For a city break packed with rich history, immaculate architecture and enchanting canals, Venice is truly one of the best city breaks in Europe. From roaming around the city’s renowned St Marco Square to enjoying authentic pizzerias and gelato in the sunshine, there’s so much to explore in this stunning city.
So, if you’re planning a Venice city break this year, it’s time to find out more about how to get there, the best places to visit, and the greatest things to do in Venice.
How to get to Venice with P&O!
We suggest embarking on your Venetian adventure via our Hull to Rotterdam ferry route if you’re driving to Italy from the UK. You can enjoy a sightseeing adventure on the way to your holiday in Venice from our Rotterdam and Calais ports. So, if you’re planning to drive to Venice, you’ll be pleased to know that your road trip from our Calais and Rotterdam Ports will take you through spectacular landscapes.
If you’re travelling to Venice from our Rotterdam port, why not stop off at Amsterdam – just an hour’s drive away for a wander around the cobbled streets of the picturesque Jordaan neighbourhood? If you’re travelling from our Calais port, Bruges is known as northern Europe’s closest relation to Venice.
It’s just over an hour’s drive away from our port in Calais so you can explore this medieval town’s historic centre en route to Venice. It’s worth knowing you will have to pay a fee of €3-10 to enter Venice once you get there.
Getting Around and Places to Stay
The majestic city of Venice is made up of around a hundred small islands, so it’s no surprise that the main way of getting around is by boat. You can enjoy the traditional Venetian experience onboard a beautiful gondola ride, one of the most popular tourist activities in town.
One of the best things about Venice is its size which makes most attractions in the city just a short stroll away! So once you’ve taken a ride through its canals, why not take the rest of your journey on foot to explore the wondrous streets of Venice?
There are so many options when it comes to places to stay in Venice. Some of the best hotels in Venice are located in San Marco, where you’ll have access to the heart of the city with everything at a walkable distance.
For a buzzing hub full of nightlife, you might want to try staying in Dorsoduro, one of the six main towns in Venice, where you’ll find some of the best late-night bars and pubs. If you’re wondering where to stay in Venice for a quieter city break, then you may want to consider staying in the Castello neighbourhood, with plenty of space to walk around in its nearby gardens.
Places to See and Visit
Wondering what to see in Venice? First off, we have San Marco in Venice at the centre of town to take in the iconic Gothic style of Doge’s Palace and the stunning architectural brilliance of St Mark’s Basilica – two of Venice’s greatest attractions!
To experience authentic art and design during your Venice break, you can visit Grimani di Santa Maria Formosa, a museum featuring around 100 stunning sculptures and paintings. Gallerie Dell Accademia is also a popular choice for art lovers that showcases the Venetian art’s historical evolution.
Just a boat trip away from the centre of Venice, you will find the lively small towns of Murano and Burano where you’ll find stunning colourful houses and traditional floral terraced windows along the must-visit Murano Glass factory.
Once you’ve explored Venice to your heart’s content, there are many surrounding places to visit, such as the breathtaking Dolomite Mountains, just a 2-and-a-half-hour drive away from Venice, where you can enjoy hiking and skiing along with great views.
For a peaceful stop, why not visit the picturesque Lake Como, where you can experience surreal scenic sights just 4 hour’s drive away from Venice?
The best food and dining experiences in Venice
If you’re a foodie on the lookout for some great culinary spots, then Venice will undoubtedly live up to your cravings when it comes to Italian dishes. From mouth-watering Italian pizza found at Antico Forno and Pizza Al Volo, to the best Gelato in town from La Mela Verde, Venice is bustling with tasty food options all around the city. Why not try the traditional fish-based Venetian speciality risotto al nero di seppia , one of the region’s most famous dishes?
