First time in Venice: Everything you need to know

Spend your first time in Venice drifting down its winding canals, visiting must-see cultural attractions like St. Mark’s Basilica, and sampling delicious cicchetti (small bites served in traditional bars). From the charming streets of Cannaregio to the impressive Piazza San Marco, the city is packed with gems just waiting to be discovered. Uncover the essential things to know about Venice with this first-timer’s guide, from how to get around to the best time of year to visit its iconic landmarks and islands like Murano and Burano.

Venice: Tips for first-timers

1. Walking is the fastest, easiest, and least expensive way to get around in Venice. For more convenience or for longer distances purchasing a vaporetto (water bus) pass or using contactless payments gives you easy access to the water taxis on the city’s canals.
2. High tides can flood certain city areas, especially in fall and winter. Check out the tide schedules in advance and bring waterproof shoes, just in case.
3. Saint Mark’s Basilica is a must-do in Venice, but book ahead to avoid long lines — especially during the peak seasons of late spring and early fall.
4. Venice can get hot in summer, so bring a water bottle while exploring. Public fountains are scattered around the city, where you can refill bottles for free.
5. Make sure to carry some cash for payment in smaller shops, markets, and local restaurants and bars.

Best time to visit

Every season has its charm, from spring’s mild temperatures and clear skies to winter’s world-famous Carnival. Whether you’re looking to explore the enchanting canals or visit Venice’s top landmarks without the crowds, discover the best time to visit Venice.

Spring

Spring in Venice runs from March to May, bringing clear skies and mild temperatures. The city gets livelier towards the end of spring, especially during cultural events like the Venice Biennale, a world-renowned cultural exhibition focusing on contemporary art.

Summer

During summer in Venice, the city is a hub of activity, with bustling streets and lively restaurant terraces. The hot summer days are perfect for cruising the canals or escaping to the nearby beaches on Lido di Venezia but be prepared for crowds at the city’s top attractions.

Fall

Fall in Venice offers mild temperatures, quieter attractions, and many cultural events. Check out local exhibitions showcasing Venetian art or visit the city’s landmarks at a more relaxed pace. Or why not time your trip during the Regata Storica, when the lagoon comes alive with boat races and festivities?

Winter

Visiting Venice in winter allows you to experience some of the top attractions at their quietest. With plenty of indoor attractions, such as exciting art museums and elaborate celebrations like the Carnival of Venice, winter can be a great time to visit the city.

Venice’s top 5 must-visit attractions

1. Saint Mark’s Basilica

A breathtaking blend of Byzantine and Gothic architecture, Saint Mark’s Basilica is one of the top things to do in Venice for first-timers. Its intricate mosaics and golden domes make it one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

2. Doge’s Palace

Step inside the Doge’s Palace, a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture that was once the residence of Venice’s rulers. Its impressive frescoes and the famed Bridge of Sighs offer a captivating look into Venice’s history.

3. Rialto Bridge

Don’t miss walking across the Rialto Bridge during your first time in Venice. This stunning landmark stretches across the Grand Canal and was built in the late 16th century.

4. Grand Canal

Explore Venice’s Grand Canal with a stroll along the waterfront, or better yet, opt for a picturesque gondola or vaporetto ride through this iconic waterway.

5. Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, an impressive modern art museum on the Grand Canal. With works by Picasso, Dalí, and Pollock, it’s a cultural highlight in any first-timer’s guide.

Best 3 neighborhoods to explore in Venice

San Marco

From historic palaces and iconic basilicas to charming piazzas, San Marco is the very heart of Venice. Discover world-famous attractions like Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, or enjoy the bustling ambiance of Piazza San Marco. With several of Venice’s top landmarks located in this historic neighborhood, it’s the ideal place to stay for your first time in Venice.

Cannaregio

Cannaregio is Venice’s authentic side, offering a mix of historic charm and a vibrant local scene. Several of Venice’s hidden gems, including the Jewish Ghetto and lesser-known canalside cafes, are found here, making it ideal for visitors looking for a quieter side of Venice.

Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro, known as the city’s artistic district, is a must-do in Venice for a reason. Home to famous sites like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the stunning Santa Maria della Salute Basilica, it’s the perfect neighborhood to enjoy galleries, art, and tranquil waterfront views.

What to eat in Venice

Seafood, pasta, rice, and seasonal vegetables are the mainstays of Venetian cuisine. Discover the city’s most iconic dishes in this first-timer’s guide.

Main dishes to try

1. Sarde in Saor

A must-try dish in Venice, sarde in saor is a flavorsome mix of marinated sardines, onions, pine nuts, and raisins. You’ll find it in most bacari (Venetian bars) as part of the city’s cicchetti culture.

2. Bigoli in Salsa

This classic Venetian pasta dish combines thick noodles made from whole wheat flour with a savory sauce of slow-cooked onions and salty anchovies.

3. Risotto al Nero di Seppia

Typically offered in traditional Venetian restaurants, risotto al nero di sepia is a creamy risotto cooked with cuttlefish and cuttlefish ink, which gives it a rich, briny flavor and striking black color.

4. Fritto Misto

Fritto misto is a popular seafood dish in Venice that mixes fried fish, shrimp, and squid. It’s typically served piping hot with a lemon wedge on the side.

5. Spritz

Savoring a spritz along the canal is one of the best things to do in Venice for first-timers. Made with Aperol or Campari, prosecco, and a splash of soda water, this cocktail pairs perfectly with cicchetti.

Getting to Venice

Flying into Marco Polo Airport

Reaching Venice from Marco Polo Airport is convenient and efficient. The ATVO Airport Express bus runs throughout the day and takes about 20 minutes to reach Piazzale Roma, the city’s central transport hub. Public transport options like vaporetti can take you to most parts of the city in around 30 to 40 minutes. Additionally, taxis are available outside the airport 24/7, and water taxis can offer a picturesque transfer directly to your accommodations.

Santa Lucia train station

Santa Lucia train station is Venice’s primary transportation hub, bringing in travelers from across Italy and Europe. It’s located right on the Grand Canal and offers a perfect starting point for exploring Venice. Nearby, Piazzale Roma serves as the city’s main bus station, with connections to regional destinations. You can easily hop on a vaporetto from either location to get to your accommodations or around the city.

Getting around Venice

Getting around Venice is easy, thanks to its compact layout and pedestrian-friendly streets. Walking is the best way to discover the sites in this historic city, as many of the iconic landmarks are located within a short distance of each other.

Exploring Venice on foot

Strolling through the narrow streets of Venice is one of the best ways to experience the city, allowing you to soak in the unique atmosphere and see landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Most top attractions are within easy walking distance, making it convenient for travelers eager to explore.

Public transportation in Venice

Venice’s public transportation network includes vaporetti and water taxis, making it easy to navigate the city. One of the most helpful things to know is that tickets can be purchased at ticket machines or via the ACTV app, allowing for cashless transactions.

What to avoid in Venice

• While Venice’s canals may look inviting, especially on a hot summer day, swimming in canals is strictly forbidden and carries hefty fines. If you’re looking to take a dip, head to the beaches at Lido instead.
• Avoid sitting on steps or bridges, especially in heavily trafficked areas. Venice’s streets and canals are narrow, and blocking the flow of people through these areas can result in fines.
• Feeding the pigeons, especially in St. Mark’s Square, is strictly prohibited as it can harm birds that ingest food they can’t digest and also cause damage to historic monuments and buildings from an increased amount of pigeon droppings.
• Avoid walking on the canals’ wooden docks and suspended walkways during high tide, as they can become slippery and dangerous when the water level rises.

First-timer’s guide to Venice: FAQs

How many days is enough to visit Venice?

If it’s your first time in Venice, allow between three and four days. This gives you plenty of time to explore landmarks like Saint Mark’s Square, the Grand Canal, some of Venice’s best neighborhoods, and the islands of Burano and Murano.

Do I need cash in Venice?

Venice is generally a very card-friendly city, but bringing euros with you for payments in smaller shops and bars is still a good idea. And unless you’ve booked online or with your hotel, it’s essential to know that gondolas in Venice can only be paid for with cash.

Do you tip gondoliers in Venice?

It’s not required or expected to tip the gondoliers in Venice. However, a 5 to 10% tip will always be appreciated if you enjoyed your ride.

What’s a good area to stay in Venice?

Staying near San Marco is perfect for your first time in Venice, as it puts you within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions.

Is it safe to walk around Venice at night?

Venice is generally a safe city with a well-lit center and low crime rates. However, it’s still a good idea to take precautions, like sticking to well-lit streets and being aware of your surroundings.