Seven places that fill a few days well, from the Piazza San Marco pair to the lagoon islands.
1St Mark’s Basilica
Photo: Alexis Veiga / Pexels, Pexels License
A Byzantine-style church whose domes, mosaics and the Pala d’Oro altarpiece make it the religious heart of the city. Inside, it is small, dark and gold.
Time
30 min to 1 h, plus any queue
Setting
Both
Best time
Early morning
Getting there
San Marco or San Zaccaria stop, then on foot
Tip: Book a timed entry rather than joining the line on the piazza. On Sundays the basilica opens to visitors only from 2 pm.
Last entry 4.45 pm, closing 5.15 pm on every day of the week.
The seat of Venetian government for centuries. The visit runs through the great council chambers, the state rooms and across the Bridge of Sighs to the old prison.
Time
2 to 3 h, longer with the Correr rooms
Setting
Indoor
Best time
Opening time, or a wet day
Getting there
Vallaresso, Giardinetti or San Zaccaria stop
Tip: The standard ticket also covers the Correr Museum, the Archaeological Museum and the Marciana Library rooms, so one day can hold four visits. Visitor information
Ticket €35, or €30 online when bought at least 30 days ahead; reduced €15. Open 9 am to 7 pm from 1 April to 31 October and to 6 pm from 1 November to 31 March; last entry an hour before closing.
The oldest crossing of the Grand Canal in the centre, in white stone, with the market quarter spread out behind it. The bridge itself is free.
Time
30 min to 1 h on the bridge and around the stalls
Setting
Outdoor
Best time
Morning for the market, dusk for the view
Getting there
Rialto stop, or a walk from San Marco
Tip: Visit the market area in the morning and leave the bridge photo for a time when the steps are not packed. Walk a block off the main line to the bridge and the lanes empty out. City map
The cheapest way to see the palace fronts is a public boat. Line 1 stops everywhere and takes its time, which is the point.
Time
Allow 45 min to 1 h for the full ride
Setting
Outdoor
Best time
Late afternoon light
Getting there
Line 1, between the station and San Marco
Tip: Board near the start of your ride rather than in the middle, because the outdoor seats by the rail go first. A traveller’s account of a vaporetto loop describes it as the easiest way to take in the churches and facades without walking. Official page
A 75-minute ticket costs €9.50; day passes start at €25.
Gallerie dell’Accademia: Venetian painting across the centuries. Entry €15, or €2 for EU visitors aged 18 to 25, free under 18. Open Tuesday to Sunday 9 am to 7 pm; tickets stop an hour before closing. Official page
Peggy Guggenheim Collection: modern art in a former Grand Canal home. Adults pay €17, over 70s €14 and students under 26 €9; under 10 free. Open daily 10 am to 6 pm, closed Tuesday; the ticket office shuts at 5 pm. Official page
Ca’ Pesaro: modern and Oriental art on line 1 at San Stae, closed Mondays. Winter hours end an hour earlier than summer ones. Official page
6Murano
Photo: Vladimir Srajber / Pexels, Pexels License
The island of glassmaking, with furnaces, shop windows and the Glass Museum. A pleasant place even if you buy nothing.
Time
A half day with the museum and a walk
Setting
Both
Best time
Morning, before the shops fill up
Getting there
Line 12 from Fondamente Nove, 9 min to Murano Faro
Tip: Workshop hours are not part of the museum schedule, so check them separately. The civic Glass Museum is included in the Venice Museum Pass. Museum information
Photo: Helena Jankovičová Kováčová / Pexels, Pexels License
A fishing island of brightly painted houses and lace, calmer than the main city once the morning boats have left.
Time
About half a day, with lunch
Setting
Outdoor
Best time
Early afternoon
Getting there
Line 12 from Fondamente Nove, 41 min
Tip: Line 12 runs every 20 minutes between 10 am and 5.40 pm, with the first boat at 4.20 am and the last at 10.25 pm. Torcello is a call on request on some sailings, so check the timetable before relying on it. Route details
The Lace Museum asks €7; open Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 4 pm, last entry 3.30 pm, closed Mondays.
