Venice Hotels

Venice, Italy

A unique and visually spectacular city, Venice is brimming with an abundance of romance and mystery. From the incredible historic architecture and charming maze of narrow streets to the iconic canals and delicious cuisine, this Italian metropolis has been mesmerizing visitors for centuries.

Promenades and Piazzas

Besides sailing serenely down the canals on a gondola, a popular passage along the iconic waterfront is the Riva degli Schiavoni, a bustling promenade that features an array of market stalls, monuments and eye-catching buildings. Built in the ninth Century, this wide walkway was named after the Slavic sailors who brought cargo from across the Adriatic Sea. While this area is constantly crowded, a quieter and altogether more romantic stroll can be had at the Zattere Promenade, located along the Giudecca Canal in the Dorsoduro District. Another spot for a walk is the Venice Lido – an 11-kilometer sandbar where the Venice Film Festival takes place.

St Mark’s Basilica, the most recognizable church in Venice, is magnificently located at the head of the Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square), the city’s main public forum. After admiring the domes and enclaves of this 11th Century marvel, other interesting sights can be found here. Visitors can travel to the top of the Campanile bell tower for breath-taking city views or stand in awe of the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) – a Venetian gothic splendour that is now a museum. Heading under the clock tower leads towards the Rialto Bridge, an essential tourist crossing over the Grand Canal.

Museums and Galleries

Venice is rich with culture and there is no shortage of art galleries and museums to peruse. Fine interiors and impressive art collections are open to the public at the Galleria Georgio Franchetti alla Ca’d’Oro, a stunning 15th Century palace on the Grand Canal designed by Giovanni Bon and his son Bartolomeo, who also designed the Doge’s Palace. The Gallerie dell’Accademia has a rich collection of European paintings by the likes of Bellini and Titian, housed in the ancient Scuola Grande di Santa Maria della Carita. The quietly majestic Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista is also worth a visit, especially for those who are keen to learn more about Venice’s fascinating history.

Eating and Shopping

Big Italian brands such as Prada, Gucci and Versace can be found at the Piazzo San Marco, while those seeking an antique gem can head to San Maurizio and Santa Maria Zobenigo. For independent shops, Calle della Mandola and Campo Santa Stefano are the places to explore. This is Italy so, of course, wonderful food and wine are never far away; delectable regional fare can be found on every corner, and for a quintessentially Venice experience, the Rialto Fish Market is a good spot to grab some lunch on the go.

Are you planning a visit to gorgeous Italy? Take a look at our accommodation options in this country.