TOP 7 ATTRACTIONS IN VENICE
By Team Think Orange
Italy is one of the most beautiful and historic countries in Europe. And within Italy, Venice is one of the most visited cities, largely due to the beauty that can be found at every turn. Visitors usually begin with a ride along the flowing Grand Canal before wandering the narrow streets towards churches, piazzas, and other fascinating attractions.
People will find picturesque views everywhere that they go. This makes Venice the perfect destination for anyone who loves taking photographs. It’s not necessary to be a professional photographer to appreciate the sights within Venice. Anyone with a camera can capture the best that Venice has to offer.
Here are the top 7 attractions in Venice that everyone must see while visiting:
Grand Canal
As mentioned above, one of the first places that everyone goes in Venice is the Grand Canal. People will want to spend many hours on and near this canal as possible, because there is so much to see. On each side of the canal, visitors will see buildings from the 12th through the 17th centuries. There are four bridges that cross over the top of the Grand Canal and they are the easiest way to get from one side to the other. The views from the water, the bridges, and the sides of the canal are all completely different. This is why we recommend that everyone spends time in various areas.
Campanile di San Marco
St. Mark’s campanile is a square tower that rises three hundred and twenty-three feet. Visitors will find this massive tower in the corner of St. Mark’s Square, where it has been since the 12th century. Revisions to the tower have been made over the years, with the most recent ones completed after the tower partially collapsed in 1902. Everyone will want to see the views from the top of the tower. And some will find that the intricate details of the campanile are worth a closer look as well.
Ca’ d’Oro
The Ca’ d’Oro used to be one of the best Gothic palaces within Venice. Now it serves as a museum that holds Baron Giorgio Franchetti’s prestigious art collection. While most visitors will be impressed with the works of art inside. Some people will be more interested with the marble mosaic flooring in the inner courtyard. It’s possible to look out at the Grand Canal from the windows of this museum. But looking towards the old palace from the canal itself is just as impressive.
Burano Island
A side trip to colorful Burano Island from Venice is a must. This little piece of paradise will keep everybody busy for an entire day. They can explore Galuppi Square, the Lace Museum, and the bell tower. The main attraction on the island though is the colorful houses. These houses were painted bright colors so that fishermen could see their homes from the water. The most popular house is la casa di Bepi Suà, and it has colorful geometrical shapes painted on it.
Caffè Florian
Some people may wonder how Caffè Florian can be considered an attraction within Venice. But since it has been open since 1720, we think it qualifies. Caffè Florian is the oldest café in Europe. It used to go by the name Alla Venezia Trionfante, or Triumphant Venice, when it first opened. This historic café is where locals and tourists alike will sit together as they relive history, listen to the orchestra play, and imbibe on some delicious food and drinks. Popular dishes include croissants with tomato, buffalo mozzarella, and basil, or the vegetarian club sandwich. When it comes to desserts, the dark chocolate parfait, fruit tart, and gelato are all the most preferred.
Palazzo Ducale
The Palazzo Ducale, or the Doge’s Palace, is another one of the fabulous palaces that can be found within Venice. It is one of the major landmarks in the city. The section that overlooks the lagoon is the oldest. Some areas have been replaced in recent years due to fires and other damaging incidents. While at this palace, visitors can see the Museo dell’Opera, the Doge Apartments, Institutional Chambers, the Armoury, and the Prisons.
Zattere
Zattere is a long promenade that can be found along the waterfront and it is the perfect destination for those who want to take a stroll at any time of the day. This promenade was originally constructed in 1519 and it is now lined with an abundance of monuments and notable buildings.
Most people will snap photos of all these sights, especially in the early morning hours or later in the day as the sun is setting. Everyone must see these top 7 attractions in Venice when they visit, although there are plenty of other breathtaking sights that are just as phenomenal.
We Know Venice
We visit Venice three times per year, including February/March during Carnevale. Join us for an Adventure of a lifetime, in this floating city in northeastern Italy. And be sure to read this post about one of our favorite hotels in Venice, and about Carnevale.