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Water Escapes in Venice

Water Escapes

Venice sits in the middle of a lagoon so water related activites are at home.

Engage with the water through these 7 suggestions.


Canal Grande
1

Canal Grande

Majestic waterway, lined with a dazzling array of palaces.

Only here, in this unique place in the world, can you glide alongside a vibrant array of boats while admiring some of the most exquisite palaces and architecture.

Discover Canal Grande

2

Take a gondola ride

A gondola ride captures timeless romance and can be a delightful experience.

Price haggling is still common, although Venice has fixed tariffs for gondola rides starting at €90 for 30min (as of 2024).

Avoid this hassle by pre-booking your gondola ride online.

You will get a better price if you're willing to share the gondola with other travelers.


3

Island hopping

There are over 100 islands in the lagoon, but the most famous ones are Murano, Burano, and Torcello.

Boat tours take you to all three islands in just a few hours, which is a great idea if you have limited time.

Murano has been the heart of Venice’s renowned glass-making industry since 1291.

Burano is distinguished by its brightly painted houses and is renowned for its traditional lace artisans.

Torcello is considered the founding island from which Venice was populated.


Riva degli Schiavoni
4

Riva degli Schiavoni

Monumental waterfront along the San Marco basin.

Stroll next to the glittering water on one of the most beloved promenades, which is particularly charming close to sunset.

Discover Riva degli Schiavoni

Zattere
5

Zattere

Sun-bathed waterfront on the south of Dorsoduro.

The promenade is such a soothing spot, perfect for enjoying the local atmosphere. Watch the sunset while sipping an aperitivo and prepare for the evening.

Discover Zattere

6

Kayak in the canals

How extraordinary would it be to navigate the canals in your own self-propelled vessel?


7

Hit the beach

Just a 20-minute water bus ride from Piazza San Marco, followed by a 10-minute walk, and you'll reach Venice's wide, sandy beach along the Adriatic.


Tip

Water Bus hop-on hop-off

With a water bus pass, you can explore Venice and its surroundings cost-effectively, avoiding the hassle of constantly buying individual 75' tickets.

Picture yourself enjoying grand views from the water of the entire Canal Grande (line #1) and then taking in the breathtaking aerial vistas from the belltower of San Giorgio Maggiore (reachable with line #2).

Afterwards, head to the northern entrance of the Arsenale with line #4.1 and even travel further to Murano.

All in the same day, for only €25.


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