St Mark's
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| St Mark's Square and Basilica | Venice's best-known square, and a basilica of domes and golden mosaics. | The heart of the city |
| The Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs | The palace of Venice's rulers with its grand halls, and a covered stone bridge. | Next to the square |
| St Mark's Campanile | A bell tower with a lift up to views over the city and lagoon. | On the square |
The canals
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Grand Canal | Venice's best-known canal between the palaces, by water bus or gondola. | Crosses the whole city |
| The Rialto Bridge | The oldest bridge on the Grand Canal, lined with shops. | City centre |
| A gondola ride | A traditional boat between narrow canals and small bridges. | About half an hour |
The islands
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Burano | Brightly painted houses on the canals, and handmade lace. | About 45 minutes by boat |
| Murano | Glass workshops with glass-blowing shows in front of you. | About 15 minutes by boat |
Tips before you go
- Day-trippers pay an access fee on set days from April to July (€5 or €10); overnight guests don't.
- Get around by water bus (vaporetto) with a day ticket.
- You need a Schengen visa to visit Italy.
Flights to Milan
More places nearby
- Things to do in Italy
- Things to do in Milan
- Things to do in Rome
- Things to do in the Dolomites
- Things to do on the Italian lakes: Como, Garda and Maggiore
- Things to do in Florence
Visa
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Venice?
St Mark's Square and Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Rialto Bridge, the Grand Canal, a gondola ride, and the islands of Burano and Murano.
Is there a fee to enter Venice?
Yes, for day-trippers on set days from April to July: €5 if paid at least four days ahead, €10 after that.
How far is Venice from Milan?
About 2.5 hours by high-speed train.
Planning your trip to Italy? Read Travel to Italy from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.