Venice cruise port: How to spend your day in Italy’s most romantic city
Setting sail from Italy’s Stazione Marittima (Venezia Terminal Passeggeri) near sunset is one of the most magical cruising experiences in the world. And if you’re aboard a smaller cruise ship, gliding down the Grand Canal as the sinking sun colors iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace in golden hues is likely a memory you will never forget.
Renowned for its romantic canals, historic architecture and rich cultural heritage, Venice is an enchanting port call on many European and Mediterranean itineraries. The port’s location offers easy access to major transportation hubs, including Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and Treviso Airport (TSF), making it convenient. Numerous hotels in the vicinity provide excellent options for pre- or post-cruise stays.
As a gateway to the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas, the historic Venice port has seen a significant increase in activity in recent years, with more than 1.5 million passengers passing through annually. It currently accommodates more than 30 cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Oceania Cruises and Silversea Cruises.
However, this increase in tourism over the years has created concerns about the impact of cruise ships on the city’s delicate architecture and environment. As such, Italian officials have begun redirecting larger ships to other ports, with these changes set to take full effect in the coming years. These ports include Chioggia, roughly 30 miles south of Venice; Ravenna, about 90 miles south of Venice; and Trieste, about 100 miles northeast of Venice. If you are starting or ending your cruise in Venice, you will want to double-check what port you are departing from.
3 things TPG loves about Venice
- The enchanting canals and historic architecture
- World-renowned landmarks
- Distinctive shopping and dining experiences, like grabbing cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and wine at a bacaro (local wine bar)
What we could do without
- Crowded tourist spots, especially when cruise ships are in port
- High prices
- Impact of mass tourism (increased water pollution and foot traffic damage to Venice’s historic buildings)
Venice cruise port overview
Stazione Marittima is on the western side of Venice’s historic center, near Piazzale Roma and the Tronchetto parking island. It’s used as both a home port and a port of call for smaller cruise ships and river cruise vessels, including Seabourn, Windstar Cruises, Ponant Cruises and Viking.
Larger cruise lines that home port in Venice now dock at nearby Marghera or other regional ports like Ravenna or Trieste. From there, passengers take a shuttle service to Stazione Marittima. The port has modern facilities, including terminals, shuttle services, and amenities such as cafes and shops. Upon arrival, passengers can easily access Venice’s main attractions by foot, water taxi or the city’s famous Vaporetto (water bus) system.
Related: Best Italy cruises for a Mediterranean vacation
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Venice fast facts
Arrival details
Venice’s cruise port is near Piazzale Roma and the Tronchetto parking island. Shuttle services are available to transport passengers to the city center, and from there, most of Venice’s main attractions are within walking distance. Larger cruise lines also now shuttle passengers from nearby ports to Stazione Marittima, as ships over 25,000 gross tons are not allowed to dock at the port anymore.
Language: Italian is the official language, but most tourist services use English
Currency: Italy uses the euro
Time zone: Central European Time (CET)
Top things to do in the Venice cruise port
St. Mark’s Basilica
This stunning basilica is an absolute must-see in Venice. Known for its intricate Italo-Byzantine architecture, St. Mark’s Basilica is adorned with more than 85,000 square feet of beautiful 13th-century mosaics. The basilica also has more than 500 Byzantine columns, some from the 6th century. Visitors can explore the church’s interior, climb up to the terrace for spectacular views of St. Mark’s Square and visit the museum to see the famous “Horses of Saint Mark” bronze sculptures.
Doge’s Palace
Adjacent to St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace is a Gothic masterpiece that served as the Doge of Venice’s residence and the seat of the Venetian government. Its opulent rooms are filled with Renaissance art and splendid decorations. The palace’s prison cells and the infamous Bridge of Sighs, connecting the palace to the prison, offer a glimpse into the darker side of Venetian history.
Rialto Bridge
One of the most famous bridges in Venice, the Rialto Bridge spans the Grand Canal and offers picturesque views of the bustling waterway below. Completed in 1591, it is the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal.
The Rialto Bridge is a marvel of Renaissance engineering and was constructed as a single-span stone bridge. That was a daring design choice in the late 16th century when many believed it would collapse under its own weight. It did not, and its elegant arches have stood the test of time. Stroll across it to feel the city’s vibrant energy, capture some unforgettable pictures, and check out the rows of shops selling everything from jewelry to souvenirs.
Gondola rides
No trip to Venice is complete without a gondola ride. These traditional boats offer a unique perspective of the city’s canals and historic buildings. Depending on when your cruise departs or if you arrive early or stay late, gondola rides are particularly romantic in the evening, as the setting sun casts a golden glow over the water. For an extra-special experience, consider booking a serenaded gondola ride, where musicians will sing classic Italian songs as you drift through the canals.
Murano and Burano islands
A short boat ride from Venice, the islands of Murano and Burano are acclaimed for their artisanal crafts. Murano is renowned for its glassblowing workshops, where you can watch artisans at work and purchase gorgeous handmade glass pieces. Burano is known for its brightly colored houses and intricate lacemaking. A visit to these islands also provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Popular Venice excursions
Cultural and historical excursions
One of the most popular city excursions is a guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. These tours often include skip-the-line access, allowing you to bypass the long lines and delve straight into the history and artistry of these iconic landmarks. The knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into the history of Venice and its rise as a maritime power.
Active excursions
A gondola ride combined with a walking tour is an excellent option for staying active. Start with a scenic gondola ride through the canals, followed by a guided walking and food tour through the winding streets of Venice. You’ll get a good taste of the best of Venice in a short amount of time.
Island-hopping
Excursions to the Murano, Burano and Torcello islands are a popular choice if you’ve been to Venice and are looking for a new excursion. These tours typically include visits to glassblowing workshops in Murano, Burano’s colorful streets and Torcello’s historic churches. Each island offers its unique charm and a different aspect of Venetian culture.
Related: Shore excursions: What new cruisers need to know
Best Venice beaches near the cruise port
The closest beach to Venice, Lido di Venezia, has a sandy shoreline and a range of beach clubs where you can chill all day. This barrier island can provide a beachy escape from the city crowds (although it’s also sometimes crowded) and offers opportunities for sunbathing and swimming.
Lido is about 4.3 miles from the port, and the journey takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the transport you use. The fastest way to the barrier island is by a private water taxi from the port, which takes about 30 minutes.
To save some cash, walk about 20 minutes from the port. You can also take the People Mover train (the ride takes about five minutes and a one-way ticket costs 1.50 euros) to Piazzale Roma. From there, take Vaporetto Line 1 or Line 5.1 directly to Lido. For a scenic tour of the Grand Canal, take Line 1 in one of the directions, but know the trip is longer, close to an hour. Line 5.1 is more direct and takes about 45 minutes.
How to get around Venice on your own
On foot: Venice is a pedestrian city, and many of its main attractions are within walking distance of each other. Strolling through the narrow streets and across the picturesque bridges is one of the best ways to experience the city’s charm and discover hidden gems.
Water taxi: In Venice, water taxis offer a quicker and more convenient way to get around. These private boats can be pricey, though, costing around 70-80 euros for a short trip for up to four passengers. However, they offer a direct and comfortable mode of transportation, especially for those who are traveling with luggage or in a group.
Vaporetto (water bus): The Vaporetto is Venice’s primary mode of public transport. These water buses run regular routes along the Grand Canal and to the outer islands. They provide an affordable and efficient way to navigate the city, with tickets available for single journeys costing 7.50 euros and a 24-hour card for unlimited travel costing 20 euros.
Venice restaurants near the cruise port
The Cannaregio and Dorsoduro districts are known for their authentic Venetian cuisine and are great places to explore for a meal. Here, you can find traditional dishes such as cicchetti, risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto) and fresh seafood dishes.
These areas are less touristy than the eateries near St. Mark’s Square and usually have better quality food at more reasonable prices. Don’t forget to try a classic Venetian dessert like tiramisu or a refreshing gelato from one of the many gelaterias scattered around the city.
Venice cruise port shopping
Venice is a great shopping city with a mix of high-end boutiques, local artisan shops and vibrant markets. The historic Rialto Market is an excellent place to start. Near the Rialto Bridge, it is a lively spot where locals pick up fresh produce, seafood and other Venetian specialties. It is easy to get lost just wandering the stalls here. The surrounding shops also offer an assortment of souvenirs, from Venetian carnival masks and handmade lace to Murano glass and marbled paper.
Head to Calle Larga XXII Marzo for high-end boutiques. Along this street, you’ll find international brands like Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton, as well as local designers. It’s a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from fashion to jewelry and accessories.
Mercerie is another bustling shopping street connecting St. Mark’s Square to the Rialto Bridge. It’s lined with a mix of local shops and international stores, offering a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories and souvenirs. The Mercerie is excellent for finding unique Venetian items like handcrafted masks and glasswork.
Free things to do in the Venice cruise port
One of the best free ways to experience Venice is simply by wandering through its narrow streets and canals. The city’s architecture, bridges and hidden squares are delightful to explore on foot, and you’ll often stumble upon charming cafes and shops.
While some attractions in the square require an entrance fee, it costs nothing to walk around St. Mark’s Square and admire the stunning architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile and the surrounding buildings. The square is also excellent for people-watching and soaking in Venice’s vibrant vibe.
Walking across the iconic Rialto Bridge for views of the Grand Canal is a free activity in Venice. The bridge is a piece of history, and the surrounding area teems with shops and lively cafes.
Bottom line
Stazione Marittima offers easy access to the city center, famed for its unique blend of historic charm, cultural richness and scenic beauty. From exploring iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace to enjoying a romantic gondola ride through the canals, this enchanting city has something for everyone.
Despite the challenges posed by mass tourism, Venice remains a must-visit destination, offering unforgettable experiences and a glimpse into Italy’s rich heritage.
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