Last Updated on September 24, 2026 by George Pavlopoulos
Despite its proximity to the floating city, Lido seems completely different from the rest of Venice. The first thing you’ll notice when you step onto this oblong island is cars: unlike Venice, you’ll see vehicles and traffic lights. However, it is one of the most charming locations on this side of Italy, and in this travel guide, you’ll discover some great things to do in Lido.
Lido is a standalone summer destination, especially if you want to swim and relax away from the crowds. That said, even if daytrippers spend only a few hours on the island, you can still enjoy a relaxing holiday. In this Lido travel guide, you’ll find the island’s must-sees and the best places to stay. I’ll also share how to get to Lido from Venice and plenty of my photos.
So, let’s start with the best things to do in Lido and how you can make the most of your visit.
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The best things to do in Lido Venice
Although Lido has its share of sightseeing, you won’t find many iconic landmarks. Places like the Jewish cemetery or the San Nicolò church aren’t enough to motivate travelers. Still, most people visit Lido for its fantastic vibe, more down-to-earth life, and stunning coastline.
I was so fascinated by the island that I visited Lido on three different days during my journey to Venice. Venice can be overwhelming, and finding a beautiful place to unwind is always refreshing. So, after this short rant, here are the best things to do in Lido.
Enjoy the beaches of Lido
Unlike Venice, where swimming isn’t a good idea, Lido has a long sandy coastline facing the Adriatic Sea. The easiest beach to reach is Blue Moon: from the Vaporetto terminal, walk down Gran Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta for about ten to fifteen minutes, and you’ll reach the Blue Moon Beach.
You’ll find both private beach establishments and free stretches of sand on Lido, so you don’t necessarily have to pay for a sunbed to enjoy the sea. Blue Moon has plenty of facilities, beach bars, and places to grab something to eat. When I visited Lido in late October, I even saw locals and travelers swimming, although, obviously, that’s something the weather will decide for you.
If you have more time, consider heading south to Alberoni. This is a very different side of Lido: dunes, pine trees, and a protected natural oasis replace the busier atmosphere around the center. Alberoni is not within walking distance of Santa Maria Elisabetta, so you’ll need to take the bus or cycle there. However, if you’re spending a full day on Lido, I think it’s worth the extra effort.
On the other hand, if you visit Lido off-season, when the water is cold, you can enjoy long walks by the water and the island’s beautiful landscape.
Stroll the Santa Maria Elisabetta Street
The Vaporetto to Lido will stop almost in the city center. That’s the island’s main settlement, and you will see the famous Santa Maria Elisabetta Street. The so-called Gran Viale is a beautiful, wide street with shops and restaurants. The surrounding trees give the avenue an excellent flair, and walking down the road is a perfect introduction to the island. That’s where you’ll see the first cars on your Venetian journey, and where you’ll also see daily life unfold.
Walking the charming Santa Maria Elisabetta will bring you straight to the sea. From there, you can head to the public beach on the north or move in the other direction toward Alberoni. Also worth mentioning (more on that later in the guide): most hotels in Lido are located either straight on the Gran Viale or on the side streets.
I’d say strolling Santa Maria Elisabetta is a great way to spend time, and if you’re up for cycling, you can rent a bike there and enjoy the island of Lido even more. Or you can simply book this wonderful 2-hour cycling tour on the island.
Visit Malamocco for some old-time atmosphere
As I already mentioned, Lido is an oblong island, and its atmosphere changes considerably as you move south from the busy area around the Vaporetto terminal. One place worth stopping at is Malamocco, a small settlement with an almost village-like atmosphere.
What looks like a sleepy little town today was once the island’s first and only settlement. It was also the first inhabited place on Lido and among the first in the entire Venice Lagoon. Apart from the beautiful Santa Maria Assunta church, there’s little to see in Malamocco. However, it is a charming place to stroll and have a drink in its old-fashioned cafes.
You can easily reach Malamocco with the buses starting outside the water bus station. If you have a Vaporetto Pass, you won’t need a ticket: it also covers the buses of Lido. Simply board the bus and watch Lido Island unfold from the windows before getting off at Malamocco. I really enjoyed the serenity of Malamocco and the views of Isola di Poveglia, which once served as a quarantine station. I highly recommend visiting this side of Lido.
Admire the villas and architecture
One of the finest things to do in Lido is to admire its stunning villas. Besides the streets off Santa Maria Elisabetta Street, you’ll also come across architectural gems. Liberty-style architecture prevails on the island, and admiring the villas will give you a great sense of life in Lido.
The Liberty style is the Italian variation of Art Nouveau, and like in Latvia’s capital, Riga, its main characteristics are floral motifs and stained-glass windows. Lido’s villas are colorful, and some operate nowadays as luxury hotels, like the iconic Grande Albergo Ausonia Hungaria. An unmissable experience.
Stay for the sunset
There’s a good reason to stay in Lido for the sunset. Most daytrippers return to Venice early enough to get a more local feel in the early evening. However, staying for sunset on the island is a must-do, since the sun sets over Venice’s skyline. The sky turns orange and pink, and as you follow the sun’s orbit, Venice wears those colors.
Don’t worry: the Vaporettos run late into the night, so you won’t have any issues getting back. And here’s an extra tip: start walking from the beach toward Santa Maria Elisabetta and watch the streetlights come on, the villas light up, and the colorful sky above.
Visit the Tempio Votivo Church
The Tempio Votivo is one of Lido’s most recognizable landmarks and one of the first buildings you’ll notice when approaching the island by Vaporetto. Construction started in 1925 and lasted for years: the church and dome were completed in 1937, while the final works were concluded in 1942.
Today, the circular building serves as a military shrine and ossuary, hosting the remains of more than 3,000 soldiers who died during the two World Wars. Although the upper part of the temple isn’t normally accessible to visitors, you can visit the crypt on selected days.
So, as you approach Lido, step out onto the Vaporetto deck and watch its distinctive copper dome slowly appear in the distance.
Venice Film Festival
Apparently, one of the most famous things to do in Lido is to attend the world-famous Venice Film Festival. I didn’t add it earlier because it lasts only ten days and usually takes place in late August or early September. For these ten days, Lido becomes the spotlight of the movie industry, and many stars arrive on the island for screenings, red carpet sessions, and Q&As.
Although it’s not as audience-oriented as the Berlinale, the Venice Film Festival is one of the biggest cinema events, and anticipation is always high. The Biennale organizes it, and if you happen to be in Lido during the festival, try to get tickets for a screening or two; chances are movie stars might walk by or even sit next to you.
On a side note, expect higher accommodation prices. The island sees an increased number of visitors and industry professionals, and demand is high.
Eat at Ristorante Pizzaria Lido
Finally, I can highly recommend the place I ate twice in Lido. If you’ve been following my travel blog for a while, you know that I always appreciate down-to-earth eateries. It’s not about price; it’s mainly because I enjoy being among locals. As a rule of thumb, Lido might look posh, but it’s not overpriced compared to the rest of Venice. On the contrary, I found some places much cheaper.
The Ristorante Pizzaria Lido is on Santa Maria Elisabetta Street and just a few minutes’ walk from the Vaporetto terminal. As its name suggests, it’s a restaurant serving various dishes and, of course, pizzas. The food was excellent, and the service was, too. Moreover, I must admit that I enjoyed the tastiest tiramisu in Venice there.
Last but not least, its location is great too. Locals and travelers tend to walk along Santa Maria Elisabetta, and there seems to be constant movement. See, be seen, and enjoy a delicious meal on Lido’s most iconic street without spending a fortune.
How to get to Lido from Venice
After sharing the best things to do in Lido, it’s time to cover how to get to Lido from Venice.
The quickest, but priciest, option to get to Lido from Venice is by water taxi. However, it’ll cost you quite a bit, and unless you have a reason to use the water taxi, I don’t think it justifies the cost.
That said, the best option is to take the Vaporetto from Venice to Lido. Travel time depends on your starting point in Venice, but for example, you can get from San Marco Square to Lido in fifteen minutes.
The Vaporetto Lines between Venice and Lido
The Vaporetto Lines traveling to Lido are:
Vaporetto Line 1. This waterbus starts from Piazzale Roma and goes through the famous Grand Canal before reaching Lido. However, this line stops frequently, and the journey from its starting point to Lido takes more than an hour.
Vaporetto Lines 5.1 and 5.2. These two lines operate the same route, but one travels clockwise and the other counterclockwise. From Piazzale Roma, it takes 20 minutes to Lido with the 5.1, and you can use 5.2 on your way back.
Vaporetto Line 6. You can also use Line 6. It also starts from Piazzale Roma, but it doesn’t go through the Grand Canal; it goes through the Giudecca Canal. Therefore, it’s much faster.
Your Vaporetto Pass covers trips to Lido, and you can also use the buses on the island at no extra cost. You can purchase a Vaporetto Pass here.
Where to stay in Lido Venice
Lido is a paradise for architecture lovers, and you’ll find some of the best Italian hotels there. Of course, luxury always comes at a price, so keep an eye on your budget. On the other hand, Lido also offers affordable accommodations, so if you want to save money, you can find reasonably priced hotels.
That said, this section of my travel guide to Lido includes a mix of hotels, from top-end accommodations to moderately priced rooms.
Should you stay in Lido for your Venice trip?
If you are visiting Venice for just one or two nights and want to spend every possible hour sightseeing, I’d probably stay in the historic center, as close as possible to San Marco.
However, Lido starts making much more sense on a longer trip, especially if you want to combine Venice with some beach time. It’s also an interesting option for returning visitors: evenings are considerably calmer, the accommodations often offer more space (and are often cheaper), and Venice remains only a short Vaporetto ride away.
So, for week-long stays or returning visitors to Venice, Lido is a place to consider.
The best hotels in Lido
Ausonia Hungaria Wellness and Lifestyle. Apparently, that’s the most iconic hotel in Lido after the Hotel des Bains shut down. Ausonia Hungaria is a luxurious hotel and spa set in one of Europe’s most beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. The rooms are elegant, and the hotel is five minutes from the beach. See prices and availability for Ausonia Hungaria Hotel.
Villa Casanova. This beautiful hotel is just a few minutes from the busy Santa Maria Elisabetta Street. Set in a stunning 1930s villa, it offers beautiful rooms, and guests can enjoy breakfast in a superb garden. This is hands down one of the best places to stay in Lido. See prices and availability for Villa Casanova.
Villa Ines B&B. Located just 200 meters from Lido Beach, Villa Ines is also set in an Art Nouveau building with a beautiful garden. Each room has a different color and includes air conditioning, a spa bath, and breakfast. Moreover, it’s one of the most affordable accommodations on the island of Lido. See prices and availability for Villa Ines B&B.
Hotel Villa Cipro. Finally, here’s probably the most affordable place to stay in Lido. Although it’s not luxurious, Villa Cipro is set in a stunning villa, and its garden is tastefully decorated. The hotel offers classic-style rooms, serves breakfast in the garden, and there’s also a bar where you can enjoy various cocktails. If you’re on a budget in Lido, that’s the place to stay. See prices and availability for Villa Cipro.
Please use the interactive map below for all other accommodation options in Lido.
So, is Lido worth visiting?
So, is Lido worth visiting? Yes, I think it is, especially if you have several days in Venice or simply want a break from the crowded streets of the historic center. Lido is only a short Vaporetto ride from San Marco, yet its beaches, wide avenues, and Liberty-style villas offer a totally different experience from the rest of Venice. A few hours are enough for the center and the beach, but allow most of the day if you also want to see Malamocco or Alberoni.
The best things to do in Lido, Venice: Final Thoughts
Even though it’s not packed with landmarks, Lido is among the must-see places when visiting Venice. The long sandy beaches, the stunning Liberty architecture, and the quieter rhythms of life make Lido an excellent addition to your Venice itinerary. The island doesn’t feel like a theme park (like Venice often does), and it’s a great way to discover how daily life unfolds in the Venetian Lagoon.
To some, Lido might look overly posh. However, locals are polite, and prices aren’t much higher than in other parts of Italy. I had a wonderful time whenever I set foot on the island, and it’s a plus that it’s just a short Vaporetto ride from Venice. Honestly, if it’s not your first time in Venice, you should also consider staying in Lido. Prices are reasonable, the rooms are bigger and newer, and you’ll be just fifteen minutes from Saint Mark’s Square.
More about Venice: Gondola ride guide, Where to stay in Venice, Burano, Murano, Giudecca, Vaporetto Guide, How to get to Murano, How to create a Venice itinerary
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