What to see in Venice: 15 must-visit attractions

Venice is a unique city in the world, built on 118 small islands connected by over 400 bridges. This Venice guide will take you to discover the most beautiful attractions in Venice and the hidden places that make the Serenissima an unforgettable tourist destination.

The 15 must-see attractions in Venice: what to visit absolutely

1. St. Mark's Square - The heart of Venice

St. Mark's Square is the drawing room of Europe, as Napoleon called it, and represents the perfect starting point to visit Venice. The majestic St. Mark's Basilica with its golden mosaics and the St. Mark's Campanile 99 meters high offer a breathtaking view of the city. Tourist tip: visit the square at dawn to avoid crowds and best enjoy this Venice monument.

2. Doge's Palace - Symbol of Venetian power

The Doge's Palace is a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture that houses works by Tintoretto and Veronese. Don't miss the famous Bridge of Sighs, which connected the palace to the prisons. The Secret Itineraries Doge's Palace tour reveals hidden rooms and fascinating stories of Venetian history.

3. Grand Canal - Venice's main thoroughfare

The Grand Canal, 4 kilometers long and flanked by historic palaces, is the city's main artery. Travel along it by Venice water bus to admire Ca' Rezzonico, Ca' Pesaro and the magnificent Rialto Bridge. To experience the Grand Canal in its most romantic form, book a gondola tour that will allow you to admire the historic palaces from the most authentic perspective, perfect for couples visiting Venice.

4. Rialto Bridge - The most famous bridge

The Rialto Bridge, the oldest of the four bridges over the Grand Canal, built in 1591, is surrounded by historic shops and offers a spectacular view. This famous Venice bridge is perfect for photographing Venice views both from the bridge itself and from the banks.

5. St. Mark's Basilica - Byzantine masterpiece

With over 4,000 square meters of golden mosaics, St. Mark's Basilica is a treasure of Byzantine art. Visit the St. Mark's Museum to see the famous Horses of St. Mark up close and climb to the terrace for a privileged view of the square. This Venice church is unmissable for those who want to discover Venetian art.

6. Islands of Murano and Burano - Artisan excellence

Murano is famous for its millenary glass art—watch a live demonstration in the historic furnaces. Burano enchants with its colorful houses and traditional lace. Both Venice islands are reachable in 30 minutes by water bus and represent unmissable excursions from Venice.

7. La Fenice Theatre - Temple of opera

La Fenice Theatre is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, rebuilt after the 1996 fire. Here operas by Verdi and Rossini premiered. Even if you don't attend a show, the Venice guided tour of the theatre is worth the ticket. La Fenice is also the venue for prestigious events in Venice throughout the year, from operas to concerts, representing one of the most refined cultural experiences in Venice.

8. Peggy Guggenheim Collection - Modern art

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is Italy's most important modern art collection, housed in Palazzo Venier dei Leoni. Admire works by Picasso, Pollock and Kandinsky in the evocative garden overlooking the Grand Canal. This Venice museum is perfect for contemporary art lovers.

9. Dorsoduro District - The artistic side

The Dorsoduro district is the university quarter of the city, home to Ca' Foscari. Visit Punta della Dogana for contemporary art and enjoy an aperitif along the Zattere, Venice's most beautiful promenade with views of Giudecca. The district offers numerous cultural experiences among museums, contemporary art galleries and characteristic bacari where you can enjoy a Venetian aperitif.

10. Ca' Rezzonico - 18th century museum

Ca' Rezzonico is a baroque palace that houses the 18th Century Venetian Museum with frescoes by Tiepolo and period furnishings. A dive into the aristocratic life of the Serenissima, complete with ballrooms and historic salons of ancient Venice.

11. Rialto Market - Millenary traditions

The Rialto Market is Venice's oldest historic market, active for over 1000 years. Early morning is the best time to see fishermen selling fresh Adriatic fish and breathe the authentic atmosphere of Venice. After exploring the market, discover where to eat in Venice in the historic bacari of the area to taste typical Venetian specialties like fresh cicchetti prepared with market products.

12. Libreria Acqua Alta - The world's most photographed bookstore

In the Castello district, Libreria Acqua Alta is a unique bookstore that preserves books in gondolas and bathtubs to protect them from high water. The book staircase in the inner courtyard offers a picturesque view of the canals and has become one of Venice's Instagram attractions.

13. Biennale Gardens - The green area

The Biennale Gardens are Venice's largest green area, home to the prestigious Art Biennale. Perfect for a relaxing break from tourist hustle and bustle, with national pavilions hidden among the trees. A green oasis in Venice.

14. San Giorgio Maggiore Island - Panoramic view

Reach San Giorgio Maggiore Island to visit the church designed by Palladio and climb the San Giorgio bell tower. The panoramic view of Venice from here is considered the most beautiful in the city, perfect for photographing Venice from above.

15. Venice Ghetto - History and memory

The Venice Ghetto is the first Jewish ghetto in history, established in 1516 in the Cannaregio district. Visit the Jewish Museum of Venice and the historic synagogues to understand 500 years of history and traditions of the Venetian Jewish community.

Where to stay in Venice: strategic hotel for your stay

To explore Venice comfortably and visit all these wonders, the hotel location is fundamental. The B&B HOTEL Venezia Laguna offers the ideal accommodation in Venice: strategically located on Tronchetto island, it guarantees a direct connection with Venice's historic center while maintaining affordable prices.

Tronchetto position advantages for your Venice stay

• Direct connection: Water bus every 10 minutes to St. Mark's Square (15-minute journey)
• Parking steps from the hotel perfect for those arriving by car
• Quiet Venice hotel: Guaranteed rest away from tourist crowds
• Budget Venice hotel: Competitive rates compared to the historic center

From Tronchetto you can easily reach all the main Venice attractions: St. Mark's in 15 minutes, Rialto in 10 minutes, and the lagoon islands of Murano and Burano with just one intermediate stop.

Planning your Venice trip: practical tips

The city should be experienced calmly—getting lost in Venice among its alleys is part of the authentic Venetian experience. This Venice travel guide helps you not miss the main Venice attractions, but remember that the true magic of the Serenissima is discovered by walking aimlessly among bridges and canals.

How to get around Venice

• Water bus: The main public transport for getting around
• On foot: The best way to discover Venice's hidden alleys
• Ferries: Quick connections across the Grand Canal

To best organize your movements and plan how to reach Venice, check our detailed transport guide.

Choosing the B&B HOTEL Venezia Laguna as your base to explore Venice will allow you to discover the city comfortably, returning to a peaceful environment after intense days of Venice sightseeing. The strategic location and efficient connections make every attraction easily reachable.

Book your Venetian stay now and prepare to live an unforgettable experience in the world's most beautiful city. Your Venice weekend or your Venice vacation starts with choosing the right hotel.