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Venice, the complete guide.

Canals, St. Mark's, gondolas, Carnival, the Doge's Palace.

The Italia Magnifica guide · Updated October 2026

A city built on water across 118 islands, where the Grand Canal sweeps past Gothic palaces and St. Mark's Basilica glows with Byzantine gold.

From the marble Rialto Bridge to Tintoretto's canvases at the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, Venice is a masterpiece you navigate by vaporetto and on foot.

When to visit Venice

Average highs and lows across the year.

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Month by month

Jan
Mild coastal winter. Sea breezes keep temperatures moderate.
Feb
Cool but pleasant by the sea. Fewer crowds to enjoy.
Mar
Spring awakens the coast. Mild temperatures and blooming gardens.
Apr
Beautiful coastal spring. Ideal for hiking and exploring.
May
Warm days perfect for beach visits. Water warming up.
Jun
Summer season begins. Beach weather with warm seas.
Jul
Peak beach season. Hot days, warm Mediterranean waters.
Aug
Height of summer. Hot and sunny, perfect for swimming.
Sep
Late summer warmth continues. Great time for coastal visits.
Oct
Pleasant autumn by the sea. Warm enough for beach days.
Nov
Autumn arrives. Fewer tourists, still mild temperatures.
Dec
Quiet winter coast. Mild compared to inland areas.

What to see first

Grand Canal, Italy

Grand Canal

Venice's principal waterway, a 3.8-kilometer curve of palazzi between the lagoon and St.

Read the guide
Risi e bisi in a deep stoneware bowl, loose spring rice thick with peas and parsley, a spoon resting in the wave and lagoon water past the window.

What to eat, and drink

Eating and drinking in Venice

Well-loved everyday tables and Michelin stars, each checked open.

  1. Hostaria OsottoosopraOsteria
  2. Trattoria dai FioiTrattoria
  3. Il CapriccioPizzeria
  4. Pizzeria Da ZormaPizzeria
  5. Trattoria La Divina ComidaTrattoria
  6. Hostaria Sant'AponalOsteria

Michelin-starred

  1. Glam Enrico Bartolini ★★
  2. Local ★
  3. Oro Restaurant ★
  4. Quadri ★
  5. Venissa ★
  6. Wistèria ★

Sleeping in Venice

Well-reviewed places to stay, each checked open, by town.

  1. Santa Croce Boutique Hotel
  2. Rosa Salva Hotel
  3. Radisson Collection Hotel
  4. Hotel Ai Reali
  5. Palazzetto MyVenice
  6. Hotel L'Orologio Venezia

The year in Venice

The rituals, races, and processions the city still keeps.

  1. Every FebruaryCarnevale di Venezia
  2. Every April to NovemberVenice Biennale
  3. Every JulyFesta del Redentore
  4. Every August to SeptemberVenice Film Festival
  5. Every SeptemberRegata Storica

Tours worth booking in Venice

Compared by our editors, across providers.

Booking through these links may earn Italia Magnifica a commission, at no cost to you.

  1. Brunetti's Venice: A Culinary Journey Through Leon's Mysteries

    • Viator
    • 2h 30m
    • 5.0★ · 72 reviews
    from €135Book this tour

  2. Professional Photographer in Venice, Italy

    • Viator
    • 1h 30m
    • 5.0★ · 72 reviews
    from €248Book this tour

  3. Private Doge's Palace & St Mark's Basilica After Hours Night Tour

    • Viator
    • 3h 30m
    • 5.0★ · 66 reviews
    from €375Book this tour

  4. The Secrets of Venice - Private Tour

    • Viator
    • 2h
    • 5.0★ · 62 reviews
    from €142Book this tour

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