Venice Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Strahinja Mladenović, Raj Patel, E A. S, Karl Maechler, Désirée Lanni, Marcello Cossu · via Google Maps
- Country:
- Italy
- Region:
- Adriatic & Croatia
- Coordinates:
- 45.4397° N, 12.3319° E
About Venice
Cruises to Venice operate from April through October, offering extended daylight for exploring this unique lagoon city. Built across 126 islands separated by canals and open water, Venice is connected by 472 bridges, making it one of Europe's most distinctive destinations.
The port puts you within easy reach of the city's most celebrated attractions. Ponte di Rialto and Piazza San Marco are just 0.4 km and 0.8 km away respectively, whilst Saint Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs are all within 0.9 km. St Mark's Campanile and Torre dell'Orologio are equally accessible for first-time visitors.
What to see in Venice
The city's historic centre offers world-renowned architecture and art. Piazza San Marco, the heart of Venice, hosts the basilica and campanile alongside museums and galleries. The Doge's Palace provides insight into the city's republican past, whilst the Bridge of Sighs connects it to the prison across the Rio di Palazzo.
Nearby ports
Venice sits within the Adriatic & Croatia region, with calls at Dubrovnik, Kotor, Split, Bari, Ravenna and Trieste on many itineraries.
Venice is a coastal city in northeastern Italy and the capital of the region of Veneto, as well as the Metropolitan City of Venice. It is built on a group of 126 islands that are separated by expanses of open water and by canals; portions of the city are linked by 472 bridges.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Venice on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Strahinja Mladenović · via Google Maps Bridge
Ponte di Rialto
4.7 (197,791) 0.4 km from port
Ornate covered 16th-century stone footbridge crossing the Grand Canal, with shops & restaurants.
Near: Hard Rock Cafe Rock Shop (29 m) · Rialto Unique Venice Experience (42 m)
- 5 · “An iconic and breathtaking bridge over the Grand Canal. The views are stunning, especially at sunset, with gondolas and boats…” — NIKOLL_MARKU.
- 5 · “The Rialto Bridge is one of the most unforgettable sights in Venice. The views over the Grand Canal are incredible…” — Sami Turnbull
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Photo: Michael Gitsis · via Google Maps Plaza
Piazza San Marco
4.7 (196,849) 0.8 km from port
Iconic square & gathering place dating back to the 12th century & dominated by St. Mark's Basilica.
Near: Caffè Florian (65 m) · Best Windows (71 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- 5 · “The main square in Venice and the place everything seems to lead to. Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Campanile — it’s all…” — Minas Avlonitis
- 5 · “I finally had the chance to visit the legendary Venice in February, in the dead of winter. A thin veil…” — James Lee
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Photo: Lars Kröger · via Google Maps Museum
Doge's Palace
4.7 (40,277) 0.9 km from port
Ornate Gothic palace buildings hosting exhibitions with duke's rooms, prison & armoury tours.
Near: Ponte della Paglia (44 m) · Bridge of Sighs (64 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- 5 · “This one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks, a stunning Gothic masterpiece. Its grand halls, ornate ceilings, Renaissance paintings, and the…” — Marwan Travel
- 5 · “An absolutely incredible visit to the Doge’s Palace. The architecture, the history and the spectacular rooms are truly breathtaking. Walking…” — Dani Manrique
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Photo: Ali Mir · via Google Maps Church
Saint Mark's Basilica
4.7 (30,462) 0.8 km from port
Iconic cathedral with a cavernous gilded interior, myriad mosaics & an on-site museum.
Near: Hotel Concordia (65 m) · Best Windows (73 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:30 am – 5:15 pm
- Tuesday: 9:30 am – 5:15 pm
- Wednesday: 9:30 am – 5:15 pm
- Thursday: 9:30 am – 5:15 pm
- Friday: 9:30 am – 5:15 pm
- Saturday: 9:30 am – 5:15 pm
- Sunday: 2:00 – 5:15 pm
- 5 · “Basilica di San Marco is one of the most unforgettable landmarks in Venice. The architecture is extraordinary, with incredible mosaics…” — Sami Turnbull
- 5 · “The main landmark of Piazza San Marco and one of the first things you notice when you enter the square.…” — Minas Avlonitis
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Bridge
Bridge of Sighs
4.6 (27,848) 0.9 km from port
Arched bridge named for sighs of prisoners crossing it en route from the Palazzo Ducale to prison.
Near: Ca 'dei Dogi (41 m) · Doge's Palace (53 m)
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- 5 · “A beautiful and historic bridge with a unique story behind it. The white stone design and small windows give it…” — NIKOLL_MARKU.
- 5 · “Beautiful landmark to go and see. Next to san marcos church and you can also have ride with a gondola.…” — Spyros
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Historical place
St Mark's Campanile
4.7 (10,767) 0.8 km from port
Imposing 16th-century square cathedral tower with an angel-topped spire & belfry offering sea views.
Near: Galleria Ravagnan (37 m) · Piazza San Marco (46 m)
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:30 am – 8:45 pm
- Tuesday: 9:30 am – 8:45 pm
- Wednesday: 9:30 am – 8:45 pm
- Thursday: 9:30 am – 8:45 pm
- Friday: 9:30 am – 8:45 pm
- Saturday: 9:30 am – 8:45 pm
- Sunday: 9:30 am – 8:45 pm
- 5 · “St. Mark’s Square is the heart of Venice and one of the most memorable places in the city. Surrounded by…” — Sami Turnbull
- 5 · “Seamless visitor experience - we prebooked our tickets and walked right through, no queue. We visited mid afternoon in peak…” — Gioia Rossetti
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Tourist attraction
Campo Santo Stefano
4.4 (2,884) 0.7 km from port
Expansive, lively square with restaurants, 2 churches & a statue of 1800s linguist Niccolò Tommaseo.
Near: Monumento a Niccolò Tommaseo (10 m) · Ve.N.I.Ce. Immobiliare Cera S.R.L (34 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “It is bordered by the homonymous gothic church with remnants of gothic frescoes. Apart from a fine late gothic portal…” — Rider On Foot
- 5 · “Beautiful Square with a monument This is a really nice square actually quite large for Venice between San Marco and…” — Paul Vivas
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Tourist attraction
Torre dell'Orologio
4.7 (2,172) 0.8 km from port
A Renaissance tower from 1499, with city views & a mechanical clock with symbolic decorations.
Near: Al Duca d'Aosta (39 m) · Hotel Concordia (54 m)
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Sunday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
- 5 · “Torre dell’Orologio is one of the most elegant and distinctive landmarks in Venice. Its beautiful façade, detailed decorations, and iconic…” — Sohrab Bahri
- 5 · “At the entrance to the Mercerie, the Torre dell'Orologio turns the passage out of Piazza San Marco into a statement…” — Loo Yeo
Map of Venice and nearby attractions
Best time to visit Venice
Cruises to Adriatic & Croatia mostly sail april to October.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Cruises calling at Venice
Deals update daily — see all Adriatic & Croatia cruises.
