A trip to Venice is an unforgettable experience, and, although the city isn’t large, you’ll be hard-pushed to visit all its most popular attractions in just a day or two.
Renting a car at Venice Airport will give you the chance to spend time in the city but also head to the nearby beaches and visit other destinations in this beautiful region of Italy.
Heart of the city
For first-time visitors, there are some attractions that inevitably shoot straight to the top of the itinerary. At the heart of the city you’ll find Piazza San Marco, a stately square framed by magnificent columned buildings. The piazza is very popular with visitors, especially in the summer.
At the center of the action is the Basilica di San Marco. This spectacular, domed cathedral is the jewel in Venice’s architectural crown, first built in the 9th century to house the remains of St Mark. It’s well worth the wait to get inside, where you’ll see vivid mosaics adorning the ceilings and golden domes, embellished with biblical scenes.
You are encouraged to dress modestly when entering, covering your shoulders and knees, with clothes handed out at the entrance if required.
Palatial splendor
Just a short distance from the Piazza San Marco you’ll find the Palazzo Ducale, or the Doge’s Palace. This decorated building was once the base for the rulers of the Republic of Venice.
Formerly the political and administrative center of the city, today this Gothic masterpiece is open to the public as a museum.
Head inside to admire the ornate staterooms and private apartments, as well as the courtyard and dungeons. Here you can also see the famous Bridge of Sighs, so called because it gave convicts their last sight of the city as they were led from the palace to the city jail.
Beaches beyond
Just 40 miles outside the city, you’ll find Lido di Jesolo, a man-made resort with miles of sandy beaches and clear blue waters. This destination is filled with cafes, restaurants and stores, as well as plenty of family-friendly attractions, such as a water park and fairground.
This part of the coastline, sometimes called the Venetian Riviera, is the perfect day trip from Venice to relax and soak up some rays. From Lido di Jesolo, you can continue your Italian adventure up the coast, relaxing on the sandy beaches of Porto Santa Margherita and Lignano Sabbiadoro.
Venice offers so many iconic experiences. Walking over Rialto Bridge, taking a gondola ride along the Grand Canal and sampling the famous gelatos are all essential parts of any trip here.
With a rental car from Venice Airport you also have the freedom to explore the gorgeous Veneto region, from the vibrant cities to the sun-drenched coast.