Places to visit on the Venice Lido during the Film Festival

The 82nd edition of the Venice International Film Festival will take place from 27 August to 6 September 2025, filling the city with events, screenings and glamorous red carpet appearances.

But what else can you explore between one film and another during the Festival? Here is a guide to what to see around the city while attending the Venice Film Festival.

How to reach the Lido

The Lido of Venice can be reached by public vaporetto, by rental boat, by train or by car.

From Piazzale Roma, the fastest line is number 6, while the slower option is line number 1, which stops at every station along the Grand Canal.

What to see on the Venice Lido

The beach and seafront

A walk along the Lido’s beach and promenade is a truly atmospheric experience, especially at sunset.

The stretch of coastline near the hotels is private and subject to a fee, but in the areas of San Nicolò and towards the Murazzi it is still possible to find free public beaches.

The Murazzi date back to the 18th century and are protective structures built against sea erosion, formed by large flat stones where visitors can lie down and sunbathe in complete relaxation.

Bars and shops on Viale Maria Elisabetta

Viale Maria Elisabetta is one of the few streets on the islands that can be driven along by car. Here you will find numerous bars, restaurants and shops.

It is the main thoroughfare of the Lido, well known for its wide tree-lined avenue.

Architecture

The Lido is home to many Art Nouveau villas, though examples of rationalist architecture and 1950s buildings can also be seen.

Among the most distinctive façades are those of Hotel Hungaria, Hotel Des Bains, and Hotel Excelsior, whose Moorish-inspired architecture is particularly striking.

The War Memorial

This monument is recognisable for its characteristic green dome and can be clearly seen when arriving by vaporetto.

The Jewish cemetery

The Jewish cemetery on the Lido of Venice is one of the oldest in Europe. Located in the San Nicolò area, if it happens to be closed you can still view it from outside through the windows in the surrounding wall.

The Palazzo del Cinema

The Palazzo del Cinema is the official venue of the Venice International Film Festival.

Spread across four floors, its Sala Grande can accommodate over 1,000 people during the festival screenings.

The Church of San Nicolò

The Church of San Nicolò houses some relics of Saint Nicholas of Bari.

Dating back to the 9th century, it still hosts the thanksgiving mass that concludes the traditional “Marriage of the Sea” ceremony during the Festa della Sensa.

The village of Malamocco

Malamocco is another must-see on the Venice Lido. Situated in the southern part of the island, it is the successor of one of the earliest lagoon settlements, which was destroyed by a tidal wave in 1106, and has been developed since the 14th century.

Between the lagoon front and Piazza della Chiesa stand the Palazzo del Podestà and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.

Its distinctive layout is structured along the present-day Rio Terrà and the parallel Mercerie, linking Piazza della Chiesa and Piazza delle Erbe.