General Information
Venice uses the Euro. The city is entirely car-free — water buses (vaporetti) and water taxis are the main transport.
What to Eat
Cicchetti (Venetian tapas), sarde in saor, fegato alla veneziana and frittelle. Prosecco originates from the nearby Veneto hills.
Best Time to Visit
April–June and September–October. Avoid November acqua alta (flooding) and peak-season July–August crowds.
Arts & Culture
The Venice Biennale, Palazzo Grassi contemporary art, Peggy Guggenheim Collection and La Fenice opera house.
Overview
Venice is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads — canals and narrow walkways are used for transport.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather without extreme crowds. Carnival (February) is spectacular but very busy.
Getting Around
Buy a vaporetto pass for unlimited water bus travel. Walking is the other way — get lost on purpose.
Local Cuisine
Try cicchetti at bacari (wine bars), risi e bisi, sarde in saor and tiramisù — which many claim was invented in the Veneto.
Safety Tips
Venice is very safe. The biggest risk is getting lost — but that's half the fun. Watch for acqua alta (high water) in autumn/winter.
Cultural Etiquette
Don't swim in the canals. Sit-down dining is significantly more expensive in St Mark's Square. Tipping is not expected.
Venice Map
Essence of Venice
Gondola Romance
A gondola serenade through hidden back canals is the quintessential Venice experience.
Murano Glass
Watch master craftsmen blow exquisite glass art on the famed island of Murano.
Carnival Culture
Venice Carnival, La Biennale and the Film Festival — a global cultural hub.
Ready to explore Venice?
Browse top-rated experiences, skip-the-line tickets and guided tours.
Explore Venice ExperiencesMore Italy Guides
Rome
Italy
Rome is a living museum — a city where 2,800 years of history, art and culture layer upon each other at every turn.
City Highlights
•Ancient Wonders
•Vatican & Sacred Art
•Italian Cuisine
City Guide
Walk through 2,800 years of history — from the Colosseum to the Vatican and the Trevi Fountain.
Milan
Italy
Milan is Italy's financial and fashion capital, but scratch beneath the designer surface and you'll find extraordinary Renaissance art and a vibrant aperitivo culture.
City Highlights
•Milan Duomo
•The Last Supper
•Fashion & Design
City Guide
Discover the Duomo, world-class fashion houses, and Renaissance masterpieces in Italy's most sophisticated metropolis.