Grand Canal (Day 1)
One feature of Venice that is impossible to miss is the mighty Grand Canal, the major waterway that carves through the heart of the city.
Ponte Rialto (Day 1)
Surely the most popular spot along the Grand Canal is the exquisite Ponte Rialto bridge.
Scala Contarini del Bovolo (Day 1)
Deep in the backstreets of San Marco, lies a great underrated attraction, the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo. A 15th-century palace built for Venice’s founding families, the sight that most people come to see is the stunning “scala” or spiral staircase that runs up the side of the palace.
Piazza San Marco (Day 1)
Venice’s largest and most famous square, the Piazza San Marco is a must on any visit to Venice. On three sides of this rectangular square, grand arcades overlook visitors as they take in the many landmarks found here. In fact, many of Venice’s most famous sights are located around St Mark’s Square, each of which we’ll look at in detail.
Saint Mark’s Basilica (Day 1)
You’d have a hard time counting all of Venice’s churches, let alone visiting them, but one you certainly have to see is St Mark’s Basilica at one end of the Piazza San Marco. Once the private chapel for the Doge, the leader of Venice, this basilica has been the city cathedral since 1807.
Doge’s Palace (Day 1)
Next to St Mark’s Basilica on the Piazzetta sits one last major attraction in this part of the city, the Doge’s Palace. Back when Venice was a republic and major European player, its leader who resided here was the Doge. Built on the remains of old fortifications, the Doge’s Palace dates from the 14th and 15th centuries.
Bridge of Sighs
Tucked around behind the Doge’s Palace near the waterfront, the Bridge of Sighs is a beautiful sight and yet is as sad as its name suggests. This covered bridge carved from limestone connected the New Prison with cells in the palace, meaning it was mostly used to move prisoners around.
San Giorgio Maggiore (Day 2)
Standing on the waterfront of Piazza San Marco, it’s hard to miss the sight across the water of San Giorgio Maggiore. Really the only reason this small island can be spotted from afar is the large Church of San Giorgio Maggiore which dominates the island.
Giudecca (Day 2)
Just across from San Giorgio Maggiore lies the large, laidback island of Giudecca. Once an industrial area full of factories, warehouses, and shipyards, Giudecca has morphed into an intriguing mix of old and new. With a visit to the Casa de Tre Oci you’re able to admire the inventive Neo-gothic architecture of this house, which is now an art gallery.
Dorsoduro
Sitting across the Grand Canal from San Marco, the Sestiere of Dorsoduro is considered one of the quieter, more genuine parts of Venice. And yet, there’s no shortage of things to do in Dorsoduro if you’re seeking sights and culture.
Castello (Day 2)
This large Sestiere at the eastern end of Venice offers up quite an interesting mix of places to visit. While the district stretches almost to Piazza San Marco, you need to journey quite a ways into Castello to reach its best-known spots.
Burano (Day 2)
Far from the city center among the islands of the Venetian Lagoon rests the fishing island of Burano. A humble village, tourists are drawn to the island by its famed rows of brightly colored houses. For photographers, Burano is a dream come true and best appreciated by exploring its back streets.
Murano (Day 2)
Similar in some ways to Burano, Murano is another joined group of islands known for its colorful traditional waterfront houses. But unlike Burano, Murano is much larger and much closer to Venice, making it a much easier place to explore.
Lido (Day 2)
It’s interesting that in some ways, Lido may be the most unlikely of all of Venice’s islands. That’s because in Lido you’ll find a great long beach, as well as roads and cars! Yes, counter to popular opinion, there are cars in some parts of Venice.
