Best Things to Do in Venice
Although Venice is a magical place in of itself, there are certain unmissable experiences you simply can't miss. Discover what to do during your time in Venice.
A true gem of Italy, the city known as La Serenissima (Most Serene) enchants with its timeless beauty and romantic charm. If you're thinking of visiting Venice, this guide will walk you through the top 10 things to do and see so that you can make the most of your trip!
Take a Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal
The Grand Canal, Venice's most important waterway, offers a unique perspective on the city and its architecture. Lined with sumptuous palaces, majestic churches, and historic residences, this iconic canal reflects the grandeur and beauty of Venice. Enjoying a gondola ride on the Grand Canal is perhaps the best way to traverse the city while seeing the sights along the way. From this unique perspective, glide silently over Venice's shimmering waters with an audioguide in English—you're sure to fall in love with this incredible city and its history!
Explore St. Mark's Basilica and Square
St. Mark's Square (also known as Piazza San Marco) lies at the very heart of Venice. Surrounded by stunning architecture and fine cafés, this beautiful square is among the most iconic on the planet.
We recommend picking up the San Marco City Pass. With this pass, you can explore and visit a number the many landmarks and museums on the square, including the Doge's Palace, the Campanile, the Clock Tower, St. Mark's Library, the National Archaeological Museum, the Correr Museum, and the churches of Santa Maria del Giglio, Santo Stefano, and Santa Maria Formosa, not to mention St. Mark's Basilica itself.
A guided tour of St. Mark's Basilica is a must when visiting Venice. Nicknamed the 'Chiesa d'Oro' or 'Church of Gold,' this legendary landmark is renowned for its five majestic domes decorated with ornate golden mosaics that shimmer in the sunlight, as well as the many treasures housed within. See them for yourself!
Cross the Famous Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. Dating back to 1591, it is the oldest of the four bridges which cross the Grand Canal and is renowned for its historical significance, stunning architecture and breathtaking views. When you're there, be sure to continue on to the bustling Rialto Market, a social hub in the city, frequented by locals shopping for fresh local seafood and produce.
Learn all about this iconic landmark, on this Rialto and Jewish Quarter Tour, during which you'll also gain an insight into the lesser-known history of Jewish people in Venice, in the old Jewish Quarter.
Visit the Castello Neighbourhood
Castello is the largest and oldest of the city's six sestiere (neighbourhoods), located not too far from Rialto. Truly a charming part of the city, Castello is filled with hidden squares, narrow streets and incredible historic buildings and landmarks, such as the Basilica of San Pietro di Castello—Venice's cathedral church from 1451 until 1807. Castello is also famous for having a number of beautiful parks, which are frequented by locals and visitors alike. Among the most popular parks in Castello is the stunning Giardini della Biennale—host to the Venice Biennale art exhibition. Another significant part of the city is the Venetian Arsenal, a massive complex consisting of former shipyards and armouries dating back to at least the 12th century.
If you want to see this historic district for yourself and gain insights from an expert guide along the way, be sure to take a look at this Castello Neighbourhood Tour!
Marvel at the Palazzo Ca' d'Oro
This magnificent Gothic palace, located on the banks of the Grand Canal, is one of the finest examples of Venetian Renaissance architecture. Built in the 15th century, the Palazzo Ca' d'Oro (House of Gold) owes its name to its gold-leaf-covered facade, which once shone under the Venetian sun. Today, the palace is home to the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti, home to a remarkable collection of paintings, sculptures and decorative art pieces, masterpieces by great Venetian artists such as Titian, Veronese and Tintoretto.
Visit Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs
Continue your journey through the incredible history of Venice by visiting the Doge's Palace, the seat of political power and a symbol of the Republic of Venice, and a stunning piece of Gothic architecture. There are lots of ways to visit Doge's Palace with Civitatis. Entry is included with the San Marco City Pass, and for a deeper historical insight into the building and its history, you might opt for the Doge's Palace Guided Tour.
Right next to the Doge's Palace is the Bridge of Sighs, another iconic site in Venice that you must not miss. This covered bridge connects the Doge's Palace to the old city prisons and gets its name from the sighs of condemned prisoners who crossed its arches before their incarceration. Although you cannot cross the Bridge of Sighs, you can see it from afar during a free tour of Venice or a gondola ride along the canals.
Discover the Venetian Lagoon's Islands
Slightly off of the beaten track, and definitely worth visiting is the stunning Venetian Lagoon. This lagoon is thought to have formed around 6000 years ago, and on its sandbank are various settlements, which have been inhabited since ancient times. Discover the best known of these islands on the Burano, Murano and Tocello Self-Guided Excursion. A highlight of this excursion is walking along Burano's narrow streets, which are lined with multi-coloured houses—these streets have served as inspiration for numerous artists. Also enjoy wonderful views of the old city, and delicious Venetian cuisine along the way!
Explore the City's Museums and Galleries
A city steeped in so much history and with such a wealth of culture, it should come as no surprise that Venice is home to a variety of fascinating museums. If you're culturally inclined, definitely check out these options:
- The Museo Correr: Venice's main museum, home to works of art and historic artefacts related to the city. Admission is included as part of the Venezia Unica City Pass.
- La Gallerie dell'Accademia: originally opened as a teaching facility in 1784, this museum now houses a number of Michaelangelo's finest works, including the statue of David. See how to visit the Accademia Gallery with Civitatis.
- The Peggy Guggenheim Collection: grab a ticket for the Peggy Guggenheim Collection to discover one of the most significant modern art collections in Europe, housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni along the Grand Canal.
Stroll through the Dorsoduro District
Dorsoduro is a picturesque neighbourhood renowned for its art galleries, trendy cafés and breathtaking canal views. One of the highlights of Dorsoduro is the magnificent church of Santa Maria della Salute, considered by many to be a Baroque masterpiece whose architecture you can admire as part of this free tour of this Carnivals and Secrets: Venice Free Tour. On this tour, as well as passing through the Dorsoduro neighbourhood, you'll have the inside track about the local stories surrounding various parts of the city.
Enjoy Venetian Cuisine in a Bacaro
Round off your visit to Venice with a gourmet break in one of the city's many bacari—traditional wine bars. Here, you can enjoy cicchetti (small, delicious snacks) accompanied by a glass of local wine. Soak up the friendly atmosphere of these typical establishments and discover the authentic flavours of Venetian cuisine.
Diving into the culinary world of Venice can be a daunting leap. That's why we recommend going on a gastronomic tour of Venice and we'll take you to some of the city's best places to sample Venetian specialties. Alternatively, opt for a wine tasting to discover the region's wine culture and traditions.
There you have it! Our top things to do in Venice. There is lots to do and see in this magical city. Keep reading this guide for more top tips for visiting this beautiful city, from its history to public transport!
Guided Tours in English
If you want to see the city of canals with an official English language guide, then you can reserve guided tours and excursions in Venice.
