Venice, in its sophisticated canals and strong architecture, holds secrets from the lively St Mark's Square. Its more peaceful and culturally more rewarding havens are the islands of San Giorgio Maggiore and Giudecca.

Located just west of Venice's historic center, these islands provide a satisfying glimpse of art, architecture, and landscape. This tour is aimed particularly at visitors who want to see more of Venice than the tourist crowds, yet still experience the city's beauty and spiritual riches as well.

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Morning: Giudecca Island

Walk Along the Giudecca Waterfront

The day begins with a quiet walk along Fondamenta of Giudecca, the ideal way to experience Venice's more relaxed pace of life. The quiet and long promenade gives one an unbroken view of the Venetian Lagoon, the likes of Dorsoduro Venezia, Santa Maria Della Salute, and San Marco Venice in the horizon. 

Along the way, visitors get a glimpse of the real daily life of Giudecca's people—fishermen repairing nets, elderly Venetians chatting on benches, and small artisan workshops opening for the day. 

The absence of crowds of tourists renders this waterfront a particularly attractive haven for photographers and writers looking for solitude. The soft lapping of the canal against moored boats adds to the charm, making for a contemplative beginning to the day.

Discover the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redentore Church)

Consecrated following the end of the 1575–1577 plague, the Redentore Church is one of Venice's most spiritually fulfilling sites. The masterpiece design of the renowned architect Andrea Palladio, with its classical proportions, soaring Corinthian columns, and dazzling façade, reflects post-plague Venice's optimism and austerity. 

Inside, visitors enter a space of subdued reflection, as paintings on the altar, statues, and vaulted ceilings create an atmosphere of drama but tranquility. 

The main dome of the church lights the interior with natural light from the heavens, contributing to the spirituality of the church. In July every year, the church is the location of the Festa del Redentore, when a pontoon bridge connects it with central Venice for one of Venice's greatest festivals. Whether visited for its history or architecture, Redentore Church is a deeply stirring experience.

Art and Exhibitions: Casa dei Tre Oci

A cultural centre that draws art lovers and interested minds in general, Casa dei Tre Oci occupies a spot on the Giudecca waterfront. The building's dramatic neo-Gothic façade, complete with three eye-shaped windows (or "oci"), is the prelude to the wealth within. Internally, the gallery creates a dynamic series of exhibitions, often with photography in synergy with the Venice Biennale or foreign institutions. 

Some of the exhibitions it has hosted include photographs by leading photographers like Sebastião Salgado and Letizia Battaglia. Aside from its exhibitions, Casa dei Tre Oci is also a forum for discussion of contemporary issues, with panels, workshops, and artist talks. 

Its windows frame enchanting vistas of St Mark's Campanile and the skyscraping city skyline—framing Venice as subject and backdrop of artistic contemplation.

Molino Stucky Hilton and Skyline Rooftop Bar

Once a reminder of Venice's industrial heritage, the red-brick Molino Stucky has been reimagined as a luxury hotel under the Hilton flag, blending heritage and high-end hospitality. 

Its pièce de résistance is the Skyline Rooftop Bar on the topmost floor, with what is arguably the best view in all of Venice. It's here one can enjoy a perfectly crafted espresso or cocktail and look out upon the domes of San Giorgio Maggiore, Santa Maria Della Salute, and the full length of the Grand Canal. 

Early morning, the bar is subdued and reflective—a spot for travel writing or simply observing the scene. Providing both old atmosphere and new luxury, Molino Stucky is a singular experience of Venice's transformation.

Midday: Walk over to San Giorgio Maggiore

San Giorgio Maggiore Church

A brief vaporetto ride across the Giudecca Canal, San Giorgio Maggiore island welcomes the visitor with the towering outline of its Palladian church. A masterpiece of 16th-century Andrea Palladio, San Giorgio Maggiore Church boasts a dazzling white façade that glows under the midday sun and merges with lagoon light. 

Inside, the church has colossal proportions and a luminous nave that invites serene contemplation. The highlight is Tintoretto's dramatic paintings—"The Last Supper" and "The Gathering of the Manna"—which decorate the presbytery. 

Unlike its more renowned competitors such as St Mark's Basilica, this church provides space to reflect on art and architecture without disturbance. It also has a spiritual feel, with the adjacent Benedictine monastery still following monastic life.

San Giorgio Bell Tower

Crowning the church, San Giorgio Bell Tower looms over the island, providing what most tourists regard as the finest panoramic view of Venice. 

It has an elevator that whisks visitors to the summit, bringing an end to the tedium of stairs and making it within reach of everyone. 

From the observation deck, one can look out over the Venetian Lagoon, overlook the seething throng of St Mark's Square, follow the lines of the Bridge of Sighs, and even catch sight of far-off islands such as Murano and Lido. 

The tower is especially cherished by photographers and anyone who wants to develop an appreciation for the overall expanse of the city's aquatic topography. The serene quality of the bell tower's summit allows for relaxed viewing, which leads to moments of awe and thankfulness.

Fondazione Giorgio Cini

Within walking distance from the church is the elite Fondazione Giorgio Cini, a world-renowned cultural center in the complex of the former Benedictine monastery. Established by Vittorio Cini in memory of his son Giorgio following World War II, the foundation has evolved into a center of arts, music, literature, and historical conservation. 

Guided tours reveal the architectural gems of the complex, such as serene cloisters, monumental staircases, and the stunning Longhena Library, with its ancient tomes and classical sculptures. 

A highlight of the visit is the Borges Labyrinth, a literary garden maze dedicated to the inventive writings of Jorge Luis Borges. With limited access and reflective programming, the foundation offers an intimate yet insightful window into Venice's artistic and intellectual past.

Afternoon: Lunch and Relaxation

Waterfront Lunch in Giudecca

Being in Giudecca again at noon offers the ideal time to enjoy a leisurely lunch along its serene waterfront. Visitors can choose from among several highly reputed but modestly unpretentious restaurants paying tribute to both the regional cuisine and seasonal harvest of the Venetian Lagoon. 

Harry's Dolci, despite its elegant patio and white-glove service, Altanella, renowned for its homey ambiance and antique decor, and Ostaria Ae Botti, a neighborhood institution because of its welcoming atmosphere, provide menus rich in taste and integrity. 

Visitors can sample traditional Venetian dishes such as Cicchetti Veneziani, bite-sized seafood antipasti served tapas-style, or the sweet-and-sour delight of Sardè in Saòr, which is best accompanied by a glass of perfectly chilled Prosecco. 

The gentle lapping of waves against tied-up boats and a view of Dorsoduro Venezia and the domes of Santa Maria Della Salute create a backdrop that is both relaxing and inspiring.

Experience Local Life and Artisan Culture

Later in the day, after lunch, the tempo slows down with a stroll along the side canals and narrower streets of Giudecca. This part of the island is nothing like the commercial bustle of Ponte di Rialto or of the queues for Santa Lucia Station, but rather residential in character. 

Travelers might stumble upon artisan workshops where glass, fabrics, or ceramics are created using techniques handed down through the generations. 

Independent galleries host temporary shows by up-and-coming Venetian artists, and small grocery stores and family shops provide a window into the daily life of Giudecca inhabitants. 

A stroll around this neighborhood provides a close and personal connection with Venice as a working city—not a mere ancient artifact—where artistic pursuit and everyday normal life are integrated into a single harmonious and pleasant entity.

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Evening: Night on Giudecca

Sunset Stroll and Lagoon Views

As the light begins to fade, the Zitelle neighborhood of Giudecca is one of the most romantic spots in the entire city for a sunset walk. The rooftops and domes of Venice are tinged with the warm, golden light, as the cityscape transforms into a painting of moving light and shadow. 

Walking along the southern promenade, visitors are treated to a film set: the silhouette of St Mark's Basilica, Santa Maria Del Rosario Church, and Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute mirrored in the shimmering waters of the Grand Canal. 

By the minute, the sky changes hue, offering unparalleled photo opportunities, reflective quiet, or a romantic moment shared in silence.

Dinner with a View

Dinner in Giudecca is elegant, cozy, and has a deep respect for the seasons. Ristorante Riviera serves elegant dining with a contemporary spin, often showcasing seafood freshly netted in the nearby lagoon and a wine list to accompany each course. 

Ostaria Ae Botti keeps things more rustic, with candles, paper menus, and family-kitchen-approved fare. Visitors can enjoy the likes of grilled branzino, risotto with cuttlefish ink, or lagoon prawn polenta, all topped off by Crema Fritta—a fried custard dessert rich but subtly spiced. 

The soothing backdrop of waves softly lapping, table lamps and tablecloths, and the distant bell tolls of San Giorgio Maggiore complete the romantic and sensory environment.

Live Music or Rooftop Drinks

To cap the evening, guests can again drop by the Skyline Rooftop Bar at the Molino Stucky Hilton, where live jazz, acoustic sets, or specially arranged DJ sessions are typically reserved on weekend nights. The atmosphere—looking out over the Giudecca Canal—is just as breathtaking as the nighttime in vistas. 

Alternatively, cultural tourists can find nightlife entertainment during the Venice Biennale that occasionally comprises outdoor concerts, film festivals, or experimental performances within refurbished factory and open courtyard settings. 

Regardless of preference, a quiet toast under the stars or a night of embracing art, Giudecca at sunset is a place of beauty, close up, and spiritual connection.

Discovering Giudecca and San Giorgio Maggiore

Visitor Information

How to Get There: It is easy to reach Giudecca and San Giorgio Maggiore since Venice is well connected by a network of vaporetto. Tourists can take a start from any of the main transportation terminals such as Piazzale Roma, Zattere, or Santa Lucia Station via vaporetto line 2, 4.1, or 4.2. 

For nighttime visits or nighttime returns, there is non-stop transportation through the canals by line N (nighttime). Each tour offers scenery along the waterways, so the traveling is also included in the overall experience.

Best Time to Visit: While Venice is lovely year-round, spring and fall are the optimal times to visit San Giorgio Maggiore and Giudecca. 

It's warm but pleasant from April through June and late September through early November, and the city is less busy than in the high summer months.  These are the best times for unhurried sightseeing, best photographic light, and a more relaxed experience at restaurants and cultural sites.

Accessibility: The islands are relatively flat and barrier-free, and therefore simple to visit for people of any mobility level. Giudecca waterfront promenades and public piazzas are wide and accessible. 

San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower provides a barrier-free elevator to observe its observation deck. Churches and museums are easily wheelchair-accessible, though advance inquiries are recommended for particular exhibit availability. 

Ticket Information

Redentore Church: No entry fee is charged to visit the Redentore Church. The tourists can stroll through the church's sanctuary and architectural features on their own. Donations are welcome and are used for the maintenance and conservation of the church.

San Giorgio Bell Tower: There is paid entry to the bell tower, with the cost of tickets typically ranging from €6 to €8. Tickets are available for purchase on location, and the tour includes elevator access to the top and viewing of panoramic views over the lagoon.

Fondazione Giorgio Cini: Fondazione Giorgio Cini is open to visitors by guided tours only, which should be booked in advance. Special exhibitions, conferences, and concerts are also held from time to time by the foundation. Details of booking are on veniceXplorer website or through authorized ticket vendors.

Vaporetto Passes: For more convenient travel and cost savings, visitors are advised to purchase the Venice City Pass or ACTV travel cards for unlimited travel in 24, 48, or 72-hour blocks. These passes represent excellent value for multi-island tours or extended visits.

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Visitor Tips

Arrive early to enjoy serene settings before boat traffic and tour groups descend in the afternoons.

Be respectful of dress codes at churches and places of worship—cover knees and shoulders.

Search for event calendars of national festivals such as Venice Carnival, Regata Storica, and Festa della Salute that can accompany or replace visit experiences.

Pre-book restaurants and rooftop restaurants in advance during weekends, festivals, or summer when demand from both local residents and international tourists is greater.

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Conclusion

Islands of Giudecca and San Giorgio Maggiore make a nice alternative to more crowded Venice areas.

Along with their combination of architectural masterpieces, religious sites, and local charm, invite visitors to slow their pace and enjoy the timeless beauty of the lagoon city.

Whether stopping by for a brief visit or spending the whole day, this itinerary makes for an educational and fun journey into Venice's more serene heart—where history, art, and daily life still unravel in tranquil harmony.

The Giudecca and San Giorgio Maggiore tours cover two destinations that the hit-and-run tourist often overlooks, either because of time constraints or a lack of information. Venice in Italy has a lot to offer, and San Giorgio and Giudecca are no less.

How to go to Church of San Giorgio Maggiore?

Depart from your hotel. Take the vaporetto and reach the island of San Giorgio, which is opposite the famous Piazza San Marco.  Line 2 and Line N connect the island with the rest of the Venetian lagoon complex.

The attraction of the island is the Basilica of San Giorgio. The Basilica, designed by Andrea Palladio, is a feast of classical Renaissance art. Another enjoyable activity to delight in is walking to the lighthouse of San Giorgio Maggiore. If you want to stay a little longer, visit the glass rooms as well.

Once you have visited San Giorgio Maggiore as part of your Venice itinerary, take the vaporetto line 2, and after a few minutes, get off at the Zitelle stop. You will be on the island of Giudecca, or Zudega, as the Venetians call it. With the help of our Venice map, go to the Zitelle, or Church of Santa Maria della Presentazione. The church of the Zitelle has such a colourful name because poor girls were raised here by nuns. Many of these had no dowry for marriage and died as spinsters or turned to prostitution. Today, part of the church has become a hotel. From there, head to the Casa dei Tre Oci, the neo-Gothic house of painter Mario de Maria. The name comes from the structure's windows, which resemble three eyes. You will be struck by the architectural complexity, it is truly a jewel that stands out on the Giudecca Canal.

Continuing our itinerary on Fondamenta Croce, you will reach one of the most majestic Venetian churches, the Basilica del Redentore. Also designed by Palladio, it contains many works by painters such as Tintoretto, Veronese, and many others. If you're hungry, look for a small restaurant overlooking the Giudecca Canal, you won't be disappointed. After lunch, if you want to go shopping, we suggest you look for the many artisans, tailors, and upholsterers who live on the Giudecca.

Using our Venice map on your mobile phone, continue along the various calle or walk along Fondamenta Sant'Eufemia and reach the church of the same name. The Venice Church of Sant'Eufemia is marvellous inside, especially for its frescoed ceilings.

At the end of the tour treat yourself to some relaxation. We recommend an aperitif at the Skyline Rooftop Bar, a very pleasant place to sip a prosecco or bellini. Before returning to your hotel, take a photo of the Molino Stucky, a majestic industrial gothic building, now converted into a hotel.

Take the vaporetto from Giudecca Palanca back to your hotel. The Hilton stop is served by ferry B, a seasonal ferry that does not always operate.