Here today, gondola tomorrow! You’ll want to make the most out of your visit to Venice, which is why we’ve put all our favourite sights into a handy guide that you can follow as you explore the floating city. Steeped in rich history and oozing with canals to discover and piazzas to stumble upon, you can guarantee a jam-packed itinerary on a Venetian getaway.

St Mark's Sqaure

Begin your day at St Marks’ Square and immerse yourself in Venice’s history. Enjoy sights of the staggering clock tower which pays homage to traditional Venetian architecture and admire the unique clock face showcasing the hours, phases of the moon and zodiacs! You’ll also get to see the towering structure of the Campanile. Standing at 99 metres, it is a pillar of Venice’s history and was once used to guide approaching ships home!

St Mark’s Basilica

While visiting St Mark’s Square you’ll get to see the spectacular St Mark’s Basilica. Outside, the building is breathtaking. Covered in ethereal gold mosaics and boasting impressive arches and glistening domes, it’s one of Europe’s most beautiful pieces of architecture. Venture inside to be just as impressed. An exquisite blend of Renaissance, Byzantine, Venetian and Islamic styles greet you. With marble floors, grand stained-glass windows and walls adorned with more than 8,000 mosaic pieces, this masterpiece isn't be missed when visiting Venice.

Doge’s Palace

Located between St Mark’s Basilica and the stunning bridge, Ponte della Paglia, you’ll find Doge’s Palace. For centuries, the palace represented the hub of Venetian political power, so it is steeped in history to discover. The building is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and houses works from some of the most decorated artists of the period. When visiting, it’s like stepping into the luxurious Venetian past as you’re greeted with intricate, golden decorations and illustrious artwork. When you venture further inside, you’ll witness creations from Titan and Veronese and will marvel at details like the golden staircase and the mosaiced ceilings.

Rialto Bridge

There are four bridges along Venice’s Grand Canal, connecting the San Marco and San Polo districts of the city and the Rialto Bridge takes the crown as the oldest. The stone bridge crosses the narrowest point of the canal and boasts stunning arches along both ramps leading up to the portico. This bridge was the first of its kind when it was designed and built in the 16th century and is considered an architectural achievement of the Renaissance. It’s a buzzing tourist attraction thanks to its central location, with rows of shops lining the streets below. Gondola's regularly sail through the archway, so if you’re after a classic Venetian photo opportunity, here’s your chance.

Murano and Burano

Murano and Burano are two of the most charming islands in the municipality of Venice and are uber accessible from the city centre via water bus. Thanks to their proximity to San Marco and San polo, it only takes around 45 minutes to get across. The islands make for a gorgeous day trip, and you’ll be shocked by both their beauty. Burano is an island drenched in colour. Houses painted in bright pinks, mellow yellows and emerald greens make these streets vibrantly unique. You’ll likely stumble upon cosy courtyards and quaint souvenir shops without even meaning to, so roaming around with no real itinerary is a good way to see the small island.

Don’t let the similar names fool you, these two islands boast very different types of charm. Murano is slightly larger, with almost 2km of space to discover, but still explorable on foot. It has its own Grand Canal splitting through the centre of the island, with historic buildings on both sides. One sight not to miss here is the Church of Santa Maria e San Donato which is scattered with glorious Byzantine mosaics. If you have the time during your visit, discover the history of Murano glass and see how it has been used to create art for centuries.

Grand Canal

While it’s almost impossible to miss the Grand Canal on a trip to Venice, we think it’s important to draw attention to just how much there is to see along its winding waterway. From the striking palaces that line its banks and the ancient bridges connecting both districts, to the 150 individual canals coming off it and the gondola rides allowing you to take it all in, the Grand Canal is the pillar of this city. Travelling along the canal is the ultimate way to spy all the main attractions from a distance before seeing them up close, and the views are astounding. Spot the magnificent domes of St Mark's Basilica and the square top of the Campanile then sail under the picturesque Rialto Bridge to appreciate all the city has to offer.

Harry’s Bar

Take a step (and a sip) into Venice’s history at Harry’s Bar which has welcome its fair share of celebrity clientele over the centuries. This iconic venue perches on the opening of the Grand Canal and deserves the top spot on everyone’s sightseeing list. It’s also the home to some of Italy's finest delicacies. You won’t find a better Bellini on the island, after all, this is where the sparkling fusion of peach purée and prosecco was invented. Order one alongside the carpaccio as you delve into the history of Venice and dine in seats that welcomed the likes of Ernest Hemmingway and Charlie Chaplin.