Weekend in Venice, visits and activities

Have an unforgettable weekend in Venice : discover 8 ideas for activities and visits

Book a flight

From

8 ideas for an unforgettable weekend in Venice

A romantic destination, the city of the Doges is renowned for its canals, gondolas, palaces and monuments. Would you like to spend a romantic weekend with your beloved one ? Would you like to discover the palaces, churches and museums of Venice with your family or friends ?

Take a direct flight from Lyon to Venice and discover a city with an exceptional heritage and a unique atmosphere !

1. Getting to Piazza San Marco

Located in the historic center of Venice, St. Mark's Square is unusually large for the city, measuring 180 metres in length and 70 metres in width. One of the most beautiful squares in Europe, Piazza San Marco is bordered by some of the most beautiful buildings in Venice. It is a lively square during the day and evening, and is also popular for its cafes and shops. You can take a walk, admire the aerial ballet of the pigeons, stop to listen to a musician, or sit down for a gourmet break, comforting or refreshing.

Why go to Piazza San Marco ? A must for visiting the Campanile, the Basilica of San Marco and the Doge's Palace which border it on three sides, Piazza San Marco is worth a visit for its architectural majesty as much as for its atmosphere.

2. Admire the treasures of St Mark's Basilica

In the 11th century, the booming merchant city decided to equip itself with a religious building worthy of its political and economic influence. It was decided to build an impressive basilica to house one of the most precious treasures of Christianity, the relics of the Evangelist Saint Mark brought from Alexandria in the 9th century. After contemplating the facades and portals adorned with sculptures and bas-reliefs, you can enter the building to admire the medieval mosaics, statues and religious works of art.

Why enter St Mark's Basilica ? The Basilica overlooks Venice and is best viewed from the outside. But a visit to the interior of the buildings also promises continued wonderment. The golden mosaics bear witness to the city's splendour and prosperity in the Middle Ages, and continue to dazzle visitors in the 21st century.

3. Walk through the halls and corridors of the Doge's Palace

Built in the Middle Ages, the Doge's Palace was home to the Doge's who presided over the destiny of the Serenissima for almost 1000 years. Combining Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance architectural inspirations, it houses priceless decoration and works of art. During your visit to the Doge's Palace, you will be able to enter the intimacy of the ancient rulers of Venice. You can admire the Scala d'Oro (Golden Staircase), the Duke's Apartment, the Sala del Maggior Consiglio (Major Council Hall), and the Hall of Arms, which houses a collection of weapons and armour. You will also cross the famous Bridge of Sighs, so named because it led to the prisons and dungeons of the palace and was used by those condemned to death.

Why visit the Doge's Palace ? This extraordinary building surprises with its splendid decoration and its extraordinary collection of masterpieces, most of which date from the Renaissance. You can opt for a guided tour in english.

4. Crossing the Rialto Bridge

Built in the second half of the 16th century, the Rialto Bridge is the oldest structure on the Grand Canal in Venice. It houses two rows of houses forming a circumflex, connected by a double portico. You can get there in the morning, and cross it from St Mark's Square to go to the Rialto market, which takes place every day from 9am to 12pm on the Campo de la Pescaria. The colourful and fragrant stalls, the shouts of customers and merchants reveal the authentic and picturesque face of Venice. In the evening, the Rialto Bridge offers a view of the illuminations of the Serenissima.

Why cross the Rialto Bridge ? This work of art has happily survived the centuries, and offers a particularly photogenic physiognomy.

5. Visit the Correr Museum

The entrance to the museum also allows you to visit the Archaeological Museum and the National Marcian Library, both of which are accessible from the Correr Museum. Its many rooms contain real treasures: paintings and sculptures by the greatest artists of the Renaissance, valuable furniture and naval instruments. The exhibits trace the history of the city from its foundation to the 19th century. The Archaeological Museum of Venice presents the public with numerous ancient pieces from Greek and Roman times. The main hall of the National Library of Venice has remarkable ornaments, some of which were made by Veronese.

Why visit the Correr Museum ? As one of the most important museums in the city, it houses valuable collections.

6. Strolling the canals of Venice in a gondola

The city of Venice is famous for its gondolas, uniquely shaped boats that make it easy to travel the city's canals. A traditional means of transport for Venetians, the gondola is now associated with the image of Venice around the world. A stroll along the canals offers a welcome romantic break, especially when shared as a couple. It also allows you to take a fresh look at the city. Indeed, the facades and architectural features of some palaces are only visible from the canals.

Why go on a gondola ? Vaporettos or vaporetti, motor boats, are the fastest way to get from one place to another. But the gondola ride, a tourist cliché par excellence, is nonetheless a thing to do during your weekend in Venice.

7. Cruise to Murano Island

The Venetian lagoon has several islands, each with its own identity and character. The island of Murano has acquired a worldwide reputation thanks to the work of the glassblowers who settled there. Many glass factories are still in operation and can be visited for a spectacular demonstration of the art of glass blowing. You can also take advantage of your visit to the island to stroll through the streets of the small town, discover the Glass Museum, or push open the doors of the Basilica Santi Maria e Donato, the oldest in the lagoon.

Why go to Murano ? The island, with its 5000 inhabitants, offers a welcome break during your stay.

8. Shopping in Venice

Would you like to take home a souvenir from your weekend in Venice ? The Serenissima also awaits you for a shopping session. Carnival masks, worn during this famous festive event, are emblematic of the city. You can buy one in a souvenir shop, or choose a local artisan for a collector's item. The Ca'Macana workshop, which has several shops and workshops in the historic centre, produced the masks seen in Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut, Casanova and 50 Shades of Grey. Another must-see product is Murano blown glass. The island's shops and glassblowers offer jewellery, decorative objects and tableware made on site. Gourmets can also buy local culinary preparations, such as jarred sauces for pasta.

Why shop in Venice ? A weekend in Venice is often a once-in-a-lifetime trip. A shopping spree is a great way to combine business with pleasure.

Bonus. Find the right accommodation for a weekend in Venice

Vous séjournez une, deux ou trois nuits à Venise, et vous recherchez le meilleur hébergement pour votre week-end ? Pour accéder rapidement aux sites touristiques incontournables, vous pouvez privilégier San Marco, quartier le plus central : les monuments historiques sont accessibles à pied en quelques minutes. Vous recherchez une destination animée ? Le quartier de Cannaregio vous accueille, avec ses artisans, ses artistes et sa vie nocturne. En quête d’authenticité ? Vous pouvez réserver une chambre d’hôtel, une location de vacances ou une chambre d’hôtes dans les quartiers Santa Croce ou San Polo. Vous souhaitez économiser sur votre logement ?Le quartier de Castello est idéal pour préserver votre budget !

Vous partez en week-end à Venise en avion au départ de Lyon ? Réservez votre parking en ligne : vous trouverez une place de stationnement disponible à votre arrivée à l’aéroport, et vous bénéficierez des meilleurs tarifs.