Venice, Italy

Venice spreads across 118 islands with the Basilica di San Marco's Byzantine mosaics, the Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal, the Doge's Palace's Tintoretto chambers, and Burano's painted fishermen's houses on the lagoon.

Highlights

When to Visit

Apr-May

Spring with Venice Biennale opening (in odd years), Vogalonga rowing race in May, and Saint Mark's Square pleasant before the worst of summer cruise crowds.

Jun-Aug

Hits 32°C with humidity, Saint Mark's Square packed, but Venice Film Festival end of August-early September begins, and Lido beaches accessible.

Sep-Oct

Venice Film Festival late August-early September, Regata Storica first Sunday of September, and the city pleasant in autumn light without summer crowd density.

Feb

Carnevale di Venezia ten days before Lent fills Saint Mark's Square with masked figures, the city's defining cultural moment with masquerade balls in palazzi.