Location
Venice is built across 118 small islands linked by canals and bridges in a lagoon off the Adriatic. To protect the historic centre, large cruise ships now use terminals at Marghera / Fusina / Chioggia on the mainland, with transfers into the city; smaller vessels may still use the Marittima terminal.
How to Arrive
- Venice Marco Polo (VCE) is about 13 km from the city; Treviso (TSF) is farther out.
- From the airport, the Alilaguna water bus, land buses to Piazzale Roma, or water taxis connect to the centre.
- There are no cars in historic Venice — you move by foot, vaporetto (water bus) or water taxi.
Cruise Terminal & Getting Around
- Transfer shuttles link the current cruise berths to the city.
- The vaporetto network is the backbone of public transport; buy a timed travel pass if you plan several hops. Gondolas are a classic (and pricier) experience.
What to See
- St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) with the Basilica and Campanile.
- Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs.
- Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal.
- The glass island of Murano and the colourful houses of Burano.
Shopping & Food
Look for Murano glass, Burano lace and Carnival masks. For food, try cicchetti (Venetian tapas) in a bacaro, fresh seafood, and risotto. Prices right on St Mark’s Square are high — step a few streets back for better value.
Local Tips
- Venice is a maze — allow extra time to find your way back, and keep a map handy.
- Currency is the Euro; emergency number 112.
- A visitor access fee applies to day-trippers on certain dates — check current rules.
