Marco 3958 (laterale Calle della Mandorla, vaporetti line 1 or 2 to Rialto or S.A°ngelo, +39 041 5200995. W-M 10:00-18:00, closed Tue and May 1. Collection of paintings and lamps. A MUVE museum. Adults €12, reduced €10.

Correr Museum, Piazza San Marco, Ala Napoleonica, San Marco 52 (on San Marco Square, vaporetto line 11-2-5, 1-5-2, +39 041 2405211. Nov 1 to Mar 31: 10:00-17:00, Apr 1 to Oct 31: 10:00-19:00, closed Dec 25, Jan 1. Interesting collection of globes, starting from the 16th century. There is also an only library hall, an archeological museum of Roman antiques and an important picture gallery. The museum offers a tour of Venetian history. Remarkable painting gallery with masterpieces of the 14th to 16th cent from Venice, works of the Venetian sculpture Canova, studies on urban development and social life. At the end of your visit, don't miss the museum art cafe, with their tables on the San Marco Square. A MUVE museum. €14 (reduced €8), which also includes Doge's Palace.

The Peggy Guggenheim Museum, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, Dorsoduro 701 (located to the east of the Accademia bridge, on the southern side of the Grand Canal, +39 041 2405411. W-M 10:00-18:00. Closed on Tuesdays and on 25 December. Open on national holidays (including Tuesdays). The Peggy Guggenheim Museum offers a personal collection of modern art collected by Peggy Guggenheim. Peggy was an American married to modern artist Max Ernst, and funded a number of his contemporaries. The gallery includes a sculpture garden and works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Tanguy, Duchamp, Pollock, Dali, and Mondrian. Adult €15, seniors (over 65 years) €13, students (18 years and under or holders of valid student ID) €9.

Ca' Pesaro - International Modern Art Gallery, Santa Croce 2076 (vaporetto line 1 to San Stae, +39 041 524695. Nov-Mar: 10:00-17:00, Apr-Oct: 10:00-18:00, closed Dec 25, Jan 1, May 1. Modern art collection, paintings of the 19th and 20th century. A MUVE museum. Adults €14, reduced €11.50 (valid for both museums in the Ca' Pesaro).

Ca' Pesaro - Museum of Oriental Art, Santa Croce 2076 (vaporetto line 1 to San Stae, +39 041 5241173. Nov-Mar 10:00 to 17:00, Apr-Oct: 10 :00-18:00, closed M, Dec 25, Jan 1, May 1. Beautiful palace housing the gallery of modern art focusing on Italian art in the 19th century as well as the Marco Polo Museum, a rich collection mainly of Asian exhibits (fabrics, clothes, armours, porcelain). A MUVE museum. Adults €14, reduced €11.50 (valid for both museums in the Ca' Pesaro).

Galleria dell'Accademia di Venezia, Campo della Carità, Dorsoduro 1050 (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to Accademia. M 08:15-14:00, Tu-Su 08:15-19:15 (ticket office closes 1 hr before). Venice's most significant art museum which is also one of Italy's best. Among the most important paintings in the Accademia are: Gentile Bellini: Procession on St. Mark’s Square (1496) and Miracle of the Cross at the Bridge of S. Lorenzo (1500), Giovanni Bellini: Pieta (1500), Jacopo Bellini: Madonna with Child and Cherubs (ca. 1450), Paris Bordenone: A fisherman presents the ring of St. Mark to the doge (ca. 1535), Vittore Carpaccio: Legend of Saint Ursula (1490-1498), Cima da Conegliano: The Holy Virgin under the Orange Tree (ca. 1496), Giorgione (1477-1510): The Tempest and La Vecchia ("The Old Woman"), Andrea Mantegna (1431-1506): St. George, Veronese Paolo (1528-1588): The Feast in the House of Levi (1573), Tintoretto: The Miracles of St. Mark (1548), and Titian: Pietà (ca. 1576). Adults €16, reduced €7.50, advanced reservation fee €1.50.

Palazzo Grassi, Campo San Samuele, San Marco 3231. M W-Su 10:00-19:00. Last admission 1 hr before closing. Contemporary art museum. Temporary exhibitions from François Pinault's Collection. Adults €18, reduced €15.

Punta della Dogana, Dorsuduro 2 (on the tip between Grand Canal and Giudecca Canal, vaporetto line 1 to Salute, +39 041 2001057. W-M 10:00 to 19:00, closed Tu and Dec 24. Former customs house, centre for contemporary art, permanent exhibition of works from the François Pinault Collection. Renovation by world renowned architect Tadao Ando. €15, reduced €10.

Galleria Giorgio Franchetti Ca' d'Oro, Strada Nuova, Cannaregio 3932 (linea 1 to Ca d'Oro, +39 0415200345. Tu-Sa 08:15-19:15, M 08:15-14:00, Su 10:00-18:00, closed Dec 25, Jan 1, May 1. A collection of paintings and statues in a former palace from the 15th century. One of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Venice, sculptures, bronzes, paintings of Mantegna, Giorgione and Titian, Flemish and Dutch paintings. Adults €8, reduced €6.

Palazzo Fortuny, San Beneto, San Marco 3958 (laterale Calle della Mandorla, vaporetti line 1 or 2 to Rialto or S.A°ngelo, +39 041 5200995. W-M 10:00-18:00, closed Tue and May 1. Collection of paintings and lamps. A MUVE museum. Adults €12, reduced €10.

  • Telecom Italia Future Centre, Campo San Salvador, San Marco 4826 (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to Rialto, +39 041 5213272. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00; closed M, Dec 25, Jan 1. Centre dedicated to telecommunication technology. The building complex includes an adjacent church with important works of art, the Refectory (which is a conference hall today), Renaissance cloisters and a small museum focusing on the evolution of the telephone in the last 100 years. Free.
  • Physics Museum Anton Maria Traversi, Liceo Marco Foscarini, Fondamenta Santa Caterina, Cannaregio 4942 (vaporetto line 1 to Ca d'oro, +39 041 5224845. Daily 09:30-12:30, and W 14:00-16:00, closed holidays and August. More than 200 instruments for educational and practical use, built to facilitate scientific research, conducted by physics teachers since the 19th cent, guided tours led by students. Adults €2, reduced €1.
  • Venice Lido Planetarium (Planetario di Venezia Lido), Lido. A planetarium. See Lido for details.
  • Le Macchine di Leonardo a Venezia, Campo San Barnaba, Dorsoduro 2771, +39 339 7985464. Daily 09:30-19:30. An exhibition in the Chiesa di San Barnaba showing around forty models of machines reproduced from Leonardo's codices. Some of the exhibits are interactive and copies of the codices are available for further reading. It was supposed to have ended in 2012, but doesn't appear to be in a hurry to leave - and a good thing too, since the church, an attraction in itself (it's the one under which Indiana Jones finds catacombs in The Last Crusade, by the way), was rarely accessible to visitors before. Adults €8, over-65s, children and students €5.

Telecom Italia Future Centre, Campo San Salvador, San Marco 4826 (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to Rialto, +39 041 5213272. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00; closed M, Dec 25, Jan 1. Centre dedicated to telecommunication technology. The building complex includes an adjacent church with important works of art, the Refectory (which is a conference hall today), Renaissance cloisters and a small museum focusing on the evolution of the telephone in the last 100 years. Free.

Physics Museum Anton Maria Traversi, Liceo Marco Foscarini, Fondamenta Santa Caterina, Cannaregio 4942 (vaporetto line 1 to Ca d'oro, +39 041 5224845. Daily 09:30-12:30, and W 14:00-16:00, closed holidays and August. More than 200 instruments for educational and practical use, built to facilitate scientific research, conducted by physics teachers since the 19th cent, guided tours led by students. Adults €2, reduced €1.

Venice Lido Planetarium (Planetario di Venezia Lido), [[Lido]]. A planetarium. See [[Lido]] for details.

Le Macchine di Leonardo a Venezia, Campo San Barnaba, Dorsoduro 2771, +39 339 7985464. Daily 09:30-19:30. An exhibition in the Chiesa di San Barnaba showing around forty models of machines reproduced from Leonardo's codices. Some of the exhibits are interactive and copies of the codices are available for further reading. It was supposed to have ended in 2012, but doesn't appear to be in a hurry to leave - and a good thing too, since the church, an attraction in itself (it's the one under which Indiana Jones finds catacombs in The Last Crusade, by the way), was rarely accessible to visitors before. Adults €8, over-65s, children and students €5.

  • Jewish Museum, Cannaregio 2902/b (vaporetto line 1 and 2 to San Marcuola, +39 041 715 359. 1 Jun-30 Sep: 10:00-19:00; 1 Oct-31 May: 10:00-18:00. The museum is closed on Saturday (Shabbat), during Jewish festivities, on 25 Dec, 1 Jan and 1 May. Objects related to the social life of the Jewish community, in two synagogues of the 16th century. Entrance to the museum: adults €3, reduced €2. Entrance to the museum and guided tours to synagogues: adults €8.50, reduced €7.
  • Mekhitarist Monastery, Isola di San Lazzaro degli Armeni (15.10 hrs at San Zaccaria, +39 041 5260104. Daily 15:25 (guided tour only). Library with historical manuscripts, collection of works, miniatures and documents of the Armenian history, Monastery Church. Tours in Italian, English, and Armenian. On the small island of San Lazzaro degli Armeni. Adults €6, reduced €4.50.
  • Museo Diocesano, P.te della Canonica, Castello 4312 (vaporetto line 1-5 or 1-5-2 to San Zaccaria, +39 041 5229166. Th-Tu 10:00-17:00. Religious furniture and objects from now demolished churches and convents, one of the most appealing Romanesque cloisters of Venice. €4.00, reduced €2.50.

Jewish Museum, Cannaregio 2902/b (vaporetto line 1 and 2 to San Marcuola, +39 041 715 359. 1 Jun-30 Sep: 10:00-19:00; 1 Oct-31 May: 10:00-18:00. The museum is closed on Saturday (Shabbat), during Jewish festivities, on 25 Dec, 1 Jan and 1 May. Objects related to the social life of the Jewish community, in two synagogues of the 16th century. Entrance to the museum: adults €3, reduced €2. Entrance to the museum and guided tours to synagogues: adults €8.50, reduced €7.

Mekhitarist Monastery, Isola di San Lazzaro degli Armeni (15.10 hrs at San Zaccaria, +39 041 5260104. Daily 15:25 (guided tour only). Library with historical manuscripts, collection of works, miniatures and documents of the Armenian history, Monastery Church. Tours in Italian, English, and Armenian. On the small island of San Lazzaro degli Armeni. Adults €6, reduced €4.50.

Museo Diocesano, P.te della Canonica, Castello 4312 (vaporetto line 1-5 or 1-5-2 to San Zaccaria, +39 041 5229166. Th-Tu 10:00-17:00. Religious furniture and objects from now demolished churches and convents, one of the most appealing Romanesque cloisters of Venice. €4.00, reduced €2.50.

  • Mocenigo Palace Museum, Santa Croce 1992 (vaporetto line 1 to San Stae, +39 041 721798. Apr-Oct: 10:00-17:00, Nov-Mar: 10:00-16:00; closed M, Dec 26, Jan 1, May 1. A collection of clothes dating from the 18th century. Splendid interior. Collection of dresses and accessories, fabrics, books, figurines in various period costumes. A MUVE museum. Adults €5, reduced €3.50.
  • Ca' Rezzonico - Museum of 18th Century Venice, Dorsoduro 3136 (vaporetto line 1 to Ca' Rezzonico, +39 041 2410100. Nov-Mar: 10:00-17:00, Apr-Oct: 10:00-18:00; closed Dec 25, Jan 1, May 1. Museum of the 18th century in Venice - attempts to revive the domestic atmosphere of Venetian nobilities. Furniture, interior decoration, paintings by Guardi, Canaletto, Tiepolo. On the third floor important paintings of the Venetian school. A MUVE museum. Adults €8, reduced €5.50.
  • Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro). On Murano, the island so typical of its glasswork. A MUVE museum. See Murano for details.
  • Natural History Museum, Fondaco dei Turchi, Santa Croce 1730 (vaporetto line 1 to Riva di Biasio, +39 041 2750206. Jun-Oct: 10:00-18:00; Nov-Mar: Tu F 09:00-17:00, Sat S 10:00-18:00. 11 exhibition halls with sections on palaeontology, explorations and nature. A MUVE museum. Adults €8, reduced €5.50.
  • House of Carlo Goldoni, San Polo 2794 (vaporetto line q or 2 to S.Tomà, +39 041 2440317. Apr-Oct: Th-Tu 10:00-17:00; Nov-Mar: Th-Tu 10:00-16:00; closed Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25. Birthplace of Venice's most famous playwright. Museum, library and theater studies center. A MUVE museum. Audlts €5, reduced €3.50.
  • Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto). A MUVE museum. See Burano for details.
  • Museo Storico Navale, Riva S. Biasio, Castello 2148 (vaporetto line 1 to Castello, +39 041 2441399. M-F 08:45-13:30, Sa 08:45-13:00, Su closed. Collection of relics from the Serenissima Republic of Venice, the Italian navy, and the ancient Arsenale shipyards, miniature models, uniforms and stadarts, collection of sea shells. The main building of the Naval Historical Museum (Riva S. Biasio) is closed for renovation works. It's possible to visit the Ships Pavilion in rio della Tana, Castello 2162 (close to the Naval Museum). Adults €5, reduced €3.50.
  • Fondazione Querini Stampalia, Castello 5252 (near Camp S.Maria Formosa, vaporetto line 1-5, 1-5-2 to San Zaccaria, +39 0412711411. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00; closed M, Dec 25 and 26, Jan 1. Residence-museum of the Querini-Stampa family, library, picture gallery, furniture and household objects from the 16th cent onwards, important paintings by Bellini, Palma, Ricci, Tiepolo and Longhi. Adults €10, reduced €8.
  • Palazzo Cini, San Vio, Dorsoduoro 864 (vaporetto line 1 and 2 to Accademia, +39 0415210755. upon telephone reservation only. Residence of Vittorio Cini, collection of 15th and 16th cent paintings from Tuscany and Ferrara, period furniture, silver, ivory and ceramic objects.
  • Byzantine Pictures Museum (Greek Institute), Ponte dei Greci, Castello 3412 (vaporetto line 1-5 or 1-5-2 to San Zaccaria, +39 041 5226581. 09:00-16:30. Collection of Greek, Cretan and Venetian icons of the 14th to 18th century. Adults €4, reduced €3.50.
  • Scala Contarini del Bovolo, Corte del Riso o del Bovolo, San Marco 4303 (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to Rialto, +39 041 3096605. Daily 10:00-13:30 and 14:00-18:00. A cylindrical tower with a spiralling series of arches, among the most characteristic examples of Venetian architecture at the period of transition from Gothic to Renaissance styles. From the top there are great panoramic views of the city. Adults €7, reduced €6.
  • Music Museum, Chiesa di S.Maurizio, Campo di S.Marizio, San Marco 2603 (near Campo Santo Stefano; vaporetto line 1 to S.M-.del Giglio or line 1-2 to Accademia, +39 041 2719012. Daily 09:30-19:00. Beautiful church, collection of musical instruments, Venetian Baroque paintings. Interpreti Veneziani, the creators of the Music Museum, also offer concerts in the nearby San Vidal church. Free.
  • Palazzo Grimani, Ramo Grimani, Castello 4858 (near Campo Sta. Maria Formosa; vaporetto line 1 or 2 Rialto or Zaccaria, +39 041 5200345 (Call center). M 08:15-14:00, Tu-Su 09:00-19:00, closed Dec 25, Jan 1, May 1. A jewel of Renaissance architecture that has been opened as a Venetia civic museum recently, collections of paintings, archaeological collection of Greek and Roman artefacts, temporary exhibitions. €4, reduced €3, combined with Accademia €13, reduced €11.
  • Archaeological Museum, Piazetta San Marco, San Marco 52 (Vaporetti line 1 or 2 to San Marco, +39 041 5225978. 10:00-18:00. Collection of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, Egyptian, Assyrian and Babylonian artefacts. € 4, reduced €2.
  • St.Mark's Basilica Museum, Piazza San Marco, San Marco (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to San Marco or Zaccaria, +39 041 2708311. 09:45-16:45. Visit the famous bronze horses. €5.00, reduced €2.50.
  • Scuola Grande di S.Giovanni Evangelista, San Polo 2454 (vaporetto line 1 or 2 ro San Tomà, +39 041 718234. occasional 09:30-17:00. Monumental staircase by Codussi, splendid San Giovanni Salon, Oratory of the Cross with precious reliquiaries. €5.
  • Scuola Dalmatina di San Giorgio e Trifone, Calle dei Furlani, Castello 3259/A (vaporetto line 1-5 or 1-5-2 to S.Zaccaria, +39 041 5228828. Tu-Sa 10:00-12:30 and 15:00-18:00, Su 10:00-12:30, closed M. Famous painting cycle by Vittore Carpaccio depicting the lives of St.George, Tryphon and Jerome. Adults €4, reduced €2.
  • Scuola Grande dei Carmini, Dorsodure 2617 (near campo Santa Margherita) (vaporetto line 1 to Ca' Rezzonico, +39 041 5289420. Daily 11:00-16:00, closed Dec 25, Jan 1. Painting cycles dedicated to the Madonna del Carmine, canvases by Tiepolo and Padoviano. €5, reduced €4.
  • Oratorio dei Crociferi, Campo di Gesuiti, Canareggio 4905 (vaporetto line 1, +39 041 5322920. F Sa 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00, otherwise only by reservation. Small oratory facing the old monastery dei Crociferi, painting circle by Palma the Younger. Adults €3.

Mocenigo Palace Museum, Santa Croce 1992 (vaporetto line 1 to San Stae, +39 041 721798. Apr-Oct: 10:00-17:00, Nov-Mar: 10:00-16:00; closed M, Dec 26, Jan 1, May 1. A collection of clothes dating from the 18th century. Splendid interior. Collection of dresses and accessories, fabrics, books, figurines in various period costumes. A MUVE museum. Adults €5, reduced €3.50.

Ca' Rezzonico - Museum of 18th Century Venice, Dorsoduro 3136 (vaporetto line 1 to Ca' Rezzonico, +39 041 2410100. Nov-Mar: 10:00-17:00, Apr-Oct: 10:00-18:00; closed Dec 25, Jan 1, May 1. Museum of the 18th century in Venice - attempts to revive the domestic atmosphere of Venetian nobilities. Furniture, interior decoration, paintings by Guardi, Canaletto, Tiepolo. On the third floor important paintings of the Venetian school. A MUVE museum. Adults €8, reduced €5.50.

Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro). On Murano, the island so typical of its glasswork. A MUVE museum. See [[Murano]] for details.

Natural History Museum, Fondaco dei Turchi, Santa Croce 1730 (vaporetto line 1 to Riva di Biasio, +39 041 2750206. Jun-Oct: 10:00-18:00; Nov-Mar: Tu F 09:00-17:00, Sat S 10:00-18:00. 11 exhibition halls with sections on palaeontology, explorations and nature. A MUVE museum. Adults €8, reduced €5.50.

House of Carlo Goldoni, San Polo 2794 (vaporetto line q or 2 to S.Tomà, +39 041 2440317. Apr-Oct: Th-Tu 10:00-17:00; Nov-Mar: Th-Tu 10:00-16:00; closed Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25. Birthplace of Venice's most famous playwright. Museum, library and theater studies center. A MUVE museum. Audlts €5, reduced €3.50.

Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto). A MUVE museum. See [[Burano]] for details.

Museo Storico Navale, Riva S. Biasio, Castello 2148 (vaporetto line 1 to Castello, +39 041 2441399. M-F 08:45-13:30, Sa 08:45-13:00, Su closed. Collection of relics from the Serenissima Republic of Venice, the Italian navy, and the ancient Arsenale shipyards, miniature models, uniforms and stadarts, collection of sea shells. The main building of the Naval Historical Museum (Riva S. Biasio) is closed for renovation works. It's possible to visit the Ships Pavilion in rio della Tana, Castello 2162 (close to the Naval Museum). Adults €5, reduced €3.50.

Fondazione Querini Stampalia, Castello 5252 (near Camp S.Maria Formosa, vaporetto line 1-5, 1-5-2 to San Zaccaria, +39 0412711411. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00; closed M, Dec 25 and 26, Jan 1. Residence-museum of the Querini-Stampa family, library, picture gallery, furniture and household objects from the 16th cent onwards, important paintings by Bellini, Palma, Ricci, Tiepolo and Longhi. Adults €10, reduced €8.

Palazzo Cini, San Vio, Dorsoduoro 864 (vaporetto line 1 and 2 to Accademia, +39 0415210755. upon telephone reservation only. Residence of Vittorio Cini, collection of 15th and 16th cent paintings from Tuscany and Ferrara, period furniture, silver, ivory and ceramic objects.

Byzantine Pictures Museum (Greek Institute), Ponte dei Greci, Castello 3412 (vaporetto line 1-5 or 1-5-2 to San Zaccaria, +39 041 5226581. 09:00-16:30. Collection of Greek, Cretan and Venetian icons of the 14th to 18th century. Adults €4, reduced €3.50.

Scala Contarini del Bovolo, Corte del Riso o del Bovolo, San Marco 4303 (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to Rialto, +39 041 3096605. Daily 10:00-13:30 and 14:00-18:00. A cylindrical tower with a spiralling series of arches, among the most characteristic examples of Venetian architecture at the period of transition from Gothic to Renaissance styles. From the top there are great panoramic views of the city. Adults €7, reduced €6.

Music Museum, Chiesa di S.Maurizio, Campo di S.Marizio, San Marco 2603 (near Campo Santo Stefano; vaporetto line 1 to S.M-.del Giglio or line 1-2 to Accademia, +39 041 2719012. Daily 09:30-19:00. Beautiful church, collection of musical instruments, Venetian Baroque paintings. Interpreti Veneziani, the creators of the Music Museum, also offer concerts in the nearby San Vidal church. Free.

Palazzo Grimani, Ramo Grimani, Castello 4858 (near Campo Sta. Maria Formosa; vaporetto line 1 or 2 Rialto or Zaccaria, +39 041 5200345 (Call center). M 08:15-14:00, Tu-Su 09:00-19:00, closed Dec 25, Jan 1, May 1. A jewel of Renaissance architecture that has been opened as a Venetia civic museum recently, collections of paintings, archaeological collection of Greek and Roman artefacts, temporary exhibitions. €4, reduced €3, combined with Accademia €13, reduced €11.

Archaeological Museum, Piazetta San Marco, San Marco 52 (Vaporetti line 1 or 2 to San Marco, +39 041 5225978. 10:00-18:00. Collection of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, Egyptian, Assyrian and Babylonian artefacts. € 4, reduced €2.

St.Mark's Basilica Museum, Piazza San Marco, San Marco (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to San Marco or Zaccaria, +39 041 2708311. 09:45-16:45. Visit the famous bronze horses. €5.00, reduced €2.50.

Scuola Grande di S.Giovanni Evangelista, San Polo 2454 (vaporetto line 1 or 2 ro San Tomà, +39 041 718234. occasional 09:30-17:00. Monumental staircase by Codussi, splendid San Giovanni Salon, Oratory of the Cross with precious reliquiaries. €5.

Scuola Dalmatina di San Giorgio e Trifone, Calle dei Furlani, Castello 3259/A (vaporetto line 1-5 or 1-5-2 to S.Zaccaria, +39 041 5228828. Tu-Sa 10:00-12:30 and 15:00-18:00, Su 10:00-12:30, closed M. Famous painting cycle by Vittore Carpaccio depicting the lives of St.George, Tryphon and Jerome. Adults €4, reduced €2.

Scuola Grande dei Carmini, Dorsodure 2617 (near campo Santa Margherita) (vaporetto line 1 to Ca' Rezzonico, +39 041 5289420. Daily 11:00-16:00, closed Dec 25, Jan 1. Painting cycles dedicated to the Madonna del Carmine, canvases by Tiepolo and Padoviano. €5, reduced €4.

Oratorio dei Crociferi, Campo di Gesuiti, Canareggio 4905 (vaporetto line 1, +39 041 5322920. F Sa 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00, otherwise only by reservation. Small oratory facing the old monastery dei Crociferi, painting circle by Palma the Younger. Adults €3.

  • San Michele Cemetery, Isola di San Michele (vaporetto line 4.1-4.2, +39 041 7292811. Apr-Sep: 07:30-18:00; Oct-Mar: 07:30-16:30. Cemetery established following Napoleon Bonaparte's edict of 1804, part of the European circuit of monumental cemeteries. The Russian ballet dancer Serge Diaghilew, the Austrian physicist Christan Doppler, the American poet Ezra Pound, the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky and the German-Italian composer Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari are buried in San Michele Cemetery. Free.
  • Old Jewish Cemetery (Antico Cimitero Ebraico), Lido. Jewish cemetery dating from 1550 to early 18th century. See Lido for details.

San Michele Cemetery, Isola di San Michele (vaporetto line 4.1-4.2, +39 041 7292811. Apr-Sep: 07:30-18:00; Oct-Mar: 07:30-16:30. Cemetery established following Napoleon Bonaparte's edict of 1804, part of the European circuit of monumental cemeteries. The Russian ballet dancer Serge Diaghilew, the Austrian physicist Christan Doppler, the American poet Ezra Pound, the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky and the German-Italian composer Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari are buried in San Michele Cemetery. Free.

Old Jewish Cemetery (Antico Cimitero Ebraico), [[Lido]]. Jewish cemetery dating from 1550 to early 18th century. See [[Lido]] for details.

  • Marciana National Library, Piazetta San Marco, San Marco 7 (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to San Marco, +39 041 2407211. 08:15-10:00, 17:09-19:00. Buildings by Sansovino, most important collection of books in Venice. €4, reduced €2.
  • State Archive, Campo dei Frari, San Polo 3002 (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to S.tomà, +39 041 5222281. M-Th 08:10-17:50, F Sa 08:10-13:50 (reading room). One of the largest archives in the world, in an old Franciscan monastery. Manuscripts, texts and documents related to the history of the Venetian Serenissima. Free.
  • ASAC Library, Padiglione centrale, Castello ((side entrance near Sant'Antonio) vaporetto line 1 or 2 to Castello, +39 041 5218790. Tu-F 10:00-17:00. An annex at the Biennale gardens where the Biennale keeps records related to the Biennale exhibitions and to 20th century art, from 1895 onwards.
  • Fondazione Querini Stampalia. See above under Museums.
  • Fondazione Giorgio Cini, Isola di San Giorgio (vaporetto line 2, +39 041 2710407. M-F 09:00-16:30. Multi-functional centre in an old Benedictine dormitory, the heart of the Foundation's library complex

Marciana National Library, Piazetta San Marco, San Marco 7 (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to San Marco, +39 041 2407211. 08:15-10:00, 17:09-19:00. Buildings by Sansovino, most important collection of books in Venice. €4, reduced €2.

State Archive, Campo dei Frari, San Polo 3002 (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to S.tomà, +39 041 5222281. M-Th 08:10-17:50, F Sa 08:10-13:50 (reading room). One of the largest archives in the world, in an old Franciscan monastery. Manuscripts, texts and documents related to the history of the Venetian Serenissima. Free.

ASAC Library, Padiglione centrale, Castello ((side entrance near Sant'Antonio) vaporetto line 1 or 2 to Castello, +39 041 5218790. Tu-F 10:00-17:00. An annex at the Biennale gardens where the Biennale keeps records related to the Biennale exhibitions and to 20th century art, from 1895 onwards.

Fondazione Querini Stampalia. See above under Museums.

Fondazione Giorgio Cini, Isola di San Giorgio (vaporetto line 2, +39 041 2710407. M-F 09:00-16:30. Multi-functional centre in an old Benedictine dormitory, the heart of the Foundation's library complex

Venice and St. Mark's Basilica from the Campanile

  • Giovanni Caboto, Via Garibaldi 1581. Venetian explorer of North America who worked for the British (c. 1450-c. 1500).
  • Bartolomeo Colleoni, Campo SS.Giovanni e Paolo. Condottiere (1400–1475), equestrian statue made by Andrea del Verrocchio, Leonardo da Vinci's teacher.
  • Claudio Monteverdi, S. Maria dei Frari. Tomb, composer (1567-1643) and champion of the early Baroque seconda pratica and then-new genre of opera.
  • Giuseppe Verdi, Giardini pubblici. Composer of operas; Italian nationalist and national hero (1813-1901).
  • Richard Wagner, Giardini pubblici. German opera composer (1813-1883).
  • Jacopo Robusti (Tintoretto), Madonna dell' Orto Church. Venetian painter (1578-1594), tomb.
  • Gentile Bellini, San Giovanni e Paolo Church. Venetian painter and official portraitist of the Doges (1439-1507), tomb.
  • Giovanni Bellini, San Giovanni e Paolo Church. Early Venetian oil painter and the most famous of the Bellini brothers (1430-1516), tomb.
  • Caterina Cornaro, San Salvatore Church. Queen of Cyprus (1454-1510), tomb.
  • Paolo Veronese, San Sebastiano Church. Painter from Verona whose career was in Venice (1528-1588), tomb.

Giovanni Caboto, Via Garibaldi 1581. Venetian explorer of North America who worked for the British (c. 1450-c. 1500).

Bartolomeo Colleoni, Campo SS.Giovanni e Paolo. Condottiere (1400–1475), equestrian statue made by Andrea del Verrocchio, Leonardo da Vinci's teacher.

Claudio Monteverdi, S. Maria dei Frari. Tomb, composer (1567-1643) and champion of the early Baroque seconda pratica and then-new genre of opera.

Giuseppe Verdi, Giardini pubblici. Composer of operas; Italian nationalist and national hero (1813-1901).

Richard Wagner, Giardini pubblici. German opera composer (1813-1883).

Jacopo Robusti (Tintoretto), Madonna dell' Orto Church. Venetian painter (1578-1594), tomb.

Gentile Bellini, San Giovanni e Paolo Church. Venetian painter and official portraitist of the Doges (1439-1507), tomb.

Giovanni Bellini, San Giovanni e Paolo Church. Early Venetian oil painter and the most famous of the Bellini brothers (1430-1516), tomb.

Caterina Cornaro, San Salvatore Church. Queen of Cyprus (1454-1510), tomb.

Paolo Veronese, San Sebastiano Church. Painter from [[Verona]] whose career was in Venice (1528-1588), tomb.

Doge's Palace, Piazetta San Marco, San Marco 1 (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to San Marco, +39 041 2715911. Nov to Mar 08:30 to 17:30, Apr to Oct 08:30 to 19:00, closed Jan 1 and Dec 25. Don't miss the guided tour named Secret Itinerary, which will let you discover the part of the palace where the city's administration worked, as well as Casanova's jail and the wonderful five hundred year old roof structure. A MUVE museum. Adults €20, reduced €14.

Bell tower of St. Mark, Piazza San Marco, San Marco (vaporetto line 1 to San Marco, +39 041 5224064. Nov-Mar: 09:30-15:45; Apr-Jun, Oct: 09:00-19:00; Jul-Aug: 09:00-21:00. The current tower dates from 1912; an exact replica of the previous tower which collapsed in 1902. The top of the tower offers great views of Venice and the lagoon. €8.

Clock tower, Piazza San Marco, San Marco (vaporetto lines 1-2-5, 1.5.2 to San Marco, +39 041 5209070. Having been closed for restoration for many years, the restored astronomical clock is now visible. The fascinating tour of the clock mechanism (and rooftop bell) can only be visited on a guided tour, in English: Mon-Wed at 10:00 and 11:00, on other days at 14:00 and 15:00, in French Mon-Wed at 14:00 and 15:00, advance reservation required online or by phone at +39 041 5209070. A MUVE museum. Adults €12, reduced €7.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco, San Polo 3052 (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to San Tomà, near the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, +39 041 5234864. 09:30-17:30, closed Dec 25, Jan 1, Easter Sunday. A masterpiece of Tintoretto, this guild house is an exquisite example of Mannerist art at its best. In order to allow a comfortable admiration of the detailed ceiling, mirrors are offered to the visitors. Cycles of allegories, life and passion of Christ, scenes from the Old and New Testament. Adult €10, concessions €8.

Jewish Ghetto of Venice, Cannaregio. While racial and ethnic neighborhoods had existed prior to the Venetian Ghetto, Venice's ghetto was the first "ghetto" (coming from a Venetian word for the Iron Foundry that was on the site previously) and "ghetto" eventually came to mean any neighborhood that was made up of a single ethnic/racial group. Today, Jewish life is still very active in the ghetto, and elsewhere in Venice, and is home to five synagogues. Visiting on Saturdays or late Fridays (the Jewish Sabbath) will prove very fruitless because all shops, restaurants, and other Jewish places will be closed.

Ponte di Rialto. The bridge has become one of Venice's most recognizable icons and has a history that spans over 800 years. Today's Rialto Bridge was completed in 1591 and was used to replace a wooden bridge that collapsed in 1524.

Zattere, Dorsoduro. It's a long and sunny walk along the Giudecca canal, protected during winter time from cold northerly winds for being exposed to south and shielded by buildings. You might find interesting to see how a gondola is made, stopping by the Squero (Venetian for small ship yard) across the canal near San Trovaso Church. It's one of the few still in business in town. With some luck, you'll see some gondole through various manufacturing steps (note that gondole are not straight to counterbalance the gondoliere push).

Palazzo Vitturi

  • La Biennale di Venezia is one of the most well-known culture institutions. Two events organised by Biennale are the Art and Architecture International Exhibitions happening alternately (Architecture Biennale in even years, Art Biennale in odd) but other fields are also covered - contemporary theatre, dance, music, cinema (Venice International Film Festival). Exhibitions take place mostly in two locations: Arsenale. and Giardini.. They are both worth visiting even when no event is scheduled. Arsenale is the largest pre-industrial production centre in the world, dating back to 13th century, and Giardini is architectural gem filled with national pavilions from different parts of the world, often designed by famous architects, it was a venue for the International Art Exhibition since the 19th century.
  • Carnival of Venice. Annual festival that is world famous for the carnival masks.

La Biennale di Venezia is one of the most well-known culture institutions. Two events organised by Biennale are the Art and Architecture International Exhibitions happening alternately (Architecture Biennale in even years, Art Biennale in odd) but other fields are also covered - contemporary theatre, dance, music, cinema (Venice International Film Festival). Exhibitions take place mostly in two locations: Arsenale. and Giardini.. They are both worth visiting even when no event is scheduled. Arsenale is the largest pre-industrial production centre in the world, dating back to 13th century, and Giardini is architectural gem filled with national pavilions from different parts of the world, often designed by famous architects, it was a venue for the International Art Exhibition since the 19th century.

La Biennale di Venezia is one of the most well-known culture institutions. Two events organised by Biennale are the Art and Architecture International Exhibitions happening alternately (Architecture Biennale in even years, Art Biennale in odd) but other fields are also covered - contemporary theatre, dance, music, cinema (Venice International Film Festival). Exhibitions take place mostly in two locations: Arsenale. and Giardini.. They are both worth visiting even when no event is scheduled. Arsenale is the largest pre-industrial production centre in the world, dating back to 13th century, and Giardini is architectural gem filled with national pavilions from different parts of the world, often designed by famous architects, it was a venue for the International Art Exhibition since the 19th century.

Carnival of Venice. Annual festival that is world famous for the carnival masks.

  • La Fenice Theater, Campo San Fantin, San Marco 1965 (300 m west of San Marco square, +39 041 786511. One of the best opera houses in the world. Info at Bigletteria Hello Venezia Call Center . You can also visit this historic theater with an audioguide (good explanations in several languages). The theater is an identical reconstruction (rebuilt in 2003) of the previous theater building that burned down in 1996. Tours: adults €10, students up to 26 and seniors over 65 €7, children up to 6 free. Slightly cheaper if purchased as part of a combined ticket with the Doge's palace.
  • Teatro Malibran, Campo del Malibran, Canareggio 5873 (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to Rialto, +39 041 2424.
  • Scuola Grande di S.Teodoro, Campo San Salvador. Opera and concert performances. €40, reduced €30.
  • Ateneo San Basso, Piazetta del Leoncini, San Marco (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to San Marco or S.Zaccaria, +39 041 52 82 825. Classical concerts. €25, reduced €20.
  • Chiesa San Vidal, Campo San Vidal, San Marco 2862/B (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to Accademia, +39 041 27770561. Classical concerts by Interpreti Veneziani. They also run the nearby Music Museum in the nearby San Maurizio church. Adults €29, reduced €24.
  • Chiesa della Pietà, Riva degli Schiavoni (vaporetto lines 1, 5.1, 5.2, 4.1, 4,.2 to San Zaccaria. €25, reduced €20.
  • Scuola Grande dei Carmini, Campo Santa Margherita, Dorsoduro 2616-2617, +39 041 5289420. Daily 11:00-17:00. €5 full price; €4 concession.

La Fenice Theater, Campo San Fantin, San Marco 1965 (300 m west of San Marco square, +39 041 786511. One of the best opera houses in the world. Info at Bigletteria Hello Venezia Call Center . You can also visit this historic theater with an audioguide (good explanations in several languages). The theater is an identical reconstruction (rebuilt in 2003) of the previous theater building that burned down in 1996. Tours: adults €10, students up to 26 and seniors over 65 €7, children up to 6 free. Slightly cheaper if purchased as part of a combined ticket with the Doge's palace.

Teatro Malibran, Campo del Malibran, Canareggio 5873 (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to Rialto, +39 041 2424.

Scuola Grande di S.Teodoro, Campo San Salvador. Opera and concert performances. €40, reduced €30.

Ateneo San Basso, Piazetta del Leoncini, San Marco (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to San Marco or S.Zaccaria, +39 041 52 82 825. Classical concerts. €25, reduced €20.

Chiesa San Vidal, Campo San Vidal, San Marco 2862/B (vaporetto line 1 or 2 to Accademia, +39 041 27770561. Classical concerts by Interpreti Veneziani. They also run the nearby Music Museum in the nearby San Maurizio church. Adults €29, reduced €24.

Chiesa della Pietà, Riva degli Schiavoni (vaporetto lines 1, 5.1, 5.2, 4.1, 4,.2 to San Zaccaria. €25, reduced €20.

Scuola Grande dei Carmini, Campo Santa Margherita, Dorsoduro 2616-2617, +39 041 5289420. Daily 11:00-17:00. €5 full price; €4 concession.

Gondola

  • Ride a vaporetto (water bus) down the Grand Canal right before sunset. The vaporetti are expensive, but the sights are priceless: amazing architecture, soft seaside sunlight, and a fascinating parade of Venetian watercraft.
  • Take a gondola if you can afford it: it's expensive, but the Gondoliere may decrease the price if you ask (but they can also decrease the time...). Make sure you reach an agreement on price and time before you start! A good tip with the Gondolieres is to bargain the price down as low as you can, then say that it's still too much and walk away. Two or three of them will chase after you, one after the other, each offering a lower price than the last. It's possible to knock €20-€30 off the price (even then, be prepared to shell out €80).
    Some guidebooks discourage tourists from asking for gondola price reductions. The oarsmen have an informal habit of cutting the most interesting and little-known parts from the journey path for "discount" customers. Reduced rate riders get much less marvel in exchange for a moderate price drop, which may not be worth it.
    Gondolier-for-hire business licenses are officially limited to just 430 to 455 rowers in Venice, making the market artificially scarce and inflating prices. Gondola rides are always costly, often in a princely way and that expense should be planned in advance of the visit. If you go as a group it might be cheaper, though the number of people who can be accommodated on a gondola varies, usually up to a maximum of six seated passengers. The "traghetti" holds more, mostly standing, as a pair of gondoliers rows short distances for canal crossing purposes at a number of points along the Grand Canal.
    Venetians and especially the gondoliers among them have highly conservative ideas about society: by 900 years of tradition, all gondoliers must be male and most are born locals. There are only a few Germans in the business and a single lady, Alexandra Hai, who couldn't manage a for-hire license even after 10 years. She is officially allowed to carry guests of her contract hotel only.
  • If a gondola seems a little pricey, the alternative is to cross the Grand Canal by traghetto. These only cost €2 to use and are largely gondolas that have seen better days, They are stripped down and used as municipal ferries. In the 1950s there were as many as thirty, but now there are seven points to find them. However some only operate when people are going to and from work. The length of any crossing is just a few minutes. Many visitors enjoy visiting the open air markets near the Rialto Bridge and there is a traghetto station there, at the Pescheria (fish market) joining the Santa Sophia church along the Strada Nova. You will notice that traghetti passengers tend to stand up, but if you are not comfortable doing so, sitting is possible, if you are careful.
  • The more adventurous can try the venetian style of rowing through Row Venice or one of the many rowing clubs.
  • Il Burchiello, Via Porciglia 34, 35121 Padova, +39 049 8760233. Tu Th Sa Full day Venice to Padova. Depart from Riva degli Schiavoni at 09:00, arrive Padova at 19:00 with guided to of Villa Foscara (“La Malcontenta”), optional lunch at restaurant “Il Burchiello” in Osiago, guided tour of Villa Widmann in Mira and Villa Pisani in Stra, Wed, Fri and Sun from Padova to Venice. Offers a very rewarding full day excursion to the Palladian Brenta Villas from March to October. The Burchiello was a typical Venetian barge, finely wrought and decorated, used to transport passengers and equipped with a wide wooden cabin, and three or four balconies. It was used by the richest classes of Venice to reach the city from their villas in the countryside. Today the Burchiello is a modern and comfortable boat, equipped with a cabin and comfortable sofas, air-conditioning, a bar and toilets, and a panoramic deck. Il Burchiello offer navigation from Padua to Venice (Padua, Stra, Dolo, Mira, Oriago, Malcontenta, Fusina, Venice) or from Venice to Padua (Venice, Fusina, Malcontenta, Oriago, Mira, Dolo, Stra, Padua), plus the guided tour inside some Venetian Villas, the famous richly-frescoed summer dwellings of the Venetian noblemen of the 1700s. Adults €99, optional lunch €22.

Ride a vaporetto (water bus) down the Grand Canal right before sunset. The vaporetti are expensive, but the sights are priceless: amazing architecture, soft seaside sunlight, and a fascinating parade of Venetian watercraft.

Take a gondola if you can afford it: it's expensive, but the Gondoliere may decrease the price if you ask (but they can also decrease the time...). Make sure you reach an agreement on price and time before you start! A good tip with the Gondolieres is to bargain the price down as low as you can, then say that it's still too much and walk away. Two or three of them will chase after you, one after the other, each offering a lower price than the last. It's possible to knock €20-€30 off the price (even then, be prepared to shell out €80).

Some guidebooks discourage tourists from asking for gondola price reductions. The oarsmen have an informal habit of cutting the most interesting and little-known parts from the journey path for "discount" customers. Reduced rate riders get much less marvel in exchange for a moderate price drop, which may not be worth it.
Gondolier-for-hire business licenses are officially limited to just 430 to 455 rowers in Venice, making the market artificially scarce and inflating prices. Gondola rides are always costly, often in a princely way and that expense should be planned in advance of the visit. If you go as a group it might be cheaper, though the number of people who can be accommodated on a gondola varies, usually up to a maximum of six seated passengers. The "traghetti" holds more, mostly standing, as a pair of gondoliers rows short distances for canal crossing purposes at a number of points along the Grand Canal.
Venetians and especially the gondoliers among them have highly conservative ideas about society: by 900 years of tradition, all gondoliers must be male and most are born locals. There are only a few Germans in the business and a single lady, Alexandra Hai, who couldn't manage a for-hire license even after 10 years. She is officially allowed to carry guests of her contract hotel only.

If a gondola seems a little pricey, the alternative is to cross the Grand Canal by traghetto. These only cost €2 to use and are largely gondolas that have seen better days, They are stripped down and used as municipal ferries. In the 1950s there were as many as thirty, but now there are seven points to find them. However some only operate when people are going to and from work. The length of any crossing is just a few minutes. Many visitors enjoy visiting the open air markets near the Rialto Bridge and there is a traghetto station there, at the Pescheria (fish market) joining the Santa Sophia church along the Strada Nova. You will notice that traghetti passengers tend to stand up, but if you are not comfortable doing so, sitting is possible, if you are careful.

Il Burchiello, Via Porciglia 34, 35121 Padova, +39 049 8760233. Tu Th Sa Full day Venice to Padova. Depart from Riva degli Schiavoni at 09:00, arrive Padova at 19:00 with guided to of Villa Foscara (“La Malcontenta”), optional lunch at restaurant “Il Burchiello” in Osiago, guided tour of Villa Widmann in Mira and Villa Pisani in Stra, Wed, Fri and Sun from Padova to Venice. Offers a very rewarding full day excursion to the Palladian Brenta Villas from March to October. The Burchiello was a typical Venetian barge, finely wrought and decorated, used to transport passengers and equipped with a wide wooden cabin, and three or four balconies. It was used by the richest classes of Venice to reach the city from their villas in the countryside. Today the Burchiello is a modern and comfortable boat, equipped with a cabin and comfortable sofas, air-conditioning, a bar and toilets, and a panoramic deck. Il Burchiello offer navigation from Padua to Venice (Padua, Stra, Dolo, Mira, Oriago, Malcontenta, Fusina, Venice) or from Venice to Padua (Venice, Fusina, Malcontenta, Oriago, Mira, Dolo, Stra, Padua), plus the guided tour inside some Venetian Villas, the famous richly-frescoed summer dwellings of the Venetian noblemen of the 1700s. Adults €99, optional lunch €22.

A Mask gift shop near Piazza San Marco If you are looking for something to do, you can always shop. Venice is packed full of little stores in every corner and crevice. The commonest local specialties are Carnival masks, glass, and marbled paper. Price can vary wildly, so it's a good idea to hold off buying until you have a fair idea about the relative value of things. As is the case with most tourist cities, a lot of the "original" and "made in Venice" items are actually made in China. Murano is an island famous for its glass making. Almost in every shop you will find "original Murano glass" items. If it was really made in Murano, it would be prohibitively expensive, with prices routinely running into thousands of euros. So if you are looking for cheap souvenirs, real Murano glass is not the thing to buy! You can also see glass making demonstrations in Murano, but be sure to check that there is a demonstration scheduled for that day. And it is normally not done in winter either. San Michele Cemetery Island, Cimitero stop Spend a day on the islands, mainly Murano, Burano and Torcello. There are boat services to all these islands at scheduled times, including between the islands themselves. Be prepared for long lines and long waits for the boats between islands. The Glass Museum in Murano and the Lace Museum in Burano are certainly worth a visit. In Burano you will find some of the most picturesque streets and houses, with each house sporting a different pastel shade. Its really beautiful. Though there is not much to see in Torcello except for the old church, and the supposed "Throne of Atilla". However, the peace and tranquility of the island is not to be found anywhere else in Venice! Torcello is also home to a very expensive Cipriani restaurant. But just walking around on these islands is a nice enough experience. If you've had enough of the hype and the other tourists, hop off the vaporetto at 'Cimitero', Venice's graveyard for a peaceful walk. There are many famous tombs, and the section dedicated to deceased children is particularly haunting. There is also a free toilet there.

While going through Venice, make sure you take in the beauty of it all. Walk through the alley ways, and take the water taxi to different parts of the island, sometimes at night you can just go sit in an open area and watch locals and tourists passing by. It is wonderful. There are many museums and churches that are around the city that allow tourists to go in a visit. They are many great sights to keep you busy throughout your visit.

The “Secret Itineraries in Doge's Palace” worth a visit, take the visitor into the most secret and fascinating rooms in the Palace. It’s better to book in advance.

Because Venice is now pretty much only inhabited by tourists and people serving the trade, it gets very quiet by 21:00 and there is very little to do in the evening (outside of eating). There are a few exceptions, like some classical music concerts, which most probably only play Vivaldi.

If you would like to have a guide to show up the highlights of Venice, you can choose between many offers. There are walking or boat tours, focused on shopping or history or for art lovers, and many itineraries.

Take photos, using your camera or phone on every corner of Venice will inspire you. And if you have taken good pictures, though you may not be a professional photographer, consider entering the photo competition "OneDayInVenezia" running all year round, awarding monthly winners, and dedicated to amateur photographers. The Grand Prize is a week-end in Venice, trip included.

Send a Postcard or even better, an entire letter dedicated to a loved one (the old "snail mail" one, not the electronic variety)! Venice has a long, celebrated tradition in postal services, paper and written communication in general (including one of the earliest medieval book printing houses).

Venice it's also Riviera del Brenta old canals. The Riviera del Brenta is famous for its extraordinary Palladian villas along the Brenta river, its museums and historical buildings and it is 40 km (25 miles) from Venice. This Riviera and its mainland include 7 small cities: Stra, Fiesso d’Artico, Dolo, Fossò, Mira, Oriago and Malcontenta. These places are good for cycling excursions and to see antique Palladian Villas built on the Brenta river. In Stra village, there is the famous gardens of Villa Pisani and the museum of the shoes is in Villa Foscarini Rossi. In this last museum you can admire 1,500 models of Italian-made shoes created in local factories for major brands including Fendi, Genny, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Ungaro, Anne Kleyn, Richard Tyles and Vera Wang. In Dolo village you can visit the square, old watermill (XI century) and big open air market.

  • Teatro San Gallo, +39 041 2412002. Nov-Apr: 19:00, May-Oct: 20:00. Half-hour documentary based on the BBC series Francesco's Venice - an 'amazing film that puts the spectacular beauty of this great city in historical context'. Film in English, audioguides in Italian, Russian and Spanish. €39, seniors €35, students €25, children €15.

Teatro San Gallo, +39 041 2412002. Nov-Apr: 19:00, May-Oct: 20:00. Half-hour documentary based on the BBC series Francesco's Venice - an 'amazing film that puts the spectacular beauty of this great city in historical context'. Film in English, audioguides in Italian, Russian and Spanish. €39, seniors €35, students €25, children €15.

Venice has always been a city of merchants. Consequently, most of the Venetians working in Venice still own or work at a shop. If the pride of the Republic of Venice was the extreme diversity and quality of goods and services which could be found in Venice, these days, however, mass tourism led Venice to be populated with many shops selling low-quality souvenirs. The local shops are suffering a lot from this situation and it is not easy to identify them within the crowd of shops selling harmful imported goods. Buying from the authentic local businesses has never been more important as it is essential to the future of the Venetians and guarantees you to get the real thing and to have a much better experience of Venice. It is not easy, though. Thankfully, there is a social enterprise based in Venice, which works closely with the Venetian business owners (shops, restaurants and bars included). They have a certification process where the local artisan shops attest and commit to be selling products both authentic and sustainable as well as to give a 10% discount to the customers carrying a Venezia Autentica Friends' Pass (buyable online for only 10 euros).

  • Atelier Marega. A hand-made mask and costume shop.
  • Fanny, Calle dei Saoneri, San Polo 2723 (100m west of Cà Foscari, near Campo San Polo, +39 041 5228266. Hundreds of leather gloves in all colours.
  • Francis Model, Ruga Rialto, San Polo 773/A (100m SW of Rialto bridge, +39 041 5212889. Locally made leather bags. Exceptional craftsmanship. There are reports that some travellers were cheated in this store, by being told that transaction didn't occur while using their credit card, and demanded cash while in fact transaction did occur properly and thus having made the travellers pay for the same item twice.
  • I Tre Mercanti, Ponte della Guerra, Castello 5364 (Between Rialto and S.Marco square, near Campo della Guerra, +39 041 522 2901. 11:00-19:00. Here you can find a special selection of the best Italian food and drinks products. Well known for their amazing single portion Tiramisù. If you don't feel like shopping you can always browse the shop and ask cooking tips and the history of products. They can supply yachts, make exclusive gift packages or hampers for companies, and ship worldwide.
  • Venetia Studium, Calle Larga XXII Marzo, San Marco 2425, +39 041 5236953. Fine velvets and silks of every imaginable color are woven into delicate evening bags, scarves and pillows. The Company Venetia Studium produces in the Island the worldwide famous Fortuny Lamps

If you've come to Venice thinking that you won't be able to do a bit of designer shopping, think again! Just like in every major Italian city, you get the big fashion brand names here too. For label clothing shopping, the best area is that around the Piazza San Marco, where you can find Versace, MaxMara, Gucci, Armani, Louis Vuitton, Prada (and numerous more) big names. If you want to shop for clothing or accessories, though, you don't necessarily have to shop through the biggest names in fashion - in the Campo Santo Stefano and Calle della Mandola, you can get less famous or local boutiques, but you can find some excellent quality and/or unique items such as clothes, shoes, wallets, or handbags.

Watch out also for the hand-made paper and the exquisite miniature buildings made by Moro. Watch out for fakes; Moro "signs" his name on the back. Also, beware of fakes and "free" trips to neighboring Murano for its famous glass. (See article for details.)

Tourist Traps: "Coloured Pasta" and "Venetian Limoncello" (not the original napolitan one) are not Italian food, no Italian would ever eat them, they are particularly made for tourists, only buy typical regional Italian food in food shops and always check the labels to discover where they have been made. In case it is not stated on the label, avoid the purchase.

Don't miss the Rialto market on San Polo, the smallest sestiere. The Rialto market is for shoppers. To the east is a neighborhood of small shops and restaurants; to the west is the Rialto farmers' market. Shopping is slightly less expensive than in the tourist-filled Piazza San Marco.

  • L’Isola, Calle de le Botteghe, San Marco 2970, +39 041 523 1973.
  • Archimede Seguso, San Marco 143, +39 041 5289041.
  • Venini, Piazzetta Leoncini, San Marco 314, +39 041 5224045.

L’Isola, Calle de le Botteghe, San Marco 2970, +39 041 523 1973.

Archimede Seguso, San Marco 143, +39 041 5289041.

Venini, Piazzetta Leoncini, San Marco 314, +39 041 5224045.

Atelier Marega. A hand-made mask and costume shop.

Fanny, Calle dei Saoneri, San Polo 2723 (100m west of Cà Foscari, near Campo San Polo, +39 041 5228266. Hundreds of leather gloves in all colours.

Francis Model, Ruga Rialto, San Polo 773/A (100m SW of Rialto bridge, +39 041 5212889. Locally made leather bags. Exceptional craftsmanship. There are reports that some travellers were cheated in this store, by being told that transaction didn't occur while using their credit card, and demanded cash while in fact transaction did occur properly and thus having made the travellers pay for the same item twice.

I Tre Mercanti, Ponte della Guerra, Castello 5364 (Between Rialto and S.Marco square, near Campo della Guerra, +39 041 522 2901. 11:00-19:00. Here you can find a special selection of the best Italian food and drinks products. Well known for their amazing single portion Tiramisù. If you don't feel like shopping you can always browse the shop and ask cooking tips and the history of products. They can supply yachts, make exclusive gift packages or hampers for companies, and ship worldwide.

Venetia Studium, Calle Larga XXII Marzo, San Marco 2425, +39 041 5236953. Fine velvets and silks of every imaginable color are woven into delicate evening bags, scarves and pillows. The Company Venetia Studium produces in the Island the worldwide famous Fortuny Lamps

Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti

Typical Venetian dishes are:

  • Fegato alla veneziana, chopped liver, cooked with chopped onions.
  • Sarde in saor: fried sardines, dipped in fried onion, raisins and pine nuts, spices and vinegar. It has to marinate at least one night.

Venice has some wonderful restaurants, featuring the cuisine of the Veneto. However it is widely regarded that the restaurants in Venice serve food of a quality and in quantities much lower than anywhere else in Italy. The pizza in Venice is well known as being the worst in Italy (It is a more southern Italian speciality). For Americans, you can find a place called Quanto Basta pizza that serves an American-style pizza with pepperoni and french fries. Specialties include polenta, made of corn meal; risotto with cuttlefish ink sauce. Diners should however be aware that for every genuinely wonderful restaurant or trattoria, there's another serving rubbish food at inflated prices, especially in the most touristed streets around San Marco. Rule of thumb: if there's a waiter outside pimping for business, it's probably best avoided.

Near the Rialto bridge there's a row of restaurants with tables by the canal, where you can have the quintessential Venice experience of dining by the canal lights. Although they do have waiters outside bugging you, some have pretty acceptable quality for price, which is almost always expensive anyway.

One of Venice's trademark foods is cuttlefish and its ink. This intense black ink serves as a sauce and ingredient for polenta (corn meal), risotto (rice), and pasta. These dishes are normally indicated by the Italian words "nella seppia" (in cuttlefish), "alla seppia" (in the style of cuttlefish), or "nero di seppia," (black of the cuttlefish). For example Polenta Nella Seppia is fried corn meal with the black ink of a cuttle fish. Despite the intensity in color, the ink has a surprisingly mild taste.

Be careful when the prices are on a weight basis (typically by the "etto", abbreviated "/hg". or 100 g). One dish can easily contain 400g of fish or meat (almost a pound) - coming to 4 times the indicated base price!

Restaurants might offer low prices for food on their menus that they advertise outside the entrance, but they will sometimes compensate this by charging high prices for drinks (which is naturally *not* advertised). €5 for 33 cl of beer is not uncommon. Le Bauta, an eatery on Fond del Gaffaro, is a good example. Also, please make sure that you get your change back after payment as sometimes it may be 'forgotten' by the waiters.

For fresh fruit (including chilled coconut) watch out for the street market stalls. There is always a boat parked in the canal on campo San Barnaba selling fruit and vegetables into the late hours.

To save money at lunch, eat standing up - that's what Venetians themselves do. Every cafe, trattoria, osteria, enoteca or whatever it chooses to call itself is stocked at lunchtime with cicchetti - Venetian tapas, including tramezzini (triangular sandwiches on white bread), bite-sized rolls with various cold cuts, polpette (fried balls of minced fish or meat) and assorted antipasti. Order by pointing at what you want on the glass shelves, and wash the whole thing down with a glass of wine (un' ombra) or a spritz (made with, in order of bitterness and alcohol content, Aperol, Campari or Select). Bear in mind that as soon as you allow yourself to sit at the table and be waited on, instead of ordering and consuming your food at the counter, the prices for the same items go up - you can end up paying double. If you look at the (government-mandated) chart of prices stapled to the wall near the bar, you'll see 2 columns of numbers, accommodating this arrangement. However, sitting is worth it if you plan on staying a while. Some places will also serve free bread and water for seated patrons, but then there is usually also a small charge (€1-3 per person) for "pane e coperto" (bread and cover charge).

If self-catering, the Rialto food markets are an absolute must for fruit, vegetables and cheese, but most of all for the huge range of seafood, much of it fresh out of the lagoon and still moving! There are a variety of small stores around the city that sell fruits and vegetables, but tourists will be hard-pressed to find them. Anything else you will find in the one of the few supermarkets in the city.

Head to the Dorsoduro area of Venice if you want to save a few euros. It is located on the south side of the city. It has the highest concentration of places where locals, especially students, go to eat. Generally staying away from the main squares will be the cheapest option. If you're willing and able to walk around the town, some back streets offer the best food for the lowest price. Seeing the city from this vantage point is a lot of fun too!

  • There are a few supermarkets in the city, so if you are in the need to save some money, these are an option as they serve a wide array of prepared and semi-prepared food. On the main street from the station to the Rialto bridge there is a Coop and a Billa supermarket.
  • Venetian snacks (cichetti) can be brilliantly inventive, in small "tapas-style" serving sizes. Look for places (especially wine bars) popular with non-tourists, the prices are very reasonable.
  • There are still many small bakery shops and "biavaroli" where you can buy bread, cheese etc., particularly near the Rialto market area.
  • If you want to buy water (Venice has excellent free tap water easily accessible at the numerous fountains located outside throughout the city) it is usually cheapest to get it at the supermarkets: there are Billa or Co-op stores located throughout the city, though supermarkets are often "disguised" in nondescript buildings in Venice for space limitations.
  • Pizzeria ae Oche. A local establishment with several locations in the city. The food is plentiful and the prices reasonable. On Calle del Tintor south of Campo San Giacomo dell'Orio, In Santa Croce. Look to spend between €5-10 for a pizza depending on how exotic your selection is.
  • Pizza al volo. Sells superb pizza by the (extremely large) slice in Campo Santa Margherita for approximately €1.80 a slice, €5 a whole pizza. It is by the fresh fish stall under a green awning.
  • Cip ciap, Calle del Mondo Novo (by Campo Santa Maria Formosa. Also sells delicious takeaway pizza by the slice (or slab) at similar prices. They also serve very tasty mini pizzas per kilogram.

There are a few supermarkets in the city, so if you are in the need to save some money, these are an option as they serve a wide array of prepared and semi-prepared food. On the main street from the station to the Rialto bridge there is a Coop and a Billa supermarket.

Pizzeria ae Oche. A local establishment with several locations in the city. The food is plentiful and the prices reasonable. On Calle del Tintor south of Campo San Giacomo dell'Orio, In Santa Croce. Look to spend between €5-10 for a pizza depending on how exotic your selection is.

Pizza al volo. Sells superb pizza by the (extremely large) slice in Campo Santa Margherita for approximately €1.80 a slice, €5 a whole pizza. It is by the fresh fish stall under a green awning.

Cip ciap, Calle del Mondo Novo (by Campo Santa Maria Formosa. Also sells delicious takeaway pizza by the slice (or slab) at similar prices. They also serve very tasty mini pizzas per kilogram.

  • La Bitta, Calle lunga de San Barnaba, Dorsoduro 2753A, +39 041 5230531. Meals served 18:00-23:00, closed in August. This busy but friendly restaurant is in the more studenty area of Dorsoduro, and attracts a mixture of locals and tourists. They have some excellent Italian dishes, which are reflected in the prices, plus they have a great selection of wines.
  • Osteria Ae Cravate, Santa Croce 36/37 (500 m east from Piazzale Roma. This little restaurant is frequented by the professors of the nearby university. Warm welcome and a good eat. Try their raw artichoke salad or their fish of the day. €40 for a three-course meal with wine.
  • Do Farai, Dorsoduro 3278 (100m west of Cà Foscari, +39 041 2770369. Very fresh shell fish. Taste their spaghetti al dente with razor shells.
  • Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti, Dorsoduro 1169A, +39 041 5238944. An excellent restaurant, small but comfortable with a few tables alongside a tiny canal. Food is fresh and delicious, not too expensive. Large selection of wines. Menu changing daily. Meals from €15-25.
  • Gianni, Zattere 918, +39 041 5237210. They are closed on Wednesdays and between Christmas and Festival. This is a very friendly family restaurant overlooking the Guidecca Canal. The wine selection is good with many available in a choice of 250 mL, 375 mL and 750 mL bottles. The interior is almost art deco and surprisingly light. It is used by a lot of regulars, both local and returning tourists. The menu starts at €8.50 pizzas and pastas.
  • Osteria Mocenigo, Salizada San Stae (near the Mocenigo museum, +39 041 5231703. Tu-Su. Little restaurant frequented by locals. Be sure to try their antipasti. Excellent desserts too. €40 for two-courses meal with wine.
  • Pane Vino e San Daniele, Campo dell'Angelo Raffaele, Dorsoduro 1722, +39 041 523 7456. A short walk from the Vaporetto stop at San Basilio on the Dorsoduro. Delightful trattoria with cosy Alpine interior and piazza seating in good weather, featuring a menu of Puglian, Sardinian and Venetian specialities. No fish, excellent wines and a highly trained dessert chef, with gluten-free, dairy-free and diabetic options available on request. Good English, Spanish, French and German spoken by the friendly owners. €45 for a three-course meal with wine, water and coffee.
  • Timon, Fondamenta degli Ormesini, Cannaregio 2754 (south-east of the Jewish Ghetto. Warm and local atmosphere in this little osteria where they serve great Italian vintages by the glass. If you're adventurous, try their tasty tripe. Good music inside, some table by the canal in the summer. €30.
  • Al Vecio Canton, Castello 4738 (just 8 minutes from Piazza San Marco (200 m NE), +39 41 5287143. M W-Su 12:00-15:00, 18:30-22:30. This small and atmospheric restaurant/pizzeria will absolutely enchant you. Famous for its traditional style pizza and seafood pasta, you will not only get it all at affordable prices (pizza from €7.50, pasta from €10, wine from €5/half litre), but you're also served by a most friendly and hearty staff. They top it off with a free home made digestivo (mostly vodka and lemon) at the end of your meal, just to make 100% sure you'll be coming back for more. Pizza from €7.50; pasta from €10.
  • Trattoria Veneziana, Santa Croce 285 (200m SE of Piazzale Roma, +39 041 710749. Warm welcome, good cooking (try their mixed grilled fishes), frequented by locals and tourists. €35 for two-course meal with wine.
  • Antico Dolo, San Polo 778. An old seafood restaurant close to Rialto bridge: food comes from the adjacent Rialto Market daily. A complete dinner excluding wines could cost €35 each more or less.
  • Al Giardinetto, Castello 4928. Just behind the Piazza San Marco, this restaurant has a large private courtyard welcoming guests during good season. Seafood courses and Venetian specialities are served by Severino family.
  • Vino Vino, +39 041 2417688. Daily 11:30-23:30. Offers typical Venetian cuisine and snacks at medium prices. The largest selection of top-quality Italian and imported wines (over 350) available by the glass or by bottle. Close to St. Mark's Square, it is a unique place that can exist only in Venice, where backpackers chat with baronessas, gondoliers with golfers, and where Venetians discover new vistas.
  • Il Refolo, Santa Croce 1459, +39 041-5240016. Nice restaurant at a small piazza. Very good pizza as well as a decent menu. Pizza about €10, four-course meal with wine €60.

La Bitta, Calle lunga de San Barnaba, Dorsoduro 2753A, +39 041 5230531. Meals served 18:00-23:00, closed in August. This busy but friendly restaurant is in the more studenty area of Dorsoduro, and attracts a mixture of locals and tourists. They have some excellent Italian dishes, which are reflected in the prices, plus they have a great selection of wines.

Osteria Ae Cravate, Santa Croce 36/37 (500 m east from Piazzale Roma. This little restaurant is frequented by the professors of the nearby university. Warm welcome and a good eat. Try their raw artichoke salad or their fish of the day. €40 for a three-course meal with wine.

Do Farai, Dorsoduro 3278 (100m west of Cà Foscari, +39 041 2770369. Very fresh shell fish. Taste their spaghetti al dente with razor shells.

Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti, Dorsoduro 1169A, +39 041 5238944. An excellent restaurant, small but comfortable with a few tables alongside a tiny canal. Food is fresh and delicious, not too expensive. Large selection of wines. Menu changing daily. Meals from €15-25.

Gianni, Zattere 918, +39 041 5237210. They are closed on Wednesdays and between Christmas and Festival. This is a very friendly family restaurant overlooking the Guidecca Canal. The wine selection is good with many available in a choice of 250 mL, 375 mL and 750 mL bottles. The interior is almost art deco and surprisingly light. It is used by a lot of regulars, both local and returning tourists. The menu starts at €8.50 pizzas and pastas.

Osteria Mocenigo, Salizada San Stae (near the Mocenigo museum, +39 041 5231703. Tu-Su. Little restaurant frequented by locals. Be sure to try their antipasti. Excellent desserts too. €40 for two-courses meal with wine.

Pane Vino e San Daniele, Campo dell'Angelo Raffaele, Dorsoduro 1722, +39 041 523 7456. A short walk from the Vaporetto stop at San Basilio on the Dorsoduro. Delightful trattoria with cosy Alpine interior and piazza seating in good weather, featuring a menu of Puglian, Sardinian and Venetian specialities. No fish, excellent wines and a highly trained dessert chef, with gluten-free, dairy-free and diabetic options available on request. Good English, Spanish, French and German spoken by the friendly owners. €45 for a three-course meal with wine, water and coffee.

Timon, Fondamenta degli Ormesini, Cannaregio 2754 (south-east of the Jewish Ghetto. Warm and local atmosphere in this little osteria where they serve great Italian vintages by the glass. If you're adventurous, try their tasty tripe. Good music inside, some table by the canal in the summer. €30.

Al Vecio Canton, Castello 4738 (just 8 minutes from Piazza San Marco (200 m NE), +39 41 5287143. M W-Su 12:00-15:00, 18:30-22:30. This small and atmospheric restaurant/pizzeria will absolutely enchant you. Famous for its traditional style pizza and seafood pasta, you will not only get it all at affordable prices (pizza from €7.50, pasta from €10, wine from €5/half litre), but you're also served by a most friendly and hearty staff. They top it off with a free home made digestivo (mostly vodka and lemon) at the end of your meal, just to make 100% sure you'll be coming back for more. Pizza from €7.50; pasta from €10.

Trattoria Veneziana, Santa Croce 285 (200m SE of Piazzale Roma, +39 041 710749. Warm welcome, good cooking (try their mixed grilled fishes), frequented by locals and tourists. €35 for two-course meal with wine.

Antico Dolo, San Polo 778. An old seafood restaurant close to Rialto bridge: food comes from the adjacent Rialto Market daily. A complete dinner excluding wines could cost €35 each more or less.

Al Giardinetto, Castello 4928. Just behind the Piazza San Marco, this restaurant has a large private courtyard welcoming guests during good season. Seafood courses and Venetian specialities are served by Severino family.

Vino Vino, +39 041 2417688. Daily 11:30-23:30. Offers typical Venetian cuisine and snacks at medium prices. The largest selection of top-quality Italian and imported wines (over 350) available by the glass or by bottle. Close to St. Mark's Square, it is a unique place that can exist only in Venice, where backpackers chat with baronessas, gondoliers with golfers, and where Venetians discover new vistas.

Il Refolo, Santa Croce 1459, +39 041-5240016. Nice restaurant at a small piazza. Very good pizza as well as a decent menu. Pizza about €10, four-course meal with wine €60.

  • Antico Martini, Campiello della Fenice, San Marco 2007, +39 041 5224121. Open all days. (Since 1720) A luxury restaurant, favorite among the famous names of culture and business, the Antico Martini also attracts expert gourmets and famous personalities since the 1800s who come to enjoy unforgettable flavors. Beautiful detail and restaurant decor, romantic atmosphere.
  • Restaurant Antiche Carampane, San Polo 1911, +39 041 5240165. In the heart of Venice, steps away from the Rialto Bridge, is this renowned restaurant where distinguished Venetian cuisine is served in a familiar setting.
  • Restaurant La Caravella, Via XXII Marzo, San Marco 2399, +39 041 5208901. Open every day all year round. Historical place, very near St. Mark's Square, known since the 1960s, it has become a must if you like traditions. Offers some typical dishes and a large selection of wines. From May to September service is in a traditional courtyard.
  • Vecio Fritolin, Calle della Regina, Santa Croce 2262, +39 041 5222881. 12:00-14:30 and 19:00-22:30. Historical restaurant in Venice serving the best traditional Venetian cuisine, revisited with light-hearted creativity, serving up new and exciting interpretations of Venetian culinary traditions. €60 for a two-course meal.

Antico Martini, Campiello della Fenice, San Marco 2007, +39 041 5224121. Open all days. (Since 1720) A luxury restaurant, favorite among the famous names of culture and business, the Antico Martini also attracts expert gourmets and famous personalities since the 1800s who come to enjoy unforgettable flavors. Beautiful detail and restaurant decor, romantic atmosphere.

Restaurant Antiche Carampane, San Polo 1911, +39 041 5240165. In the heart of Venice, steps away from the Rialto Bridge, is this renowned restaurant where distinguished Venetian cuisine is served in a familiar setting.

Restaurant La Caravella, Via XXII Marzo, San Marco 2399, +39 041 5208901. Open every day all year round. Historical place, very near St. Mark's Square, known since the 1960s, it has become a must if you like traditions. Offers some typical dishes and a large selection of wines. From May to September service is in a traditional courtyard.

Vecio Fritolin, Calle della Regina, Santa Croce 2262, +39 041 5222881. 12:00-14:30 and 19:00-22:30. Historical restaurant in Venice serving the best traditional Venetian cuisine, revisited with light-hearted creativity, serving up new and exciting interpretations of Venetian culinary traditions. €60 for a two-course meal.

Pasticceria Tonolo, Dorsoduro 3764/5 (Crosera San Pantalon, 400m east of Piazzale Roma, +39 041 523 7209. A patisserie founded in the late 19th century. Taste their cake with crystallized fruits or their marzipan cake.

Bar Pasticceria Gilda Vio, Rio Marin, Santa Croce 784. Best tiramisù, at least in S. Croce.

You will find ice cream all over the city, and you will hardly survive a hot summer day without it. Prices are €1.00-1.50 for one scoop, €2.50-3.50 for three scoops.

  • Alaska, Santa Croce 1159 (close to the railway station, +39 041 00715211. 14-24 roughly. Ice cream made with natural ingredients by Carlo Pistacchi, not only the owner but an artist, a poet and a philosopher.

Alaska, Santa Croce 1159 (close to the railway station, +39 041 00715211. 14-24 roughly. Ice cream made with natural ingredients by Carlo Pistacchi, not only the owner but an artist, a poet and a philosopher.

Try a Spritz (with either Campari, Select or Aperol mixed with Prosecco wine and Seltzer), a typical drink loved by all Venetians that's usually drunk while eating cicheti. You can find it in almost every bar in the city. Price is about €5, more in a touristy place.

If you try the famous Veneto Grappa be careful — it is brandy containing 30 to 60 percent alcohol.

The Bellini was invented in Harry's Bar in Venice. It is a mix of white peach juice and Prosecco (the ubiquitous Venetian Champagne-like sparkling wine). Fermented at a low temperature Prosecco develops amylic aromas (fruit drops), though these perhaps mix better with fruit juices than does the more austere Champagne. Classic Bellinis should never be made with Champagne. Although by normal standards expensive, a Bellini in Harry's Bar (€17 for a 1.5 oz drink is obscene) is still much cheaper than on the terraces of similar '5-star' establishments in the city.

Beer in a small pub is about €5 for a pint (birra media).

Espresso, the real Italian, is about €1 at the bar, €2 at a table.

A cafe in Piazza di San Marco Coffee is everywhere in Venice, and both Venetians and the tourists avail themselves of the opportunities, usually by downing a quick dose at the counter (see warning about sit-down prices above). Rule of thumb: the bigger (and shinier) the espresso machine, the better the result.

  • E Rosa Salva. One of the favorites is the mini-chain "E Rosa Salva", with three locations in the center - on C. Fiubera (from Piazza San Marco, take the underpass in the middle of the arcade, cross the bridge and take second right off C. Fabbri), Merceria S. Salvadore (off the campo of the same name), and right on Campo San Zanipolo (to the right of the church looking from the canal); the last one is a gelateria as well. For your €1 you'll get exactly 2 and a half sips at the bottom of a small cup, with rich crema and no bitterness. Assorted house-made sweets are €1.10.
  • Caffe Paolin, Santo Stefano, San Marco 3464, +39 041 5220710.
  • Caffè Florian, Piazza San Marco, 57, +39 041 5205641. Daily, 9AM-midnight. On the extravagant side there is Caffè Florian, on Piazza San Marco. It claims to be the oldest coffee house still in operation, established in 1720. The interior is about a century newer, and brings an exclusive setting for a cup of coffee, even if sitting outside overlooking the entire piazza and its surroundings may be a better choice on a nice summer day. The café has its own outdoor orchestra playing an assortment of Italian music. Just sitting down at the table costs €6 per seat (for the orchestra it says on the menu) and the rest on the menu is at least twice the price you would have paid at home. Light lunch or dinner 12:00-15:00, 19.30-22:00, afternoon tea 15:09-18:00, great choice of semifreddo (parfaits) (€14.00), lemon ice cream with soda (€15.00), great choice of tea and coffee specialities; espresso €6.50. music charge €6.00.
  • Caffe Quadri, 120, Piazza San Marco, +39 041 5222105. Opposite Caffè Florian, with similar prices.

E Rosa Salva. One of the favorites is the mini-chain "E Rosa Salva", with three locations in the center - on C. Fiubera (from Piazza San Marco, take the underpass in the middle of the arcade, cross the bridge and take second right off C. Fabbri), Merceria S. Salvadore (off the campo of the same name), and right on Campo San Zanipolo (to the right of the church looking from the canal); the last one is a gelateria as well. For your €1 you'll get exactly 2 and a half sips at the bottom of a small cup, with rich crema and no bitterness. Assorted house-made sweets are €1.10.

Caffe Paolin, Santo Stefano, San Marco 3464, +39 041 5220710.

Caffè Florian, Piazza San Marco, 57, +39 041 5205641. Daily, 9AM-midnight. On the extravagant side there is Caffè Florian, on Piazza San Marco. It claims to be the oldest coffee house still in operation, established in 1720. The interior is about a century newer, and brings an exclusive setting for a cup of coffee, even if sitting outside overlooking the entire piazza and its surroundings may be a better choice on a nice summer day. The café has its own outdoor orchestra playing an assortment of Italian music. Just sitting down at the table costs €6 per seat (for the orchestra it says on the menu) and the rest on the menu is at least twice the price you would have paid at home. Light lunch or dinner 12:00-15:00, 19.30-22:00, afternoon tea 15:09-18:00, great choice of semifreddo (parfaits) (€14.00), lemon ice cream with soda (€15.00), great choice of tea and coffee specialities; espresso €6.50. music charge €6.00.

Caffe Quadri, 120, Piazza San Marco, +39 041 5222105. Opposite Caffè Florian, with similar prices.

There are two late-night drinking areas in Venice. Piazza San Marco is not one of them, although it is very pleasant with many people wandering around late. The actual late night scene is in either Campo Santa Margherita, near the University Ca' Foscari in Dorsoduro; or in Erbaria on the West side of the Rialto Bridge where the main vegetable market is held during the day.

Even though there are many fantastic bars in Venice, if you're planning a night time "pub crawl" you should plan a few places to visit in advance, otherwise it's very easy to waste an hour wandering aimlessly in search of a watering hole that's actually open, especially midweek.

Locals in search of nighttime entertainment mostly head over the bridge into Mestre, or hop on the boat to Lido. One exception: F.ta della Misericordia, in Cannaregio (north from the Ghetto over the Ghetto Nuove bridge, turn right), features several bars in succession, anchored by the Paradiso Perduto (Cannaregio 2640; a restaurant by day, live music on Sundays starting at 21:00), along the canal. In season they are spilling over after dark with youths holding large glasses of rosé, while more of those same youths are cruising (in motor boats) blaring rap songs in Italian from the loudspeakers. The cafes and bars lining the expansive C. Santa Margherita are catering to the students from the nearby university; chill out to reggae sets in Caffé Rosso (Dorsoduro 2963; it's the one with the red awning that simply says Caffe), or dance (Saturdays only) at Round Midnight (Dorsoduro 3102).

Those looking for LGBT nightlife in Venice will be disappointed. Hop on the train to Padua instead.

Bistrot de Venise, Calle dei Fabbri, San Marco 4685. 22:00 until late night. Restaurant, cultural and enogastronomical meetings.

  • Devils Forest Pub. A traditional English style pub with a very fun atmosphere. It is located near the Rialto Bridge and tucked into a small alley near the Disney Store.
  • Pub Taverna L'Olandese Volante, Campo San Lio, Castello 5856, Venezia, +39 041-5289349. It is between the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco. During the summertime there are tables outside when you can easily sit and rest after a day of wandering around this marvelous city. What is more, during the day pasta and other typical dishes are served at a budget price.
  • There are two Irish pubs in Venice. One is located along the Strada Nova in Cannaregio; the other one is the Inishark just before Campo Santa Maria Formosa.
  • Al Parlamento, Fondamenta Savorgnan 511 (Cannareggio canal, not far from the train station. Great place for a spritz, a coktail, a beer or a glass of wine looking at the Cannaregio canal. €6 cocktails.

Devils Forest Pub. A traditional English style pub with a very fun atmosphere. It is located near the Rialto Bridge and tucked into a small alley near the Disney Store.

Pub Taverna L'Olandese Volante, Campo San Lio, Castello 5856, Venezia, +39 041-5289349. It is between the Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco. During the summertime there are tables outside when you can easily sit and rest after a day of wandering around this marvelous city. What is more, during the day pasta and other typical dishes are served at a budget price.

There are two Irish pubs in Venice. One is located along the Strada Nova in Cannaregio; the other one is the Inishark just before Campo Santa Maria Formosa.

Al Parlamento, Fondamenta Savorgnan 511 (Cannareggio canal, not far from the train station. Great place for a spritz, a coktail, a beer or a glass of wine looking at the Cannaregio canal. €6 cocktails.

The area code is 041. As anywhere in Italy, it is compulsory to dial the area code and the number also if you call from the city itself. If you call from abroad, dial +39041 before the number. If you call abroad from Venice, dial 00 first.

Venice has several internet cafes, but they are much more expensive than the rest of Europe with prices for an hour of access around €6. Wi-Fi is only available at some of them. There's a wonderful pub, Cafe Blue in Dorsoduro, which has free (password-protected) wi-fi. Buy a spritz and a panini and go to town.

At the Telecom Italia Future Centre in Campo San Salvatore (San Marco) you can browse for free for one hour, once registered with your ID card.

The city has been steadily building out the municipal Wi-Fi network, which now covers almost the entire area around the Grand Canal and some of the larger squares in the center. You can buy guest access at approximately €5 per day at the same unified Venezia Unica site where the transport and museum passes are sold.

To use an Internet cafe, buy a mobile SIM card or get a contract for an Internet connection. Personal identification is needed by law in Italy. Internet cafes will not let you use computers without a passport or national ID card.

Calle Delle Botteghe San Marco 2970 Venezia. A very pretty art gallery type internet cafe with a book shop. It is on the expensive side with €3 for 15 min but you can just go in and play chess with a glass of wine.

Venice is considered a safe city. You have to take the habitual travellers' precautions however. Keep your valuable items (like wallet and passport) close to you because there are pickpockets, especially in more crowded parts of the city. In case of need, you can dial free of charge on any phone 112 (no area code needed) to contact Carabinieri or 113 (no area code needed) to contact the Police.

Venice has begun to install septic tanks in buildings, but much of the city has not yet been upgraded and releases untreated sewage directly into the canals. Avoid bathing yourself, touching the water, immersing feet, etc. in the canals looking for refreshment in hot season. Also, at night there is a risk of falling into the water, as there are many alleys which end in the water but have little or no lighting. In the warmest months, these conditions can sometimes generate foul odors. Choose other times to visit if they might ruin what should be a highly enjoyable stay.

You can reach the emergency medical service dialing free of charge on any phone 118 (no area code needed, conversation will be recorded) to have assistance and an ambulance sent to you.

Chemists' shops (Italian: Farmacie) are all around the town. They are open 24 hr a day, 7 days a week on a rotational basis: outside the shop there's always the list of operating ones with time-table, address and phone number. If you need a special drug you might be asked to book it in advance if it's not in common use. Note that the commercial name or brand of your prescription might differ from your country of origin, and make sure that the medication you want is available in the EU.

The unfortunate side-effect of the quaint back-alleys which make Venice such a delight to visit is that it is remarkably easy to get lost. Even maps provided by hotels are frequently inaccurate, and the maze-like structure of the city can become very confusing indeed. The tight cluster of little islands that comprise Venice is completely surrounded by the Lagoon, so it is not possible, no matter how lost you become, to leave Venice on foot. Sooner or later you will come upon a piazza that you can locate on your map.

One tip: as you cross bridges, note the house numbers before and after. A small change probably means you are on the same island/district and have crossed a "new" canal. A major change means you are now on another island. Most maps clump islands together into their voting districts, there are many more islands than districts.

One piece of assistance is to look for directional signs. These will be marked "Per" and then with the name of a prominent location or bridge in the city, complete with an arrow pointing in the relevant direction. Hence, to get to the Rialto bridge, the signs to follow are marked "Per Rialto". Those to St Mark's Square read "Per S Marco", and those to the train station "Per Ferrovia" (there are some others as well). Having oriented yourself to the nearest landmark, direction-finding can thus become (slightly) easier.

Remember, though, that the signs to read are the official ones. Graffiti will occasionally give other directions, frequently incorrect ones.

That said, some argue that getting lost in Venice is part of the experience of the city. The number of photogenic canals, hidden restaurants and shops where glass blowing is done almost guarantees that there is no such thing as a "dull neighbourhood". Additionally, the public transport means that it is relatively easy to arrive at the intended destination even after one has emerged from the web of alleys in a totally unexpected place.

While Venice may not get more tourists than other famous Italian destinations as Rome or Florence, the narrowness of streets and open areas may at times make Venice feel uncomfortably crowded during (but not only) the peak seasons, at the San Marco sestiere, the surroundings of the Rialto bridge and the streets leading from Venezia Santa Lucia and Piazzale Roma to San Marco. Walking by itself can be difficult, let aside snapping a good photo, using a public restroom, or sitting at a decent cafe or restaurant.

To avoid the worst of the crowds, unless it is Winter, try to visit the San Marco and Rialto bridge areas during early morning and late evening. During the late morning and afternoon, stay away as far as possible from this area, for instance walking around west Santa Croce, north Canarregio, eastern Castello and Giudecca. Alternatively, take day trips to places outside central Venice such as Burano, the Lido, Padua or Vicenza, or simply take the opportunity to refresh in your hotel.

  • Police (emergency call), 113.
  • Carabinieri (emergency call), 112.
  • First Aid (emergency call), 118.
  • Venice Hospital, +39 041 5294111.
  • Medical Service on Duty, +39 041 5294060.
  • Tourist Information, +39 041 5298700.
  • Gondola Service San Marco, +39 041 5200685.
  • Gondola Service Rialto, +39 041 5224904.
  • Gondola Service Danieli, +39 041 5222254.
  • Airport San Marco Information, +39 041 2609260.
  • Airport San Marco Lost and Found Office, +39 041 2609222.
  • Railway information, 892021 (in country only).
  • Railway Lost and Found Office, +39 041 785531.

Police (emergency call), 113.

Carabinieri (emergency call), 112.

First Aid (emergency call), 118.

Venice Hospital, +39 041 5294111.

Medical Service on Duty, +39 041 5294060.

Tourist Information, +39 041 5298700.

Gondola Service San Marco, +39 041 5200685.

Gondola Service Rialto, +39 041 5224904.

Gondola Service Danieli, +39 041 5222254.

Airport San Marco Information, +39 041 2609260.

Airport San Marco Lost and Found Office, +39 041 2609222.

Railway information, 892021 (in country only).

Railway Lost and Found Office, +39 041 785531.

Most of the consulates listed here are only honorary consulates, so can only offer limited consular services. If you need any serious help, try visiting Milan, where larger consulates can be sometimes be found; however, it will usually be easier to visit the Italian capital, Rome, where most countries' embassies are found.

  • Australia Australia, Via della Libertà, 12, +39 041 5093061.
  • Austria Austria, Santa Croce, 251, +39 041 5240556.
  • Belgium Belgium, Dorsoduro, 3464, +39 041 5242944.
  • Czech Republic Czech Republic, Canareggio, 3821, +39 041 2413984.
  • Denmark Denmark, Santa Croce, 466/g, +39 041 2413984.
  • Finland Finland, Rio dei Scudi 2654/A, +39 347 1245016.
  • France France, Castello, 6140, +39 041 5224319.
  • Germany Germany, Santa Croce, 251, +39 041 5237675.
  • Greece Greece, Castello 4683/C, +39 041 5237260.
  • Lithuania Lithuania, Santa Croce, 764, +39 041 5241131.
  • Luxembourg Luxembourg, Castello, 5312, +39 041 5222047.
  • Malta Malta, Piazzale l.da Vinci, 8, Mestre, +39 041 3969100.
  • Mexico Mexico, Santa Marta, Fabbricato, 17, +39 041 2712642.
  • Monaco Monaco, San Polo. 747, +39 041 5223772.
  • Netherlands Netherlands, San Marco, 2888, +39 041 5283416.
  • Norway Norway, Santa Croce, 466/b, +39 041 5231345.
  • Portugal Portugal, San Marco, 1747, +39 041 5223446.
  • Russia Russia, San Marco, 4718/a, +39 04 12418879.
  • Spain Spain, San Polo, 2646, +39 041 5233254.
  • Sweden Sweden, Sestiere Cannaregio 166, +39 041 5225489.
  • Switzerland Switzerland, Dorsoduro, 810, +39 041 5225996.
  • Turkey Turkey, Santa Marta, Fabbricato 17, +39 041 5230707.
  • United States United States, Venice Marco Polo Airport, Via Galileo Galilei, 30, +39 041 5415944.

Australia Australia, Via della Libertà, 12, +39 041 5093061.

Austria Austria, Santa Croce, 251, +39 041 5240556.

Belgium Belgium, Dorsoduro, 3464, +39 041 5242944.

Czech Republic Czech Republic, Canareggio, 3821, +39 041 2413984.

Denmark Denmark, Santa Croce, 466/g, +39 041 2413984.

Finland Finland, Rio dei Scudi 2654/A, +39 347 1245016.

France France, Castello, 6140, +39 041 5224319.

Germany Germany, Santa Croce, 251, +39 041 5237675.

Greece Greece, Castello 4683/C, +39 041 5237260.

Lithuania Lithuania, Santa Croce, 764, +39 041 5241131.

Luxembourg Luxembourg, Castello, 5312, +39 041 5222047.

Malta Malta, Piazzale l.da Vinci, 8, Mestre, +39 041 3969100.

Mexico Mexico, Santa Marta, Fabbricato, 17, +39 041 2712642.

Monaco Monaco, San Polo. 747, +39 041 5223772.

Netherlands Netherlands, San Marco, 2888, +39 041 5283416.

Norway Norway, Santa Croce, 466/b, +39 041 5231345.

Portugal Portugal, San Marco, 1747, +39 041 5223446.

Russia Russia, San Marco, 4718/a, +39 04 12418879.

Spain Spain, San Polo, 2646, +39 041 5233254.

Sweden Sweden, Sestiere Cannaregio 166, +39 041 5225489.

Switzerland Switzerland, Dorsoduro, 810, +39 041 5225996.

Turkey Turkey, Santa Marta, Fabbricato 17, +39 041 5230707.

United States United States, Venice Marco Polo Airport, Via Galileo Galilei, 30, +39 041 5415944.

  • Venezia Centro: San Marco. Sottoportico delle Acque 5016
  • Venezia 1: Canareggio, Lista di SPagna 233
  • Venezia 3: San Polo, Campo San Polo 2012
  • Venezia 4: San Marco, Calle Larga de l'Ascension 1241
  • Venezia 5: Castello, Calle Barbaria delle Tole 6674
  • Venezia 8: Giudecca, Fondamenta Sant'Eufemia
  • Venezia 9: Castello, Via Garibaldi 1641
  • Venezia 10: Dorsoduro,Zattere Fond al Ponte Longo 1507
  • Venezia 11: Sant'Elena, Viale 4 Novembre 23/24
  • Venezia 12: Santa Croce, Fondamenta Santa Chiara 411
  • Venezia 13: Canareggio, Calle dele Cooperative snc
  • Murano: Fondamenta Navagero 48
  • Burano: Fondamenta Terranova 162
  • Lido di Venezia: Via Doge Domenico Michiel 1
  • Malamocco: Campo Chiesa 1

Around the Venetian lagoon are other smaller islands, which have since been deserted but are worth a visit. There is also the Lido, which is a long narrow island with more modern buildings, hosting a youth hostel and a hotel.

  • Burano — Island famous for lace, textiles and colorfully painted houses.
  • Lido — The island of tranquility, a beach district 10 minutes by boat from San Marco, and where the Venice movie festival is held.
  • Mestre — Town in the mainland, but still a part of Venice.
  • Murano — Nearby island famous for its glassware.
  • San Lazzaro — Nearby island with Armenian monastery and impressive art collection, some world class pieces.
  • Torcello — Nearby island with a 7th-century basilica church and an archeological museum.
  • Riviera del Brenta — Palladian villas around Brenta River, 20 minutes from Venice by car, or you can get there via biking tours with a local bike hire shop.
  • Lake Garda — An easy day trip by train, it is Italy's largest lake and stunning in scenery.
  • Po Delta — Peaceful and scenic marshy area southwest of Venice with bike trails.
  • Eraclea — Typical for its pinewood and Laguna del Mort, 55 minutes from Venice by car or by boat.
  • Jesolo — Jesolo is one of the most important beaches in Italy, just 45 minutes from Venice by car or by boat (ferry from Treporti to Venice).
  • Padua (It. Padova) — 40 km west of Venice, home to the Basilica of St. Anthony, the Scrovegni Chapel, and the oldest Botanical Gardens in the world, among others.
  • Cortina d'Ampezzo — Lovely alpine town, site of 1956 Winter Olympic Games. Great mountain scenery, might be very expensive. A couple of hours of car ride to the north of Venice, more than 3 hours by train and bus.