Anyone coming to the Venetian Riviera for a dose of jaw-dropping culture matched only by long sandy beaches will fall instantly and head over heels with Venice

The sheer concept of Venice – a city with canals instead of roads – is brilliant enough without the magic of the architecture, the music, the hotels and a carnival unlike any other. No wonder, then, that lovers of this magical place come back time and again.

Search flights and holidays

Seasonal Weather

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Must see:
Although the Doge’s Palace is top of many lists, ascending the Campanile (or bell tower) in the St Mark’s Square simply has to be done. On a clear day, the view from the top is simply eye-popping.

Must eat at:
The beautifully traditional Florian cafe, right in the middle of one of the arcades on St Mark’s Square, is a fabulous place for a pricey but stylish coffee and croissant. You can even put yourself in Gwynneth Paltrow’s shoes – a scene from The Talented Mr Ripley was filmed here.

Must be there for:
The annual Carneval, in the run-up to Lent, takes the whole city by storm as revelers from across the world come to dress up, romance and luxuriate in it all.

Well-travelled tips:
- For a perfectly-served Campari – and the perfect Venetian view – stop for a drink (or two) on the canal-level deck bar at the plush Gritti Palace hotel.
- Take the river bus to the Ca’Doro for a fascinating insider’s view of a beautiful palazzo.

Visa:
British citizens do not need a visa to visit Italy.