Venice event weekends: what to do between sessions
Canals, palaces and no cars. The Lido hosts the film festival and the Giardini and Arsenale host the Biennale.
Events we cover in Venice
May to Nov*Venice Biennale
Venice, ItalyCulture29 Jan 2027*Venice Carnival
Venice, ItalyCulture25 Aug 2027*Venice Film Festival
Venice, ItalyCulture29 Oct 2027*Venice Marathon
Venice, ItalyMarathon
Venice, ItalyCulture29 Jan 2027*Venice Carnival
Venice, ItalyCulture25 Aug 2027*Venice Film Festival
Venice, ItalyCulture29 Oct 2027*Venice Marathon
Venice, ItalyMarathon
Arriving
Marco Polo airport (VCE) has Alilaguna water buses to San Marco and the Lido (about 1 hour 15 minutes), buses to Piazzale Roma (25 minutes) and water taxis (about 140 euros).
Where to stay
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Mestre | Mainland hotels 10 minutes by train or tram, much cheaper. |
| Mid-range | Cannaregio and Castello | Quieter canals with local bars. |
| Splurge | Grand Canal and the Lido | Palazzo hotels and beach hotels on the Lido. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Anda Venice
- Mid-range: Hotel Moresco
- Splurge: Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort
Tours
Half day · Family · Low walking
Murano, Burano and Torcello boat tour
Glass, lace and colourful houses.
Where to eat
With kids
- Lido beaches.
- Natural History Museum.
Rainy-day backups
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
- Gallerie dell'Accademia.
Free things to do
- Ride vaporetto line 1 the length of the Grand Canal (paid ticket, priceless view).
- Get lost in Castello and Cannaregio.
Getting around
- Vaporetto passes (1 to 7 days) save money.
- Day-trippers must pay the access fee on peak days; overnight guests are exempt.