Best Venice Tours from London

Best Time to Visit Venice

The best time to visit Venice is in spring (April to June) or early autumn (September to October). The weather is pleasant, and you’ll avoid the thickest crowds.

July and August can be hot, humid, and full of tourists. Winter (especially November to February) brings peace, lower prices, and occasional flooding (aka acqua alta), but it’s also a unique way to experience the city without the masses.

How to Travel to and Get around Venice

Most visitors arrive by train, especially those coming from Rome or Florence. The high-speed train from Rome to Venice takes about 3.5–4 hours and stops right at Venezia Santa Lucia station—smack in the middle of everything. Book early for cheaper fares (around €30–€60).

Once you're in the city, walking is your main mode of transport. Venice is compact and entirely car-free. For longer trips across the canals, grab a vaporetto (water bus). A 24-hour ticket costs about €25 and covers unlimited rides.

Water taxis are convenient but expensive—around €60–€80 for a single trip. For a short, cheap thrill, hop on a traghetto—a public gondola that crosses the Grand Canal for about €2.

Top Things to Do in Venice

There’s no shortage of things to do in Venice. Here’s what to put on your list:

Explore St. Mark’s Square
Visit St. Mark’s Basilica (free entry, but the museum and terrace are worth the small fee), and don’t miss the Doge’s Palace next door for a look at Venice’s political and artistic past.

Walk the Rialto Bridge
The city’s oldest and most famous bridge offers stunning views of the Grand Canal. The market nearby is a great stop for seafood and people-watching.

Take a Gondola Ride
Yes, it’s touristy—and yes, it’s worth it at least once. Expect to pay €90 for 30 minutes during the day or €110 at night. To save, you can share a ride or try a quick traghetto crossing.

Join a Venice Food Tour
Want to try cicchetti (Venetian-style tapas) and local wines without getting stuck in tourist traps? A guided Venice food tour will take you through hidden bars and markets, often including stops at the Rialto and Cannaregio neighborhoods.

Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection
A modern art gem housed in an old palazzo, this museum is a nice break from the Renaissance overload and right by the Grand Canal in Dorsoduro.

Get Lost in Cannaregio or Dorsoduro
These quieter districts offer charming bridges, cafés, and artisan shops—and far fewer crowds than San Marco.

One Day in Venice

Only got 24 hours? Here’s a quick plan that balances big sights with local charm:

Morning: Start at St. Mark’s Basilica when it opens. Then walk to the Doge’s Palace and take in the square.
Late Morning: Wander to Rialto Bridge and explore the market nearby.
Lunch: Grab cicchetti and a spritz at a bacaro (local wine bar) in Cannaregio.
Afternoon: Hop on a gondola or ride the vaporetto down the Grand Canal.
Evening: Catch the sunset from the Accademia Bridge or visit San Giorgio Maggiore’s bell tower for a panoramic view.

For a convenient and quiet stay:

Cannaregio: Authentic, less touristy, and close to the train station.
Dorsoduro: Artsy, walkable, and home to great cafés and the Guggenheim.
San Marco: Ideal if you want to be close to all the major sights—but expect higher prices and more crowds.

Excursions & Short Breaks from Venice

Have an extra day or two? Use Venice as your base to explore the surroundings:

Murano, Burano & Torcello
These islands are an easy vaporetto ride away. Murano is known for glassmaking, Burano for its colorful houses and lace, and Torcello for quiet countryside vibes.

Prosecco Wine Region
Take a day tour north into the rolling hills where Italy’s sparkling wine is made. Tastings included.

Verona or the Dolomites
Both are reachable on full-day guided tours from Venice. Verona is packed with history, while the Dolomites offer epic mountain views.

Venice to Rome
Heading south? Book a high-speed train and be in Rome in about 4 hours. Perfect for building a multi-city Italy itinerary.

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Wear comfy shoes—Venice = bridges + cobblestones.
• Pack light if you’re staying overnight (luggage + stairs = not fun).
• Carry some cash. Many small shops and cafés are still cash-only.
• Public toilets are scarce and often paid (€1–2), so plan ahead.
• Respect local rules—don’t picnic in church steps or feed the pigeons.
• Watch for acqua alta alerts in fall/winter—rubber boots might be a good idea!

Want to explore more or book activities in advance? Check out our full selection of Italy tours and experiences.