Travel to Venice

The Doge City of Venice has so much more to offer than just St. Mark's Square and its romantic canals and bridges. Visit other neighborhoods to avoid the crowds, like Cannaregio or Giudecca. Venice is famous for its sights, like St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. But there's more. We have written much about our favorite hidden gems in Venice, but the canal city never ceases to surprise. 

What is Venice's best kept secret?

Venice is a city with a rich history and there are many secrets and mysteries hidden in the city and its buildings. One of Venice's most famous secrets is the story of the Dead Man of Venice, a legend that tells of a wealthy nobleman who was murdered and whose ghost roams the city forever.

There are other secrets hidden in the city, such as the secret canals and tunnels that run underneath the city. These were once used as escape routes and connections between different parts of the city. Some of these channels are still visible today, while others are hidden beneath the streets and buildings of the city.

There are also several secret rooms and quarters hidden in Venice's great palaces and buildings that were once used as hiding places or as hidden rooms where valuable works of art and treasures were kept.

What can you see on the islands in the lagoon of Venice?

There are many islands in the Venice Lagoon that can be visited. Below I will give some examples of famous islands and what you can see there:

• Murano: This island is best known for its glassblowing. You can attend a glass-blowing demonstration or visit a museum where glassware from different periods is on display.
• Burano: This island is known for its colorful houses and the production of lace. You can visit a lace factory there or just walk around the colorful streets and enjoy the view.
• Lido di Venezia: This island is known for its beaches and is a popular destination for people who want to relax on the beach or take a stroll along the promenade.
• San Giorgio Maggiore: This island is home to the church of the same name and the ruins of the monastery of San Giorgio Maggiore. The island is also known for its beautiful gardens and offers great views of the city.
• Torcello: This island is one of the oldest inhabited islands in the lagoon and is best known for its cathedral, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta. You can also visit the Lagoon Museum, which offers information about the history and life of the island.These are just a few examples of the islands you can visit in the Venice Lagoon.
• There are many other islands worth visiting, such as San Lazzaro degli Armeni, San Servolo and San Francesco del Deserto.

What is the famous movie Death in Venice about?

Death in Venice is a famous movie based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Mann. The movie is about the German composer Gustav von Aschenbach, who travels to Venice to relax and work on a new piece of music.

In Venice he meets a young, attractive Polish boy, Tadzio, who fascinates him. Von Aschenbach becomes increasingly obsessed with Tadzio and begins to let his feelings for him drive him more and more, which eventually leads to his own downfall.

The movie was directed by Luchino Visconti and is set in the beautiful city of Venice, which adds to the atmosphere of the movie. The story is a meditation on love, passion, and the passage of time, and has a tragic, romantic atmosphere. The movie is a classic and is still considered one of the best movies ever made about Venice and the art of composition.

What is the origin of the masked carnival in Venice?

The masks worn during the Carnival of Venice have a long and fascinating history. The origins of the Carnival of Venice date back to the Middle Ages, when the city was an important cultural and commercial center and a hub of trade and diplomacy. At that time, Venice was a wealthy and cosmopolitan city, and Carnival was a way for people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate.

One of the most striking features of the Venice Carnival are the masks worn by many of the participants. These masks, often intricately designed and made of different materials, serve as both a form of disguise and a means of communication.

The tradition of wearing masks during the Venice Carnival has its origins in the ancient Roman festivals Saturnalia and Lupercalia, which were held in honor of the gods Saturn and Faunus. During these celebrations, people wore masks and costumes to honor the gods.

Over time, the Venice Carnival developed its own unique traditions and customs, and masks became an integral part of the celebration. Today, the Venice Carnival is known worldwide for its elaborate masks and costumes, and it remains a popular and beloved celebration.

Is Venice expensive?

Venice is generally considered an expensive city, with high prices for accommodation, food and attractions. However, by staying in a cheaper hotel in Mestre or Airbnb, eating at local trattorias and markets, and buying a tourist pass for discounts on attractions, there are ways to save money.

Keep in mind that starting in 2023, there will also be a access-fee to visit the lagoon city, with the price depending on the day/time.

Is it safe to visit Venice?

Venice is generally a safe city to visit, but as with any tourist destination, it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions.

It is also important to note that Venice can flood at certain times of the year, so check the weather forecast and wear suitable footwear; with the new Mosedam in the lagoon, this is hopefully less likely.

Our Venice Travel Stories