What comes to mind when you picture Venice? Probably a gondola ride, a city built on the water… maybe even a slice of pizza! But there are so many more things to do in Venice! Did you know the city sits on over 100 islands? Or that it used to be its own country? The “floating city” is full of surprises and in this photo diary, you’ll uncover them as you visit Venice for yourself.
Whether you’re planning a visit to Venice, or just want to visit in the future, this post is for you!
This photo diary takes you on a journey, from arriving in Venice, taking a water bus, exploring sites, and walking the city.
It’s arranged in a sort of chronological order of what a typical day in Venice would look like. Here’s what you’ll see:
How to get around
The Grand Canal
Where to eat
Museums and Art galleries
An inside look at historical sites
Up close with a gondola
Famous bridges of Venice
Sweeping views of the city
Tips For Getting Around
Are you ready to immerse yourself in this beautiful and mysterious city?
Before we begin, I wanted to share a few tips on how to navigate the city. Venice is a fascinating place, and unlike anywhere else I’ve been. But there are some unusual things you’ll want to be aware of:
People walk everywhere, and it’s a necessity. Their medieval streets are so narrow they feel like sidewalks!
Cars, buses, Ubers… practically unheard of
The most common form of transportation is by water (you’ll see in the pictures below a few different ways you can cruise around the city)
The city has its own address system – meaning it will definitely be an adventure finding your way around! Addresses, instead of a street, are based on districts.
One more fun fact: Venetians have their own language (and it’s not just a dialect of Italian). For example, a town square is a “piazza” in Italian, but in Venice is referred to as a “campo“. So keep that in mind when you’re navigating the city.
Things To Do In Venice
Now that you have a few tips and some insight into the beautiful city, let’s get into the good stuff! In this photo diary, I’ll be sharing all the best things to do in Venice. Like the can’t-miss experiences you’ll want to have and top photo spots to get those epic pictures of your trip.
Looking for bucket-list inspiration? This photo diary will visually transport you! See what the city really looks like, from a real person who’s been there. And if photos are really your thing, here’s another great Venice photo diary from Kiki at The Blonde Abroad.
Looking for an in-depth guide to Venice? This post is a great starting point, but for more info I recommend checking out The Venice Travel Guide by Nomadic Matt.
Let’s Explore!
All these photos are from my Italian honeymoon. We loved exploring the city, and I’m happy to share our experience with you!
You can simply scroll through the pictures if you like, and just enjoy the photo diary that way. Or, if you’d like to read more and get the details, hover over each photo for additional information. A third option is to click the photo to enlarge it. Enjoy!
Take a vaporetto
Vaporettos are a fun and affordable way to explore Venice
Vaporetto stop
Visit the ACTV (transit agency) website where you can download a route map and timetable
Vaporetto arriving
These water buses will take you all over the city
Cute cafes and gondolas
While cruising the canals, enjoy views of gorgeous architecture, along with cafes and (of course) gondolas!
Houses on the water
Gorgeous villas, flats, and businesses are perched right on the water - most Venetians either walk or use water transportation
Quaint Garden
You may even catch a glimpse of a terrace or urban garden
Water Transportation
Take your pick: vaporetto, gondola, water taxi or traghetti?
Barrile-Spinelli Palace
This stunning 15th century residence now holds an archive of historically significant fabrics and textile samples
Palazzo Grassi Art Museum
This sculpture is part of an exhibit by artist Damien Hirst that can be seen from the Grand Canal
Everyday Life in Venice
Clothes dryers are not a part of Italian culture and many Venetians use an outdoor clothesline instead
Water everywhere
Waterways commonly separate buildings, and are just wide enough for boats to pass through
Around the Bend
The Grand Canal winds around, revealing stunning views in every direction
Amazing Views
Amazing views of the Grand Canal, a major thoroughfare in Venice (taken from St. Mark's Campanile)
More gorgeous views
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute in the distance
Idyllic and romantic
Waterfront on the Grand Canal you'll see tons of gondolas and gondoliers
Venice Grand Canal
Art museums, historical sites, cathedrals and a university can all be found along the Grand Canal
Saint Mark's Square
Looking out over St. Mark's square, you get a great view of the Clocktower and Basilica from above
St. Mark's Basilica
This famous Catholic church is one of Venice's most famous and an example of Italo-Byzantine architecture
Rooftops of Venice
A birds eye view gives you a sense of how compact Venice is
More Rooftop Views
Looking east over St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace
San Giorgio Maggiore Island
This tiny island is home to a glass-making museum, concert hall and sailing club among other things
Doge's Palace
A gothic palace and museum, this is a must-see when in Venice
More views
Views southwest over Venice's Grand Canal
Cruising the Grand Canal
View of St. Mark's Campanile (bell tower) from the water. Doge's Palace is the white building on the right
Doge's Palace Courtyard
Palazzo Dulcale was home to Venice's ruler (Doge) and was the seat of Venetian government
Doge's Palace
This gothic style palace dates back to the 9th century and houses the largest oil painting in the world
Arched Walkways
Doge's Palace is a creation of many different architects and artists
Beautiful Details
This intricate door is just one example of the fascinating things you'll see inside Doge's Palace
Lots of tours available
You can buy St. Mark's Basilica/Doge's Palace combo tickets or even skip-the-line
Inside Doge's Palace
There's so much to see - plan for 1-2 hours to soak it in
Window to the world
Venice has been called "Queen of the Adriatic", "City of Bridges", "The Floating City", and more...
Ceiling in Doge's Palace
You'll never see a ceiling so gilded and wonderful
Gothic Architecture
Lavish fireplace dating back centuries
Frescoe ceiling
Don't forget to look up!
Doge's Palace Armoury
Discover over 2,000 artifacts: weapons, armor, and lots more
Doge's Palace
More gothic beauty and gorgeous natural lighting spills in from huge windows
Suit of Armor
One of many suits of armor you'll see inside the armoury rooms
Ancient Beauty
More ancient beauty within Doge's Palace
No Detail Too Small
Every little part of Doge's Palace has something to find - these unusual door handles caught my attention
So Much To See
Doge's Palace holds many fun surprises, like these peekaboo doors
Bridge of Sighs
This narrow, enclosed bridge was used to transport prisoners to execution
View from the Bridge of Sighs
For a prisoner headed to execution, this would be their last glimpse of freedom (and the beauty of Venice)
Doge's Palace prisons
Ancient bars line the walls of the prison, where the accused would serve their time
Prison Cell
Dark but fascinating history
Narrow Pathways
Lots of dark, mysterious pathways in the prison area of Doge's palace
Back in the Sunshine
There's more to explore! Venice is extremely walkable, and you won't see cars, bikes, or skateboards (they aren't allowed)
Venice canal
Don't worry if you get lost - it's inevitable! Just enjoy the journey, you never know what you might find
Rialto Bridge
There are over 300 bridges in Venice, this being one of the most famous
Ponte di Rialto
Crossing the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is beautiful on the outside and has lots of shops on the inside
Like the Venetians Do
Make sure to pause atop one of the many beautiful bridges that spans Venice
Arsenal of Venice
A piece of history, the Arsenal contains former shipyards and armories
Arsenal of Venice
Sculptures and a cool bridge are two things you'll see from outside the Arsenal of Venice
Naval History Museum
Explore nautical history and many artifacts of Venetian history
Take a Walk
One of the many footbridges you'll traverse on your way through the city
Lots to See
There's no shortage of shops, cafes, and beautiful cathedrals around every corner
Need a few essentials?
Look for the green cross symbol designating a pharmacy
Just For Fun
You don't see these every day! They are functional, if you find yourself needing to make a call
Beautiful Canals
There's no shortage of picturesque canal views! Take advantage of it
A Bite To Eat
Many cafes post their menu outside to help you choose. If you love seafood, you're in luck! Venice has lots of seafood options to choose from
Pizza!
You can't visit Venice and not experience a slice of delicious pizza. Yum!
Everyday Life
Walking Venice gives you a sense of how integral water is to their everyday life
Take a Gondola Ride
You'll notice that this iconic Venice staple only comes in one color (black) due to an ancient law
Unwind
Venice is beautiful in the late hours of the day
Wrap Up Your Day
What better way to end the day than with a good meal and good company?
What Did You Think Of Venice?
I’d love to hear from you! Which photos were your favorites? I had such an awesome time visiting Venice and exploring on foot (and especially by water). My favorite pictures are the birds-eye-view ones that I took from inside the St. Mark’s Campanile.
I’m happy to answer any questions you may have about the city – comment below and tell me what’s on your mind. Venice is a fun and quirky city so let know what you want to learn more about!
And before you go, here are a few related posts that you may like:
