How to organize a visit to the Venice Biennale
The Venice Art Biennale is one of the most prestigious and fascinating events in the global art scene. Founded in 1895, this biennial event attracts artists, curators and art lovers from every nation, providing a unique platform to explore the most innovative and exciting trends in contemporary art. You can find a lot of information in our article “Venice Biennale: a Journey between Art and Architecture”.
If you are planning a visit to the Biennale, get ready to immerse yourself in an unparalleled cultural experience. Here are some practical tips to make the most of your time and fully experience this extraordinary art exposition.
Index
- Travel planning and organization
- How to reach Venice
- Where to stay in Venice
- Purchasing entrance tickets
- Where and how to purchase admission tickets
- Types of tickets
- Practical advices for the visit
- How to move between venues
- Where to stop for a coffee or lunch break
- Opening hours and best days
- Side experiences and activities
- Special events and conferences
- What to see and do in Venice besides the Biennale
- Concluding the Visit
1. Travel planning and organization
How to reach Venice
If you arrive by plane, Venice Marco Polo Airport is well connected to major European and international cities: you can reach the city center by Alilaguna vaporetto, ATVO bus, or water cab. Treviso’s Valerio Catullo Airport is connected to the center of Venice by Bus Express service or private cab.
For those arriving by train, the Venezia Santa Lucia train station is located directly on the Grand Canal, facilitating access to major points of interest. High-speed trains connect Venice with many Italian and European cities.
Finally, if you choose to arrive by car, you will need to leave it in one of the parking lots at Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto Island, where you can take the “People Mover” land funicular that will get you to Piazzale Roma in just a few minutes.
Accomodation in Venice
Near the Giardini and Arsenale: We recommend booking well in advance, as Venice is a popular destination, especially during the Biennale. Choosing lodging near the main exhibition venues can be convenient for easy travel; for example, our boutique hotel in central Venice is within walking distance of San Marco and the main exhibition venues.
2. Purchasing entrance tickets
Where and how to purchase admission tickets
You can purchase tickets online, directly from the Biennale’s official website to avoid queues and guarantee your access.
Alternatively, you can go to the ticket offices located at the Giardini and Arsenale to purchase tickets on site.
Types of tickets
There are different types of tickets that allow access to all the exhibition venues: Daily Ticket, valid for one day, 3-Day Ticket and Weekly Ticket, ideal for taking your time to visit all the exhibitions.
In addition, it is possible to book guided tours that place the historical/architectural suggestions of the Biennale’s exhibition venues at the center; these tours are available in Italian or English and, upon request, in other languages as well.
Our advice: check the availability of discounts for students, groups, or for advance online purchases.
3. Practical advices for the visit
How to move between venues
The vaporetto is the most convenient means of public transportation to reach the Biennale venues and move between various points of interest. The main lines connecting the Giardini, Arsenale and other venues include lines 1 and 2 — Arsenale and Giardini della Biennale stops.
We recommend that you purchase a daily or multi-day pass for your vaporetto transfers between the various exhibition venues and places of interest in the different sestieri of the city.
Alternatively, you can reach the venues on foot: Venice is a city that lends itself well to walking. Walking allows you to discover hidden corners and immerse yourself in the city’s unique atmosphere.
Where to stop for a coffee or lunch break
At the entrance to the Giardini, you will find the historic Caffè Paradiso, a little gem of architecture and one of the landmarks of Venetian cultural life. You stop under the pergola, cool in summer, with a wonderful view of the Lagoon with the vaporetti and motorboats gliding over the water in the distance
For a break in architecture, art and design, still at the Giardini, but inside the Central Pavilion, you can stop at the wonderful cafeteria with optical interiors inspired by the camouflage of warships that, in 2009, won designer Tobias Rehberger the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale.
Finally, a short walk from the Arsenale, you can indulge in the Serra dei Giardini, a relaxing Venetian place surrounded by nature, lawn and large trees. It is an old 19th-century greenhouse that houses a café with tables, also outdoors, and a lush flower store. Built in 1894 to house palms and other decorative plants used for the first International Art Exhibition, in the 1990s it was used for storage and activities by municipal gardeners. In the 2000s, it was restored to its splendor, thanks to restoration work ordered by the City of Venice.
Caution: on weekends, the venue may be particularly crowded and service may be slower.
Opening hours and best days
La Biennale – Giardini and Arsenale venues – is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For side events, you are advised to inquire about opening and closing times as they may vary from venue to venue. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends and therefore offer a quieter, more relaxed experience.
4. Side experiences and activities
Special events and conferences
The Biennale often organizes special events, lectures, and workshops. Participating in these activities can enrich your visit and offer you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of contemporary art.
What to see and do in Venice besides the Biennale
If you are on your first visit to Venice, don’t limit yourself to seeing the works on display at the Biennale, but dedicate yourself to discovering the city’s many architectural wonders as well. Venice’s calli and campielli, with their secrets and unexpected glimpses, offer a unique path between exhibitions.
- Museums and galleries: don’t miss the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, the Correr Museum, and the Gallerie dell’Accademia.
- Must-see experiences: visit iconic sites in Venice such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, take a gondola ride along the canals. If you have more days to devote to seeing the city, you can follow our Hidden Treasures in Venice itinerary: discover lesser-known Venetian places.
- Typical restaurants: enjoy Venetian cuisine in one of the many typical restaurants. Dishes such as “cicchetti” and “risotto al nero di seppia” are not to be missed. For more detailed recommendations read our article Journey through flavors: 5 recommended bacari and restaurants in Venice.
5. Concluding the Visit
The Biennale is an opportunity to engage with the most diverse and challenging ideas in contemporary art. Take photographs, make notes, and perhaps write a travel diary: these memories will allow you to relive the experience and share it with friends and family.
Follow the Biennale’s official social media channels and sign up for the newsletter to stay informed about future editions and other art events.
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