Italy
Venice
Our notebook to help you plan your trip to Venice: the right season, where to stay and our ideas to make the most of it.
A car-free city, made for walking and boats. Staying here means living Venice in the early morning and at dusk.
Best weatherIn spring and early autumn: pleasant weather for strolling.
A question?
Wéa answers about this destination: neighbourhoods, seasons, ideas.
When to go
Every season has its charm. Here's how to choose yours, depending on what you want to experience.
Venetian spring
Mild days on the canals and, every other year, the Art Biennale opening in spring.
Redentore festival
On the 3rd weekend of July, fireworks over the lagoon for the Redentore festival, and the Lido beaches.
Historic regatta
On the 1st Sunday of September, the Regata Storica parades along the Grand Canal, and the Film Festival takes place on the Lido in late August-early September.
Intimate Venice and Carnival
Quiet, misty lanes, then in February, Carnival and its masks. Good news: the MOSE barriers now limit acqua alta.
Where to stay
The right neighbourhood depends on what you're after. Here are our favourite places to stay.
San Marco
In the heart of the big sights, elegant and lively. Postcard Venice.
Cannaregio
Calmer and more authentic, near the station, with good restaurants.
Dorsoduro
A student and museum district with a relaxed vibe.
Castello
Quiet lanes in the east, for a more intimate Venice.
Mestre
On the mainland, a few minutes from Venice by train.
Our favourites
What we love there: its history, its landscapes, its flavours and its festivals. Take your time, it's all there to enjoy.
St Mark's Square
The basilica with its golden mosaics and the Doge's Palace line Venice's most famous square. The city and its lagoon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ideal for history lovers
The Grand Canal by vaporetto
Vaporetto line 1 glides slowly down the Grand Canal, past palaces, markets and the Rialto Bridge. The best tour of all, sitting at the front of the boat.
Ideal for great views
Murano and Burano
In Murano, master glassblowers work right in front of you. In Burano, the fishermen's houses are painted in bright colours and lace-making is a tradition.
Ideal for a lovely day trip
Carnival and cicchetti
In February, the carnival fills the lanes with masks and sumptuous costumes. All year round, do as Venetians do: cicchetti, little bites, at the counter of a bàcaro.
Ideal for food lovers