Italy has always held a special place in my heart. From when I was just a few months old until my early 30s, I visited Italy at least once a year. Every time I was there, I made it a point to visit Venice, whether for a day or sometimes two.
Venice, for me, feels like stepping back in time. It’s a magical place to visit, though it is often very crowded, which can take away some of that magic. But even with the crowds, you can still appreciate everything—the stunning views, the beautiful architecture, and the unique atmosphere that Venice offers.
I haven’t visited Venice in a while, and I’ve been meaning to write this for a long time. So, I’m finally getting around to it. Here are some places to visit and tips if you’re planning a trip to Venice.
Venice Access Fee
The first tip I’ll give you is to make sure you purchase the newly introduced Venice access fee, which was implemented in 2025. Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning a return trip, double-check and purchase the access fee in advance. You’ll need this fee to visit Venice and the surrounding islands, such as Murano or Burano.
Click the link I’ve provided for full details. Please don’t forget to do this—book in advance! If you arrive without it and get stopped, you’ll face a charge that is significantly higher than the cost of the access fee.
Purchase / More info: https://cda.veneziaunica.it/en/access-fee
Bridge of Sighs
If you arrive at the front, this is usually the first sight you’ll pass as you head towards Saint Mark’s Square. The bridge you’re seeing is often quite busy, so you may need to wait a moment before moving to the side to get a clear view.
Built in the 17th century, this bridge connects the palace to the prison. Its name, the Bridge of Sighs, refers to the prisoners who would walk across it, glancing through the small window at Venice and letting out a final sigh before entering the prison.
St. Mark’s Square
Saint Mark’s Square is often the starting point for many visitors to Venice. It’s a breathtaking place where you can stand and take in all the sounds and architecture. You could spend hours there and still not notice every little detail. The square is beautiful to explore, and if it’s not too crowded, the atmosphere is truly pleasant.
Around the square, you’ll find several cafés and expensive shops. The Basilica di San Marco is also located here, and just a short walk away is the Grand Canal, where you’ve probably seen many gondolas and boats as you made your way to Saint Mark’s Square.
A tip: if you decide to sit down for a coffee, tea, or even a Coke, be prepared for high prices, as this is a popular tourist area. It’s usually cheaper to sit inside the café rather than outside in the square.
St. Mark’s Basilica
I mentioned Saint Mark’s Basilica earlier, and just standing and gazing at it will impress you every time, whether it’s your first visit, your tenth, or more. It’s a stunning piece of architecture. You’ll notice countless intricate details, and as I said, you could stand here for hours or visit many times and still not catch every single one.
Despite all my visits to Venice, I’ve actually never been inside the basilica. It’s always been on my list, but the queues to get in can be absolutely overwhelming. One tip: if you do want to go inside, I highly recommend booking in advance online or purchasing the Venice Pass, which includes entry to the basilica.
Rialto Bridge
The next stop for many people visiting Venice is the Rialto Bridge. It’s usually very crowded, so be prepared for that. As you cross the bridge, you’ll find many lovely shops on either side, though they can be quite expensive. My best advice is to stop at the middle of the bridge and enjoy the view from both sides. Many people only look from one side to get that perfect Instagram photo, but trust me, it’s worth checking out both sides.
If you want an even better photo, cross the bridge and take the first side street on either side. Walk a bit, turn around, and you’ll get a fantastic view of the bridge without the crowds.
If you’re coming from Saint Mark’s Square towards the Rialto Bridge, after crossing it, take a right after a few steps. This will lead you to the famous fruit and fish market, a spot many tourists miss. The atmosphere is great, though it does have a strong fish smell! You can also capture some lovely canal photos here, adding an extra touch to your visit that many overlook.
Gondola Ride
By this point, you’re probably eager to take a gondola ride. While there are several ways to get around Venice, this is undoubtedly the most traditional experience.
Gondola rides can be quite expensive, especially for just 30 minutes, but having been on one, I can tell you it’s something you should do at least twice. The reason I suggest going twice is that the first time, you’re so in awe of the experience—you’re snapping photos, taking videos, and soaking it all in—that before you know it, the ride is over. The second time, if you can afford it and want to do it again, I recommend putting your phone away, getting into the gondola, and just enjoying the moment.
Just walk and take in Venice
These are, of course, the main attractions in Venice, and once you’ve seen them, I recommend simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere. Enjoy where you are—the architecture, the ambiance—and wander through the little side streets, checking out the shops and exploring Venice at your own pace.
You’ll find many charming side streets with wonderful local cafés, restaurants, or bars. These spots, further away from the main tourist areas, are the ones you should seek out. They offer a more authentic experience and are typically much more affordable. Many places near the main attractions tend to be expensive, and if you notice menus with lots of photos, it’s a sign the place is geared towards tourists—often meaning the quality might not be as good, portion sizes smaller, or prices higher than you’d want to pay.
Make sure to grab some ice cream, try some local wine, and support the local businesses. These small, local shops are vital for Venice’s economy, so take the time to walk around, enjoy, and truly take it all in.
Islands : Murano, Burano and Torcello
If you get the chance, I recommend booking a ticket at the water bus station and exploring some of the islands. I’ve only ever visited Murano and Burano, as I found them to have more to offer compared to Torcello, which primarily has a church. However, if you do get the chance, it’s worth checking out Torcello as well, as it’s another lovely island.
Burano is famous for its brightly colored houses and lace-making. If you’re lucky, you might see someone sitting outside creating lace, which is a real treat to watch. The vibrant colors of the houses make for stunning photos, so be sure to take plenty.
Murano is renowned for its glassmaking. I was fortunate enough to watch a skilled artisan create a beautiful glass ornament, which was mesmerizing. These craftsmen are incredibly talented, and I highly recommend purchasing something while you’re there. It’s not only a unique souvenir but also helps support the local community.
It’s important to note that all the views and opinions expressed in my blog posts and vlogs are entirely personal, have not been influenced in any way and reflect my individual perspective. I value authenticity and honesty above all, and my content is a genuine reflection of my thoughts and experiences.
