Venice Guide 2025
A curated guide to the most romantic, cinematic, and soul-stirring corners of La Serenissima.
Venice is not a city to simply visit — it’s a place to be lived. It demands slowness, attention, and a love for detail. It’s easy to get caught in the tourist paths, but if you pause, intentionally get lost, and allow the city to reveal itself, you’ll discover that Venice is still authentic, alive, and mysterious.
This guide is for those who want to feel Venice rather than check it off a list — whether you’re traveling for love, beauty, or to celebrate something meaningful.
Let the City Lead You
No maps. No schedule. Just comfortable shoes and an open heart.
Venice is best explored with your head tilted up and your eyes alert to the reflections on the water. It will surprise you with secret corners, open windows onto silent courtyards, and little votive shrines glowing in the night.
Must-See in Venice
- Basilica della Salute
A symbol of rebirth, built after the plague of 1630. It stands majestically at the tip of the Dogana, overlooking the Grand Canal. Inside, light and spirituality blend with the scent of incense and works by Titian.
Tip: Visit at sunrise, when Venice is still mirrored in the quiet lagoon. - Doge’s Palace
Not just a palace, but the political, artistic, and symbolic heart of the Serenissima. Frescoed halls, golden staircases, silent prisons. Every room tells a story of power, art, and secrets.
Don’t miss the Sala del Maggior Consiglio — a breathtaking space of grandeur and beauty. - St. Mark’s Basilica
A golden mosaic treasure chest. Every dome and detail speaks of distant journeys, stolen relics, and Byzantine splendor.
Pause on the porch at sunset: the light ignites the gold, and the atmosphere turns magical. - Teatro La Fenice
A symbol of resilience, reborn from the ashes more than once. Golden interiors, red velvet, monumental chandeliers. Even just stepping inside feels like a theatrical experience.
If possible, attend an opera or a rehearsal — you’ll feel the city’s living heartbeat. - Libreria Acqua Alta
One of the most poetic and unusual bookstores in the world. Books rest in bathtubs, gondolas, and boats. Cats nap among the volumes, and a staircase made of books leads to a surprising view over the canal.
A place to explore slowly — perfect for surreal and tender snapshots. - Scala Contarini del Bovolo
A hidden spiral staircase tucked into the Venetian alleys, straight out of a dream. Climb it slowly, take in the architectural details, and enjoy one of the most intimate views of Venice.
A little-known spot full of charm. - Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio
One of the most genuine and lively squares in Venice. Children play, elders chat, locals sip spritz. Here, you’ll feel the rhythm of everyday Venetian life, far from tourist circuits.
Bring a book or sit at a café to watch life flow by.
- Rialto Bridge
The most iconic, the most photographed. But if you cross it at 7 a.m., it might feel like it belongs to you alone. From there, your gaze opens onto the Grand Canal, filled with reflections and stillness.
Beneath the bridge is the market: scents, voices, and colors that tell the story of real Venice. - Rialto Fish Market
Known locally as Pescheria di Rialto, this is one of the most vibrant and authentic places in Venice. Located right next to the Rialto Bridge, it’s been active for centuries and remains the go-to spot for fresh fish, seafood, and lagoon delicacies.
It takes place every morning, Tuesday through Saturday, in an open loggia on the Grand Canal. You’ll find fishermen and vendors displaying the daily catch: sea bream, cuttlefish, clams, blue crabs, and more.
The atmosphere is hectic but genuine: salty aromas, dialect voices, and slices of daily life you won’t find elsewhere.
A paradise for photography lovers, with slanting morning light, water reflections, and authentic details everywhere.
Best visited before 9 a.m., when it’s in full swing. Afterwards, enjoy breakfast at a nearby bacaro with a cicchetto and a glass of local wine. - Gallerie dell’Accademia
A temple of Venetian art. Bellini, Carpaccio, Titian, Veronese. A journey through beauty and history, among altarpieces and deep silences.
Don’t miss Giorgione’s The Tempest — mysterious, suspended, and powerfully evocative. - Bridge of Sighs
A passage between freedom and prison. Crossing it is moving, but viewing it from outside, framed by the arch of the Ponte della Paglia, is pure visual poetry.
Come at sunset: the last light kisses it and makes it glow with gentle melancholy.
Best Photography Locations in Venice
- Traditional Venice
Get lost among the narrow alleyways and canals of the most authentic parts of Venice, far from the usual tourist trails. Every corner here feels like a scene from an oil painting: laundry swaying between buildings, stone footbridges, and golden reflections on the water. The light tells stories, and each view is a living postcard. - Piazza San Marco
Venice’s most iconic square, framed by the Basilica of San Marco, the Campanile, and the Doge’s Palace. It’s perfect at dawn, when you can avoid the crowds and capture the golden morning light as it brushes across the ornate facades. - Romantic Bridge
A small, hidden bridge tucked away in one of the quieter districts, far from the crowds. Ideal for couple portraits and intimate moments, with gondolas slowly drifting underneath and a quietness that makes everything feel enchanted. A true dreamlike corner. - Secret Venice
Secret alleys, hidden courtyards, and silent walkways along the canals. Few tourists venture here, but those who do discover the true soul of Venice: its intimacy, unexpected details, and everyday poetry. - San Giorgio Maggiore
From the island of San Giorgio, you’ll enjoy one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Venice. It’s the perfect spot to photograph Piazza San Marco from afar, offering a dramatic and wide-angle perspective, especially at sunset. - Gondola Tour
A unique perspective: shooting from the center of the canals as you glide between water palaces. The reflections, the elegant arches of the bridges, and the hidden glimpses of city life make every photo one of a kind. It’s the ultimate photographic experience in Venice.
Getting Around in Venice
Vaporetto (Public Waterbus – ACTV)
Recommended ticket options for visitors:
• Single ticket: €9.50 (valid for 75 minutes)
• 1-day pass: €25
• 2-day pass: €35
• 3-day pass: €45
• 7-day pass: €65
Tip: For a weekend stay, the 2-day pass (€35) is the best value. It gives you unlimited rides on all vaporettos—including those to Murano, Burano, Giudecca, and other islands.
Included:
• All ACTV vaporetto lines
• Trams and buses on the mainland (Mestre, Marghera)
Where to buy:
• Online at www.veneziaunica.it
• ACTV ticket offices
• Mobile apps (AVM Venezia, HelloVenezia)
Private Water Taxi
• Elegant but very expensive
• Average fare within Venice: €60–€80
• Airport to city center: €120–€140
Best for a cinematic experience or when carrying lots of luggage and short on time. Not recommended for short trips.
On Foot
Venice is compact, and many places can be reached within 10–20 minutes on foot. If you’re staying in the central districts, walking is often faster than taking the vaporetto.
Venice Elopement & Couple Photography
If you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement or a couple photoshoot in Venice, this city is an open-air movie set.
The bridges, the alleys, the silent gondolas at dawn… every corner can become the scene of your love story.
Tip: choose early morning or late afternoon, depending on the location. The light is magical, and the city feels like it’s yours.
Would you like me to join you on this journey? Please write to me, and let’s create something that truly reflects you.
Pro Tip: Unforgettable Day Trips from Venice
- Murano – The Island of Living Glass
As soon as you step onto the vaporetto, you leave behind postcard Venice and enter the beating heart of Venetian craftsmanship. In Murano, glass comes to life in the hands of master blowers who turn sand into art. The furnaces, historic workshops, and the Glass Museum tell a centuries-old story made of fire and creativity. An island where every workshop is a small art gallery.
How to get there: Vaporetto line 4.1 or 4.2 from Fondamente Nove or San Zaccaria (20 minutes). - Burano – The Island of Colors and Silence
Burano is an open-air painting. Its brightly colored houses look like they came from a fairytale, reflecting in the canals like a dream. But the real magic happens at dawn: when the streets are empty and the only sound is water gently touching the boats. Here, time slows down. Visit the lace-making workshops and get lost in the suspended atmosphere.
How to get there: Vaporetto line 12 from Fondamente Nove (about 45 minutes). - Mazzorbo – The Hidden Island of Taste and Nature
Just beyond the little bridge connecting Burano to Mazzorbo, a surprising landscape opens up: vineyards, gardens, and silence. It’s an island mostly untouched by tourism, where nature and elegance meet. Here you’ll find Venissa, a Michelin-starred restaurant set within walled vineyards, celebrating the deep bond between land and lagoon.
How to get there: Vaporetto line 12, stop at “Mazzorbo” (get off one stop before Burano). - Torcello – A Journey into Medieval Venice
Few people live here, but Torcello is perhaps the most fascinating place in the lagoon. Walk along grassy paths and ancient ruins until you reach the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta: a sacred place with golden mosaics and a mystical atmosphere. Climb the bell tower for an unforgettable view of the northern lagoon. A timeless experience.
How to get there: From Burano, shuttle line 9 (about 5 minutes). - San Lazzaro degli Armeni – Culture, Spirituality, and Hidden Treasures
This small island hosts an extraordinary Armenian monastery, filled with ancient manuscripts, artworks, and one of the rarest libraries in Europe. It can only be visited with guided tours, but it’s worth every minute: a journey into culture, peace, and the history of distant peoples.
How to get there: Vaporetto line 20 from San Zaccaria (10 minutes, check schedule in advance). - Lido di Venezia – Liberty Style, Bicycles, and the Sea
Lido is the summer retreat for Venetians. A long and narrow island that combines elegance and simplicity: Liberty-style architecture, golden beaches, tree-lined boulevards perfect for biking. Here you breathe the air of a vintage holiday, with artisanal gelato and sunset swims.
How to get there: Vaporetto line 1, 5.1, or 6 from central Venice (15–20 minutes). - Lido di Jesolo – Beach and Nightlife an Hour from Venice
For those looking for well-equipped beaches, endless shorelines, and a bit of nightlife, Jesolo is the perfect choice. It’s the ultimate beach destination, full of restaurants, bars, and activities for families or groups of friends.
How to get there: Vaporetto line 14 from San Zaccaria to Punta Sabbioni (about 35 minutes) + ATVO bus to Jesolo Lido (30 minutes).
Of course, all of these destinations are reachable faster by water taxi.
Where to stay in Venice
Historic Venice
The most charming and convenient area for exploring the city on foot. Staying here means being just steps away from everything: St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge, museums, and the most picturesque alleyways.
• The Gritti Palace – A Luxury Collection Hotel
An icon on the Grand Canal. Pure Venetian elegance: stuccos, Murano glass chandeliers, and one of the most beautiful waterfront terraces in Venice. Perfect for a regal experience.
• St. Regis Venice
Modern design with Venetian style, located in a stunning position on the Grand Canal with direct views of St. Mark’s. Impeccable service, contemporary art on the walls, and a dreamy private garden.
• Hotel Danieli
A historic palace just steps from St. Mark’s Square. Theatrical atmosphere, Gothic-style décor, and a rooftop bar with unmatched views of the lagoon. Ideal for history lovers and those drawn to vintage charm.
• Sina Centurion Palace
Located on the Grand Canal in the Dorsoduro district, it blends Gothic architecture with modern design interiors. A peaceful yet central base to explore museums like the Peggy Guggenheim.
• Londra Palace Venezia
Facing the Riva degli Schiavoni, it offers sweeping views of the lagoon and San Giorgio Island. Elegant rooms, romantic ambiance, and personalized service—ideal for a couple’s getaway.
• Palazzo Pianca
A modern boutique hotel in the heart of San Marco. Refined, intimate spaces with attention to every detail. Great for those seeking contemporary comfort in the city center.
Giudecca – The Quiet Side of the Lagoon
Perfect for those who want views of Venice without the crowds. Peaceful, authentic, and with spectacular cityscapes.
• Hilton Molino Stucky Venice
Housed in a former industrial mill, it features a rooftop pool, spa, restaurants, and private shuttles to St. Mark’s. Excellent value for a high-end property.
• Belmond Hotel Cipriani
The pinnacle of Venetian luxury. Private gardens, an Olympic-size pool, Michelin-starred cuisine, and service that makes every guest feel like a VIP. A dream destination, often visited by celebrities.
Private Islands – For an Exclusive Escape in the Lagoon
• JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
Located on Isola delle Rose, this is a true oasis of luxury and relaxation. Expansive gardens, pools, a spa, gourmet restaurants, and modern rooms. Connected to St. Mark’s by the hotel’s private boat.
• San Clemente Palace Kempinski
A 5-star resort on a private island. Timeless monastic atmosphere, art in every corner, and discreet, exclusive service. Ideal for disconnecting from reality without sacrificing comfort.
Mestre or Lido – More Budget-Friendly Options (Check Transport Schedules)
Great for saving money, but be sure to check vaporetto and evening bus schedules to avoid inconveniences.
• NH Laguna Palace (Mestre)
A modern business hotel with spacious rooms and an internal marina. Well connected to Venice by bus and train (15–20 minutes).
• Leonardo Royal Hotel Venice Mestre
One of the newest and most comfortable mainland options. Excellent value for money, just steps from the train station. Youthful vibe and modern amenities.
Where to Eat & Share a Slow Meal
For lunch or dinner
• Osteria al Squero
A simple, authentic spot right in front of one of the few still-active gondola boatyards. Enjoy cicchetti (classic Venetian snacks) with a glass of wine or spritz while watching gondolas being repaired. Perfect for a quick yet charming lunch.
• Antiche Carampane
One of the most authentic osterias in Venice, hidden in the San Polo district. Traditional Venetian cuisine and delicious seafood dishes. Intimate atmosphere, tightly packed tables—booking is a must.
• Osteria alle Testiere
A tiny, family-run restaurant with a stellar reputation. Only a few tables, daily menu based on the freshest market fish. Intimate, refined, but never pretentious. Perfect for a relaxed, slow-paced meal.
• Zanze XVI
A Michelin-starred spot with a warm, welcoming soul. The cuisine is creative and contemporary, always inspired by local flavors. Ideal for a special dinner or to surprise someone with a unique evening.
• Hostaria Venexiana
Warm atmosphere, wooden beams, soft lighting, and traditional dishes. Simple but carefully crafted meals—perfect for an unhurried lunch. A great alternative to more touristy restaurants.
• Ristorante Riviera
Elegant and overlooking the Giudecca canal—perfect for a sunset dinner. Excellent seafood, high-quality ingredients, and attentive service. Romantic atmosphere, highly recommended for couples.
• Osteria Nono Risorto
A historic trattoria with a peaceful garden. Homemade cuisine, great spaghetti alle vongole, and generous portions. Informal yet authentic—loved by locals.
• Ristorante San Silvestro
Just steps from the Rialto Bridge, a solid choice to enjoy well-prepared Venetian dishes in a welcoming setting. Great value for money and friendly service.
• Venetika
A cross between a modern bistro and a traditional osteria. A creative menu with Mediterranean and local influences, youthful and well-designed ambiance. Great for those looking for something different but still deeply rooted in Venice.
For a glass of wine (ombra), a chat, and a few cicchetti
• Cantina Do Mori
The oldest osteria in Venice (since 1462!), with wooden interiors and an old-world vibe. You drink standing up, like in the past, with rustic cicchetti and a glass of wine. A must for tradition lovers.
• Vino Vero
Located on Fondamenta della Misericordia, it’s Venice’s go-to spot for natural wines. Contemporary ambiance, young crowd, impeccable selection. Perfect for aperitivo or a relaxed evening.
• Bakarò
Reimagined Venetian cuisine and a good wine list. Outdoor tables on the square, lively and informal atmosphere. Great for a quick lunch or a hearty aperitivo.
• Osteria ai Pugni
Overlooking the famous Ponte dei Pugni, it’s a perfect place to enjoy the local vibe with a glass in hand. Great cicchetti, authentic feel, often filled with locals. Ideal to feel like part of the city.
Venice Packing List
• Comfortable, waterproof shoes (Venetian stone can be slippery)
• Light backpack
• Umbrella & sunglasses – Venice’s mood can change in a flash
• Power bank for your phone
• Elegant outfit for a dinner or photoshoot
• Scarf to cover shoulders when visiting churches
How to Dress for a Photoshoot in Venice
For women:
• Romantic, flowy style: Long, airy dresses in light fabrics like silk or chiffon are perfect to play with the wind and Venice’s dreamy atmosphere.
• Recommended colors: Light or pastel shades (ivory, blush, powder blue, lavender) or bold elegant contrasts (red, emerald green, black for a fashion touch).
• Accessories: Wide-brimmed hats, statement earrings—but avoid too many bags or backpacks that break the silhouette.
For men:
• Smart-casual look: Linen shirts, chino trousers, light blazer if it’s cool. Avoid big logos or bold prints.
• Colors: Neutrals or tonal palettes for a polished effect (white, beige, navy, light grey).
• Shoes: Comfortable yet stylish – loafers, boat shoes or clean sneakers.
Ready to fall in love with Venice?
Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, Venice always finds a way to surprise you.
Leave room for the unexpected, follow the light, take a gondola at dawn, or capture your favorite photo in the silent alleys.
And if you want to turn your trip into an everlasting memory…
Contact me for your Venice photoshoot.
It will be poetic, spontaneous, unforgettable.
