Venice’s icons

Spread over 118 small islands within a glittering emerald green lagoon, Venice is queen of Italy thanks to its own several gorgeous icons. Its majestic canals are flanked by marble palaces and sumptuous basilicas, and the narrow alleys, filled with delightful boutiques and art galleries, open into enchanting squares.

It can be quite expensive, but, with breathtaking views and works of art around every corner, you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy its icons. Believe it or not, from picturesque bridges and charming squares, to churches that also serve as art galleries, there are lots of things to see absolutely free, for all ages and interests. Here are 7 that you can’t miss on your next visit to La Serenissima.

Rialto Bridge

The iconic Rialto Bridge is one of the best places to admire the iconic gondoliers going up and down the Grand Canal, as well as the “vaporetto” and boats of the Venetians. There is no doubt that it is the most famous bridge among the 400 that counts the whole city of Venice, as well as one of the most instagrammable places in all of Italy. Designed in the 16th century by Antonio da Ponte in the 16th century, it is considered a splendid example of Renaissance engineering and architecture.

In addition to the lovely canal views, you’ll also find a number of arcades and several souvenir shops filled with colorful jewelry and Murano glass. Walking on the Rialto Bridge is free and offers wonderful photo opportunities, to be shared. Where? On Instagram, of course.

Piazza San Marco

Napoleon was right. Piazza San Marco really looks like the “drawing room of Europe”, especially during the summer, when the city is at its most crowded. And some of the most famous and iconic buildings and monuments of Venice are the setting for this wonderful square. Starting from the beautiful Basilica of San Marco, to the imposing Doge’s Palace, without forgetting the splendid bell tower.

Nerve center and tourist center of the lagoon city, it should not be surprising how many people can be found there, both tourists and Venetians. Full of elegant boutiques and expensive historic cafes, it is a wonderful experience to just walk around to admire its incredible architectural style.

Renaissance Art

Rich in Venetian art from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century, the iconic Galleria dell’Accademia is a fascinating surprise, especially if you are a fan of Renaissance painting. Highlights include masterpieces by artists such as Bellini, Titian, and Veronese. Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month.

Colors and tastes of Rialto

Lying along the Grand Canal, in the San Polo district, the lively Rialto Market is a real feast for the senses. For 7 centuries it represented the hub of trade in the city and still today it is a clear example of a large medieval market where you can buy fruit, vegetables, meat and fish, all strictly fresh and locally sourced.

If you want to get an overview of the lifestyle of the Venetians, as well as their food and wine culture, a visit to the iconic Rialto Market is ideal for you.

Basilica di San Marco

Some tourists would pay anything to step inside the St. Mark’s Basilica, but free admission is a major plus. This grandiose basilica rises to the east on Piazza San Marco, and in addition to being the icon of the glorious past of La Serenissima, it is an iconic example of Italian-Byzantine architecture.

Its façade is already extraordinary, but it is its interior that will surprise you, thanks to the works of art and golden mosaics that surround every inch of this church. Floor, altars, domed ceilings, you will not know where and what to look in all this spoiled for choice.

Santa Maria della Salute

In memory of the end of the plague epidemic that hit Venice in 1630, the church of Santa Maria della Salute was built in that century. Its main feature is undoubtedly the octagonal structure, in clear Baroque style. Without forgetting the iconic 4 statues of the evangelists that can be admired on the facade, as well as the various treasures that are inside. Iconic masterpieces by Titian and Tintoretto, just to name a few, all depicting the victory over the plague.

Artisans and shops

Venice is famous for its expensive shops and exclusive fashion boutiques, but even window-shopping can be an engaging activity and costs no pennies.

Full of the iconic and colorful Carnival masks, exquisite Burano lace and Murano glass objects, the windows of the city immerse passers-by in the traditions of local craftsmanship and the exceptional artisan scene.

Jewelery, leather goods and antiques are very well represented in Venice, as well as luxury fabrics, fine wines and papier-mache.

For high-end designer fashion, head to the streets just off Piazza San Marco, where the latest collections from Gucci, Armani and Versace are beautifully displayed in the gleaming boutique windows.

Where to stay

Metropole Hotel Venezia

Located a few steps from the iconic Piazza San Marco, the Metropole Hotel Venezia is a charming property in style, rich in character and impeccable in service. It’s hard to find a building in Venice without a story to tell, and the one that houses the Metropole has a truly surprising one. This historic building once housed music lessons given by Vivaldi himself, and was subsequently the place chosen by Sigmund Freud to stay, during a 19th-century visit to Venice. The outbreak of World War II saw this palace transformed into a military hospital, before a local family bought it, creating an authentically Venetian hotel starting in 1968

Under the loving care of the Beggiato family, the Metropole Hotel Venezia offers a unique hospitality experience, framed by a spectacular view of the San Marco basin. Inside, an oriental atmosphere blends perfectly with the family’s collection of works of art and antiques. Treasures scattered across the 4 floors of the building, as well as among the hotel’s 67 rooms and suites. Each room offers a particular atmosphere and cutting-edge services. The bathrooms are the key role of each room. Covered with marble or with glittering mosaics, they are always amazing

Outside the Metropole Hotel Venezia, the Citrus Garden is an enchanting outdoor space, with palm trees, orange and jasmine trees. Here, you can rest after a day around Venice or enjoy an outdoor dinner. Without forgetting the Oriental-inspired Exclusive Spa and the MET restaurant which offers creative and delicious dishes.