Classic Venice
Things to see and do on your fist visit
Unveiling Venice starts with the iconic landmarks that shaped its world-famous image.
And there’s no better place to begin than Piazza San Marco — the city’s majestic square, the center of its social, spiritual, and political life.
Visit the sights in Piazza San Marco
Venice’s grand central square is best savored in the early hours, before the crowds arrive, when it reveals its most authentic self.
Come evening, as the bustle fades and orchestral music drifts from the surrounding cafés, the square slips once more into its timeless spell.
The range of sights on offer here is vast, but two main highlights are simply unmissable: Basilica di San Marco — the city’s cathedral, with its eastern influences and endless gilded mosaics — and Palazzo Ducale, an incredibly ornate complex that once housed the city’s political leader.
Connecting the palace to the former prisons, the iconic Bridge of Sighs earned its name from convicts’ last sorrowful breath. You’ll sigh too, as Venice is truly breathtaking, but unlike them, you’re free to begin exploring all the key sights in Piazza San Marco:
Cross the Rialto Bridge
Besides Piazza San Marco, there’s one other landmark that’s just as iconic: Rialto Bridge — the first to span the Canal Grande, and the only one for centuries, a clear reminder of how central water transport is to Venetian life.
It may hold no secrets anymore, as popular as it gets, so we won’t linger.
But it does happen to be the perfect spot for something again truly iconic: hopping on a gondola and seeing Venice from the water, just as it was meant to be seen.
Take a gondola ride
Riding a gondola is on many people's bucket lists, and it’s truly as unique to Venice as it gets.
A 30-minute gondola ride has a fixed price set by the city: €90 during the day and €110 in the evening or at night.
This price is per boat, not per person, and each gondola can carry up to 5 passengers.
Just keep in mind: payment is cash only.
Traveling solo or without cash?
Shared gondola rides can be booked online for a more budget-friendly option.
Here's a tip!
Take the public gondola
If a private gondola feels a bit too pricey, there’s a great budget-friendly alternative: the traghetto.
For just €2, these larger gondolas — rowed by two oarsmen — ferry passengers across the Grand Canal at designated crossing points.
The ride is short but scenic, and if it’s not too crowded, you might even get to stand — just like in the old tradition.
Cruise the Grand Canal
In a city built on water, canals take the place of streets — and Canal Grande is Venice’s 'main street'.
Only here can you admire some of the world’s most exquisite palaces and architecture while gliding past a lively mix of boats.
The most scenic stretch runs between the San Marco basin and Rialto Bridge, though continuing beyond Rialto still rewards you with stunning facades like Ca' d'Oro.
The easiest way to cruise the canal is by hopping on water bus Line 1, but shared and private boat tours offer a different perspective and often add something special to the experience.
Immerse yourself in all things glass
Just a short water bus ride from Venice, the island of Murano is the place to discover the city’s glassmaking heritage — from fiery glassblowing to intricate artistry and souvenir shopping right at the source.
Murano is best explored as part of a day trip with the other two famous islands of the northern lagoon — Burano and Torcello — which we’ll introduce in the next layer of your Venice odyssey.
Keep unveiling Venice
As part of our Venice Unveiled series, we're revealing the city in layers — from iconic sights, perfect for first-time visitors, to hidden corners, awaiting returning explorers.
Second Layer
Deeper into Venice
Third Layer
Venice for returning visitors
Fourth & Final Layer
Venice for regular visitorsFind your Venice
Tailored picks to match your travel style, mood, or interests.