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Venice   Travel Guide

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20 Best Things To Do in Venice

Losing yourself in Venezia's charm is easy, but there are an endless number of bucket list activities and century-old landmarks to see while you're there. Touring top attractions like St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace is a

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St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)

This elaborate church sits on the popular piazza by the same name. The church was built in honor of St. Mark the Evangelist, whose remains were stolen in Alexandria, Egypt, by a couple crafty Venetians, intent on bringing him to rest in Venice. (What made them crafty? They smuggled the remains to Italy in barrels of pork fat.) 

Crafted from many different styles of architecture, today the basilica's opulence shines from nearly every corner – from the four full-size bronze horses that guard the entrance to thousands of square feet of mosaics to the Pala d'Oro — an elaborate altar piece commissioned in Byzantium by the Venetians. If you look closely at the center gable on the exterior of the basilica, you can even see a statue of St. Mark along with Venice's emblem: a lion with wings. 

Grand Canal Grand Canal free

U.S. News Insider Tip: You don't need to make a reservation for a gondola ride. Instead, speak with a gondolier in person the day you want to ride. You may be able to negotiate a lower price or longer ride if you're traveling during off-peak months, or if you find a gondolier along one of the side streets. – Holly D. Johnson

Considered to be the main street of Venice, the roughly 2-mile Grand Canal is one of the city's most popular and highly photographed attractions. Recent travelers recommend hiring a gondolier for a romantic row along the canal. If you're hoping to do this option, plan to fork over between 80 and 120 euros (about $87 to $132) for the ride.

Gondola Rides Gondola Rides

Taking a gondola ride is a must-do when you're visiting a city that rises directly from a network of canals. A relaxing journey on one of these light, flat-bottomed boats will help you admire the historic charm of Venice from a range of new angles, and to explore neighborhoods and buildings you won't see on foot.

You can prebook a Venice gondola ride online if you prefer, which typically costs at least $80 for two adults. Some of the best gondola tours you can book online come from companies like Walks of Italy , Venice Tours and The Roman Guy .

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Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) free

Several centuries ago, if you wanted to cross the  Grand Canal , the Rialto Bridge was the only way. There are now four major bridges that cross the canal, but Rialto is by far the most famous.

The bridge's current incarnation is the handiwork of Antonio da Ponte, who beat out Michelangelo and Palladio for the job. Antonio da Ponte's name translates to "Anthony of the Bridge," and he built the Rialto Bridge entirely of Istrian stone after it collapsed multiple times from previous designs. Predicted to fail by critics, the bridge still stands and is considered an engineering marvel. 

Teatro La Fenice Teatro La Fenice

The  Teatro La Fenice is one of Italy's most popular opera houses, and one that has almost faced its demise from not one, but three big fires since opening in 1792. Locals and visitors alike joke at the name (which translates to Theater of the Phoenix), and how it has coincided with the theater's unfortunate history: like a phoenix rising from the ashes, La Fenice has lived on.

Although renovated in 1996, the historic opera house still has an Old World feel with decadent, intricately designed gold interiors outfitted with plush, red velvet chairs, making it the perfect setting to take in the auditory/visual pleasure of classic Italian opera. In addition to opera and musical performances, there are also a variety of dance – particularly ballet – performances scheduled throughout the year. For those with a tight itinerary, the theater offers day tours.

Torcello Torcello

Torcello is a northerly island in the Venetian lagoon that sits nearby Burano, another island and tourist hot spot. Torcello features a range of archaeological finds, including the so-called "Attila's Throne" and the Palazzo del Consiglio — the Gothic-style seat government of the island. The Museum of Torcello is also worth a visit according to past visitors, mainly due to its displays of early Christian artifacts and the other finds from the island.

Most tours to Torcello also include stops at the nearby islands of Burano and Murano, which are both known for their artisan crafts and glass blowing. These tours typically cost $25 to $40 per person and last six to seven hours. Each one includes boat transportation with several interesting stops that vary by tour operator.

Campanile di San Marco Campanile di San Marco

This particular bell tower was constructed in the early 20th century as a replica of the 16th-century original. The original structure provided the optimal setting for Galileo Galilei's presentation of the telescope; it also served as a stage for tight rope walkers who would humor the doge (the highest Venetian official at the time) with their feats during the Flight of the Angel celebration. Today's campanile is used for sightseers desiring a Venetian panorama – though one with few canal views, oddly, since most of the canals are obscured from its 324-foot height.

Most visitors say the attraction is well worth your time and makes for a great photo. To avoid crowds, travelers say it's best to go early in the morning or later in the evening. If you join one of the best Venice tours , you'll likely pass by the iconic landmark on your jaunt through the city.

St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco) St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco) free

St. Mark's Square, or  Piazza San Marco , is considered by many to be the heart of Venice. As the largest square in Venice, St. Mark's Square is the only piazza in the city. Lining the square are multiple historical sites including  St. Mark's Basilica ,  St. Mark's Campanile  and  Doge's Palace , as well as a number of restaurants, making it the perfect spot for leisurely people-watching and wine sipping. The square even has a handful of dueling piano bars that let you sit down and relax in a decadent setting, although the cost of food and drink at any of them is exorbitant.

Along with intricate architecture and hearty plates of spaghetti carbonara, visitors will be met with throngs of tourists, pigeons and vendors selling souvenirs. If you hoped to pick up a gondola hat or a carnival mask during your trip, this is the place you will find them.

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Bridge of Sighs Bridge of Sighs free

Centuries ago, the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the  Doge's Palace  to dungeons, was used to transport prisoners from the courtroom to the prisons. Legend has it that the Bridge of Sighs, or  Ponte dei Sospiri , was named for the sighs prisoners like Giacomo Casanova would utter as they took one last look at the outside world through the bridge's windows as they made their way to prison for good. On a much lighter note, Venetian lore says if two lovers kiss on a gondola under the bridge, they'll be granted eternal bliss. 

Recent travelers offer mixed reviews on the Bridge of Sighs. Those who enjoyed it appreciated the details of the architecture and unique placement of the bridge, saying it was a nice photo-op, especially while the gondolas passed underneath it. Those who weren't as smitten noted its lack of accessibility as the main drawback, saying that merely looking at the bridge was underwhelming. Other disgruntled visitors pointed out that the number of tourists, combined with the small amount of viewing space, made the bridge barely visible. For a better viewing experience, consider tagging along on one of the best Venice tours .

Santa Maria della Salute Santa Maria della Salute free

The Santa Maria della Salute was built to celebrate the end of the plague in 1631 and is dedicated to Our Lady of Health. Nowadays, many will recognize this magnificent Roman Catholic Church as the backdrop for many photos of Venice. There's a good chance you'll see it whether you take the time to go inside or not – at least from a distance. In fact, you can easily see the Santa Maria della Salute over the Grand Canal from Piazza San Marco . The church itself stands out due to its white marble facade and the 125 statues that adorn it, but there's much to see and explore inside.

The basilica features famous paintings by Titian and Tintoretto, as well as a remarkable sculpture called The Queen of Heaven Expelling the Plague. A 13th-century version of the painting "Madonna and Child" is also found within the basilica.

Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale) Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

Views from the Venetian Lagoon give the Doge's Palace an ethereal look – almost like it's floating on top of water. But it's fitting, as the Doge's Palace (or  Palazzo Ducale ) has witnessed an intriguing history in its role as the residence of the doge (leader), the seat of government and the palace of justice. Everything from execution orders to the affairs of Venetian leaders was carried out here; and a web of secret passageways and hidden doors reveals a decidedly mysterious past.

Along with the attraction's historical significance, Doge's Palace is located in the busy St. Mark's Square , which means it sees a lot of foot traffic. It isn't uncommon to see a line wrapping around the building, so book your tickets in advance, and if you can't do that, arrive right when it opens to avoid crowds.

Academy Gallery (Gallerie dell'Accademia) Academy Gallery (Gallerie dell'Accademia)

Originally an academy, this building was later turned into the Galleria dell'Accademia museum by none other than Napoléon. Today, it's filled with an expansive collection of Venetian art from the 14th to the 18th century by artists such as Bellini, Tintoretto and Veronese. 

If you enjoy art – especially Renaissance art – then you'll probably enjoy this museum. If not, you might be disappointed. Travelers who enjoyed this museum were primarily self-proclaimed art enthusiasts, while those who didn't identify as such reported being a bit bored.

Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

The Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, sometimes referred to simply as Frari , is a gothic-style church that was finished in the 14th century. The exterior is minimal in comparison to  Saint Mark's Basilica  because the Franciscans who built it wanted the building to emulate their beliefs on living a life of poverty. The interior, however, is a different story. Inside, you'll see works by Titian, Bellini and Vivarini, among other famous artists, and all for a cheaper price than the city's art museums.

Recent visitors appreciated the minimal entrance fee and the fact that it sits away from the frenzy of the Piazza San Marco . Others admired its intricate interiors, as well as its bevy of artworks, calling the church a "must-see."

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Jewish Ghetto (Ghetto Ebraico di Venezia) Jewish Ghetto (Ghetto Ebraico di Venezia) free

In 1516, Jews in Venice were forced to move to a small northwestern section of the island. Considered to be the world's first ghetto, residents were only allowed to leave the neighborhood during the day and were then locked up at night and guarded. Today, this area is a part of the Cannaregio  sestiere (district) and is filled with restaurants and shops (some offering kosher products) and several synagogues, which are open for touring. Although it's free to wander around the neighborhood – and you might want to do just that – the synagogue tours do cost .

For a deeper understanding of the ghetto's history, recent travelers recommend booking a walking tour; some of the best Venice tours include stops here. Several water bus lines stop near the neighborhood, but you can also reach it on foot. 

Peggy Guggenheim Collection Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Expat American art collector Peggy Guggenheim dedicated her life to gathering this impressive body of 20th-century contemporary art. The collection, which is housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the  Grand Canal  (also Peggy's former home), contains works by artists such as Magritte, Picasso, Pollock, Chagall and Dalí. In the sculpture garden, you can pay your respects to Peggy herself (she was laid to rest on the property), as well as her beloved dogs, who are buried beside her.

Many travelers agree the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is well worth the visit. Some visitors were keen to point out that getting to know Peggy's life, on top of seeing the exceptional art, made the experience more unique than merely visiting a museum. Others who also enjoyed the museum said its modern collection is a nice break from the traditional Renaissance paintings often seen in Venetian museums. 

Correr Civic Museum (Museo Civico Correr) Correr Civic Museum (Museo Civico Correr)

The Correr Civic Museum, also known as the Museo Correr, is a large museum that displays art and artifacts from Venice's history as well as the former royals' quarters. If you're also planning to visit Doge's Palace  (the former government seat and leader's residence), the standard ticket includes entry to this attraction.

Those who visited the museum said they were pleasantly surprised at how much they enjoyed the stop, considering it wasn't on their must-see list (though they recommend you add it to yours). Others enjoyed the museum's peace and quiet and said it's a great escape from the crowds in Piazza San Marco . Reviewers were also pleased with the on-site cafe.

Ponte dell'Accademia Ponte dell'Accademia free

Ponte dell'Accademia is one of the four bridges that crosses the Grand Canal in Venice. While not as famous as the Rialto Bridge , its wooden structure makes it truly unique from other Grand Canal bridges in Venice that are made of metal or stone. It crosses the southern end of the canal where it connects the Dorsoduro and San Marco neighborhoods. Consider stopping by the Gallerie dell’Accademia or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection before or after viewing the bridge, as both are nearby.

Visitors say this bridge not nearly as crowded as the Rialto , and that the views of the canal and surrounding neighborhoods are spectacular. They also note that a vaporetto stop is nearby, so it's easy to visit the bridge by boat if you don't want to walk. Not only will you want to cross the bridge to get views of the water, but also you’ll want to take photos of the bridge from the surrounding buildings and walkways, according to past visitors.

Libreria Acqua Alta Libreria Acqua Alta free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Many books at Libreria Acqua Alta are for decor only. Not everything you see is for sale. – Holly D. Johnson

The Libreria Acqua Alta is often called the "most beautiful bookstore in the world," and it's easy to see why. From its ancient stone walls to its cobblestone floors and embellished (and sometimes flamboyant) decor, there's a lot to see here other than books.

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Ca' d'Oro Ca' d'Oro

Ca' d'Oro is a patrician palace that was originally built in the 15th century in the Renaissance style coupled with Gothic and Islamic elements. Built by Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bon (famous father and son architects and sculptors of the time) at the request of the procurator of St. Mark, the building is located along the Grand Canal . Several stories high, the palace facade is adorned with marble terraces and intricate architectural design. The building features ornate cornices and cresting that was made to please local Venetian patrons at the time.

The building is worth a look due to its elaborate exterior, but art lovers should note the Ca' D’Oro Franchetti Gallery is housed inside. Past visitors said that a trip inside was just as meaningful as an outside view, mostly due to the exceptional collection of art and heirlooms. Art you can view in this palace-turned-gallery includes sculptures, antique furniture, 16th-century Flemish tapestries, paintings and more.

Rialto Market Rialto Market free

Located near the famous Rialto Bridge , the Rialto Market is a centuries-old market that features everything you would expect including fruit, fish and vegetables. Of course, many travelers head here to pick up souvenirs as well, some of which wind up being edible. Visitors to the market have said it's a vibrant and busy place that's ideal for buying local herbs and sauces, or trying out meats, cheeses, spices and freshly caught seafood.

What should you do while visiting the market? You can walk throughout and try interesting foods and sauces, and there are places to sit down and eat or relax. Hours can vary, but the produce market is typically open 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday and the fish market is open the same hours Tuesday through Saturday. To avoid crowds, try visiting first thing in the morning.

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Experience the best of Venice with this guide to the top things to do © Cavan / Getty Images

Visitors flock to  Venice year-round, and who can blame them?

Some 118 islands float on this fairy-tale lagoon, linked by 400 bridges. Each is crammed with dazzling palazzos and heart-stopping art – Venice really is a place like no other. 

All the famous stereotypes are true, to an extent. It’s spectacular and it’s just like the photos but, thanks to mass tourism, Venice’s world-famous sights are overcrowded and in precarious health (even during the quieter months ). 

It is worth remembering that even in the busiest areas, step just one or two blocks away from the fray and you’ll find empty streets and local voices in the neighborhoods beyond. Spend more time here – five days is a decent starter – and you’ll discover that the true beauty of Venice isn’t the wow factor of its blockbuster sights, as magnificent as they are, but within the quieter spaces, where life goes on as it has done for centuries. Once you glimpse that life, you’ll want to protect it.

To help counter the overtourism that is exploiting the city, stay overnight in a hotel or B&B (not vacation rentals, which hollow out housing stock), eat in family-owned restaurants, and buy souvenirs from Venice’s artisans who ply centuries-old trades. Then, not only are you helping the city stay alive, but you’re also ensuring a better trip – Venice done well is unforgettable.

Here are the best experiences in Venice.

1. Take in the Piazza San Marco

For many people, this waterfront square is Venice: the rolling domes of the basilica, the centuries-old cafes beneath the stately porticoes, the vast Campanile  (belltower) throwing its shadow around the square, high tide occasionally sloshing around your feet. There’s so much to see around  Piazza San Marco (or St Mark’s Square) that you could easily spend a day here.

Start in the  Basilica di San Marco , the Byzantine basilica that glitters with golden mosaics inside. Then move on to the Campanile, where elevators whisk you up 98.6m (323ft) for enticing views of Venice and the lagoon. Spare a few hours for the  Museo Correr , at the opposite end of the square from the basilica, which tells the story of the city through its objects. Need a break at any point? Stop for a coffee or a spritz at Quadri , our favorite of the 18th-century cafes in the square.

Local tip: Keen to understand these icons better? Time for some reading. Family-run  Libreria La Toletta in Dorsoduro is Venice’s best bookshop, with literally hundreds of volumes about the city. For kids , try  Ponte dei Sogni in Castello, whose beautiful picture books tell the history of the city.

2. Enter the seat of power at the Palazzo Ducale

If you only visit one museum in Venice, you need to make it this: the vast  Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace), the Republic of Venice’s seat of power for around 900 years. With its pink and white facade squaring off against the lagoon, it has everything: mindblowing art and architecture, plus a whole load of atmosphere.

There’s so much to see here – every single room is plastered with works by some of the greatest artists of all time – that you shouldn’t expect to take it all in. But it’s worth saving more time for the rooms and their art than speeding across the famous Bridge of Sighs and through the grim prisons – although the latter is great for kids.

Planning tip:  Lines can get long here, especially before 11am. Skip the wait and book a fast-track ticket in advance through sites such as Ticketsvenice.com . 

Transform your visit to Palazzo Ducale by  booking with GetYourGuide.

3. Sail down the Grand Canal

Venice may be ideal for wandering, but its majestic palazzos were built to be admired from the water. Take the number 1 Vaporetto (waterbus) that plies the Grand Canal and experience one of the world’s greatest public transport routes .

You’ll find beauty every way you turn but heading south don’t miss: the Fondaco dei Turchi (once the headquarters for Arab and Muslim merchants, now the city’s  natural history museum );  Ca’ d’Oro , with its spectacular carved and marble-clad facade; Ca’ Foscari, the city’s beautiful university; and the bombastic octagonal  Salute church, right before the Grand Canal meets the lagoon.

Local tip: Get off at Salute, and walk down to Punta della Dogana for the best lagoon views, and then up along the Zattere waterfront. From here you can pick up a number 2 Vaporetto, which takes you to St Mark’s Square from the other side.

4. Venture over the Rialto

Everyone who visits Venice wants to see the  Rialto Bridge , the flouncy white crossing over the Grand Canal made of gleaming Istrian stone. Yet what the bridge leads to is arguably just as interesting. There’s been a  market on the western side of the bridge for over 1000 years – while it’s not the trading hub of centuries past, there’s still a lively fish market and a fruit and veg area too.

If you’re looking at the stalls, do remember to buy something, and don’t get in the way of other shoppers – this is still a real market, even if many tourists treat it as an Instagram backdrop. Stop for a drink beside the Grand Canal on Campo Erbaria –  Bancogiro is always a good bet for cicchetti (small snacks) – then lose yourselves in the surrounding alleyways, still full of food stores.

Planning tip: For a behind-the-scenes look at this most touristy of areas, take a tour with  Go Guide , a local group of guides who focus on Rialto.

Explore the Rialto effortlessly with  GetYourGuide . Book your tour today.

5. Be immersed in world-class art at the Accademia

In Dorsoduro, sitting quietly at the end of the famous wooden Accademia Bridge, is one of Italy’s finest art museums, the  Gallerie dell’Accademia . The meandering itinerary takes you through buildings packed with works that once hung from the city’s church walls, telling the story of Venetian art in the process. It starts with Paolo Veneziano, carries through to Carpaccio, Mantegna and Bellini, and then explodes into the finest works of Tintoretto, Titian and Veronese.

Detour: Near the Accademia are two of Venice’s best artisans. At  Cornici Trevisanello , the Trevisanello family has been making picture frames for the likes of Picasso for decades; they also make jewel-like smaller frames that make perfect souvenirs. Near Ca’ Foscari is bookbinder  Paolo Olbi , who creates beautiful stationery with hand-printed Venetian and Byzantine motifs. Further up towards Rialto, in Campiello dei Meloni, is  Il Pavone , where Paolo Pelosin makes everything from stationery to earrings with exquisite marbled paper.

6. Eat cicchetti in a bacaro

Three essential words for your Venetian stay: ombra , cicchetti and bacaro . Ombra (shadow) is the local name given to a small glass of wine served in a bacaro – a traditional wine bar or tavern. It may only be a small glass but don’t forget to follow it with cicchetti – finger food-style bar snacks, rather like Spanish tapas. You’ll find bacari all over town – when you spot one that looks good, make sure you stop.

Local tip: These days most cicchetti are slices of baguette bread topped with anything from cheese to fish but don’t miss old-style ones like a hard-boiled egg with anchovies, or sarde in saor – sardines in a sweet-sour marinade with pine nuts and raisins.

7. Seek out local traditions in Burano

Most visitors flock to  Burano to photograph its gorgeous candy-colored cottages. Fair enough – but to do only that is to miss out on one of the most special places in the lagoon. A fishing community since medieval times, Burano’s relative isolation in the north lagoon – a 45-minute vaporetto ride (or four-hour paddle) from Venice – has kept its culture intact. Or rather, it did until mass tourism hit.

Today, the Buranelli are assailed by crowds who come, photograph and hop on the boat back to town without spending a cent – but you can help them by practicing more sustainable tourism. Visit the  Museo del Merletto , which teaches you about the island’s lace-making tradition, and take a tour of the tranquil north lagoon with fisherman  Andrea Rossi , who’ll sweep you past mudflats and islands in perfect peace, with birds overhead your only company. It’s definitely one of the top experiences in Venice to change everything you think about the city.

Local tip: Stop for lunch at the family-run  Trattoria al Gatto Nero . Try the risotto di gò (goby fish risotto).

Explore Burano effortlessly with GetYourGuide.  Book your tour today .

8. Acknowledge the painful history behind the Jewish ghetto

The sinister word ghetto comes from the Venetian geto , or foundry – a clue to the past of this area, which was abandoned and undesirable when the Jewish community was forcibly settled here in 1516. Originally one tiny island, the area was expanded twice by the 17th century, with residents gated in every night, and living in eight-story "skyscrapers".

Despite the appalling conditions, the Jewish community flourished here, building no fewer than five synagogues that were as lavish as Venice’s churches. Guided tours of the area get you access to some of them, including the atmospheric  Scola Levantina , with scarlet-swaddled walls and a dark carved ceiling, redesigned by Venice’s 17th-century starchitect, Baldassare Longhena.

Planning tip: Book ahead for tours of the ghetto. The  Museo Ebraico (Jewish Museum) is closed for renovation until further notice.

9. Gaze upon the artworks in Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Forget Titian and Tiepolo – for many, Tintoretto is Venice’s greatest artist of all time. His finest paintings fill two floors of the vast Scuola Grande di San Rocco , one of Venice’s many scuole (lay confraternities that did charity work in the community), including the ceiling. They were decorated by Tintoretto to celebrate the end of the 1576 plague, which wiped out a third of the city.

There are more than 60 paintings of swirling Biblical scenes (Tintoretto revolutionized the depiction of movement and amped up the use of rich color), including on the roof of the main hall. This is Venice’s answer to the Sistine Chapel.

Planning tip: Many visitors see the Scuola and forget about the nearby church of San Rocco, which has yet more Tintoretto artworks inside.

10. View the Grand Canal from Ca’ d’Oro

Nobody loved Venice like Baron Giorgio Franchetti. In 1894, he bought the 15th-century Ca’ d’Oro, a Gothic palazzo on the Grand Canal so lavish that it was named the "Golden House". 

It had fallen into disrepair by the time he bought it and Franchetti dedicated his life to bringing the house back to its former glory, by rebuilding, repairing and filling it with sublime art. His ashes are now buried in the courtyard. It’s undergoing a major restoration, but the gallery will remain open throughout, with some parts closed, stage by stage. The views of the Grand Canal and Rialto market are spectacular from its balconies.

Planning tip: The best way to arrive at Ca’ d’Oro is by traghetto – a large gondola-style boat that acts as a shuttle across the Grand Canal. The Santa Sofia stop is right by Ca’ d’Oro, and connects with the Rialto market.

11. Get to know glass on Murano

Floating in the lagoon a 10-minute vaporetto ride north of Cannaregio, elegant  Murano is a mini Venice with opulent waterfront palazzos, knockout churches, and even its own Grand Canal. It is best known for its glass blowers, as it has been for centuries. Start at the  Museo del Vetro , the island’s glass museum, where you’ll learn that the art of glass-making was perfected in the Middle East, before Venice’s medieval trade links with Syria allowed it to copy the techniques and take it to new heights.

A small, easily digestible museum with a jewel-like collection, it’ll give you the background you need to appreciate the often tacky-looking glass ornaments in the shops. Ready to buy? We like  Lucevetro , where Cecilia Cenedese designs products and gets island maestri to craft them for her, while  Wave Murano Glass offers furnace tours and even lessons.

Detour: You may be here for glass but don’t miss Murano’s churches. The  Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato has a knockout 12th-century marble mosaic "carpet", while the  church of San Pietro Martire has works by Bellini, Tintoretto and Veronese.

12. Take in the modern Querini Stampalia museum

The  Fondazione Querini Stampalia is a fascinating space in a 16th-century palazzo, combining a museum, gallery, library archive and a modernist wing and garden designed by Venice’s 20th-century architect, Carlo Scarpa. The main gallery has works by the likes of Palma il Vecchio, Canaletto and Bellini, whose Presentation at the Temple is one of the city’s finest artworks.

It’s also a brilliant example of a modern museum: the information panels, redone in 2022, contextualize the art and teach you about Venetian life, from the poor conditions for house staff to arranged marriages and the banning of homosexuality.

Detour: In the square outside is the church of  Santa Maria Formosa , one of the few true Renaissance buildings in Venice.

13. Explore the city's finest churches

It’s no secret that some of Venice’s best art lies in its churches. But in a city which, as legend says, has a church for every day of the year, how do you know where to start? Buying a  Chorus pass is the way forward. Eighteen of Venice’s loveliest churches belong to this group – each is €3.50 to enter, but a pass for all of them, valid for one year, is just €14.

They’re dotted all around the city, so as you do your obligatory Venice wander, you can pop in for an art fix. All are worth seeing, but the standouts are  Santa Maria dei Miracoli (a marble-clad Renaissance jewel), and  San Sebastiano , frescoed and painted almost entirely by Veronese.

Planning tip: Some of the churches have limited opening hours. When you get your pass, ask for the map of the churches – it also lists opening hours.

14. See Venice’s birthplace on Torcello

This island just across the water from Burano is where Venice began. The first island of the lagoon to be settled, and then a bustling early medieval boomtown, today  Torcello is a haunting place of around a dozen inhabitants, and one big draw: the  Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta , the vast church that dominated the north lagoon for centuries. Still visible from the airport, its interior sparkles with Byzantine-style mosaics from the 11th century. It’s pure magic.

Planning tip: Visit  Torcello before Burano – if you do it the other way round, you’ll be trying to board a packed vaporetto back to Venice.

15. Pay your respects to Tintoretto

Peaceful Cannaregio is worth a stroll for its tranquil canals lined with grand palazzos, and for the church of  Madonna dell’Orto . This big barn of a place was Tintoretto’s neighborhood church – today he’s buried here, along with his artist children Domenico and Marietta, and its walls are covered with his paintings, as well as works by Titian, Palma il Giovane and Cima da Conegliano.

Detour: A short walk away is the church of  Sant’Alvise , part of the Chorus association, and famous for its spectacular trompe l’oeil ceiling.

This article was first published October 2021 and updated February 2024

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15 Best Things to Do in Venice

By Andrea Whittle

You'll find part of the appeal of Venice in its layers and contrasts: There are plenty of beautifully preserved palaces, churches and glorious renaissance masterpieces to be sure, but there are also abandoned Byzantine shipyards used to display the world's most cutting edge contemporary art, and house museums that now host avant garde poetry readings and dance shows. It's all about the mix of crumbling old world glamour and mysterious chic. Yes, it's a major tourist town, but with this list of the best things to do, we've tried to guide you towards the stuff that's really worth seeing, be it on everyone's hit list or more of a low-key secret.

St. Mark’s Basilica Arrow

The cathedral anchoring St. Mark's square is so over-the-top beautiful it almost looks imaginary, like a church in a storybook. Outside, it's all Byzantine domes and columns and lions and angels; inside, it's aglow with glittering, gilded mosaics. For those just interested in the architecture, you can visit when there's not a mass in session (it's still very much a functioning church, with regular services), but check the website for the latest on the sometimes-nonsensical opening hours. Also know that, because it's in the Times Square of Venice, the church has had to start limiting crowds in recent years and there's often a long line. Make plans to go early.

Palazzo Fortuny Arrow

Palazzo Fortuny, a Gothic palazzo, was once the home of Mariano Fortuny, the artist, stage designer, and textile designer behind Fortuny Fabrics, which still turns out luxurious damask silks, cut velvets and printed cottons today. As a museum, it's a tribute to his opulent and eclectic taste: Rooms, draped in a patchwork of luxurious textiles or painted in floor-to-ceiling frescoes, are filled with art, antiques, and decor from his collection.

Venetian Arsenal Arrow

Arsenale di Venezia, a massive Byzantine armory and shipyard, was originally built in the 12th century, and it served as the Venetian military HQ for centuries afterwards. Now, its cavernous halls and landscaped gardens are used as one of the main venues for the Biennale, as well as the city's Naval Museum. During the Biennale, the Arsenale is filled with curators, collectors, tourists, and artists checking out the exhibition or relaxing on one of the lawns overlooking the harbor.

Giardini della Biennale Arrow

Every two years, during the Art Biennale, Giardini della Biennale, the leafy garden at the edge of the city, transforms into the Epcot of the art world. Maritime pines and gravel pathways conjoin a series of small pavilions, each pertaining to a different country, and each with its own architectural style. At all other times, the park is simply a beautiful, secluded, walkable, mostly tourist-free green space, with views of the canal and plenty of benches. Getting here is a bit of a trek though though; the park is about a 30-minute walk from San Marco, so if you're there in the heat of summer, consider taking the vaporetto (water bus).

CNT Editors

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

Gallerie dell'Accademia Arrow

Gallerie dell'Accademia is Venetian Renaissance 101. Name an important painter from the era—Titian, Canaletto, Bellini, Bosch, Tiepolo—and you can bet you'll find it here, spread among rooms as decadent as the paintings themselves. The collection spans the 13th to 17th centuries and consists mostly of works created in and around Venice. There are a lot of oil paintings, many of them religious masterpieces that have been beautifully restored and displayed. Particularly fun are the historical scenes of Venice, which offer a sense of the city's chaos during its heyday as a merchant capital.

Caffè Florian Arrow

Caffè Florian, in Piazza San Marco, has been open since 1720. In the early days, it was a watering hole for the likes of Proust, Dickens, and Casanova. Now, it's a tourist spot, sure—but it's a charming, beautiful, and an inarguably romantic one. Musicians (which you're paying for by the way—a fee will show up on your bill) play in the square out front, and patrons cluster around low marble tables, sipping hot chocolate and picking delicate pastries off silver trays. For first-timers to Venice, Florian is a glamorous place to stop and refuel.

Church of San Giorgio Maggiore Arrow

The main attraction on San Giorgio Maggiore, a small island next to Giudecca, is the church designed by Andrea Palladio, which has a bell tower with some of the best views in the city. But there are also multiple art foundations, including Fondazione Cini and Le Stanze del Vetro, worth checking out as well. Since the island is only reachable by boat, there's built-in crowd control, making it a perfect choice if you're looking to escape the San Marco fray.

Teatro La Fenice Arrow

The name of Teatro La Fenice, a landmark opera house, means "The Phoenix"—a nod to the fact that it's literally risen from the ashes not once, but three times, most recently after two arsonists burned down everything but the exterior walls in 1996. But it's been rebuilt and restored to its former glory (complete with its world-famous acoustics) by a team of architects and artists who sought to recreate every inch of the way it looked and felt in the 19th century.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection Arrow

This squat palazzo on the Grand Canal was once the home of the eccentric gallerist and collector Peggy Guggenheim, who played a big part in the careers of artists like Jackson Pollock, Max Ernst, and Alberto Giacometti. Today the eponymous museum still maintains the feeling of a private house. Most of the work on display was collected by Guggenheim during her lifetime—and it's some of the best art of the 20th century. In the entryway, two Picassos hang next to a Calder mobile. There are rooms filled with Kandinskys and Brancusis and Pollocks and Dalis. One mantlepiece is lined with Joseph Cornell boxes.

Fondazione Prada Arrow

This gloriously crumbling Baroque palazzo is the Venetian headquarters of Fondazione Prada. Much like the Italian fashion brand's designs, the artistic programming is bold, contemporary, and innovative. There is no permanent collection; instead, the three main floors of the palazzo are used as a project space for immersive exhibitions that often run concurrently with the Biennale. Sometimes, the foundation invites multiple artists to build installations that interact with the architecture; otherwise, curators will utilize every inch of the space to display a survey by one artist.

Pinault Collection Arrow

The contemporary art collection of French billionaire Francois Pinault is split between two Venetian venues: Palazzo Grassi, near the Accademia bridge, and Punta Della Dogana, the former customs house at the tip of Dorsoduro. Both are pretty spectacular, and they present a rotating program of blockbuster exhibitions. The shows at Palazzo Grassi tend to focus on a single living artist, giving them full reign of multiple floors as well as the massive central atrium. Across the canal, Punta Della Dogana usually goes wider, with thematic shows featuring work by multiple artists.

Doge’s Palace Arrow

Palazzo Ducale, an opulent gothic palace overlooking Saint Mark's Square, was the city's government seat (and the Doge's home) from the 14th to 18th centuries. It's been rebuilt and expanded over the years, so it's really a conglomeration of multiple buildings and styles—pretty much all of them over-the-top and glamorous. Visitors have access to various ballrooms, the Doge's former apartments, the grand inner courtyard, and the former prisons. It's run as a museum, so tickets are required.

Fondazione Querini Stampalia Arrow

Part 19th-century house museum, part contemporary exhibition space, part architecture nerd's dream garden, Fondazione Querini Stampalia is a microcosm of everything that's fascinating about Venice. The collection spans centuries and defies categorization: Renaissance paintings by the likes of Bellini and Tiepolo are displayed next to antique instruments, gilded French porcelain is laid out carefully on lace-trimmed tablecloths, and perfectly fluffed pillows sit on gleaming Louis XVI chairs. The garden, designed by the architect Carlo Scarpa in the 1960s, is a maze of geometric fountains and a serene lawn.

Mercato di Rialto Arrow

The fruit, vegetable, and fish market near the Rialto Bridge has been running for hundreds of years, and it's still where local chefs and home cooks come to stock their kitchens. Depending on the season, you'll find local cherries and peaches, artichokes and Treviso radicchio grown on nearby islands, and soft shell crabs and eels pulled straight from the lagoon. The produce market runs from 7:30 am to 1 pm every day except Sunday; the fish market is open those same hours, but Tuesday through Saturday.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco Arrow

Scuola Grande di San Rocco, an ornate Venetian "scuola" (the headquarters of a religious guild), is home to some of the Renaissance painter Tintoretto's best works, which cover the ceilings and walls of the building's two floors. Every inch of this place is decorated: In addition to the more than 60 paintings depicting scenes from the bible, floors are a geometric array of polished stones, every molding is intricately carved and/or gilded, and every wrought-iron lamp is as big as a person.

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The 23 best things to do in Venice

Aperol Spritz, gondola rides and some of the best contemporary art around? Welcome to the city of love

Ignore Venice ’s somewhat  stuffy reputation - this is a place to live the good life. Think art, architecture and (of course) the Aperol Spritz, and you’ve got Venice. It’s busy, obviously, but most people are there to see St Mark’s and the Rialto Bridge. To avoid the crowds, you just need to know the right spots. A whopping 118 islands linked by over 400 bridges make up the centre of Venice, so there is a whole  lot to explore - and that’s where we come in. 

Maybe you just want to get lost in the narrow calli , sit canalside with cicchetti (Venice’s famous finger food) hearing the slap-slap of the water, or wander the Biennale gardens. Maybe you’re coming for the art – Renaissance maestros and modern marvels are all covered here. Maybe you’re here to party like it’s 1699 at Carnevale, or maybe you just want to get away from it all, and hit the outer islands of the lagoon. Whatever you’re into, here are the best things to do in Venice, by a local. 

RECOMMENDED: 🍴 The best Venice restaurants 🏘️ Where to stay in Venice 🍷 The best bars in Venice 🏨 The best hotels in Venice 🛏️ The best Airbnbs in Venice

Julia Buckley is a travel writer based in Venice . At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . 

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Best things to do in Venice

1.  Piazza San Marco

Napoleon called this ‘the drawing room of Europe’, and even with today’s crowds and thickets of selfie sticks, St Mark’s Square is as refined as ever. Ride the elevator to the top of the campanile (bell tower) for drone-style views, watch high tides bubble up through the drains (note: that’s why you shouldn’t be splashing through the water barefoot), and visit the famous Correr Museum, located above the famous porticos. Most importantly, have a drink at one of the famous cafes, some of which have been going strong for hundreds of years. Florian has been serving eager Venice tourists since 1720, but our tip is for Quadri, on the opposite side of the square – it’s owned by the local Alajmo brothers, who have a Michelin-starred restaurant upstairs and gourmet bar snacks downstairs. 

2.  Doge’s Palace

Few buildings on the planet are as gloriously camp as the pink-tinged, candy-striped Doge’s Palace, dandling on the water’s edge. It’s certainly seen some action – the political heart of the Venetian Republic, which lasted for over 1000 years until 1797, this is where doges were ‘crowned’ (and the naughty ones executed), while prisoners were tried and marched to their deaths over the Bridge of Sighs. Some of the greatest artists of the Renaissance came to slather its walls in paintings, and even Casanova was imprisoned here, although he swiftly escaped over the rooftops to slay another day. Leave enough time to see it properly – highlights include the one of the largest canvas paintings in the world (‘ Paradise’  by Tintoretto in the Sala del Maggior Consiglio), the seriously creepy prisons, and the Bridge of Sighs, where you can recreate your own death walk. The regular exhibitions, including contemporary art installations, are always worth a look. 

3.  Basilica di San Marco

All that glitters probably is gold, if the Venetians are anything to go by. They looted left right and centre, down the Adriatic and across to Constantinople to make this, their main church, as spectacular as possible. From the intricate Byzantine-style mosaics on the floor (don’t miss the rhinoceros) to the glowing golden roof and wall mosaics, whose saints and martyrs sparkle, it’s deliciously outré. For a small extra fee you can visit the museum upstairs, and walk outside for views of the Piazza. 

4.  Grand Canal

This is one of the world’s greatest waterways for good reason – splitting Venice neatly into two, lined with palazzos each fancier than the next, and crossed by just four bridges, including the Rialto (below). Luckily in this most expensive of cities, public transport plies exactly the same route around its legendary bends as you’d take in a taxi or a gondola – you just have to make sure you bag a decent seat. Hop on the number 1 boat at Piazzale Roma, and it’ll take you on a 45-minute leisurely cruise, past churches (including the iconic domed Salute church) mindblowingly beautiful palazzos like the gothic wedding cake that is Ca’ d’Oro, fancy hotels like the Aman (where you might get a glimpse of Clooney and his ilk), and gliding under the Rialto. Because it’s a busy waterway, seeing the Grand Canal by gondola can be pretty stressful – you’re better off hopping into one at a quieter stop. What you should do here, though, is take a ride in a traghetto – essentially a public gondola, they cross the Grand Canal at five points. You get all the views, with less of the waves caused by all the boats – and all for €2 a pop.

5.  Ponte di Rialto

• Attractions
• Historic buildings and sites

Only in Venice can a bridge be a tourist attraction, a work of art… and a shopping mall. The marble-clad affair, linking the San Marco and San Polo districts via the Grand Canal since 1591, is second only to Piazza San Marco when it comes to visitor numbers. Fight for a space to get a prime view of the Grand Canal, check out the shops that line it (but be aware they’re mostly tourist traps), and most importantly cross it (if you’re coming from the San Marco side) to reach the market that’s been going strong for over 1,000 years. Today, the market itself may be of slightly less interest to visitors, since it’s mainly fruit, veg and fish, but the bars that have fuelled market workers for centuries are some of the best in the city for both atmosphere and cicchetti (see below).

6.  Try the cicchetti

People often slate Venice as expensive – with bad food. These people haven’t eaten cicchetti , the legendary Venetian bar snacks, which started as bitesize fodder for gondoliers and workers on the run. Today, they usually come in the form of slices of baguette bread topped with anything from seafood to meat and cheese – you’ll find some of the best in town at Schiavi in Dorsoduro, where gourmet toppings include egg dusted with tiny flowers and tuna tartare with a sprinkling of cacao. The more traditional cicchetti , though, don’t involve bread – they’re anything from a boiled egg with anchovies, to sarde in saor , sweet-sour-style sardines marinated with onion, raisins and pine nuts. Pair it with an ombra – the Venetian term for a small glass of house wine. The bars around the Rialto market are a good place to start a cicchetti crawl. 

7.  Gallerie dell’Accademia

When Napoleon conquered Venice, he swiped plenty of its best Renaissance artworks and took them back to France. Lots have been recovered, however, and are now part of this vast gallery, one of the best in Italy, sporting one of the finest collections of Renaissance art on the planet. The high-ceilinged rooms are stuffed with altarpieces by Venetian greats like Titian, Tintoretto, Bellini and Carpaccio, as well as those who hit the big time here, from Mantegna to Veronese. Look out for contemporary exhibitions, too, especially in Biennale years – a recent Anish Kapoor show was mesmerising. 

8.  Burano

• Walks and tours

Burano might be a 40-minute Vaporetto from the main island, but it’s worth the day trip. This island is filled with homes painted in every colour of the rainbow. Stroll past the 13th-century church of Santa Caterina to check out local restaurants, like the Trattoria Al Gatto Nero, which serves fresh seafood and homemade pasta (look for the bright blue building).

9.  Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Throughout the rest of Italy a scuola is a school, but in Venice it’s something altogether less pedestrian – essentially a group of locals who come together to do charitable deeds, and, more excitingly for today’s tourists, called in the best artists of the time to do the decoration. This is the best, covered almost entirely in paintings by Tintoretto – including the kaleidoscopic ceiling in the main room upstairs. It’s a mindblowing place – pick up one of the mirrors on hand so you don’t crick your neck, and follow the cycle. Don’t miss the wall seats sporting esoteric carved figures, either – including what looks like a cowboy. 

10.  Carnevale

Today, it’s almost exclusively tourists that take part in Carnevale – Venice’s carnival – but that doesn’t make it any less spectacular. Visit during February (usually, depending on the dates – but it ends on Shrove Tuesday) and you’ll find the streets full of your fellow visitors dressed up (you can tell the foreigners because they’ll be dressed in antique-style garb while Italians will be in general fancy dress). So grab a mask – splash out on one from a local artisan rather than buying a cheap plastic one from a stall, you won’t regret it – and join the crowds. You’ll find the official events listed on the Venice Carnival website each year – the most spectacular one is the Volo dell’Angelo, which marks the start of the Carnival, with a young woman ‘flying’ on a zipline from the campanile to the Doge’s Palace. 

11.  Peggy Guggenheim Collection

When the late, great Peggy Guggenheim moved to Venice in 1949, the city was busy looking back at its past glories. Guggenheim changed that pretty much singlehandedly (the Biennale aside), with her focus on contemporary art, filling her almost modernist-looking single-storey palazzo on the Grand Canal (it’s not a bungalow – it’s just an unfinished classical one) with works by her favourite artists. Today, her home is a museum bursting with her huge collection, with works by the likes of Picasso, Dalií, Pollock and more. Don’t forget to pay respects on your way out to her garden grave, alongside those of her best friends: her dogs.

12.  Murano

Come for the glass and stay for the island. Murano is a mini Venice, complete with its own palace-lined ‘Grand Canal’ snaking down its middle – and it’s only a five-minute vaporetto ride into the north lagoon (depending on where you alight). It is, of course, best known for its glass – the streets are lined with glass shops (make sure you’re buying something made locally, not a foreign-import trinket), blazing furnaces fire the factories where maestri blow and hand-turn glass, and there’s a superb – and compact – museum (below). But it’s a gorgeous island in its own right. Don’t miss the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato with its 12th-century mosaic ‘carpet’ of geometric patterns and fantastical animals, or the art-stuffed San Pietro Martire church. If you’re buying, Lucevetro has glasses, accessories and glass artwork designed and made on the island at accessible prices, while big spenders should head to Venini , whose collaborations with 20 th -century designers have made it world famous. 

13.  Torcello

• Religious buildings and sites

Just across the water from Burano is this semi-deserted island, whose current population just about hits double figures. Back in the day, though, this was where Venice began – before the Venetians settled around the Rialto, Torcello was a thriving port. Today it’s best known as being to a famous restaurant ( Locanda Cipriani  – great food, if sometimes snooty service), and the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta , built in the seventh century, and topped and tailed with glittering 11 th -century mosaics, including the dramatic Last Judgement on the back wall, which has some particularly gruesome depictions of those unlucky souls in hell. 

14.  Venice Biennale

Every other year from May to November, the art crowd flocks into town for the Venice Biennale, which sees countries from all over the world set up shop (or ‘pavilions’) to showcase the best of their modern artists. There are two official areas – the made-to-measure pavilions in the Giardini (a park to the east of the centre) and the Arsenale, the ancient shipyard, whose centuries-old factory premises make beguiling gallery space. You can get a ticket for one space or for both, and it’s worth adding a guided tour, led by experts, which give much-needed context to the exhibits and the Biennale theme as a whole (it’s contemporary art after all). What’s often more exciting are the ‘fringe’ events, which take place in multiple locations around the city: private palazzos, churches, abandoned buildings and even supermarkets. It’s a window onto another world. 

15.  Jewish Quarter

In 1516, Venice’s Jewish community was forcibly settled onto an island in Cannaregio, and the word “ghetto” was born. Over the following centuries it expanded, though citizens were still confined to the area at nightly curfew, and had to build ‘skyscrapers’ – as much as eight storeys high – to fit into the tiny area. While they lived in cramped conditions, though, they worshipped in synagogues every bit as fancy as Venice’s churches, and got the starchitects of the time to design them. Each community of origin had its own place of worship – today, guided tours take you to two of the five of them (which ones you get depends on the day). Outside in the area’s main square is a Holocaust memorial, remembering the 246 Jews who were arrested here and sent to the concentration camps during World War II.

16.  Fondamenta della Misericordia

Venice has never been a party city, but this is its wondrously watery take on a bar strip: dozens of wine bars, restaurants and boozy joints lining a wide canal in residential district Cannaregio, backing onto the Jewish quarter. Try Vino Vero for fancy (think biodynamic) wines, Al Timon whose seating includes a boat moored on the canal, and Ae Bricoe for delicious cicchetti . There’s also a great artist wedged between bars, Nelson Kishi at his shop Codex Venezia , for a truly unique souvenir of Venice. 

17.  Museo del Vetro

A museum about glass sounds yawnsome, but this is anything but: it runs you through the history of glass-making, from its Middle Eastern origins, to the Romans, and the medieval Venetian traders who brought back works from Syria to be copied back home – promptly moving the global glass business to Murano. There are plenty of examples, from pre-Roman vases to elaborate Renaissance tableware, as well as more design-led glass art from the 20 th century. If you turned your nose up at the glass chandeliers in your hotel, you’ll be converted here. 

18.  Take in the views

Few cities look as good from on high as this one, and you’ve a few places to choose from if you want a bird’s eye view.  The most obvious one is the campanile in Piazza San Marco – but while that nets you stellar views of the Piazza and the Doge’s Palace, it has the same problem as the observatory of the Empire State Building – you’re in the view. The campanile on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, just across the water, is a good alternative for classic Venice views, while for the Grand Canal, you’ll want to head to the rooftop of the Fondaco di Tedeschi department store, right above the Rialto Bridge.

19.  Lido

When you’ve had enough culture, escape to the Lido – the seven-mile sandbar separating the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. It’s home to world-class beaches with Miami-style sugary sand – think Dirk Bogarde sprawling on the beach in ‘Death in Venice’ – although you’ll need to rent a sunlounger at one of the many beach clubs, since almost all of it is privatised. The island has celebrities oozing out of its pores come September, when the Venice Film Festival comes to town (the best star-spotting is at the wildly OTT Excelsior Hotel), but it’s lovely year-round, even on bracing winter walks. Take a bus (yes, this island has cars) to the eastern end to find its wilder side, with dramatic breakwaters and dunes that feel a world away from the city.

20.  Venezia Autentica

Feel like you’ve got shopping fatigue from passing by all those trashy souvenir shops? Take another breath – and let Venezia Autentica guide you towards the kind of places you actually want to shop at. Venice has been known for its world-class artisans for centuries, and this online platform run by two locals has a detailed database of the best of them. Whether it’s a hand-bound notebook, a blown-glass necklace or an actual Venetian mask (not the foreign-made plastic ones you’ll see all over) there are exquisite items out there – and it’s the most sustainable way to shop in this most fragile of cities, too. 

Our first look at Venice's photography museum

@timeouttravel Come with us to Venice’s new photograohy museum, just a hop, skip and a vaporetto ride away from St Mark’s Square. 📸 #venice #veniceitaly #italy #italytravel #traveltiktok #timeouttravel ♬ original sound - Ghibli Shorts

More great things to do in Venice

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18 Must-See Places & Top Things to Do in Venice, Italy (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 21, 2024

Visiting Venice in Italy and wondering what are the absolute best places to see and things to do in Venice ? In this guide, we cover all the musts: the main landmarks, must-see sights, and top tourist attractions in Venice that are worth your time the most.

Built on 118 islands divided by a network of canals and filled with stunning architecture, rich culture, romantic gondolas, and captivating history, Venezia is one of a kind! It’s not only one of the most beautiful cities in Italy , but also one of the most remarkable cities in the world!

The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and when you’ll see it, you’ll understand why. With such a rich past, Venice is filled with beautiful places to see and fascinating things to do. Who hasn’t heard of the famous St. Mark’s Square, Grand Canal, or Rialto Bridge… However, there’s more to see and do in Venice than just its most famous landmarks!

At the same time, most visitors only have a day or two in Venice and want to be sure to see all the ‘musts’. And the choice of where to go and what to see can get overwhelming… So in this guide, we share the VERY BEST sights, AMAZING experiences, and TOP tourist attractions that Venice has in store for its visitors.

We also created a map indicating all the best things to do in Venice. It will give you a better idea of where everything is and help you plan your visit. For each place, we also indicate how much time you need in order to see it.

READ ALSO: How to See the Best of Venice in One Day & Venice 3-day Itinerary

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

As you can see, the majority of the main attractions in Venice are located quite close to each other. And the city’s compact size makes it possible to enjoy most of the sights in just 1-3 days.

Good to know: To help you plan your time in the ‘Floating City’, we list the most popular Venice attractions first. The top-10 places are absolute must-sees (and can be done in a day). #11-15 are a very nice addition to any Venice itinerary. The rest are all amazing sights that will make your trip even more special than just seeing ‘the musts’.

So if you can, foresee 1.5-3 days in the city when planning your Italian trip itinerary . This will allow you to explore a bit deeper and appreciate Venice so much better!

TIP: If you only have a day in Venice and want to get as much out of your visit as possible, take a look at this highly-rated city walking tour . It’s one of the most complete guided tours covering all the must-see places in Venice, plus a gondola ride. All tours we took with this company are always top-notch.

These are the must-see sights and best things to do in Venice:

1. Grand Canal

Venice’s largest and most famous canal, the Grand Canal ( Canal Grande ) is an absolute must-see in Venice! It’s here that you can see some of the most beautiful Venetian architecture and truly feel what Venice is all about. Some of the most beautiful Palazzos of Venice can be found here and a trip on the canal feels like traveling back in time!

The atmosphere of the Grand Canal is vibrant, with vaporetti (water buses), gondolas, and water taxis traveling back and forth in every direction. It’s a fascinating spectacle to watch!

Canal Grande is the main waterway in Venice and it separates one half of the city from the other. It’s almost 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long, but there are just 4 bridges spanning the Grand Canal and hardly any walkways next to it.

The best way to experience the surroundings of Canal Grande is from the water and you can do so by taking a Vaporetto water bus , a boat tour , or a gondola (keep in mind that gondolas will only bring you to a small part of the canal). The nicest part of the canal that you really shouldn’t miss is that southwest of the Rialto Bridge. So if you take a boat between St. Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge, you’re sure to see the best of it!

Whilst there is no footpath alongside the entire Grand Canal, there are several sections where you can walk along the canal . The nicest part of the canal that you can explore on foot is the area around the Rialto Bridge. There are wide waterfront promenades here, lined with restaurants and cafes. It’s a nice place to get a drink and watch the hustle and bustle on the canal.

Good to know: Line 1 is the best Vaporetto for exploring the Grand Canal. It takes in Ca’ d’Oro Palazzo, Gallerie dell’Accademia, the Palazzo Ca’Rezzonico, Santa Maria della Salute, and the popular Rialto Bridge.

TIP: It’s best to get a public transport ticket for the entire duration of your visit and hop on and off the boats as much as you like. It costs just a fraction of what gondolas or water taxis cost.

2. St Mark’s Square

St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) is Venice’s largest and most beautiful town square. It should be at the top of any Venice sightseeing list.

It’s here that the majority of the city’s most important buildings are located. Dating back to the 12th century, the square’s main highlights are St Mark’s Basilica and Campanile , along with Doge’s Palace (you can find more information about all of these further below).

But there are other fascinating buildings to see on St. Mark’s Square too, particularly the Clock Tower of Venice ( Torre dell Orologio ). A marvel of 15th-century engineering, the clock displays the time, the dominant sign of the Zodiac, and the current phase of the moon.

You’ll also find some of the city’s most popular cafés here. They are located on the ground floors of the Procuraties (the three connected buildings lining the Square’s perimeter).

TIP: If it’s not too busy and you can find a free table on the square itself, be sure to sit down for a coffee. And yes, it’s overpriced and touristy, but having a drink at one of the cafes at St. Mark’s Square is one of the Venice bucket list experiences that you should do at least once! Most places here aren’t known for great service. The best-rated cafe on St. Mark’s Square is Caffè Florian.

Good to know: The Campanile, Basilica, and Doge’s Palace are the most popular tourist attractions in Venice and can get extremely busy, with long queues… So aim to visit them as early in the morning as possible, before the majority of the visitors arrive. More info about each of these attractions – below.

3. Rialto Bridge

Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) is the oldest and most stunning of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal. It’s also one of the most famous landmarks in Venice. No trip to the city would be complete without walking over this iconic bridge at least once!

Originally built in the late 16th century and marking the gateway to the Rialto Market, this elegant stone bridge has three sets of stairs divided by arcades. The central set is packed with shops and vendors and is usually so busy that you can hardly pass. The stairs on the outer sides of the bridge offer amazing views of the Grand Canal and its passing gondolas.

Because the Bridge itself is so busy, the best place to admire its structure is from below. The Riva del Vin and Riva del Ferro are particularly good spots from which to take photographs!

TIP: For an unforgettable view of The Rialto Bridge, get up early and visit at sunrise. With few tourists, little noise, and better light for photography, you are guaranteed a memorable experience! In addition, visit in the evening when the Bridge is beautifully illuminated and provides a very romantic backdrop.

4. Venetian Gondola Ride

If there’s one activity that you absolutely must do in Venice, it’s the ride on the traditional Venetian gondola !

You’ll find gondoliers awaiting you at virtually every bridge in Venice. And – as cliché as it sounds – no visit to the city would be complete without a private ride in a gondola! It’s one of those experiences that are so typically Venice and you’ll regret it if you don’t do it.

In the past, all Venetians used gondolas as their main mode of transport. These days the larger Vaporetti canal boats have taken over that role. This means that the main purpose of the iconic gondolas is now to fulfill visitors’ romantic dreams of taking in the sights whilst drifting along the city’s waterways.

Good to know: The gondola rides are strictly regulated and they all charge the same prices, but they take different routes depending on where they start. For a more authentic experience, look for routes that will include some of the smaller canals as well. On the other hand, Grand Canal is not to be missed too. So ideally you take a gondola in the vicinity and experience both – the smaller canals as well as the Canal Grande!

TIP: Take the time to chat with your gondolier before climbing aboard. Not only can you ask which route they typically take, but you can also see if they are friendly. The mood of your gondolier can have a big influence on your overall experience! A good gondolier will explain a bit about the sights you pass, take a picture of you enjoying the ride, and maybe will even sing a traditional song.

Do you need to book a gondola? If you are short on time and want to be sure that you can do the gondola ride at a specific time/place, then it’s better to book in advance. If you are traveling on your own and don’t want to pay the full price of a private gondola, it’s also best to book in advance. See here for some of the best options that you can pre-book . Otherwise, you should be able to find a gondola while walking around the city.

For more practical information about gondola rides in Venice and tips for a better experience, see our detailed guide via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Venice Gondola Ride: Info & Tips for a Better Experience

5. St Mark’s Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilica ( Basilica di San Marco ) is the city’s cathedral and one of the must-see places in Venice. Dating back to the 9th century, it was originally built as a chapel of the Doge’s Palace next door. St. Mark’s only became the city’s cathedral in the early part of the 19th century.

Its Italo-Byzantine architecture is quite beautiful, with arched portals, marble columns, and raised cupolas. Its interior is incredible, boasting more than 85,000 square feet of mosaics which were completed over 8 centuries, mainly in gold. Not to be missed are St. Mark’s Tomb, the Transept Chapels, and the stunning Pala d’Oro – a gold Byzantine altar screen studded with hundreds of gems.

If you have the time, be sure to also visit the Saint Mark Museum and its Terrace overlooking St. Mark’s Square. There’s just something really special about standing on this terrace and seeing the Basilica and the town square from another perspective. For us, a visit to this terrace remains one of the most special experiences in Venice!

Good to know: Immodest dress is not allowed in St. Mark’s Basilica, so be sure that your knees and shoulders are covered. They also don’t allow backpacks or large bags, knives, scissors, etc.

Tickets: Entry to St. Mark’s Basilica is no longer free of charge, so you now need a ticket to visit. Furthermore, the queues can be really lengthy, so we highly recommend booking skip-the-line tickets in advance. Alternatively, you can go with a guided tour (most tours allow you to skip the line too).

TIP: Access to Pala d’Oro has yet an extra fee, just like the St. Mark’s Museum with Terraces. If you want to see all these places, be sure to get this all-in ticket . It costs just a few euros more than the standard entry and is totally worth it.

Practical info: St Mark’s Basilica is open every day of the year between 9.30 am and 5.15 pm. However, the opening hours can be shorter on Sundays and public holidays, so check before you visit. The Basilica is also not accessible for sightseeing during mass. For more info, see the official website of the Basilica . That’s another advantage of booking in advance – you know immediately at what time you can visit.

PRO TIP: If you want to experience St. Mark’s Basilica in the most unique way, check out this amazing after-hours tour . It gives you exclusive access to the most impressive areas before or after the official opening times. It’s a bucket-list experience in Venice!

TIP: A guided tour is not just the best way to skip the lines at the most popular attractions in Venice, but it’s also a great way to learn more about the Cathedral and its history. You can opt for a tour of the Basilica and/or its Museum, or for tours that combine a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica, the terraces, and the nearby Doge’s Palace. The combination tours are a better use of your time, especially if you want to see all the musts in just a few hours.

There are so many different tours that your head might start spinning just trying to figure out which one to take. Be sure to read carefully what they include so that you know what to expect!

We did the research for you and selected some of the best options, depending on the time you have and on what exactly you want to see. Whatever you choose, try to go as early in the morning as possible!

Here are some of the best tours that visit St. Mark’s :

• St. Mark’s Basilica only (1hr) – this is one of the best tours of the church itself and it also includes a visit to the museum and the terrace.
• St. Mark’s & Doge’s Palace (2.5hrs) – this fast-access tour goes inside the Basilica and visits the Doge’s Palace.
• St. Mark’s Terrace & Doge’s Palace (3 hrs)- this is one of the best tours that gives you access to St. Mark’s Terrace and also visits Doge’s Palace, but it doesn’t spend much time in the church.
• City tour (6.5 hrs) – this all-in walking tour covers many of the must-see sights in Venice, goes inside the Basilica, and visits Doge’s Palace. It also includes a gondola ride.

TIP – a very unique experience: If you are looking for something extraordinary to do in Venice, you may also want to check out this amazing after-hours tour with exclusive access to both – St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. Not only do you visit two of the most popular landmarks in Venice without the crowds, but you also have the opportunity to visit some areas which are typically not open to the general public.

READ ALSO: Most Beautiful Cathedrals in Italy

6. Doge’s Palace

Doge’s Palace ( Palazzo Ducale ) is another must that deserves a place at the top of any list of things to do in Venice! It’s the best place to learn about the history of Venice. A visit here is fascinating and well worth your time.

If you only have time to visit just one Venice attraction inside, make it Doge’s Palace!

Whilst Doge’s Palace is a museum today – and one of Venice’s most famous landmarks – it was originally built between the 10th and 11th centuries as a fort. In the 12th century, it was transformed into a beautiful palace, then added to throughout the years. For nearly 1000 years it was the building from which Venice’s chief magistrates (doges) decided Venice’s fate. It was also the residence for the doge in power at the time.

There is so much to admire here, from its breathtaking facade featuring gorgeous pink Verona marble to the beautiful stone arches and magnificent sculptures inside. You can also see some of the world’s most famous works of art, including pieces by A. Vittoria, Titian, and Veronese.

The Doges’ apartments and institutional chambers are exceptionally stunning! And – in a dramatic contrast – you also get to visit the cells of the medieval prison and walk over the famous Bridge of Sighs!

Try to visit Doge’s Palace early in the morning. This is one of the most popular attractions in Venice and the lines are longest at midday and during weekends.

TIP: There is so much to see and learn here that it is definitely worth engaging a local guide . Otherwise, a visit here can get overwhelming and you won’t know what you’re seeing or where to go next. Going with a guide will get you pre-booked priority access too, which is a huge advantage for such a busy attraction. At the very least, get a skip-the-line ticket and an audio guide, or invest in a very good guidebook beforehand.

Here are the best guided tours that visit inside Doge’s Palace:

• Skip-the-line tour of Doge’s Palace only (1.5-2 hrs) – this is the best tour if you only want to visit the Doge’s Palace.
• Doge’s Palace + St. Mark’s Basilica & Terrace (2-4 hrs)- this is one of the best combination tours.

For more information about Doge’s Palace and to get a better idea of what to expect, please see our detailed guide via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Doge’s Palace: What to Expect & Tips for Your Visit

7. St Mark’s Campanile

St. Mark’s Campanile ( Campanile di San Marco ) is a historic bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica. It’s the tallest building in Venice and an iconic part of the city’s skyline. The tower as you see it today is actually a 1912 reconstruction of the original, which dated back to the Middle Ages and collapsed in 1902.

The Campanile was originally a watchtower that was used to give early warning of approaching ships and also help safely guide them into the harbor. Nowadays, it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Venice, giving you an opportunity to enjoy the awesome 360° views of the city and the lagoon .

The Campanile stands alone, so you can visit it separately from the Basilica (and the queues are separate too). Fortunately, you don’t need to climb all the way to the top. There is an elevator that makes the tower accessible to everyone.

TIP: If you can, visit the campanile in the late afternoon. There are usually fewer people around and the light is particularly beautiful around sunset.

Practical info: The Bell Tower is open daily, with hours varying per season. In the past, you could only get the tickets on the spot (and stand in very long queues, especially in the high season!). However, it is now also possible to reserve a timed entry in advance (this will save you a lot of time and make it easier to plan your day!).

8. Bridge of Sighs

Bridge of Sighs ( Ponte dei Sospiri ) is another must-see landmark in Venice!

This bridge connects the Doge’s Palace to the ‘new’ prisons. Its name is believed to refer to the sighs of 18th-century prisoners taking their last glimpse of Venice on their way to the prison cells. Its purpose may have originally been grim, but this white limestone bridge is quite beautiful.

There are several ways to see and ‘experience’ this bridge:

• If you want to actually walk over the bridge , feel the shivers that the prisoners felt, and catch a glimpse of the hustle and bustle of the city through the small openings, you can do so when visiting the earlier-mentioned Doge’s Palace. You’ll need a ticket for that.
• The best spot to admire the exterior of the bridge is the Ponte della Paglia, a small bridge at the waterfront promenade Riva degli Schiavoni.
• Alternatively, drift beneath it on a gondola with someone special. Legend has it that if you kiss as you pass it, you will experience eternal love!

9. Riva degli Schiavoni

Riva degli Schiavoni is a wide pedestrian promenade extending east from Piazza San Marco and past Doge’s Palace.

Its name refers to the Dalmatian Slavs who settled in this part of the city in medieval times. This was once the place where vessels from all over the world would dock, with sailors and dignitaries disembarking in Venice.

These days, it’s one of the busiest areas in Venice, filled with souvenir stalls and eateries. It’s still the main docking point for Venice’s various modes of water transport. Whilst this means it has lost much of its historic charm, it is still very picturesque. A walk here gives you a lovely view of the Venetian lagoon and the island of San Giorgio Maggiore in the distance.

Look out for Ca’di Dio at the eastern point of the promenade. This was the 13th-century hospice used by pilgrims making the journey to the Holy Land. It has recently been turned into a beautiful 5* Small Luxury Hotel.

Here, you can also see the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà (or della Visitazionee) . It has a statue of composer Antonio Vivaldi who had a special connection to this place. Sometimes, there are also concerts here and you can listen to the Four Seasons by Vivaldi.

TIP: One of the most iconic hotels of Venice – Hotel Danieli – is also located here, on Riva degli Schiavoni. If your budget allows a stay at one of these luxury hotels – it’s the ultimate Venice experience!

10. Explore Venice’s Narrow Streets & Canals on Foot

Another must-do in Venice is simply exploring the city and its canals on foot !

Unless you’re on the water itself, all your sightseeing in Venice will be on foot. There are no vehicles at all and the city is a maze of canals and narrow streets. But there is also no better way to soak up the feel of the ‘real’ Venice than to wander through its very heart, admiring the colorful buildings, watching the gondolas drift by, and spending time surrounded by its people.

You’ll definitely get lost when navigating the maze of canals, alleys, and small bridges that make up the city. And that’s alright – it’s the best way to explore Venice deeper. But while I would certainly recommend allowing yourself to get ‘lost’ for a while and wandering where your fancy takes you, the time will come when you may actually need to know just where you are… and how to get back to where you started!

While you can get a paper street map of Venice , it’s really not easy to use it. The best way to navigate the city is by using one of the GPS apps on your smartphone. We always use Google Maps for sightseeing in Venice. It’s surprisingly accurate and has proven a good way to get from point A to B.

Good to know: Venetian etiquette dictates that you should keep to the right to ensure the flow of pedestrians runs smoothly. You should also avoid lingering on bridges – not only will it annoy the locals, but it could land you with a fine.

Also, keep in mind that the biggest part of Venice is not accessible to strollers or wheelchairs. There are lots of bridges that have stairs, and it’s really not feasible to navigate the entire city with any kind of wheels. See here our experience of visiting Venice with toddlers .

TIP: If you are looking for an accessible way to explore Venice , head to St. Mark’s Square. This is where most of the main landmarks of Venice are located and it’s the best area where you can see and do quite a lot even with a stroller or a wheelchair.

11. Visit Murano, Burano & Torcello Islands

Murano, Burano, and Torcello are the Venetian Lagoon’s three most famous islands. Each has its own particular appeal, Murano’s being its fabulous glassware and Burano’s its colorful houses and beautiful lacework. Torcello is famous for being the site of the Lagoon’s first settlement in the 5th century AD.

There are a variety of guided tours that make it easy to explore these lovely little islands. Most will include a visit to a Murano glass factory where you can see the glass blowers in action. In Burano , you have the opportunity to see lace shops and learn how lace is made. In Torcello , you will call into the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, one of the most ancient religious buildings in the area and containing its earliest mosaics.

If you have more time available, you can easily visit all the islands on your own. This will allow you to spend as long as you like on each island. To make it more affordable, get the earlier-mentioned public transport ticket , which includes boats in the city and also to the islands.

However, if your time is limited and you want to see the best of Venice and its surroundings in just a day or two, then going on a tour is better. It will be rushed, but you’ll see more in a shorter time.

Good to know: You can visit the islands at any time of the year and most tours run daily too.

Here are some of the best ways to visit these islands from Venice:

• Murano, Burano & Torcello day trip . This is the longest trip giving you most time on each island (about 1.5 hrs in Murano, 1.5 hrs in Burano, and 1 hr in Torecllo).
• Murano, Burano & Torcello tour . This is the most popular ‘see-it-all’ option.

Please note that these aren’t guided tours. They include transportation and live commentary on the boat, as well as – depending on the tour – the glass factory and a lace shop visit. For the rest, you’re free to explore the islands on your own. Just be sure to be back at the boat in time!

12. Views from Ponte dell’Accademia

The Accademia Bridge ( Ponte dell’Accademia ) is one of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, located at the southern part of the island. It links the San Marco district with the Accademia gallery in Dorsoduro.

This is Venice’s only bridge made from timber. But this isn’t its only claim to fame!

The views from this bridge are stunning . So good, in fact, that the photos for many Venetian postcards are taken right from this spot. On one side you have the quieter bend that takes the canal towards the Rialto Bridge, and on the other, you can see the dome of Basilica si Santa Maria della Salute.

Good to know: You will sometimes come across vendors selling souvenirs on the bridge. But not only is it illegal for them to trade there, but it is also illegal for you to buy from them. Venice has lots of rather strict rules and you can incur a fine for the strangest things.

13. Teatro La Fenice

Teatro La Fenice (literal translation – Phoenix Theater ) is both the largest and most popular opera house in Venice. Opened in 1792, it’s also considered to be one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world . It was here that the premieres of famous Italian composers such as Verdi, Bellini, and Rossini took place.

It’s a wonderful place to visit, whether you plan to attend a performance or not. The building’s facade is striking, with white marble and columns evocative of customary Italian villa architecture. And the auditorium is just breathtaking, with the eye-catching emperor’s box the most gorgeously decorated of the 166 boxes rising on either side.

If you don’t plan on attending an opera performance in the evening, then you can just get the tickets for a morning or afternoon entry . This allows you to enter the theatre without queuing and includes an audio guide. This is a self-guided visit that allows you to explore the theater at your own pace.

Good to know: If you decide to attend a performance here, make sure you have the right clothes! At an opera premiere and concert season, men must wear a tuxedo or a dark suit with a black tie. Women are required to wear an evening dress. For other premieres, men will need a suit and tie and women must wear a black dress. The rules are not as strict for afternoon performances, but shorts and T-shirts are not allowed, so think ‘smart casual’.

Practical information: Teatro La Fenice is usually open for visits daily, between 9.30 am and 6 pm. You have to choose between the morning entry (9.30 am to 1 pm), or go in the afternoon (1 to 5 pm). Although this can change if there are performances during the day or earlier in the evening. Teatro La Fenice is a popular attraction, so you should always book online ahead . By doing that, you can also immediately see which dates/ times are available.

14. Fondaco dei Tedeschi Rooftop Terrace

T Fondaco dei Tedeschi is a luxury multi-level shopping center located just near Rialto Bridge. Beautifully restored, this former merchant’s warehouse has quickly made its way into Venice’s top attractions because of the stunning views from its rooftop terrace .

While not an absolute must in Venice, it’s a great and easy way to see some amazing panoramic views of the city. You can see Rialto Bridge (partially) and the Grand Canal behind it.

Good to know: The rooftop terrace can be visited for free, but it’s so popular that you have to reserve a timed entry in advance. For more information and bookings, check their website .

Practical information: The rooftop terrace is open daily from 10.45 am until 7.30 pm (the last entrance at 7.15 pm).

15. Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is an iconic landmark towering Venetian skyline. It’s probably the most photographed church in Venice, after St. Mark’s, of course.

You may recognize the striking dome of this basilica from the postcards on sale throughout the city. Known commonly as ‘Salute’ it is one of Venice’s most important religious buildings. It was constructed to commemorate the end of a plague outbreak in 1630 that killed a large number of the city’s population.

Here you can see a 12th-century Cretan icon of the Madonna of Good Health set into an elaborately carved baroque high altar, along with Titian’s ‘The Descent of the Holy Spirit’ from 1546 displayed near the entrance.

Practical information: The church is free to enter and is open every day in the morning and in the afternoon. But you will need to buy tickets to visit the sacristy and all the artwork is contains. Entry is 4 euros for adults and 2 euros for children.

The Basilica is located very close to the main highlights of Venice but on the opposite side of the Grand Canal. Since there’s no bridge nearby, the fastest way to get here is by hopping on a boat that takes just 7 minutes from St. Mark’s. If you have more time, you can walk here via the above-mentioned Ponte dell’Accademia.

Good to know: If you are visiting Venice in November, don’t miss the Feast of the Presentation of the Virgin (Festa della Madonna della Salute) on the 21st. One of the most popular festivals in the city, it remembers Venice’s eventual freedom from the plague and involves crossing an improvised bridge over the Grand Canal to the Salute Basilica.

16. San Giorgio Maggiore

San Giorgio Maggiore is a little island that you can see in front of you from the St. Mark’s area. It is only accessible by boat, separated from the neighboring island of Giudecca by the Canale delle Grazie.

Its name comes from its church which was built early in the 9th century and dedicated to St George. Between 1566 and 1610 the church was transformed into a Renaissance basilica, which is now an integral part of the Venetian landscape.

This is one of the nicest off-the-beaten-path places to see in Venice that most day tourists never get to. But if you have a few days in Venice, check it out! There are various ways to visit , including some fun tours of the lagoon, etc.

Most visitors come to San Giorgio Maggiore to enjoy the fantastic 360° views from the top of the basilica’s bell tower across to the main island. But there is much to see in the church itself, with various works of art by Tintoretto and the 1708 painting Madonna enthroned with Saints by Sebastiano Ricci.

You can also visit the Fondazione Giorgio Cini , which is housed in a restored 10th-century Benedictine monastery. Here you can see the Palladian cloister designed by Andrea Palladio, the garden with the Vatican Chapels and the intricate Borges Labyrinth.

Good to know: You need to book ahead to visit the different parts of the Fondazione Cini. Check out these tickets .

TIP: There is only one place to eat on the island – San Giorgio Café – so see if you can book your table for lunch in advance if you will be visiting at a busy time.

17. Cannaregio and Jewish Quarter

The Venice Jewish Ghetto is located in the Cannaregio district and is divided into the New Ghetto and the Old Ghetto. A Venetian Republic’s decree in 1516 stated that Jewish doctors, lenders, and clothing merchants were permitted to deal with the commercial interests of the city during the day, but must be locked within the confines of the gated island of the Ghetto at night.

The Ghetto is a part of Venice that’s easily missed, but one that is so interesting and steeped in history that it is very much worth visiting. Even more so if you go with a local guide who can tell you some history and give context to what you are seeing.

Whilst the area now has thriving shops, restaurants, and art galleries, you can visit the ancient synagogues and learn more about just what happened in the region by taking guided tours of the area .

Good to know: Shops and restaurants in the Ghetto are significantly cheaper than in the tourist hotspots, and the entire area is very peaceful in comparison.

18. Lido di Venezia

Lido di Venezia – commonly referred to simply as ‘The Lido’ – is a narrow island separating the central part of the Venetian lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. This is Venice’s beach , also known as the place where Venice Film Festival is held every year.

Although close in terms of distance, it is miles apart from the city center in its atmosphere. Developed as a seaside resort, Lido has leafy residential streets, vehicles, and pavements – another world compared to Venice.

With its long, sandy beaches Lido di Venezia is a great place to come and relax after a hot summer’s morning spent sightseeing on the ‘mainland’! If you are visiting Venice in the summer months when it can get very hot in the city, Lido is the place to be!

Practical information: The Lido is just about 20 minutes by water bus from Venice’s historic center. The most popular route is No. 1 Vaporetto, which takes you up the Grand Canal and starts from the Piazzale Roma.

Good to know: Hotels on the Lido are usually cheaper than those in the historic center of Venice, yet are still very convenient for seeing all the main sights of Venice. Of course, there are some luxurious resorts here that will be just as pricey as the 5* hotels in the city center…

It might be worth considering staying on the island if you are visiting Venice in the summer or for a longer vacation. It’s also a great place to stay if traveling with children and looking for somewhere with room to play and beach access.

TIP: Many of the beaches here require you to pay for sunbeds and can be busy, particularly at peak times. The beaches at either end of the Lido are free and much quieter (although the one to the south at Alberoni is a naturist beach). Alternatively, head to the beach run by Venezia Spiagge along Lungomare D’Annunzio, which offers discounts after 3 pm.

Where to Stay for Sightseeing in Venice

The best area to stay for sightseeing in Venice is between St. Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge.

Here are some hotel recommendations in this area:

• €€€€€€ 5* Hotel Danieli – one of the most iconic luxury hotels in Venice.
• €€€€ 4* Hotel Casanova or Hotel Palace Bonvecchiati – both excellent – and very popular – hotels.
• €€€ 3* Hotel Montecarlo – a very nice mid-budget hotel.
• €€ 2* Hotel Rio – another wonderful mid-budget option.

If you are visiting  Venice by car  or arriving by train, you may want to stay close to Piazzale Roma, e.g. Hotel Carlton On The Grand Canal or Hotel Principe .

On a slightly lower budget, Abbazia De Luxe close to the railway station is a very nice choice too.

So, this is our guide to the best of Venice. I hope that it gives you a good idea of what to see and do in Venice, including the top sights, but also a few additional attractions that will make your visit so much more special.

Of course, this is in no way a complete list of all Venice attractions. You could also take a food tour , a cooking class , a dinner cruise on the lagoon , see an opera at one of the palaces of the Grand Canal , and even go kayaking on the canals … But if you cover most of the sights indicated on our list, you can be sure that you have experienced the very best that Venice has to offer!

I hope that this guide to the best things to do in Venice has been useful and that it will help you plan a nice itinerary for a truly memorable visit to one of the most unique cities in the world.

Have a great trip!

MORE INFO & TIPS FOR VISITING VENICE:   ⭑ Venice in a day (1-day itinerary with all the musts and a few hidden gems) ⭑ Venice in 3 days (detailed 3-day itinerary with local’s tips) ⭑ How to visit Venice by car ⭑ Venice gondola ride ⭑ Doge’s Palace in Venice ⭑ Venice with young kids or a baby

READ ALSO: Best Places to Visit in Italy

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Images: Personal collection & depositphotos.com. La Fenice Theater & Ausonia Hungaria Hotel – Hackman/depositphotos.com.

More tips for your trip to Italy

Italian cities:

• Best things to do in Florence
• Best things to do in Rome
• Best things to do in Naples
• Best things to do in Milan
• Best of Siena
• Best of Bologna
• Best of Verona
• Best of Ravenna
• 1 day in Milan
• 1 day in Naples
• 1 day in Florence
• 1 day in Rome
• 2 days in Rome
• 4 days in Rome
• Colosseum Levels & Tickets
• Hidden gems of Rome
• Tips for visiting Rome
• Where to stay in Rome
• Best ancient landmarks in Rome
• Best viewpoints in Rome
• Most beautiful towns in Tuscany
• Best rooftop bars and restaurants in Florence

Lakes, mountains, and coastal areas:

• Amalfi Coast itinerary
• Tips for Visiting Amalfi Coast
• Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast
• Capri Island
• Mt Vesuvius Volcano
• Best Places to See in Lake Como
• Bellagio, Lake Como
• Varenna, Lake Como
• Tips for Visiting Lake Como
• Best of Lake Garda
• Most beautiful places of the Italian Riviera
• Best places in the Dolomites
• Tips for Visiting Cinque Terre
• 1 day in Cinque Terre
• Portovenere (the 6th town of Cinque Terre)
• Hiking in the Dolomites
• … for even more destinations, take a look at our Italy travel guide .
• If you’re wondering how to plan your first trip, check out our suggested Italy itinerary that covers all the musts in about 2 weeks.

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Sunday 12th of February 2023

Hi Jurga, Your blog is sooo helpful! We are 4 couples traveling to Venice, then Lake Garda for cycling, then Cinque Terre. Do you have recommendations for nice hotels in Venice that are I good locations but not quite so expensive? We are looking to spend around $300+ per night for 3 nights in early September 2023. Thank you for your assistance! (If you have suggestions for the Cinque Terre area that would be great too!). Ellen Aaronson

Thursday 16th of February 2023

@Jurga, Thank you so much for your response! I'm really enjoying your blog and will be using your suggestions!

Hi Ellen, there are so many hotels in central Venice that could fit your budget. You really need to check specific dates and the number of rooms to know what's available. Here are a few suggestions: Hotel Palace Bonvecchiati Hotel Casanova Rosa Salva Hotel For Cinque Terre, it's likely even more difficult to find something since you need 4 rooms, and most hotels are smaller and availability is limited, and you need to decide which town to stay in. Here are a few options: Albergo Degli Amici in Monterosso al Mare. Arpaiu in Manarola Grand Hotel Portovenere (a bit outside of Cinque Terre) in Portivenere, which is lovely You may want to read our guide on where to stay in Cinque Terre for more info. Hope this helps. Your biggest challenge will be to find 4 (somewhat similar) rooms at the same place. Plus, September is really peak season so book asap! Good luck!

Friday 20th of January 2023

Read your Blog and found it very insightful. We are a family of four and will be traveling to Venice for a few days and continuing to Greece. Would you be able to recommend a hotel in Venice that is not outrageous but upscale?

Thank you, Ash

Tuesday 24th of January 2023

Thank you for your hotels response.

We have travelled quite a bit in the Asia and Caribbean and hoping to do the same in Europe. We are planning our itinerary base on your Venice recommendations. We love your "TIP".

Thank you again for the awesome blog.

Monday 23rd of January 2023

Hi Ashley, here are a few suggestions for a few nice hotels that have 4-person family rooms and offer quite good value in the city center, with breakfast: * Ca 'Del Campo * Centauro Hotel * Hotel Ca'Alvise * Hotel Torino As you will see, their style is really 'Venetian', but that's just something you'll find all over the city. There aren't that many modern-looking hotels in the city center. But that's part of visiting Venice.

21 Unique Things to Do in Venice, Italy (A NON-Touristic Guide)

From learning how to row a gondola to hidden rooftop views, here are the best things to do in venice you won't find in any other guide.

Whether it’s your first time visiting Venice, or it has captivated you during the course of numerous trips, I’m going to show you another side of Venice in this guide to surprising things to do in Venice.

Truman Capote said: Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go. There is no better way to describe Venice. It’s decadent, draws you in and leaves a lasting impression. The external beauty of the opulent palazzi (palaces) that line the canals are matched only by their stunning interiors with ceiling frescos, intricate decoration, and lavish furniture.

Then, tucked away behind these impressive facades is a labyrinth network of calli, a local term for the typical narrow streets that exists only in Venice.

In this Venice travel guide, I’ll share with you the best things to do in Venice , top tours for seeing tourist attractions a bit differently, the best hotels in Venice plus fascinating tidbits that go unseen that will help you plan the perfect Venice itinerary that will ensure you have a wonderful trip that you’ll remember for years to come.

Andiamo! (Let’s go!)

History of Venice

Along with Genoa, Pisa and Amalfi, Venice was one of four Maritime Republics whose merchants and fleets dominated the whole of the Mediterranean Sea. In fact, the Regatta (or “Palio”) is an ancient rivalry between the four Italian Maritime Republics

But of all of these, the Republic of Venice was the largest and longest-lasting. It expanded onto the mainland where it soon became the most powerful state of Italy. That all changed in 1797 when Napoleon invaded and conquered Venice.

Venice kept its independence until the mid-1800s when it was annexed to the Lombardo Veneto kingdom by the Austro-Hungarian empire.

Venice’s origins date back to the 5th century when the residents of the inland areas of Veneto sought refuge on the lagoon in order to escape the Barbarian invasions.

Until the 8th century, the city was under Byzantine rule, then when it was controlled by an oligarchic government it developed its wealth and influence. In 1200, it reached the height of its power, thanks to trade between the Mediterranean and the East.

How is Venice built?

To make the islands of the Venetian lagoon habitable, early settlers drained areas of the lagoon, dug canals, and shored up the banks so they could build a solid foundation.

Once the canals were dug, they drove thousands of large, closely-spaced wooden stakes (or pilings) through the water, sand, and mud where they finally rested on the harder clay beneath.

Since there was no forest, all this wood was imported from Montenegro, Slovenia and Croatia. Many of these stakes were made from water-resistant alder wood.

Then, once the stakes were levelled off in the ground, wooden platforms and then stone is placed on top. It’s on top of this that the buildings of Venice are built.

Still today, wooden pilings are used when maintenance work is carried out. This is because once the wood is submerged in almost-zero-oxygen conditions, the wood is not only preserved, but it petrifies into a stone-like state thanks to the flow of mineral-rich water in the immediate vicinity.

The depth of each canal varies, but most are only 1.5 to 2 metres deep. The entire Grand Canal, which runs through the heart of Venice, is deeper with an average of 5 metres. Much deeper still is the Canale della Giudecca – which separates the main part of Venice from the island of Giudecca, this is around 12 to 17 metres deep.

Watch my Unique things to do in Venice video guide 

1. Explore the world’s first Ghetto with a local

I highly encourage you to join this dedicated Ghetto walking tour of this area which is led by one of its locals, Lucia. There is so much Venetian history in this one sestiere that I recommend you join this tour first then spend the rest of the day wandering around and let it all sink in.

There are several reasons why this area is so special. First, the term ‘ghetto’ originated here from the Venetian term for ‘foundry’. During the 1500s, there were copper foundries in the area called ‘getto’ (pronounced je-toh) , in Italian it’s called ‘gettata’ (pronounced jet-ta-ta ) which cast molten metal.

At the time, the Cannaregio Canal was the main entry point into the heart of Venice. As the main thoroughfare, the area grew to form a population primarily made up of the working class housing and manufacturing.

The first Jews to observe this law in Venice were the Ashkenazim, from mid-eastern Europe. With the combination of their guttural pronunciation and the Venetian term “geto”, formed the word “ghetto’. A term that is still used today to refer to this part Venice.

This “Ghetto” was enclosed by guarded gates and no one was allowed to leave from sunset to dawn. To enforce this, the surrounding canals were patrolled by boats of the Christian guards who discouraged violations. This is how the world’s first ghetto came to be.

During this time, however, Jews held successful positions in Venice such as physicians, money lenders, and merchants and were allowed to leave the confines of the Ghetto from early morning till sunset.

These restrictions on the Jewish community remained in place for some 270 years, until Napoleon Bonaparte conquered the Venetian Republic in 1797. Napoleon put an end to the Jewish segregation and gave them equal rights and the choice to live in any place of their choosing.

Then, during the 16th century, the term “ghetto” spread throughout Europe and began to refer to the tragic episodes of racism during World War II in the early 1900s.

Today, the Jewish Ghetto in Venice is a lively and popular district of the city where the religious and administrative institutions of the Jewish community and its five synagogues still persist.

Called “ scole ”, there are 5 synagogues located here in the Venetian ghetto that was established between the early-sixteenth and mid-seventeenth centuries. Each synagogue represents a different ethnic group that sort refuge here in exchange for religious freedom. These include the German, Canton, Italian, Levantine and Spanish “ scole ”.

To visit inside, you must book a private tour that includes the Spanish synagogue and the Cohanim midrash. Bookings can be made through the Jewish Museum of Venice .

Here in the world’s first ghetto were three stalls where you could pledge an object in exchange for a cash loan. These three banks, red, green and black, survived until the end of the Republic (1797). Fortunately, today you can still see one of these stalls, Banco Rosso (Red Bank). Its name derives from the red receipt that customers received when they received a loan. It is widely believed that the banking term ‘to be in the red’ derives from this ancient Venetian bank.

As you can see, there’s a lot to see and learn in this one area alone. To experience it properly, I recommend joining this tour.

2. See the statues at Campo dei Mori

The three brothers were called Mastelli (meaning ‘bucket or tub’ in Italian) because they “had thousands of tubs of gold coins”. Of the three statues, the most notable is of Sior Antonio Rioba, who lost its nose and was replaced with a piece of iron. From then on, a legend grew that rubbing his nose would bring luck.

According to the legend, one of the brothers’ activities was in banking where he is said to have defrauded a devout Venetian woman. She then prayed to Santa Maria Maddalena to curse the three merchants and as a result, the Mastelli brothers turned into these stone statues as a warning to anyone who saw them.

A short distance away, there is a bas-relief on the façade of Palazzo Mastelli (on Rio della Madonna dell’Orto) which shows a turbaned man wearing oriental clothing and leading a camel, this refers to the family’s spice trade.

3. See where Tintoretto was born at Casa del Tintoretto

In 1518, Jacopo Robusti, aka Tintoretto was born here. Tintoretto’s father, Battista Robusti, was a fabric dyer. It was from this profession that he derived the nickname with which the artist became famous all over the world. The Italian verb “ tintare ” means “to tint” or “to dye”.

The house was given to Tintoretto by his father-in-law, Marco Vescovi, and the painter lived there until his death in 1594.

There is a plaque placed on the facade says:

Do not ignore, hiker, the ancient house of Jacopo Robusti, called il Tintoretto. From here for everywhere diffused countless paintings, publicly and privately mirable, masterly made with fine ingenuity by his brush. You will please learn this for the solerce of the current owner. 1842

4. Private guided tour inside the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Cathedral with exclusive balcony access

There’s no better way to see the Doge’s Palace than through the eyes of a local who can bring to life the long history of his important building.

The Doge’s Palace was the seat of Venice’s government for over seven centuries. This masterpiece of Gothic architecture has survived storms, crashes and conspiracies. It was only outdone by Casanova, the notorious seducer who escaped from the attic prison!

A doge the head of state, but for all his importance, he lived like a prisoner in a gilded suite inside the palace, unable to leave without permission.

Senate Chamber inside the Doge’s Palace

In 1577, a fire destroyed the original palace. Antonio da Ponte restored its previous grandeur using white Istrian stone and Veronese pink marble. The colonnade is made up of medieval capitals depicting important Venetian guilds.

Don’t be fooled but the lovely arcaded loggia that runs along the ‘ piazzetta’ (Italian: little square), it was between the ninth and 10th columns from the left that death sentences were read!

The most spectacular areas of the Doge’s Palace are located on the top floor. Climb Sansovino’s impressive 24-carat gold leaf stucco-work staircase called Scala d’Oro (Golden Staircase) and you’ll be led into rooms filled with gorgeous propaganda.

When you enter the Sala delle Quattro Porte (Hall of the Four Doors) designed by Palladio, take a moment to imagine the ambassadors who awaited ducal audiences here under these lavish paintings of Venice’s most talented artists – Giovanni Cambi, Titian and Tiepolo.

One of the most interesting rooms is the Sala dello Scudo (Shield Room), where you’ll see world maps displaying the impressive reach of Venetian power between 1483 to 1762.

Located in the colonnaded courtyard is the Scala dei Giganti (Staircase of the Giants) designed by Antonio Rizzo. Towering above at the top are the two muscular statues of Apollo and Neptune by Sansovino.

Foreign guests were brought here which is why the walls are covered with paintings representing the great battles and victories of Venice. At 52.7 meters long, 24.66 meters wide and 11.50 meters high, the Sala del Maggior Consiglio is the largest in the Doge’s Palace, covering over 1250 square meters.

Located at the head of the room is where the doge’s throne once stood. Behind it is one of the largest canvas paintings in the world. ‘Il Paradiso’ by Tintoretto stretches 22 by 7m and depicts Il Paradiso (heaven/paradise) that is crammed with 500 prominent Venetians, including several patrons of Tintoretto.

View from inside the Bridge of Sighs

The tour also gives you access to the famous Bridge of Sighs (Italian: Ponte dei Sospiri). This enclosed white limestone bridge was built in 1600 and passes over the Rio di Palazzo to connect the New Prison (Italian: Prigioni Nuove) to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace.

Fun fact: The Bridge of Sighs was designed by Antonio Contino, whose uncle Antonio da Ponte designed the Rialto Bridge.

The English name for the bridge was given by Lord Byron. In the 19th century, Byron translated the name from the Italian Ponte dei sospiri (literally: Bridge of Sighs) and interpreted it to mean that the prisoners would ‘sigh’ at their final glimpse of beautiful Venice through the windows of the bridge before being taken down to their cells.

5. See the centuries-old mosaics inside St. Mark’s Cathedral

Located on the facade, is the basilica’s oldest mosaic, dating from 1270. Located in the lunette above the far-left portal, it depicts the stolen remains of St Mark’s body arriving at the basilica. This theme is replicated in three of the other lunettes, including the 1660 mosaics above the second portal from the right, showing turbaned officials recoiling from the hamper of pork fat containing the sainted corpse. Just inside the vestibule are the basilica’s oldest mosaics showing the Apostles with the Madonna .

Last but not least is access to the basilica terrace which gives stunning panoramic views over Venice. Book your private tour here.

6. Join a Murano Glass workshop with a Local Artisan

In the following century, Murano began exporting items such as glass beads and mirrors. Aventurine glass was invented on the island, and for a while Murano was the main producer of glass in Europe, eventually becoming known for its opulent chandeliers.

Glassmakers of Murano quickly became some of the island’s most prominent citizens. By the fourteenth century, glassmakers were allowed to wear swords, enjoyed immunity from prosecution by the Venetian state and married off their daughters into Venice’s most affluent families.

Even though glassmakers benefited from certain privileges, they were forbidden to leave the Republic. In spite of this, many of them took this risk and established glass furnaces in surrounding cities and farther afield — sometimes in England and the Netherlands.

Today, craftsmen in Murano still adopt these centuries-old techniques. They craft everything from contemporary art glass and glass jewellery to Murano glass chandeliers and wine stoppers.

When you watch a demonstration of how glass is manipulated to form these elegant objects, the craftsmen make it look so easy. A better way to really appreciate what’s really involved is by getting hands-on experience, which is exactly what I did! I joined this workshop where I got one-to-one guidance in a private glass making session.

During this 90-minute workshop with one of the most renowned craftsmen of Venice, I learned the secrets of Murano glassmaking techniques. Whatsmore, I created a little memento that I can now take home and remember my experience by.

To learn more about the island’s glassmaking history, visit the Murano Glass Museum (Italian: Museo del Vetro).

7. See how Gondolas are made at Lo Squero di San Trovaso

Lo Squero di San Trovaso is one of two remaining traditional boatyards in Venice that meticulously build these “simple” yet elegant vessels. Two of the main things that define a traditional squero from a generic boatyard is that there is a traditional mountain house made of wood and the ground slopes down directly into the water where the gondolas are released.

When this Squero opened in the 17th century, more than 10,000 gondolas were in circulation in Venice, which at the time, were the primary mode of transport. During its peak, there were around 60 boat builders who worked here.

Lo Squero di San Trovaso makes one new boat built each year which costs upwards of €35,000, depending on its amenities. To make a gondola from scratch takes 3 full months.

There is no manual for making a gondola, every part of the process is made by heart and experience by the craftsman. Measuring 11 metres long and weighing around 500-600kg, each gondola is made up of 280 pieces, 7-8 types of wood, 7 coats of paint and lasts 50 years. Five times a year the bottom is cleaned to remove algae, once a year it receives a new coat of paint, and every 5 years the bottom is completely replaced.

Originally, Gondolas were covered by a roof and privately owned by the wealthy. By having a roof, no one could see who was inside and what previous items they passed and were transporting.

Made entirely by hand, a typical gondola is made up of nine different kinds of wood, several hundred parts, including a carved oarlock called la forcola and a weighted bow ornament known as a ferro della gondola that helps to counterbalance the weight of the gondolier who rows while standing on the boat’s stern. There’s no modern equipment on board a gondola, just the gondolier and his oar.

The forcola is quite a complicated object which has developed throughout the centuries for pure functionality. There are about 40 different types of forcola . Each forcola is a unique piece since it is specifically designed for its gondolier (rower of gondolas). The design is modified according to the gondolier’s height and rowing needs. There is even a rule that specifies that the external gondolier’s arm must not go over the chin.

Ferro della gondola

The ‘S’ shape represents the curves of the Grand Canal, and the small arch above the topmost prong represents the Rialto Bridge (Italian: Ponte di Rialto).

Then reigning over the 6 sestieri is the broadly curved top which represents the Doge’s Cap, the headdress that was only worn by the doge of Venice.

If you want to see how a Gondola is made, you can visit lo Squero di San Trovaso for a guided tour. It’s totally free, but booking is essential.

8. Learn to row a Venetian boat on the Grand Canal 

This kind of rowing is made possible thanks to la forcola , an exquisitely carved type of oarlock made from either walnut or cherry wood that has an open cradle that supports the oar. This open mouth is unique as it allows for quick movements and complex maneuvering to be able to navigate the narrow canals.

Row Venice is a non-profit organization of passionate women and expert vogatrici (female venetian rowers) who are dedicated to the preservation of the traditional Venetian ‘cultura acquea’ (aqueous culture).

There are a few different experiences you can book, I booked myself in for a rowing lesson along ​​Canalasso , the ancient name for the Grand Canal! Book your lesson here .

9. Rooftop view over the Grand Canal at Fondaco de Tedeschi 

The building was once the headquarters and restricted living quarters of the city’s German merchants. The Italian word fondaco comes from the Arabic word funduq (فُنْدُق), meaning “storehouse” or “warehouse” and “ Tedeschi ” means “Germans”.

Today, this building houses a high-end department store selling luxury goods. Visiting the terrace is free but booking is essential and is open daily from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Book your visit here.

10. Have a Spritz where it was invented at Osteria Antico Calice

This was called ‘ombra’, which means ‘shadow’ or ‘shade’ in Italian but in Venetian was a slang term used to say ‘glass of wine’.

As a matter of fact, in the 1700s, wine merchants in Venice used to set up shop in the shadow of St. Mark’s bell tower moving their wares around during the day to keep out of the sun. This is how the colloquialism ‘ prendere un’ombra ‘ literally meaning ‘ grab some shade ‘ became ‘ grab some wine ‘.

Later on, during Austrian domination, the ombra was diluted with soda. The current name for Spritz comes from the German verb ‘ spritzen ‘, which means ‘to spray’. Over the years, several new variants were added: Aperol, Campari, and Select, creating the modern drink we know today. Still today in Venice there are many different ways in which Spritz is made, according to personal taste and inspiration.

11. Make your own Venetian Mask

The term Carnival derives from the Latin carnem levare , literally “to eliminate meat” or carne vale , “farewell to meat”. Both refer to the giving up of meat and all bodily pleasures. This is celebrated with a great banquet on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent when a period of abstinence and fasting begins.

During Carnival, the wearing of masks and costumes guaranteed total anonymity. This created a sort of cancellation of social divisions and a way to hide differences between noble people and peasants.

Incidentally, this is also how we get the verb to incarnate (Italian: incarnare ), literally to embody the spirit of another. When we escape our reality and slip on a mask and costume, we are actually incarnating another person.

Me with my Venetian mask I made

To really appreciate this art form and the patience and mastery required to make the perfect mask, I joined this mask-making workshop with a master artisan to learn about the history of this ancient tradition.

You can choose from a production class or a decoration class, or do both. In the production workshop, learn how to make your own paper-mâché mask from scratch, and in the decoration class, you learn how to paint and decorate your mask. No matter which option you choose, you get to take home your creation. Join the same workshop I did here .

To learn more about Carnevale , make sure you watch my video which includes everything you need to know about the history of carnival, traditional events and the story behind its traditional masks. 

12. Go to a Carnival masquerade ball

With your own Venetian mask you made during the workshop or a more elaborate one crafted by a local artisan, there’s no better way to experience Venice and get into the carnival spirit than by attending a masquerade ball!

Carnaval is hosted each year in February leading up to Lent. There is a Venetian proverb that goes: “ Chi no le fa de Carneval, le fa de Quaresema ” meaning, Those who do not do crazy things at Carnival, do them during Lent.

To celebrate Carnival in style you can attend masquerade balls like Mascheranda , which takes place in a stunning 18th-century palace on the grand canal, hosted by none other than Casanova.

For more details or to reserve your ticket including costume hire, click here.

13. Stay at Ca’ Bonfadini Historic Experience

Set over 3 floors, the building dates back to 1661 and was owned by the noble Bonfadini family. Later, when the Serenissima aka the Venetian Republic fell in 1797, the Bonfadini family left and moved to the mainland. It was then that the palace was subdivided and part of it was occupied by the Vivante family. It wasn’t until 1815 that they then bought the entire building and developed and enriched it with stunning frescoes that you still see today.

Each room is unique with its own story to tell. For example, I stayed in the Camera degli Sposi, which translates to the Newlyweds room. This was where Pietro Bonfadini stayed with his newly wedded wife Orsetta Giovannelli.

Ca’ Bonfadini Historic Experience books out in advance, to check availability you can  book your stay direct and use promo code INTREPID (case sensitive) for a special get 10% discount OFF your stay in 2022. Alternatively, book your stay here.

Find out more about my stay at Ca’ Bonfadini Historic Experience in my full review here. 

14. See the impressive Tribuna at Palazzo Grimani

The two brothers wanted to modernise the building and decorate it with frescoes and stucco. Eventually, they added a monumental staircase and a collection of antiques, including sculptures, marbles, vases, bronzes and gems, in the rooms of the palace.

Between 1563 and 1565 the monumental staircase was decorated by a young Federico Zuccari, who had trained in Rome. He added allegorical frescoes, referring to the virtues of his client Giovanni, grotesques and stucco reliefs with mythological creatures. The final result looks very similar to the Scala d’Oro in the Doge’s Palace.

While there are several rooms of interest, the Tribuna, also known as the Antiquarium is home to over 100 ancient sculptures, making it the most beautiful of them all. This incredible space is illuminated only from above and was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. Hanging in the centre of the room is a Roman replica of a late Hellenistic model of the Abduction of Ganymede.

15. Scala Contarini del Bovolo and Sala del Tintoretto

In the late 15th century, important renovations updated the complex thanks to its new owner Pietro Contarini who bought the palace in 1489. The Contarini family owned the building during the eighteenth century. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, the property was passed to Domenico Emery of Toulon, and it was at that stage that Arnaux Marseille, known as “the Maltese”, converted Palazzo Contarini into a lodging house.

This palazzo is best known for its elegant 26-meter high cylindrical tower and spiral staircase that climbs the external wall, this is known as the Scala Contarini del Bovolo. In the Venetian language, “bovolo” means snail.

During the time it was a lodging house, one of the guests, German astronomer Wilhelm Tempel, discovered comet C/1859 and the Merope Nebula of the Pleiades from the top of this tower.

To visit Scala Contarini del Bovolo, booking is essential as it includes a timed entry.

16. See Venice’s orignal pavement at Madonna dell’Orto

Its name literally translates to Church of the Madonna in the Vegetable garden which was inspired by a miracle statue of the Madonna found in a nearby vegetable garden. It belonged to Giovanni De Santi who left the statue there at first unfinished. The statue caught the attention of the citizens when the artist’s bride saw some weird flashlights coming from the statue. It soon became a cult object which forced the church to buy the statue.

De Santi was given the right to be buried in front of the statue wherever they placed it as well as being paid 150 ducati (a huge sum of money for the time).

The Church is one of the most beautiful examples of gothic architecture in Venice, the façade and the cloister was made in 1460-1464.

Secondly, inside the Church are 10 large paintings by famous Venetian painter Tintoretto who lived and worked nearby. These include Presentation of Virgin at Temple , The Last Judgment and The beheading of St. Paul.

Last but not least, Tintoretto is buried here alongside his 10 pieces of artwork.

Entrance to the church is by donation which is 3 euros and it’s definitely worth it.

17. See the stunning mosaics inside Church of Santa Maria and San Donato

The church you see today was completely rebuilt between 1125 and 1140 in a Veneto-Byzantine style. At that time it received the precious relics of the dragon-slaying bishop Saint Donatus of Euroea (Arezzo) which are behind the altar

What makes this church unique is its colourful and impressive twelfth-century floor mosaics that were laid at the same time as those in the Basilica di San Marco.

There are two kinds of mosaic: tessellatum and sectile. Those in the tessellatum style are formed by little squares that create figures and symbolic elements of human vices and virtues.

While those in the sectile style appear as little marble slabs cut in geometric shapes that are used to create abstract representations of the highest religious symbolism.

18. See the inner workings of Torre dell’orologio (Clock Tower)

Located in St. Mark’s Square, the Clock Tower plays a key role in the overall urban layout of the city and is an essential point of focus in Piazza San Marco. Located above a triumphal archway that leads to the Rialto Bridge, this monument marks the access to the city’s main commercial artery; the Merceria which means “goods “, because that’s exactly where “goods” were sold.

The clock tower was placed in this exact location because it is the only place in the square that can be seen from the St. Mark’s basin. This way, incoming boats could see both the time and phrases of the moon so they could safely plan their sea voyages.

What’s interesting about this clock is that the digits change in increments of 5 minutes; not at the top of each hour but 2 minutes before and 2 minutes afterwards, this ensures that it doesn’t “compete” for attention when St Mark’s Bell Tower (Italian: Campanile di San Marco) sounds.

The entire structure works like clockwork thanks to an impressive and complicated system of gear wheels located within a large cruciform metal framework at the centre of the Tower. This tower is also where the clock-keeper and his family lived, the last one left in 1999, after which his role was replaced with an automatic system.

In fact, when someone, such as a child misbehaves or does something they shouldn’t, there is even a Venetian expression that goes: Ti faccio vedere io che ore sono! , meaning ‘I’ll show you what time it is!

What many visitors don’t know is that you can actually book a special guided tour so you can see the inner workings of this fabulous timepiece. But not only that, you get special access to the terrace and rooftop where you get up close and personal with the Two Moors. From here, you’ll see Venice from a truly unique perspective.

A visit to the Clock Tower is included in the Venice Museum pass for an additional fee. You need to book your visit well in advance, either online for an additional booking fee or by going directly to Museo Correr (Correr Museum) located at the opposite end of Piazza San Marco.

19. Visit the colourful island of Burano

20. Visit Torcello, the lagoon’s first inhabited island

An Island that doesn’t get nearly enough attention is Torcello. Today, only 8 people live on Torcello, which is located at the northern end of the Venetian Lagoon near Burano. But it was here that the history of Venice began!

Torcello was first settled in the year 452 and is considered to be the parent island from which Venice was eventually populated.

After the downfall of the Western Roman Empire, Torcello was one of the first lagoon islands to be successively populated by the Veneti who fled the terra ferma (mainland) to seek safety from constant barbarian invasions, especially after Attila the Hun had destroyed the city of Altinum and all surrounding settlements in 452. Altinum was an ancient town of the Veneti 15 km Southeast of modern Treviso, close to the mainland shore of the Lagoon of Venice.

Torcello quickly grew as an important political and trading centre. By the 10th century, it had a population of approximately 25,000 people and an impressive Basilica to host them.

After a series of outbreaks of the plague, a further serious issue for Torcello specifically was that the swamp area of the lagoon around the island increased by the 14th century, due to the lowering of the land level. Navigation in the laguna morta (dead lagoon) was impossible and before long, traders ceased calling at the island. The increase of swamps also caused malaria and by the end 14th century, a significant number of people moved to either Murano, Burano or Venice. Today, Torcello now has a full-time population of around 10 people, including the parish priest.

Cross Ponte del diavolo

What makes Devil’s Bridge special is its shape without railings, typical of how Venetian ancient bridges were once built. Together with the Ponte Chiodo (Nail’s Bridge) in Cannaregio, these are the only two bridges in the lagoon that still maintain their ancient form.

The origin of the name is uncertain. Some say that “Diavoli” (devils) was the nickname of a local family; while others believe the name comes from a local legend about a Venetian girl, a witch, and an Austrian soldier.

Sit on Attila’s Throne

There are several legends about the throne’s history. The most famous is that whoever sits on the throne will return to Torcello. Another legend says that Attila himself used the throne. However, the throne was most likely the seat of power for the Magister militum , who was the governor of the island.

21. See the lagoon’s oldest mosaics Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta (Torcello)

Founded in 639, Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta is the lagoon’s oldest Byzantine basilica. The most important artistic element and the main reason to visit is to see the mosaics inside the cathedral, which are the earliest remaining mosaics in the Venetian lagoon.

Not to be missed is the mosaic of the Last Judgment found on the entrance wall of the church. One particular section of this immense and apocalyptic depiction, actually inspired Dante Alighieri, the father of the Italian language who wrote the La Divina Commedi a, the Divine Comedy, almost a century later.

In the subdivision of penalties, which Dante includes in the Divine Comedy, there are seven compartments with a condemned soul for each of the seven deadly sins. These correspond to the circles in the Divine Comedy.

You can also head to the top of the campanile (bell tower) where you’ll get a fantastic view over the lagoon.

Accommodation 

During my month in Venice, I start in various locations. Here is where I stayed and recommend.

Where to stay in Venice

Near st. mark’s square with canal view.

During my first few days in Venice, I stayed in this one-bedroom apartment overlooking a quiet canal. The kitchen is full-equipped, the bedroom doubles as a lounge area with a couch and TV, and the bathroom is spacious. Click here to check availability and book your stay. 

Rialto Apartment with view of the Grand Canal and Rialto bridge 

Overlooking St. Mark’s Cathedral and Bell Tower (Campanile di San Marco)

For more accommodation recommendations, see my guide to the best hotels in Venice for every budget

Where to stay in murano.

View from studio apartment in Murano

Located on one of Murano’s main canals, Fondamenta dei Vetrai, is this cosy and beautifully decorated studio apartment with stunning canal views. It’s conveniently located just a few doors down from the supermarket and Murano Colonna waterbus stop. I loved my stay here. The host, Elletra, was very welcoming and accommodating. Click here to check availability and book your stay.  

Where to stay in Burano

Allora, Eccoci qua! (So, there we have it!) My complete guide to unique things to do, see and experience in Venice. Which one of these did you enjoy the most? Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments below.

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March 14, 2022 By Lyndsay

The Ultimate Venice Bucket List: 55+ Things to do in Venice, Italy

• 1.1 Walk around Piazza San Marco
• 1.2 See the inside of Basilica di San Marco
• 1.3 Explore Palazzo Ducale
• 1.4 See the Bridge of Sighs
• 1.5 Climb the Campanile di San Marco
• 1.6 Check the time on the Torre dell’Orologio
• 1.7 Walk along the Riva degli Schiavoni
• 1.8 Enjoy Giardini Reali 
• 1.9 Step inside the ​​Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana
• 1.10 Learn more about Venice’s unique history at Museo Correr
• 1.11 Grab a Bellini at its birthplace–Harry’s Bar 
• 1.12 Cross the Ponte di Rialto
• 1.13 Get lost on the city’s winding streets
• 1.14 Go on a guided walking tour 
• 1.15 Instead of walking, catch a Vaporetto
• 1.16 Go for a ride in a Gondola
• 1.17 Learn how to row your own Venetian gondola
• 1.18 Or, take a traghetto
• 1.19 Try a dinner cruise on the Lagoon
• 1.20 Watch an opera at Teatro La Fenice
• 1.21 Attend the historic Carnevale festival
• 1.22 Buy or build a Venetian Carnevale Mask 
• 1.23 Take a picture of the spiral staircase at Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
• 1.24 Try a taste of authentic Venetian cuisine
• 1.25 Enjoy a glass of prosecco
• 1.26 Sip on a spritz
• 1.27 Taste traditional Venetian aperitivo on your own Bacaro tour
• 1.28 Cool down with Gelato
• 1.29 Shop for fresh seafood at the Mercato di Rialto
• 1.30 Visit the Dorsoduro neighborhood
• 1.31 See the world’s largest canvas painting at Chiesa di San Pantalon
• 1.32 Find the Banksy art
• 1.33 Walk to one end of the city at Punta della Dogana
• 1.34 Look up to see the dome at Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute
• 1.35 Marvel at masterpieces in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection
• 1.36 Visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia
• 1.37 Take in the view from Ponte dell’Accademia
• 1.38 Visit the Floating Fruit Market
• 1.39 Check out the Canareggio and Castello neighborhoods on the north side of the city
• 1.40 Visit Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta detta I Gesuiti
• 1.41 Learn at the Venetian Arsenal
• 1.42 Attend the Venice Biennale
• 1.43 Explore the city’s Jewish Quarter
• 1.44 Discover a classic at the Libreria Acqua Alta
• 1.45 Walk along the Calle Giazzo
• 1.46 See the tombs of twenty-five Doges at the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo
• 1.47 Take a day trip to a nearby city
• 1.48 Enjoy the view from the Fondaco dei Tedeschi rooftop
• 1.49 Swim on Lido Island
• 1.50 Head inside the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore
• 1.51 Visit the three other Venetian islands–Murano, Burano, and Torcello
• 1.52 See the alter and flooded crypt in Chiesa di San Zaccaria
• 1.53 Check out what art exhibition is on display at Palazzo Grassi
• 1.54 Get a glimpse at historic fashion inside the Study Centre of the History of Textiles, Costumes and Perfume at Palazzo Mocenigo
• 1.55 See the city lights sparkle on the canals at night

This post may contain affiliate links! I will receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase something recommended here.

There’s nothing quite like visiting Venice, Italy–walking down the Grand Canal with its gondolas gliding past. Getting lost while wandering the city’s narrow, twisted streets.

The unique city is full of history, culture, art, architecture, food, wine, and romance. It’s truly a city unlike any other.

If you’ve never been, then you owe it to yourself to experience the beauty of this incredible place.

I’ve been living in the Veneto region of Italy for months now, visiting the magnificent former Republic more times than I can count.

This is my personal Venice bucket list–the best places to visit and things to do in Venice, Italy.

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The Ultimate Bucket List for Venice, Italy

If you need to distill all of this information down into a plan, I did that for you too! You can check out my complete 2 days in Venice itinerary for more.

Walk around Piazza San Marco

The beautiful, massive Piazza San Marco is one of the most famous piazzas in Italy. It takes its name from Saint Mark the Evangelist, the patron saint of the Basilica and whose symbol–the winged lion–was used to represent the Republic of Venice. 

Located at the center of the historic district of Venice, the Piazza is surrounded by some of the finest buildings in the city. The Procuratie surrounds the Piazza on three sides. Its iconic arcade wrapped around into the Torre dell’Orologio on one side and the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana on the other. 

On the fourth side, this is where you’ll find the Basilica di San Marco and Palazzo Ducale (the Doge’s Palace).

The space in front of Palazzo Ducale connecting to the main piazza is called Piazzetta di San Marco. You can see two columns on this side of the square–Colonna di San Marco. At the top on the left, you can see the winged lion symbol for San Marco, but the other column on the right is a statue of Theodore of Heraclea. This saint with the part-crocodile-part-dragon beneath his feet was the original patron saint and symbol of Venice, before San Marco.

See the inside of Basilica di San Marco

The Basilica di San Marco is located next door to the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace). Construction finished on the church in 1094 and served as the Ducal chapel from 836–200 years before this iteration of the building–through 1797. Before constructing this masterpiece, there were two other churches on this site. 

The interior contains some of the most important works of art in all of Europe, including works by Renaissance masters Tintoretto, Titian, and Veronese, and relics of Saint Mark the Evangelist, the church’s patron saint. 

During busy seasons, the line to enter the Basilica can be very long, so make sure to get there early in the day if you can.

Fun Fact:  Many of the church’s embellishments were taken from other churches and palaces the Venetians pillaged. In particular, take a look at the four alabaster columns behind the main altar in this church. They are thought to have been taken from the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, a former cathedral in Pula, Croatia, the Venetians ransacked in 1243.

Explore Palazzo Ducale

Adjacent to Basilica di San Marco, Palazzo Ducale was built in the 14th century. This palace was used as a residence for the Doge of Venice until Napoleon overtook the Venetian Republic in 1797. Until Venice unified with Italy in 1866, the palace was used for administrative offices, exhibits, and cultural organizations. 

Doge (n.) The highest official of the Republic of Venice for more than 1,000 years (from the 8th to the 18th century) and symbol of the sovereignty of the Venetian state. In Venice the office of Doge (from Latin dux, “leader”) originated when the city was nominally subject to the Byzantine Empire and became permanent in the mid-8th century. From the 8th to the 12th century the Doge’s power was extensive, but all attempts to make the office hereditary failed. From the 12th century the aristocracy placed strict limits on the Doge. Newly developed constitutional bodies took over many of the functions of government, and the Doge on taking office had to swear an oath that restricted his freedom of action. During the same period, the main characteristics of the office were fixed: the Doge was chosen from among the ruling families of Venice and held office for life. By the 15th century the office had assumed the character of prince subject to law. Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2011, December 12th). doge. Encyclopedia Britannica .

Now, the Doge’s Palace is a museum open to the public. It’s absolutely incredible inside. You’ll find stunning artworks, frescoes, and original furnishings, as well as grand chambers and halls where various government activities were formerly performed.

Standout sites include the Sala del Maggior Consiglio or Great Council Hall, where the doges met to discuss state affairs, featuring Paradiso (1588 – 1592) by Jacopo Tintoretto, the largest canvas painting in the world. And walking through the iconic Bridge of Sighs to reach the old prisons, just like the prisoners once did.

See the Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs connects the prison cells across the Canal from the Doge’s Palace. Legend has it that criminals condemned to death would walk along the bridge between their cell and execution site, sighing deeply at each step. 

The bridge was designed in the Baroque style by architect Antonio Contino and was built around 1600. You can see it from the inside as the prisoners did when you visit Doge’s Palace or from the outside along the Riva degli Schiavoni.

Climb the Campanile di San Marco

Every great church must have a beautiful bell tower–and the Campanile di San Marco is no exception. Construction began on the tower in the early 10th century. It took about 500 years with various periods of building to complete. Despite all that work, the building collapsed in 1902 but was accurately rebuilt by 1912.

As the tallest building in Venice, the Campanile offers incredible views of the city! You can purchase a ticket to enter and take the elevator to the top.

Fun Fact:  The bells in the Campanile di San Marco rang 11 times per day at different intervals to signify the start or end of different parts of Venetian life–dawn, prayer, midday, the beginning and end of the workday, and more. It was also often hit by lightning, and the first lightning rod in Venice was installed at the top in 1776.

Check the time on the Torre dell’Orologio

The bell tower needs a corresponding clock! Just steps from the Basilica di San Marco, the Torre dell’Orologio is an iconic landmark in the heart of Venice. Built towards the end of the 15th century, it houses a clock that strikes every hour, marking the beginning and end of each part of Venetian life. 

The two figures–one an old man and one a young man to represent the passing of time–strike the bell on top of the clocktower at the top of every hour. The winged lion holding an open book and the Zodiac marked into the clock face itself are other notable features.

Insider Tip:  Each year, only on the Epiphany (January 6th,) the three Magi and an Angel appear from within the clock and pass in front of the Virgin Mary to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This event is one of the most incredible things to see in Venice in winter !

The Torre dell’Orologio is now part of the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia (Venice Civic Museums Foundation). You should definitely head inside if you have the chance. You can purchase tickets individually or as part of the Venice Museum Pass.

Walk along the Riva degli Schiavoni

It seems the Croatians took the word for their beautiful seafront boulevards from the Venetians! Only steps from Piazza San Marco, you’ll find Riva degli Schiavoni running along the edge of the Grand Canal. This seaside promenade offers amazing views of the Dorsoduro, Giudecca, and San Giorgio Maggiore neighborhoods across the Canal. 

Start at Giardini Reali, then follow the walkway to see the Bridge of Sighs from the outside while standing on Ponte della Paglia.

Walk along the water, enjoying the view as you pass the statue of Vittorio Emanuele II, and stop for a drink at one of the bars along the way. 

Interested in visiting Croatia? I’ve spent several months in the beautiful Balkans country! You can check out all of my guides to several of the country’s major cities here. 

Enjoy Giardini Reali 

Alongside the Riva degli Schiavoni just steps from Piazza San Marco, you can find an oasis at Giardini Reali. The Royal Gardens of Venice were established once Napoleon took over the Venetian Republic. He asked for revitalizing the building and land that today houses the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana. 

After the fall of Napoleon and the Austrians took over, they added a greenhouse an upscale coffee house. They also opened the gardens to the public along Riva. 

When the gardens are open, it’s a beautiful escape from crowds in the rest of the city. You can also stop for a coffee at the illy Caffè tucked inside. 

Step inside the ​​Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana

The national library of the Venetian Republic dates back to 1362 when a poet donated his books so the city could establish a collection. But it wasn’t until 1537 that the need for a library building was realized, and the Marciana Library opened as the Library of San Marco by 1560.

The library offers a free guided tour in Italian on the second Sunday of every month, as long as you register in advance. You can check their hours of operation and register for the tour on their website . 

Learn more about Venice’s unique history at Museo Correr

Also housed inside Piazza San Marco, Museo Correr explores Venice’s history through artwork and sculpture. In 1830, Venetian Teodoro Correr donated his art and literature collection on the history of Venice to the city with the request that it be made available for public viewing. The collection continued to grow throughout the rest of the 1800s and finally moved into its current location in 1922.

It’s an incredible glimpse into the Republic’s history through relics from Venetian noble families. As well as the remains of Napoleon’s neoclassic style and the Austrian royal Habsburg family–both of whom used the space as their royal palace after the country’s fall.

Tickets to Museo Correr are available online and included in the Venice Museum Pass .

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Grab a Bellini at its birthplace–Harry’s Bar 

Have you ever sipped on a Bellini in the restaurant where it was created?

At the end of the Riva degli Schiavoni, you’ll come across the posh Harry’s Bar.

The classic brunch cocktail made with Prosecco and peach purée was created here at Harry’s Bar by owner Giuseppe Cipriani between the 1930s and 40s.

The color inspired the name of the drink. Cipriani noticed the drink’s signature pink color was similar to that in a painting by Venetian Renaissance painter Giovanni Bellini–thus, the Bellini was born.

Harry’s Bar is a great place to grab one of their famous drinks and relax outside on their terrace along the water during the summer season.

Cross the Ponte di Rialto

One of the most famous bridges globally, the Rialto Bridge crosses the Grand Canal, connecting two parts of the city. The famous bridge has witnessed some of the most important events in Venetian history.

Although you can also use the Ponte dell’Accademia and two others to cross the Canal, the Ponte di Rialto is the most central and the most famous. The first version of the bridge was constructed between 1181 as a pontoon bridge. As the market grew on the eastern banks of the river, the need for a sturdier bridge also grew. It was replaced with a wooden structure about 50 years later. 

Fun Fact:  The wooden Rialto Bridge collapsed twice over the centuries due to too much weight–once in 1444 and 1524.

It wasn’t until the early 1400s that the bridge’s iconic shops were first established. Still, today’s famous stone bridge wasn’t completed until 1591. Today, the Rialto remains one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice. Cross over the Grand Canal from one side of the city to the other, and take in the beautiful views from both sides.

Get lost on the city’s winding streets

During the height of the Venetian Republic, the main streets people used to travel were canals. The streets we walk along when we’re wandering around Venice today used to be for staff of wealthy families, everyday folks, and animals to move around. So they weren’t built with an order in mind. That means it’s easy to get lost while wandering around the city today. 

But that’s A-OK! As you explore the city, you’ll come across great artisan shops, bakeries, and smaller monuments and museums you might not have found without getting a little lost. Actually, I stand by the idea so much that you’re reading this on a website called The Purposely Lost  *wink.*

Fun Fact:  One of the world’s most narrow streets is found here in Venice. Calle Varisco is only 53cm wide, making it one of the most narrow streets in the world. You can find more interesting facts about Venice here!

Go on a guided walking tour 

One of the best things to know before visiting Venice is that you need to take a guided walking tour. It’s a fantastic way to learn more about the city.

I took an excellent free walking tour of the two northern neighborhoods, the Cannareggio and Castello districts, with GuruWalk . It gave me a great perspective on what local life is like in Venice today and the history of these underrated neighborhoods.

However, if you want a walking tour of the more famous areas, like Piazza di San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, and take a look at these guided walking tours:

Instead of walking, catch a Vaporetto

Walking through Venice’s winding streets is an incredible experience, but there’s usually a more direct route–on the water.

A water taxi ride along the Grand Canal of Venice is an unforgettable experience. You’ll pass under the Rialto Bridge, along waterways lined with colorful houses and gondolas, and experience the city as it was meant to be.

Like any other mass transit system, the city’s public Vaporetto system is straightforward to use once you learn the basics. 19 different lines move between various points throughout the city and the nearby islands of Burano, Murano, and Torcello.

You can read more about its history, plan your routes, and purchase tickets on the Azienda del Consorzio Trasporti Veneziano (Actv) website .

Insider Tip:  My favorite transit app for the New York City subway system also works in Venice! Citymapper is excellent–you put in your current location and where you want to go. It lists out all the different options available to you. In Venice, that includes the Vaporetto!

Go for a ride in a Gondola

One of the most extraordinary things about Venice are the canals–and riding on a gondola through the canals is an absolute treat.

You can rent a boat for as little as $10 per hour. If you want to take a private tour, you’ll pay anywhere from $50-$100 per person, depending on how many people are in your group.

You can choose between booking a traditional wooden gondola tour in advance or heading out with a gondolier promoting his work on the street. You’ll get a great view of the city, visiting hidden spots where you might not otherwise go either way.

However, I recommend booking this Grand Canal by Gondola with Commentary  bucket list in Venice experience in advance–that way, you’ll have a definite meeting point. And, you can pay for the fixed price of the service ahead of time with your favorite digital payment method.

Fun Fact : You can’t swim in the canals in Venice . The water is polluted, and you’ll recieve a fine if you’re caught.

Learn how to row your own Venetian gondola

Rowing is a real part of the local and historic culture of the city, which makes it a great addition to your Venice bucket list! Your trained gondolier will teach you the basics of how to control a gondola in the traditional Voga alla Veneta way before you all head out into the canal where you’re rowing your own. 

You can check availability and book your lesson here .

Or, take a traghetto

Take a traghetto if you want to experience a gondola ride the local way. Since there are only two significant bridges (and four overall) that cross the Grand Canal, locals often find themselves needing to get across from one side to the other without all the fuss of the Vaporetto or the time for walking. 

Instead, they take a traghetto for the convenience of moving a short distance. Now, it won’t come with all of the commentaries of a touristic gondola ride or wind through narrow canals between islands. Still, it will give you an authentic gondola ride on a budget!

Whether you opt for the full gondola ride experience or enjoy the short distance of a traghetto–either way, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the iconic experience.

Try a dinner cruise on the Lagoon

One of the most popular ways to explore Venice is aboard a water taxi. But if you want really want an intimate experience on the sea, consider taking a cruise on the lagoon.

On this Venetian Lagoon Tour and Galleon Dinner cruise, experience the city in the evening as you enjoy a romantic dinner by candlelight. 

You’ll get to see some of Venice’s smaller islands backed by a beautiful sunset as you sail through the lagoon. Then make your way along the Grand Canal and watch the street lamps shimmer on the water as evening turns to night.

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Watch an opera at Teatro La Fenice

Teatro La Fenice opened in the 18th century, just five years before the end of the Republic. Throughout its history, operas from some of the most influential composers like Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, and Verdi premiered here. It’s now considered one of the most important landmarks in the history of opera. Today’s theater is actually a reconstruction of the original–it was destroyed by arson in 1996.

Fun Fact:  The inside of the Croatian National Theater in Šibenik’s theater was inspired by Teatro La Fenice! You can see a picture of the interior in my guide on the best things to do in Šibenik, Croatia .

If you’ve been around here at The Purposely Lost for a while, you might know that before moving to Italy, I was an auditioning actor and licensed New York City tour guide. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre encompassing history, performance, and production, visiting this theater was one of my absolute Venice bucket list experiences. It was everything I could’ve imagined and more! 

If you want to attend a performance here yourself, you can check their calendar and book tickets online . Otherwise, you can book an audio tour of La Fenice  when there isn’t a production in process. 

Attend the historic Carnevale festival

Carnevale is an Italian tradition dating back hundreds of years when people dress up in costumes and parade through the streets during February. They celebrate with regattas, masquerade balls, and much more. Today, Carnevale festivities last for three weeks preceding the season of Lent in the Roman Catholic religion and end on Fat Tuesday.

One of the celebration’s highlights is the Carnevale ball held every year in Piazza San Marco. The entire Piazza is transformed into a massive celebration space where you can see the best of people’s costumes during the event. 

I finally had the opportunity to attend Carnevale, and it was a Venice bucket list experience for sure! 

Fun Fact : The word “Carnevale” comes from the Latin  carnem and   levare , which literally translates to “to remove meat.”

Buy or build a Venetian Carnevale Mask 

The tradition of mask-wearing and mask-making is weaved into the history of Venice’s Carnevale celebrations. The origins of these traditions date back centuries; starting in the Middle Ages, masks were worn to hide the wearer’s identity so they could partake in the Carnivale reverie undetected.

You can find masks at the market near the Rialto Bridge or just about any tourist shop in the city at any time of the year, not just during the season of Carnevale. If you want something more authentic, you can buy a mask at one of the city’s specialty shops, where artists still follow the time-honored mask-making techniques.

For the ultimate souvenir, attend a mask-making class with a Venetian artisan . You’ll learn about the tradition of Venetian paper-mâché masks and how the art form was almost lost while painting your own to bring home. 

Take a picture of the spiral staircase at Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

Tucked away along down one of Venice’s narrow alleyways, you’ll come across one of the most non-touristy places to visit in Italy –Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo. This mansion underwent significant renovations in the 15th century for the Contarini family. 

There are 80 steps on this “snail” staircase ( bovolo  in Italian translates to snail) connecting six loggia floors. Alternating bricks and white stone from the Istria region of Croatia create the decoration.

You can purchase a ticket to visit the inside of the palazzo, and of course, climb the stairway to the Belvedere at the top.

Fun Fact:  Orson Welles featured Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo in his film version of Shakespeare’s Othello .

Try a taste of authentic Venetian cuisine

Food is an important part of my life, and of Italian life in general. I enjoy savoring local dishes as much as possible, and Venice is no exception.

Venetian cuisine is famous throughout Italy for its fresh seafood and fine wines.

The lagoon is the main source of fish in this region, which means you’ll find many of the local dishes revolve around la frutta di mare (the fruit of the sea): 

• Baccalà – dried salt cod 
• Risotto al nero di seppia – risotto with cuttlefish ink 
• ​​ Scampi in busara – cooked shrimp in a tomato sauce
• Sarde in saor – fried sardines with onions, pine nuts, and raisins
• Fritole alla veneziane – a sweet fritter made in the Veneto region only during Carnevale season

If you’re interested in learning more about Venetian cuisine, why not take a cooking class while you’re visiting?

Enjoy a glass of prosecco

Prosecco is the perfect beverage to pair with Venice’s signature seafood dishes or as a sweet treat. The bubbly white wine is like Italy’s version of France’s champagne.

Named after the Italian city Prosecco, authentic bottles of the wine can only be produced with the Prosecco grape in a zone which spans the Friuli Venezia Giulia and the Veneto regions of the country.

And just in the last few years, the laws regarding Rosé Prosecco have changed, and it’s now legal to produce! You can find the traditional white Prosecco on pretty much every drinks menu throughout the city. 

If you really want to experience Prosecco at its best, you should consider taking one of these Prosecco vineyard tours from Venice .

You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the process behind the wine’s signature Charmat method while sampling the light bubbly white wine.

And since there isn’t a set drinking age in Italy , a Prosecco tour is an amazing addition your bucket list for Venice.

Sip on a spritz

A spritz is a bright orange alcoholic drink, traditionally served in the Veneto Region of Italy. 

It’s usually made Prosecco, soda water–and either Aperol (sweet) or Campari (bitter). You can also order a spritz misto which is half of each. Topped with ice and a slice or two of orange, this delicious drink is the cocktail of choice in the Veneto.

It’s even become so popular that it has made its way into restaurants and bars around the world, so next time you’re at the bar, ask for an Aperol spritz!

Taste traditional Venetian aperitivo on your own Bacaro tour

The word bacaro in Venetian dialect means “a good bar” or “wine,” and that’s precisely what you’ll find at any of the city’s bacaro restaurants.

At a bacaro , you’ll eat the Venetian happy hour delicacy called cicchetti , which are small rounds of Italian bread each topped with different things– baccalà , salami , gorgonzola with walnuts, parmigiana cheese with jam, and so many other foods. And of course, you’ll drink a spritz!

Now that you’ve got the basics down, you’re going to do as the Venetians do and add un giro d’ombra (a bacaro tour) to your Venice bucket list! Go from one bacaro to another, having a spritz and a few pieces at cicchetti at every stop.

You can do this on your own or take a guided bacaro tour:

Cool down with Gelato

Gelato has become an Italian institution over the last few decades. And you can find a gelateri a all over Venice. If you’re looking for a sweet treat after exploring the city, stop into one of my favorite spots for delicious ice cream:

• Gelateria S. Leonardo
• Bacaro del Gelato
• Gelato Fantasy
• Gelatoteca Suso
• Gelateria Nico

Shop for fresh seafood at the Mercato di Rialto

You won’t be able to miss this smell !

The Mercato di Rialto is Venice’s fresh fish and produce market found near the Rialto Bridge in Campo de la Pescaria.

It sells a variety of seafood including fresh fish caught daily by local fishermen, but make sure to get there early since the market closes in the afternoon .

The market is open every morning Tuesday through Saturday.

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Visit the Dorsoduro neighborhood

The Dorsoduro sits between the Grand and Giudecca Canals. It has the most land of all Venetian neighborhoods. It’s home to several of the city’s world-renown institutions like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Cà Rezzonico, and Gallerie dell’Accademia.

It’s also home to the beautiful Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, Scuola Grande dei Carmini, excellent restaurants, and Università Ca’ Foscari.

See the world’s largest canvas painting at Chiesa di San Pantalon

This unassuming church in the Dorsoduro district has an incredible masterpiece inside. The church dedicated to Saint Pantaleon was built in the 17th century. It’s home to Il Martirio di San Pantalon (The Martyrdom and Apotheosis of St Pantalon,) the largest canvas painting in the world. It spans more than 40 canvases over the 25-by-50-meter space. 

The Baroque artist, Gian Antonio Fumiani, worked on the vast ceiling illustration for over 20 years but passed away when he fell off the scaffolding keeping him up close to the roof while working.

The first time I saw the masterwork, I had unknowingly wandered into the church. I was awestruck by the painting above my head. It’s an incredible landmark that you need to see at least once.

Find the Banksy art

Right by Chiesa di San Pantalon, one of the world’s most famous anonymous street artists left a gift in Venice. Banksy left his piece Opera di Banksy Piccolo migrante col razzo (The Migrant Child by Banksy) on the side of a building in the Dorsoduro neighborhood. It’s best viewed from the bridge Calle de la Chiesa in the Dorsoduro district.

Walk to one end of the city at Punta della Dogana

Found at the end of the Dorsoduro neighborhood, Punta della Dogana marks the spot between the Grand and Giudecca Canals. It’s at one of the furthest points you can walk to in Venice, but it makes for excellent views once you get there. It’s one of my favorite underrated Venice sunset spots due to how the sun reflects on the water over the narrow strip of land.

Here you’ll find the Patriarchal Seminary of Venice, the Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute, and a contemporary art museum in the 17th century Dogana da Mar customs house.   

Look up to see the dome at Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute

Almost at the end of Punta della Dogana, you’ll find Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute. Built starting in 1631, this church stands over the Grand Canal as a dedication to Our Lady of Health to save Venice from the plague. 

The ceiling is covered with paintings by famed Venetian Renaissance artist Titian, depicting stories from the Old Testament, such as Abraham and Isaac, Cain and Abel, and David and Goliath. The Basilica is free to enter.

Marvel at masterpieces in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is found in an 18th-century palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal in the Dorsoduro neighborhood. Walk through the mansion Guggenheim lived here for over thirty years and admire the collection she amassed and publically displayed seasonally before she passed in 1979.

The museum has an impressive collection of modern art and sculpture, most of which Penny Guggenheim purchased throughout Europe and the United States during World War II. Cubism, Surrealism, and abstract expressionism are styles on prominent display from artists like Gino Severini, Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, and Jackson Pollock.

The museum is open year-round (except for Tuesdays) and is included as an add-on for the Venice Unica Pass.

Visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia

The Gallerie dell’Accademia houses an impressive collection of Venetian art and paintings from the pre-19th century. Housed in the former Scuola della Carità building, the gallery shows its masterpieces in chronological order from when they were created.

As you wander the halls, you’ll be in the presence of works by artists such as Giovanni Bellini, Leonardo da Vinci, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Tintoretto, Titian, and Giorgio Vasari, among others. 

Take in the view from Ponte dell’Accademia

The Ponte dell’Accademia is one of the most photographed bridges in Venice. It connects the Dorsoduro district to the San Marco neighborhood. Any time of day on the bridge is pretty beautiful, but it’s absolutely magical around sunset. Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute glows gold in the evening light, and with a sunset backdrop–it’s gorgeous.

Visit the Floating Fruit Market

If everything else in Venice floats, why not its fruit market? That’s right, you can find gondolas filled with fresh produce near the Ponte dei Pugni bridge in the Campo San Barnaba of the Dorsoduro district.

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Check out the Canareggio and Castello neighborhoods on the north side of the city

There are so many amazing things to do in Venice, you’ll soon realize why everyone loves visiting this beautiful city. When you’re tired of walking around the crowded tourist attractions, take a stroll down some quiet streets of the Canareggio and Castello neighborhoods.

There are only about 50,000 residents of Venice today, and a good portion of them live within the Canareggio and Castello districts. If you want to see what local living in Venice is like today, this is where you need to go. You’ll also find some excellent restaurants and lesser-known historical landmarks here. 

The Fondamente de la Misericordia is the heart of local life in this area; you’ll find many excellent restaurants where people are eating right next to the Canal.

Then, walk along the northern edge of the city to see Cimitero di San Michele (San Michele Cemetery) island just a little ways off-shore and the snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites on a really clear day far off in the distance.

Visit Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta detta I Gesuiti

This church in the Canareggio district has an interesting history. In 1606, the Venetian Jesuit community was kicked out of the city for sixty years due to a disagreement between the Pope and the city. They decided to build a magnificent church to entice new patrons when they returned. 

Inside the church completed in 1732, you’ll find masterpieces made of marble, from the statues to the high altar. Even the curtains of the pulpit are carved from marble. It costs a symbolic €1 to enter the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta detta I Gesuiti.

Learn at the Venetian Arsenal

The Venetian Arsenal was the Republic of Venice’s complex of shipyards and armories. It was built starting in 1104 and takes up about 15 percent of the total land space across the city.

No surprise for a nation built on a lagoon; the country controlled an enormous navy and merchant fleet. The kind of assembly-line mass production meant the Arsenal could produce a large number of boats very quickly, which had a significant, positive impact on Venice’s strong naval power.

Today, the Arsenal houses an impressive collection of weapons and armor at the Venice Naval History Museum and hosts events and exhibitions for the Venice Biennale. It’s also home to the operations center for the MOSE Project–a tidal barrier to try and combat the flooding and slow sinking of the city due to rising tides and climate change.

Attend the Venice Biennale

The Venice Biennale is an international arts festival held every other year starting in June and running through November. The exhibition features artists from all over the world. It is considered one of the largest and most prestigious events of its kind.

You can find out more about this year’s exhibitions and purchase tickets on their website .

Fun Fact:  The Biennial was established in 1893 to showcase Italian art and celebrate the 25th anniversary of King Umberto I and Margherita of Savoy’s reign. The first officially opened on April 30th, 1895.

Explore the city’s Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Ghetto is an area within the old town of Venice where Jews were forced to live during the Middle Ages. Today, the site has become an open-air museum, housing many of the original synagogues, schools, and houses built by the Jewish community. 

To learn more about the area’s history, make sure to visit the Museo Ebraico di Venezia  (Jewish Museum of Venice.)

Quick History : The word “ghetto” comes from the “Italian dialect form ghèto, meaning “foundry.” A foundry for cannons was once located on an island that forms part of Venice, where in 1516 the Venetians restricted Jewish residence. The word ghèto became the name for the area and was borrowed into standard Italian as ghetto, with the meaning of “section of a city where Jews are forced to live.” From there it passed into most other European languages.” “ghetto,” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary . Accessed 3/13/2022.

Discover a classic at the Libreria Acqua Alta

One of my favorite things to do in Venice is to wander around the Libreria Acqua Alta. The Castello neighborhood bookstore has books and magazines piled up to the ceilings on shelves, in a bathtub, and in one of the most Venetian things I’ve ever seen–books piled high in a gondola. 

Since it’s right along a canal, you can climb up a stairway of books to see the view, and they even have a gondola attached to their water-facing door so you can read sitting outside on the water.

It’s become so popular that it’s become an Instagram hotspot! If you’re lucky, you might even capture a picture of one of their cute cats roaming the shelves.

Walk along the Calle Giazzo

The Calle Giazzo is a metal walkway running between two vaporetto stops in the Castello district near the Venetian Arsenale. It’s a peaceful, peculiar place because you can see the lagoon underneath you while walking on a metal walkway between the Bacini – Arsenale Nord and Celestia water taxi terminals.

See the tombs of twenty-five Doges at the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo

The Basilica of Saints John & Paul is one of the largest churches in Venice, located in the Castello neighborhood. From the 15th century until the end of the Republic of Venice, this is where the funerals for Doges took place and were buried. 

As you walk around the inside of the church, you can see the tombs of the Doges, as well as many other famous Venetians.

Fun Fact : This church isn’t named for John the Baptist or Paul the Apostle. Instead, it’s named for two lesser-known martyrs from early Christianity.

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Take a day trip to a nearby city

You should consider taking a day trip to a nearby town while visiting Venice. The north of Italy offers many beautiful towns and cities with a genuine Italian feel.

My top guided day trip recommendations include:

• Experience Italy’s dramatic mountain range of a Cortina & Dolomites Full-Day Tour
• Travel in style on a Padua Brenta Riviera Boat Cruise
• Take a day to visit fair Verona & Amarone
• Dedicate a whole day to a Prosecco Wine Tour and Tasting

If you’re willing to spend a night away from Venice, you can also take a ferry right from the city across the Adriatic Sea to Pula, Croatia.

I’ve lived with a local Croatian family for a few summers and loved my time in Pula.

You can check out my guides on how to take a day trip to Venice from Pula , things to do in Pula , the best beaches in Pula , and my 3-day itinerary to Pula if you want to learn more about this Croatian-Italian city.

Enjoy the view from the Fondaco dei Tedeschi rooftop

 A few blocks from the Rialto Bridge, you’ll find the 14th-century Fondaco dei Tedeschi. This luxury indoor shopping mall was once the city’s main post office. Before that, German merchants living in the Venetian Republic were confined there.

The interior has been carefully designed to preserve the historical integrity of the structure while offering floors of shopping space. Shopping inside is one of the best things to do in Venice in the rain !

And now you can enjoy the panoramic views of the city from its rooftop as one of the best free things to do in Venice. It’s free to reserve a ticket to visit the T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace; just make sure to book your ticket in advance .

Swim on Lido Island

Who needs the Amalfi Coast when you have a  spiaggia  (beach) in Venezia?

The Lido is an island just off the coast of Venice where you can enjoy the sun, sand, and water without having to leave the city. You’ll find many seaside shops, restaurants, and hotels–and most of the coastline beach is free to the public.

There are plenty of beaches on the island, with Spiaggia Lungomare d’Annunzio, Venezia Spiaggia Blue Moon, and Murazzi Spiaggia libera as the most popular ones. If you’re lucky enough to visit during high season , expect crowds of people enjoying their time together.

I have a whole list of my favorite beaches in Venice if you’re interested in learning more.

Head inside the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore

Also the name of the island it’s on, Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore is dedicated to Saint George and was home to the San Giorgio Monastery from 982 until 1812. When you visit the island, make sure you climb the bell tower. The Campanile di San Giorgio offers one of the best views of Venice; you can see the whole city laid out in front of you.

You’ll also find the Fondazione Giorgio Cini cultural center and library archive, the Labirinto Borges labyrinth, the open-air theater Teatro Verde, and the Vatican Chapels. You can reach the island by the city’s Vaporetto.

Fun Fact : The famous Impressionist painter Claude Monet captured the beauty of Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore within a series of paintings titled  Saint-Georges majeur au crépuscule .

Visit the three other Venetian islands–Murano, Burano, and Torcello

Two of these three small islands off of the coast of Venice are almost as famous as the central city itself. 

Murano is one of the most famous glassmaking centers in the world. The first glassmakers were brought to this small island in the Venetian Lagoon during the Middle Ages and prevented from leaving to keep their secrets on making glass. Today, Murano is still considered a center for high-quality glass production, and it’s where you’ll find the Museo del Vetro (Glass Museum).

Burano is home to the world-famous needle-lace. The island was revered for the quality of its lace during the 18th century, and the practice was even saved from extinction in 1872 by an elderly resident of the island who remembered how the lace was created. Unfortunately, the school is no longer in operation. Still, you can visit the Museo del Merletto to learn all about the art form’s history on this island. Burano is also famous for its colorful painted houses.

Torcello is the smallest of the three islands. Built in 639, it’s home to the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta. It also has some of the oldest mosaics in the region, the Casa Museo Andrich art museum, and the Museo di Torcello.

You can either purchase a day pass for the vaporetto and go from island to island yourself in your own time, or book this guided tour to Burano, Murano, and Torcello . They’ll coordinate all your transportation, give you free time on each island, and your tour includes entry to a glass workshop and a stop to visit a lace shop. This is a great day trip to take if you’re visiting Venice, Italy in the summer !

See the alter and flooded crypt in Chiesa di San Zaccaria

Just around the corner from St. Peter’s Basilica, the first version of Chiesa di San Zaccaria was built in the 9th century for the remains of Saint Zechariah, the father of prophet John the Baptist, that still lay in the church.

The version that stands today was constructed next to the foundation of the original, starting in the 13th century in the late-Gothic and Renaissance styles. The San Zaccaria Altarpiece is one of the most famous works by Renaissance painter Giovanni Bellini, found in one of the church’s niches. 

Chiesa di San Zaccaria was also where several of the doges were laid to rest, in the crypt below the church. Although that space is now flooded with canal water, you can still head underground and see the site. It’s actually even more beautiful with the standing water since it acts as a kind of mirror that reflects the columns and ceiling vaults, making it look even more majestic.

Check out what art exhibition is on display at Palazzo Grassi

Of all Venice’s palaces, Palazzi Grassi was the last one to be built on the Grand Canal before the fall of the Venetian Republic. French art collector François Pinault is the current owner of the building (and of Punta della Dogana). The space now showcases modern art in permanent and temporary collections. You can see what’s going on there now on their website . 

Get a glimpse at historic fashion inside the Study Centre of the History of Textiles, Costumes and Perfume at Palazzo Mocenigo

Carefully rebuilt in the 17th century, Palazzo Mocenigo was originally owned by the powerful Venetian Mocenigo family. The last descent of the family bequeathed the building to the city to become a museum after his death in 1945.

The Study Centre of the History of Textiles, Costumes and Perfume officially opened 20 years later to showcase rare textiles, ancient clothing, and costumes. It’s also home to a library dedicated to clothing history.

From fine waistcoats for aristocratic Venetians to elaborate lace patterns and embroideries, you’ll see how wealthy residents lived through the historic fabrics and furnishings here in the museum.

See the city lights sparkle on the canals at night

There are many things to do in Venice at night , too. You can see the moonlight reflected on the water, feel the breeze blowing across the canals, and walk through the now almost-empty Piazza San Marco. 

When you’re walking along the Grand Canal, you’ll notice how beautiful the buildings are lit up by the moonlight. And if you go to the Rialto Bridge, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of the bridge and the lights reflecting off the water.

1. Walk around Piazza San Marco 2. See the inside of Basilica di San Marco 3. Explore Palazzo Ducale 4. See the Bridge of Sighs 5. Climb the Campanile di San Marco 6. Check the time on the Torre dell’Orologio 7. Walk along the Riva degli Schiavoni 8. Enjoy Giardini Reali  9. Step inside the ​​Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana 10. Learn more about Venice’s unique history at Museo Correr 11. Grab a Bellini at its birthplace–Harry’s Bar  12. Cross the Rialto Bridge 13. Get lost on the city’s narrow streets 14. Go on a guided walking tour 15. Instead of walking, catch a Vaporetto 16. Go for a ride in a Gondola 17. Learn how to row your own Venetian gondola 18. Take a traghetto 19. Try a dinner cruise on the Lagoon 20. Watch an opera at Teatro La Fenice 21. Attend the historic Carnevale festival 22. Buy or build a Venetian Carnevale Mask 23. Take a picture of the spiral staircase at Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo 24. Try a taste of authentic Venetian cusinie 25. Enjoy a glass of prosecco  26. Sip on a spritz 27. Taste traditional Venetian aperitivo on your own Bacaro tour 28. Cool down with Gelato 29. Shop for fresh seafood at the Mercato di Rialto 30. Visit the Dorsoduro neighborhood 31. See the world’s largest canvas painting at Chiesa di San Pantalon 32. Find the Banksy art 33. Walk to the End of the Island at Punta della Dogana 34. Look up to see the dome at Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute 35. Marvel at masterpieces in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection 36. Visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia 37. Take in the view from Ponte dell’Accademia 38. Visit the Floating Fruit Market 39. Check out the Canareggio and Castello neighborhoods on the north side of the city 40. Visit Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta detta I Gesuiti 41. Learn at the Venetian Arsenal 42. Attend the Venice Biennale 43. Explore the city’s Jewish Quarter 44. Discover a classic at the Libreria Acqua Alta 45. Walk along the Calle Giazzo 46. See the tombs of twenty-five Doges at the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo 47. Take a day trip to a nearby city 48. Enjoy the view from the Fondaco dei Tedeschi rooftop 49. Swim on Lido Island 50. Head inside the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore 51. Visit the three other Venetian islands–Murano, Burano, and Torcello 52. See the alter and flooded crypt in Chiesa di San Zaccaria 53. Check out what art exhibition is on display at Palazzo Grassi 54. Get a glimpse at historic fashion inside the Study Centre of the History of Textiles, Costumes and Perfume at Palazzo Mocenigo 55. See the city lights sparkle on the canals at night

Venice is beautiful, historic and full of amazing sights and experiences. The city is absolutely incredible and I hope you get an opportunity to check off as many of these Venice bucket list activities the next time you visit!

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40+ Must-see Places & Best things to do in Venice Italy (Tips by a local)

What’s in this article

Are you planning a trip to Venice, Italy, and wondering what the absolute best places to see and things to do in Venice are? 

In this guide, I cover all the must-see sights, landmarks, and top tourist attractions in Venice that are well worth your time. 

Venice is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It’s also known as “La Serenissima” by many, and was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site, along with its lagoon. 

The city’s symbol is the winged lion, also known as the Lion of St. Mark. 

It may be a touristy place, but it has a special allure that draws visitors from all over the world. It’s worth visiting!

It’s a city of contradictions:

• both ancient and contemporary;
• frantic yet serene;
• charming but at times just plain old worn out;
• romantic in spots but often overcrowded with tourists;
• beautiful but decaying.

It’s the city of masks, glass, lace, paper, and carnival. 

It’s the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region and is built on more than 100 small islets in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea that are connected by over 400 bridges.

It has no roads, just canals lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces.

The historic centre is divided into six sestieri (districts) that are linked by a vast network of bridges that span the canals.

Each “sestiere” is distinct:

Cannaregio is an authentic Venetian district filled with local people. It’s just a short walk from Venice’s Santa Lucia train station.

It’s also home to many Venetian Jews who have lived there for centuries.

Visit the “Ghetto”—the first Jewish ghetto in Europe (established in 1516). 

Castello sits on the largest island on the eastern side of the city and has several areas of interest for visitors to Venice.

It’s home to the Venice Biennale headquarters, with its exhibition halls and gardens, and the Riva degli Schiavoni, Venice’s magnificent shoreline that extends over St. Mark’s basin and overlooks the Grand Canal.

Dorsoduro is the most cultural and artistic district of the city. It houses the Accademia Gallery and is home to one of the four bridges that span the Grand Canal, the Ponte dell’Accademia.

Here you will also find Peggy Guggenheim’s modern art collection, housed in her former Palazzo Venier.

San Marco attracts all types of tourists with its famous Basilica di San Marco.

It’s also the city’s lowest point, so it’s frequently subject to the city’s notorious tides.

San Polo is the city’s smallest district.

Santa Croce is Venice’s only district where you can see cars and buses.

Furthermore, the lagoon of Venice is made up of 62 islands, the most well-known and visited of which are Torcello, Murano, and Burano.

However, there are numerous other islands to the north and south of the lagoon, including Sant’Erasmo, Chioggia, and even La Certosa, as well as numerous smaller islands.

And taking a vaporetto between islands while surrounded by the scent of the sea is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

But let’s get straight to the point and find out what the best things to do in Venice are!

Starting in April 2024, they’re implementing an access fee on certain crowded days. If you’re visiting Venice for the day, you’ll need to pay a 5 euro access fee. This fee applies to day-trippers. However, there is an exemption available for those staying overnight in Venice as well as children under 14. If this applies to you, you can apply for an exemption on the official Venice tourism website . The dates they’ve announced so far are: April 25-30; May 1-5 and 11-12, 18-19, 25-26; June 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30; and July 6-7, 13-14. On those days you’ll need the QR code from the access fee or exemption proof with you, or you could face a fine up to €300 if stopped without it.  It does seem like a bit of a hassle, but Venice has been struggling with the effects of overtourism for a while. This is their attempt to better manage visitor numbers and prioritize residents’ quality of life. The good news is you can easily avoid it by planning your trip for dates outside those announced so far. They may add more dates later in the year too, so it’s worth keeping an eye on requirements if you have Venice on your travel list.

Best places to see and things to do in Venice Italy

Venice is a city that is best seen by foot.

You’ll want to take your time and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of this beautiful city. 

If you only have one day and want to make the most of your visit, a private tour of the city’s main highlights is the best option.

Here’s my list of must-sees in Venice, organised by sestieri:

The Sestiere San Marco 

If you only have a day or so in Venice, it’s very likely that your visit will begin in the Sestiere San Marco. This is where the must-see attractions in Venice can be found:

Explore Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square)

Piazza San Marco is Venice’s largest and most renowned square, which is located right next to the lagoon.

It’s also the only plaza in Venice with that name; all other squares are named “ Campi .”

There is a huge white building covering three of the four sides of St. Mark’s Square. It’s called the Procuratie . It was once the building where the procurators, the people in charge of administering the entire Republic, were located. 

Nowadays, it houses the centre of sustainability for the city, the Archeological Museum of Venice , and the Correr Museum .

There are various old cafés on the square, under the characteristic Procuratie’s colonnades, where you can get a coffee; the most famous is the classic Caffè Florian .

It’s not only the oldest café in Venice, it’s also the oldest in the world. It was first opened in 1720.

However, be warned that costs in this area are quite expensive.

St. Mark’s Square , which is always crowded and bustling with traders and tourists, is home to several of the city’s most famous monuments.

Many of the attractions that I’ll shortly describe are located right here or nearby.

Take the elevator up the Campanile di San Marco (St. Mark’s Bell Tower)

Along with the basilica and the square, St. Mark’s Bell Tower is one of Venice’s most recognisable landmarks.

Venetians affectionately refer to it as “ El parón de casa ” (The Master of the House), because it’s the tallest bell tower in the city. Actually, it’s also one of Italy’s tallest bell towers.

The bell tower you see today is not the original one, as it collapsed at the beginning of 1900 because of structural problems. 

The new tower, the one you see today, was rebuilt in the same location and in the same design as the old one, and the beautiful entrance, which is located right in front of the Doge’s Palace , was designed by the famous Italian architect Jacopo Sansovino .

The view of Venice from St. Mark’s Bell Tower is spectacular, and from there you can see Venice, the lagoon, St. Mark’s Basilica, and various islands.

It was once used to check if someone was illegally entering the city. 

Even if you’re in Venice for just one day, I highly recommend climbing to the top of St. Mark’s Bell Tower. It’s easily accessible, there is also an elevator, and the ticket price is well worth the view.

Visit St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)

St. Mark’s Basilica is a great symbol of Venice and shouldn’t be missed. 

It was built in 829 and houses the relics of Saint Mark, the city’s patron saint .

Its façade is a work of art. It includes five arched doors and a large terrace with the famed four horses from Constantinople. 

The interior is just as magnificent as the exterior. The ceiling is totally covered in stunning gold mosaics, and the marble floor features an eye-catching geometric pattern. 

If you visit the Basilica between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. , the golden mosaics in the church are illuminated. 

To get the perfect combination, go to the magnificent St. Mark’s Museum , which also allows you to climb up to the terrace of the Basilica.

A stunning panorama of St. Mark’s Square can be seen from there.

However, plan your time carefully, as a visit to the museum will take at least an hour.

The church doors open at 9.30 a.m., but most visitors arrive much earlier.

That’s because the lines to enter St. Mark’s Basilica can be somewhat long. 

I recommend coming before 9 a.m. If you arrive early, you will have more time to tour the rest of the city.

If you don’t want to queue, you can book your ticket online. It costs €3.

Alternatively, you might take a guided tour to avoid the queue. 

See the inner workings of The Clock Tower (Torre Dell’Orologio)

The clock tower (Torre Dell’Orologio), also known as the Moors’ Tower ( Torre dei Mori ), is another historical monument to the left of St. Mark’s Basilica, which has been working for over 500 years.

This tall, slender building is one of the most important Renaissance palaces in Venice, among others.

On the façade of the tower, in the lowest box, is the marble astronomical clock. The dial of the clock displays the time, day, moon phases, and zodiac signs. This structure is truly a masterpiece of technology and engineering.

If you look above the traditional dial, you’ll see the first digital clock in the world.

The Winged Lion , which is the city’s symbol, is depicted in the highest panel against a blue background with golden stars.

On top of the tower is the Moors’ bell from 1497 and two bronze statues of Moors striking the hours. They’re not doing it at the exact hour, though.

They are twin statues, but one lacks a beard. The one with the beard is known as the “old” and represents the past, so he’s striking the hours a few minutes before the actual time. 

The other is known as the “young,” representing the future, so he’s striking the hours a few minutes later than the actual time. This is a reflection of both the past and the future! 

Many tourists are unaware that they may book a special guided tour to see the inner workings of this fantastic time machine.

You’ll also have exclusive access to the terrace and rooftop, where you may meet the two Moors up close. From here, you’ll have a totally unique view of Venice.

The Venice Museum pass includes admission to the Clock Tower for an additional fee. You must book your visit in advance, either online for a fee or in person at the Correr Museum, which is located at the opposite end of St. Mark’s Square. 

Tour the Doge’s Palace (or Palazzo Ducale)

The Doge’s Palace is another symbol of Venice. This Gothic palace was once home to Venice’s rulers and was historically known as the “ Palazzo Dogale ” since it was the seat of the doge. 

The palace was a fortified castle in the ninth century.

It was, however, repeatedly destroyed by fire, rebuilt multiple times, and ultimately used as a prison. 

Today, it contains the Doge’s Palace Civic Museum , which contains an amazing artistic beauty comprised of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural elements. 

The inside is both magnificent and interesting, with several works of art by Titian, Tintoretto , and Bellini.

There is no better way to see the Doge’s Palace than through the eyes of a local who can describe the building’s rich history.

The tour also includes access to the well-known Bridge of Sighs.

You can also skip the line with this reserved entry admission ticket !

If you’re interested in Venice’s history, this is a fantastic option !

The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri)

The Bridge of Sighs is one of Venice’s most iconic symbols and is just a few steps from St. Mark’s Square. 

It was built in 1600 to connect the New Prison (Italian: Prigioni Nuove) to the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace. It crosses the Rio di Palazzo.

The most prominent viewing point is from the Ponte della Paglia , which connects St. Mark’s Square to Riva degli Schiavoni. 

Thousands of people take pictures here every day with the Bridge of Sighs in the background since it’s regarded as one of the most romantic sites in Venice.

As a result, it’s also known as the Bridge of Love or the Bridge of Lovers; many gondolas pass this bridge, providing a spectacular perspective of the lagoon. 

Many tourists don’t know, however, that it’s actually called the Bridge of Sighs because it was built to connect the prisons with the Doge’s Palace. 

All prisoners had to pass through this narrow tunnel in order to receive their final sentence, which may have condemned them to a harsh fate.

They could gaze out the grates, sighing because it was possibly the last time they would see the sea and the magnificent vista of the lagoon.

The old jails were known as “piombi” because they were in direct contact with the lead-roofed ceiling. This made the prisons extremely hot in the summer and extremely cold in the winter.

If you’re wondering if you can go inside the bridge, the answer is yes, if you’ve booked a Doge’s Palace Tour . You may get the same amazing view from the grate that prisoners awaiting sentencing used to have.

Enjoy the view from Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo staircase

The Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is another must-see attraction in Venice’s San Marco district and a cool hidden gem in Venice.

If you’ve climbed St. Mark’s bell tower, you’ve probably seen it from every angle. In fact, the building is clearly visible from the top of St. Mark’s bell tower.

What makes this palace so interesting is the same-named spiral staircase, Scala Contarini del Bovolo. This late Gothic structure was built for the Contarini family between the 14th and 15th centuries and is close to Campo Manin and the Rio di San Luca.

The renowned spiral staircase, which earned the family the nickname “del Bovolo,” was first added to the palace at the end of the 15th century. This is characterised by a series of loggias and arches in the Renaissance style.

The staircase was carved inside a tower structure and provides entrance to a loggia that mimics its architecture on each of its five storeys. It’s known as the “Bovolo,” which is a Venetian term for snails, as it resembles a snail shell.

Finally, on the top floor is a domed belvedere with a stunning view of the city.

Book your visit here !

Visit Teatro La Fenice

The largest and most famous opera house in Venice is La Fenice, which is also located in the sestiere San Marco.

It was opened in 1792 and is considered one of the most famous opera houses in the world, hosting the most important and popular opera and theatre seasons.

The premieres of the most famous Italian composers, such as Verdi, Bellini, and Rossini, took place here.

It’s always enchanting, whether you go only to see it or to attend a live performance.

Despite the fact that it has been restored multiple times after the fires, the outcome is genuinely extraordinary: the stage space and ceiling are stunning.

The facade is especially remarkable, with white marble and columns reminiscent of typical Italian villa architecture.

If you visit the theatre, you’ll get a useful audio guide at the entrance that describes the history of the theatre and the artists who made it famous, with Maria Callas in the lead.

The best time to visit would be during orchestra practise.

Daily tours of La Fenice Theater are available between 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., though schedules may be changed for artistic or technical reasons.

If you decide to attend a performance, make sure you are dressed appropriately; more information may be found here !

Walk through The Royal Gardens

The Royal Gardens were commissioned by Napoleon, who had the old granary of Venice demolished to build them; they were then renovated by the Austrians who arrived following Napoleon’s defeat. 

They built a greenhouse beside the Zecca bridge and a neoclassical-style Kaffeehaus on the opposite side.

The royal gardens were recently restored and were reopened to inhabitants and tourists in 2019.

They aren’t particularly large or spectacular, and there aren’t many exotic species to admire, but they are located on the Grand Canal, close to St. Mark’s Square.

There is also a lovely café near the royal gardens where you may stop for a snack.

These gardens are also a great spot to rest for a few minutes in the shade, especially if you’re visiting Venice on a hot day. 

Go to Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore

When you arrive in San Marco, don’t miss the magical atmosphere of the only Venetian square; then, after walking between the Caffè Florian and the wonderful golden mosaics of the Basilica, go to the island of San Giorgio. 

The island has a small dock for small motor and sailing boats, many exhibition spaces for temporary exhibitions, a wonderful Basilica built by architects Palladio and Longhena and with frescoes by Tintoretto, a monastery, and the Giorgio Cini Foundation’s beautiful Borges maze.

However, the island of San Giorgio is also an excellent location for viewing the labyrinth and the fish-shaped city from above. Venice has the silhouette of a fish, and like a fish without water, it cannot live; it is a subtle detail, but one that is easy to imagine from a panoramic perspective. 

“Venice is a fish” is also the title of a beautiful book dedicated to this fantastic city on the water by Tiziano Scarpa. 

San Giorgio is easily accessible by vaporetto number 2, which departs from the San Zaccaria landing stage (terminal), directly in front of the “Hotel Danieli.” 

You can purchase the card to travel by vaporetto to all of the islands in the Venice lagoon here .

The Sestiere Castello

The sestiere Castello is located in the easternmost area of Venice, near the sestiere San Marco.

It’s one of the city’s largest sestieri, and there are fewer tourists here. 

It’s one of those Venice districts that can be explored simply by getting lost in its “calli,” which are actually enormous in size when compared to those in the nearby San Marco district.

If you are in town for the Venice Biennale , you will undoubtedly visit this sestiere because the majority of the events are held here, in the Arsenale and the surrounding gardens.

If the Biennale is not taking place, some areas will be closed to visitors, but it’s still worth spending a few hours exploring its sights.

Here’s what to see in the Castello district:

Stroll at Riva degli Schiavoni

Riva degli Schiavoni is the name of the long pedestrian road that runs along the lagoon from San Marco to the Giardini della Biennale in the sestiere Castello, which houses the city’s most luxurious hotels.

The term has historical origins, dating back to the time when merchants from Dalmatia, which was known as Schiavonia during the Venetian Republic, landed with their ships and set up shop on this stretch of the Lagoon. 

The Venice shoreline was an essential part of the city’s commercial port because of its proximity to the city’s political and economic power centres. 

Today, it’s a bustling transit point due to the presence of several historical and artistically significant buildings, beginning with the Palazzo delle Prigioni, which was erected as an extension of the Doge’s jails. Casanova was imprisoned here, and his escape from this structure is described in the book “My Escape from Venice Prison.”

Continuing along Riva degli Schiavoni, you’ll then come across Palazzo Dandolo, now Hotel Danieli, a stunning 15th-century structure; Chiesa della Pietà, also known as Vivaldi’s church, since he taught singing in the adjoining convent and conservatory; as well as various bars and kiosks.

The view of San Giorgio Maggiore and the lagoon is also spectacular from here.

Visit the Arsenale di Venezia

The Venetian Arsenale, which covers a large area in the lagoon city’s north-eastern outskirts, is an old complex of shipyards and workshops that produced enough ships for the “Serenissima” to meet the demands of a naval power that was, for a long time, one of the most powerful in the world.

The word “Arsenale” comes from the Arabic word “darsina’a,” which means “house of industry, dockyard.” It was the largest in the world for centuries, with over 16,000 employees at its peak.

It’s reachable via a pleasant walk through the Castello district’s alleyways, where the calli are broader and it’s common to come across a field with laundry hanging out to dry in the sun.

This is mainly a residential area, and there are fewer tourists.

Venice Arsenal is currently owned by the Italian Navy and, for the most part, the municipality of Venice, which uses it to host the world-famous Venice Biennale, the renowned contemporary art exhibition.

Unfortunately, much of the Arsenale is not open to the public outside of these or other occasions, but it’s still worth a stroll to this point to explore the Castello sestiere.

Explore Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo

Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo is one of Venice’s largest campo (square), located in the sestiere of Castello, near to San Marco and Cannaregio districts.

The campo is well-known for Verrocchio’s monument to Bartolomeo Colleoni and the church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, as well as the Scuola Grande di San Marco, a stunning Renaissance palace that serves as the entrance to the Ospedale Civile SS. John and Paul of Venice.

Check out the Libreria Acqua Alta (bookstore)

Every reader’s dream is to get immersed in books, in a world of words and vivid fantasies. The Libreria Acqua Alta is the ideal place to let your mind wander and seek out the city of Venice’s most hidden and ancient stories. 

It’s located on Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa and is one of the world’s most unique bookshops.

A massive collection of new and secondhand books is housed inside boats, gondolas, canoes, and tubs. Books are also used as real furniture in this place. Old encyclopaedias have been transformed into beautiful stairways, or they have been used to cover the walls of the outdoor courtyards, transforming them into colourful surfaces. The decor is completed with balls, oars, and dummies.

It’s truly a special site and a must-see, but I recommend visiting during off-peak hours because, thanks to Instagram, it has become a hotspot, and it’s frequently so crowded that you can’t even get inside.

Find the most intriguing house in Venice

Near the Libreria there’s a very unusual house, Palazzo as it’s the only house in Venice to be surrounded on three sides by water from as many as three canals.

At the location where this odd house is located, the Rio Santa Marina splits into two canals: the Rio di S. Giovanni Laterano and the Rio Tetta. This feature makes this house one of the most intriguing and photographed in Venice, despite the fact that it’s not a well-known palace.

This house is one of the most famous in the city, but it’s well hidden from tourists and off the beaten path.

Sestiere Dorsoduro (District)

Dorsoduro is the city’s southernmost district, linked to the San Marco district by the famous Accademia bridge. It’s bounded by the Grand Canal and the Giudecca Canal.

Here you’ll find the majority of the city’s universities, as well as several of the most well-known Venetian museums. 

It’s full of gorgeous calli and campi that are well worth a stroll through, and there are also far fewer tourists than in the neighbouring sestiere of San Marco, allowing you to wander around more freely.

And these are the things not to be missed in the Dorsoduro sestiere:

Walk through Ponte Dell’Accademia (Accademia bridge)

The Accademia Bridge is a lovely wooden bridge and is one of the four that span the Gran Canal. 

The first version was built in 1854, and the one we see today dates from 1933, when it was replaced because the old version had become old and not as solid. 

The beautiful church of Santa Maria della Salute can be seen from Ponte dell’Accademia, and it’s not far from St. Mark’s Square.

Visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia (Accademia Galleries)

The Accademia Galleries are a must-see for anyone interested in the works of important artists from the 14th to the Renaissance periods, such as Tintoretto, Titian, Tiepolo, and Longhi. 

In 1807, Napoleon III decided to collect the enormous number of artistic treasures accumulated during the suppression of hundreds of churches and religious institutions and make them available to the students of the Accademia di Belle Arti, which had recently been assigned the Santa Maria della Carità building complex. 

Ten years later, the Gallerie dell’Accademia was opened, and from 1817 to today, visitors can admire the greatest works of the Serenissima’s Grand Masters in its 24 rooms.

Among others, one of Leonardo da Vinci’s most important works, “The Vitruvian Man,” is carefully guarded and rarely exhibited by the Galleries’ curators to avoid deterioration.

If you’re really into art, you shouldn’t miss it on your visit to Venice.

Admire Peggy Guggenheim’s Collection

The Guggenheim museum is a true temple of early twentieth-century European and American art, built over years of research by the eccentric Peggy Guggenheim, a brilliant heiress, art dealer, and patron. 

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice is housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni and features works by Picasso, Dali, Modigliani, Carrà, and many others. 

Once inside, you can explore the garden, which contains numerous sculptures by artists such as Henry Moore and Alberto Giacometti, before proceeding to the rooms of the Palazzo, which was once the residence of the exceptional collector herself.

Explore Church of St. Mary of health (Santa Maria Della Salute)

The church of Santa Maria della Salute is located at the eastern end of the Dorsoduro sestiere, and its high dome is clearly visible from both St. Mark’s Square and the island of Giudecca, perfectly complementing Venice’s skyline.

The church is an excellent representation of Venetian Baroque architecture, developed following Palladio’s models.

It was built by Senate mandate to fulfil a commitment made after an awful plague epidemic that killed over 47,000 people in the first half of the 17th century.

It was completed in 1687 and has the shape of a crown, as designed by Baldassare Longhena.

This is the most important church in the Dorsoduro sestiere, with an octagonal design and a massive white dome capped by volute buttresses.

The inside is much grander, with a massive central hall surrounded by columns.

Take in the view from Punta della Dogana

Another must-see when exploring the Dorsoduro sestiere is the stroll to Punta della Dogana, also known as Punta della Salute or Punta (Dogana) da Már.

It’s a triangular point that extends the Dorsoduro district and splits the Grand Canal and the Giudecca Canal, not far from St. Mark’s Square.

Three notable architectural complexes are located in this area: the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute; the patriarchal seminary; and the Dogana da Mar complex, which gives the area its name.

Following Tadao Ando’s restoration, Punta della Dogana now houses the Francois Pinault Collection.

From Punta della Dogana viewpoint, you can see St. Mark’s Square on one side and the island with the majestic church of Saint Giorgio Maggiore on the other, which is divided by a small canal from the Giudecca Island. The Giudecca island is very residential. There are just a couple of churches, Zitelle Church and Redentore Church.

See how Gondolas are made at “Lo Squero di San Trovaso”

While strolling around the Dorsoduro sestiere’s calli, you may come across the Squero di San Trovaso. This building is made up of low structures and a tiny open space that directly overlooks the canals.

The Venetian word “squero” is derived from the word “squara,” which means “a group of people working together to create boats.” A squero is a boatyard, and this one is unique. It’s the birthplace of the distinctive, sleek black vessels known as Venetian gondolas.

The Squero San Trovaso is one of the city’s oldest squeros, dating back to 1600. During this time, Venetian shipwrights began to repair and manufacture gondolas.

The Squero di San Trovaso is particularly notable for its distinctive architecture, which resembles mountain cottages. And there is a twofold explanation for this: on one hand, both the carpenters and the building wood were from Cadore; on the other hand, the slope of the forecourt and the canopy that partially covered it were handy in case of rain, as well as for storing work materials.

It takes eight different types of wood and months of work to make a gondola.

They are still totally handcrafted by the few remaining “squeraroli” (master craftsmen), without the use of written designs, and they customise each boat to the buyer’s specifications. Each one is unique.

If you’re interested, you can book guided tours of the squero in order to view all of the production techniques. The visit lasts roughly 30 minutes.

Alternatively, you may watch the squeraroli at work while sipping a spritz at the legendary Osteria Al Squero on the other bank.

Enjoy the sunset from Fondamenta Zattere (Zattere waterfront)

Fondamenta Zattere is a lovely promenade that runs alongside the Giudecca Canal, almost like a seafront. 

Even Venetians prefer it to the overly touristy Riva degli Schiavoni for a wonderful walk in the sun. 

The view of the islands and the Giudecca Canal from here is stunning. 

It’s a very quiet promenade lined with important churches like the Gesuati, as well as the Madonna della Salute, period palazzi, and a few vintage shops. 

One of the most beautiful sunsets can be seen from here. When you arrive at Fondamenta Zattere al Ponte Lungo, treat yourself to a “gianduiotto” from Gelateria Nico and watch the sunset over the lagoon.

Sestiere Cannaregio

The Cannaregio sestiere is another of Venice’s biggest districts, located in the northern part of the city.

This is where Venetians who have chosen to reside in the historic centre live. There are several bustling bacari, especially after work hours, making it a perfect location for a bacaro tour.

Although it’s relatively unknown to most tourists, there is a lot to see here as well. 

Let’s find it out:

Do a walking tour around Cannaregio District

Cannaregio is one of the six sestieri (districts) of Venice, located north of the Grand Canal, and it’s one of my favourite places to visit in Venice because it’s very authentic and not as crowded as other areas of the city.

The sestiere of Cannaregio is Venice’s largest and most populous sestiere. It’s crossed by the Cannaregio Canal, the only one in the ancient city that, like the Grand Canal, is traversed by vaporettos. It connects the lagoon to the Grand Canal.

The sestiere’s name is thought to stem from the existence of enormous reed beds (land cultivated with common reeds) before the area was reclaimed and afterwards populated.

The Cannaregio district is a great place to get a feel for everyday Venice; it’s home to a number of small cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can stop for coffee, a cicchetto, or lunch.

It takes around ten minutes to walk from Venice’s Santa Lucia Station to the Cannaregio quarter. You must exit the station and turn left onto Fondamenta degli Scalzi, then walk along Rio Terà Lista di Spagna. You will then be in the heart of the Cannaregio sestiere.

Visit the Jewish Ghetto of Venice.

The Cannaregio district is also home to the Jewish Ghetto of Venice, one of the oldest still existing in Europe.

The Venetian ghetto was established in 1516 and is considered to be the first segregated community.

It was a small island separated by a canal, with only two bridges that were locked at night.

This was done to protect Jewish citizens against abuse and assaults by local Christians.

The Ghetto is home to Venice’s small and lively Jewish community.

There you will discover a world that has been preserved for centuries, including the sights, smells, and traditions of this historic quarter.

It’s divided into three areas: Ghetto Vecchio, Ghetto Nuovo, and Ghetto Nuovissimo.

The New Ghetto is the oldest area that was first inhabited by Jews, and to accommodate the entire population, the houses were developed vertically, reaching up to eight floors high.

Around the main square, you can see the presence of five synagogues, the places of worship of the Jews.They are located mainly on the top of the buildings and are characterized by the presence of five windows aligned, in symbol of the books of the Torah. 

The synagogues and schools are still in use today.

This location alone has a lot to see and learn. If you want to get the full experience, I highly recommend joining this Ghetto walking tour led by a local .

If you prefer, you can visit the Jewish Museum to learn about the history of the Jewish community in Venice and immerse yourself in its inspiring atmosphere.

The Jewish Museum and a visit to the synagogues

Every day from June 1 to September 30: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

From October 1 to May 31, the hours are 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. daily.

Saturday closed

Visits to the synagogues take place every 30 minutes, starting at 10:30 am.

Stroll along Fondamenta Degli Ormesini

Leaving Campo del Ghetto Novo, you cross the iron bridge to reach Fondamenta degli Ormesini. 

A fondamenta is a section of road in Venice that runs beside a canal or a rio. 

Fondamenta degli Ormesini is Venice’s longest, and is the natural continuation of Fondamenta della Misericordia, a street that runs alongside Rio de la Misericordia. 

This is where Venetians mingle with tourists (though there aren’t many of them), and students.

It’s peaceful in the mornings and early afternoons, making it an ideal spot for a stroll. 

There are numerous tiny pubs here where you can stop for a coffee, a spritz, or an “ombra,” as a glass of wine is known in Venice.

Cross Ponte Chiodo

Ponte Chiodo is an ancient bridge in the Sestiere di Cannaregio, within a few metres of the Scuola Grande della Misericordia, one of the renowned architect Jacopo Sansovino’s works. 

It’s Venice’s only bridge without a parapet, or railing.

Originally, all bridges in Venice were constructed without side defences known as parapets, or bande. 

However, beginning in the nineteenth century, they were all equipped with parapets for safety reasons. 

Nowadays, there are only two bridges without safety barriers: Ponte Chiodo in Venice and Ponte del Diavolo on the island of Torcello. 

It’s definitely one of those hidden gems worth checking out as part of a secret Venice tour.

Stroll along Strada Nova and visit Campo Santa Sofia

From Ponte Chiodo, continue on Fondamenta San Felice, and after crossing the San Felice bridge, you’ll find yourself on Strada Nova. While you’re in the area, if you’re feeling hungry, you should try the meatballs at La Vedova; they’re the best in Venice. 

After regenerating, proceed to Campo Santa Sofia, which overlooks the Grand Canal. 

The campo’s name comes from the church of S. Sofia, which was rebuilt in the late 17th century to a design by Antonio Gaspari, whose bell tower and façade stand just behind a 19th-century building lining the Strada Nuova.

From here you can cross the Grand Canal on a gondola ferry, which connects Campo Santa Sofia directly with the Pescheria, known as the Rialto market. 

Find the narrowest “calle” in Venice.

Calle Varisco is Venice’s smallest street, measuring only 53 cm wide. It’s located in the Cannaregio sestiere and has a view of the Rio dei SS. Apostoli.

Actually, only the last segment of the calle is that narrow, leading to the canal “introduced” by a Doric column.

Calle Varisco is located around midway between the Rialto Bridge and Fondamenta Nove. 

Visit the Churches of Santa Maria Dei Miracoli & Santa Maria Assunta

If you enjoy religious architecture, in the Cannaregio sestiere you’ll find the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli overlooking the Campo dei Miracoli, a quiet and little-known place. 

The church is a work of art, a little marble treasure chest. It’s considered Pietro Lombardo’s masterpiece and the first example of Renaissance architecture in Venice.

Instead, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta can be found at Campo dei Gesuiti, not far from Fondamenta Nove.

It was built in the 12th century and renovated in the 18th century, and it boasts a majestic Baroque facade filled with statues. The interior design has white and green marble inlays on the walls, which are accented by gilded stucco.

The pulpit is distinctive, with stone drapery that gives the appearance of fabric. The altar, with its twisted columns encircling the sculptural complex with the cross, is also worth seeing.

Aside from that, there are masterpieces by Tintoretto (the Assumption of the Virgin) and Titian (Martyrdom of St. Lawrence).

The Church of the Scalzi, also known as the Church of Santa Maria di Nazareth, is located near the station and was built at the initiative of the Carmelitani Scalzi. It is an example of Baroque art. This church has a view of the Grand Canal.

The Church of the Madonna dell’Orto is another noteworthy church in the Cannaregio sestiere. A true example of Venetian Gothic architecture, with paintings by Tintoretto on the inside.

Take a Bacaro tour

A trip to Venice isn’t complete without a stop at a bacaro, and Cannaregio is the sestiere with the best bacari.

These places, which are often open throughout the day and late into the evening, provide a fast bite to eat: “un cicchetto e un’ombra.”

A cicchetto is a little taste of hot or cold fish, and cold cuts served on a piece of bread. Tramezzini, bread with baccalà mantecato, sarde in saor, meatballs, and many other Venetian specialties are examples. The composition of cicchetti changes based on the season.

“Un’ombra”, on the other hand, is simply a glass of wine. It’s thought to have originated from the historical custom of merchants positioning their stalls under the shade of St Mark’s bell tower to keep the wine cool; still today, people in the floating city say “andar per ombre” (to go for shadows) to imply the mid-morning snack routine.

There are several bacari (small pubs) in Venice that serve cicchetti, and they are especially popular among Venetians, which is why you will find them in less touristy areas of the city.

Get lost in a maze of ”calli” and stumble upon Venice’s mysterious Campo dei Mori

Campo dei Mori is a square named after three statues set in the wall of the Palazzo Mastelli del Cammello (the well-known palace with a camel on its façade).

The Mastelli family, who migrated to Venice in the Middle Ages from the Morea (thus the name “Mori”), built this mansion and the other buildings in Campo dei Mori.

The family consisted of three brothers: Rioba, Sandi, and Alfani, who traded in silks and spices but also managed a bank.

A swindled lady, according to legend, prayed to Santa Maria Maddalena to curse the three brothers who were turned into sculptures, which were then put in a niche in

Campo dei Mori as a warning to all Venetians.

The most famous of the three statues is that of Sior Antonio Rioba; in the nineteenth century, the statue lost its nose and was repaired with an improvised piece of iron.

This gave rise to the belief that rubbing it brought good luck.

At Fondamenta dei Mori, at the foot of the bridge, is the 15th century Gothic house that was the home of the famous Venetian painter Tintoretto , where he died in 1594.

Near this campo is also the church of Madonna dell’Orto , which is one of the most beautiful examples of gothic architecture in Venice. Inside you’ll find 10 large paintings by Tintoretto, who is also buried here.

Sestieri San Polo and Santa Croce

The districts of Santa Croce (further west) and San Polo (further east and up to St. Mark’s) are located on the other side of the Grand Canal, in front of the Cannaregio district.

Some of Venice’s most famous sites can be found here among old palazzi and scenic alleyways, beginning with the Rialto bridge, which connects Cannaregio to San Polo. 

Visit the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge ( Ponte di Rialto )

There are four large bridges that span the Grand Canal in Venice. Rialto Bridge is the oldest, and it’s also one of the city’s most famous landmarks. 

It’s well known for both its architecture and its history.

Until the mid-1800s, it was the only bridge that allowed people to cross the Grand Canal. 

For many years, it was the economic centre of Venice.

It was designed by architect Antonio da Ponte and built between 1588 and 1591 to replace the previous wooden construction, which had collapsed twice and burned on multiple occasions. 

The bridge’s structure has two inclined ramps connected by a portico in the centre, and houses 24 tiny shops for tourists on both sides. 

The Rialto Bridge offers one of the most spectacular views of the entire city.

Check out the Rialto Market

Rialto’s Market is one of the best places to experience authentic Venetian folklore. 

It’s one of the oldest in Venice and is open every day except Sunday. 

The culinary tradition of the floating city is naturally based on fish, which is always purchased fresh at the fish market. 

That’s why the market is usually busy, with crowds of Venetians buying ingredients for Venetian cuisine and tourists intrigued by the picturesque market and its plethora of goods: fruit, vegetables, and fish.

The market area is now so busy and touristy that it has lost some of its primary business character and has turned into a meeting place as well. 

Indeed, the neighborhood is teeming with a growing number of tourist-related activities and cafes for aperitifs and evening gatherings, where one can linger to enjoy a traditional Venetian ciccheto, or some fresh fruit.

A tidbit about the Rialto fish market: One of the scenes in the movie “The Tourist,” starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie, was shot right here. 

Rooftop view over the Grand Canal from Fondaco dei Tedeschi

Head to Fondaco dei Tedeschi’s rooftop terrace for a unique view of Venice’s main boulevard. This old building in Venice is just steps away from the Rialto Bridge. 

It has stood since the 13th century and was rebuilt after a fire between 1505 and 1508. 

It was home to German merchants who used it as a warehouse and lodging. 

Fondaco is derived from the Arabic term funduq, which means “warehouse,” and the Italian word “Tedeschi” that means “Germans.” 

It now houses a high-end department store selling luxurious goods. 

The terrace is free to visit, but reservations are required. It is open every day from 10:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Book here !

Admire the Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

The Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, often known as the Basilica dei Frari, is Venice’s largest church. It’s located in the heart of the San Polo district, on the Campo dei Frari, and its façade is framed by a tiny canal.

The plain and unimpressive exterior stands in stark contrast to the beautiful interior.

The church took over a century to build and was finished in the mid-15th century. Its bell tower, which dates back to the 14th century, is the second highest in Venice.

What will catch your attention as soon as you enter the Basilica is a Titian painting titled “Assumption of the Virgin.” It’s on the main altar, surrounded by stained-glass windows.

Other points of interest include Antonio Canova’s mausoleum (Canova was an 18th century Italian sculptor). The artist’s students created the funeral monument. You will be surprised by its monumental size, sculptures, and pyramid shape.

And the choir chapel houses magnificent paintings by Vivarini and Bellini.

Walk through Ponte degli Scalzi

The Ponte degli Scalzi, one of the bridges that span the Grand Canal, connects the sestiere of Santa Croce to that of Cannaregio.

The Ponte degli Scalzi is located near two churches on opposing banks of the canal: the church of Santa Maria di Nazareth, also known as the Scalzi church after the monks who built it, and the church of San Simeon Piccolo.

It’s also known as the Station Bridge because of its proximity to the railway station.

Experience the Grand Canal (Canal Grande) on a Vaporetto tour

As you know, Venice is also known as the “floating city” because there are no streets, only canals.

The Grand Canal is Venice’s largest and most famous canal; it could be considered the city’s thoroughfare. 

It is actually 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) long and runs through Venice’s entire historic center, dividing it in half and forming an “s” shape.

Some of the most beautiful Venetian architecture can be found here.

You may be surprised to learn that the Grand Canal is only crossed by four bridges and has only a few promenades along it.

The area around the Rialto Bridge is the most beautiful part of the canal that you can explore on foot.

Here you’ll find large waterfront promenades lined with restaurants and cafés. It’s a nice place to have a drink and watch the canal go by.

However, the best way to explore the Grand Canal’s surroundings is from the water, which you can do by taking a vaporetto , or gondola. 

A Vaporetto (water taxi) is essentially a floating public bus that makes frequent stops across the city and is the most affordable and convenient way to get around Venice.

A Vaporetto tour of the Grand Canal is a must-do since it allows you to admire Venetian art from a different angle.

The section of the canal south-west of the Rialto Bridge is the most beautiful and should not be missed. So, if you take a boat between St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, you will see the best of Venice! 

You can also take these water taxis to reach other islands near Venice, such as Murano, Burano, and Torcello.

If you’re on a tight budget and visiting Venice, this is the best way to get around!

Take a gondola ride

If you want to get the classic “Venice” experience, a gondola ride is a must. 

Riding a gondola is probably the most famous thing to do in Venice and it’s definitely something you should try at least once, even if it’s not cheap. 

I highly recommend going for a ride at sunset when the city is less crowded and all the buildings and churches are lit up.

There are plenty of places where you can take one—the Grand Canal is lined with them, and there are many options on the smaller canals as well.

Hop on a Gondola Traghetto (Gondola Ferry)  

Have you ever wondered how Venetians get from one side of the Grand Canal to the other when none of the four bridges are nearby? They simply take the gondola ferry.

At various points along the Grand Canal (away from the bridges), you can travel from one bank to the other in a gondola piloted by two gondoliers who shift between the banks. Locals pay less than one euro, while tourists pay two euros. The Gondola has a capacity of 14 passengers. 

This is the experience for you if you want to feel the thrill of riding a gondola without spending a lot of money.

One is the Santa Sofia ferry, which departs from Strada Nuova and crosses the Grand Canal to take you to the Pescheria.

Simply follow the ‘Traghetto’ signs to the nearest landing, which will be a little wooden pier along the Grand Canal’s edge. If the service is active, the boats normally shuttle continuously, so you won’t have to wait long.

If you have a Venezia Unica card , the ticket costs €0.70; if you don’t have the card, the ticket costs €2.00.

Go on a Venetian Mask making class

Venice is known to be one of the most romantic cities in the world, but its beauty isn’t just skin deep.

The city’s famous mask-making tradition dates back to at least the 14th century, when Carnival first came to Venice. The masks were worn as part of elaborate disguises, allowing people to take on a new identity during this time of year.

Venetian masks have been made since ancient times, but they were particularly popular during the Carnival season. They were worn by nobles as well as commoners during celebrations.

The tradition continues today; during Carnival all over Italy, people wear colourful masks, mostly based on historical characters or famous people.

Venice’s mask-making tradition has been passed down through generations of artisans who still create beautiful masks today.

To really appreciate this art form and the patience and mastery required to make the perfect mask, join this mask-making workshop with a local master artisan to learn about the history of this ancient tradition.

Visit Murano glass factory and join a Murano Glass workshop with a Local Artisan

While you’re in Venice, take a tour of the Murano glass factory. You’ll see how this famous Italian art form is made, and you can even buy some souvenirs.

These works of art come in many shapes and sizes, and each one is one-of-a-kind since each one is hand-blown by trained craftsmen utilising centuries-old techniques passed down through generations.

They make everything from Murano glass chandeliers and wine stoppers to contemporary art glass and glass jewellery.

Watching a craftsman at work may look simple, but if you really want to learn the secrets of Murano glassmaking techniques, getting hands-on experience is the best way to truly appreciate what’s involved.

If you wish you can take a private glassmaking lesson where you’ll get hands-on experience with one of Venice’s most renowned craftsmen.

This workshop with a local artisan includes all materials, including your own marvellous glass artwork to take home, as well as a 10% discount on the artist’s glassworks.

Take a boat ride to Burano Island in Venice

Take a boat ride to the cheerful island of Burano, an ancient fishing village founded in 639 AD.

Visit the church of San Martino, which has been recently restored. The church has beautiful frescoes and paintings on display, including works by Giambattista Tiepolo and Francesco Guardi. 

Visit the  Burano Lace Museum,  a beautiful gothic building that was once the Lace School, where young Burano girls learned to make lace.

Burano is still regarded as the most expensive lace in the world.

One Day Itinerary

Venice is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, with something for everyone.

Although I believe that visiting Venice requires more than one day, I also understand that many people, for various reasons, are unable to stay longer than one day. 

So, to help you better plan your time in Venice here is a one day itinerary suggestion:

Begin your day with a Vaporetto tour along the Grand Canal. Hop on vaporetto line 1 from either Piazzale Roma or the train station.

If you get to the front of the line at Piazzale Roma, or the at the station, you might be able to choose an outdoor seat if you move quickly, this way you’ll have a better view.

However, the service runs every ten minutes, so you could always be the first to board the next vaporetto.

After about 45 minutes, get off at San Zaccaria. This is the stop after St. Mark’s, so this way you’ll have the opportunity to admired St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) and the Doge Palace from the water.

Visit St Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile, the Doge Palace, the Bridge of sighs. To get the most out of it you may want to book a tour with a local guide. Treat yourself at one of the cafes in the square.

After exploring St Mark’s, visit the Rialto district, wander around the market, take in the view from one of the many cafes in the area, book a visit at T Fondaco dei Tedeschi for a top view and possibly book a private tour with a local guide to get a feel for the city.

If you can stay for three days, you can get a real sense of Venice by visiting its galleries and churches, which are filled with important works of art, as well as venturing off the beaten path. A week is sufficient time to explore not only the city, but also the lagoon and surrounding area, as well as to visit lands and travel to a nearby mainland town, such as Verona , Bologna , or Padua.

Check out Venice best tours

How to get to there?

There are several ways of getting to Venice:

The main international hub for Venice is Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). The airport is connected to the city by water taxi, by the Alilaguna motor boat, or by using the “Venezia Air Terminal” bus.

The island of Venice can also be reached via Treviso Airport (TSF) by taking the ATVO Bus Express line, which takes around 60 minutes to reach one of Venice’s main tourist hubs, Piazzale Roma, from where particular Actv public transportation navigation lines can be used to reach the old city center.

A transfer service also runs from and to the airport.

Ponte della Libertà is the only bridge connecting Venice to the mainland, finishing in Piazzale Roma, the only place in the city where cars can enter.

There are various car parks at Piazzale Roma, both internal and external, but pay attention to the charges, which are not all the same and vary from one car park to the other. 

Check all the options and then select the one that’s most suitable for you.

You can also park in Tronchetto, which can be reached by turning right at the end of Ponte della Libertà, just before arriving at Piazzale Roma. There is both indoor and outdoor parking available here as well.

You can easily get to the city center from either of these sites via water bus, water taxi, or by foot.

If you arrive in Venice by train, you’ll arrive at the Santa Lucia train station, an impressive building located in the Santa Croce district, right at the beginning of the Canal Grande.

You can easily walk from the station to the city center by following Strada Nuova or by boarding the vaporetto from one of the piers in front of the station.

As you can see from the list above,there are many ways to explore Venice, Italy.

Whether it be its colorful buildings or unique history that make it so special, there are endless opportunities for you to enjoy yourself while visiting one of Europe’s most popular destinations.

If you’ve never been before, I highly recommend taking this Venice free tour of the historic centre!

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list of all Venice attractions.

You could also take a cooking class, go on a dinner cruise on the lagoon , or even go kayaking on the canals.

However, if you visit the majority of the attractions on this list, you’ll have seen the best that Venice has to offer! 

I hope you found this guide to the best things to do in Venice Italy useful and that it helps you plan a nice itinerary for a truly memorable visit to one of the world’s most unique cities.  If you’re planning a trip to Italy you may also want to read this post .

Ciao and safe travel!

I'm a freelance travel writer and SEO copywriter, and I absolutely love what I do. Writing has always been a passion of mine, and traveling is the ultimate source of inspiration for me. In fact, I became particularly drawn to planning travel experiences in Italy back in 2015, and I've been hooked ever since!

I'm what you might call a "slow traveler" - someone who likes to take their time exploring new places and soaking up different cultures. And when I started writing about my travels a few years ago, I was blown away by the incredible opportunity it gave me to share my experiences with others and learn from them in turn. It's truly an amazing thing!

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25 Best Things to do in Venice, Italy

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: March 13, 2024

Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and no trip to Italy would be complete without visiting the city of love. It is unspoiled by modern life and has been a hub for artists, sculptors, musicians, and poets for centuries. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Venice with the help of frequent Venice visitor Karen Worral

Karen shares the very best things to do in Venice with her first-hand knowledge from many visits, combined with tips from our own travels to the “City of Water.” So get ready because this extensive Venice guide will give you  molto informazione .

Table of Contents

Things to do in Venice, Italy

Famous for its intricate and extensive canal system, Venice itself was built over 2000 years ago at the edge of the Adriatic Sea. What we love about the city is that is compact enough that you can see a lot in a few days.

Whether you want to fulfill your dream of admiring the city by gondola or you prefer to stroll the pedestrian-only streets, Venice, Italy, is a place that will make your dreams come alive. Most people spend about 3 Days in Venice, and these are all the best things to do in this magical city.

1. St. Mark’s Square

While the beating heart of Rome may be the sand of the Colosseum, the beating heart of Venice is its most illustrious piazza, St. Mark’s Square. To feel the essence of Venice, St. Mark’s Square is the place to visit first and is often at the top of people’s list of things to do in Venice.

The large impressive square is flanked on all four sides by ornate buildings, archways, and porticos that host cafes and high-end shops. With the Campanile (clock tower) on one side and the Torre dell Orologio (tower of the clock) on the other and other famous Venetian landmarks such as St. Mark’s Basilica, Doges Palace, and Torre dell’Orologio, it is one of the most iconic squares in Europe.

Dive into Venice’s history with this 2-hour guided walking tour of Saint Mark’s Square. Including skip-the-line tickets to Doges Palace. Find out more and book your ticket here  – Free cancellation with a refund up to 24 hours before the tour starts. Some of Venice’s most important buildings are located in or around St. Mark’s Square, so you will be spending a lot of time here.

• Address: P.za San Marco, 30124 Venice, Italy
• Hot Tip : get up for sunrise to have the square all to yourself before tour buses and boats come in.

2. Doge’s Palace

Located on the Grand Canal in the main part of Venice, Doges Palace is one of the best places to visit in Venice. The Palazzo Ducale or the Doge’s Palace is the most important building in Venetian history. The Doge was the head of state and religion in Venice for centuries. He was like Venice’s Pope, Regent, President or Prime Minister all at the same time.

The Doge’s Palace is tucked in the corner with the statues of St Mark (The Patron Saint of Venice) himself and the winged lion of Venice towards the water. The Venetian Gothic architecture inside and out of Doge’s palace is impressive and I’d recommend at least 90 minutes to see it all properly.

This Doge’s Palace and St Marks Square Tour has  skip-the-line tickets to Doge’s Palace and a locally-led guided tour. They have various special exhibits throughout the year that are included with your ticket. The ticket also allows you entry to Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, and Biblioteca Nazionale.

• Address: P.za San Marco, 1, 30124 Venice, Italy
• Hours: Doges Palace Summer (April 1-October 31) Sun-Thur 8.30am-9pm, Fri-Sat 8.30am-11pm. Winter (November 1st-March 31st) 8.30am-7pm. Last entry always 30 minutes before closing.
• Cost of Doges Palace: €25. €13 for children 6-14, students 15-25 and people over 65.

3. St Mark’s Basilica

St Mark’s Basilica holds the prime spot over one whole side of the square. The stunning façade is covered in gold leaf mosaics, grand domes, and elegant equestrian statues. Going inside the Basilica San Marco to see the beautiful multitude of recently renovated mosaics is a Venice must-do. Inside the church, you can also see the Treasury that holds the church’s relics and the Pala D’oro – Byzantine golden cloth.

Take the steps up to St Mark’s Museum, a small museum about the basilica and Venice history, and for an unrivaled view of St Mark’s Square from the terrace by the horse statues. The Basilica of Saint Mark is one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture modeled after the church of the Holy Apostles.

Tips for visiting St Mark’s Basilica

• A visit inside Basilica di St Mark’s Basilica lasts about ten minutes.
• Lines can be long. especially in summer, but it is worth the wait.
• Go early or late in the day, it is usually much quieter.
• Backpacks are not allowed inside, but there is a locker area where you can store them for free just around the corner
• If you have a group, take it in turns going in and watching the bags outside.
• Also, remember that as in all churches in Italy, modest clothing should be worn with shoulders and knees covered.
• Get your skip the line ticket and take a guided tour with a local guide of St Mark’s Basilica.
• Address: P.za San Marco, 328, 30124 Venice Italy
• Hours: Church Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm (last entry 4.45pm), Sun 2-5pm (after services). Museum, Treasury and Pala D’oro 9.35am-5pm summer (April 16-October 28), 9.45am-5pm winter (October 28-April 15).
• Cost: Free for the main church, and €5 for the museum, €2.50 children 6-18 years, free under 6. Treasury €3, €1.50 for children, Pala D’oro €2, €1 for children.

4. St. Mark’s Campanile – Climb the Bell Tower

When visiting Venice you must climb the bell tower for a great view of the city.

The 12th-century tower of St. Mark’s Campanile (rebuilt in the 16th century) is a bell tower that stands at 323ft tall and gives a commanding view of the famous square from the loggia belfry. The Campanile San Marco spire used to be a lighthouse for shipping and it was the prototype for the lagoon area Campaniles.

The Bell Tower still has one of its five original bells as the others were destroyed when the tower collapsed in 1902. The other bells have been replaced, and are still rung. A golden statue of the archangel Gabriel holds court on top of the tower.

We highly recommend booking a walking tour and this private tour of St. Mark’s Square shows you the highlights of the square and the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica and the Clock Tower (Torre dell’Orologio).

You’ll then see Doge’s Palace, formerly the Doge’s residence and seat of the Venetian government, the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri), and learn everything about the history and the romantic legends of Venice. Towards the end of the tour, you’ll take the elevator up to St. Mark’s Bell Tower for a view of the city and the Venice lagoon from 99 meters above.

• Hours: Going up the Campanile Di San Marco can be done from March, April, October 9am-7pm, November-February 9.30am-3.45pm, 13 June-12 September 8.30am-9.30pm.
• Cost: €8, €4 for students.
• Book these skip th eline tickets in advance to St. Marks Basilica with Terrace access and Doge’s Palace.

San Marco is one of the best areas to stay in Venice. It is within walking distance of the city center’s top attractions, such as Saint Mark’s Square, the Bridge of Sighs, Doge’s Palace, and St. Mark’s Basilica. Staying in the city center means you can easily enjoy all these Venice attractions early in the morning or late at night when it is quieter. Here are some hotel recommendations. For the Full list, check out Where to Stay in Venice, Italy: 5 Best Areas for First-Time Visitors

• Hotel Casanova Just 71 m from Piazza San Marco and 100 m from Harry’s Bar, Hotel Casanova is set in an 18th-century building in the center of Venice. It offers free WiFi throughout. TripAdvisor / Booking.com
• Hotel Caneva Hotel Caneva is set between the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square, a 5-minute walk from the Basilica. A great choice if you are interested in old-town exploration, culture, and ambiance. TripAdvisor / Booking.com
• GLAMOR APARTMENT A T ST. MARCO SQUARE – Elegant and comfortable apartment, located on the first floor of a historic building, it is a quiet and modern apartment that sleeps up to 4 people, ideal for a family

When looking for things to do in Venice, some of the simplest moments can be the most memorable. Make sure to relax and enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate in the Square. Even though it will probably be the most expensive coffee or hot chocolate you’ve ever had, I recommend it. Quadra Café often has a classical quartet playing in front of it.

5. Ponte Di Rialto

The Rialto Bridge (also known as Ponte di Rialto) is the oldest bridge in Venice, dating back to the sixteenth century. It is the most famous bridge in the city and one of the most famous landmarks in the world. It is the first of only four bridges that span the Grand Canal today, connecting the districts of San Marco and San Polo. The other bridges that span the Grand Canal are Ponte di Calatrava a Venezia, Ponte dell’Accademia and Ponte degli Scalzi 

Today the Rialto Bridge is full of shops making it one of the most unique bridges in the world. If you are doing a gondola ride you will definitely be starting, ending, or passing by the Rialto Bridge. This Gondola Tour comes complete with a serenade through the canals of Venice and some of its most secluded waterways including a ride under Ponte di Rialto.

• Address of Ponte Di Rialto: Sestiere San Polo, 30125 Venice VE, Italy

San Polo is Venice’s smallest district and one of the oldest neighborhoods in Venice. Located in the city center, this area is well known for its vibrant nightlife and fresh fruit and vegetable markets. It also contains many of the top attractions in Venice but is a little less crowded and expensive..

In San Polo, you’ll find The Church of San Giacomo di Rialto, Rialto market, Ponte de Rialto, and San Marco Campanile. D espite its proximity to the major tourist attractions, it retains a distinctly local feel. Bordering it is my favorite restaurant for pizza in Venice—Birreria La Corte.

San Polo is a great place to make a base that is a bit more affordable. A couple of hotel recommendations are:

• H10 Palazzo Casanova – Steps to the Grand Canal, modern hotel with great amenities. One of the best hotels in Venice if you are looking for a modern interior. TripAdvisor / Booking.com
• San Polo Star – Quiet hotel, good location and amenities for budget accommodation. TripAdvisor /Booking.com
• Suite Tower Rialto – Located on the third floor of an 18th-century building, it’s the ideal place for those who want to experience a romantic getaway in Venice

6. Mercato di Rialto

The Rialto Market or Mercato di Rialto is located close to the Rialto Bridge, and on the other side of Piazza, San Marco is a great place for shopping. It started in the eleventh century as the principal food market of Venice.

Rialto Market has two parts. The principal outdoor food market is where fruit, vegetables, fresh fish, and produce are sold. And the souvenir market.  It is also a good spot for street food. My favorite thing to do here is to buy a mini bottle of Bellini and sit by the bridge on the San Polo side sipping it while doing some people watching.

• Address: Calle Prima de la Donzella, 306, 30125 Venice, Italy
• Hours: Usually 9am until about 9pm in summer, until dark in winter.

Book this St. Mark’s Square walking tour takes you through many of the top Venice attractions on an informed guided tour. See the old prisons of Piazza San Marco. Learn of Casanova and his jailbreak, see what life was like behind the prison wall

7. Take a Gondola Ride

When you picture Venice, it is difficult not to think of the gondolas that traverse them. There is no doubt that taking a gondola ride is one of the top attractions in Venice. Gondolas are small boats that are paddled by a trained gondolier who knows the waterways like the back of their hand. Gondola rides can be very romantic and is a great way to snuggle up to your loved one, especially at sunset. They can also be very expensive. Expect to pay upwards of €100 off-season for a trip.

This Gondola tour is highly rated as your gondolier takes you down secluded canals and tells stories as you pass top Venice attractions such as Desdemona’s House and Mozart’s House, the La Fenice Theatre and the “De le Ostreghe” Canal before reaching the Grand Canal. On the canal you’ll see the Salute Church, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Venetian palaces of, like Ca’Dolfin, Ca’Loredan, and Grimani Palace. More details here.

If you’d like to have the experience but aren’t too bothered about it being private, then you can go on group trips with other tourists and lower the cost. Not all gondoliers are the same, and some have fancier boats and clothes, and some sing and some don’t. So check what is included before hopping on, but remember the price will reflect what is included too.

• If you are looking to book romantic things to do in Venice, book a Gondola Ride and Serenade on the Grand Canal. It is one of the best known experiences in Venice for a reason! Read more and book your refundable ticket here. 

8. Grand Canal Vaporetto

Taking a gondola ride on the Grand Canal is a quintessential Venetian tourist thing to do, but if you would rather spend your euros elsewhere, you can tour the Grand Canal for much cheaper by simply taking a water taxi – or Vaporetto ride.

Vaporettos like a sort of water bus, or water taxi and are the most common way to travel around Venice if you’re not walking. Hop on the Vaporetto at St Mark’s Square at the San Marco Gardinetti stop taking it all the way to Piazzale Roma.  Et voila! Perfect Grand Canal tour for only €7.50!

Although, we loved taking a private Vaporetto tour with our own private guide and boat. It is a splurge, but we visited all of the top attractions in Venice in luxury and comfort. This private Waporetto tour taxi water taxi tour takes you around not only around the Grand Canal, but also, Murano, Burano, and quieter waterways.

• Hours: Public Vaporetto times, usually around 6am-10pm, but check website or timetables at Vaporetto stops to be sure.
• Cost: €7.50 one trip in one direction, or if you’re going elsewhere buy a 24-hour ticket for €20 which will take you out to the other islands too.

9. The Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs is located between the Doge’s Palace, the Palazzo Ducale, and Venice’s jail and one of the most popular things to do in Venice is to watch the gondolas paddle beneath. It is a small bridge that spans the Rio di Palazzo that can be seen from the waterside by St Mark’s Square. It may be small, but it is one of the top attractions in Venice. Many gondolas paddle underneath the bridge of Sighs making it a great vantage point to capture that iconic Venice scene.

Legend has it that the Bridge of Sighs got its name because on one side of the bridge is the courtroom of the Palazzo Ducale where people accused of crimes were tried. If convicted, the soon-to-be prisoner would then be walked across the bridge to jail. The last view they would have would be looking out of the small intricate windows of the bridge. And here, they would “ sigh” at their last glimpse of freedom. (Hence the name Bridge of Sighs)

This Doge’s Palace with Bridge of Sighs Tour takes you into the palace with an expert guide to admire the golden staircases, the rooms of the Doge’s, and one of the largest paintings in the world, the Last Judgment by Tintoretto. You’ll then get to cross the Bridge of Sighs just as the prisoners did in the past and then go into the prison dungeons. This tour also includes an app to let you discover the 5 districts of Venice and their top attractions.

10. basilica di santa maria

Standing proud on the Grand Canal is one of the most renowned churches in Venice, the Basilica di Santa Maria. If you take a Grand Canal tour, you can’t miss it. The Basilica di Santa Maria was built to stop the plague that was ripping through the city in the 1600s. The officials promised a church built to honor the Madonna in exchange for her help in stopping the plague. Visiting The Basilica di Santa Maria is one of the best free things to do in Venice with art and frescoes on display.

Address: Dorsoduro, 1, 30123 Venice, Italy

Book this Dorsoduro and San Polo Private Walking Tour . This guided tour takes you on a private walk to explore the area with a local guide to find hidden gems.

11. Gallerie dell’Accademia

This is Venice’s most prestigious art gallery and houses the most comprehensive collection of Venetian art and no art lover’s trip to Venice would be complete without a visit to the Gallerie dell-Accademia. Before it was a museum, the three-building complex was used for religious purposes. The main themes represent Venetian life, historical figures of the city and religion.

There is a multitude of permanent exhibitions with art by Venetian greats including Bellini, Tiziano, Canaletto, Carpaccio, Da Vinci and Veronese. The main theme is traditional Venetian art with subjects mainly including religion, Venetian life, and portraits of important residents. There are also changing temporary exhibits included in the ticket price.

• Address: Campo della Carità, 1050, 30123 Venice Italyy
• Hours: Tues-Sun 8.15am-7.15pm, Mondays 8.15am-2pm.
• Cost: €15 (€1.50 booking fee online), €2 plus €1.50 exhibition fee for 18-25 year olds, free plus €1.50 booking fee for under 18s, people with a disability, students and academics.

One of the top attractions outside the city center is to visit the island of Murano. Murano is one of the beautiful islands in Venice full of colorful houses and small restaurants lining the waterfront. Although tiny, Murano has gained worldwide fame, as this is the authentic home where Murano glass is made. Murano Glass is one of Venice’s most popular souvenirs, and to be sure you’re buying the real deal, you can get at The Museo del Vetro – Museum of Glass. The museum shows tourists how the process is done and afterward, you can purchase some of the goods if you like. There are even glass-blowing classes available if you’d like to learn a bit of the art yourself.

• Hours: Murano island: Check vaporetto times for first and last landings as this changes frequently. Glass Museum: Summer April 1-October 31 10.30am-4.30pm, winter 10.30am-4pm.
• Cost: Vaporetto to island: €7.50 each way, or included in €20 24-hour ticket. Museum: €14, €11.50 children 6-14, students 15-25 and people over 65, under 6 years is free.

Getting There:

• It is easy to get there by Vaporetto. Just hop on at San Zaccaria if you’re near St Mark’s Square, and also many other stops connect here.
• Tickets are €7.50 each way, or €20 for a 24-hour pass, which you can use to any other stop you like too.
• If you’re staying on the main island be sure to double check the times of the last vaporetto going back in the evening as they don’t run late, and stop earlier on Sundays and holidays.

The art of glass blowing is one of Venice’s signature crafts. It has been practiced in Venice since the thirteenth century and in Murano in particular. Visiting the island of Murano to see the glass-blowing factory is one of the top things to do in Venice. Like champagne in France, Murano glass should technically only be sold if it was created in a factory in Murano. There are many, many “fake” Murano pieces available around the world and even in Venice itself to buy. Shops selling certified Murano glass will have certifications to proudly show you this.

• Hours: Original Glass factory 9.30am-4pm. multiple private tours are available too at set times between 9am-5pm.
• Cost: €5, free for under 14s. Private tours prices vary.

Take this boat tour to the most beautiful islands on the Venetian Lagoon as you explore Murano and Burano on a 4.5 to 6-hour tour. See glass demonstrations by a glass blower on Murano, and then make your way to Torcello to see the Church of Santa Fosca and Ponte del Diavolo. Your stop at Burano includes the ancient settlement of Torcello, lace production and its colorful houses. You then end at Saint Mark’s Square, where you can enjoy your dinner.

A great day trip in Venice is to visit Burano and Murano together. Burano is known for its brightly colored houses belonging to local fishermen. Make sure to visit the Church of Saint Martin – Chiesa de San Martino – Beautiful churches to visit and there’s a leaning bell tower from the 1600s.

For something different on your visit to Venice, a trip to Burano is the lesser-known sister island to Murano. It is a stunning island to stroll around, admiring the facades of the buildings in one of the top ten most colorful towns in the world. The Burano specialty of Burano is lace making and no visit to Burano would be complete without visiting the Museo del Merletto which showcases lace-making in the area with exhibitions on how it has been made there for centuries.

• Hours: Burano island: Check Vaporetto times for first and last landings as this changes frequently. Museum: Nov 1-Mar 31: 10.30am-4.30pm, April 1-Oct 31: 10.30am-5pm.
• Cost: Vaporetto to island: €7.50 each way, or included in €20 24-hour ticket. Museo del Merletto: €5, €3.50 for children 6-14, students 15-25, over 65s.

You can also combine this Panoramic Boat Tour that includes stops at Murano and Burano. The half-day trip, takes you to the two traditional islands of the Venice Lagoon. Enjoy a 30-minute boat trip to Murano to see the famous glassmaking process and then purchase your Venice souvenir glass. Burano is famous for lacemaking and you’ll have the opportunity to stroll through its colorful fisherman houses, its main square, and the Church of San Martino. More details here

14. Isola di San Michele

If you’ve been to Venice before and want to visit somewhere a little different than the usual tourist haunts, you can check out the Isola di San Michele – the cemetery island of Venice. This is located in the lagoon and has served as the cemetery since the early 1800s. It used to be two islands, which are now joined together. The island is occupied entirely by churches.

Isola di San Michele is dedicated to the dead, with their remains interred in high tombs above ground. There are many famous people buried in San Michele, such as Russian composer Igor Stravinsky, American Poet Ezra Pound, and Austrian physicist Christian Doppler, who invented his principle of the Doppler effect. Please remember this is a cemetery that is used frequently by locals. Be quiet and respectful, as there could be families there grieving and visiting their recently departed loved ones.

• Hours: Summer (April-September) 7.30am-6pm, winter (October-March) 7.30am-4.30pm. Chiesa di San Michele is open on weekday mornings.
• Cost: Free for the cemetery in general, €1 for the San Michele church. Vaporetto over to the island costs €7.50 each way or included in a 24-hour pass.

15. San Giorgio Maggiore

On one of our trips to Italy, we took a private taxi water tour of Venice with Walks of Italy and it was an amazing way to see Venice. After leaving the Grand Canal, our tour ended with a stop at the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, where we took an elevator to the top of the bell tower of the church.

Make sure to go here for the most jaw-dropping view of Venice. It’s the spot where postcards are made, and as the bells rang, we looked out and admired our 360-degree view of all the islands surrounding the city. San Giorgio Maggiore can also be reached by water taxi.

16. Classical Concerts

Venice has always been a hub for the arts and still is a wonderful place to experience live classical music concerts. The settings for the concerts can often be almost as impressive as the performance, as concerts are held in some of Venice’s stunning theatres, old grand palazzos, music school halls, and churches.

Booking online before you go for the Palazzo and Scuola venues is wise as concerts often sell out, especially in summer. However, quite a few of the smaller churches around Venice that don’t have websites do have performances on regularly, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for these as you walk around. You can often find some gems of small authentic performances, which are usually also much lower prices. Or better yet, wander the streets of Venice and get lost while following the sound of music.

Best Places to Watch a Concert in Venice:

• The mansion Palazzo Barbarigo-Monotti
• School Scuola Grande de Teodoro
• Chiesa di San Vidal Church
• Santa Maria della Pieta Church

17. Teatro La Fenice

La Fenice Opera House is one of Italy’s grandest opera houses where you can catch a performance, but even if you don’t have the time to watch a performance, you should make sure to add Teator La Fenice to your Venice Itinerary. The famous Venice Opera House was rebuilt after burning to the ground in 1996.

This skip-the-line ticket lets you admire its sensational avant-garde design while avoiding the crowds. Choose an audio guide in 7 different languages, and explore the secrets of the memorable Teatro La Fenice theatre. Discover the history of the building from its origins to the present day. The most important premiers of international opera take place at the La Fenice, staging more than one hundred opera performances per year.

18. dine along Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is the largest canal that weaves through the main island of Venice. Many of Venice’s most prestigious hotels are located along its banks. There is a glut of restaurants all along the canal, many with price tags higher than the quality of food should allow.

However, right by the Rialto Bridge on the St Mark’s Square side, there are a handful of restaurants with very nice seafood, and reasonably price fixed price “tourist” menus, that actually have good food.

Another way to enjoy the Grand Canal is to simply sit with a coffee by day, or my favorite is to have an Aperol Spritz at the golden hour. This is a great place to watch the sunset as Venice changes from day to night.

19. Venetian Carnivale

The Venice Carnevale has been held for centuries, with it being the most popular carnival in the world in the eighteenth century. The Carnevale takes place in February every year for almost three weeks.

Throughout the festival, there are many grand balls, parties, and gatherings. Many locals spend all year preparing their costumes for it, carefully tending to centuries-old costumes passed down the generations.

Visitors can join in the revelry and can rent or wear locally bought-outfits. Beware! jeans will be snorted at! If you’re in Venice while it is on, look up events, dress up, and join in! You’ll feel like you’re back in the days of Casanova and the great Palazzos.

Venetian masks were invented in the city and have been used for centuries. Their principal purpose was to protect the wearer’s identity during promiscuous or decadent activities. They re-emerged as the emblem of the Venetian Carnevale. At a masked ball, servants could be mistaken for lords, and vice versa, and people could say their opinions on any topic without fear of retribution.

Commedia dell Arte, and Carnivale masks are the Art of Comedy masks that represent trades, characters and ethnic traditions from around Italy dating back to the sixteenth century. Prices vary dramatically depending on quality with plastic factory-made ones starting at about €6, going up to hundreds of Euros for fancier pieces with more ornate designs and decoration. This would be my top pick of a Venetian souvenir to get.

• Hours: Stores and stalls selling masks generally 9am-9pm.
• Cost: From €6 up to hundreds depending on quality

20. Churches of Venice

Venice, like all cities in Italy, is full of beautiful churches. As you stroll around the city, you’ll come across many of them. My advice is to go into any you see that are open and explore. The strong influence of Roman Catholicism in Italy is prevalent within their walls seeing the sumptuous décor, windows, domes, and art around them. Even the smallest, most modest-looking church is intricate and enchanting.

Churches usually open from about 10am-sunset. Closed to visitors during services. I have listed some of the prettiest lesser-known churches in Venice to look out for below.

• Santa Maria Assunta – One church that is not to be missed is Santa Maria Assunta. When you go inside you will be taken aback by its white and green marble.
• Chiesa di San Zaccaria with its glowing altarpiece by Bellini
• Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni with its Carpaccio paintings
• Chiesa della Madonna dell’Orto with its Renaissance art and statue of the Madonna and Child
• Chiesa San Michele di Isola from 1469. It is the largest church and takes time to see.
• The adjoining Capella Emiliani
• The smaller church San Cristoforo is also charming.

21. Peggy Guggenheim Collection

One of the most popular art museums in Venice is The Peggy Guggenheim Collection. It showcases   European and American artists of the 20th century and contemporary art. The Peggy Guggenheim museum houses Venice’s most important modern art gallery. Make sure to visit the Sculpture Garden which is truly a highlight, It includes the Wishing Tree by Yoko Ono and Mimmo Paladino’s The Cloven Viscount.

Opening hours: 10am-6pm daily except closed on Tuesdays.

One of Italy’s greatest achievements is pizza. The birthplace of pizza is Naples , but Venice also has a lot of fantastic pizza on offer, with some toppings created for the area with local ingredients.

Two of my favorite places to have pizza in Venice are Birreria la Corte located in Campo San Polo, and has a casual, family feel in an old brick building with a courtyard. And Jazz Club Novecento (900) is tucked into a tiny side street just a 10-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square. The ambiance is a 1940s jazz style with lots of memorabilia around the walls.

• Hours: Birreria la Corte 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10.30pm, seven days a week.
• Hours:  Jazz Club Novecento 11.30am-4pm, 7pm-2am, every day except Monday.
• Cost: Around €10-€15 for a restaurant pizza in general in Venice, including in the places mentioned.

24. Fondamenta della Misericordia

The long street Fondamenta della Misericordia – the Foundation of Mercy – is located in the Cannaregio area just a few minutes walk from Piazzale Rome. It is full of small family-run trattorias with priced fix price menus, little stores selling many types of limoncello liquor, souvenirs, and of course, several ancient churches.

The market winds along most of this mile-long passageway and sells everything from leather purses and Venetian masks, to roasted chestnuts in winter and homemade fruit popsicles in summer.

25. Taste Venice

Italy is famous for its food. On my most recent trip to Venice, I discovered some stores that sell lots of local products and give generous tastings! Tastings are free. To buy varies depending on the product, but chocolates are from about €8 a box, and truffle products from about €10.

• Nino and Friends has two stores in Venice and in both friendly staff offering you plates of sweets. They even have a corner of the store dedicated to truffle products. The chocolates make great gifts for friends or yourself.
• La Bottega del Tartufo: The shop of truffles – is all about, you guessed it, truffles! If you are a truffle fan you’ll love this place. If you’ve never tried anything truffle, then this is a great way to sample various products with them in it for free.
• Hours: Nino and Friends 9.30am-8pm. La Bottega del Tartufo 9.30am-8.30pm.

Best Free Things to Do in Venice

Visiting Venice doesn’t have to break the bank, there are plenty of free things to do in Venice that will make for an incredible vacation without needing to book tours. Let’s take a look at the best free Venice attractions.

Exploring St. Mark’s Square

As the city’s principal public square, Piazza San Marco is home to several remarkable structures like the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, which can be admired from the outside free of charge. The Square itself is a lively and vibrant location with numerous cafes and live music.

Window Shopping on the Rialto Bridge

Stroll the iconic Rialto Bridge, one of the city’s most well-known landmarks. Lined with shops, it’s a wonderful place for window shopping and for taking in breathtaking views of the Grand Canal.

Visit the Libreria Acqua Alta

Known as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, this unique shop has books packed into gondolas, bathtubs, and waterproof bins to protect against the frequent flooding. Admission is free, and it’s a great place to take unique photos.

Watching Glassblowing at Murano

While a boat ride to Murano isn’t free, watching the artisans craft intricate glassware once you’re there is. Many studios and workshops offer free demonstrations.

Go Inside the Churches

Venice is home to numerous churches, many of which are free to enter. They often contain works of art by notable Italian artists. The Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari and the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore are both worth a visit.

Walk Along the Zattere

This long, sunny promenade offers fantastic views across the Giudecca Canal. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll and to take in the city’s maritime atmosphere.

Visit the Jewish Ghetto

As the world’s first ghetto, this historic area in Cannaregio offers deep insights into Venice’s history and culture. While there’s a charge for the Jewish Museum, it’s free to wander the area itself.

Get Lost in its Neighborhoods

Venice is composed of several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. Visit districts such as Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, and Castello, where you can wander through picturesque alleyways, watch gondolas float by, and enjoy the local life away from the tourist crowds.

Best Things to Do in Venice Map

When visiting Venice, make your arrival truly unforgettable by booking this airport transfer . From Venice Marco Polo International Airport, hop on a water taxi and transfer to your hotel. Your first view of Venice will be in style as you approach by water.

How to Get to Venice

Venice’s main airport is Marco Polo Airport. It is only 8km (5 miles) north of Venice. You can get to Venice from the airport by Public Bus. Bus #5 or the ATVO Blue bus will take you to Piazzale Roma.  Regular Taxis cannot get into Venice.

You can also take the Alilaguna waterbus to Piazza San Marco. Water Taxis are expensive but will take you directly to your hotel if you have the budget for it. Or book this airport transfer in advance for a private transfer to your hotel. Your first view of Venice will be in style as you approach by water.

You can book this Shared water taxi to eliminate stress with a private transfer from Venice Marco Polo Airport. Departures are every 90 minutes and boats will let you off at the Grand Canal and St. Mark’s Basin or the nearest available pier to your hotel. This is a good affordable option without the hassle.

Other Parts of Italy:  If you are continuing your travels to other parts of Italy like the Cinque Terre or Tuscany, t, one of the best ways to travel is by train. The Santa Lucia train station is just a 30-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square and the city center.

Getting Around Venice

Venice is tricky to get around, but taking a Vaporetto (water bus) is the easiest and most convenient way to get from place to place.

• Water taxis  are expensive starting at €12 and then they charge €2 per minute.
• Vaporetto Single ticket:  €7.50 – If you’re only one or two journeys on your stay in Venice, get single tickets when you need them.
• 24-hour ticket:  €20 If you’re planning on going on more than two vaporetto trips in 24 hours, this is the way to go for this. Remember is it a 24-hour ticket, not a day ticket, so you can use it until the same time the next day, so you can time accordingly to get the most out of it.
• If you want to cross the Grand Canal and you are not near a footbridge, a traghetto is a gondola service that crosses the Canal for €2.
• Walking around  – Venice is like a maze. Even if you’ve already been down a little side street, it doesn’t mean you’ll find it easily again. My advice? Use Google Maps.
• You can rent bikes, ebikes and scooters to get around Venice. This is another affordable option.

About Venice

Stomping grounds of writer and lover  Casanova , Venice delights all lovers of beauty filled with art museums, beautiful architecture, and picturesque squares.

Venice, often referred to as the “City of Canals,” is a unique and captivating destination situated in the northeastern region of Italy. It is located on the Venetian Lagoon, an enclosed bay of the Adriatic Sea, and consists of 118 islands, 400 bridges, and 150 canals.

Most of the islands of Venice are natural, but some have been created from the sand and mud that has been dredged from the Venetian Lagoon for centuries. Fun fact, the lagoon is the largest wetlands within the Mediterranean Basin.

One of the most unique aspects of Venice is its means of transport; instead of cars, the city uses gondolas and vaporettos (water buses), offering visitors a uniquely Venetian experience. Be mindful of “acqua alta” or high water tides, which occasionally flood the city, particularly between autumn and spring.

Venice is renowned for its architectural beauty, historical significance, and artistic heritage, with numerous attractions including the iconic St. Mark’s Square, the Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge so are you ready to visit Venice with us? Let’s go.

So there are my top things to do in Venice! I hope you enjoyed them and that this helps you find a few more places and experiences to enjoy in the stunning city.

Looking for things to do in Italy, read our Italy travel guides to help plan your trip to other cities in Italy.

Venice is beguiling and beautiful. Its light has charmed artists for centuries and I’m sure it will charm you too. To me, this quote about Venice by British poet and critic Arthur Symons sums it up perfectly:

“A realist, in Venice, would become a romantic by mere faithfulness to what he saw before him.”

• 3 Days in Venice – The Complete Venice Itinerary
• Venice A City Tour By Boat – The Way it Was Meant to Be
• Where to Stay in Venice, Italy: 5 Best Areas for First-Time Visitors
• 20 of the Best Free Things to do in Rome
• 22 of the Best Things to do in Rome
• Where to Stay in Rome
• The 26 Best Things to do in Bologna, Italy
• The Best Things to Do in Amalfi Coast, Italy
• Top 10 Things to do in Florence
• Where to Stay in Florence, Italy – An Insider Guide to the Best Neighborhoods

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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10 thoughts on “25 Best Things to do in Venice, Italy”

never new even a trip to Venice can offer these many new experiences love to visit this place one day

i am adding Water taxis to my list to do when i visit Venice and many more from here you have very good collection of fun things to do

Venice is a true masterpiece of beauty and exquisite architecture with so much to do and see. Great blog. Thanks for sharing.

Awesome post. Thank you to share it. Really enjoyed the read.

As always, great information to read and read again. Definitely will save this post and refer to all my team member. Thanks for the great advice

Hopefully, you’ll have your smart phone or Palm size digital camera with you if you decide to travel there and record yourself one location so everyone online can see where you are. Would you mind doing that for us you happen to go there someday? Please and thank you. 🙂

Awesome post. Thank you so much for taking the time to share. Really enjoyed the read

Very much excited to visit after looking at these scenarios!!!!

Wow Great Blogs !! Thanks for sharing.

I’m glad I was born and raised in Brooklyn because I have a deep appreciation and LOVE for good Italian food! 🙂

16 Things to Do in Venice Italy in One Day

Looking for things to do in Venice Italy in one day? We've got you.

Though I would never suggest you spend just one day in Venice, it helps to have a list of activities that you could accomplish in one day.

Whether you take your time or really do only have 24 hours to explore, I hope this list helps you to fit in as much as possible.

We were able to see Venice as part of a Viking Ocean Cruise . Not only did we begin the cruise in gorgeous Venice, but we saw parts of Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece. 

This meant checking off four new countries for me, finally taking the number of countries I've visited to over 40! Think of places you want to see and Viking probably goes there!

I think Italy has become my favorite country, especially after spending a week in Sicily last year and a week later exploring Venice for a few days. For a foodie like me, it's pretty much heaven.

Where is Venice Italy?

Located on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, the beautiful city of Venice is in the northeastern part of Italy. It’s about a six-hour drive from Rome. If you’re flying, you can get between Rome and Venice in about an hour.

Venice is actually not on the mainland part of Italy. It is an archipelago of islands all connected by bridges over a series of interconnected canals. 

This unique geography is why it has nicknames like City of Water, The Floating City, and City of Canals. The historic city and lagoon area are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Due to its coastal location, you’ll find Venice has cool and damp winters, sometimes even with snowfall, and warm, humid summers. The summer months might just be the best time to visit as the crowds like to explore the city in Spring and Fall.

Why We Love This City

There are so many reasons to love Venice. It’s no wonder why this is one of the most popular cities for tourists in the world. But here are some of the reasons why we love this city.

Food We love appetizers and Venice has so many small plate dishes like cicchetti (think Venetian tapas!) and bruschetta. The flavors are incredible.

Culture & History The Byzantine-influenced architecture of the city is simply stunning. Add to that all the incredible – and yet different – styles of bridges.

With 118 islands in Venice, of course, you’ll need bridges to get from one to another. The islands are linked by over 400 bridges. Though all pretty, there are only a handful that are famous, so it's worth the time to seek them out.

I take a travel guide everywhere I go so I can look things up as I explore.

Floating City In general, the idea of a floating city is really unique. Technically, the city is built on marshy land, but with a support system going back centuries to help keep buildings above the water.

The supports were built with wood, and although you’d think they would rot over the years, the lack of exposure to oxygen and the sediment in the water actually petrified the logs, making them durable today.

Even so, Venice is at risk from “acqua alta”, high water, as severe flooding has become more and more common.

Where to begin when exploring the Queen of the Adriatic? We have recommendations for you of the most important things to see in Venice Italy in one day.

See the Most Beautiful Bridges  

Venice may be the city of canals, but that means there are also a lot of bridges to cross the canals – more than 430 bridges!

These bridges are a mix of classical designs to modern designs, Some of the most well-known ones include the Scalzi Bridge, the Constitution Bridge (Ponte di Calatrava), and the Ponte dell’Accademia (the Academy Bridge).

Probably the most famous bridge is the Rialto Bridge, which spans over the Grand Canal. Make sure to grab a photo with the Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) in the background.

Of course, the Bridge of Sighs is famous, too, but for different reasons as you'll see below.

Visit Piazza San Marco  

Piazza San Marco, also known as St. Mark’s Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous squares in all of Italy. It’s a must-do for your Venice itinerary! 

From the square, there are several other places you’ll want to explore, but the square itself is also worth exploring.

As a large, open square, it stands in contrast to the rest of Venice with narrow streets and alleys. It is one of the best places to grab a coffee and people watch.

Explore Basilica San Marco 

One of the most notable locations at St Mark’s Square is the Basilica San Marco (St. Mark’s). Inside, you’ll find fabulous mosaics, Byzantine-style architecture, relics of St. Mark, and more. 

There’s no admission fee to go in, but it can end up with long lines as it is a very popular place. Booking a guided tour is a good option to make sure you're able to see all the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica has to offer.

Even from the outside, however, this church has exceptional architectural features with intricate spires and domes. The gold shimmers in the sunlight on the wings of statues of angels and mosaics high above the church. 

Unfortunately, there was scaffolding up while we were there, but it was still beautiful.

Address: P.za San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy

Hours: Daily 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Take a Tour of the 500-Year-Old St. Mark’s Bell Tower

Go up to the Bell Tower of Basilica San Marco for one of the best views of the whole city. You will need a ticket and it’s best to get it ahead of time as this is one of the top attractions.

Order online and print or screenshot (or both) your confirmation to show when you arrive.

Everyone was offering to take photos of each other.

The tower is about 99 meters high, and from the top, you can see Doge’s Palace, the Grand Canal, Venetian Lagoon, Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge, and more.

This was one of my favorite things we did while in Venice.

Address: Piazza San Marco, 30124 Venezia, Italy

Hours: Daily, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Take a Gondola Ride

Can you say you’ve been to Venice if you don’t take a gondola ride? A private gondola ride is one of those essential splurges that you’ll want to do.

In addition to being a unique experience, it is also the best way to see many of the highlights of the city.

See the Bridge of Sighs

The Ponte del Sospiri (the Bridge of Sighs) is a beautiful bridge with a tragic secret. On one side of the famous Bridge of Sighs is the Doge’s Palace, and on the other side is the prison. 

It is easy to imagine the sighs of sadness as people were taken between the court and the prison where they would face the horrors of the prison’s torture room or know that their freedom would be taken away in the courtroom.

Bridge of Sighs

For some, the view from this bridge was the last sight of the outside world they would ever see.

Experience Doge’s Palace

The original palace, Palazzo Ducale, was built around the 10th or 11th century. Its location being surrounded by a canal and fortress walls made it a solid location for the seat of government, armories, and the apartments of the Doge (the Venetian dukes).

Over the centuries, the palace was expanded and renovated as needs changed and the palace experienced fires over the years.

After the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797, various groups used the palace as their center of government as well as home to cultural locations, like the Biblioteca Marciana.

Eventually, in 1923, the Italian State appointed the City Council of Venice to manage the building as a public museum, which it is today.

Address: P.za San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Hours: Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

See a Show at Gran Teatro La Fenice  

If you have time, book a show at the Venice Opera House. Even if you don’t have time, try to stop by and see this stunning venue. 

Don’t let the name fool you. If you’re not a fan of opera, there are many other music and dance performances offered. Give this location a try. There’s something about the setting that makes shows here extra special.

Address: Gran Teatro La Fenice , Campo San Fantin, 1965, 30124 Venice VE

Hours: La Fenice is open for daily visits from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

See San Moisè

San Moisè church , dedicated to Moses, was built in the 7th century. Throughout the years, updates have been done to the church, including a stunning Baroque facade on the outside in the 1600s.

Inside the church are spectacular works of art that are well worth viewing, including an enormous piece behind the altar depicting Moses at Mount Sinai. 

Address: Salizada S. Moisè, 1390/A, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Hours: Daily, open 24 hours 

T ake a Break in the Royal Gardens  

In 1807, Napoleon decided to take over the Piazza San Marco area and the Procuratie Nuove building for a Royal Palace. And like any royal palace, royal gardens were installed. Over the years, the gardens were neglected, but now have been restored to their incredible beauty.

When we visited in October, the flowers were beautiful. During different times of year, the Royal Gardens is blooming with flowers like wisteria, begonia, and agapanthus.

There’s also a large focus on conservation and the use of natural resources to maintain this garden. All of the impressive work here is part of the reason why it has been awarded a European Heritage Award.

I know it seems there is never enough time to see everything, but do yourself a favor and relax for a bit in this area.

Address: P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy

Hours: Closed Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Spot the Lace Curtains

As you are wandering the streets of Venice, remember to look up. See if you can spot some of the lace curtains in the windows. 

Venice is known for lace, specifically Burano, from the school of Burano Lace. This fine lace made by needlework was once a status symbol for the nobles of Europe. Many of the houses have fine lace curtains that have been in their family for generations.

Save Some Time for Shopping

You’ll find plenty of souvenir shops so you can pick up something for those who couldn’t join you on the trip.

If you have money to burn (or even if you want to window shop as I did!), try San Marco Plaza for a peek into YSL, Dior, Bulgari Jewelers, and more.

All this exploring is sure to have you work up an appetite. Thankfully, the food in Venice is incredible!

Who doesn't love Italian food? What I love about this country is that the food in Venice was not the same as the food in Sicily or Rome. Each city has its own cuisine.

One food you’ve got to try is cicchetti – think of it as Venetian tapas or bar food. Cicchetti is many varieties of finger food (or food eaten with toothpicks) that you walk up, grab a bite, and head on.

Often, people stand at a bar in front of the kitchen where you can watch the preparation. Some of the foods you might find include meatballs, seafood preparations, and olives.

Sometimes these items are served on a slice of toasted baguette, other times just with a toothpick. This is my favorite way to dine as I can try a little of everything.

If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, fried seafood is very popular and delicious in Venice. (A walk through the Rialto Market with its fish vendors can give you some idea why seafood in Venice is incredible. It doesn’t get fresher than that!) The calamari is downright addictive! 

Next, wash that food down with a local beer, like Messina. I fell in love with this Italian beer when I was in Sicily. It pairs perfectly with seafood!

Of course, you can’t forget dessert. When in Italy, you have to get a cannoli! 

Our favorite spots for dinner were Osteria da Bubi for seafood, Osteria Doge Morosini, Al Teatro for cappuccino and dessert, and Al Vaporetto Trattoria for pizza.

And at the end of it all, enjoy a moment of relaxation by having a cappuccino on Canal Grande. Look for the red benches around Venice–these are placed specifically for tourists and locals alike to sit and do some people watching.

Now that you have your list of things to do, start planning! A great way to spend a couple of days in Venice is to arrive early before a cruise with Viking Ocean Cruises. 

I knew sailing on a Viking Ocean Cruise was going to be an exceptional experience as I had sailed with them on river cruises several times.

My husband and I sailed on the Viking Rhone River Cruise 8 years ago and loved it so much we decided to take our adult daughters on a river cruise.

That sailing was on the Viking Rhine River Cruise , including seeing the Black Forest in Germany , and it was one of the best family trips we've taken.

I also took the Seine River Cruise in Paris in 2022 and it was truly unforgettable. We sailed from Paris to Normandy and back. If you go to Paris, make sure to bookmark my list of things to do in Paris at night !

When it comes to luxury cruises, Viking Cruises has it down to a science, which is why I can't seem to get enough!

Viking has been in the cruise business for over 25 years, beginning with just four longships to take "curious travelers" on culturally immersive sailings. Today, the company has more than 90 ships, including a dozen ocean ships and two expedition ships.

Why Should I Sail with Viking?

When planning a cruise vacation, this is the first question you want answered. With so many cruise companies vying for your attention, why should you choose to sail with Viking?

Luxury accommodations You can see our stateroom above. Viking Ocean is 100% Veranda Staterooms.

Spectacular Itineraries The itineraries designed by Viking Cruises are for guests who are interested in the history and culture of a destination.

Excellent food The specialty restaurants are fantastic, but I enjoyed all of them. I loved the special themed nights!

Amazing Excursions No one does excursions like Viking.

Passenger to Crew Ratio Nearly 2:1!

It's an easy decision once you know the facts! Visit the Viking website and start exploring.

Where Should You Stay in Venice?

Note that if you are seeing Venice as part of a cruise, it is not close to the cruise port. Viking gave us the option of a transfer, making it so much easier to get to the port than doing it on our own. The cruise port is on Chioggia Island, about an hour and a half south of the city center of Venice.

Viking can give you recommendations for where to stay. We ended up booking Calle de le Carrozze for a couple of nights because we wanted to be in the heart of the city.

Viking will take care of booking your travel, transfers, and even accommodations if you would just rather not worry about it. 

Top Tips for Visiting

Venice is planning to charge a tourist fee soon. It was supposed to begin this month, but is still in discussion. In addition, groups will be limited to 25 people beginning in June. Be sure to visit the Venice website before traveling.

Try to see the most famous sites early or late. Look at the opening time and go then if you can. You will probably avoid the biggest crowds.

Bring an umbrella. It can be rainy in Venice, so pack a travel umbrella. There aren’t a lot of places to just duck in during a shower if you’re out and about.

Be prepared to do a lot of walking. Although you can get around in Venice some with water bus stops or a water taxi, you’ll still need to do a lot of walking to get around quickly. Wear good walking shoes, and make sure you’ve broken them in ahead of time.

71 Fun Things to Do in Venice, Italy

• 17 Pinterest

Whether you know it as the City of Water, City of Masks, or City of Bridges, there’s one thing that can’t be debated: Venice is nothing short of extraordinary.

With centuries worth of fascinating history, hundreds of bridges and canals, world-class art museums, and a water-centric lifestyle unlike anywhere else in the world, the floating city deserves to sit high atop any traveler’s bucket list.

After all, what other city lets you cruise on a pirate ship, stroll through one of Europe’s greatest public plazas, or build your own festive mask?

And where else can you savor the sounds of opera and cabaret, or gaze at centuries-old paintings and the inventions of Renaissance-era geniuses?

It could only be the same sort of magical place where you can stroll (or sail!) through paths well worn by many renowned figures, and make some new stories of your own.

Plus, with some truly amazing restaurants and bars (and plenty of gelato, of course!), even your downtime in town will be amazing.

If you’re looking for things to do in Venice , you’ll truly be spoiled for choice.

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• Venice tours

1 – Feel like a king at the Doge’s Palace

One of the main tourist attractions in Venice , the Doge’s Palace is an essential stop on any Venetian itinerary. Built originally in 1340, not only does this centuries-old palace portray a detailed history, but it also boasts some of the most exquisite art, architecture, and furniture (fit for a king) in the city.

Over the centuries, it continued to play a significant role in the city’s public life, refined and rebuilt continuously by various politicians.

By 1923, the municipal government had officially taken over the residence for use as a museum, and thanks to significant restorations, it remains a cultural gem to this day.

During those busy summer months, opt for a skip-the-line pass.

• Doge’s Palace tickets & tours

Read more about Doge’s Palace skip-the-line tickets .

2 – Float down the Grand Canal on a boat tour

Venice’s grand canal, curving through the city in the reverse shape of an S, is arguably the most beautiful waterway in the world.

No matter which method you take — be that a water taxi (Vaporetto), motorboat, sunset cruise, gondola ride, dinner cruise, or hop-on-hop-off boat — make sure to add a Grand Canal tour to your Venetian bucket list.

As you cruise, you may see St. Mark’s bell tower, La Fenice Theater (see #3), and many of the city’s other architectural masterpieces.

If you’re around on the first Sunday of September, check out the traditional Regata Storica rowing event.

• boat tours in Venice

Read more about the best boat tours in Venice .

3 – Catch a show at La Fenice Theatre

A theatre as beautiful as the city in which it stands, La Fenice hosts the marvelous Venitian opera.

From opening day in 1792, it became a staple of city life, famed for hosting 19th-century operas by acclaimed creators like Verdi and Rossini.

But the show is only half the wonder; the architecture — a Baroque masterpiece brimming with gold decor — and the artwork are masterpieces in their own right.

To see it in all its might, opt for a guided tour (or, if you’re feeling fancy, a VIP private tour).

• La Fenice Theatre tours

4 – Take in the lavish details of St. Mark’s Basilica

Flanked by pigeons, gelaterias, snap-happy tourists, and street artists, St. Mark’s Basilica is arguably the architectural focal point of Venice.

And with a storied history that includes over a millennium of religious clashes, political figures, and stunning works of creativity, it’s also a well-loved part of the town!

While entrance to St. Mark’s Basilica is free (and definitely worthwhile), a skip-the-line ticket is a great investment during busier times.

Similarly, the adjacent St. Mark’s Bell Tower is a worthwhile attraction, offering sweeping views of the canaled city.

• St. Mark’s Basilica tickets & tours

5 – People watch at Caffè Quadri in St. Mark’s Square

With a rich history dating back to its first opening in 1638, the ancient, exclusive Caffè Quadri , located amidst the main haunts in St Mark’s Square, is a famously elegant yet welcoming locale to sip an espresso or glass of wine or dine into a hearty meal.

And with your cup or dish, you can feel the power of the past surrounding you; this has been a hotspot for political and civic discussions since it opened.

And with distinguished former visitors such as Honore de Balzac and Lord Byron, you can be assured that you’re following a fine tradition!

If you’re looking to sit back and people-watch for an hour or two, there’s no better place.

6 – Take a romantic gondola ride

The most quintessentially Venetian activity imaginable, a ride down Venice’s charming waterways is one of the non-negotiable things to do in Venice.

With a local gondolier sharing tales, tips, and tidbits, there’s plenty of enjoyment to be had. Relax and enjoy the world passing by as you savor the beauty of the boat and the city itself.

For the romantics amongst us, consider the extra addition of a serenade session and onboard dinner.

And if you’re feeling amorously inspired, check out our list of romantic things to do in Venice for couples !

• gondola rides in Venice

Learn more: Gondola Rides in Venice Price – How Much Does it Cost? , The 13 Best Gondola Rides in Venice

7 – Visit the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello

While most tourists tend to stay on Venice’s main island(s), any savvy traveler knows that some of the area’s true gems lie outside of the tourist-trodden main squares.

Over in Murano , Burano , and Torcello — three distinctly beautiful islands in the larger Venitian lagoon — you’ll find glass-blowing factories (and the Museo del Vetro – Glass Museum ), brightly-colored fishermen’s houses, and plenty of wonderful eateries and shops.

It’s especially exciting to see the artisans of Burano and Murano, who have been weaving lace patterns and blowing glass in much the same way for almost 1,000 years.

And on the way back, you’ll catch a glimpse of other nearby gems like the Lindo beach resort and the San Giorgio Maggiore, another popular local island.

8 – See the city on your own terms with some hop on hop off tours

Adventure is all around this town, so why not hitch a ride on the ultimate flexible vehicle?

There’s something wonderful about the freedom of hop on hop off bus tours, where you can choose which stops to linger at and when to “hop on” your next route.

And because this is Venice, you’ll also have some aquatic options as well!

While you may need to watch your step more carefully, the boat versions are just as exciting, and they’re perfect for visiting all of the amazing stops around the canal!

• hop on hop off tours in Venice

9 – Sign up for a Mysteries of Venice tour

Venice might be famous for its waterways and canals, but behind its charming facade lies a dark history, one littered with mysteries and haunted tales.

To uncover all of the floating city’s most exciting, spooky stories, and to hear first-hand the legends about the Venice of old, join a walking tour that crosses through the lesser-seen streets — it’s a surefire hit for anyone brave enough!

Roam through the vast emptiness of San Marco Square, and learn haunting tales as you take in the eerie evening atmosphere.

Or wind through small alleys and up the spiraling Bovolo Staircase, searching for ghosts and exploring the legacy of scoundrels, specters, murderers, and more!

• Mysteries of Venice tours

10 – Indulge in a beautiful Candlelight concert

As you’re taking in all of the musical delights this town has to offer, you can’t miss the elegant atmosphere of a candlelight concert!

The flickering flames provide a relaxing, romantic atmosphere, with a symphony producing stirring renditions of classic orchestral pieces, pop hits, and everything in between.

As you let the sounds wash over you, you’ll feel utterly transported!

• Candlelight concerts in Venice

11 – Race against the clock with a scavenger game

When strolling around town becomes a little repetitive, why not take the adventure up a notch with a competitive, fast-paced scavenger hunt?

As you venture to a handful of Venice’s most famous landmarks — including St Mark’s Square — you’ll explore not only the tourist-trodden areas but also gain a new perspective thanks to riddles and challenges that take place off the beaten track.

Root through clues that show off all the sides of the city, and dart from one place to the next as you enjoy the thrill of the hunt!

• scavenger games in Venice

12 – Admire the Venetian Villas on a Brenta Riviera cruise

The perfect blend of romance, sightseeing, and relaxation, a cruise down Brenta Riviera toward Padua is one of the best things to do in Venice.

Besides the chance to admire more than 50 breathtaking villas that sit on the banks of the river, tours also include a hearty lunch at a local restaurant and entrance to three of the most celebrated villas.

Drink in the beautiful stables and charming coffeehouse of Museo Nazionale di Villa Pisani, the elegant gardens of Villa Widmann Rezzonico Foscari, or the stunning interior decor of Villa Valmarana.

These splendid residences aren’t just nice to look at; they also offer great insights into the long, fascinating history of Venice’s ruling class.

• Brenta Riviera cruises

13 – Tantalise the tastebuds with a food tour!

Foodies, rejoice! Home to some of Europe’s — scratch that, the world’s — most tantalizes dishes, Venice is heaven on Earth for gastronomy lovers.

While there’s never enough time to try every dish at every restaurant, a locally-led food tour — one that takes you to both crowd favorites and hidden gems — is the next best thing.

As you wander through places like the Rialto Market , gear up to sample some delicious Cicchetti and wash it down with a Spritz or two!

• food tours in Venice

14 – Get a taste of the swashbuckling life on a galleon tour

What’s that, there are other  boats in Venice besides gondolas?

That’s right, and not only can you set sail on a marvelous, historic galleon ship, but you can also enjoy a candlelit gourmet dinner and soak in the breathtaking views.

On top of all of that, you’ll get a nice show in the form of the city unfurling around you as your guide points out landmarks.

Or, if you’re up for something a little more lively, why not check out the Carnival Party cruise?

It’s a great way to meet fellow social travelers!

• galleon cruises in Venice

15 – Sit front row at a classical music concert

A delight for the ears, tourists and locals alike can’t get enough of Venice’s music scene, where classical melodies echo down the canals.

Take your show to the next level with a ticket that includes a romantic three-course dinner; check out  I Musici Veneziani (home of Antonio Vivaldi’s magnificent ‘Four Seasons’), or witness the powerful Baroque music at Interpreti Veneziani .

Savor the moment as history and art come together in an unforgettable fashion!

• classical music concerts in Venice

16 – Enjoy the dizzying panorama atop St. Mark’s Campanile

One of the most popular things to do in Venice (read: avoid peak times, go early in the morning if possible to avoid the crowds), St Mark’s Campanile offers up sprawling, panoramic views of the rest of Venice.

The current structure was built in 1912, but it dates back in some form or another to the 900s, when it was designed as a defensive fortification.

In the modern era, its design – especially the stunning belltower – has inspired similar buildings across Europe and the United States.

At just shy of 100 meters tall, while it might not compare to most Western skyscrapers, it does hold the claim to fame of being the tallest structure in Venice.

17 – Get romantic with a Verona day trip

You may know it as the place where Romeo and Juliet had their ill-fated romance, but there’s so much more to Verona than that!

Whether you’re browsing through the fantastic shops of Piazza delle Erbe or grabbing a bite at the cafes, there’s plenty to enjoy in this lovely town.

And you can even stop by Juliet’s House, the place that inspired the iconic play!

18 – Explore nearby Lido Island with a bike tour

Bike tours… in Venice?

Yep, you heard that right. Off of the main island, on the less-visited but equally impressive Lido Island, plenty of fun awaits with a bike tour.

Besides the chance to escape the crowds, you’ll be greeted by amazing restaurants (and gelaterias, of course), quiet beaches, and notable landmarks such as the old Jewish cemetery.

And of course, you can enjoy the famously beautiful sights around town in-depth and at your own pace.

Rent your own bike or join a guided tour — whatever suits your style!

• bike tours in Venice

19 – Take a leisurely kayak trip through the canals

While a kayak might not carry the same esteem (and stereotypical image) as a gondola, it’s a more practical, engaging, and affordable way to travel through the canal’s open-air style.

Grab a paddle and head out to enjoy an excursion through the water, where you get to do the steering – and the sightseeing!

With guided tours ranging from two to four hours, there’s plenty of time to soak in the skyline of Venice from afar and check out places like the Sant’Andrea fort and the lagoon islands of Sant’Erasmo and Vignole.

• kayaking in Venice

20 – Satisfy your sweet tooth with a chocolate tasting

Ideal for youngsters and anyone with an unrelenting sweet tooth, a chocolate-tasting experience is a surefire hit for the whole family.

A tastebud delight, tours include samples of Dragées, chocolate covers, pralines, truffles, chocolate beans, and a chocolate drink to wash it all down — yum!

And you’ll also get a good dose of culture with each nibble, as you learn about the illustrious pedigrees of each chocolatier.

With tastings lasting just 40 minutes, it’s an easy addition to any itinerary.

• chocolate tours in Venice

21 – Lose yourself in culture at the Giorgio Cini Foundation

Gorgeous buildings, jaw-dropping works of art, and some lavish historical details?

You must be at the Giorgio Cini Foundation , a remarkable foundation that celebrates the humanities with wonder and whimsy.

Don’t miss the Vatican Chapels, a gorgeous series of churches lovingly designed by various architects, or the Borges Labyrinth, a twisty, hedge-filled maze based off of one of the iconic stories by the late author Jorge Luis Borges.

22 – Gain a new perspective on a helicopter ride

Venice boasts more than 400 bridges, and there’s no better way to see them littering the area than from above, strapped into the seat of a private helicopter.

Choose from 10, 20, or 30-minute flights; make sure the camera batteries are charged, and simply sit back and enjoy the breathtaking view!

Along with great views of the city, your airborne view will offer a new perspective on nearby landmarks such as the glassmaking island of Burano, or the stunning Mose dam, which helps to battle the famous floods in the area.

• helicopter tours in Venice

23 – Explore the stories of a diaspora at the Jewish Museum

Founded in 1953 by the Jewish Community of Venice, this museum in the heart of the Venetian Ghetto might be small in stature, but its contents are as powerful and moving as anywhere.

With stories and artifacts dating back all the way to the middle ages, plus an eye-opening focus on WW2, it’s a must for travelers looking to learn more about Jewish history.

There are also some excellent displays covering the culture and religion of Judaism, both in Venice and in general.

From annual festivals to copies of the Torah (the primary Jewish religious text), these displays help to add more context to the history – and they’re pretty interesting in and of themselves!

24 – Check out the art at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

A popular modern art museum straddling the bank of the Grand Canal, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection provides deep dives into European and American art of the 20th century — focusing on genres such as Cubism, Surrealism, and abstract expressionism, as well as showcasing statues.

You can even book a guided tour, which focuses on the highlights of this illustrious collection.

For art aficionados, it’s undoubtedly one of the best museums in Venice .

• Peggy Guggenheim Collection tours

25 – Sample Prosecco after Prosecco on a wine-tasting tour

No trip to Italy is complete without wine — it’s as simple as that.

The best and most hassle-free way to try all of the local favorites is on a guided wine tasting tour.

With an expert local leading the way, you’ll have the chance to try at least four quality Veneto wines (including Prosecco), paired, of course, with some traditional Venetian Cicchetti (appetizers).

And for an equally iconic food to pair with it, so be sure to book some cheese tastings as well!

• wine tasting tours in Venice

See also: 20 Essential Wine Regions in Italy for Sommeliers and Amateurs Alike

26 – Admire the art at the Querini Stampalia Foundation

If you want to step directly into the art and culture of days gone by, then the Querini Stampalia Foundation is the perfect destination.

The centerpiece of the museum is undoubtedly the painting collection, which features over 400 works by such masters as Giambattista Tiepolo and Giovanni Bellini.

But it’s also well worth checking out the other artifacts on display, including antique furniture and elegant home decorations, all of which belonged to the illustrious Querini family.

27 – Spend some quality time in nature with a trip to the Dolomite Mountains

With 18 peaks spanning everything from icy glaciers to lush, green forests; the Dolomites are a welcomed change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Venice (especially during peak tourist season).

While you can rent a car (the journey’s about two hours, there and then back), the most cost-effective and hassle-free method is a pre-organized day trip!

Many of these tours also include stops in the charming village of Cortina . Nestled at the foot of the mountains (dig those Insta-worthy views!), the town is mostly known for its skiing; But no matter what time of year you visit, its picturesque streets, lively little shops, and lakeside paths make it a perfect rustic getaway.

You can also book some of the amazing hiking tours in the Dolomite Mountains, and let your guide introduce you to the full scope of their beauty!

• Dolomite Mountains tours

28 – Test your chef skills with a cooking class

After sampling all of the best dishes the city has to offer, how can we take our creations back home?

Easy — just learn the recipe!

Led by professional Venetian chefs, these visitor-friendly (taught in English) cooking classes teach you how to make traditional Italian meals, with plenty of prosecco to go around; and only using only high-quality and local ingredients!

Some classes even include trips to the local markets, where you cna pick up all the perfect fixings for your feast!

• cooking classes in Venice

29 – Find new routes around the waterways while stand-up paddleboarding

Whether you’re a complete novice or a seasoned veteran, a couple hours’ gliding down the Venitian waterways on a stand-up paddleboard is a great activity for the whole family.

As the friendly, local guide takes you to all of the area’s hidden gems — including historic palaces and churches — they’ll also share unique travel tips and insights into Venice’s culture and history.

It’s a perfect summer activity!

• stand up paddle in Venice

30 – Grab a scoop (or three) at Gelatoteca Suso

Easily one of the most quintessential things to do in Venice, no trip is complete with at least one serve (per day?) of mouth-watering gelato.

While it’s honestly near-impossible to find a bad scoop anywhere in the city, the crowd favorite is always one of the most popular gelaterias.

With more than two-dozen Instagram-ready flavors piled high, infused with real aromatic fruits, Gelatoteca Suso offers up delights for all the senses.

31 – Explore the charming town of Padua

A scenic day trip with gobs of charm, Padua is the sort of place that invites lingering gazes… especially with a scenic cruise!

Sitting right along the Brenta Riviera it’s an ideal destination for a leisurely sailing excursion, but make sure to save time to stroll the beautiful streets as well!

Museums, churches, and the spacious Prato della Valle square all await you, offering a gorgeous slice of life to enjoy!

• Padua tours from Venice

32 – Admire the sculptures at Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta

Another stunning Baroque church, this one in the Cannaregio district, Santa Maria Assunta dishes up incredible artwork and architecture, both inside and out.

Built in 1729, its striking features are a great example of Jesuit architecture, and its columns and various levels are particularly striking when viewed from a distance.

Inside, you can admire the stunning frescoes painted on the ceiling, as well as the small altars around the space that pay homage to various public figures.

Travelers particularly love the sculptures of the Archangels by Giuseppe Torretti in the altar area.

33 – Design your own souvenirs in a mask-making workshop

Why just buy a typical Venetian mask as a souvenir when you can make and decorate an authentic, one-of-a-kind paper maché version instead?

With a local expert showing you all the tricks of the trade, a mask-making workshop provides a unique insight into the Italian city’s culture and history.

Practice some traditional techniques with papier-mache (that’s right, it’s not just for grade school craft projects any more!), then dive into the rich legacy of the art, from its carnival connotations to its centuries of use at street festivals and elegant dances alike.v

Best of all, you can take it home with you!

• carnival mask workshop

Hot tip: The best city tours in Venice provide an unforgettable experience of the city’s annual events, like the spectacle of Carnevale.

34 – Celebrate a whole range of artistic endeavors at Giardini della Biennale

A vibrant hub of art and culture, Giardini della Biennale is the place to go when you want to lose yourself in a thousand different mediums… especially if they’re in conjunction with each other!

With different sections celebrating everything from music and art to film, dance, and architecture, this is the ideal space to explore the whole range of human expression.

You just might feel creatively inspired yourself!

35 – Snap a selfie in front of the Palazzo delle Prigioni

Otherwise known as the Prisons’ Palace, this iconic structure dates back to the 16th century, with the claim to fame as coming from the same genius architect (Antonio Da Ponte) who designed the Rialto Bridge.

Originally, it was one of several jails built in the city, all connected to the palace by the famous Bridge of Sighs.

Its most famous resident was undoubtedly Casanova, the renowned writer and man about town.

But he wasn’t just known for being held captive there – he was also famous for escaping!

No longer a prison, these days it serves as a gathering spot for cultural events — check the calendar to see what’s on and grab tickets before they run out!

• Palazzo delle Prigioni tickets & tours

36 – Pilot the world’s most popular aircraft with the A320 flight simulator

Ever wondered what it’s like to pilot a commercial aircraft? Try it out for yourself with the Airbus A320 Flight Simulator in Venice. Sit in the captain’s seat and enjoy this truly immersive experience with full HD landscapes and 220° panoramic views.

Get to know the cockpit of the world’s most common aircraft and practice your taxis, take-offs, and landings without ever leaving the ground.

You can even pick the airports you’re departing from and arriving at, letting you choose your own aviation adventure each time!

37 – Spend the afternoon at the Correr Museum

Located amongst the hustle and bustle in St. Mark’s Square, the Correr Museum is one of the best things to do in Venice for art and history lovers.

With rooms focusing on the neoclassical era, all the way up to more modern times, this museum is as diverse as it is high-quality.

A typical crowd favorite is the picture gallery, highlighted by the works of famous painter Lorenzo Veneziano.

• Correr Museum tickets & tours

38 – Eat and drink in style at Caffè Florian

Sometimes, it’s worth splurging on a meal while on vacation, especially when it’s at Caffe Florian !

Since it opened in 1720, this hip spot has been known for its coffees, delicious food, and upscale atmosphere.

And with a prime location in St. Mark’s Square, it’s the perfect place to watch the world go by, as white-jacketed waiters serve your meals and an orchestra plays in the background.

It’s one of the classiest things to do in Venice!

39 – Grab a book at the Marciana National Library

One for the bookworms, the Marciana National Library is considered one of the world’s oldest public libraries, dating back to the late 1500s.

And with over a million works in the inventory, it’s the sort of place that rewards endless browsing.

Besides its vast collection and impressive architecture, Marciana also boasts one of the world’s most significant collections of classical texts.

Thanks to its location in St Mark’s Square, it’s a quick and easy addition to any afternoon wander through Venice’s main haunts.

40 – Take a field trip to the past at the National Archaeological Museum

Established way back in 1523, this museum, remarkably, boasts artifacts dating back even centuries earlier — all the way to the 1st century BC.

With a vast collection of Greek and Roman sculptures, as well as ceramics, ancient coins, and unique stones, among plenty more, there’s no shortage of fascinating relics on display.

Every room offers fresh surprises; an ancient Egyptian item here, a 400-year old legal document there.

And with an incredible mix of cultures on display, it’s the perfect place to explore the area’s oldest civilizations, from prehistory to the present day.

• National Archaeological Museum tickets & tours

41 – Learn how to row a gondola

Is there anything more iconic than Venice’s gondolas? Get the ultimate city experience with a rowing lesson on the Grand Canal. Discover what it takes to make it as a professional gondolier and learn the secret local rowing style from the masters.

Then it’s time to head out and test your skills, with the vibrancy of the sunset all around you!

It’s great to take a boat ride on the lagoon but it’s better still to pilot it yourself!

• rowing tours in Venice

42 – See real inventions at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum

As far as things to do in Venice go, it’s hard to overlook the Leonardo da Vinci Museum as one of the best.

This exciting, interactive collection showcases da Vinci’s life and masterpieces through a mix of interactive equipment, videos, educational labs, infographics, and plenty more — arguably none more exciting than the replica inventions (including the flying machine).

Themed around the four elements – water, air, earth, and fire -, this innovative gallery explores Da Vinci’s relationship to each realm, expressed equally through art and science.

After seeing his staggering level of productivity, you may be motivated to do some creating yourself!

• Leonardo da Vinci Museum tickets & tours

43 – Climb the spiral staircase at the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

Famous for its beautiful spiral staircase (known locally as the Scala Contarini) and picturesque archways, the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo (which has stood, impressively, for over 5 centuries) is one of the most iconic pieces of architecture in the city.

This magnificent structure, which was created by renowned local artist Giovanni Candi, was designed to fit the standards of the Renaissance era.

And of course, there are the steps themselves, swirling several stories up the turret of the building; look at them from a distance, and you’ll see why they’re named after the Italian word for “snail”!

Whether you plan to ascend its stairs or snap a selfie from the bottom, it’s a must-visit.

• Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo tickets

44 – Get romantic on a Casanova tour

As one of the most renowned people to ever call this shimmering city home, a Casanova-themed tour — be it public or private — is an essential activity for anyone interested in history, literature, romance, or all of the above.

Besides his reputation as one of the most famous romantics (read: womanizers) in history, the Venetian was also a scam artist, alchemist, spy, and church cleric — and you’ll hear all about it on the unique tour.

Stroll in the literal footsteps of this infamous figure, from his former homes and preferred party areas to some of the renowned city landmarks that he used to frequent.

Along the way, you’ll get a nice dose of 18th-century stories, as well as a new perspective on the iconic city and its citizens.

• Casanova tours in Venice

45 – Step inside the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore

Designed originally in 1566, this iconic, white, art-filled church sits on its namesake island (so you know it’s important!).

A masterwork of Renaissance aesthetics, the church has been a hallmark of great design in the city for centuries – and even the star of a few literary texts!

Located within view of the Doge’s Palace, on the other side of the canal, San Giorgio Maggiore is open every day to the public.

While entry to the church is free, keep a few euros on hand if you plan of climbing up the bell tower.

46 – Absorb the cultural wonders of Florence

With its endless bounty of art and history, Florence makes for an unforgettable day trip – although you may be tempted to come back for more!

Best known as one of the seats of the Renaissance, this spectacular city is dazzling inside and out, packed with epic statues, dazzling paintings, and some of the most remarkable buildings in Tuscany.

Linger at each stop and enjoy the same enchanted atmosphere that nourished some of history’s greatest creative minds!

• Florence tours from Venice

47 – Join an underground ghost tour (if you dare)

If you’re on the hunt for things to do in Venice that are a little out of the ordinary, look no further.

With a convoluted history of floods, plagues, war, and quarantine, the Venetian underground is no stranger to unique and oft-eerie stories.

For an engaging, fun way to learn about it all, sign up for a walking tour!

Perhaps it’s better to leave the kids at the hotel for this one — with a candlelit tour of an abandoned crypt, shivers will jolt the spine.

• ghost tours in Venice

48 – Get cultured at the Ca’ Pesaro Museum

Housing both the International Gallery of Modern Art and the Oriental Art Museum, Ca’ Pesaro should be high atop any art-lover’s Venice bucket list.

Besides Prince Enrico’s collection of Japanese Edo art, and a multitude of 19th and 20th-century paintings, sculptures, drawings, and photographs, thanks to its location facing the Grand Canal, Ca’ Pesaro also boasts spectacular waterside views.

Admire the marvelous works of Klee and Rodin, then peruse the latest works in the temporary galleries.

• Ca’ Pesaro Museum tickets

49 – Experience art and great views at the Ca’ Rezzonico Museum

Dedicated to 18th-century Venice and overlooking the sparkling Grand Canal, the Ca’ Rezzonico Museum is one of a number of museums showcasing classical interiors typical of Venice’s elite and esteemed — and, is commonly regarded as the best of the bunch.

And with three floors of sculptures, paintings, and even antique furniture, it’s easy to see why!

The on-site audio guide is recommended, likewise the terrace and cafe for excellent Canal views!

• Museo Ca’ Rezzonico tickets

50 – Check out the costumes at Palazzo Mocenigo

Housing a fine selection of rare textiles and costumes, often embellished with intricate lace patterns and embroidery, as well as a collection of valuable 18th-century artworks, the Palazzo Mocenigo is one of the more unique museums in the area.

Built for one of the city’s most prominent noble families, it has long been a haven of culture, from its lavish holdings to the gorgeous designs of the building itself.

Make sure to check out the new “Play with Arts & Culture” exhibition, a hands-on collaboration between the museum and Google.

• Palazzo Mocenigo tickets

51 – See some examples of military might at the Venetian Arsenal

In its glory days, this was the spot where ships and military supplies were grouped together, making it an industrial stronghold of the republic.

In fact, it was once the largest complex of its kind in Europe!

Before the Industrial Revolution, it was an unparalleled military structure, and some of its most impressive buildings are still standing today.

Take some time to stroll around and absorb the many powerful moments that played out here!

52 – Step inside the Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

Sitting at the heart of the San Polo district, this beautiful Gothic Venetian church has been standing since the 14th century.

Devoted to the Virgin Mary, this Franciscan gem isn’t just a spiritual place, but a stylish one.

While its facade of Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari might be rather minimal, once you step inside you’ll be dazzled by the intricate, stunning architecture — with works by Titian, Bellini, and Vivarini hung upon the walls, this underrated landmark can compete with most of the city’s major museums.

53 – Discover the unique culture of the Cannaregio neighborhood

The northernmost of Venice’s six historic districts (or, as the locals call them, “sestieri”), Cannaregio blends fascinating history — the location of the Jewish Ghetto, housing 500 Years of Jewish Life — with modern restaurants and plenty of typical Venetian charm.

While any Cannaregio walking tour is sure to educate and fascinate, those feeling peckish could combine it with a food-tasting tour.

Whether you’re sipping prosecco or feasting on pasta, you’ll get to enjoy excellent flavors that perfectly complement the city around you.

Don’t miss out on “cicchetti” – the small snacks that offer a perfect sampler of the rich cuisine.

• Cannaregio District tours

54 – Indulge in a bit of authentic life around Dorsoduro

With art galleries and hidden gem attractions to boot, Dorsoduro is often considered the more beautiful of all of Venice’s districts — and that’s saying something!

Lined with stunning and historic architecture, quaint alleyways, plus restaurants, cafes, and bars, Dorsoduro is overflowing with things to do; best of all, away from the crowds of the town center.

Pass by picturesque churches and galleries, visit workshops where the classic gondolas are made, and admire the iconic lagoon from every angle.

• Dorsoduro District tours

55 – Take in the styles and stories of Grassi Palace

Built in the mid-1700s, this magnificent residence has equally impressive views – after all, it sits right on the canal!

And as one of the last major structures of the Venetian Republic era, it’s also a relic of transition – with some pretty spectacular treasures inside!

Don’t miss the Pinault Collection, which features some of the best contemporary artworks in the city, housed in a suitably palatial space.

56 – Turn the city into your personal Instagram stage with a photoshoot

As the shutter clicks and the smiles bloom, you’ll be gladder than ever that you chose to do a photoshoot!

This is the ideal way to capture some powerful memories of your vacation, with guides showing you the best angles and aspects to capture the city’s memorable backdrops.

Go on a memorable walking tour through the streets and pause to get the perfect shot, or focus on the romantic angle with a leisurely gondola ride.

• photoshoot tours in Venice

57 – Walk across as many famous bridges as you can!

Over 400 bridges link Venice’s islands to one another, and while there are many, only a select few have been crowned iconic.

On walking tours, be sure to check out as many as you can of the following:

The Bridge of Sighs, adjacent to the Doge’s Palace (best viewed from the nearby Ponte della Paglia); The Rialto Bridge, the main pedestrian crossing over the Grand Canal; the elegant stone Scalzi Bridge, and the high-arched Academy Bridge.

• walking tours in Venice

Discover the best walking tours in Venice that will lead you to the heart of this captivating and historic city. Short on budget? Check out the free walking tours in Venice .

58 – Gaze in awe at the masterpieces of Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Famous for its pristine collection of Tintoretto paintings and its picturesque facade, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco carries more than five centuries of history within walls, long-serving as a confraternity.

Between their lavish art collection and their devotion to charitable works, this is one order that has really made an impact on the city!

Considering that this building that undergone hardly any renovations since its inception in the 1400s, stepping inside its walls is like a step back in time.

59 – Go shopping at T Fondaco dei Tedeschi

A haven for shopaholics, this iconic building sits on the Grand Canal near the Rialto Bridge, making it an easy addition to any afternoon itinerary.

As you walk around the 7000 square meters of high-quality fashion, jewelry, cosmetics, food, wine, and more, you’ll see both Italian and international brands.

Once you’re all shopped out at T Fondaco dei Tedeschi , don’t forget to check out the rooftop terrace, where panoramic views of Venice await.

And as an added bonus, you can group your browsing with some larger city tours!

• city tours in Venice

60 – Feel on top of the world (literally) with the best rooftop bars

After a glorious day of exploring, celebrate the scenery at one of the city’s rooftop bars!

Swirl a mixed drink and enjoy some live music at the Skyline Rooftop Bar , which offers spectacular canal and city views.

Or knock back a few at Blind Spot , where the scenery is matched by the elegant decor and creative concoctions.

La Terrazza Bar offers both outdoor and indoor sections to kick back and sip some good drinks, while Sagra Rooftop Restaurant combines aquatically-influenced interiors with exterior water views – straight over the lagoon!

And at 28.5 Rooftop , you can raise a nice glass of champagne and enjoy the same views and lively surroundings that have been a hit for 110 years!

61 – Grab a book at the charming Libreria Acqua Alta

As the most famous bookshop in Venice, Libreria Acqua Alta is a must-see, not just for bookworms, but for everyone!

Besides its collection of novels, the store is unique in the sense that it’s often subject to flooding, meaning that you very well could be wading through inches of water while you look for your next Stephen King novel!

The charming bookstore also features a staircase made of old books and a resident sleeping kitty.

62 – Keep time in style at St. Mark’s Clocktower

Known locally as the Torre dell’Orologio , a photo in front of St Mark’s Clocktower is a quick addition to any stroll through St Mark’s Square or Doge’s Palace.

Besides telling the time (in case you forget your watch on the gondola), the Renaissance clocktower also displays the winged lion of Venice and the current sign of the zodiac.

As you explore the inside of the tower, you can get an up-close glimpse at all of the timepiece’s intricate workings.

Your visit will take you past every part of its mechanics, from gears and cogs to those famous bells, all working in perfect harmony throughout the day.

It’s truly a remarkable clock.

63 – Try out a traditional dinner with a local

Eating is practically a pastime here, so why not do it the local way… the really local way?

With these friendly themed dinners, you can enjoy traditional meals and customs, and also get the chance to mingle with some real Venetians!

Settle in for a carnival dinner , where you’ll get to try all of the dishes associated with the festive season – and some bubbly, of course!

Or tuck into course after course of a traditional sailor’s supper , with dish after dish of fresh seafood accompanied by great stories from centuries of nautical legacies!

64 – Get artsy at the Gallerie dell’Accademia

With a brilliant collection of pre-19th-century artwork including pieces by Bellini, Titian, and Mantegna, the Gallerie dell’Accademia has long been a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike — particularly on those rainy days.

Stroll through the galleries and take in the broad spectrum of works, including sculptures, paintings, and hundreds of other items.

They even offer occasional exhibitions by more modern artists, as well as fascinating curated retrospectives on the masters most prominently on display.

While you  can  walk around and just browse, the 6€ extra for the audioguide is highly recommended.

• Accademia Galleries tickets & tours

65 – See ancient ships at the Venice Naval Historical Museum

Nested in the Castello district near the Venetian Arsenal, the Venice Naval Historical Museum tells the story of the longstanding maritime traditions of the city and beyond.

With four floors dotted with interesting maritime objects, model ships, uniforms and equipment, and a separate section dedicated to actual ships, it’s easy to spend a couple of hours enjoying the displays.

From vehicles of war to celebratory vessels, you’ll get the whole breadth and depth of seafaring life laid out before you!

66 – Stroll past the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

As one of the best-known buildings in Venice, with a dome that’s visible from all over the city, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is nothing short of iconic.

And it got its start in a truly powerful way; it was built as a religious offering by politicians, who hoped that a tribute to God would stave off the Black Plague wave that was running rampant through the city.

Along with the stunning dome, its magnificent designs have inspired other buildings all over town.

Thanks to its white stones, 125 detailed statues, and brilliant exterior, it’s an architectural masterpiece, and a location well worth a visit.

67 – Treat yourself to an unforgettable meal at the Grand Canal Restaurant

Considered one of Venice’s most esteemed eateries, the Grand Canal Restaurant is by no means budget-friendly, but its seafood, pizzas, and desserts are delicious, and its setting is arguably even more spectacular, making it worth every penny.

And as the name suggests, it’s also got some great views of some of the prettiest parts of town, and spectacular people-watching by the canal.

When the weather’s on your side, be sure to grab a table on the terrace — the canal views won’t disappoint!

68 – Season your food with some festivities at a cabaret dinner show

An unforgettable dinner full of laughs, dance, magic, contortionists, and a little bit of adult-rated flair, the cabaret show is always a great option for visitors.

But the performance is only half the show! Besides great entertainment, you’ll also receive a mouth-watering, multi-course meal; a glass (or three) of Italian wine, and plenty of coffee and desserts.

There’s even a New Year’s Eve option if you want to really celebrate the holiday in style!

• cabaret dinner shows in Venice

69 – Enjoy the immersive Traveling Opera performance

Rotating through different locations — but nearly always inside one of Venice’s fascinating palaces — the traveling opera is a unique entertainment experience; unlike most performances, here, the cast immerses themselves within the crowd.

As the actors move around and the story unfolds, the unique 360-degree presentation literally surrounds you, giving the sense that you are just one more player in this wild world.

Simply choose your favorite opera: La Traviata, The Barber of Seville, or Rigoletto — then sit back, sip your wine, and enjoy the show!

• Traveling Opera tickets

70 – Dine and soak in the sunset views at incredible restaurants

With countless award-winning restaurants and a near endless list of tantalizing dishes available at every corner, choosing any one spot to eat isn’t always straightforward.

However, if you’re in need of a single recommendation — one where rooftop sunset views are nothing short of serene — then head to Restaurant Terrazza Danieli .

The Water and Earth Tasting Menu is a great option if you’d love to sample everything on offer, while the luxurious Bar Dandolo presents as the perfect place for a nightcap (or the pristine setting for a romantic date).

And if this experience has got you hooked on al fresco dining, you’re in luck; there are several other spots in town that offer the same experience.

Grab an exquisite fruit cocktail at Terrazza Panoramica at Ca’ Sagredo Hotel , or check out La Palanca for seafood, ravioli, and perfect views of the canal.

Try Ristorante Omnibus for marvelous pasta and pizzas, or indulge in salads, desserts, and more at Bar Al Vecio Calice, a lively spot right in the middle of town.

In these spectacular spots, the tastes and the views go hand in hand!

71 – Let loose on a Venetian-style pub crawl!

Let’s hit pause on the history, food, and romance for a minute — it’s time to let your hair down!

A bar crawl like no other, in Venice you’ll dress up in traditional outfits and you skip across the city; sampling spritz, wine, and more.

For solo travelers or those looking to meet people, a few glasses of Prosecco is always the perfect icebreakers!

From carnival-themed epics to celebrations of local watering holes, these crawls will help you turn the city into a never-ending party!

• Venice pub crawls

How to get to Venice?

Your trip to this magical city will be made much easier with an airport transfer , and there are some excellent options available for Marco Polo Airport.

And if you really want to get European and take the train, there are also transfers to and from Mestre Station, the city’s main hub.

This watery paradise is naturally a pretty popular stop for cruises; and if you want to make sure that you still get to enjoy a dose of the city, check out some shore excursions !

You’ll get transported to and from the port with ease, and have plenty of time to explore the city’s highlights… it’s the best of everything!

Where to stay in Venice?

With its cozy size and classy trappings, Ca’di Dio-Small Luxury Hotel is the perfect home away from home, with a lovely garden and bar to relax in between trips to nearby spots like Doge’s Palace.

And at Baglioni Hotel Luna , you can take the glamor to the next level, cruising up to the property by gondola!

At Carnival Palace – Venice Collection , you can enjoy contemporary settings and a fabulous locale, with all of the treasures of the Jewish Ghetto just outside the door.

Or unwind at Monaco & Grand Canal , with the thriving hub of Saint Mark’s Square right outside the door.

And at Hotel Ca’ Formenta , you can soak up the classic Venetian vibes, from the color schemes to the lagoon views and on-site wharf – perfect for a classy cruise!

• best hotels in Venice

Visiting Venice on a budget?

Free walking tours offer great excursions through the city’s renowned streets, history, and culture… at no charge at all! But be sure to bring some cash to tip your guide for a job well done.

There are also some great combo passes to help you see more while spending less. Book the ACTV Transport Pass for use on all different forms of transit, from buses to boats.

And for culture nerds, there’s the Venice Museum Pass or the Venice City Pass .

Where to go next?

Venice has enough treasures for a lifetime, but it’s well worth checking out the other best places to visit in Italy . After all, this is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world, with centuries of art, history, and culture (and the amazing food, of course!) to entice travelers.

Whether you’re gaping at the ruins of Rome or relaxing by the sea, this charming nation has plenty to offer. And within a few hours of Venice, there are plenty of world-class destinations.

Stop by and try all of the things to do in Trieste , in northeastern Italy, and visit the large Piazza Unità d’Italia, explore the Miramare Castle overlooking the sea, and enjoy the world-famous Illy coffee. Trieste’s architecture, seaside cafes, and multicultural charm create an unforgettable Italian experience.

Check out elegant architecture and a thriving car culture as you sample the things to do in Bologna , or alternate between museums and nightlife among the many other things to do in Milan. Indulge in the things to do in Turin , like the famous gianduiotto or bicerin while exploring the local cafes and chocolatiers.

Sailing, shopping, and sightseeing are among the most popular things to do in Lake Como  or bask in classical art and gorgeous streets as you soak up the spectacular things to do in Florence .

With its romantic atmosphere and creative culture, there are always lots of great things to do in Verona ! And if you want to see the city and some nearby attractions in an efficient way, book some multi-day tours, and get adventurous!

Looking to travel further than Italy? Head East and explore Slovenia’s biggest city with all of the exciting things to do in Ljubljana .

Final thoughts

It’s magical. It’s mysterious. It’s romantic and intriguing. And with such an elegant reputation, it follows that there are tons of classy things to do in Venice.

But take some time to explore, and you’ll fall even more in love with its art, food scene, and fascinating past.

So get out on the canals and see what this amazing place has to offer!

17 Fun Things To Do In Venice Italy [2 day Itinerary Included]

We took the train 4 hours from Rome to Venice on our 3 month backpacking trip around Europe and we got 2 gorgeous days with the sun shining! We couldn’t wait to explore this iconic city and to get out on the water. There are so many great things to do in Venice, Italy.

We loved Venice, the vibe, the canals, it is such a beautiful city.

Table of Contents

Overview Of Venice

The city is located on 118 islands that are separated by 150 canals. It really does feel like a city on the water! A lot of the islands are connected by 400 footbridges while some of them like Burano and Murano you have to take a boat to get to them in the Venetian Lagoon.

There are no cars in Venice which was amazing. Knox commented how quiet the city was without cars!

You will only find four bridges that cross the Grand Canal. And won’t miss the 400+ gondolas that are floating through the canals all around the city.

Venice is magical. There really isn’t a better way to describe it. I know people have complained about it being too busy or smelly. But when we were there at the end of March/beginning of April it was perfect.

Not busy, not smelly and with the sun out it was perfect weather to be walking around the city.

That being said if you are going to visit Venice when it is busy we definitely recommend you book your tickets in advance and get as many skip the line tickets as you can. The worst thing to be doing in Venice would be standing in line!

Getting To Venice

We took the train into Venice. It was a very easy process and was a beautiful ride coming into the city. Be sure to check your trains stops and make sure you stay on until you reach the actual island.

Once you reach the island you can walk from the train station right across a bridge and into Venice. We purposely picked a vacation rental that was within walking distance to the train station.

That meant we weren’t close to the main attractions but the island isn’t that big so it was no problem walking anywhere we wanted to go.

Things To Do In Venice

Grand canal “tour”.

I have tours in quotes since this wasn’t a paid tour. This was us riding on the Grand Canal public water bus (vaporetto). It was packed with people using it as a bus to get around Venice.

We paid attention and quickly grabbed the seats at the front and got out my phone to open the Rick Steves Grand Tour app on my phone . His tour lasts 45 minutes – starting from the Piazzale Roma and bringing you just past St Marks Square.

It talks about places like the Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute which is a beautiful church that was built in the 17th century to commemorate the end of a devastating outbreak of the plague that killed thousands of Venetians.

The tour was well done and helped us understand what we were saying as we were riding down the canal. If you don’t want to stay on for the whole tour you can hop on and off at any of the stops the boat makes.

St Marks Square

Next up we headed to St Marks Square (Piazza San Marco). We got our Rick Steves app again and read through some of the highlights of St Marks Square. While we were doing that we noticed all of the people sitting out have a drink in the square. We definitely wanted to try that!

We stopped at Caffè Florian. It was super expensive! But it was an experience so it was worth it. We got overpriced drinks and snacks and looked out over the square as we listed to the orchestra playing from the restaurant.

You could also choose to tour the Doge’s Palace when you are here and see the Ponte dei Sospiri or Bridge of Sighs. We figured with our kids they wouldn’t be into it. But if you like seeing Gothic palaces that were built in the 14th century you should do it!

**Fun Fact: The Bridge of Sighs is a small enclosed bridge that connects the Doge’s Palace to the adjacent prison. Legend has it that the bridge earned its name from the prisoners who, as they crossed it, would sigh at the sight of Venice for the last time before being locked up.

Another option would be to climb to the top of the Campanile di San Marco (bell tower) when you visit Saint Marks square.

Gondola Ride

We of course had to do a gondola ride! They only allow up to 5 people on 1 boat so luckily Nana and Boppa were with us and could take 2 kids!

It was an over priced but fun experience and we are glad we did it! At the time it was $85 for a 35 minute trip for up to 5 people. We tried to see if we could do 6 with the 4 kids but they said no they would lose their license.

I mean you can’t come to Venice and not do the Gondola Ride so be sure you budget for it. Now that we did it we won’t have to do it again but I am glad we did and that the kids got this experience.

It was also fun to explore the canals and see some areas of Venice you can only see on the Gondolas.

Rialto Market

We started the day with a trip to the fish market at the Rialto Market. It was quite the experience. There are all kinds of different fish just sitting out. I mean fish we have never seen before!

Plus there is blood on the ground from the fish and a definite fishy smell! Once of the crazy things is that when the market is done they clean it all up and you could barely tell it was there.

We didn’t buy anything . . . but I have to say I would love to hire someone to bring us to the market and help us pick things out. Then bring us back to our place to cook a delicious meal from the market.

Osteria al Squero

After that we headed to Osteria al Squero to watch the workers fix and build gondolas across the canal at Squero Di San Trovaso.

Scavenger Hunt

If you are traveling with kids you won’t want to miss this scavenger hunt around the city. It was a great way to teach the kids some history of Venice while making it fun and interactive. Plus we visited a couple of places we may not have found on our own during the hunt!

Our guide had a map and clues and split us into 2 teams so we could see who found the clues first and answered the questions correctly.

It was education and fun! And brought to our attention some different things in the city we may not have noticed on our own.

Libreria Acqua Alta

We found this stop on our scavenger hunt and I am so glad we did! It backs up to one of the canals and there is a book staircase you can climb up to look out over the canal.

The store has a gondola in it filled with books and books everywhere. It can get very busy and you may have to wait in line to get in.

Spiderman Movie Spots

If your kids are Spiderman fans they probably remember when Spiderman came to Venice. If that is the case be sure to stop to see the following two spots:

• Santa Maria Formosa Church
• Ponte de l’Arsenal o del Paradiso

The Rialto Bridge

Grab a picture on the famous Rialto Bridge! This is the iconic bridge in Venice that goes over the Grand Canal. If you spend any time in Venice you will most likely catch your self walking over this bridge a few times.

Take note the bridge is called The Ponte di Rialto in Italian.

Learn To Row As A Venetian

This is another activity our friends from Zula Life did when they visited and they said it was a blast! It is one thing to take a gondola ride but to be able to learn how to row that is awesome!

You can learn more about learning how to row as a Venetian here.

Carnival Mask Making

Zula Life also did this activity and said it was a great experience. There are masks stores all over Venice that you can buy masks at. But being able to make your own would be quite an experience!

You can book your own Carnival Mask Making class here.

Teatro la Fenice

If you are into Opera and/or architecture you are going to want to check out this Opera House. You can either do a tour or you can opt to come and see a show here. The Opera House has a long history of being destroyed or damaged by fire and rebuilt.

Burano Island

We only had a little bit of time to see Murano or Burano. We ended up going with Burano because I wanted to see all of the colorful buildings!

To get to the island we had to get on the water bus (vaporetto) at the Fondamenta Nuove stop and took the 45 minute ride over to Burano Island. We didn’t get there until almost 6pm so things were starting to close down. But we were able to grab a quick dinner at Trexento and make a stop in a couple of the shops.

The island’s buildings are painted in bright colors such as pink, blue, green, and purple. The origin of the brightly colored houses is said to be from the fishermen who used to live on the island. They painted their houses in bright colors so they could easily spot them from the sea.

Burano Island is also famous for its traditional lace-making industry. The art of lace-making has been passed down through generations of Burano families, and today it is still possible to see artisans creating delicate lace items by hand. My Mom bought some when we were there.

We definitely wish we had more time on the island! We also really enjoyed seeing the views of Venice from the water on the way here and back.

We didn’t make it To Murano Island on this trip but we ill next time! I just couldn’t resist the colored buildings of Burano so made the choice to go there since we could just go to 1 island. However, getting to Murano from Venice only takes about 10-15 minutes by water taxi (vaporetto).

Murano Island is known for the art of glass making. The skill dates back to the 13th century when the Venetian Republic ordered all glass factories to move to the island to prevent fires in the city. Since then, Murano has been renowned for its exquisite glassware, and the island’s artisans continue to create unique glass objects by hand using traditional techniques.

When you go to Murano you can watch the glass-making process in action by visiting one of the island’s many glass factories and studios. These studios offer guided tours that showcase the intricate and complex process of creating glass objects. You can also see the stunning finished products on display in the studios and purchase them as souvenirs.

Our friends from Zula Life visited Murano Island and did a glass making class and they said they loved it!!

You can see the video of them in the class here.

Where To Eat In Venice

Gelateria il Doge

This Gelato spot is located in Campo Santa Margherita. The kids were able to get their ice cream and they sat by a fountain to eat it while us and my parents found an open table at Fuori Rotta to get a glass of wine.

When the kids came to find us after they were done with their gelato by Dad gave them 20 Euro and said go see what else you can find. That give us a chance to sit for a bit longer and finish our glass or bottle 🙂 of wine.

Birraria la Corte

We were excited to head to Birraria la Corte to try their pizza! When we walked in they asked if we had a reservation . . . umm no. I guess that meant we might not get a table. Luckily they had some outside seating and since it was a bit cooler not many people wanted to sit out there.

It was actually really nice and we always prefer to eat outside when we can. The drinks were good and the pizza was delicious!

Cip & Ciop

This was a fun little restaurant/bar right by where we stayed. They had these delicious handheld foods like fried mozzarella pocket things and vegetarian tapa’s and other ones filled with meat. I don’t even know the right way to describe them but they were so good!

You just walked up to the counter and they had everything on display in the case so you just asked for what you wanted. We went and ordered and came back and ordered more since it was so good.

I think they are called Cicchetti. Like the Italian version of Spanish Tapas. In any case if you are in Venice ask around about Cicchetti and try all the things!

Cantina Do Spade

Make sure to stop here for a Mozzarella Sandwich. We just stopped in to grab one to go and it was delicious!! While we waited we also got a glass of wine and that was good too.

Where To Stay In Venice

When picking where to stay we picked a place – Residence degli Artisti – that was close to the train station so we could easily walk from there to our vacation rental with our backpacks and bags.

The place we picked wasn’t close to St Mark’s square but we liked that it was tucked away and not in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of Venice.

The place – Residence degli Artisti – was beautiful and we were glad we stayed here.

Venice Itinerary

Here is what we did on our 2 days in Venice. We definitely could have stayed longer. We really fell in love with Venice!!

Venice – Day 1 (day you arrive)

• Head to the Piazzale Roma water bus (Vaporetto) stop. To start the Rick Steves Grand Canale tour at the right place. Check out the water bus schedule here. You can buy your tickets online before you get there.
• Ride the water bus to the St Marks Square stop. If you want more context check out the Rick Steves Tour of St Marks Square on his app. Stop here for a drink in the square.
• Birraria la Corte for dinner.
• Breakfast and Coffee at Cip & Ciop
• 10am – Rialto Market Area – only open until 1pm
• Osteria al Squero to watch the Gondola workshop across the canal (squero di san trovaso).
• Campo Santa Margherita and get gelato at Gelateria il Doge [Dorsoduro 3058/A, Rio Terà Canal]
• Stop at Cantina Do Spade for mozzerella sandwiches.
• Santa Maria Formosa Church – which was in the Spiderman movie.
• Liberia Acqua Alta
• Ponte de l’Arsenal o del Paradiso – which was in the Spiderman movie.
• 2pm – Gondola Ride – 30-45 minutes.
• 3pm – Scavenger Hunt Tour
• 5pm – Head to Burano Island
• Burano Island for dinner at Trexento
• Head back to Venice

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Home » Travel Guides » Italy » 15 Best Things to Do in Venice (Italy)

15 Best Things to Do in Venice (Italy)

Venice is a city of immense beauty and historical significance, but it is also unique and not like any other city in Italy. As the capital of the Veneto Region of Northern Italy, Venice actually lies on 117 small islands that are connected by a series of bridges and separated by a network of canals. With a population of around 250,000, Venice is not one of the largest cities in Veneto, but it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country.

During the Middle Ages and the Italian Renaissance, Venice was an extremely powerful stronghold and served as a major financial and military centre. Furthermore, it was a place that saw great cultural and artistic development and was renowned worldwide.

Today, Venice remains an important economic centre and is one of the most popular cities for tourism in the world – Sights like St. Marks’s Basilica and the Grand Canal draw millions of visitors to this small group of islands on an annual basis.

Lets explore the best things to do in Venice :

1. St. Mark’s Basilica

Easily the most renowned and famous building in Venice, St. Mark’s Basilica is a sublime piece of architecture that has stood the test of time since its creation in 1092 and remains one of the most important religious buildings in Northern Italy.

Every aspect of this church is fantastic – From the ornate detail, sculptures and artwork of the front facade, to the beautifully painted frescos and Byzantine works of art on the inside of the domed ceiling.

Located in the Piazza San Marco, this basilica is easily accessible from the grand canal and is one of the best-known surviving examples of Italian Byzantine architecture.

Top rated tour : Venice Doge’s Palace & St Mark’s Basilica Skip-the-Line Tour

2. St. Mark’s Square

Whilst St. Mark’s Basilica is the most famous building in Venice, St Mark’s Square is the most famous piazza.

Located on the grand canal, opposite the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, this square holds huge importance in Venice and is a truly spectacular place to visit.

Surrounding the Piazza is a series of ornate buildings with arched walkways that frame it perfectly.

Furthermore, several important buildings are located on the square including St Mark’s Campanile, St Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and Torre dell’Orologio.

This square really is the perfect place to start your tour of Venice and tick off some of its most impressive sights.

Available tour : St Mark’s Square Walking Tour & Gondola Ride

3. Canal Grande

Venice has literally hundreds of canals that connect the various islands that make up the city – the largest of which is the Canal Grande.

This monumental canal is more like a river and it passes from one side of Venice to the other and snakes through the centre in a large S bend shape.

Over 170 buildings dating from as early as the 13th century line the banks of the canal and it has served as an important waterway in the city for hundreds of years.

Only four bridges span the grand canal as generally people and tourists travel along the canal, not over it.

Consider walking along sections of the canal, admiring the buildings that line it, and watching the busy water traffic of Venice.

Book online : Private Gondola Ride along Canal Grande

4. Ponte di Rialto

As one of the bridges that spans the impressive Grand Canal, the Ponte di Rialto is undoubtedly the most famous and iconic.

Connecting the San Marco and San Polo districts of Venice, the bridge is an important pedestrian thoroughfare, but also a hugely popular tourist attraction.

Originally a wooden bridge, this culmination stood for hundreds of years until it collapsed in 1524. After this incident, an ornate stone bridge was built that still stands today.

The detail and design of the bridge is simply beautiful and its symmetry perfectly frames the grand canal.

Furthermore, the is also a series of shops on the bridge that sell a range of wares from souvenirs to jewellery.

Suggested tour : Gondola Ride to Rialto Bridge

5. Gallerie dell’Accademia

Located opposite the Ponte dell’Accademia on the Grande Canal, this museum hosts a fine collection of pre-19th century art and features works by artists such as Bellini, Canaletto and Titian.

The building that the gallery is housed was formerly a convent an was converted to the museum in the mid to late 1700’s.

For those who love Renaissance art and iconic masterpieces, this gallery delivers.

Possibly its best known piece is the Vitruvian Man by Da Vinci which shows the ideal proportions of man.

Other notable works include the Resurrection by Tintoretto, Virgin and the Child by Titian, and the Battle of Lepanto by Veronese.

Book online : Private Accademia Gallery and Dorsoduro Tour

6. Venice Lido

If you are looking for a spot of relaxation and to get away from the bulk of the tourists, the Lido is the place to go.

This separate island creates a barrier between Venice and the Adriatic Sea and features a long stretch of beautiful beach to enjoy.

Home to approximately 20,000 inhabitants, the Lido also has a host of residential areas, shops, restaurants and hotels.

With a much calmer, laid back and relaxed feeling to central Venice, Lido is a true escape and provides a stark contrast to the busy streets and waterways surrounding the grand canal.

Guided tour : Venice Lido 2-Hour Liberty Villas Tour

7. Doges Palace

One of the most renowned buildings in Venice aside from the Basilica and Campanile, Doges Palace also sits in St. Mark’s Square but looks out onto the grand canal.

This ornate palace is simply stunning and its front facade features a beautiful arched design made of white stone with a series of diamond patterns on the walls.

Inside, the palace is just as impressive and there is a series of immensely decorated rooms that all have original details, furniture and artwork.

Tours of the palace are available and it is advised to spend some time viewing both the exterior and interior in detail to truly capture a piece of the history of Venice.

8. Bridge of Sighs

Although only a small bridge in the relative scheme of Venice, the Bridge of Sighs is one of the most viewed structures in the city and is an important historic landmark.

Passing over the Rio di Palazzo, the bridge connects the Prigioni Nuove to Doge’s Palace.

Legend has it, that as criminals were taken from the Palace over the bridge, they would cast once last glimpse at Venice and sigh; considering their forthcoming punishment and imprisonment.

Whilst visiting St. Mark’s Square, it is an absolute must to glimpse this iconic bridge too.

Suggested tour : Doge’s Palace with Bridge of Sighs

9. Ride a Vaporetto through the Grand Canal

The Vaporetto is the main form of transport in Venice – Yes you can catch a train into the main station, and yes you can walk on foot through the streets, but to truly experience Venice, you must experience if from the water! The Vaporetto system is highly efficient and is one of the quickest ways of travelling to the various islands of Venice.

You can buy extended passes that allow for multiple uses so you don’t have to worry about buying a ticket each time you use one.

During your time in Venice, try to travel on the Vaporetto’s as much as possible and enjoy the water traffic and the sights and sounds that you will encounter.

10. San Marco Campanile

As the tallest structure in Venice, the campanile is a towering building that stands at a colossal 98.6m high.

The building that stands now, is actually a reconstruction as the original collapsed in 1902. Originally created in the 9th century, the campanile was used as a watch tower.

Throughout the years, the tower has been damaged by fire, earthquakes and even lightening.

Made of a simple red-brick design, the main shaft is quite simple, but the bell housing and pinnacle feature a myriad of arches and stonework, and the top features a golden statue of the Angel Gabriel.

Admire the tower from the Piazza di San Marco, but also take the elevator up to the top for possibly the best panoramic views of Venice.

11. San Giorgio Maggiore

This is one of the smaller separate islands that is not connected to the main canals of Venice.

San Giorgio Maggiore sits a short distance from the Venice Basin and the Grande Canal and can be reached by Vaporetto or private water taxi.

Located on the island is the fantastic San Giorgio Monastery, the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore and the large campanile that mirrors the one standing in St. Mark’s Square.

Walk through the small harbour and see the various boats moored, visit the fantastic church and monastery, and climb the campanile for amazing views back across to the main city of Venice.

Book a tour : San Giorgio Maggiore Island Visit with Video Guide

Murano is another of the islands within the Venice district – This area of land is actually made up of several small islands connected together by a series of canals and bridges (much like Venice). Murano has a wonderful charm and is often not as busy as the main areas of Venice.

This wonderful island town has numerous sights including the Basilica dei Santa Maria, the Campo Santo Stefano and the Palazzo Da Mula.

Furthermore, Murano is famous for its glass blowing and you can see live demonstrations at the various factories that are established here.

Book here: Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands

13. Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta

Located in the Cannaregio region of Venice, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta is a fine structure that is also known as I Gesuiti.

The front facade of the Church features several stone columns, ornate sculptured statues of religious figures, and a host of intricate detail – A huge bronze door serves as the main entrance.

Constructed in 1729, this is one of the newer churches in Venice but it is still important and the interior contains a number of impressive artworks such as the Martyrdom of St. Lawrence by Titian.

Furthermore, artwork, frescos and gold detail cover the ceiling of the church and some beautiful motif artwork lines the walls and columns.

14. Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

Possibly the second most renowned church in Venice, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute sits on the opposite side of the grand canal to St.

Marks and stands out against the surrounding architecture.

With a Baroque design, this church was completed in 1687 and is designated as a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church.

Taking centre stage on the Grand Canal, the exterior is decorated with four statues of the apostles and the main dome towers above the skyline.

The interior gives the impression of great space and the hexagonal design allows light to pour in.

Although not decorated to the same degree as other churches in Italy, this basilica has a great deal of symmetry and is truly pleasing on the eye.

15. Torcello Island

If you are looking for a peaceful escape, Torcello island offers just that and is much less crowded than the main areas of Venice.

Located to the far east of the main part of Venice, Torcello is nestled behind Burano and is approximately 45 minutes from Venice via a regular ferry.

Walk through the main street of Torcello and admire the beautiful canal until you reach the Church of Santa Maria Assunta which has a fantastic design.

Furthermore, there is a dedicated museum that displays the history of this chain of islands, and a variety of shops and restaurants.

15 Best Things to Do in Venice (Italy):

• St. Mark's Basilica
• St. Mark's Square
• Canal Grande
• Ponte di Rialto
• Gallerie dell'Accademia
• Venice Lido
• Doges Palace
• Bridge of Sighs
• Ride a Vaporetto through the Grand Canal
• San Marco Campanile
• San Giorgio Maggiore
• Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta
• Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
• Torcello Island

48 Fun & Unique Things to Do in Venice, Italy | 2024 (with Photos)

Rosalia Ignatova - Travel Writer

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

Hey there! I'm Rose, an avid traveler with a passion for exploring hidden gems in various destinations. Discover the beauty and intriguing activities of Venice through my curated list of recommendations.

Venice , Italy , is a city that captures the imagination of travelers from around the world. With its beautiful canals and rich cultural heritage, it's no wonder that Venice is a popular tourist destination.

Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Italy's Floating City has something to offer everyone.

In this article, the Travel-Lingual team compiled a list of 48 exciting and fun things to do in Venice . 

From taking a gondola ride through the canals to exploring the colorful island of Burano, you're sure to find plenty of inspiration for your trip to this magical city.

Most Recommended Thing to Do

Gondola ride

Our Top Choice Restaurant

Antiche Carampane

Our Top Choice Bar for Nightlife

Osteria Al Portego

Average Temperature

Mild winters and hot summers in Venice, Italy.

Transportation Options

Gondolas, water taxis, vaporettos, walking, bicycles, buses.

Average Cost ($, $$, $$$)

My Top Recommendation

Lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets and ancient bridges, each corner revealing a new treasure trove of Venetian architecture and culture. Glide along the shimmering waterways on a gondola ride, serenaded by the melodies of the gondoliers, and marvel at the opulence of St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace.

Explore the vibrant markets of Rialto, where the scent of fresh seafood and exotic spices fills the air, and savor the flavors of Venetian cuisine in charming trattorias overlooking the Grand Canal. With its timeless beauty and irresistible charm, Venice is a destination that will capture your heart and leave you spellbound.

What You'll Need to Bring

• Valid passport
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Lightweight and breathable clothing

What Not to Miss

• Venice Carnival
• St. Mark's Square and Basilica
• Rialto Bridge and Grand Canal
• Doge's Palace
• Burano Island

What to Avoid

• Overcrowded tourist areas
• Overpriced gondola rides
• Eating at tourist trap restaurants

Table of Contents

1. Take a gondola ride through the canals

A gondola ride through the canals of Venice is one of the most iconic experiences visitors can have in the city. Gondolas are traditional Venetian boats, handcrafted by skilled artisans, and the canals are the city's main arteries.

A gondola ride offers a unique perspective on the city and a chance to appreciate its beauty and charm. Passengers can admire the colorful buildings and enjoy the music of the gondoliers as they serenade their passengers.

2. Walk across the Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge , or Ponte di Rialto, is an iconic landmark in Venice. Spanning the Grand Canal, this historic bridge connects the San Marco and San Polo districts and offers breathtaking views of the city.

The bridge was first built in the late 16th century, replacing a wooden bridge that had been in place since the 12th century. Today, it is one of the busiest pedestrian areas in Venice. At night, the bridge is illuminated by soft lights, creating a romantic and magical atmosphere.

3. Visit St. Mark's Basilica

St. Mark's Basilica is a magnificent masterpiece and the architectural focal point of Venice. The basilica has been an important religious site for over a thousand years and remains one of the most important religious buildings in Northern Italy.

The exterior of St. Mark's Basilica is an impressive display of Byzantine architecture, featuring five large domes and intricate stone carvings. The Pala d'Oro, a dazzling gold altar screen inside, studded with precious gems, is also a must-see.

4. Explore Doge's Palace

Doge's Palace , also known as Palazzo Ducale , is a magnificent palace located in St. Mark's Square in Venice. This historic building served as the residence of the Doge of Venice, the highest authority in the Venetian Republic

Doge's Palace is home to a vast collection of artwork, including frescoes, paintings, and sculptures. You can also explore the beautiful courtyards, admire the stunning views of the lagoon from the balcony, and cross the famous Bridge of Sighs.

5. Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a world-renowned museum in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, which was once the home of Peggy Guggenheim, a passionate art collector and socialite.

The remarkable collection of modern art features works by some of the most significant artists of the 20th century, including Jackson Pollock, Salvador Dali, and Pablo Picasso. You can also enjoy the beautiful gardens and stunning views of the Grand Canal from the terrace.

6. Visit the Accademia Gallery

The Accademia Gallery is a world-renowned museum in the heart of Venice, showcasing a vast collection of Venetian art from the 14th to the 18th centuries, including masterpieces Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese.

Visitors can admire the collection of stunning paintings, sculptures, and drawings, and learn about the evolution of Venetian art through the centuries. The museum's beautiful setting in the Scuola Grande di Santa Maria della Carità, a former religious brotherhood house, adds to its charm and elegance.

7. Take a day trip to Burano

The island of Burano is a small, picturesque island located in the Venetian Lagoon. This charming island is known for its brightly colored houses and quaint canals, making it a perfect place to explore on a day trip.

Burano is also famous for its traditional lace-making industry, and visitors can admire the intricate lacework and purchase handmade lace products from local artisans. The island is also home to a range of restaurants serving traditional Venetian seafood dishes.

8. See the Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs, spanning the Rio di Palazzo, connects the Doge's Palace to the prison and was named after the sighs of prisoners who, as they crossed the bridge, caught their last glimpse of the outside world before being incarcerated.

The bridge's stunning Baroque architecture and intricate stone carvings make it a popular spot for photography, and visitors can enjoy a beautiful view of the lagoon from the bridge's windows. The Bridge of Sighs is not only a fascinating historical site but also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

9. Visit the Leonardo da Vinci Museum

The Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Venice houses an impressive collection of models and reproductions of da Vinci's famous machines, including flying machines, war machines, and hydraulic pumps, among others.

The museum features interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience and understand the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci through models, prototypes, and multimedia installations. Visitors can also view digital reproductions of Leonardo's paintings and drawings, including the famous "Last Supper."

10. Take a boat ride along Grand Canal

The Grand Canal in Venice is the main waterway that runs through the heart of the city, lined with stunning palaces, and churches. A visit to the Grand Canal is a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and grandeur of Venice from the water.

Along the ride, you can enjoy the views of iconic landmarks such as the Rialto Bridge, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, and the Palazzo Barbarigo, so add a Grand Canal tour to your Venetian bucket list, whether by water taxi, motorboat, gondola ride, or dinner cruise.

11. Admire Basilica Di Santa Maria Della Salute

The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute , located at the entrance of the Grand Canal, is a Baroque masterpiece built in the 17th century as a dedication to the Virgin Mary for the city's deliverance from the plague.

The church's majestic dome, ornate decorations, and numerous artworks make it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Venice. Inside the Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute , you can admire works by Titian, Tintoretto, and Palma il Giovane.

12. Wander around San Marco Square

San Marco Square , or Piazza San Marco , is the heart of Venice and one of the most famous public spaces in the world. It is surrounded by some of the city's most significant landmarks, including the stunning St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Campanile Bell Tower.

A visit to the square offers a unique opportunity to experience the city's rich cultural heritage, admire the stunning architecture, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Piazza San Marco is a hub of activity, with street performers, cafes, and luxury shops lining the area.

13. See the views from the San Marco bell tower

The San Marco Bell Tower , also known as the San Marco Campanile , is an iconic symbol of Venice located in the Piazza San Marco. The tower stands at 98.6 meters tall and provides breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding lagoon.

Originally built in the 9th century as a watchtower, it was reconstructed in the early 20th century after collapsing in 1902. Visitors can take a lift or climb the 300 steps to the top to enjoy panoramic views of the city, including the Doge's Palace, and the Grand Canal.

14. Join a walking tour to the hidden spots

A guided walking tour is an excellent way to explore Venice. The guided tour takes you through the narrow alleys, winding canals, and hidden squares of the city to reveal facts about Venetian history, culture, and the local way of life.

Professional guides lead the walking tour and share fascinating stories about landmarks, such as St. Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge, and the Doge's Palace. Walking tours are also a great way to discover hidden gems such as local artisan shops, hidden courtyards, and quaint cafes.

15. Try local treats at the Rialto Market

The Rialto Market is a bustling outdoor market in the heart of Venice, near the Rialto Bridge. This historic market has been in operation for over 700 years and is a must-visit destination for foodies and those interested in traditional Venetian cuisine.

You can browse the market's stalls, which are filled with an array of fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, and spices, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. The market is also home to several small restaurants and cafes serving traditional Venetian dishes.

16. Visit the Venice Lace Museum

The Venice Lace Museum , located in the historic palace of Palazzo Zaccaria, showcases the city's rich tradition of lace-making, which dates back to the 15th century when Venice was renowned for its lace-making industry.

You can admire lace garments and decorative items from different eras, including 16th-century Renaissance lace, 18th-century Rococo lace, and 20th-century Art Nouveau lace. The palace which houses the museum is a work of art in itself, with its elegant architecture, frescoes, and furnishings.

17. Climb the spiral staircase at the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

The Scala Contarini del Bovolo , also known as ''the spiral staircase'', is one of Venice's hidden gems, located just a few steps away from the bustling Rialto Bridge. You can climb the staircase to the top to enjoy panoramic views of Venice's rooftops and the surrounding area.

The staircase is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, with its distinctive spiral shape and intricate design. It was built in the late 15th century for the Contarini family and was once part of a grand palace.

18. Visit the Murano Glass Museum

The Murano Glass Museum is located on the island of Murano in the Venetian Lagoon. It is dedicated to showcasing the rich history and tradition of glass-making in Venice, which dates back to the 13th century.

The museum's collection includes examples of Venetian glass from ancient Roman times to the present day, showcasing the evolution of the craft over the centuries. You can see intricate glass sculptures, chandeliers, and exquisite glassware. You can also watch live demonstrations of glassblowing by skilled artisans.

19. Attend a performance at La Fenice opera house

La Fenice is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, located in the heart of Venice. The theater was first built in 1792 but has been destroyed by fire and rebuilt twice since then, with the latest reconstruction completed in 2003.

The theater has hosted some of the most famous operas of all time, including productions of Verdi's "La Traviata" and "Rigoletto", and Rossini's "The Barber of Seville". A visit to La Fenice offers a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of Italian opera and witness some of the most talented performers in the world.

20. Visit the Scuola Grande di San Rocco

The Scuola Grande di San Rocco in the San Polo district of Venice is a magnificent building and home to a collection of paintings by the Venetian master Tintoretto , who spent much of his life working on the building's decoration.

The interior of the Scuola is adorned with over 60 of Tintoretto's masterpieces , which are some of the most important works of art in Venice. The Scuola also features intricate woodcarvings, frescoes, and other decorations that make it one of the most visually stunning buildings in the city.

21. Explore the Ca' Pesaro Modern Art Museum

Ca' Pesaro Modern Art Museum ****is one of the most important art museums in Venice, dedicated to modern and contemporary art. It is located in a beautiful palace along the Grand Canal, and it features artists such as Gustav Klimt, Wassily Kandinsky, and Marc Chagall.

The museum's permanent collection covers various art movements, including Futurism, Expressionism, and Abstract Art, and it also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Visitors to the museum can enjoy the stunning architecture of the palace and appreciate the vast array of artwork on display.

22. Visit the Biblioteca Marciana

The Biblioteca Marciana , or the National Library of St. Mark's , is one of the most important libraries in Italy, located in the magnificent St. Mark's Square in Venice. It was established in the 16th century and contains books, manuscripts, and maps dating back to ancient times.

The library houses a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and rare documents, including the famous Codex Marcianus , an ancient manuscript of the Iliad by Homer . You can also find works by famous Italian writers such as Dante, Petrarch, and Boccaccio, as well as rare manuscripts and early printed books.

23. Visit the Museo di Storia Naturale di Venezia

The Museo di Storia Naturale di Venezia , or Natural History Museum of Venice , is located in the beautiful Santa Croce district of the city. The museum is housed in an ancient 13th-century palace and is home to a vast collection of specimens from the natural world.

You can see fossils, minerals, plants, and animals from around the world, as well as interactive exhibits that explore the diversity of life on Earth. Visitors can learn about the geology of Venice, the biodiversity of the Venetian lagoon, and the evolution of species over time.

24. Take a trip to San Giorgio Maggiore

A trip to San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the city. This small island is located across the Grand Canal from St. Mark's Square and is easily accessible by Vaporetto or water taxi.

The island is home to the stunning San Giorgio Maggiore Church , designed by Andrea Palladio, which is considered one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in Venice. You can also climb the church's bell tower for stunning panoramic views of Venice's skyline.

25. Take a carnival mask-making class in Venice

The Carnival of Venice is famous for its elaborate costumes and masks, and taking a mask-making class provides a unique opportunity to learn about the art and history of these stunning creations.

You will learn traditional techniques for creating Venetian masks, including painting and decorating with feathers, beads, and other embellishments. The classes are typically led by experienced artisans who will guide participants through the process of making their own unique masks.

26. Visit the Palazzo delle Prigioni

Palazzo delle Prigioni , also known as the Prisons' Palace, is an impressive building designed by the famous architect Antonio Da Ponte in the 16th century, which served as a prison for over 300 years.

Today, it has been transformed into a cultural center and museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of crime and punishment in Venice. The palace features a variety of exhibits, including original prison cells, ancient instruments of torture, and artwork created by former inmates.

27. Explore nearby Lido Island

Lido Island is a charming destination located just a short ferry ride away from Venice, Italy. This picturesque island is famous for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and stunning architecture.

You can stroll along the picturesque streets lined with colorful buildings and sample delicious local cuisine at one of the many cafes and restaurants. Lido Island is also home to the Venice Film Festival , which draws celebrities and film enthusiasts from all over the world.

28. Visit the Querini Stampalia Foundation

The Querini Stampalia Foundation , established in the 16th century by the noble Querini family, is housed in an elegant palace and boasts a vast collection of art, books, and antique furniture that tell the story of Venice and its rich cultural heritage.

The extensive collection of antique furniture offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of Venice's aristocratic families. Visitors can marvel at the intricacy of these pieces, which have been carefully restored to their former glory.

29. Stop by the Basilica dei Frari

The Basilica dei Frari, also known as the Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, is one of the most important churches in Venice and a truly magnificent example of Venetian Gothic architecture.

The church's stunning interior is adorned with works of art by some of the most prominent artists of the Renaissance, including Titian and Bellini. The church also houses an impressive collection of artwork, including sculptures, paintings, and religious artifacts, many of which are masterpieces of Renaissance art.

30. Check out the Canareggio district

The Cannaregio district is one of the six historic districts of Venice, Italy, located in the northern part of the city. It is a charming neighborhood that offers a different perspective of Venice away from the typical tourist routes.

Visitors can explore its narrow streets and historic buildings, including the Jewish Ghetto, which is the oldest ghetto in Europe, and the Jewish Museum of Venice . The district is also home to the famous Strada Nova , a lively street that connects the Rialto Bridge and the train station.

31. Explore the amazing Castello District

The Castello district is one of the six sestieri, or neighborhoods, of Venice, Italy. It is the largest and most diverse district in the city, where you can discover hidden gems, such as local markets, traditional bakeries, and small artisan shops.

The district also boasts the Giardini della Biennale, which hosts the prestigious Venice Biennale art festival every two years. You can also explore the Church of San Zaccaria, the Naval History Museum , and the Church of San Pietro di Castello .

32. Have coffee at the historic Caffè Florian

Caffè Florian is a historic coffee house founded in 1720. It is one of the oldest coffee houses in the world and has a rich cultural heritage that attracts visitors from all over the globe. It also features live music performances throughout the day.

With its prime location in St. Mark's Square, it has served as a meeting place for many famous writers, artists, and musicians over the years, including Casanova, Goethe, and Wagner. At Caffè Florian you can enjoy a cup of coffee with delicious pastries and snacks while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

33. Visit the Palazzo Grassi

Palazzo Grassi is an art museum located in Venice, along the Grand Canal, which showcases contemporary art exhibitions. The museum is housed in a beautiful 18th-century palace that boasts stunning architecture and intricate interiors.

The museum's collection includes works by artists such as Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, and Takashi Murakami. It is a must-visit destination for art lovers and anyone looking to experience the cultural richness of Venice.

34. See the views from the Torre dell'Orologio

The Torre dell'Orologio, also known as the Clock Tower, is a prominent landmark located in St. Mark's Square in Venice, Italy. The tower dates back to the 15th century and is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.

Visitors can climb to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of Venice, including St. Mark's Square and the surrounding area. The tower is also home to a beautiful clock that displays the time, phase of the moon, and zodiac sign.

35. Visit the Museo Correr

The Museo Correr is an art museum located in St. Mark's Square in Venice, Italy. It is housed in the historic Procuratie Nuove building, which was once the residence of the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph.

The museum showcases an extensive collection of Venetian art and artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and historical objects. Visitors can explore the rich history and culture of Venice through the museum's exhibits, which cover topics such as the city's maritime heritage, political history, and artistic traditions.

36. Visit the Palazzo Barbarigo

Palazzo Barbarigo is a stunning palace located on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. The palace was built in the 16th century and is known for its beautiful Baroque architecture and lavish decorations.

Visitors can admire the palace's rich interiors, including the famous Hall of Mirrors, and see the famous 17th-century painting by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, which covers an entire wall of the ballroom. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the Grand Canal from the palace's terraces.

37. Visit the Ca' d'Oro

Ca' d'Oro , also known as the Palazzo Santa Sofia , is a beautiful palace located on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. The palace was built in the 15th century and is a magnificent example of Venetian Gothic architecture.

The palace is now a museum that showcases an impressive collection of Renaissance art, including works by Bellini, Carpaccio, and Mantegna. Visitors can admire the exquisite interiors, including the famous staircase, and take in the breathtaking views of the Grand Canal.

38. Go shopping for souvenirs in the Mercerie

The Mercerie is one of the most famous shopping streets in Venice. It runs from Piazza San Marco to the Rialto Bridge and is lined with elegant shops and boutiques selling everything from Murano glassware to high-end fashion brands.

Originally, the Mercerie was the commercial heart of Venice , where merchants sold spices, textiles, and precious metals. Today, it is a popular shopping destination for both locals and tourists alike. You can also admire the beautiful architecture and soak up the bustling atmosphere of this historic street.

39. See the Ca' Rezzonico Museum

Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century palace on the Grand Canal, the Ca' Rezzonico museum showcases a stunning collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative art from the 18th century.

Visitors can explore the lavish interiors of the palace, which have been painstakingly restored to their original splendor, and admire works by renowned artists such as Giambattista Tiepolo, Francesco Guardi, and Canaletto.

40. See the Palazzo Fortuny Museum

The Palazzo Fortuny is a museum located in the heart of Venice that is dedicated to the life and work of Mariano Fortuny, a famous Spanish designer, and artist who lived in Venice in the early 20th century.

The museum is housed in a beautiful Gothic palace that was once Fortuny's workshop and home. The museum's collection includes many of Fortuny's luxurious textiles, intricate lighting fixtures, and innovative stage designs, as well as paintings and sculptures by other artists.

41. Visit the Casa di Desdemona

Casa di Desdemona is a historic house located in the heart of Verona, Italy. It is believed to be the former residence of Desdemona, the tragic heroine of William Shakespeare's play "Othello."

The house has been carefully restored to reflect the architecture and interior design of the 16th century. Visitors can explore the rooms and learn about the life and times of Desdemona through informative displays and exhibits.

42. Visit the Museo Storico Navale di Venezia

The Museo Storico Navale di Venezia , or the Naval History Museum of Venice , is a fascinating museum located in the Arsenale, the historic shipyard of Venice, the museum is home to a vast collection of maritime artifacts.

You can see ship models, and navigational instruments, and learn about the development of Venetian naval power and its role in the Mediterranean world. The museum also showcases the intricate craftsmanship of Venetian shipbuilders and their contributions to naval technology.

43. Visit the Casa dei Tre Oci

The Casa dei Tre Oci in Venice is a magnificent exhibition space dedicated to photography and visual arts. This stunning neo-Gothic building houses works of internationally renowned photographers and artists.

The museum's name "Casa dei Tre Oci," meaning " House of Three Eyes ," is derived from the building's distinctive tripartite Gothic window, which resembles three eyes. The museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore contemporary art and photography in a stunning historic setting.

44. Walk through the Fondamenta Zattere

Fondamenta Zattere is a scenic promenade located along the southern coast of Venice. The name "Zattere" originates from the wooden rafts (zattere) used to transport goods that were once anchored along the canal.

Today, the area is a popular destination for both locals and tourists due to its stunning views of the Giudecca Canal , colorful houses, and vibrant nightlife. You can take a leisurely stroll along the Fondamenta Zattere and enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine at one of the many cafes.

45. Ride a Motoscafi

Riding a motoscafi (water taxi) in Venice is a unique and exciting experience that offers a different perspective on the city compared to the more traditional Vaporetto (water bus).

Generally, motoscafi are more expensive than the Vaporetto (about €100 for up to five people to or from the Marco Polo Airport ), but they offer a more luxurious and personalized experience. The Vaporetto costs just a few euros but can be crowded during peak hours.

46. Join a Mysteries of Venice tour

A Mysteries of Venice tour is a unique way to discover the city's dark history. You stroll past the many haunted palaces in the city and learn about the secret societies and cults that once thrived in Venice's shadows.

The tour typically includes stops at eerie landmarks such as the Venetian prisons, where infamous criminals were once held, and the Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners were said to have taken their last breaths before being executed.

47. Stop by the San Simeon Piccolo Church

San Simeon Piccolo is a stunning church located in the Santa Croce district, just a few minutes walk from the train station. The church was built in the 15th century and features a beautiful façade adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.

The interior is equally impressive, with a stunning altarpiece, ornate chapels, and impressive frescoes by renowned Venetian artists. San Simeon Piccolo is a must-visit destination for those interested in the history and art of Venice, as it is considered one of the city's hidden gems.

48. Take a day trip to Torcello Island

Torcello is a small island in the northern part of the Venetian Lagoon, far removed from the hustle and bustle of Venice. Visitors can take a Vaporetto from Venice to Torcello and enjoy the scenic ride through the lagoon.

Once on the island, you can explore the Byzantine Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which features stunning mosaics dating back to the 11th century, and the Church of Santa Fosca, a beautiful example of Venetian Romanesque architecture.

FAQs related to the 53 Exciting Things to Do in Venice, Italy

Let's explore some FAQs related to the 65 Exciting Things to Do in Venice, Italy

How can I have fun in Venice, Italy?

Venice offers a plethora of fun activities for tourists. You can take a guided tour or a gondola ride through the canals, visit famous landmarks on the main island, such as the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Basilica, go on a day trip to the island of Burano, try traditional Venetian cuisine, and attend cultural events like the Venice Biennale.

What not to miss in Venice?

There are several must-see sights in Venice that you should not miss. These include St. Mark's Basilica, Piazza San Marco, Doges Palace, the Rialto Bridge, the Grand Canal, and the colorful island of Burano.

Additionally, taking a romantic gondola ride through the canals of Venice or joining one of the walking tours can be another experience for you to enjoy and get a deeper understanding of the local culture and history.

Is 2 days in Venice enough?

Two days in Venice is enough time to enjoy some of the city's highlights.

You can explore the historic city center, take a gondola ride through the canals, visit St. Mark's Basilica and Doge Palace, see the views from St Mark's Campanile, and enjoy some of the city's delicious cuisine.

If you have more time, you can take a water taxi and explore other islands (San Giorgio Maggiore, Burano, Murano, and more) to get a deeper understanding of the local culture and history when visiting Venice.

What is Venice Italy best known for?

Venice is best known for its beautiful canals, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage. The city is famous for its art and music, including the Biennale art exhibition and the Carnival of Venice.

Additionally, Venice is renowned for its traditional Venetian cuisine, which includes seafood dishes and a variety of local wines.

What is the best time to visit Venice?

The best time to visit Venice depends on personal preference. The peak tourist season is from June to August when the weather is warm, but during the busy summer months, the city is crowded and expensive.

Spring (April to May) and fall (September to November) are ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds, but there may be occasional rain.

Winter (December to February) offers the lowest prices and smaller tourist crowds, but the weather can be cold, and some attractions may be closed.

Summing Up: Fun Things to Do in Venice

Venice is a city full of wonders and offers a variety of exciting and fun things to do. 

From visiting iconic landmarks like Piazza San Marco, St. Mark's Basilica, Rialto Market, and Doges Palace to exploring the city's canals by water taxi or the famous gondola rides and watching glassblowers at work on Murano Island, there is something for everyone.

Whether you are interested in art and history or simply want to experience a slice of Venetian life, a visit to Venice is truly an unforgettable experience. So book your trip today and visit Venice to explore this captivating city for yourself!

Take a gondola ride through the canals

Walk across the Rialto Bridge

Visit St. Mark's Basilica

Explore Doge's Palace

Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Visit the Accademia Gallery

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Visit Venice: Top 31 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in venice: the 31 best places to visit and highlights.

You’re planning to visit Venice during your next trip?

Great choice!

With its charming canals and the numerous activities you can do in Venice , you will for sure enjoy your trip to this city built on water, often referred to as “The Floating City”.

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this guide of the 31 best things to do in Venice , with all points of interest and must-see attractions.

In addition to this list of things to do and places to visit, I will also give you itineraries to visit Venice in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days (or even a week!) as well as my selection of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Venice? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

Best way to save time and money: Buy a city pass to visit Venice

1. grand canal gondola ride, 2. st. mark’s square, 3. st. mark’s basilica, 4. st mark’s campanile, 5. doge’s palace, 6. ponte dell’accademia: the best photo spot over venice grand canal, 7. rialto bridge, 8. bridge of sighs, 9. san giorgio maggiore, 10. peggy guggenheim collection, 11. santa maria della salute, 12. ca’ d’oro, 13. basilica di santa maria glorious dei frari, 14. scuola grande di san rocco, 15. rialto market – food tour in venice, 16. teatro la fenice, 17. attending a classical concert or an opera in venice, 18. ca’ rezzonico, 19. scala contarini del bovolo, 20. accademia gallery, 21. libreria acqua alta, 22. museo correr, 23. basilica di san giovanni e paolo, 24. santa maria formosa, 25. chiesa di santa maria dei miracoli, 26. museo di storia naturale, 27. museo storico navale, 28. visit the venetian islands: murano, burano, torcello, 29. lido beach, 31. discover the prosecco wine region, 32. bonus – the dolomite mountains, one day in venice, 2 days in venice, 3 days in venice, 4 days in venice, 5 days in venice (or more), where to stay in venice, tourist map of venice, best time to visit venice, you’re traveling in italy these articles will help you.

In order to help you plan your stay in Venice, I have prepared detailed itineraries depending on your trip duration . You should read them after reading this article.

You can find them here, simply click on the orange links to read the articles:

• 2 Days in Venice – An Epic 48h itinerary
• 3 Days in Venice – The perfect 72h itinerary
• 4 Days in Venice – Itinerary + Best Things to do + Tips

They will allow you to plan your trip very easily!

And if you have any question, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section located at the end of each guide. I would be glad to help you plan your stay.

If you’re planning to discover the city’s most iconic monuments during your trip to Venice, I strongly recommend you to get a City Pass.

It’s the best way to save money and avoid queueing!

Depending on what you want to do in Venice, you can choose between 2 city passes:

1) The Venice City Pass. It includes:

• Entry to Doge’s Palace
• Entry to 11 museums 
• Entry to 16 churches on the Chorus circuit
• Entry to the Querini Stampalia Foundation 
• Transportation on the ACTV network waterbus and bus (this is optional, you can choose to add it or not when you buy your city pass).

To buy your Venice City Pass, simply click on the green button below:

2) The Venice Pass, which includes the following attractions:

• Skip the line ticket for Saint Mark’s Basilica
• Fast track admission ticket to the Doge’s Palace
• A gondola ride
• A self guided audio tour (to download on your phone)

To buy your Venice Pass, click on the green button below:

So, which city pass should you get?

Personally, I would recommend the Venice Pass (click here) , as it includes the 3 most important things to do in Venice!

When you think about Venice, the first thing that comes to your mind is probably the iconic gondola rides along the city’s famous waterways.

The Grand Canal , the main waterway of Venice, offers a unique perspective of the city’s architecture and will allow you to get a good overview of the city of canals.

So during your trip to Venice, you will for sure want to take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal!

Float along the canal, admire the historic buildings, palaces and bridges that line the waterway, and simply enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the city.

A gondola ride is included with the Venice Pass.

Keep in mind: The gondola rides are extremely popular, especially during peak season, so you should really book your gondola ride in advance to secure your spot (and a decent price!).

You need to book your gondola ride by clicking on the green button below:

You prefer to enjoy a private VIP Gondola ride in Venice at night time ? No problem, you need to book it by clicking here.

And if you’re looking for the original and off the beaten path version, you can actually explore Venice Canals with a kayak tour! It needs to be booked by clicking there.

Let’s continue your visit to Venice and head to the famous St. Mark’s Square , the main square of the city.

This hub of Venetian life and history is home to:

• The iconic St. Mark’s Basilica (#3 of my list of the best things to do in Venice), a stunning example of Italo-Byzantine architecture.
• St mark’s Campanile (#4), for a great view over Venice
• The Doge Palace (#5), another historical landmark of Venice located on St Mark’s square.

In the square, you will also find numerous cafes where you can sit, have a drink, and soak in the ambiance of the city.

Located on St Mark’s Square, the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica is a must-see in Venice.

Known as the “Church of Gold” it showcases the wealth and power Venice wielded in the past.

As you approach the Basilica, you’ll immediately notice its stunning Italo-Byzantine architecture.

But once you step inside, it’s the golden mosaics covering the interior  and the famous Pala d’Oro altar , adorned with thousands of gems, that really steal the show.

And for an amazing view over St Mark’s square, head to the Basilica’s terrace , included in your priority ticket.

St Mark’s Basilica opening hours: the Basilica usually opens at 9:30 AM, and the last admission is at 4:00 PM. Keep in mind that these times can vary depending on the season and religious services.

Remember, as a religious site, the Basilica requires visitors to dress modestly. That means your shoulders and knees should be covered.

Don’t be fooled!

Some websites sell tickets to the basilica that just offers access to the ground floor. They sell them for 20€ and it’s basically worthless.

The real tickets to St Mark’s basilica includes:

• Priority access to the basilica
• Access to ground floor
• Access to St.Mark’s Museum
• Access to the Pala D’oro
• Access to the Terrace (amazing view over St Mark’s Square)

To buy the real tickets to St Mark’s basilica , the ones that include everything, simply click on the button below:

The Venice Pass   also included the fast track ticket to Saint Mark’s Basilica. 

And if you want to learn more about St Mark’s Basilica , you should book a guided tour. I recommend you to book that one , or to have a look at all tickets and guided tour to St Mark’s Basilica there:

To enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city , you can climb to the top of St Mark’s Campanile .

The Campanile is located in St Mark’s Square , right next to St Mark’s Basilica. It stands at an impressive 98.6 meters tall, making it one of the highest structures in Venice.

For your convenience, a lift will take you to the top of the tower . Once there, you can enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of the city .

From this vantage point, you can see the entirety of Venice, the lagoon, and even as far as the Dolomite Mountains on a clear day.

As there is only 30 tickets for each time slots , you really need to book your visit as early as possible.

Access to the top of St Mark’s Campanile costs 15€, but trust me, the view is worth every penny!

You need to book your priority ticket to St Mark’s Campanile by clicking on the button below:

Let’s end your tour of St. Mark’s Square monuments with a visit to the Doge’s Palace, one of the best places to visit in Venice.

This beautiful Gothic style palace used to be the residence of the Doge , the supreme authority of the Republic of Venice.

You can explore the beautiful chambers, admire the incredible art , and get a sense of the history and power of the Venetian Republic.

One of the highlights is the famous Bridge of Sighs , which you will pass through during your visit!

The Doge’s Palace is one of the busiest Venice attractions, so you should ideally visit early in the day to avoid the crowds.

Entry to the Doge Palace is included in Venice city Pass and Venice Pass.

If you don’t have the City Pass, you need to book fast track tickets by clicking on the button below:

You want to do a VIP guided tour of both the St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace?

In that case, the best way to save money is to book a combined guided tour.

The best one needs to be booked here:

And if you’re looking for an off the beaten path visit, the Secret of Doge’s Palace VIP tour is for you! You need to book it by clicking here.

When you’re visiting Venice, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to snap a few photos at the Ponte dell’Accademia .

This iconic wooden bridge , one of only four that cross the Grand Canal, offers exceptional views that you can’t get anywhere else.

The view from the bridge is truly postcard-perfect , featuring the Grand Canal , the dome of Santa Maria della Salute , and Venetian palazzos in the background.

It’s a favorite spot for photographers , and you’ll certainly want to capture a few memories of your own here!

Getting the best shot requires a bit of timing: my favourite moment to take a picture from the Ponte dell’Accademia is early in the morning, to get the sunrise in the frame.

But if you don’t want to wake up early, no worries! The scenery is worth a picture all day long 😄.

Let’s continue this list of the best things to do in Venice with the Rialto Bridge , the oldest bridge spanning the Grand Canal.

A hallmark of Venetian architecture, the bridge is also home to numerous shops where you can buy everything from souvenirs to Venetian glass. You should definitely take a moment to appreciate the panoramic view of the canal from the bridge.

Nearby, you’ll find the vibrant Rialto Market , where locals shop for fresh produce and seafood. It’s a great place to take in local life and even grab a bite.

The Rialto Bridge can be quite crowded during the day, so you might want to consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening for a quieter experience and a lovely view of the sunset .

Another great option to avoid (most of) the crowds is to opt for the Unusual Walking Tour. It’s the perfect way to discover Venice hidden gem’s with a friendly guide!

Simply click on the button below to book it:

And if you’re looking for something original and want to visit Venice at night, there is a pretty good ghost tour in Venice, you can book it here.

While you’re near Doge’s Palace , you should take a moment to admire the Bridge of Sighs .

This famous Venetian bridge has a fascinating history. It was the last view of Venice that convicts saw before their imprisonment , hence the name.

For a unique experience, you can see the bridge from the water on a gondola ride. Alternatively, the view from the neighboring bridges is also fantastic.

A great spot to photograph the Bridge of Sighs is from the Ponte della Paglia , the bridge located right behind it.

As I mentioned above, you will walk thorough the bridge during your visit to the Doge’s Palace, but if you want to admire it from beneath, you will need to book this Gondola ride:

You’re going to Venice?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

And that’s even worse in big touristic cities like Venice 😅.

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Venice on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Venice.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Venice, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Venice!

If you’re keen on escaping the hustle and bustle of Venice’s main islands, you should go on a short trip to San Giorgio Maggiore.

This small island is home to a beautiful church and a bell tower , offering one of the finest views of Venice.

San Giorgio Maggiore Church , a gem designed by the famous architect Andrea Palladio , stands majestically on the island. Its white façade against the blue Venetian sky is truly a picturesque sight!

Inside, you can see remarkable artworks , including Tintoretto’s “The Last Supper”.

After exploring the church, make sure to visit the bell tower . Just like for the one in St. Mark’s Square, a small fee and a short lift ride will get you to the top!

From there, the panoramic view of Venice is simply breathtaking. It’s a perfect spot for capturing splendid photos of the city, especially during sunset.

If you prefer, you can also visit San Giorgio Maggiore with a guided tour.

The best one is a small group tour (limited to 9 participants only) that includes a boat tour, the visit to the church and the ticket to climb the San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower.

You need to book it here:

Last but not least, if you’re an art enthusiast , or simply want to enjoy an off the beaten path visit , you should go to the Cini Foundation , located on the island. This cultural institution hosts a rich collection of art and a library specializing in art history.

You need to book your tickets to Cini Foundation by clicking here.

So, how do you get to San Giorgio Maggiore?

Simple, you can catch a vaporetto (water bus) from St. Mark’s Square. The journey is short, but scenic. Remember to check the vaporetto schedule and tickets in advance.

To take the Vaporetto, the easiest is to buy the ACTV Card that includes unlimited access to the buses and water buses an (cheap boat trips yeahhhh! 😎). To get it, you can:

• Buy the Venice City Pass (click here) and choose the public transport option.
• Buy the ACTV Card (also called Vaporetto pass) on its own.

If you are interested in modern art, you should definitely visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

The museum is housed in Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, an unfinished 18th-century palace which was the home of Peggy Guggenheim for 30 years.

It showcases her extensive art collection, featuring masterpieces from renowned 20th-century artists like Picasso, Pollock, Kandinsky, and Dali.

Don’t miss the sculpture garden , it offers a peaceful break with a wonderful view over the Grand Canal.

You need to book your ticket to Peggy Guggenheim Collection by clicking here:

And if you want to learn more about the artworks, you can book a tour with a private art guide:

Please note that if you book the guided tour, you will also need to book your tickets to the museum separately (with the other button above).

Let’s now talk about Santa Maria della Salute , an iconic baroque church located at the entrance to the Grand Canal.

You can admire its grand exterior from various points in Venice , including the Ponte dell’Accademia and the St Mark’s Campanile I mentioned above.

In addition, you should also go take a closer look at its interior, which is equally impressive with stunning frescoes and art pieces.

Entry is free , and the church is generally less crowded than other sites in Venice, offering a moment of relative tranquility amidst your other visits.

Also known as the Golden House, Ca’ d’Oro is another must-visit site when in Venice.

This beautiful example of Venetian Gothic architecture houses the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti , an important Renaissance art collection.

You can visit the Galleria, and enjoy stunning views over the Grand Canal from the loggia.

You need to book your ticket for the Ca’ d’Oro and the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti by clicking on the button below:

The Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, more commonly known as Frari , is a magnificent 13th-century Gothic church.

It’s is not just another religious building in Venice. It’s a treasure trove of art and a historic resting place for Venetian greats, including the famous painter, Titian.

As you step inside Frari, you will discover numerous paintings, sculptures, and architectural features that makes the Basilica truly unique.

The early mornings and late afternoons usually have fewer crowds, allowing for more personal experience of this Venetian gem.

If you enjoy Renaissance art, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco should definitely be on your Venice itinerary.

Located close to the Basilica di Santa Maria Glorious dei Frari I just talked about and known as the ‘Sistine Chapel of Venice’, this confraternity building hosts amazing works by Tintoretto , a famous Venetian artist.

You can admire numerous paintings on the walls and ceiling.

There is so much to see everywhere that they even provide mirrors to avoid straining your neck while admiring the ceiling artwork!

Tickets for the Scuaola Grande di San Roco need to be purchased on site.

One of the experiences you shouldn’t miss while in Venice is a visit to the Rialto Market .

This bustling market is a feast for the senses with its wide array of fresh local produce, seafood, and Venetian specialties .

You can explore the various stalls, sample local delicacies , and maybe even have a little picnic with your market finds!

The market is most vibrant in the morning, so it’s best to go early to see the true bustle of Venetian life . Also, don’t forget to try the local seafood – it’s incredibly fresh!

If you want to discover Venice’s gastronomy and typical products , you should book a street food guided tour with a local guide.

It’s clearly the best way to discover off the beaten track places and enjoy great italian food, including typical Cicchetti (local tapas)!

To book it, you simply have to click on the button below:

And if you’re a wine lover , you should probably opt for this other tour , which also offers tasting of 5 high quality wines: Guided tour of Venice wine bars + food tastings .

Known as the Phoenix Theater, Teatro La Fenice is one of the most famous opera houses in the world.

While it’s a great venue to enjoy a concert or opera, even without a show ticket, you can still explore its architectural beauty.

And I strongly recommend you to do so!

From the grandeur of the auditorium to the elegance of the Apollonian Halls , it’s a really nice visit to do in Venice.

Teatro La Fenice is easily accessible by vaporetto (don’t forget to get your Venice City Pass with transport option or ACTV Card ). The closest stops are Sant’Angelo and Rialto.

If you’re already near St. Mark’s Square , the opera house is only a 5-minute walk away. Remember, getting lost in Venice is part of the charm!

Tickets to visit Teatro La Fenice need to be bought by clicking on the button below:

And if you want to learn every secret of the opera house , you should book the guided tour by clicking here. The guided tour also includes a priority entrance.

If you would like to attend a classical concert or an Opera in Venice , you can of course book one on the website of Teatro La Fenice .

However, there are also more intimate concerts , that are cheaper and totally worth it!

Here are my 2 favourites (simply click on the orange links for more info and to book):

Four Seasons concert at Vivaldi Church: attend a classical concert at Santa Maria della Visitazione, nicknamed “Vivaldi’s church”. You might not know it, but the famous composer was actually venetian!

Opera in an historic palace on  the Grand Canal: if you’re up for a truly Venetian experience, how about an opera in a historic palace on the Grand Canal? It’s a magical blend of music, history, and the unique charm of Venice.

It’s really a once in a lifetime experience, I loved it!

If you’re keen to dive into Venice’s rich history, Ca’ Rezzonico is the place for you.

This palatial museum of 18th century is filled with beautiful furniture, frescoes, and artwork. You can easily spend 2 hours exploring the various rooms and exhibits. The Ballroom is especially impressive!

The museum also offers stunning views over the Grand Canal.

Access to Ca’Rezzonico is included with Venice city Pass .

Scala Contarini del Bovolo is a hidden gem in the heart of Venice.

This ornate spiral staircase provides an amazing panoramic view of the city . As you climb the steps, you’ll be greeted with a different perspective of Venice at each level.

This remarkable architectural structure is often overlooked by tourists, making it a perfect spot for a more tranquil and unique experience.

To visit, you need to book your tickets in advance here:

You will also pass by Palazzo Contarini is also included in the “Venice secret spots” walking tour. You need to book it by clicking here.

Art enthusiasts should make sure to visit the Accademia Gallery , one of the most important art museums in Italy .

The museum hosts an extensive collection of Venetian painting from the 14th to the 18th centuries, including masterpieces by artists such as Titian, Tintoretto, and Canaletto.

If you want to immerse yourself in the rich art history of Venice , the Accademia Gallery is one of Venice highlights.

To ensure a smooth visit, you should book your tickets in advance on the official website.

Try to allocate at least 1h30 for your visit to the Accademia Gallery, as there is a lot to see.

Tucked away in one of Venice’s quieter corners, Libreria Acqua Alta is a unique bookstore that has become a favorite among tourists and locals alike.

Its name translates to “Bookstore of High Water,” a fitting name as the store is filled with bathtubs, waterproof bins, and even a gondola , all filled with books to protect them from the city’s frequent floods.

Apart from its unconventional storage methods, the bookstore is known for its wide range of books, from brand new bestsellers to antique books, all stacked in no particular order.

If you’re a book lover, visiting Libreria Acqua Alta is a must. It’s a unique experience that perfectly encapsulates Venice’s charming and unconventional spirit.

Plus, you might even find a special souvenir to remind you the best of Venice!

Located at the far end of St. Mark’s Square, Museo Correr is an often-overlooked museum in Venice that offers a fascinating insight into Venetian art, history, and culture.

And it would be a shame to miss it, as the entrance to Museo Correr is included in the Doge’s Palace ticket!

The museum houses a vast collection of artworks, historical documents, maps, coins, and more that span centuries.

One of the museum’s highlights is the Neoclassical section, which houses works from Canova, one of Italy’s greatest sculptors.

It also offers a stunning view of St. Mark’s Square from its windows – a perfect photo opportunity.

Remember to book your tickets to the Doge’s Palace (that include Correr museum) by clicking here.

The Basilica di San Giovanni e Paolo, known in Venice as San Zanipolo , is one of the city’s largest and most important churches .

It holds a special place in Venice’s history, as many Doges (leaders of the Venetian Republic) are buried here, lending it the nickname “Pantheon of Venice.”

The basilica’s stunning interior is filled with precious art pieces, including paintings by famous Venetian artists such as Veronese and Bellini.

However, the real charm of this place lies in its tranquil, relatively undiscovered status.

One of Venice’s oldest churches, Santa Maria Formosa , is not only a place of worship but also a storehouse of local legends.

As the story goes, the Virgin Mary herself appeared to St. Magnus, the bishop of Oderzo, in a vision and instructed him to build a church in her honor at this site.

In addition to the grandeur of the church and its beautiful bell tower, the area around Santa Maria Formosa is a charming part of Venice known for its art galleries and boutique stores.

As you walk around the neighborhood, you will find numerous unique pieces of Venetian artistry and craftsmanship to bring back home.

Included in the City Pass.

The Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli, often called the Miracle Church , is a small but really nice church from the Renaissance period, notable for its marble-clad exterior and interior.

Despite its small size, it packs a lot of detail that is worth taking the time to appreciate.

For those with a love for nature and the sciences , Venice’s Museo di Storia Naturale , or Natural History Museum, offers a fascinating journey through our natural world.

Housed in the stunning Fondaco dei Turchi, a palace with its origins dating back to the 13th century, the museum’s exhibits span millions of years of natural history.

From prehistoric fossils to displays showcasing present-day biodiversity and ecology , this museum is the perfect place to learn more about life on Earth.

You need to book your tickets to the Museo di Storia Naturale by clicking on the button below:

Entrance to the museo is included with Venice city Pass .

If you’re looking for things to do in Venice with children , Venice Natural History Huseum is the ideal cultural visit.

Its interactive exhibits offer a fun and educational experience .

And don’t forget to soak up the stunning views of the Grand Canal from the museum’s windows!

While you’re in the St. Mark’s area, consider a visit to the Museo Storico Navale , or the Naval History Museum.

This museum, located in the Castello district, offers a deep dive into Venice’s maritime history.

From the grand ship models to naval instruments and weapons , this museum gives you a comprehensive view of Venice’s naval prowess and its maritime history.

It’s a must-visit for history buffs.

The Naval History Museum can be visited on the same day as your tour of St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, given its proximity.

Best Things to Do Around Venice

Venice’s charm doesn’t stop at the city’s borders!

After discovering all the best places to visit in Venice, you should spend some time to visit the surroundings .

In order to help you plan your visits, here are the 4 best day trips from Venice.

Murano, Burano and Torcello are 3 islands in the Venetian lagoon that are each worth a day trip.

Murano, most famous for its centuries-old tradition of glassmaking, offers tourists the chance to visit glass factories or ‘fornaci’, where skilled artisans mold glass into intricate designs.

You can also visit the Museo del Vetro , where you’ll see historic and contemporary glass art.

From Murano, take a short boat ride to Burano, recognizable by its vibrant, multicolored houses. While here, make sure to visit a lacemaking workshop to witness a craft that dates back to the 16th century.

End your day at Torcello, the oldest inhabited island in the lagoon. I ts main attraction is the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, home to stunning Byzantine mosaics.

If you want to do this day trip on your own , please note that Murano glass museum and Burano lace Museum are both included in the Venice City Pass.

It’s very convenient!

Else, If you’re looking for an hassle-free solution , you can visit Murano, Burano and Torcello from Venice with an organised day trip.

The 6h guided tour includes the 3 islands and starts from St Mark’s Square. You need to book it by clicking on the button below:

And if you prefer a shorter tour (4h), you can opt for the one that only goes to Murano and Burano. Simply click here to book it.

For a change of scenery, you can take a vaporetto (as always, you need your Venice City Pass with transport option or ACTV Card ) to Lido Beach .

This long stretch of sand is the perfect place to unwind after a few days of sightseeing. Rent a cabana and relax in the sun , take a refreshing dip in the Adriatic Sea, or enjoy a picnic with local Italian delicacies.

Alternatively, you can take a walk around the island or rent a bike to discover its Art Nouveau villas, charming streets , and lush gardens.

Last but not least, Lido is also home to the Venice Film Festival, which takes place every September at the historic Palazzo del Cinema.

If you’re planning to spend a few days in Venice, you should consider a day trip to Verona , a nearby city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Located only 1h30 drive from Venice, Verona is famous for its Roman history and the legendary love story of Romeo and Juliet.

Start your visit at the Verona Arena, a well-preserved Roman amphitheater that hosts opera performances in the summer.

Wander through the city’s cobblestone streets   and head to Juliet’s House , where you can see the famous balcony , take a picture with the statue of Juliet and leave a love note on the gate.

If you don’t want to bother with organizing your day by yourself, you should book a guided tour with transport included.

The best day trip will allow you to visit several places: Verona of course, but also a winery in the wine regions of Amarone and Valpolicella.

Yes, during your tour, you will also have the opportunity to taste some of the best Italian wines!

To book your guided tour to Verona + Amarone winery, simply click on the button below:

The Prosecco region is a wine district in Italy between the towns of Conegliano Veneto and Valdobbiadene .

It’s the only area in the world where the world famous white sparkling wine, Prosecco DOCG , is produced.

Since 2019 this area has been added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

If you are looking for things to do in Venice or around the city , the Prosecco region is a great option! In fact, this area can be reached by car from Venice in around one hour.

Here are my favorite things to do in Prosecco wine region:

• Hike or bike along the Via del Prosecco: Many hotels can arrange bike rental
• Visit one of the many towns in the area , for example Cison di Valmarino (nominated one of the most beautiful villages in Italy), or Castelbrando, a fairytale castle up on a hill.
• Do a wine tasting workshop in one of the many wineries in the region
• Have a glass of wine watching the sunset while sitting in the vineyards
• Stop at one of the many restaurants or trattoria in the area and try one of the local specialties

If you have more time, you can combine the Prosecco wine region with the Dolomites and the Braies Lake , which are just a 2-3 hours drive away from here.

You can find more authentic places and hidden gems to discover around the Prosecco Region on Beating Jetlag .

You want to get away from the hustle and Bustle of Venice?

Then, you should head to the Dolomite Mountains , a UNESCO World Heritage site , and a must for nature lovers. These majestic peaks offer spectacular landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities .

In the summer, you can hike or bike on well-marked trails, while in the winter, you can ski or snowboard on world-class slopes.

Don’t miss a visit to the picturesque Lake Misurina or the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo, 3 distinctive peaks that are one of the Dolomites’ most iconic sights .

Remember to check the weather before you go – it can change quickly in the mountains!

The best Tour to Dolomite Mountains includes Transfer from Venice with return and, of course, beautiful landscapes all along the way.

To book your day trip to the Dolomites, you just need to click on the button below:

How Many Days to Visit Venice?

How much time should you spend in Venice?

This depends on your personal preferences and the pace at which you like to travel. However, a typical recommendation is to plan for a 3 to 4-day trip .

This duration allows you to visit the main attractions like St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

It also leaves you with enough time to enjoy a gondola ride , visit the islands of Murano and Burano, and even explore a bit off the beaten path!

What are the best things to do in Venice in 1 day?

Here is the perfect itinerary to visit Venice in a day:

• First, go to Saint Mark’s Square
• Visit Saint Mark’s Basilica
• Climb the saint Mark’s campanile (provided you have booked your tickets in advance)
• Visit the doge’s Palace , and cross the Bridge of Sighs
• Optional, if you’re interested in this type of visit: Correr Museum (entrance included with Doge’s Palace ticket)
• Gondola tour on Venice’s Grand Canal
• Pass by the 3 most famous churches: Santa Maria Formosa / Basilica of San Giovanni e Paolo / Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli
• Go to the rialto Bridge to end the day in style.

For this one-day itinerary in Venice, you should really buy the Venice city pass . It includes skip the line tickets for Saint Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and a gondola ride.

It’s the best way to save time and be able to visit Venice’s must see attractions in one day!

You need to click on the button below to buy your Venice Pass:

If you’d like to spend a weekend in Venice and have 2 days to visit the city of the Doges, I recommend the following itinerary:

For the first day, you can do the itinerary I mentioned above for 1 day in Venice and visit St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, do a Gondola Tour, go to the Rialto Bridge etc.

• For art lovers, visit the Ca d’Oro
• Rialto Market
• Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
• Scuola Grande di San Roco
• Ca’Rezzonico
• Ponte dell Accademia
• Optional: the Accademia Gallery or Peggy Guggenheim Collection
• Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute
• Attend a concert or opera in Venice.

To easily plan your 2-day itinerary in Venice, you should read my dedicated article: The best 2-day Venice itinerary .

If you have 3 days in Venice , you should do the itineraries I mentioned above for the 2 first days.

Then, for your 3rd day , you should explore the nearby islands of Burano, Murano and Torcello!

You can go there on your own, taking the boat between the islands each time , or opt for a guided tour with transport included from Saint Mark’s Square.

You can choose between a 6-hour tour (Burano + Murano + Torcello) or the 4h tour , only including Burano and Murano.

In order to help you plan your 3-day stay in Venice, I have written a detailed itinerary. Simply click here to read it: How to visit Venice in 3 days?

For 4 days in Venice , simply do the 3 days itinerary I suggested above , and add for the 4th day:

Start your day with a visit to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore .

You can get there on your own by boat or or opt for the guided tour (boat trip + visit to the church and bell tower).

In the afternoon, you have 2 options :

1) You can stroll around Venice , see its many churches or visit the natural history or naval history museums , and of course do a bit of shopping .

2) Go to Lido island and beach for a relaxing afternoon.

Planning to spend 4 days in Venice? In that case, you should read my detailed article: The Perfect itinerary for 4 days in Venice .

Once you’ve explored the city and seen all the best places to visit in Venice , it’s time to explore the surrounding area .

Why not go on a day trip to Verona or discover the Dolomites?

Here is my selection of the best hotels in Venice depending on your budget.

If you already know your travel dates, you should book your hotel: Venice is super touristy and the best deals don’t last long!

So if you don’t want to end up with a very expensive mediocre room, book your hotel now by clicking on the orange links below:

• Generator Venice: Located on Giudecca. Beds in dormitories from €40. Strong points: very clean, comfortable bed, view.
• Il Lato Azzurro: Located on the picturesque island of Sant’Erasmo, a short boat ride from the bustling streets of Venice. Double rooms, beginning at 85€ per night, with breakfast included. What I loved: the peaceful island location, the garden, the bright rooms.
• Casa Sulla Laguna: Located on Murano, a short boat ride of Venice. Double room overlooking the lagoon, from €120. Strong points: the friendliness of the owners, the peace and quiet, and the quick and easy access to Venice.  This is my favourite hotel in Venice for its exceptional value for money!
• San Lio Tourist House: Located in Castelleo district. Modern double room from €150. Strong points: perfect location, super helpful host, near the Rialto bridge.
• Hotel Villa Rosa: Located in the Cannaregio district. Elegantly decorated double room from €190, breakfast included. Strong points: great location, comfortable room, very friendly staff.
• Hotel Moresco: Situated just a short walk from the Grand Canal. This 4* hotel offers spacious and lavishly decorated double rooms, beginning at 330 € per night, with breakfast included. What I loved: the tranquil garden, the enchanting Venetian decor, the hotel’s short distance from key sights. The best hotel in Venice for a luxury stay!

If you’re looking for a luxury hotel to stay in Venice , here’s my selection:

• Radisson Collection Hotel: Located on Cannaregio. Well-decorated, comfortable double room from €520, breakfast included. Benefits: the spa, beautiful interior design, great service.
• Ca’di Dio-Small Luxury Hotel: Located 800 metres from the Doge’s Palace. Elegantly decorated double room from € 640 including breakfast. Strong points: great views, friendly and attentive staff, wonderful breakfast.
• Baglioni Hotel Luna – The leading hotels of the world: Just 50 metres from Piazza San Marco. Magnificent and very spacious double room from €690, breakfast €35. Strong points: exceptional staff, very central location, amazing breakfast.
• The St Regis Venice: Located on the banks of Venice’s Grand Canal. Beautiful, elegantly decorated rooms from €1,500 per night, breakfast €50. Strong points: exceptional services, amazing views, beautiful design.

To help you plan your visits, I have made a tourist map of Venice , with all the best places to visit, must see attractions and activities I talk about in this guide.

You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button , the one with a small arrow.

Choosing the best time to visit Venice depends on what you want out of your trip.

This city has a unique charm in every season, but each time of the year offers a different experience .

1) Spring (April to June) is often considered one of the best times to visit Venice.

The weather is usually mild and pleasant, making it ideal for walking around and exploring. The city is starting to come alive with tourists, but it’s not as crowded as it gets in the summer.

2) Summer (July to August) is the busiest tourist season.

The city can be quite crowded, and the temperatures can be quite high.

However, you’ll find plenty of outdoor events and festivals to enjoy.

3) Autumn (September to November) is another good time to visit.

The tourist crowds start to thin out, and the weather, while cooler, is still generally good. Autumn also sees the Venice Film Festival taking place.

4) Winter (December to March) is the least crowded time to visit Venice.

The weather can be chilly, and you might experience acqua alta (high water), but you’ll have the city’s beauty almost to yourself.

Plus, if you time your visit right, you can experience the unique spectacle of the Venice Carnival.

If you need help planning your trip to Venice, don’t hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments section below!

Italy travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Italy guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the Rick Steves Italy guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all my articles about Italy : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Italy are listed there.

• The 20 Best Things to do in Italy – All the must-see places!
• Cinque Terre: The definitive guide to plan your visit
• Florence: The 27 best things to do and must-see attractions
• Milan: The Top 15 things to do in the city and around
• Pisa: Top 21 must-see attractions + Tips
• Rome: The 25 best things to do and see
• Siena: Top 20 best places to visit
• Turin: The 20 must-see attractions
• Venice: The 31 best things to do (+ Tips)
• 2 days in Florence
• 3 days in Florence
• 4 days in Florence
• 5 days in Florence
• 2 days in Milan
• 3 days in Milan
• 4 days in Milan
• 2 Days in Rome – How to visit Rome in 48h
• 3 Days in Rome – The best itinerary to visit Rome in 72h
• 4 Days in Rome – The best places to visit in 4 days
• 5 Days in Rome – How to spend 5 days in Rome
• 6 Days in Rome – The ultimate Itinerary + Where to stay
• One week in Rome – The perfect 7-day itinerary
• Where to stay in Milan? My guide to the best areas and hotels for a perfect stay
• Where to stay in Rome? – The definitive guide of the best areas!
• Where to stay in Venice? My selection of the best hotels and districts for an epic stay
• Omnia Card: The definitive guide
• Colosseum: The 7 best skip the line tickets
• Trevi Fountain: History, Secrets and Facts
• Rome’s Hidden Gems : The Definitive Guide with 17 secret spots!
• The 20 Best museums in Rome – With all my best tips!
• Rome in May: The definitive guide to plan your visit: weather, things to do, itineraries and more!
• Rome in June: Guide + All my best tips

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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