A Venice Honeymoon for Foodies, Romantics and History Buffs

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Considering a Venice, Italy honeymoon? Well, there's no wonder why; this top honeymoon spot couldn't be any more romantic. Sipping wine in an old-world luxury hotel. Riding a gondola through canals lined with colorful Renaissance buildings. Dining on fried seafood and gelato after strolling hand in hand through winding streets and exploring Gothic palaces. For ultra-romantic experiences like these, consider going to Venice for your Italian honeymoon.

Built on more than 100 islands in the Adriatic Sea, "Venice is one of the world's great sights, an impossibly romantic, must-see-before-you-die destination," says Joan Roca of The Essentialist. "Venice is like no other place on Earth, and there is charm and beauty that honeymooners can discover throughout."

When it comes to planning your Venice honeymoon, let us be your guide. From the best time to visit to the top hotels and things to do, use our expert tips to plan your romantic getaway.

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Venice Italy Honeymoon Tips in this Article:

• Best Time to Honeymoon in Venice
• Venice Honeymoon Planning Tips
• Places to Visit in Venice
• Best Venice Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts
• Venice Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
• What to Pack for a Venice Honeymoon

Photo: ThierryHennet | Getty

Best Time to Honeymoon in Venice

Overall, the best time to visit is in April, May, September or October, says Ashley Gallo of Royal Travel and Tours. Just be aware that the city can get busy during Easter and the Venice Film Festival in September.

For couples looking for a party scene, visit during New Year's Eve or for Carnival (in February and March), Ruchi Harnal of Harnal Travel says. Avoid October through December if you mind rain and cold.

Best weather: April, May, September or October.
Festival highlights: Venice Carnival, Venice Film Festival, Festa del Redentore.

Venice Honeymoon Planning Tips

With boats instead of cars and a wealth of Renaissance and Gothic architecture, this city will transport newlyweds to the past. "It's the perfect place to wander in, as the main tourist area is car-free," says Harnal. "Honeymooners can walk hand in hand without having to worry about traffic, discovering streets with small shops and little piazzas tucked into alleys."

Thanks to its waterways, gondolas, bridges and colorful buildings, Venice is one of the world's most beautiful destinations in Europe—the ultimate backdrop for a honeymoon. It's also an ideal destination as part of a larger trip that includes Rome, Florence and other cities in Italy and Europe.

To arrive, just fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport, which is only four miles from the city, says Gallo. Couples can catch nonstop flights from New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Atlanta from May to October, Harnal says. Alternatively, newlyweds can fly into Milan and take the train to Venice's Santa Lucia station in the Cannaregio district.

Here are a few more things to keep in mind while planning your honeymoon in Venice, Italy.

Entry requirements: A US passport that is valid for at least 3 months. Starting in 2025, US citizens will need to have an ETIAS for Italy. It's valid for 3 years and can be obtained online.
Language: Italian.
Location: Venice is located in northeastern Italy, situated across a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by over 400 bridges in the Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea.
Currency: The Euro (EUR).
Flight time to Destination: From New York City, direct flights are approximately 8-9 hours.
Getting around: Venice is a pedestrian-friendly city with no cars. The primary modes of transportation are walking and using vaporettos (water buses). For a more romantic experience, couples can hire private water taxis or enjoy gondola rides.

Pro tip: Bring a honeymoon planning expert on board to help with your Venice honeymoon itinerary. You can find specialized travel agents with high ratings and reviews on The Knot Marketplace.

Places to Visit in Venice

Photo: visionandimagination.com | Getty

Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square)

Located in the heart of the city, this square dates back to the 9th century, Harnal says. Architecture buffs will appreciate the majestic beauty of Saint Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco), built in 1092 and tiled with Byzantine mosaics. Watch the pigeons (and people) and listen to live music.

Doge's Palace

This classic Venetian Gothic building is lavishly decorated. Harnal recommends taking a tour.

Ponte di Rialto

At sunset, walk over this bridge on the Grand Canal in the San Polo district, Gallo says. Built in the 16th century, it offers beautiful views, plus ample shopping.

Bridge of Sighs (Ponte Dei Sospiri)

Couples like to kiss under this bridge built in 1600, Harnal says. According to rumor, Ponte Dei Sospiri got its name because it offered the last view of Venice convicted prisoners saw before being executed.

Palazzo Contarini Del Bovolo

Ascend the exterior staircase to savor the views from this small palace, Harnal says.

Verona

Known as the "city of love," Verona is famed for being the setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Located a little over an hour from Venice, it's tranquil and romantic, Harnal says.

Best Venice Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts

From luxurious hotel suites with canal views to intimate stays tucked away in quieter parts of the city, you'll find plenty of impressive honeymoon accommodations in Venice.

Photo: Buena Vista Images

Baglioni Hotel Luna

A member of the "Leading Hotels of the World," Baglioni Hotel Luna has served as a monastery, a noble palace and the quarters of the Knights Templar, Harnal says. Located right in the heart of Venice, it offers spacious rooms.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

JW Marriott Venice

Just 15 minutes from central Venice, this Marriott hotel is on a private island, Isola Delle Rose (Republic of Rose Island). Thanks to its position on the Venetian lagoon, it has its own microclimate and features palm trees and a small olive grove. Newlyweds will appreciate the child-free quiet zones and sleek suites with plunge pools, Harnal says.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Ca Maria Adele

With just 12 rooms that are all decorated differently, Ca Maria Adele is a 5-star boutique hotel known for being one of the most romantic spots in Venice.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel

With a private dock, gardens, a floating terrace, a spa and a swimming pool that's nearly Olympic-size, Cipriani is situated on Giudecca Island, away from the crowds. Still, it's just a five-minute boat ride from St Mark's Square. Couples can dine at the on-site Michelin-starred restaurant.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Gritti Palace

If you're looking for hotels in Venice that provide views of the Grand Canal and the Basilica of Santa Maria, the Gritti Palace boasts an outdoor terrace and serves up textbook-perfect bellinis (a cocktail featuring peach nectar and Prosecco), Gallo says. Dating back to 1475, it features a private jetty, precious antiques and original Murano chandeliers.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Aman Venice

Built in 1550, this stunning waterfront palace on the Grand Canal has a private garden and only 24 rooms and suites. The site of high-society events since the 16th century (including George Clooney's wedding), Aman Venice boasts stunning interiors.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

The St. Regis Venice

This palatial property by the Grand Canal overlooks some of the city's most iconic landmarks, Roca says. Built in 2019, The St. Regis Venice offers an on-site restaurant and bar, a spa and fitness facilities.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Pro tip: Opting for an Airbnb or VRBO rental may offer you a little more privacy or cost-effectiveness on your honeymoon in Venice, Italy.

Venice Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

Venice is filled with romantic activities for couples, including leisurely gondola rides along the canals, visiting the picturesque Piazza San Marco and exploring art and history. Of course, foodie couples will have plenty to do, too, with so many amazing waterfront restaurants to dine at.

Photo: ESB Professional | Shutterstock

Go on a Gondola Ride

You can't visit Venice and not go on a gondola ride. Schedule your trip for early evening to watch the sunset. Harnal suggests bringing a bottle of wine, bread, cheese and meats to picnic while a gondolier serenades you.

Visit the Outer Islands

Honeymooners can take a vaporetto (Venetian public water bus) or hire a boat for a day trip to some of the islands located just offshore.

Sant'Erasmo is home to farms and vineyards, while iconic Lido is where in-the-know locals go for beach time. Low-key Giudecca, just a few minutes' ride from St. Mark's, offers restaurants and urban farms.

The picturesque fishing village of Burano is known for its colorful homes and lace-making tradition. About five minutes from Burano, Torcello features rural scenery, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Dell'Assunta (built in 639), and Attila's Throne, an ancient stone chair. On Murano, famed for its glassmaking, you can take a factory tour or visit the Museo del Vetro.

Explore the Food Scene

Take a street food tour and sample cicchetti (tapas-like finger food), suggests Reco trip designer Fabio Fasone. Then, visit the lively and colorful food markets around the northwestern corner of the Rialto Bridge, Roca says. For a fun alternative, take a morning stroll along Via Garibaldi in the city's Castello district until you reach the canal. Then, buy fruits and vegetables from the produce boat.

See Art

Explore the city and visit Guggenheim Museum, Accademia Fine Art Museum and Scuola Grande di San Rocco (for work by famed Renaissance painter Tintoretto).

Pro tip: Place some couples' activities on your wedding gift registry to let your guests contribute to your Venice honeymoon fun. Make sure to post a selection of pictures on your wedding website so that everyone, including guests who aren't on social media, can see your adventures.

What to Pack for a Venice Honeymoon

Photo: Pierrick Lemaret | Getty

"No matter how you arrive, at some point, you might have to wheel your baggage along alleys, so keep it lightweight," Harnal says. "If you take a water taxi, they'll often charge extra for more than one piece of luggage."

Since you'll be walking most of the time, make sure to bring comfortable shoes in your honeymoon luggage, Gallo says. For touring churches and keeping warm during cool evenings, tote a shawl or scarf. (Saint Mark's Basilica strictly enforces a dress code prohibiting bare legs and shoulders.)

You'll need a rain jacket or umbrella in the spring and fall, as well as a warm coat, sweaters and boots from December through February. All year long, rain boots are a must due to rising sea levels, Roca says.

To blend in with locals, add sophisticated and stylish clothing to your packing checklist—especially for nighttime outings. Think fitted suits for men and glamorous cocktail dresses for women, Harnal says. She recommends avoiding cargo shorts, sweatpants, camisole tops, T-shirts and see-through tops.

Brittany Barber contributed to this article.