What to do in Venice?

Where is Venice located?

Venice is situated in the northeastern part of Italy, serving as the capital of the Veneto region and the province of Venezia. The city stretches across numerous small islands along the Adriatic Sea, covering a total area of approximately 414.57 square kilometers. In addition to the Venetian Lagoon, Venice is close to other islands such as Burano, Lido, and San Michele. As of now, the population of Venice is around 250,000, though fewer than 50,000 reside in the central island area.

Venice, Italy, operates on Central European Time (CET), which includes both standard and daylight saving time. This means Venice is 5 to 6 hours behind Vietnam. For example, if it’s 9 AM in Vietnam, it would only be 3 or 4 AM in Venice.

• From October 27th, Venice's standard time is UTC +1, which is 6 hours behind Vietnam.
• From March 30th, Venice's standard time is UTC +2, which is 5 hours behind Vietnam.

The beauty, charm, and romance of Venice, Italy (Photo: @andiamo_sergio)

For those hearing about Venice for the first time, it’s natural to wonder what makes it so special. The city is made up of over 100 islands, separated by a network of canals. Beyond that, its architecture is steeped in history, offering a unique and captivating charm that leaves visitors in awe.

In Latin, Venice means love, a name derived from the ancient Veneti people who lived here in the 10th century BC. This is why the city is often called the City of Love. Additionally, Venice is known by many other poetic names, such as the City of Canals, the City of Water, and the City of Bridges.

What is the best season to visit Venice?

Spring is the ideal time to explore Venice, Italy. Not only does it help you avoid the summer heat and crowds, but it also minimizes the risk of flooding due to high water levels. However, since Venice is surrounded by canals, it’s wise to pack comfortable clothing, flat shoes, and waterproof footwear to make boat travel more convenient.

Spring

Spring in Venice typically lasts from March to May, with temperatures ranging between 3°C and 16°C. During this period, the skies clear up after the long winter, and the weather becomes pleasant and refreshing. This makes it the perfect time to visit Venice.

Given the transitional nature of spring, it’s advisable to bring a jacket to stay warm during chilly spells or cooler nights.

Traveling to Venice, Italy in Spring (Photo: @mrtaddeo)

Summer

Summer in Venice, from June to August, sees average temperatures ranging between 16°C and 30°C. While this season can be quite hot, it offers clear skies, bright sunshine, and occasional refreshing sea breezes.

Summer attracts a massive influx of tourists to Venice. If visiting during this time, pack light, breathable clothing and accessories like umbrellas, hats, and sunglasses to make sightseeing more comfortable.

Traveling to Venice, Italy in Summer (Photo: @m.shenb)

Autumn

Autumn in Venice, from September to November, brings cooler temperatures ranging from 5°C to 25°C. During this time, rising sea levels can make travel more challenging. However, if you don’t mind wading through water, this season offers a quieter and more refreshing Venice to explore.

When visiting Venice in autumn, it’s essential to bring waterproof boots, sandals, or shoes. Additionally, wear clothing that can be easily rolled up or is short to avoid getting soaked.

Exploring Venice, Italy in Autumn (Photo: @thegoodlifefrance)

Winter

Winter in Venice, from December to February, sees temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C. Along with rising water levels, the city is often blanketed in snow, with cold and foggy weather. Waterproof boots and shoes remain essential, but instead of short clothing, visitors should pack warm, thick coats to brave the chilly winter.

Don’t miss the Venice Carnival, the largest masquerade festival here, typically held at the end of winter around February each year.

Exploring Venice, Italy in Winter (Photo: @laradoruk)

What documents are needed to visit Venice?

Venice, Italy, requires a Schengen visa, which allows entry to countries within the European Union. Travelers can fly directly to Italy or enter any EU country before making their way to Italy.

Obtaining a visa is not overly difficult, but the Schengen visa approval process typically takes around 15 to 20 days. Depending on the timing or issues with documentation, it can extend up to 2 months. For a smoother and faster visa application process, travelers can contact Mytour for comprehensive and reliable guidance.

Below are some suggested documents to complete your Schengen visa application for Italy:

• Completed Schengen visa application form from the Embassy.
• Passport valid for at least 6 months, with a minimum of 2 blank pages.
• Proof of financial means and employment.
• Proof of residence, such as a household registration book.
• of national ID card.
• Passport-sized photo ( x 4.5 cm).
• Travel medical insurance.

Including additional documents like your travel itinerary, round-trip flight tickets, and hotel booking confirmations can increase your visa approval chances, especially if you're traveling independently without a travel agency's sponsorship.

Tourist visa for Venice, Italy - Schengen visa (Photo: @ducchiennn)

Transportation options for traveling to Venice

Traveling from Vietnam to Venice

From Vietnam, travelers can fly to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) or land at major airports in Rome or Milan and then take a train to Venice. Currently, there are no direct flights, so passengers can book flights with one or two stops via airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Qatar Airways, Xiamen Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, or Emirates Airlines.

The flight duration for these routes typically ranges from 15 to 56 hours. Below are reference prices for some common routes:

Flight ticket prices to Venice at the time of booking, excluding taxes and fees (Unit: VND)

Getting around Venice

To understand transportation in Venice, travelers need to determine their starting point—whether they’re staying on the main central island or nearby areas. Unlike typical tourist destinations, Venice’s unique geography means most travel happens on water, with the following main transportation options:

• Water taxi: A motorized boat used for private hire. Similar to land taxis, water taxis are relatively expensive but offer fast and convenient travel to specific destinations.
• Water bus/ACTV boat/Vaporetto: Similar to water taxis but with a larger capacity of 100 to 200 passengers per trip. While they can’t navigate smaller canals, they are more affordable.
• Gondola: Although not a primary mode of transport, gondolas are the most iconic and popular boats in Venice. Typically, they are used for leisurely rides through the canals, accommodating 4 to 5 people, including the gondolier, for about 45 minutes.

Famous Gondola rides in Venice (Photo: @nurse_wh)

Grand Canal

• Address: 30100 Venice, Italy.
• Distance from the center: 500 m.

The Grand Canal, one of the city’s vital arteries, serves as a crucial corridor connecting the heart of Venice. This main waterway, constructed in the 13th century, stretches nearly 4 km, linking Santa Lucia train station at one end to the San Marco Basin at the other.

Lining the canal are numerous historic homes, ancient palaces, and famous landmarks like Rialto and Accademia. Visitors can immerse themselves in the timeless charm of Venice by taking a gondola ride and soaking in the unique beauty of this iconic location.

Romantic canals of Venice (Photo: @venicehotels.direct)

Rialto Bridge

• Address: Rialto Bridge, 30125 Venice, Italy.
• Distance from the center: 2 km.

The historic Rialto Bridge, built in the 16th century, is one of the oldest bridges connecting the two banks of the Canal and Grand Canal. It is considered a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. With its unique inverted V-shape design, the Rialto Bridge is not only visually stunning but also a crucial crossing point of the Grand Canal and the heart of the San Marco tourist district.

The iconic Rialto Bridge in Venice (Photo: @europosters.pt)

Doge's Palace

• Address: San Marco, 1, 30124 Venice, Italy.
• Distance from the center: 4.9 km.

Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance architecture dating back to the 14th century. Adorned with numerous priceless artworks, it stands as one of the most significant landmarks for visitors to deeply experience the history of Venice.

This grand palace is located by the waterfront and has served various purposes over the centuries, including as the residence of the Doge of Venice, the seat of supreme authority, and a museum.

The historic Doge's Palace in Venice (Photo: @theappletravel)

St. Mark's Basilica

• Address: San Marco, 1, 30124 Venice, Italy.
• Distance from the center: 4.9 km.

Located in the heart of San Marco Square and regarded as the 'national treasure' of Venice, St. Mark's Basilica boasts a thousand-year history and showcases the stunning beauty of Byzantine architecture. The structure, crafted from quartz and snow-white gypsum, is adorned with intricate carvings, majestic statues, and golden mosaic artworks.

The Basilica in Venice (Photo: @larissamirrumusic)

San Marco Square

• Address: San Marco, 1, 30124 Venice, Italy.
• Distance from the city center: 4.9 km.

Known as the heart of Venice, San Marco Square was established in the 9th century as a hub for trade and cultural exchange between nations. It also stands as a significant landmark in Venice's rich history.

Despite its relatively small size, St. Mark’s Square is bustling with activity, featuring numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes. From this square, visitors can easily admire and access other historical landmarks such as St. Mark’s Church, Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Fountain, and St. Mark’s Basilica.

Piazza San Marco in Venice (Photo: @wiki)

Delicious Venetian specialties

Pizza

• Reference price: 268,000 VND.
• Recommended restaurant: Pizza al Volo - Campo Santa Margherita, Venice, Italy.

Italy is renowned as the birthplace of pizza, yet each region offers its own unique twist. In Venice, pizza carries the essence of the Mediterranean, featuring a blend of fresh seafood, tomatoes, spinach, olives, onions, and other vibrant ingredients.

Pizza in Venice is incredibly enticing (Photo: @veniceinsiderguide)

Gelato

• Reference price: 67,000 VND.
• Recommended shop: Suso Gelatoteca - Sotoportego de la Bissa, Venice, Italy.

Unlike regular ice cream, Italian gelato has a dense, creamy texture with a balanced sweetness. Made from all-natural ingredients and using skimmed milk, this dessert is less heavy, smooth, and retains a richer flavor compared to other types of ice cream.

Cicchetti

• Reference price: 40,200 VND.
• Recommended restaurant: Bacaro Risorto Castello - Castello 4700 Campo San Provolo, Venice, Italy.

Cicchetti is a classic Italian tapas-style dish, often served as a snack alongside wine. It is widely available at numerous eateries, street vendors, and bars across Venice. The typical menu features a variety of options, combining bread with Mozzarella cheese, cod, cured meats, olives, and more.

The famous Cicchetti dish in Venice (Photo: @lovevenice.net)

Fegato alla veneziana

• Reference price: 482,400 VND.
• Recommended restaurant: Ai Due Vescovi - Calle Fiubera 813, Venice, Italy.

Unlike French-style foie gras, Venetian liver dishes trace their origins back to ancient Roman times. Fegato alla veneziana combines caramelized onions with liver, often served with cream, crispy bread, or polenta during festive occasions.

Fegato alla veneziana in Venetian cuisine (Photo: @dissapore.com)

Sarde in Saor

• Reference price: 402,000 VND.
• Recommended restaurant: La Palanca - Riva del Vin San Polo, Venice, Italy.

Sarde in Saor, or sardines marinated in a sweet and sour onion sauce, is one of Venice's oldest traditional dishes. The sardines are lightly fried, then soaked with onions and balsamic vinegar, and served with raisins, pine nuts, and red wine. Its bold, tangy-sweet flavor makes it a beloved staple of Venetian cuisine.

Where to stay when visiting Venice, Italy

When visiting Venice, travelers can choose to stay near the Mestre ferry terminal for convenience or opt for historic hotels dating back to the 14th century to immerse themselves in timeless charm and enjoy stunning views overlooking San Marco Square.

Accommodation options in Venice, reference prices at the time (Unit: VND)

The list above suggests hotels located within 2 km of Venice's city center. For a luxurious experience, guests can book Hotel Danieli, offering aristocratic elegance and views of San Marco Square and the Bridge of Sighs. Alternatively, Savoia & Jolanda provides breathtaking views of the Grand Canal.

Of course, within less than 1 km from Venice's city center, travelers can also find affordable dorm-style accommodations, such as Generator Venice, with prices starting from just over 500,000 VND per bed.

Hotels with 'million-dollar views' in Venice (Photo: @booking)

What to buy when visiting Venice?

Leather goods

While Venice may not be a fashion capital like Milan or as bustling as Rome, it remains a significant shopping hub in Italy. The city is home to numerous luxury boutiques and stores offering pre-owned designer items at reasonable prices from iconic brands such as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and more.

Glassware

Murano is renowned for its exquisite glassware and artisanal crafts. Souvenirs here are intricately crafted and come in a wide variety of designs. Visitors can purchase Carnival masks, a symbol of Venice's famous festival, starting from 26,800 VND for magnetic stickers to 268,000 VND for wearable masks.

Ceramics

Ceramics are a long-standing traditional craft in Italy, especially hand-painted pottery. In Venice, travelers can find these items almost everywhere, featuring diverse designs and meticulously painted patterns. These handmade products, rich in Italian cultural value, make perfect gifts for loved ones. Prices for these traditional items typically start from 134,000 VND.

Handmade paper

A popular souvenir often crafted on-site, handmade paper products allow visitors to request custom designs or modifications. From journals and photo albums to picture frames, these items showcase the artisans' skill in blending materials like wood, fabric, leather, and paper into unique creations.

Sweets and candies

In Italy, sweets and candies are not just desserts but also traditional treats with diverse flavors and health benefits, made from ingredients like walnuts, almonds, and honey. Famous varieties such as pastiglie leone, pangiallo romano, panpepato, and mostaccioli are must-try delicacies in Venice.

Buying sweets as gifts when traveling to Venice, Italy (Photo: @italianity_jp)

Most useful travel tips for visiting Venice, Italy

• When visiting Venice, always prepare a travel SIM card. Besides staying connected and accessing social media, it’s a lifesaver for communication and transactions if you don’t speak Italian.
• Italy uses the Euro (EUR), with the current exchange rate around 1 EUR = 26,800 VND. Travelers can exchange currency at reputable banks or gold shops in Hanoi’s Ha Trung district or Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh and Cong Quynh areas.
• Given Venice’s unique water-based terrain, wear comfortable clothing and avoid high heels or pointed shoes. Summers in Venice are hot and crowded, leading to higher service costs, so plan your trip accordingly.
• For bars and cafes, try historic spots like Caffè Florian (established in 1720 in Neo-Baroque style), Bar All’Arco, Cantina Do Mori (Venice’s oldest pub since 1462), and Harry’s Bar (famous for inventing the Bellini cocktail in 1930).
• The best panoramic view of Venice is from St Mark’s Campanile, costing around 10 EUR (268,000 VND). For a free alternative, visit T Fondaco Dei Tedeschi’s rooftop terrace, but book at least 20 days in advance on their website for this 'million-dollar view.'

Enjoy a full view of Venice from Fondaco Rooftop Terrace (Photo: @lovevenice.net)

The timeless beauty, unique architecture, and priceless heritage exclusive to Venice will captivate even the most discerning travelers. Start planning your dream trip to this enchanting city today by calling 1900 2083 with Mytour Travel.

Author: Dung Nguyen

Image source: Internet