Free Venice: Great traveling through Venice

For many tourists, a trip to Venice is not a cheap pleasure. Therefore, today we will share some useful tips, for a budget and interesting vacation in one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. Here we go?

San Giorgio Maggiore Island

Photo source: onebigphoto.com

One of the most famous and beautiful panoramas of Venice opens from here because the island is located in front of the Doge’s Palace and the Grand Canal. It is also necessary to take a look at the Cathedral of San Giorgio Maggiore, designed by Andrea Palladio in 1555 (entrance to the cathedral is free). There are several paintings of the famous Tintoretto, among them the “Last Supper” and “Collect Manna from Heaven.”

Opening hours: daily from 9:30 to 18:30

Scala Contarini del Bovolo

Photo by Leonard von Bibra

This attraction is little known among tourists because it is situated away from the tourist trails – not far from the Rialto Bridge. The arched staircase encircling the tower of the Palazzo Contarini, it ends with a viewing platform, which offers a wonderful view of the city.

To get there, you need to go from Campo San Bartolomeo Square, at the foot of the Rialto Bridge, follow the yellow signs to Accademia, until you reach Campo Manin Square, and on the small panel you will see the direction (carefully, don’t miss it!). The exact address: Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, 4299 Corte de Risi, San Marco.

Opening hours: from April to October every day from 10:00 to 18:00, from November to March on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 16:00.

Cathedral of Santa Maria Della Salute

Photo by James Crawford

Who does not know this monumental cathedral, it was crowning the beginning of the Grand Canal, as the most recognizable figure of the Venetian panorama?

Here you can see the paintings of Titian, Tintoretto and other famous artists and, of course, admire the luxurious decoration and architecture of the temple, and in front of the entrance to the cathedral, there is a pontoon bridge over the Grand Canal.

Address: Fondamenta Della Salute, Dorsoduro

Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 15:00 to 17:30

Orsoni Mosaici Color Library

Photo source: www.venetosecrets.com

This library was lost among the Cannaregio streets, not far from the ancient Jewish ghetto. You can get to this museum by ordering a free tour (you just need to call in advance). During the tour, they will take you to the Colour Library – a collection of thousands of pieces of glass with all possible shades of color.

Address: 1045 Corte dei Vedei, Cannaregio

Basilica San Marco

Photo by Mike Bryan

Here you should see a fabulous facade and intricate mosaic panels that adorn the cathedral from the inside. The entrance to the basilica is free, but on one condition: they do not let in the inside with backpacks. However, for a tour of the San Marco Museum, the Treasury or the Golden Altar, Pala d’Oro, you will have to pay (about € 5, € 3 and € 2).

Opening hours:

Basilica: Monday – Saturday from 9:45 to 17:00, Sunday from 14:00 to 16:00

Museum: every day from 9:45 to 16:45

Pala d’Oro and the Treasury: daily from 9:45 to 16:00

Astronomical show

In the Planetarium, which is on Lido, amateur astronomers organize entertainment and educational shows for all small children from the age of six. The event takes place every Sunday, from October to May, beginning at 16:00. Free entrance.

Free family beaches

Most of the beaches in Venice are for pay, but some (for example, Blue Moon and Alberoni) are free to visit and are perfectly adapted for family holidays. And the beach Alberoni is also a seabird preserve.

If you want to see the real Venice, you should try a tour of the city from local guides. Completely free, you will see new places which are not known by tourists, also they will tell you all sorts of useful things about Venice.

Photo source: www.freepik.com

The most popular free tours through Venice can be found here:

Free Tour Venice – The time of the tour: 10: 00-13: 00 and 15: 00-18: 00 daily (English tour).

Group meeting place: Campo Santo Stefano (near the monument).

Venice Free Walking Tour –  If you want to take a tour group, you must pre-book a place on the site.