Where would you go if you were looking for water, wine, art and architecture? Italy, of course! And Venice to be precise. This city is comprised of 118 small islands, which are separated by canals and connected by over 400 tiny bridges. Renowned for its gorgeous buildings and impressive art history, a walk through this historical city is nothing to turn your nose up at. With beauty around every corner, how do you narrow down all the sights on your to-do list?! Here are some of our favorite places to visit in Venice: 

Canal Grande

Most cities don’t have an aquatic main street, but it’s almost impossible to describe Venice’s Canal Grande in any other way. This 2-mile long waterway is one of Italy’s most highly photographed attractions. We at Must Do Travels highly recommend hiring a gondolier and going for a romantic ride along the canal.

Ponte di Rialto

While you’re on the Canal Grande, you will undoubtedly pass under the stunning Ponte di Rialto, one of the most famous bridges in Venice. This popular bridge was originally made of wood, but after it collapsed in 1524, the stone version that still stands today was built. 

St. Mark’s Basilica & St. Mark’s Square

St. Mark’s Basilica (which sits on the gorgeous piazza of the same name) is one of the most beautiful churches in the world. Four bronze horses guard the cathedral’s entrance, but if you can get past them, you’ll find thousands of feet of gorgeous paintings and stunning architectural details at every turn.

Doge’s Palace

If Gothic architecture is your thing, Doge’s Palace cannot be skipped – and if Gothic architecture isn’t your thing, be prepared to be converted. This gorgeous structure sits on St. Mark’s Square as well, and inside you’ll find works from various artists, as well as vast council chambers, ornately decorated apartments and prison cells. 

Teatro La Fenice

Grab your tiny binoculars, we’re going to the Opera! Teatro La Fenice is one of Italy’s oldest and most grand opera houses, and we’re lucky that it’s still around; this building opened in 1792 and has survived not one, not two, but three huge fires in its time. If you don’t know Italian, Teatro La Fenice translates to “Theater of the Pheonix.” What’s in a name? Perhaps quite a bit …

Gallerie dell’Accademia

Originally a convent before it was converted, this gallery hosts an impressive collection of work from pre-19th-century artists, such as Bellini, and a little-known piece called “The Vitruvian Man” by Leonardo Da Vinci. 

Venice Lido

If all the tourism in the city of Venice starts to exhaust you, don’t worry: there are places to relax! Head to Venice Lido, a small island that separates the city of Venice from the Adriatic Sea, which provides long stretches of beaches, small shops and restaurants and a much calmer atmosphere.

So when should you go? If you want to avoid crowds, we recommend going between September and November, although the temperatures can be anywhere between the high 30s and the low 70s, so layers would be a must. If heat is a priority and you don’t mind being surrounded by tourists or paying higher prices for hotels, April through June is ideal for the weather. Ready to start planning your trip? Talk to a Must Do Travels agent today! Ciao!