Sadly, due to climate change, Venice is slowly but surely sinking, and in the years ahead, the outcome may not be favourable. For now, it remains a spectacular must-see city in Italy. Be prepared to be surrounded by thousands of visitors, it’s usually packed. Weekends can be even busier, with Italians from other parts of the country joining in for sightseeing. That’s exactly why Venice is one of the top sights in the world. Your time in Venice is truly priceless, a travel experience of a lifetime (SURAKARTA INDONESIA TRAVEL GUIDE).
Entering Venice
From the main arrival point, you’ll take a boat through the scenic waters of Venice to a landing area where you get off. The boat ride itself feels like a gondola ride, passing famous landmarks and cruise ships, clear signs you’re in Venetian waters. Once you arrive, this is where your sightseeing in Venice begins. In some cases, you may have to wait before walking, especially in tour groups, part of how the city manages the heavy flow of visitors.
Your sightseeing in Venice can begin at Piazza San Marco, also known as St. Mark’s Square. Within the square are three major landmarks:
St. Mark’s Church
A historic cathedral with Italo-Byzantine architecture and detailed mosaics, located at the eastern end of the square.
Palazzo Ducale/Doge’s Palace
A Gothic palace that served as the Doge’s residence and seat of government, connected to the prison by the Bridge of Sighs.
Campanile Bell Tower: The tallest structure in Venice, offering panoramic views. It was originally built as a lighthouse.
Shops, stalls,
and cafés surround the square, creating a lively, almost carnival-like
atmosphere.
How long you stay is entirely up to you, there are no restrictions.
Murano Glass Center
The Murano Glass Center is located on the island of Murano, part of the Venetian lagoon. If you're on a tour, a visit here is usually included. Murano is world-famous for its hand-blown glass tradition dating back to the 13th century. The visit typically begins with a short demonstration showing how glass is melted and shaped into items such as accessories, vases, and wall decorations. After the demo, visitors are taken to the showroom. Prices can be high, and whether or not you choose to buy is entirely up to you.
A gondola ride is a must-do in Venice, but it comes at a cost. Charges depend on the ride duration, typically 30 minutes. You can queue at designated gondola stations and board when signaled. Dress according to the weather to stay comfortable during the ride.
The 30-minute ride doesn’t follow a fixed route; it depends on the starting point and the gondolier’s choice. Most routes include a mix of quiet canals and a short stretch along the Grand Canal. Common sights include the Bridge of Sighs, narrow canals behind the Doge’s Palace, local homes, palaces, and bridges. You may also request specific sights, which some gondoliers may accommodate. Simply sit back and enjoy the views, it could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Food choices in Venice are plenty, from high-end Italian restaurants to casual cafés and street food stalls. You’ll find traditional Italian dishes like pasta, risotto, and seafood, as well as Venetian street food such as cicchetti (small snacks) and tramezzini (sandwiches). For a quick bite, grab some fresh bread, pastries, or buns from local bakeries. Eating on the go is common, but always dispose of wrappers and cups properly, as littering can lead to fines.
Shopping in Venice isn’t so much about street stalls, but more about high-end branded stores. From Gucci to Louis Vuitton, Prada, and YSL, you’ll find all the major luxury labels. Handbags are especially popular among women, along with wallets, purses, and accessories. For men, there are options like designer shoes, leather goods, belts, and watches. It’s common to see many Asian shoppers in these stores.
There is no bargaining, prices are fixed. And if you assume shopping in Venice is cheaper than in other parts of Italy, you may be mistaken, prices are generally the same or slightly higher. If you're a non-EU visitor, you may be eligible for a tax refund (VAT), which is usually processed at the airport before departure.
Venice never truly closes, you can walk its streets and canals at any hour. However, shops, restaurants, attractions, and gondola rides follow specific opening hours. Planning ahead helps you make the most of your time, especially if you want to visit key landmarks or enjoy a meal. The city is always open, but what’s available depends on the time of day.
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