Want to travel to Venice during the winter? In this article we show you the best attractions to enjoy in the city during the season. Check it out:
About winter in Venice
In the city, the season lasts from November 21 to March 20. The period is marked by intense cold with highs of 9º and lows of 0º, with January being the coldest month. Fog and frost are also very common during this season.
Another detail of the season is that the sun sets earlier, making the days last less.
What to pack? Although it may seem obvious, the best choice for these months is to go for warm clothes. Thick coats, hats, gloves, scarves, pants, closed shoes and woolen clothes are essential.
- Important tip: Venice is a city with many tourist attractions, such as museums and tours. That’s why our tip is to always buy your tickets in advance. We buy everything on this website that has the best price.
What to do in winter in Venice?
Contrary to what many people think, the canals in Venice rarely freeze over. That’s why you can enjoy the gondola rides at this time and, above all, visit the indoor places that will protect you from the low temperatures. Here are some suggestions to inspire you:
1. Teatro La Fenice: for lovers of art and culture, the Teatro La Fenice is a must-see; after all, as well as being stunning, it hosts breathtaking shows. It was inaugurated in 1792 and has undergone a series of renovations and restorations, always maintaining all its original splendor. It’s a truly beautiful place, and you can visit it on a guided tour or to watch a show.
2. St. Mark’s Basilica: this is the main church and religious cradle of the city, as well as a piece of Venetian history. First built in 828 AD, St. Mark’s Basilica underwent several modifications over the centuries until it reached the structure that impresses today.
Affectionately nicknamed the “Golden Church”, the basilica’s more than 4,000 square meters contain delicate mosaics full of details about biblical passages and references to Catholicism. In addition, this church is where the body of the evangelist St. Mark is buried.
3. Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute: located in the Dorsoduro district, the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute is a monument built in 1631 in the midst of the Black Death epidemic. That’s why it has this name, since the bridge was a promise made by the ruler of the time, Nicolò Contarini, to Our Lady of Health.
In addition to its history, the basilica is a must-see for its beautiful dome and its Baroque architectural style, which impresses all tourists.
4. Doge‘s Palace: located next to St. Mark’s Basilica, this is probably the most interesting place for those who love architecture and history. Known as the Palazzo Ducale, the Doge’s Palace was inaugurated in 1424 and features Gothic architecture, which tourists can visit today (for a fee). For almost seven centuries it was home to the Doge of Venice, the city’s rulers.
- Important tip: to make the most of your trip to Venice, staying in the best areas is essential. So, if you want, check out our article explaining the main areas, the hotels and how you can save a lot on accommodation.
5. Accademia Gallery: this is the largest Venetian art gallery in the world. It was founded in Venice in 1817 to bring together all the city’s works of art. Today, the gallery has more than 800 paintings, including works by greats such as Tintoretto, Canaletto and Bellini.
6. Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari: this other basilica is located in the San Polo district of Venice and was built by the Franciscans between the 14th and 15th centuries. One of its curiosities is that it is part of the Chorus Assoziacione per el Patriarcado di Venezia circuit, which is an organization that cares for the heritage of various churches in the city.
Here you’ll find works by important artists from Italy and around the world, including Bellini, Donatello, Canova, Titian and Palladio. There are beautiful frescoes among the architectural works of the place, which are considered to be some of the most expressive in the country.
How to save money on tickets for paid attractions in Venice?
Venice is a city with a lot to see, as its beauty enchants people from all over the world. However, many of the sights and places to see in the city are paid for, requiring a ticket to see them.
We’ve traveled all over the world and found a great company on our last trips – this is the Venice Tickets website we used. As well as being one of the biggest ticket sellers in the world, this site is very secure. And you can buy all your tickets in one place.
It’s worth noting that it’s always cheaper to buy in advance, online, to avoid queues and to avoid wasting your travel time. Especially in Venice, where many tickets sell out quickly.
Save money on your trip to Venice:
Saving money: do you want to plan your trip while making the most of your budget? Be sure to read our article on how to travel to Venice cheap, with all the tips to save the most, while still enjoying it!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Hotels: our article on where to stay in Venice. You will find out the best areas and how to save a lot on the hotel.
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.