Venice Tips for First Time Travelers

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Advisor - Lauraliisa Gudgeon
Curated By

Lauraliisa Gudgeon

  • Venice

  • Boutique Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Group Travel

  • Sightseeing

  • Island

  • Relaxation

A landscape view of Venice, with St. Mark's Basilica, buildings, and gondolas in the canal right before sunset.
Curator’s statement

Venice can be a magical city unlike most others you will travel to in Italy or even Europe. If you haven’t heard, it’s slowly sinking, which is evident when a heavy downpour occurs and flood ensues. While experts say it will sink by 2100, we should have several generations around to enjoy its wonder. While certainly one can say that there are other “man-made” islands (¼ of Manhattan is man-made) it’s hard to imagine the genius plan being hatched to build man-made islands back in the 7th century.

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Where to stay in Venice

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Things to do in Venice

A point of view perspective of a group of travelers on a gondola, with a bridge in the background at dusk.

Doge's Palace - An amazing Palace right in the heart of St. Mark's Square. Pre-book your tickets.

St. Mark's Basilica - Located right next door to Doge's Palace, with free admission, but reserve a time slot about two hours after Doge's Palace.

Rialto Bridge - A great place to take pictures and do a little shopping.

Take a gondola ride at dusk - it's a little more expensive at 120 euros per boat, but worth the sunset pictures as your cruise the canals.

Take the water boats around Venice - it's a great ride and way to see Venice.

Favorite thing to do in Venice - getting lost down the various pathways and exploring.

Day Trips

Murano & Burano - Small islands nearby that you can take a water bus to that feature glass blowing tours and beautiful color houses.

Places to eat & drink in Venice

A whole, freshly baked margarita pizza on a wooden board, with a blurred fire of a wood-burning oven in the background.

My favorite food in Venice - Gelato - eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Cicchetti - small plates that are so tasty - pair it with a glass of wine or spritz - easy on the budget

Ristorante Caffé dei Fiori - Fresh pasta and fish served outside.

Harry's Bar - An iconic bar where the original Bellini cocktail was created.

La Lista Venezia - Amazing pizza.

Advisor - Lauraliisa Gudgeon

Travel Advisor

Lauraliisa Gudgeon

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Venice. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Gina Cardoni Martin’s guide, A Journey Through Italy’s Best: Rome, Siena & Venice.