This bridge is really beautiful. It offers a nice view around, being quite high and is amazing both day and night. On the downside, it’s crazy crowded and you may need to wait your turn just to take a picture.

The Ponte di Rialto in Venice is one of the most beautiful bridges I’ve ever seen. The combination of the gondolas gliding along the Grand Canal and the bridge’s elegant architecture creates one of the most breathtaking views in all of Venice. It truly feels magical. I highly recommend visiting it!

Fantastic views from either side of the bridge make this bridge well worth a visit. The earlier in the day you can manage the better as it is still crowded in the winter months. However the views are worthwhile and the photo opportunities are excellent.

Visited the Rialto Bridge while in Venice, very easy to get to and visible from different places and also from the water. Lots of shops on each side of the bridge, and lots of gift stalls at each end. A beautiful structure that is equally beautiful in daylight as it is after dark. A must see if in venice

It’s a bridge — but a very beautiful one! The Ponte di Rialto is a great spot to take pictures and enjoy views of the Grand Canal. It’s usually busy, but the atmosphere is amazing. Definitely worth a quick stop when exploring Venice.

Loved staying nearby this beautiful bridge. Definitely a highlight to see it at all times of day, with the shops, the joy of everyone else experiencing the iconic moment and even the tension of all the boats and ferries doing the everyday life and business in the canal around it. There is a great local grocery store just down the canal. We didn’t end up eating in any of the restaurants right there as we found wonderful trattoria away from the crowds. Loved finding new views of it and from it.

The most interesting thing to me here are the alleys that leads towards the bridge and the little restaurants and shops. (Not the shops on the bridge… they are awful.) The history behind the bridge is interesting and it is obviously a must see.

Very photogenic spiral staircase linking two parts of an ancient palazzo- not too bad a climb and great views from the top. Tucked away down a tiny alleyway just off the main drag - you wouldn’t know it was there unless you were looking for it! Beautifully lit up at night

Its cool. Its in a very unassuming tight location. We didn't bother paying and climbing so we stood outside the tall black chain link fence and got as good of pictures as possible. 10mins (plus the anytime awesome walk to and from) to see it. Then you can say you saw that old twisting tower from the Rick Steves Venice 🇮🇹 video.

It was ok. You can get some views of the city and there was a small exhibition. If you only took a photo from the ground looking up you won’t have missed much.

You will love this place, the views from the tower are great This town just such history can’t wait to come back again I highly recommend it

Tickets a bit steep (haha) but the spiral staircase is a real jewel and the views impressive. Worth the climb!

It was one of our main stops in Venice, and I would say this is a hidden gem of the city. The entrance costs €9 per person, and €7 is the reduced price for people under 26. I believe the view from the top is definitely worth the price.

Amazing view over Venice, especially if you’re looking to capture a perfect shot with St. Mark’s Campanile in the background.

St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the most breathtaking and iconic landmarks in Venice truly a masterpiece of architecture and history. The moment you step into Piazza San Marco and see the golden domes and intricate mosaics shining in the sunlight, it feels absolutely magical. Inside, the basilica is stunning beyond words. The golden mosaics that cover the ceilings and walls are extraordinary, telling biblical stories in incredible detail and color. The marble floors, arches, and artwork all reflect centuries of Venetian glory and devotion. Every corner feels sacred and timeless. The view from the terrace is also unforgettable you can see the whole square, the Doge’s Palace, and the sparkling lagoon beyond. It’s one of the best spots to take photos and admire the beauty of Venice from above. Visiting St. Mark’s Basilica is a must for anyone coming to Venice. It’s not just a church it’s a living piece of art and history that leaves you amazed and inspired.

Wow. First look was across the square - what a magnificent place. Loved listening to Rick Steeves podcast about the square and outside of the church. So many intricacies and unique bits. Then we were a part of a mass in the side chapel- so lovely. Came back later that day for the whole tour (again with RS!) amazing history, architecture, heaving floor & art! Did the whole deal with Pala d’oro and Loggia and glad I did. So cool to get up close to the horses, the mosaics, the view from up top. I bought tickets the same day but that saved me some waiting time.

The Saint Mark’s Basilica is one of the most beautiful Catholic churches I have ever visited. The basilica blends perfectly with the surrounding Saint Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace, creating a breathtaking historical setting. The main altar is truly a jewel—absolutely astonishing in its detail and craftsmanship. On the second floor, the four Greek horses are remarkable pieces of art and history. I highly recommend visiting this magnificent church with a guided tour to fully appreciate its rich background and hidden details.

Clearly a masterpiece of art and architecture, I would encourage everyone to visit St. Mark’s. However, be careful what you’re doing when buying tickets. Our ticket just got us in to the basilica itself which meant we missed a few things; my fault but the ticketing website was not 100% clear. It also made the whole thing feel a bit like a grubby money making exercise, which in one way I guess it is. Also I think it would be good to be able to buy an official multi ticket for the most popular things in the square (basilica, campanile, palace) without having to buy them all separately at full cost.

How do I begin with this review? First off it is a beautiful and unique church with it's design and famous mosaic. The catch is, you have to pay 10 Euros per entry as of Oct 2025. Why do we need to pay to enter a church, a place of worship? And for the 10 Euros paid, what you can see very limited, basically it's just going in and have a look around, without having access to Pala d’oro e Museo Loggia dei cavalli. What you get for what you paid is extremely not worth it. Buy tickets in advance to avoid any hassle of having to buy tickets on the day itself.

The Basilica di San Marco is really impressive. It offers incredible details and beautiful art. It is usually sold out for the next 2 days, so I recommend purchasing tickets in advance. On the official website you can buy it with an entry time, so you don’t have to queue outside. Once inside, you can also buy tickets for some additional areas of the Basilica, directly through a QR code that is placed right in front of the area you want to visit. If you wish to get an audio guide, you can rent one once inside, just after the access, but you will need your own earphones (which currently need a mini jack to be connected to the device), if you don’t have it, you can still hear it placing the device on your ear. This is available in several languages and it will be necessary if you want to know what you’re looking at in the Basilica. Depending on how long you want to stay inside, you may be able to see it all in 30-60 minutes, differently from the Palazzo Ducale which takes much longer. Have fun!

St. Mark’s Basilica is absolutely stunning and a must-see in Venice. I highly recommend visiting the museum and, most importantly, stepping out onto the terrace — the view over the square and the lagoon is simply breathtaking!

Yes..the bookstore is quirky! Yes the bookstore is small Yes..there are plenty of cats wondering around Yes..it is a great photo op! This bookstore has become Instagram Famous..so if you are actually searching for a book ..this is not the place to look! I would say if you are near the Rialto Bridge and wanna check it out…go for it..but lower expectations and donate to the cat’s food on your way out!

Another gem destroyed by influencers on Instagram / Tiktok. What was an amazing and quirky bookshop is now just a place for people to take photos. The amount of people that go through the shop and don't buy anything is really annoying. It's nuts that people just step inside take their photos and leave.

We had not set out for here on an early morning wander but turned a corner and from a bridge saw the rear door gondola. We thought we should pop in. Initially it was quiet, we had space to look and choose some bits and pieces but suddenly it was rammed you could only walk one way and the poor guy directing trying to explain it was a book shop. What was sad was the amount of people stopping for photos of each other, themselves and the surroundings but not purchasing anything... Without trade how do the shops survive?! People taking photos for themselves, their insta account etc just think... If it's worth a visit, you are not paying an entry fee, show the owner some courtesy buy a post card, a magnet of Venice, a poster, a paper journal, a tote bag or even a book!

Visit with a right expectation and you will be fine. It is very popular with tourists and it is not your usual bookstore for browsing or reading but for Instagramming. You have to carry your backpack in front and follow the designated walking path, to the back and out in quick time. Every corner is quirky and well lived. On the way out, we managed to pick up and paid for two books, as there was no long queue at the checkout counter.

Super cool!! But way overcrowded so much so that they have to have employees usher people through, you don’t really have time to look at any of the books. But I can see why it’s popular, it’s really neat. But too small of a place to draw so many people

Sadly I think this is a place that is now too popular, perhaps overhyped by exposure on social media. It was very interesting inside but also very crowded, this was a pity as the book selection was actually very varied and interesting. We didn’t see a single cat, I guess they were hiding from the crowds.

We visited Libreria Acqua Alta hoping to take some photos on the famous book staircase and inside the gondola, but unfortunately both areas were closed — maybe because it was a rainy day. We also wanted to browse for some vintage books, but the selection seemed mostly modern titles. It’s still a charming and quirky place to see, but we left a bit disappointed overall.

A visit here is €15, somehow steeper than visiting the actual basilica over the square, but I think it was worth it. You get a quick lift ride to the top of the tower and then obviously the views across the city. It was a bit rainy when we went but this didn’t ruin the experience. We did expect some kind of joined up ticket system for St. Mark’s Square; I think it would be good to be able to buy a linked ticket for the basilica, campanile and palace. Similar to the Doge’s Palace, the online ticket system was hard to navigate but it worked in the end.

You can now only purchase tickets for the bell tower online. There is a QR code to scan by the main entrance or visit their official website in advance. There is only one official ticket office for bell tower tickets and so you want the website with basilicasanmarco.skiperformance in the web address. I also highly recommend you do this in advance as it took us 45 minutes trying to do this there and then & the website kept crashing or took an age to buffer on account of the number of people trying to do the same thing in the same location. When we moved away from the area the website loaded more easily. They are the best views of Venice for sure and cost €15 per adult with cheaper prices for children.

The ticket system can be a little overwhelming, but once you get them, you will wait some time in queue for the lift. We had tickets for 18:00 - 18:30, the sunset was at 18:08 and we entered queue around 17:57 and got up after 18:14, the sun was already set but still was beautiful. The views you get up There is like nothing else provided in Venezia. You can see almost all of it, if you are here i definitely recomend giving these views a go.

Definitely worth to visit the tower. Great view from the top for every side of Venice. The lift takes you up and then down again. Recommend to buy tickets in advance as it might be busy. Also entrance might be flooded during high tide so be prepared with shoes covers.

This allows you to have a look around Venice from above. You reach the top of the Campanile with an elevator and once on the top you can move around (literally) the balcony (closed with a metal net for security reasons. You are able to spot the points of interest all around and there’s a map in front of every “window” to help you understand what you’re looking at. The visit can really take 30 minutes if you’re not wishing to spend much time looking at the view. You will likely need to queue for the elevator both up and down, even if you have a timed ticket. Talking of which, it would be much better to buy that in advance to select the slot which suits you best. You can do so directly on the official website, where you have to create an account. You will receive digital tickets, no need to print. You don’t need a guide for this tour, as it is literally just a sightseeing.

We decided to get stand alone tickets to see the view from Saint Marco's Campanile, the tallest structure in Venice. Ticket's for two people to visit the top is 35 USD, a bit pricy if you ask me for a 15 second elevator ride and maybe 5-10 minutes of views from above. Honestly, I cannot say it was truly worth it, the views are nice, but you cannot see any canals from the top. It was a bit crowded, and the times are not flexible.

3 stars seems harsh I know but let me explain why this stunning piece of Vencian history and architecture got a 3 from us. Firstly, enjoy for free from outside unless you are will to spend 50euro for 2. You are rushed around the venue like cattle. We tried to sit for a little while to enjoy the architecture and listen to it's history on YouTube but were asked to get up. You also can't enter the top, unless you have more than a basic ticket.A real shame -tourist trap 😕. If I was you I would save the money and spend it on a nice drink -watching the world go by.

Honestly, I found this basilica more beautiful than the San Marco. Very quiet, you're free to walk around and the entrance fee is only a few euros.

A wonderfully impressive cathedral filled with stunning carved monuments, as well as a beautiful stained glass windows. There are a number of very beautiful chapels and side rooms, with paintings by famous local artists.

Simply put, this is the largest church in Venice. Step inside, and the vastness and serenity feel almost otherworldly. Its immense scale means there’s no shortage of art to uncover at every turn, from intricate marble altars and vibrant frescoes to majestic cupolas, stained glass windows, patterned floors, and grand tombs.

Wonderful interior. Sam sold us our tickets and then showed us the switches to light up the art. This place is a hidden gem, bathed in so much history. When we visited it was almost empty, so the atmosphere was so serene with just the sound of soft prayer music.

Beautiful church! There is a small fee to enter. The staff members Sam and Fra Giuseppe were super friendly and helpful! I bought a rosary and Fra was so kind to interrupt his work to bless it with a beautiful prayer. The architecture and art are beautifully displayed throughout on the various alters. We found relics on display including a foot of Saint Catherine of Siena. This was a pleasant surprise and another jewel in the Venice . I highly recommend a visit!

Some wonderful works of art here, including a replica of a Titian mantle piece. Love the prayer cards that they offer you in each chapel, which are available in 5 different languages.

Beautiful basilica! We were lucky to join during an organ recital

Beautiful Opera House, just 8 min walk from St Marks Square. You can get a family ticket for (€30) along with an audio guide to enjoy the self guided tour. Ideal to be inside somewhere seeing this little gem on a hot day. We had a rehearsal going on too. We didn't need to pre book, just walked in and got the tickets. It was not very crowded.

A stunning theatre with a wonderful history. The “Phoenix” has risen a number of times, most recently after a fire in 1996. In the tour, there is a touching tribute to the late, great Maria Callas, who performed here in many roles over many years. The ball room and Apollo rooms are also very beautiful.

Yo 🎤 lemme drop a verse about that Venice vibe — La Fenice 🔥, the phoenix that survives. Three times down, but it rose from the flame, Every comeback stronger — remember that name. 🌟 Stepped in the spot, man, jaw hit the floor, Gold drippin’ from the ceiling, couldn’t ask for more. 💎 Architecture tight, sound pure as a prayer, Every note in the air, man, magic everywhere. 🎶 Italy flexin’ — maybe world’s best show, A theatre reborn, with that eternal glow. ✨ Take the private tour, don’t rush, just cruise, Let the velvet, the vibes, and the echoes seduce. 😎 So when you hit Venice, don’t you dare skip this, Catch that Fenice flow, it’s pure bliss. 💫 From ashes to glory, that’s the scene — A masterpiece reborn, La Fenice, the queen. 👑🔥

A breathtaking historic theater – worth the visit Teatro La Fenice is one of the most beautiful opera houses I’ve seen. The interior is grand and elegant, full of history and charm. Even if you’re not attending a performance, the guided tour gives a fascinating glimpse into Venice’s cultural past. The ticket price is a bit high for a short visit, but the experience and atmosphere make it worthwhile.

1. Atmosphere & Architecture The theatre is absolutely gorgeous — gilded, ornate, with that period elegance. Golden decorations, frescoes, chandeliers, woodwork, plush red or rose‑velvet seating, all contribute to an immersive experience. There’s a powerful sense of history: La Fenice has burned down and been restored multiple times (notably a major fire in 1996), yet each reconstruction has honored the original style. That gives the place layers of resilience, almost mythic quality, which heightens the emotional impact. 2. Acoustics & Performance The sound is often praised — many reviews say that the acoustics are excellent; the theatre skillfully balances the orchestra, the singers, and the ambiance so that even from the boxes the intimacy isn’t lost. When there is a live performance (opera, symphony, ballet), everything seems to fall into place: the space, the architecture, the music and performance combine in a way that seems to transport people — many say they get chills. 3. Cultural Significance & Emotion La Fenice has hosted many premieres by Verdi, Rossini, Donizetti, etc. It’s a place where musical history was made. That gives a visit or performance an extra layer of weight and meaning. The restoration after tragedies (fires), the passion to rebuild “com’era, dov’era” (“as it was, where it was”) adds a sense of phoenix‑like rebirth. It’s fitting symbolically. 4. Accessibility & Visitor Experience Audio guides get good marks. They help bring the history, the architecture, stories of past performances alive for visitors. The cost of a visit is often considered reasonable for what one gets (€15-€25 for Sanpaolo). Some family‑pricing options exist. #mostoere #mosinitiatief #bethelselfcatering #9barnardstreetgeorge

Beautiful venue with excellent orchestra and conductor. Classical music doesn't get any better than this. Most seats are great. The location is great. Many great restaurants nearby. Everyone is helpful. And oh, the music.

La Fenice, absolutely gorgeous. Whether you're an opera lover or not, take in a show just for the experience. Wozzeck was fantastic, although an intermission wouldn't have gone astray. Be sure to purchase your tickets several months in advance as they sell fast!

this restaurant has a sophisticated and elegant ambiance, with professional (if not particularly warm) service. for antipasti, we opted for the fried pumpkin flowers and vegetables which unfortunately is not worth the price. the zucchini was cut too thick, making it bland and unremarkable, and the pumpkin flowers lacked flavor. the tartar sauce, however, was the real star of the plate, it was rich and delicious. for our first courses, the ravioli was flavorful, though the truffle aroma was more of a whisper than a statement. the gnocchi turned out to be a single, oversized gnocco, which was a bit underwhelming in taste, though the mushrooms accompanying it were excellent. a small redemption came when the waiter surprised us with a traditional venetian carnival dessert (very delicious) that left a much better final impression. still, even given the prime location in the heart of venice, the pricing felt excessive: charging €7 for a small bottle of water is outrageous.

Elegant but pricey restaurant with great food Place Stylish and leaning toward the fancy side. Beautifully decorated with a theatre-inspired vibe. Located in a quiet area, right next to a hotel and the Teatro La Fenice. Staff Service was professional, polite, and very friendly. Everything felt attentive and of high quality. The lady host seemed very educated, but at the same time, felt cold and slightly rude. Not sure if that was the intention. Food The steak was perfectly cooked and full of flavor, with sides that complemented it well. Dessert was very good, though on the small side for the price. Prices Prices are on the higher end, but fair for the quality - in some terms. However, the menu was confusing as some items appeared priced for two people but were actually per person. On top of that, the cover charge and service charge felt excessive and unnecessary. The price for water also seemed exaggerated.

Ricardo was awesome!!! He took such great care of us as we sat in the comfy chairs on the patio out front. Weather was perfect and the cocktails were too!

Came across this beautiful restaurant/bar by accident. So glad we did! It was so elegant, we could not help but stop off for a glass of vino.

Don’t go here. It’s a tourist trap. They try to rip you off. The service is awful, they take as long as possible so the tables stay filled. Other wise it would be very empty. We waited close to 30 min before even ordering food. Some dishes the force you to order two orders. So the risotto (which was hard and undercooked) is £52. They make you order two large portions. There is no love music or snacks, but they hit you with a €5 cover charge per person. The food was just ok, both are dishes were loaded with salt, nothing was memorable. But the price was … €200 and we didn’t even have a bottle of wine. Then after all this they charge you 10% service fee! In Italy, a cover charge and service fee ?? I’m sure they only do that to tourists and hope they get away with. So if you want to pay service fees, for the worst service you have ever had, come here.

TOURIST TRAP TOURIST TRAP TOURIST TRAP Slow service, you take a seat and they charge you automatically 10€ fee per person+ 10% tip on the top of your bill. Also they tried to charge us 7€ per bottle of water we didn't have. Aperol spritz 12€ per glass. Wasn't worth it. Wasn't any bigger and definitely not stronger than any others for half price around St. Marks Square. To be honest I had better Aperol on Murano for 3,50€. Mushrom risotto was ok. 28€ per portion. Bill was 125€ for 2 portions of risotto and 4 aperol spritz is ridiculous.

WHAT AN AMAZING PLACE! We visited Taverna La Fenice on my birthday, for a cocktail (or two) and there we met the lovely bartender, who was absolutely MAGNIFICENT! We were so impressed with him and the service (faultless and to perfection) that we booked a table for the following night, sadly our last night in Venice. The food was Michelin standard, the atmosphere was magical and the staff were amazing and very friendly...except for who we think was the 'head waiter'...a blonde haired man in a blue suit and a red tie who was completely arrogant and thought himself above all other staff and obviously customers! He was constantly standing and talking to the couple on the next table, whom he obviously knew well, whilst we were trying to enjoy the ambience of the place. Not very considerate of him and very offputting. He had the task of creating our crepes at the table, no conversation with us! Almost as though it was beneath him to do this task. He made absolutely no eye contact, which made us feel very uncomfortable and even when he served the dishes to us, he could not bring himself to speak to us, just to grunt something as he handed them over - not professional at all. He then went back to talking to the couple on the next table and waited until he had finished the conversation with them and as he was moving off almost shouted at us, 'It's good, yes?' How rude. How unprofessional. How ignorant. This 'head waiter' or whoever he was, needs to pay more attention to how fabulous all the other staff are, instead of being 'puffed up' and full of his own arrogance. Ridiculous man. HOWEVER, do not let this man you off...the food is the best we tasted in Venice, the atmosphere of the restaurantis is amazing, you are made to feel special by the other staff and the bartender outside was MAGNIFICENT (I wish I had asked his name...he was so lovely) he was worth his weight in gold - what a marvellous front man for the restaurant. Exceptional. You must experience it for yourself...hopefully the 'head waiter' will leave for pastures new soon (he needs to) and let everyone else just get on with doing a spectacular job in a very professional and faultless way. Eccezionale! We will be back on our next visit to Venice. Gary and Alison Brookes x

We stumbled upon this bar while walking near St. Mark’s Cathedral and loved it so much we came back the next day. The drinks and cicchetti were excellent, and we were really impressed by how hardworking the staff were, constantly mixing drinks and keeping the whole place running smoothly.

Cute chill bar in the middle of very touristy place. Aperol was amazing, cicchetti were amazing. Special thanks to Ricardo for great service and entertaining conversation. Definitely recommend this place and will visit next time I’m in Venice.

A great bar right next to St. Mark’s Square! We stopped by late in the evening, and although it was quite busy, we managed to find a spot at the bar and started with some Aperol Spritz and cicchetti. After a while, we were joined by a lovely couple from Ireland (sending our warm greetings!). During our conversation, we ordered a glass of red wine, and shortly after, the staff surprised us with another round of complimentary cicchetti — such a thoughtful gesture! Thank you for the wonderful experience — we definitely recommend this bar!

We got 3 cicchetti and an aperol spritz, all for €16. It was a little pricey given that this bar is located right next to San Marco square. Unfortunately we weren’t pleased with the lack of recycling. My mother asked to dispose of a plastic water bottle, but one of the bartenders told us to throw it away in one of the garbages nearby. The cicchetti and the aperol spritz were pretty good!

Bar Ai de Leoni was a great stop for a snack and a drink. The server was kind, spoke English well, and gave some great recommendations, which made things super easy. The atmosphere was really cool—small, nicely designed, and it had a homey, relaxed vibe. I really enjoyed the cicchetti (Venetian-style tapas), especially the sarde in saor—easily my favorite. A perfect place to take a break and enjoy some local flavors. Highly recommend if you’re in the area.

It’s a beautiful Venice bacaro right next to Sr Marks square that is not touristy enough to make you uncomfortable and gives you imaginative tapas options and a very good set of wines by the glass. The cicchetti were great no mater whether it was just sheep’s cheese with pear mostarda, sausage with pesto or some crazy vegan concoction of dried, cooked and raw vegetables or Gorgonzola and anchovies. The wine was certainly good and quite reasonably priced with both classical and natural options to entertain almost every kind of a customer. The people running the show are young, cheerful, helpful and caring. I will come here at least once on my every visit to Venice.

Excellent colorfully lit bar we stumbled upon while walking around in late-night Venice. Their cicchetti were delicious, and the cocktails were phenomenal. Our bartender got creative and served us all sorts of delicious drinks. The highlight for me was the one in the picture, which was their creative take on a Bloody Mary and was just amazing. Right amount of spice and just perfectly savory without being heavy. Just delicious. 10/10.

My wife and I recently dined at this restaurant and were immediately captivated by the beautiful and romantic atmosphere. The ambiance truly set the stage for what we hoped would be an unforgettable evening. The service was impeccable, with attentive and friendly staff who made us feel welcome and well-cared for throughout our meal. Having been spoiled by many trips to the Inn At Little Washington, we had high expectations for the food. We chose the Venetian Spring Sampler from the menu, but unfortunately, we found the dishes to be not up to the standards of a Michelin-starred restaurant. While the presentation was lovely, the flavors and execution fell short of our expectations. Despite this, we still had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere. The setting and service made the evening special, and we left with fond memories of our time there. We finished our meal and appreciated the effort put into creating such a wonderful dining environment. Overall, while the food did not meet our high expectations, the exceptional service and enchanting atmosphere made for a delightful experience.

Stopped in for an aperitivo for three people with two sodas, one spritz, and two orders of their seafood cichetti and the bill came out to 116 euros. Service was fast and great, and you cannot beat the view because you are right in St. Mark’s Square with a live band playing. You are really paying a premium for the atmosphere and ambiance here. We only did an aperitivo but I can imagine for a larger meal with drinkers your check will balloon quickly. It is a one and done bucket list sort of place. The seafood cichetti were good and tasty but you can find even better cichetti a little further into the heart of Venice.

I went with my grandma to this restaurant 2 years ago. I write this review until now because before I didn’t realize how important it was to speak up about inequalities in restauration. We got to the restaurant and right off the bat the manager was very rude to us. I think it had to do with the fact that we were women because they were treating everyone else a lot better than us. It took a long time for someone to take our order, our dishes were arriving cold, the service was very bad, they were leaving our plates in the table even after we were done while serving the other ones, and we confirmed it was only with us when we looked at the other tables and it wasn’t that way. After 2 courses + the amusement Bouche my grandma was very offended by the managers attitude when she brought up these concerns to him. She asked for the check and to our surprise he charged us for the whole tasting menu! My grandma didn’t want to have any problems so she payed it but honestly, it has been the worst treatment I’ve ever received at any restaurant, my grandma and I felt extremely uncomfortable and belittled by this sir’s attitude and the treatment we got. For a restaurant of this category and price we expected a lot more. The food was alright, but it’s the worst treatment my grandma or I had received in our lives in a restaurant.

Myself and my husband recently visited the restaurant August /25 ,to celebrate a special birthday. We were both overwhelmed with the service on arrival couldn’t be more relaxed and comfortable within the restaurant. The food was truly described throughout the menu and was an experience so unique and delicious. Would highly recommend this restaurant for a great meal and experience on the square. Thank you for the surprise birthday treat .

This charming ristoranti is proof that not all the spots in the main touristic areas are tourist traps. Prices here are very reasonable and it was like finding a treasure, with beautiful Venice Barroque interior and gentle staff right in the heart of Piazza San Marco. I loved it and when I return to Venice this is a must go. ❤️

I had a very disappointing experience at this restaurant. Given the price and reputation, I expected a memorable fine dining meal, but the food was extremely underwhelming. The flavors were flat and lacked any real depth or creativity. The main course was so heavy and unbalanced that I couldn’t even finish it, and the dessert was overly sweet and forgettable. While the presentation was elegant, the dishes themselves felt pretentious rather than genuinely enjoyable. For the price of nearly €200 per person, the quality simply did not match the cost. I’ve had far better meals in Venice for a fraction of the price. Overall, it was a very poor value for money and not an experience I would recommend or repeat.

If you're looking for an overpriced spritz and to be dive bombed invaded by pigeons and seagulls, look no further. Honestly, this was an entertaining, albeit overly priced, stop at the Piazza San Marco on a blistering hot day. While the shade was appreciated, the people watching top notch, and the music a nice touch, the constant need to defend against aggresively encroaching pigeons and swooping seagulls made this aperol spritz stop both unique and stressful. If that's your thing, then give this place a try, but honestly, for the 16 euro aperol spritz, average at best, it's not my cup of tea, or Campari, right?

A mixed experience. The pizza was maximum average, but everything else, oh boy how nice! The mussels were absolutely top notch, the sauce a real highlight. We eat mussels alot during our venice and croatian tour, but in this restaurant they were definitely the best, we always compare to this. The board with cold cuts amazing, so big and not expensive with excel quality. The service super attentive, friendly and fast - highly recommend this place!

The food was very tasty. The environment was laid back and comfortable. The service was impeccable from the time we were seated until we left. It was a team effort from the staff making sure tables were cleared and glasses full. Our waiter Loni was absolutely wonderful, providing service with a smile and recommendations from food to beverage. He made the experience even more enjoyable with his attentiveness and kindness.

Love this place. Food and service were excellent! Mario was very helpful and gave us excellent service. I enjoyed a very filling and delicious seafood spaghetti as my 1st course and the bass filet with roasted potatoes as the 2nd course. The coffee was perfect. They do serve bread to the table.

Mario and colleagues at Al Vaporetto were very welcoming. My husband and I enjoyed the upbeat, friendly atmosphere. All of the patrons were very happy around us. My favourite restaurant since visiting Venice. We enjoyed a wonderful dish of calamari and tiramisu!

This poor rating is so unfair and unjustified! Here are my two cents aiming to change it! Very cosy home-like Italian restaurant with excellent food. The „menu of the day“ offers generous portions of the tasty dishes. My daughter is picky about lasagna and she gave the highest score to this one! The rest of the family had various seafood including the preset menu. Calamari with baked rosemary potatoes, seafood spaghetti and seafood risotto- everything of the excellent taste and a very nice serving (unfortunately we didn’t take any pictures!). Friendly personnel and quick service despite the lunch time rush hour!

We had excellent service with Mario! Delicious pizza, bruschetta, and friendly service. Would definitely come again.

Great food, ambience and service. Our server Mario was awesome! He recommended catch of the day, which was Sea-bass with grilled vegetables. Server and manager deconstructed it at the table and took out the bones. Delicious food. Will always visit whenever I come to Venice again.

This palace is beautiful and full of history and artwork. I recommend buying tickets ahead of time and giving yourself at least two hours to explore. I recommend getting a tour guide to learn more about the history of the palace. The café was also nice and not too expensive. It’s a must see when in Venice.

The Doge’s Palace in Venice is one of the city’s true highlights. The architecture is stunning, and the frescoes that adorn the walls are absolutely breathtaking — a masterpiece of art that can only be rivaled by those in the Vatican. The entire building exudes history and power, making it easy to imagine the grandeur of Venice’s past. I highly recommend visiting this remarkable landmark.

You have to get tickets online so you'll save time, not waiting to buy tickets. This palace is gorgeous, you will need more than an hour to see everything. This place is huge, there is a lot of photos opportunity. They have a impressive selection of fancy rooms. The ceiling is full of art, with golden details. Take time to learn about the history of this place. They have tour guides here as well, in case you want to learn more in detail. Give yourself about 2 hours here.

A breathtaking journey into Venetian power and art. The sheer scale and opulence of the palace is mind-blowing. Walking over the Bridge of Sighs was a surreal experience. A must-see in Venice!

A must-see in Venice! The Doge’s Palace is absolutely breathtaking — filled with history, incredible art, and ornate architecture that captures the essence of Venice’s power and beauty. We visited around 5 PM, and it wasn’t busy at all, which made it even more enjoyable to explore at our own pace. Highly recommend booking tickets in advance to skip any lines and ensure your preferred time. Walking across the Bridge of Sighs and seeing the view from both sides was unforgettable. Truly one of the highlights of our trip!

Book ahead of time and the queue isn't TOTALLY awful. Impressive selection of fancy rooms with big paintings in them. Have fun spotting which doge looks the most like Santa! Surprised the gift shop doesn't do Doge Top Trumps, this would sell (if palazzo ducale are listening). Also top tip: at some point in the tour you get to the prison cells and you have the option to take the short route or the 'complete tour'. The complete tour is just LOTS MORE PRISON CELLS. Only take if you really enjoy empty stone rooms and stairs!

Really stunning museum inside, illustrating the complex political system of the Republic of Venice and the history of the palace/prison. I would say that the ticketing system (in common with a lot of things in the St. Mark’s area) was insane. I couldn’t get the website to sell me a ticket without booking for another museum at the same time. In the end we just stood in the queue which wasn’t too bad (visited at end of October).

A bridge of sighs — and a reminder of the One who hears every cry. The Bridge of Sighs in Venice carries a heavy history. It once connected the courtrooms to the prison — a final passage for those who had been judged, their sighs echoing through the stone as they glimpsed their last view of freedom. But even in a place of sorrow, there is hope. Because there is One who hears every sigh, sees every tear, and offers true freedom — not just from chains, but from sin. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) The Bridge of Sighs reminds us that judgment is real — but so is mercy. Where human justice ends, divine grace begins. Through Jesus, the ultimate Judge became our Savior. He took our place so we could walk in freedom, not in fear. So even the saddest bridges can become sacred places when they point us to the cross — where the deepest sigh was breathed, and the greatest love was revealed. To God be the glory — even in our sighs, He brings salvation.

Take the tour inside and you can walk though it. Unbelievable history there. Picture is view from inside it looking out. Great pictures from bridge down near the water. Venice is so beautiful and a great place to spend time at. Take a gondola ride under the bridge of signs. So many things to see and do in Venice. Definitely take some tours and learn the history of the city. It is so worth it.

Famous historical site. It is an enclosed bridge that passes over the Rio di Palazzo. It is made of white limestone and has windows with stone bars. It connects the New Prison to the interrogation rooms in Doge's Palace. The English name comes from the suggestion that prisoners would stop on the bridge and sigh at their final view of the beautiful Venice city before being led away to their cells.

I have always been intrigued by the story behind the name of the Bridge of Sighs, and have been looking forward to be on the bridge, when I visit Venice. The bridge was constructed in the opening years of the 17th century to link the palace's old prison and courtrooms with a newly constructed slammer across the narrow canal.⁣⁣ According to legend, the bridge takes its name from the despairing sighs of prisoners gazing out at the beauty of Venice through the shuttered stonework as they were led away to their dark future of imprisonment. The bridge’s combination of beauty and intrigue makes it one of the favourite places in Venice. And of course it attracted the crowd too. It was great experience to be here.

The bridge of sighs is located a few steps away from Piazza San Marco and therefore gets very busy. The bridge connects the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace to the Prigioni Nuove ( the new prison ) and was built in early 1600s. Entirely enclosed, it consists of two narrow and separated corridors designed as best as possible to prevent any possible prisoner's escape. Known today as the bridge of love, it was originally the bridge that prisoners crossed before being put in the prison and from which, sighing, they could see the sunlight for the last time. If you visit the Doge’s Palace you can walk through it.

You can see the bridge from the outside and go on it as part of the Dodge's Palace tickets. It's a section when you visit palace which is amazing

The Bridge of Sighs is one of Venice’s most photographed landmarks, and it’s easy to see why. With its elegant Baroque design and rich history, this stunning bridge captures the imagination of visitors from around the world. Spanning the Rio di Palazzo, it connects the opulent Palazzo Ducale to the adjacent prison, creating a stark contrast between grandeur and confinement. The bridge’s evocative name comes from the sighs of prisoners who, according to legend, took one last wistful look at the breathtaking Venetian lagoon before being led to their cells. Designed by Antonio Contino in the 17th century, its delicate white limestone façade and intricate carvings add to its romantic yet melancholic allure. Today, the Bridge of Sighs remains a symbol of Venice’s enchanting past. Whether viewed from the water on a gondola ride or admired from the nearby Ponte della Paglia, it offers a glimpse into the city’s layered history. The legend surrounding it has even inspired couples to believe that sharing a kiss beneath the bridge at sunset will ensure eternal love. With its fascinating story and architectural beauty, it’s no wonder this bridge continues to captivate visitors from all over the world.

Fabulous and iconic Venetian church, designed by Baldassare Longhena (1598-1682), it looks great inside and out. Its characteristic dome can be seen from many angles across Venice. With the outside newly renovated, it looks better than ever.

The basilica itself is free, so definitely worth a visit. To get a view from the top, you have to go there to scan the qr code to book a slot. There's quite a few stairs up, and it's tight and windy but the view is lovely. However, it is very tight at the top and I think they let slightly too many people go up there. I think half the group size would be much better. Bare in mind too that once you're up there, you can't leave till the tour guide says you can. It's about half an hour up there.

This is of course one of the primary sites of interest in Venice and filled with great works by the master Titian. The main altar too is spectacular. The marble flooring directly under the famous dome is not currently accessible and there is some repair work going on. The church is free to enter.

A rather impressive sight from the outside (immersive and very detail, white marble with plenty of details carved), very nicely located for "viewing" all the way from St. Marco. Amazing sight indeed. Rather simplistic in the inside but still a marvel of architecture!

One of the most photographed objects in Venice but with a rather uninteresting interior. The best light is just before sunrise coming into Canal Grande from the lagoon with the vaporetto.

Lovely place, in a fab location. I did the dome tour too, which was good. Make sure you're on time though, cos Mr Man doesn't wait for sluggards! It's a load of steps up, and there are a couple of half interesting spots on the way up, but it's not like going up St Paul's. It's all about the view from the top, which is pretty good, and not too high, but its not a patch on the view from the Campanile (or St Georgio), mainly because you can only look out to the north over the Grand Canal. It's a bit cramped too.

Beautiful domed basilica on the water. The outside is best views in early morning or late evening from the bridge or across the grand canal.

I enjoyed Peggy Guggenheim. I am also a fan of contemporary/ Modern Art! I am fascinated at how creative and ahead of their times the artists that she collected were in the 1930's. Get the audio version, the back story helps you understand the relationships that Peggy had (or did not have) with the artists. If you don't like contemporary art, go for the view it is beautiful overlooking the canal or in the garden. Venezia!!! Venice is eternity itself.❤️

A must see when in Venice, totally worth the visit. I also recommend spending the extra €7 (on the steep side, to be fair) for the audioguide since there's an abundance of information regarding the artists and the collection in general (and the collectors themselves, of course). While a small gallery, the switch from garden to rooms to terrace (with exhibits) gives a nice and sophisticated feeling itself. You'll find the chance to see original Kandinsky, Picasso, Dali and Ernest (and many other famous contemporaries). I hope this helps 😊 P.S. while we booked in advance for early morning, there was no difficulty to also purchase tickets there. However, there was much more visitors than we expected, especially this early (first hours of opening).

A timeless favorite in Venice and one of the most enjoyable museum experiences in the city. Entry was €16 per person, and absolutely worth it. The collection brings together some of the most iconic works of modern art — Pollock, Miró, Magritte, Calder, and of course, Peggy’s own spirit running through the house. The museum is compact but deeply personal, with pieces displayed in what was once her home overlooking the Grand Canal. We started with coffee and a slice of chocolate cake at the café (a bit ordinary, but the view made up for it) before exploring the galleries. Intimate, vibrant, and full of history — it’s easy to see why this is a favorite spot for so many visitors.

I am not a huge modern art fan but found several pieces that spoke to me. The gardens and terrace over the Grand Canal on the other hand were spectacular. I would have loved to have visited wgen it was her home! I didn’t expect as many steps as there were but was also sore from almost two weeks of walking around Venice by the time I was here. Glad I went!

Beautiful historic complex by the Canale Grande and quite an impressive collection. They also have temporary exhibitions of good quality. Be mindful though that accessibility is only warranted in the sculpture garden. Everywhere else there’s stairs up and down into and in the buildings.

Probably the most visited museum for modern art in Venice. To avoid waiting for an hour in front of the ticket office, buy your ticket on the internet. The art is safe, e.g. Mrs Guggenheim preferred to invest in known artists rather than taking risks. Much of the pleasure of coming here is negatively affected by the affluence of visitors. Plan your visit accordingly if you can.

WORLD CLASS! 👍👍👍👍👍 Here you will find a lot of the best artists of the best, a top place to visit in Venice. 🥰 They have a nice café. ☕🍷🍺 Entrance 15€, discount of you are owner 70 years old. 🙏 Picasso, Miro, Kandinsky and more of those guys. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Had a fantastic meal here, highly recommended. It’s expensive, but very much worth the price - go for lunch if you want the best value. Each course was beautifully presented and delicious. Expect portions to be smaller (plenty!) and the quality to be far above average, with attentive service. Their wine suggestions for local wines were perfectly matched to the meal - I had the Rabbit, my wife enjoyed the fish of the day, and we shared a very nice seafood pasta and a wonderfully simple dessert. Also had a very nice regional Vermouth.

Overall this wasn't a bad experience but it wasn't a star worthy experience, in my opinion. The service was excellent. The room was partitioned so the waiter had to keep popping in which gave the illusion of feeling rushed, but it wasn't. The 5 glass wine pairing was excellent, albeit the pours were light considering the 70 euro price point. The food was mostly uninspiring and safe. The most thought provoking dishes were the fowl ravioli & the ice cream. The potatoes on the rabbit & potato course lacked seasoning. All in all, it was just shy of a satisfactory experience. I left questioning my choice to come here.

Il Ridotto has an intimate setting and delicate plates, but my experience was mixed. The starters and desserts were the highlights, innovative such as the Negroni with a shark fin garnish stood out as the most inventive touch of the evening. Unfortunately, the risotto was undercooked, with grains still chalky at the core, which took away from the balance of the dish. Dessert was pleasant and well executed a bit Icelandic frozen yogurt inspired The real issue was the service: our dinner stretched to nearly four hours, and I’m not exaggerating. Courses arrived painfully slowly, to the point where other tables finished their meals entirely while we were still waiting. The staff remained polite, but the pacing ruined the flow of what could have been a memorable night. I know the restaurant is run by a father-and-son duo, and while the culinary ideas are promising, the service side still needs serious attention. For me, its a pass in Venice unless they resolve this.

We always go to Il Ridotto when we visit Venice from Australia. Last Tuesday we very much enjoyed the flavour of the lobster and rabbit dishes - such surprising and delicious tastes. I loved the white wine the waiter chose for me, to go with the lobster. It is fun to try the amuse bouche and small sweet things they give you free at the beginning of the meal and with a hot drink at the end. They found some real mint to make tea for my daughter and me. They were so kind. Il Ridotto felt like a peaceful haven at the heart of a very busy city.

We ordered from the a la carte menu. The lobster and scallops taste amazing. The squid ink pasta is a little too spicy for me, but my mum likes it a lot. The wine is just average tho. The waitress was very helpful, explained the dishes well Good experience overall if you are looking for a quiet place to dine in Venice!

We are so grateful to the whole staff for their hospitality. Everything was thought of to the last detail. Can't wait to visit again!

A really lovely dining experience. I would give it a 4.5 out of 5. We ate from the a la carte menu and it was very tasty. I also had one of the wine trails which was also a nice mix of different white and red wines. This was a really great meal and I would definitely recommend it. When you go to fine dining restaurants you obviously hold it to a very high standard so 4.5 out of 5 should not be seen as a negative at all. The young man who served us was great and very polite. The only negative in this regard was the service slowed a bit as the restaurant got busier but this is no reflection on how good he was at explaining the food and wines etc.

BEAUTIFUL DELICIOUS AUTHENTIC This is a family restaurant. Very beautiful, and the staff was very friendly. We had a delightful chat with Joseph, who has been doing this for many years. When your food is absolutely delicious. and the owner smiles back at you, it is very special. The food was fresh, hot, and delicious. We celebrated our anniversary at the PERFECT place. 💯 💯 🇮🇹 🍝 🏆🇮🇹 Joseph, we thank you from the bottom of our Mississippi hearts. HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION ❤️ Matt and Tiffany

Beautiful atmosphere. Calm and quiet with an attentive waitstaff that make you feel like you found a hidden gem. The owner/chef stopped by our table to ensure everything was perfect. The gondolas passed behind me as I sat eating. Try the tiramisu! This is what it was meant to taste like. Not sugary sweet but rich and full!!

Tucked away in a quiet spot near San Marco, this charming Venetian restaurant delivered both atmosphere and flavor. They welcome us with a drink. We ordered the squid with polenta and the scampi pasta and both dishes were absolutely delicious. The squid was perfectly tender, with a rich, savory ink sauce that paired beautifully with the creamy polenta. The scampi pasta was equally impressive and flavorful. The setting was warm and inviting, with classic decor that gave a sense of timeless Venetian hospitality. The service was friendly and attentive without being intrusive. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Venetian cuisine in a cozy and elegant setting.

First of all, the service was incredible. We had traveled all day from IOS Greece, hadn’t eaten in 12 hours, showed up at 10pm (close to last call 10:30) and we were treated incredibly. We started with the carpaccio (which I always drizzle a little olive oil, balsamic and a pinch of salt). It was very yummy. My partner had the Langoustine in Tomato sauce and I had the Salami/Prosciutto/Mushroom pizza (ask for the chili oil). Both were delicious. Oh get the house red. It’s light and delicious! The garden seating was charming and romantic. 5⭐️s all the way.

Omg!!! The Service is sooooo lovely!!!! Feel right at home :) The food was very delicious! We had a lot if fun and great time anne come back so bad 😍😍😍😍

We checked into Venice around 6 pm and dragging after a long few days in Paris. Our hotel recommended them, and since they were a short walk from us, we went there. Incredible food!! Service was exceptional, funny, and nice. Spaghetti carbonara was amazing, pizze was exceptional, lasagna incredible, calzone delicious, and OMG the Tiramisu. We will return before we head off to Rome in a couple of days. Oh, excellent wines as well.

Such an incredible night! The Owner and staff work hard to create an authentic and memorable experience! Beautiful and clean restaurant! We trusted Joseph and he took our menus and brought out incredible dish after incredible dish. True Traditional Venetian food!! It was our last stop before heading back to the US after a month in Italy and what a way to end it!! First my wife and Shared a seafood platter of local caught shellfish next, we both had an incredible clam pasta then, each of us had a whole fish with the traditional grilled polenta cake with mixed grilled veggies (so good). We were stuffed at this point but had to get one last tiramisu before leaving Italy and it did not disappoint!! We shared a bottle of local a White wine, and throughout the entire meal they kept bringing out complimentary digestifs. You will not leave hungry or thirsty!! We’d come back to Venice just to eat here and experience the wonderful food of Ristorante Antica Sacrestia one more time!

Corner shop with fresh sandwich, pastries, and coffee. Gelato of course. We tried the sweet Ricotta pastry & vanilla croissant with our cappuccino. So fresh & so delicious. Service was good, but dont be in a rush. Only standing room to eat & drink. Turns into bar at night.

Amazing cappuccio and cornetto! Seriously great coffee. And a lively atmosphere. The baristas were having fun and make a caffé that’s fantastico!

Tiny café with no seating and not much to choose from. Honestly it didn’t look like much at first, and my son was a bit skeptical. We each had a chocolate croissant and a cappuccino. The cappuccino was great, but also the tiniest one I’ve ever had. The real surprise was the croissant: warm, fresh, and seriously good. We went in with low expectations and left happy. That said, the staff wasn’t particularly friendly.

The boss is wonderful, really original and super nice people, including coffee

We stopped by every day for a morning Cappuccino and a sandwich. At times we had them to go (a 0.50 euro surcharge) and sometimes we stayed just outside, watching the gondolas pass by. The staff was accommodating to English speaking tourists; some sandwiches were served hot (warmed up in the microwave before serving) but we didn't expect them to be all fresh from the kitchen/oven, the place is very small. One morning I had too many things to carry back to room and one staff member offered a tray to carry everything, and asked to have it returned afterwards. I didn't use it but I appreciated the thought. I would have no problem going back again while in Venice.

Had both breakfast and lunch here. So local experience all the gondolieri as they stop in for their morning fix. Enjoyed fresh croissant with cream filling. Partake in the ham/formagio and the veggie spinach/formagio calzones. Not cheap, but not bad either understanding Venice prices. Highly recommend stopping by for an expresso.

Great food and decent pricing. The staff don’t have a lot of patience, so be ready with your order by the time it comes for you to order.

Great central location and neat, comfortable rooms. The air conditioning is centrally controlled so the fan can be noisy and you can't do anything. The rooms are pretty compact although you still get a good sized shower. There's an attempt to still give you a breakfast of sorts but it's not really worth it to be honest. The historic cafe next door is a great experience, delicious pastry and coffee to start a day of exploring Venice and you get a little discount for staying at the hotel.

We stopped for a coffee and air-conditioned space :). Lovely restaurant with a large selection of sweet and savory snacks. In the late morning, we had coffee and cake but came back for pasta 😋 with fish and aperol spritz. Good food at a very reasonable price, quick service, and lovely space to catch your breath while visiting San Marco.

The people behind the cafe were so rude, I do not understand italian n had problem understanding. We made 2 orders instead of combining them. This did not make them happy. There r lots of other places with good food nearby

At the pasticceria, part of our order was an apricot and a pistachio croissant. Each of these croissants had only a dab on top and no filling... first place that ever did this as all the other places had filling. Second, the croissants were not as fluffy as they should have been. Lastly, we paid with a 100€ bill and the cashier put the bill under the drawer where it appears they keep the big bills. She then pulls out change for a 50; we point out that we gave a 100 and she makes a remark that we're not patient since she still had to take a 50€ bill from under the drawer for our change. The point here is that she could have taken the 50€ bill when she put the 100€ bill there, so it appears that she was trying to pull a fast one.

Great food and coffee but service was horrible. We ordered a croissant 3 times and did not get it. From a hygiene perspective also quite difficult: There were pigeons IN cafeteria.

Extremely rude service. After we paid the young server said we were not allowed to sit and occupy the table after we finished eating unless we bought something else. The restaurant was not even close to full , if it was I’d understand. Not worth coming. 7:30 25th July

Nothing taste good, was recommended the fig but tastes nothing special. The round one with the cream tastes like cream gone off 🥹 the server was very nice though.