Tour
7,6 km
3h30
27 audios
Text version
Venice floats in the heart of its lagoon, inspiring all those who visit. It’s a city you have to explore at least once in your life. Only then, will you truly understand what it means to be in awe. As the capital of Veneto, it’s made up of 121 stunning islands, and has always been unlike any other Italian city. Its unusual layout blends land and water, and has been the perfect hiding place for artistic and historical artefacts. Set asideyour sense of direction , and try a more relaxed mindset. Here, you’ll step into an open-air theatre, and meet the stars under the spotlight: St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, La Fenice Theatre, and the Rialto Bridge. You’ll go from one scene to the next, wandering backstage through narrow alleys and along busy canals. On set, you’ll find ancient palaces, charming gondolas, and hundreds of bridges ready to charm you under their spell. Whether you’re in love with art, history, or a special someone, Venice will sweep you off your feet.
What would Venice be without its bridges? A question many have asked before... To know the answer, we have to go back in time. The Venice we know today is very different from what it used to be. That’s because there used to be no bridges at all. Read more
Now that you’re at the edge of the canal, look across to the opposite quay— notice the first three-storey building to the left of the bell tower. Built between 1748 and 1772 for a wealthy Venetian family, who it’s named after, the Palazzo Grassi has been one of Venice’s Read more
Once the home of Francesco Foscari, the 65th Doge of Venice, the former palace on your right has always been linked to education. In 1866, a Venetian Jew founded the Royal College of Commerce here, aiming to educate merchants and train secondary school Read more
The Basilica dei Frari is the second largest building in Venice, and took over 100 years to build. Its striking 70-metre-high bell tower dates back to the 14th century. The basilica’s façade is made of brick, with traces of white and pink stone Read more
Venice is made up of six districts. The smallest, and one of the oldest districts is right beneath your feet. Welcome to San Polo! According to legend, back in Antiquity the city’s first inhabitants decided to settle here, as this compact area was saved from flooding. Read more
Full of colour and delicious smells, welcome to another classic Venetian spot. An area once bustling with textile merchants, spice traders, and all kinds of goods exchange, the Rialto Market has been an integral part of Venice’s identity since the 13th century. Read more
The star of Venice’s tourism adverts, the Rialto Bridge is an iconic symbol of the City of the Doges. But it hasn’t always been this famous... The monument has a very long and complicated history. Back in the 12th century, a series of boats were tied together Read more
Venice is one of those places that you keep coming back to. Maybe it’s the romantic atmosphere, or the calm waters of its lagoon that charm you everytime. But how well do you really know Venice? Let us share a few juicy scoops about the city. Read more
Venice is a city full of narrow alleyways, arched bridges, and town squares. But if you don’t want to offend the locals, you should know that St. Mark’s Square is the city’s only true square. The others are mistakenly called squares, or piazzas in Italian Read more
Standing across the canal, you can see a tower rising into the sky. It’s actually a bell tower called the Campanile of San Giorgio, located on the island of the same name. It’s the city’s third tallest tower, reaching 63 metres high, Read more
Everyone that visits this Venetian landmark becomes fascinated by its beauty, history, and legends. The Bridge of Sighs was built in the early 17th century, to serve as a passageway between the Doge’s Palace and the new prison on the other side. Read more
If there's one palace that surpasses all others in Venice, it's definitely the one on your right. Due to its prestigious past and sublime architecture, the Doge's Palace remains one of the city's most powerful symbols. Its history began in the 9th century Read more
Nicknamed the “Master of the House” by Venetians, St Mark’s Campanile is one of the city’s oldest symbols. Its construction was first ordered in 888 by the 17th Doge of Venice. While the tower was being built, the ground collapsed, and the initial construction Read more
Before you stands the “mamma” of all religious buildings in Venice. In search of prestige, the Doges wanted an elegant place to store significant relics. In 828, two Venetian merchants found the evangelist Saint Mark’s body hidden under pig carcasses in Alexandria Read more
Standing on the left side of St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Clock Tower is a remarkable blend of artistic and mechanical beauty. The Senate of Venice ordered its construction in the 15th century. They wanted to mark the passage between the city’s largest square to the narrow Read more
St. Mark’s Square is the heart of Venice, and known as the city’s only “grand” square. Its construction began in the 9th century, but its final layout wasn’t completed until 1177. Well... By layout, we mean its dimensions—180 metres long and 70 metres wide Read more
The Contarini del Bovolo Palace is a hidden gem tucked away among dead-end streets. Built around the 14th century, the building gained prominence when a branch of the Venetian Contarini family settled here. Read more
I’m sure you’ve heard that appearances can be deceiving... well, this is a prime example! One of the most beautiful opera houses in the world hides behind this modest neoclassical façade. The neighbourhood’s previous theatre was destroyed by a fire in 1773. Read more
Welcome to another one of Venice’s many campaniles, Santo Stefano, standing at 61 metres tall. Its origins date back to the 12th century, but its current appearance is much more recent. Here's why! In the 15th century, the structure was ravaged by a devastating fire. Read more
When it comes to Venetian bridges, they all look quite similar, except for this one! The Accademia Bridge is one of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, and was built by Austria. The neighbouring nation ruled here from 1848 to 1866, and gifted the city Read more
It may as well be one of the most beautiful avenues in the world. Stunning churches and palaces line its waters, like trees lining a road. The Grand Canal is usually the first thing you’ll see in Venice, stretching four kilometres and cutting the city in two. Read more
Hidden away from the centre and tourists, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is one of Venice’s most important cultural landmarks. In the 18th century, this land belonged to the powerful Venier dei Leoni family. The family dreamt of building the most beautiful palace Read more
St Mark’s Square isn’t the only place in Venice with iconic landmarks... Located in the Dorsoduro district, at the southern end of the Grand Canal, the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute is both symbolically and physically significant for Venetians. Read more
Having reached the tip of the Dorsoduro district, you've also arrived at the Punta della Dogana. In the 15th century, ships docked right here for customs inspections. If the inspection passed, the chain blocking the canal would be lifted, and the vessels continued Read more
Welcome to Zattere. A charming and lesser-known spot, boats used to dock here to unload their timber cargoes. Back then, everything was built from this natural material — bridges, houses, and boats. Many wooden boats were, and still are, repaired in the workshops Read more
The southwestern part of the city is home to the Dorsoduro district – translating to "hard back". It takes its name from the firmer, more solid ground on which it was built. Although its art galleries and universities give it an artistic and cultural vibe, Read more
Découvrez Venice avec l’application navaway®
An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts
26 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
Explore the history and grandeur of the Doge’s Palace in Venice, an unmissable architectural masterpiece.
Venice is a haven for history, culture, and architecture lovers. Without this appreciation, it’s hard to fully grasp everything Serenissima’s heritage has to offer, dating back 1600 years. Our guide takes you through St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto bridge, the Doge’s Palace, the Santa Maria della Salute basilica, and many more sites – but there is still more to discover! Let’s start small—with the church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and the basilica of San Giovanni e Paolo. Two buildings with very different styles, but both remarkably beautiful. The bigger Ca’ D’Oro, one of Venice’s most iconic palaces, has been transformed into a magnificent art museum.
Venice has always been divided into six districts, which Italians call “i sestieri.” Some are more famous than others, like San Marco, San Polo or Dorsoduro. But this doesn’t mean that the others aren’t worth visiting. In the Cannaregio district, you can stroll through the old Jewish Ghetto, where the Jewish population was forced to live until 1797, when Napoleon Bonaparte took control of the city. You can also visit the Castello district, home to the Arsenale—Venice’s old shipyard where military and merchant fleets were once built. Although you can’t go inside, you can still get close and sense its history.
Scattered across the lagoon like stepping stones, the islands surrounding Venice each have their own traditions. Hop on a ferry or vaporetto for a half-day trip to one of the three islands ending in “-o.” Will it be Murano, world-famous for its glassmaking? Burano, known for its lace and colourful houses? Or Torcello, once the heart of early Venetian civilization? Whatever you choose, each one has its own unique charm.
If Venice’s waters make you want to swim, or show off your favourite swimsuit, we’ve got you covered! You’ll need to leave the buzz of Venice behind for the peaceful beaches of Lido Island.
And for those with a bit more time to venture beyond Venice, the journey continues! Wine lovers can explore the rolling hills of Valdobbiadene, the birthplace of Italian prosecco. If you’re looking for a nature break, head to the Po Delta nature reserve, perfect for birdwatching and only an hour south of Venice. If you’re craving more Italian heritage, head to Chioggia—nicknamed “Little Venice”—or explore the charming town of Treviso, with its canals, cobbled streets and laid-back atmosphere. You could also visit Padua, known for the Basilica of Saint Anthony and home to the world’s oldest university botanical garden. And for a day trip, why not discover the famous Palladian villas in the Veneto region? Designed for the upper class in the 1500s by architect Andrea Palladio, they offer a glimpse into Venice’s magnificent golden centuries. 24 of these timeless gems are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Discover Venice from every angle: convenient transportation, must-see sights, and enchanting music.
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Description : Set off on an iconic boat ride across one of the world’s most enchanting cities. Aboard a traditional Venetian gondola, you’ll glide along the most beautiful stretches of the Grand Canal and its hidden waterways. With the soothing sound of water as your soundtrack, marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, the Gritti Palace, the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, and the Punta della Dogana. Please note that a…
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Description de l’hôtel : Discover this intimate and beautifully decorated hotel in Venice. With its 12…
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Location : Via Dorsoduro 111, Dorsoduro, 30123 Venise
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Venice is the second most visited city in Italy, which means the streets are full of tourist traps—especially when it comes to restaurants. To avoid them, the first important tip is to check the menus displayed outside. If you see menus in several languages, that’s usually a bad sign. It’s wiser to wander off the beaten path and explore the backstreets to find a more authentic dining experience.
Venice is undoubtedly a beautiful city, but it’s also the most expensive city in Italy. To fully enjoy its charm, you should plan for a daily budget of around €70 to €100. That will allow you to enjoy a good meal at around €30, take a gondola ride (also about €30), and visit the famous Doge’s Palace, which costs just over €25.
Venice isn’t just about gondola rides—it’s full of stunning landmarks that make the city so unique. Be sure to visit St. Mark’s Square and explore St. Mark’s Basilica. The Doge’s Palace is another must-see. Don’t miss the Teatro La Fenice, the Grand Canal that winds through all six districts of Venice, and the iconic Rialto Bridge. Venice is also known for its impressive religious buildings beyond St. Mark’s Basilica. You can visit the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and take in the city’s breathtaking beauty.
With just one day in Venice, you can still experience its main attractions: the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and of course, a gondola ride—a magical way to discover the city from the water.
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