Floating upon a peaceful lagoon, Venice has enchanted lovers for centuries and is one of the world's top honeymoon destinations for a romantic getaway.
Known as La Serenissima (the most serene one), Venice is one of the world’s most romantic cites and offers several must-see attractions.
Savour an espresso in Piazza San Marco, cruise the Grand Canal in a gondola past pastel-coloured palaces, discover the treasure-filled Basilica di San Marco and explore the floating city along its fascinating maze of canals and lanes.
Filled with architectural wonders, palaces and art, fine shopping and excellent dining, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed by the beauty and uniqueness of this 1500-year-old city.
Venice is built across 117 small islands in a coastal lagoon; there are no roads (or cars), so the only way you can get around is by foot or water.
Cuddle up in a gondola or cruise around the city’s fascinating maze of canals in a polished, walnut-timbered water taxi.
Be enchanted by the vivid pastel shades of sienna, ancient gold and ruby peach that reflect off its shimmering waterways to create a restless magic.
Don't miss the Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge) – seal your love with a lingering kiss on the crest of Ponte di Rialto (photo) in the emotional heart of Venice.
Climb one of the outer stone passageways or the wider central passage and browse the rows of cramped little shops that sell jewellery, linens and Murano glass, as well as other souvenirs.
One of the city’s most famous sights, this beautiful arched bridge spans the Grand Canal and was built on approximately 12,000 wooden pilings that still support it more than 400 years later.
Absorb the timeless elegance of St Mark's Square, which Napoleon described as the “most elegant drawing room in Europe”.
Nibble on cicheti, (delicious Venetian seafood bar snacks) over a glass of prosecco, (a local white champagne-like wine) as you enjoy the spectacular view over St Mark’s Square from the romantic and elegant surrounds of the world famous Gran Caffè Quadri.
Founded in 1775, this centuries-old café is just one of many chic sidewalk cafés around the lively piazza from which to people-watch or take a break from browsing the nearby boutiques.
Take a tour of the glittering gold- and mosaic-embellished Basilica di San Marco and the fresco-filled Palazzo Ducale, once the residence of the Doges. Once inside, don’t forget to stroll across the famous Bridge of Sighs.
Exploring on foot can be fun, providing the perfect excuse to lean against an ancient wall and enjoy a smoldering embrace: pathways often end without warning, some lanes lead to brick walls and steps descend into water.
What better time to hold hands, explore new sights together and discover out-of-the-way canal-side restaurants for lunch or a romantic candlelit dinner?
The best sights and attractions in Venice, include…
Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge) – Seal your love with a lingering kiss on the crest of Ponte di Rialto in the emotional heart of Venice.
Climb one of the outer stone passageways or the wider central passage and browse the rows of cramped little shops that sell jewellery, linens and Murano glass, as well as other souvenirs.
One of the city’s most famous sights, this beautiful arched bridge spans the Grand Canal and was built on approximately 12,000 wooden pilings that still support it more than 400 years later.
Piazza San Marco – Absorb the timeless elegance of St Mark's Square, which Napoleon described as the “most elegant drawing room in Europe”.
Nibble on cicheti over a glass of prosecco as you enjoy the spectacular view over St Mark’s Square from the romantic and elegant surrounds of the world famous Gran Caffè Quadri.
Founded in 1775, this centuries-old café is just one of many chic sidewalk cafés around the lively piazza from which to people-watch or take a break from browsing the nearby boutiques.
Take a tour of the glittering gold- and mosaic-embellished Basilica di San Marco and the fresco-filled Palazzo Ducale, once the residence of the Doges. Once inside, don’t forget to stroll across the famous Bridge of Sighs.
Canal Grande – Cruise past numerous opulent cream- and peach-coloured palaces dating from the 14th to the 18th centuries.
Hop on the number 1 vaporetto (the waterborne equivalent of a public bus) at Piazzale Roma or at Piazza San Marco, for one of Venice's must-do romantic experiences.
Aim for late afternoon and try to get a good outdoor seat in the prow or stern to avoid the crush midship.
Pass beneath the romantic Ponte dell' Accademia and the Bridge of Sighs, and admire stunning mansions along the way such as the Fondaco dei Turchi and Baroque Ca' Pesaro.
Campo Santa Margherita – Soak up the late-night Venetian nightlife at Campo Santa Margherita, a bustling open campo halfway between the train station and Ca' Rezzonico, in Dorsoduro.
A longtime favourite with locals, the old district offers a range of bars with pretty terraces, and in nearby Calle Lunga San Barnaba, you’ll find a range of restaurants offering everything from authentic pizzas to fine cuisine.
Harry's Bar – Drop into this preferred retreat for everyone from Hemingway to Woody Allen.
Head to the elegant front room and act like a local: order a couple of Bellini’s (a mix of champagne and peach juice) and while here, try the carpaccio, a dish of thinly sliced raw beef (famous throughout Italy and invented at Harry’s).
Harry's Bar is located at the San Marco-Vallaresso vaporetto stop on Calle Vallaresso.
Ca' Rezzonico – Dance a waltz with your sweetheart in the most dazzling ballroom in Venice, located inside this huge Baroque mansion, which is also home to the Museo del Settecento Veneziano, where you can view a series of frescoes by Tiepolo.
Antiche Carampane Restaurant – Discover one of Venice’s most distinguished and romantic restaurants, located in the heart of Venice, only steps away from the Rialto.
Enjoy classic Venetian cuisine in a warm and intimate ambience, despite the restaurant’s name being old slang for the prostitutes who prowled Venice’s centre as far back as the 1300s.
Galleria Dell' Accademi – Stroll through this amazing gallery and discover one of the world’s finest collections of Venetian art. See renowned works such as 'Pieta' by Titian, 'The Tempest' by Giorgione, Veronese's 'Christ in the House of Levi' and Bellini's 'Madonna Enthroned'.
Campo dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo – This centuries-old piazza is lined with outdoor cafés: sip on a caffè macchiato while pondering the beauty of the equestrian statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni by Andrea del Verrocchio, one of the most important pieces of Renaissance art.
Explore the canals – Relax in the arms of your sweetheart as a charming gondolier navigates the narrow canals and serenades you as you float along in a gondola – what could be more romantic? Aim for late afternoon or evening to best capture the romantic spirit of Venice.
Glide past canal lamps and shimmering reflections of ancient palazzos under a canopy of Venice’s loveliest bridges. Although quite expensive, this quintessential Venetian experience is worth it for the memories.
For a romantic two-some (sans gondolier), hire a Venetian topetta open boat and explore the Grande Canal and the minor canals for an hour or a day.
Glide along the tranquil backwaters of Santa Croce and Dorsoduro, past the elegant façades of palazzos in various stages of picturesque dilapidation, moor up alongside a tiny waterside café for a prosecco and nibbles, or head out into the lagoon and return with the sunset.
Museums – After a visit to the Guggenheim, famous for its early 20th century masterpieces, head to the Palazzo Grassi, a stately 18th century marble palace housing some of the best modern art Venice has to offer, including works by Andy Warhol.
Or head over to Baroque Ca' Pesaro, once a nobleman's mansion and now a Gallery of Modern Art housing works by Matisse, Klimt, Kandinsky, Tiepolo, Chagall and Klee, among others.
Teatro La Fenice – Enjoy the drama at this world famous opera house. Burned to the ground twice, it has since been rebuilt to ensure its continued place among the most celebrated monuments in Italian history.
Giudecca Island – Explore the narrow streets of Giudecca and enjoy a delicious lunch on the waterfront, where you can look over to the Dorsoduro with its wonderful churches, the beautiful island of San Giorgio and to San Marco and the Ducal Palace.
Later climb to the top of the bell tower of San Giorgio Maggiore for panoramic views over Venice and the lagoon.
Lagoon day trips – Take a short vaporetto ride to Murano, the birthplace of Venetian glass… To Burano, known for its candy-coloured houses and fine lace… And to Torcello, site of two lovely 11th century churches and plenty of romantic picnic spots.
Best buys in Venice – Classic Venetian items such as Murano glass, lace, marbled paper and outrageous Carnevale masks.
Venice offers an excellent choice of accommodation options to suit most honeymoon budgets, but for that special romantic occasion try the luxurious Belmond Hotel Cipriani on Giudecca Island, just a short boat ride from St Marks Square, or one of the following hotels…
Hotel Danieli
Location: Castello, Venice
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD1947 per room
Description: Overlooking Venice Lagoon, Hotel Danieli is a legendary hotel 200 metres from St. Mark's Square. Each room is spacious and finely furnished. The staff provides an unmatchable service. This award-winning Luxury Collection Hotel is comprised of 3 separate buildings, dating back to the 14th, 19th, and 20th centuries, and connected by covered bridges. The nearest water-bus stop is just a 2-minute walk away. All rooms and suites feature an LCD satellite TV, air conditioning, and an Italian-marble bathroom with bathrobe and slippers. Some rooms offer views of the lagoon. The panoramic restaurant Terrazza Danieli offers amazing views and an exquisite menu. Drinks are served in the Bar Terrazza Danieli or the sophisticated Bar Dandolo. Piazza San Marco is just 300 metres away.
Belmond Hotel Cipriani
Location: Giudecca 10, Venice
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD1516 per room
Description: On Giudecca Island, Belmond Hotel Cipriani offers stunning views of Venice Lagoon and the Doge's Palace. It features a large outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and luxury spa facilities. The 5-star Belmond Hotel Cipriani has elegant interior design and plenty of outdoor areas where you are invited to relax and enjoy the view. A full buffet breakfast is available each morning. Drinks are available from the bar, and the à la carte restaurant serves delicious Italian cuisine. Dining options include the gourmet Oro Restaurant, Cip's Club with its wooden terrace with views of St. Mark's and the Porticciolo Restaurant, ideal for a light lunch. Rooms and suites are spacious, comfortable and packed with amenities. You will have free Wi-Fi, an iPod dock and HD flat-screen TV. Views are of the lagoon or the garden and vineyard. You are 4 minutes from St. Mark's Square by the hotel's private boat service. A shuttle service to/from Venice Marco Polo Airport and Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station can be organized upon request.
Hotel Excelsior Venice
Location: Lungomare Guglielmo Marconi, Venice-Lido
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD477 per room
Description: Set right on the beach on Venice Lido, this 5-star hotel offers a peaceful location and a large heated outdoor pool. A free regular launch service takes guests to across the lagoon to St. Mark's Square in the heart of Venice. Opened in 1908, Hotel Excelsior Venice boasts a distinctive Moorish architecture, decorated with crystal chandeliers and rich fabrics. The property was refurbished in 2013 and equipped with new tapestries and carpets, free Wi-Fi access in all areas including the beach, and a gym with modern machineries. All spacious rooms come with a plasma-screen satellite TV and a minibar. Each room has a private bathroom with soft bathrobes and slippers. Some rooms overlook the Adriatic Sea, others have panoramic views across to Venice, and other overlook the Moorish courtyard. The Excelsior's Tropicana restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes for lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy romantic candlelit dinners on the summer terrace, or a cocktail with live music in the Blue Bar. Restaurant La Taverna serves a buffet-style lunch. At the elegant private beach, guests can hire beach huts at a daily or weekly rate. Tennis and golf courts are available nearby.
Hotel Metropole
Location: Riva Degli Schiavoni, Venice
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD678 per room
Description: Set in a privileged location 350 metres from Saint Mark's Square, Hotel Metropole offers luxurious rooms with antique furnishings and fine fabrics. Offering views of the Venice Lagoon, the hotel features a contemporary restaurant, ethnic lounge bar and citrus garden. Uniquely decorated rooms and suites have an oriental style and offer free Wi-Fi, a minibar and air-conditioning. The private bathroom includes a bathrobe, slippers and free toiletries. The Metropole’s corridors are home to an eclectic collections of antique fans, tapestries and other artefacts. The garden features palm trees and a 14th-century well. Bacon, eggs, hams and cheeses are served at the buffet breakfast along with seasonal fruit, tiramisu and pannacotta. The Met Restaurant offers a unique Tra-Contemporanea cuisine, combining traditional and modern creative flavours. The property is 200 metres from the San Zaccaria Vaporetto water bus stop, and a 5-minute walk from the Bridge of Sighs.
Hotel Moresco
Location: Dorsoduro, Venice
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD622 per room
Description: Featuring 19th-century Venetian styling, Hotel Moresco is just a 5 minute walk from Piazzale Roma. With free Wi-Fi, its elegant rooms are a luxurious mix of old and new. The spacious air-conditioned rooms feature elegant décors and a flat-screen TV. The private bathroom has modern furnishings, free toiletries and a soft bathrobe and slippers. Some rooms have a terrace, while others have a spa bathtub. A continental buffet breakfast is served daily, and can be enjoyed in the dining hall. Gluten-free menus can be arranged upon request, and a bar is also provided. The Moresco is less than half a mile from Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station. You can visit the famous Piazza San Marco square with a 25 minute walk from the property.
The best time to visit Venice is during spring, from mid-April to mid-June; and in autumn, in September, when the weather is still warm but the city is less crowded.
For the best weather visit Venice in July and August.
Venice has hot, humid summers with cold, wet winters. Typically, Venice experiences unpredictable conditions year-round, often alternating between clear blue skies and grey clouds that may bring rain.
More information about Venice weather…
Venice sprawls across a marshy lagoon between the entrance of the Po and Piave rivers along the Adriatic Sea in northeast Italy.
The most convenient route to Venice is by air to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), located on the mainland north of the city of Tessera, about 12.4km (7.7mi) from Venice by road, and 10km (6.2mi) by water.
A frequent bus service connects the airport to the nearby railway station of Venice Mestre, and to the bus terminal of Piazzale Roma in Venice, via the Ponte della Libertà road bridge connecting the mainland to the historic center of Venice.
You can also take one of the Alilaguna water shuttle buses directly from the boat dock in the airport Arrivals Hall to reach any destination in Venice.
By train, Venice’s Stazione Venezia-Santa Lucia is well serviced by regional and national trains, including trains to and from Florence (1 hr 53 min), Milan (2 hr 13 min), Turin (3 hr 10 min), Rome (3 hr 33 min), and Naples (4 hr 50 min).
In addition, there are international day trains to Zurich, Innsbruck, Munich, and Vienna, plus overnight sleeper services, to London, Paris, Munich and Vienna.
More information about how to get to Venice…
The best way to get around Venice is on foot and by vaporetto. Vaporetto services are frequent and run 24 hours a day, with stops located across the city.
At just 5km by 2km (3mi by 1.2mi) Venice is easy enough to explore. You can easily walk from one side of the island to the other in one hour – excluding time for sightseeing.
Four bridges cross the Grand Canal but you can also cross by traghetto (public gondola). Journeys are cheap and short.
However, if you want to get somewhere quickly or visit one of the islands, you'll need to use a vaporetto. These water buses have several routes with a fixed timetable. Being quite large, they don’t enter the smaller canals.
There is a wide choice of water transport in Venice, from vaporettos and motorboats to ferries and battelli foranei – a larger type of vaporetto used for transportation to outer islands.
More information about how to get around Venice…
Latest update: Venice: 10 August, 2022
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