Location & Transportation
If you are flying into Marco Polo Airport, be sure to sit on the right-hand side of the plane for an aerial preview of Venice and the cruise terminal. The airport can feel a bit cramped due to the high volume of passengers, so just be patient and follow the clear signage. Arriving two hours before your plane’s departure is plenty of time – you won’t be able to drop your bags any earlier anyway.
For detailed instructions on reaching the cruise terminal from Marco Polo Airport, click here.
If you have some extra time, consider taking the Alilaguna Blu line boat. For around €15, you can enjoy a scenic 90-minute tour around Venice that docks right among the cruise ships.
Traveling by bus from Treviso Airport is another option. The local company ATVO operates coach services scheduled to meet arriving and departing flights. The journey varies between 35 and 70 minutes and typically stops first in Mestre – Venice’s mainland area – before heading over the bridge to Piazzale Roma, the main transport hub. In Venice, you can purchase tickets at the ATVO office in Piazzale Roma (note: tickets are not sold onboard).
If you’re arriving by car, the cruise terminal’s car park is available on days when ships are in port. Make an online reservation here.
For train travelers arriving at St. Lucia Railway Station, you can easily reach the terminal by:
- Taking a public water bus (vaporetti) to Piazzale Roma where shuttle services to the terminal are available.
- Catching a water taxi directly to the cruise terminal.
From Mestre Railway Station (about 10 km away), you can reach Venice by taxi (approximately a 20-minute ride) or by a public bus arriving in Piazzale Roma.
Please note that since 2020, larger ships (over 25,000 tonnes or 2000+ pax) are not allowed to steam past St Mark's Square. Such ships now dock at mainland ports like Marghera or Fusina – just a 15-minute drive away. Some cruise lines have shifted operations to Ravenna or Trieste, though check in still occurs at the old cruise terminal Marittima with shuttle transfers to the new terminals.
For the latest cruise schedule, click here.
A clickable map of Venice is also available if you need a visual guide.
Sightseeing
Venice is a city best explored on foot and by boat. Here are some must-see highlights:
- Piazza San Marco: The most famous square in Venice, where you can admire its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
- Clock Tower: Take a guided tour of this Renaissance tower for a close-up look at its clock mechanism and enjoy breathtaking views over Piazza San Marco.
- The Rialto Bridge: Also known as Ponte di Rialto, this iconic bridge spans the Grand Canal and offers plenty of photo opportunities.
- Secret Itineraries in Doge's Palace: Discover hidden rooms and fascinating historical secrets on a specialized guided tour (advance booking is recommended).
- Scenic Canals and Gondola Rides: A classic Venetian experience is to cruise along the winding canals. I highly recommend agreeing on a fixed price before getting on a gondola.
Additionally, Venice is not just about the city itself. A boat trip to the nearby islands is a wonderful way to extend your sightseeing:
- Murano: World famous for its exquisite glass-making.
- Burano: A colorful fishing village renowned for its lace and vividly painted houses.
- Torcello: A charming island that was once the heart of early Venetian civilization.
- Lido: If you’re looking for a beach day, take a vaporetto to the Lido for golden sands and relaxing promenades along Fondamenta delle Zattere.
Tours & Excursions
One of the best ways to experience Venice is by venturing beyond the city center:
- Public Transport Adventure: Step off your cruise terminal, hop on the People Mover (a quick 1.50 € ride) to Piazzale Roma, then purchase a day ticket for the ACTV water buses (vaporetti). This hop-on, hop-off experience makes it easy to explore not only central Venice but also its surrounding islands like Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
- Gondola Ride: Enjoy a traditional gondola ride. Expect to pay around €70 for a 50-minute trip for up to six passengers. Always agree on a price with the gondolier before boarding.
- Guided Walking Tours: Venice’s winding alleys and hidden corners are best explored with a knowledgeable guide who can reveal stories that you won’t find in any guidebook.
- Day Trips to Nearby Towns: If you have extra time, consider visiting nearby Veneto towns:
- Verona: Famous for its Roman ruins and Shakespearean romance.
- Padua: Rich in history and art, with impressive architecture and Giotto’s frescoes.
- Treviso: A quiet town with charming canals.
- Vicenza and the Palladian Villas: See the stunning works of architect Andrea Palladio as you travel along the Brenta Canal.
For more details on regional transport options, check out the ACTV Pass information.
Shopping
Venice has long been a hub for luxury goods and unique finds. The main shopping areas include:
- Mercerie and the Frezzeria: These streets wind between Campo San Fantin and Piazza San Marco, offering everything from high fashion to unique artisanal products.
- Calle Larga XXII Marzo: Home to designer stores like Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Fendi, and Ferragamo.
- Calle della Mandola: Ideal for those looking for books, glass beads, and local crafts.
- Campo Santo Stefano and San Marco: Great areas for antiques and one-of-a-kind boutiques.
Many cruise terminals have duty-free stores, but for a broader selection, I recommend exploring the charming backstreets and local markets.
Dining
Venice is a food lover’s paradise with a mix of traditional Venetian dishes and modern culinary twists. Some of my personal favorites include:
- Cicchetti Bars: Enjoy small plates (similar to Spanish tapas) accompanied by a glass of wine or spritz – perfect for a light meal.
- Seafood Risotto and Pasta: Fresh seafood dishes are a staple in Venice. Look for local specialties such as risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto) or pasta with clams.
- Traditional Osterie: Many local trattorias offer authentic Venetian cuisine using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Eating here is a great way to experience the city’s culture firsthand.
Be prepared: Venice can be expensive. A well-prepared cappuccino or soda on a sunlit terrace in Piazza San Marco might set you back around €14.
Culture & Local Events
Venice’s charm extends well beyond its streets and canals. Here’s some practical cultural information and insight into local events:
- Local Currency & Cost of Living: Venice uses the Euro (EUR). Keep in mind that Venice is known to be expensive, especially in tourist areas. While credit cards are widely accepted, it’s always good to have some cash for smaller vendors or local markets.
- Business Hours: Most shops open around 9 a.m. and close for a long lunch break starting at 1 p.m., often reopening in the mid-afternoon and closing by 7:30 p.m. Note that many clothing and gift stores are closed on Monday mornings, with most stores closed on Sundays except for souvenir shops.
- Local Events:
- Venice Carnival: Held annually (usually in February), this world-famous event features elaborate masks, costumes, and festive parades.
- Venice Biennale: A major art and architecture exhibition held every two years that transforms the city into a vibrant cultural hub.
- Safety & Awareness:
- Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas and on popular tourist routes.
- In case of emergencies, dial 112.
- Venice’s narrow alleys and numerous bridges can be challenging for those with mobility issues, so plan accordingly if that applies to you.