Discover Venice, a city suspended in time. Venice is not only a major tourist destination, it is a rare jewel in Italy's crown, completely unique. Venice consists of 118 small islands separated by more than 200 canals. The city on the water is an unusual microcosm, which unfolds its beauty at every turn – through meandering canals, majestic palaces, and ordinary houses, but also in its churches, artisans' shops, and squares hidden in the maze of narrow calli (streets). Every corner is steeped in mystery, in that famously decadent charm handed down through the centuries thanks to astute traders, power play, and works of art inspired by so much history. If travel is your passion, a vacation in Venice is an essential experience. Here are our recommendations for your three-day stay in the Venice lagoon, including the best this amazing city has to offer to its tourists.
The very first thing to plan for a vacation in Venice is how to get into the car-free town. The train station Santa Lucia is at the edge of the historical center and you'll have no trouble getting anywhere you need. Should you arrive by plane, we recommend you book a practical and reliable Shuttle Service. Taxi service can be extremely expensive – don't start your vacation with a nasty surprise! If you arrive by car, note that parking lots are often crowded (and expensive) - an excellent option is to reserve a parking space in order to avoid long lines and to be sure your car is safe.
Once you have arrived at your hotel and dropped off your luggage, put on your walking shoes and step into the magic of the city – especially if it's your first time in Venice. Dedicate at least an hour to wandering aimlessly, and let yourself be surprised. Every corner, calle (street), building, and canal has an irresistible charm that will thrill you. Notice the rich decorations and the gamut of colors in the (often decaying) buildings, enjoy seeing your first gondola glide past you, or catching unexpected glimpses around every corner – you won't find this in any other city in the world! Arriving on Saint Mark's Square, dominated by the magnificent Saint Mark's Basilica and the Bell Tower (Campanile), and the splendidly restored Doge's Palace, the political and artistic heart of the city, will leave you literally breathless.
Exploring Venice's historical center on foot is ideal. Enjoy getting "lost“ in the labyrinth of magical calli and canals. You’ll be sure to discover the must-see destinations and hidden treasures, if you choose one of these walking tours, the Walking Tour of Venice, or the City Tour on Foot – Classic Venice (admission tickets included). If you prefer to discover Venice by yourself, a great option for a first encounter with the “Pearl on the Water” is to get on the vaporetto (water bus) number 1, which runs along the entire Grand Canal from Piazzale Roma to Piazza San Marco. We highly recommend you purchase a 72 hour ticket for your three-day stay (other ticket durations are also available) instead of the single ticket – you will save a lot of money, and enjoy riding the vaporetto during your entire time. The Grand Canal is the noblest “street” of the city, overlooked by the majority of the most beautiful palazzi, the Casino, and major museums, such as the Ca' Pesaro, Ca' d'Oro, Ca' Rezzonico, the Peggy Gugghenheim Collection, and especially the Accademia Galleries, one of the most important museums in the world, home to the famous Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci.
If you are on the vaporetto, make your first stop at the Rialto Bridge. It is the oldest and most famous of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal. From the top of it, you'll have a great view, and you'll breathe the air and soul of Venice. Initially made of wood, it was rebuilt in stone in the 16th century and has ever since carried rows of shops on either side, shops that today sell jewelry and souvenirs. Be careful though and look out for quality, as many offer only souvenirs at low prices, made in China. If you love quality craftsmanship and want more than just a shopping experience, try the Artisans of Venice Tour – a full immersion into the know-how and tradition handed down for centuries in Venice. You'll see astonishing handiwork and have the opportunity to buy real studio jewelry, carnival masks, textiles, and much more.
If you are in the Rialto neighborhood in the morning, cross the bridge in the opposite direction of Piazza San Marco. You'll come to the Campo San Giacomo, a square surrounded by arcades, with a beautiful clock (San Giacomo is probably the oldest church in Venice). Continue walking towards the right, leaving the church and Rialto Bridge at your back, and you'll reach the market. Fruit, vegetables, and fish are sold here in an explosion of colors, flavors, and folklore. It's an ideal area for lunch - for example at the historical Antica Trattoria Poste Vecie (San Polo 1608, a few steps from the fish market), an ancient locale frequented by Casanova.
Are you a gourmet and love expanding your food horizons? You'll enjoy the Flavors of Venice for tasting the best specialties of Italian and Venetian gastronomy. If, later on in the day, you want to transition into your evening as the locals do (sipping an aperitif or fine local wine accompanied by the traditional cicchetti, the small savory bites resembling Spanish tapas), join us on the unusual Venice Food and Wine Tour through the rustic and genuine wine bars and osterie of Venice!
From Rialto, carry on towards the center in the direction of San Marco (many signs indicate the main direction, you never really get lost, even without a map), passing through the picturesque streets full of shops of the Mercerie (literally “Haberdasheries”) San Salvador, San Zulian, and Merceria Orologio, which passes right underneath the beautiful Clock Tower onto the Piazza San Marco, Venice's “living room“. Don't miss a visit to the Basílica of San Marco, one of the most important churches in Christendom. Thanks to the cleverness of two Venetian merchants, the magnificent church houses the relics believed to be the remains of Saint Mark the Evangelist since 828. The richness of the interior is unique, with beautiful golden mosaics, relics and precious objects brought by wealthy merchants over the centuries. Visiting the Basilica can be a little complicated because of the long line of visitors. Jump the queue by booking your entrance without waiting in line! To learn more about the treasures of the Basilica, choose the guided tour Treasures of Saint Mark's Basilica or the guided Tour The Golden Basílica, which includes a climb to the spectacular terraces.
To conclude your first day, you cannot miss the classic Private Gondola Ride! Sunset is the magic hour, and the experience is a special one. Or you could conclude your evening in the vicinity of Campo Sant'Angelo and Campo Santo Stefano. Together with the area of the opera house La Fenice, these squares offer very lively bars and restaurants.
After your first taste of Venice's historical center, dedicate your second day to discovering the jewels of Saint Mark's Square. Experiencing the richness and unique masterpieces around the Square will give you a full introduction to the history and splendor of Venice from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.
Next to the Basilica stands the Gothic facade of the Palazzo Ducale overlooking the lagoon. The Doge's Palace is an essential destination and the most beautiful "palace of power" in Italy. It was the ancient seat of the Doges, the rulers of the Republic of Venice. Built in several stages over the centuries (even Palladio contributed), it is now a museum of priceless historical and artistic value. Masterful paintings abound – by Titian, Bosch, Tintoretto, among others. Glorious rooms and halls await you, such as the breathtakingly big assembly hall of the Maggior Consiglio (Great Council, 53 by 25 meters). The impressive hall is adorned by Tintoretto's Paradise, the largest depiction ever painted on canvas. You'll also see the Hall of the Scrutiny, the Hall of the Council of Ten, and many others. You'll even pass through the inside of the Bridge of Sighs, which leads to the terrible Venetian prisons, where Casanova was one of the most illustrious prisoners. Given the importance of the site, the line at the entrance is a constant – make sure you book ahead! But to make the most of your Doge's Palace visit, we recommend the most comprehensive and interesting tour – the Doge's Palace – Secret Itineraries tour, which will allow you to see parts of the palace not accessible to regular visitors, so you'll leave knowing more about the history and the myth of Venice.
Once you leave the Doge's Palace and return to Piazza San Marco, and before the classical stroll under the arcades and maybe a stop at the historic Caffè Florian (pricey but wonderful!), do not miss an entertaining and unique visit (ideal for families) to the Clock Tower. The same ticket will open the doors to the Museo Correr, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Marciana to you. As you step inside the secret life of the Astronomical Clock on Saint Mark's Square, you'll discover an ancient masterpiece of technology and engineering. You'll see the complex network of pulleys, weights, and counterweights as they silently rise and fall at regular intervals. Climb the beautiful wrought iron spiral staircase towards the complex workings of the clock proper. Your visit culminates on the very top of the tower, where you'll see the two giant bronze statues, known as the “Moors” because of the patina on the metal. And you'll enjoy the best view of Saint Mark’s Square and the labyrinth of little streets of Venice's ancient center of trade.
A great option for visiting the other interesting museums in Piazza San Marco, in addition to ticket to the Clock Tower, is to get a Museum Pass Card. The Museum Pass gives you access to all the eleven Civic Museums (6 months validity). With it, you can enjoy a visit to the Correr Museum, located in the Napoleonic wing on the Piazza San Marco. The Correr Museums displays objects, furniture, and paintings depicting the evolution of Venice over the centuries, while providing great views of Piazza San Marco.
For a small break after so much art and culture, walk towards the lagoon, then turn right – you'll find a small garden overlooking the water at the beginning of the Riva degli Schiavoni. You may prefer a nice walk along the Riva degli Schiavoni, passing in front of the Bridge of Sighs and continuing until the Arsenale of Venice, once the industrial and military heart of the Venetian Republic. From there you can enjoy a beautiful view over the lagoon. If you still want more art and culture, take a vaporetto on the Grand Canal to the Rialto or the Ca' d'Oro stop, and enter the sestiere (neighborhood) Cannaregio. The extraordinary Ca' d'Oro, a magnificent residence of the 15th century, overlooks the Canal Grande and the Rialto market on the other side of the water. The name itself (“House of Gold”) recalls the ancient gold ornamentation. It houses the Franchetti Gallery, with masterpieces by Titian, Mantegna, Giorgione, in addition to the original furniture, architecture, and the magnificent views.
To conclude your second day, here are some unusual suggestions. Venice built its power on the trade with the East, becoming cosmopolitan and open to different cultures and exotic flavors early on. Discover them with Spices & Coffee: Venice and the Orient Walking Tour, which will take you to unusual places for a genuine meeting with the mix of races, cultures, and religions that have coexisted for centuries in Venice preserving their customs, tastes, and traditions. And for an evening experience, why not join the Shadows of Venice Walking Tour? You will be guided to the most beautiful places in Venice while hearing stories and strange anecdotes, legends, and mysteries. Looking for something truly out of the ordinary? On Wednesdays, you can end your day with a spectacular Galleon Dinner Cruise in Venice – lit by candles, starlight, and the beauty of Venice. You'll be served a gourmet dinner as you sail around Venice and into the northern lagoon, past smaller islands and fishing villages... magical!
Tag 3 - Kunst und Traditionen im Dorsoduro
Ein Besuch in Venedig ist nicht komplett ohne die Erkundung der Schönheit, Kunst und Traditionen des Sestiere Dorsoduro, dem Stadtteil südlich des Canal Grande. Deutlich weniger überfüllt, bietet diese Gegend eine intime Atmosphäre, während einige der bemerkenswertesten Sehenswürdigkeiten hier zu finden sind. Hier werden Sie viele Kunsthändler und Kunsthandwerker, antike Buchhandlungen, sowie auch von den Venezianern frequentierte Cafés und Restaurants finden. Venedig-Spezialtipp: In der Nähe von San Trovaso befindet sich ein historisches Trockendock, im venezianischen Dialekt Squero genannt. Hier werden seit Jahrhunderten Gondeln gebaut und auch repariert. Am besten ist der Squero von der Fondamente Nani aus zu sehen. Fällt Ihnen auf, dass die Gebäude um das Trockendock wie tirolische Alpenhütten aussehen? Der Grund dafür ist, dass die ursprünglichen Handwerker aus der Nähe von Cadore in den Dolomiten kamen.
Heute geht Ihre Route von der Accademia-Brücke aus, von der Sie eine der meistgeliebten Aussichten auf Venedig genießen können. Es ist hier besonders schön, wenn am Morgen ein leichter Nebel von der Lagune hereinrollt. Neben der Brücke befindet sich der Eingang zu den Accademia Galerien – dem historischen Sitz der Akademie der Schönen Künste und eines der wichtigsten italienischen Museen. Die Accademia bietet die bedeutendste Sammlung venezianischer Kunst, und beherbergt Meisterwerke von Tizian (Mariä Tempelgang), Giorgione (Der Sturm), Tintoretto, Bellini, Carpaccio, Veronese, Tiepolo und auch Werke der Landschaftsmaler des 18. Jahrhunderts Canaletto, Guardi, Bellotto, und Longhi. Außerdem hütet die Accademia Skulpturen und Zeichnungen, einschließlich der berühmten Zeichnung von Leonardo da Vinci Der vitruvianische Mensch (aus Konservierungsgründen wird die Zeichnung nur selten ausgestellt). Buchen Sie auch hier Ihren Eintritt im Voraus, da die Accademia ein viel besuchtes Museum ist. Ein Besuch der Accademia gehört zu den großen Venedigerfahrungen, nicht entgehen lassen!
Ein paar Minuten von der Accademia entfernt, erwartet Sie ein starker Kontrast. Nach den grossen Meistern der Spätrenaissance und des Barock bereitet Ihnen die Kunst des Zwanzigsten Jahrhunderts einen Atmosphärenwechsel in der Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Im Jahr 1980 gegründet, beherbergt das Museum die persönliche Sammlung von Peggy Guggenheim, prominente amerikanische Kunstsammlerin und „Grande Dame“. Die Nichte von Solomon Guggenheim sammelte Kunst von einem jungen Alter an. Im Jahre 1949 ließ sie sich im originellen Palazzo Venier dei Leoni nieder, mit direktem Blick auf den Canal Grande. Die Peggy Guggenheim Collection ist eines der wichtigsten Museen in Italien für moderne Kunst, mit Werken von Picasso, Braque, Klee, Brancusi (und vielen anderen). Außerdem beherbergt das Museum grundlegende Werke von Gianni Mattioli, den Nasher Skulpturengarten und ist wohlbekannt für seine interessanten temporären Ausstellungen.
Die Präsenz dieser beiden wunderbaren Museen (Accademia und Peggy Guggenheim Collection) schlägt die ganze Nachbarschaft in ihren Bann – im besten Sinne. So haben sich viele Kunstgalerien und Antiquitätenläden hier niedergelassen, jede Gasse atmet Kultur und Hingabe an die Schönheit in all ihren Erscheinungsformen!
Ein weiteres Museum in der Nähe wartet darauf, Ihnen die Herrlichkeiten des venezianischen 18. Jahrhunderts näher zu bringen – das herrliche Ca' Rezzonico (das Sie mit dem Museumpass) besuchen können). Der stattliche Palast am Canal Grande beherbergt heute das Museum des 18. Jahrhunderts in Venedig. Neben dem interessanten Museum (mit Fresken und Gemälden, Skulpturen, Möbeln, Ausstattungsgegenständen), können Sie die prachtvollen Säle bewundern, wo Venedigs eindrucksvollste Maskenbälle stattfanden. Sie werden sich in die Atmosphäre eines Films versetzt fühlen! Und wenn Sie der Charme von Venedig im 18. Jahrhundert erobert hat, so, wie er in vielen Filmen und Werken verewigt ist – dann versuchen Sie es mit einem Maskenkurs! Sie werden Ihre eigene venezianische Maske machen, und dabei die Geheimnisse und Techniken einer der ältesten und beliebtesten Traditionen Venedigs entdecken.
In Dorsoduro werden Sie einige wichtige, aber weniger besuchten Kirchen finden – wie z.B. die Gesuati-Kirche mit Blick auf die Giudecca oder San Nicolò dei Mendicoli. Und vor allem natürlich die außergewöhnliche Santa Maria della Salute, die auf der ehemaligen Zollinsel (Punta della Dogana) liegt. Der großartige Kirchenbau von Baldassare Longhena wurde zu Ehren der Jungfrau Maria erbaut, zum Dank für Erlösung von der Pestepidemie, welche die venezianische Bevölkerung zwischen 1630 und 1631 stark dezimiert hatte. Die originelle Kirche ist auf einem achteckigen Grundriss erbaut, und bietet eine sehenswerte Aussicht auf den Dogenpalast und die Gegend von San Marco.
Venedig hatte schon immer eine wichtige Beziehung zum Glauben und ist Heimat für viele Dutzende von Kirchen, die alle reich an Geschichte und künstlerischer Schönheit sind. Wenn Sie an dem Thema interessiert sind, dann schauen Sie sich mehr als „nur“ San Marco und die Salute an! Der beste Weg, um einige Kirchen von Venedig zu entdecken, ist mit dem Chorus-Pass. Der Chorus-Pass öffnet Ihnen die Türen von 16 prächtigen Kirchen: das Schatzkästchen Santa Maria dei Miracoli mit seinem polychromen Marmor oder Santo Stefano und Santa Maria Formosa mit ihren Gemälden von Bellini und Tiepolo oder Santa Maria del Giglio mit ihrer spektakulären barocken Fassade, um nur vier der sechzehn zu nennen.
Wenn Sie den Charme der gesamten Lagune von Venedig erleben und die Geheimnisse der Glasherstellung kennenlernen möchten, dann widmen Sie den letzten halben Tag Ihres venezianischen Kurzurlaubs einem Ausflug zu den Inseln Murano, Burano und Torcello. Nachdem Ihr Boot an der Insel San Giorgio vorbei Venedig umsegelt hat, werden Sie Murano, berühmt für die Glasbearbeitung, erreichen. Betreten Sie die traditionelle Glasmanufaktur und Sie werden die Welt der Glasbläserei und Glasskulptur entdecken (Einkauf möglich). Ihr zweiter Halt ist die Insel Burano, bekannt für die Nadelspitzen und die bunt bemalten Fischerhäuser. Ihre letzte Station ist das bukolische Torcello, am längsten besiedelte Insel der Lagune und mächtiges politisches und wirtschaftliches Epizentrum der Lagune von Venedig – im 10. Jahrhundert. Heutzutage wird die Insel von nur noch wenigen Menschen bewohnt. Dort finden Sie die herrliche Mosaikarbeit der Kathedrale Santa Maria Assunta und die Kirche Santa Fosca, eingebettet in die Naturlandschaft der Lagune.