Venice is a city that exists nowhere else on Earth. Built entirely on water, this floating masterpiece captivates millions of visitors each year with its timeless beauty and romantic charm.
Imagine gliding through narrow canals on a gondola, exploring centuries-old palaces, and getting lost in a labyrinth of cobblestone streets where every corner reveals something magical. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to rediscover its wonders, Venice offers experiences that stay with you forever.
This guide will walk you through the top things to do in Venice Italy, ensuring you make the most of every moment in this extraordinary city. From must-see landmarks to hidden treasures, nighttime adventures to seasonal celebrations, we’ve got everything covered.
Explore St. Mark’s Square and Basilica
St. Mark’s Square is the beating heart of Venice and your journey should begin here. This grand piazza has been the center of Venetian life for over a thousand years, surrounded by architectural masterpieces that tell the story of Venice’s glorious past.
The square itself is a marvel to behold. Elegant arcades line three sides, while the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica dominates the eastern end. Take time to simply sit at one of the cafes and soak in the atmosphere. Watch street performers entertain crowds, pigeons flutter about, and people from every corner of the world gather in this iconic space.
St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the best things to do in Venice Italy and absolutely cannot be missed. This Byzantine masterpiece gleams with golden mosaics that cover over 8,000 square meters of interior space. The intricate artwork depicts biblical scenes in stunning detail, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere inside.
Arrive early in the morning to avoid the longest queues. The basilica is free to enter, though there are additional fees for special areas like the museum and treasury. Book tickets online in advance if you want to skip the line entirely. The Pala d’Oro, a golden altarpiece studded with precious gems, is worth the extra admission fee.
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Take a Gondola Ride Through the Canals
A gondola ride is quintessentially Venetian and remains one of the most romantic things to do in Venice. These sleek black boats have transported Venetians through the city’s waterways for nearly a thousand years.
The experience offers a unique perspective of Venice you simply cannot get from walking. Glide under ancient bridges, pass by elegant palazzos, and navigate narrow canals where buildings seem to emerge directly from the water. Your gondolier may even serenade you with traditional Italian songs, adding to the magical atmosphere.
Standard gondola rides typically last 30 to 40 minutes and accommodate up to six passengers. While not the cheapest activity in Venice, sharing the cost with other travelers makes it more affordable. The official rates are regulated, so prices should be consistent across different gondoliers.
For the most enchanting experience, consider booking things to do in Venice at night. The city takes on a different character after dark. Fewer crowds mean quieter canals, and the soft glow of streetlights reflecting on the water creates an incredibly romantic ambiance.
Visit the Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace stands as a monument to Venice’s former power and glory. This Gothic masterpiece served as the residence of the Doge, Venice’s elected leader, and the seat of government for centuries.
The exterior alone is breathtaking with its pink and white marble facade and intricate stonework. But the real treasures lie inside. Room after room showcases the wealth and artistic patronage of the Venetian Republic. Massive paintings by masters like Tintoretto and Veronese adorn the walls and ceilings.
Walking through the palace tells the complete story of Venetian governance. You’ll explore the grand chambers where the Great Council met, see the opulent apartments of the Doge, and even descend into the palace’s prison cells. The famous Bridge of Sighs connects the palace to the prisons, named for the sighs of prisoners catching their last glimpse of Venice before imprisonment.
Book a combined ticket that includes both St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace to save money. Audio guides are available and highly recommended to fully appreciate the historical significance of what you’re seeing. The secret itineraries tour offers access to hidden areas not included in the standard visit, including torture chambers and the rooms where the secret police operated.
Get Lost in Venice’s Charming Neighborhoods
The best way to discover authentic Venice is to wander without a map. Getting lost in the narrow streets and quiet squares away from the main tourist areas is genuinely one of the top things to do in Venice, Italy.
Start with Dorsoduro, a neighborhood known for its artistic vibe and local character. Here you’ll find the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, charming campo squares where locals gather, and traditional bacari wine bars. The area feels more residential and gives you a glimpse of everyday Venetian life.
Cannaregio offers another authentic experience. This is Venice’s largest sestiere and home to the historic Jewish Ghetto, the first of its kind in the world. Walk along the Fondamenta della Misericordia to find restaurants and bars frequented by locals rather than tourists. The atmosphere here is relaxed and welcoming.
Don’t miss Castello, the largest and most diverse neighborhood in Venice. While it contains major sites like the Arsenale shipyards, much of Castello remains off the typical tourist path. Explore the area around Via Garibaldi, a wide street unusual for Venice, lined with shops and cafes where locals do their daily shopping.
Each neighborhood has its own personality and discovering them is what makes things to do in Venice truly special. Cross bridges you’ve never seen before, follow intriguing alleyways, and embrace the adventure of not knowing exactly where you’ll end up.
Experience the Rialto Bridge and Market
The Rialto Bridge is the oldest and most famous of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal. This iconic structure has connected the San Marco and San Polo districts since 1591, and walking across it is an essential Venice experience.
The bridge itself is an architectural wonder. Unlike other Venetian bridges, the Rialto features shops built into its structure, maintaining a tradition that dates back centuries. Pause in the middle for spectacular views up and down the Grand Canal, watching vaporetto water buses and boats of all kinds navigate the busy waterway.
Adjacent to the bridge, the Rialto Market has been Venice’s main market for over a thousand years. This is where locals come to buy fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, and other goods. Visiting the market, especially in the morning when its most active, offers an authentic slice of Venetian daily life.
The fish market, or Pescheria, is particularly fascinating. Vendors display the morning’s catch from the Adriatic, and you’ll see seafood varieties you might not encounter elsewhere. Even if you’re not buying anything, the colorful displays and bustling energy make it worth exploring.
For the best experience, arrive early between 7 AM and noon when the market is in full swing. The fish market operates Tuesday through Saturday, while the produce market is open daily except Sunday. Bring your camera because the vibrant colors and authentic atmosphere create wonderful photo opportunities.
Discover the Islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello
Venturing beyond Venice proper to the nearby islands ranks among the best things to do in Venice Italy. Each island has its own distinct character and visiting them provides a completely different perspective on the Venetian lagoon.
Murano has been the center of Venetian glassmaking for over 700 years. Watch master craftsmen demonstrate their incredible skills, blowing and shaping molten glass into delicate works of art. Many workshops offer free demonstrations, though they hope you’ll browse their showrooms afterward. The Glass Museum provides historical context and showcases stunning examples of Murano glass through the centuries.
Burano is famous for its lace-making tradition and its incredibly colorful houses. The entire island looks like a painting come to life, with each house painted in vibrant hues of pink, yellow, blue, and green. Legend says fishermen painted their homes in bright colors so they could spot them from the sea.
Walking through Burano feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The colorful facades create endless photo opportunities, and the peaceful atmosphere contrasts beautifully with the busier main island. Visit the Lace Museum to learn about the intricate art form that made Burano famous across Europe.
Torcello is the quietest of the three islands and offers a glimpse into Venice’s ancient past. This was actually one of the earliest settled islands in the lagoon, once more prosperous than things to do in Venice itself. Today, only a handful of residents remain, but you can visit the beautiful Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta with its stunning Byzantine mosaics.
Vaporetto water buses connect all three islands, and you can easily visit all of them in a single day trip. Alternatively, many tour operators offer combined island tours that include transportation and guided visits.
Enjoy Venetian Cuisine and Cicchetti Bars
Experiencing Venetian food culture is absolutely one of the top things to do in Venice, Italy. The city’s unique position on the water and its historical role as a trading hub created a distinctive cuisine that blends Italian traditions with influences from across the Mediterranean.
Cicchetti are Venice’s version of tapas, small plates meant for sharing. These bite-sized snacks range from simple crostini topped with creamy baccalà (cod fish) to more elaborate seafood preparations. Enjoying cicchetti at a traditional bacaro (wine bar) is how Venetians socialize after work.
The ritual of going for cicchetti, called “giro di ombra,” involves hopping between several bacari, having a small plate and a glass of wine at each stop. You’ll stand at the bar like locals do, chat with friends, and move on to the next spot. This social tradition offers an authentic way to experience Venetian culture.
For the best cicchetti experience, head to areas frequented by locals rather than tourist hotspots. The Cannaregio neighborhood, particularly around Fondamenta della Misericordia, has excellent options. In Dorsoduro, you’ll find quality bacari near Campo Santa Margherita.
Don’t miss trying traditional Venetian dishes like sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines), risotto al nero di seppia (risotto with cuttlefish ink), and fegato alla veneziana (Venetian-style liver with onions). Seafood dominates Venetian menus, always incredibly fresh thanks to the city’s proximity to the Adriatic.
Attend a Classical Concert or Opera
Venice’s musical heritage runs deep, and experiencing live classical music here connects you to centuries of artistic tradition. The city was home to Antonio Vivaldi, and his compositions remain popular at concerts throughout things to do in Venice today.
Numerous churches and palazzos host intimate classical music performances almost every evening. The Church of San Vidal, located near the Accademia Bridge, regularly features concerts focusing on Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” and other Baroque masterpieces. The beautiful church setting adds to the atmospheric experience.
For a more lavish experience, attend a performance at La Fenice, Venice’s famous opera house. This spectacular theater has hosted premieres of works by Verdi, Rossini, and other Italian masters. The ornate interior, with its gold decorations and red velvet seats, is worth seeing even if opera isn’t usually your thing.
La Fenice offers opera performances, ballet, and classical concerts throughout the year. Dress codes are relaxed for most performances, though many visitors enjoy dressing up for the occasion. Book tickets in advance, especially for popular productions during peak season.
If you’re looking for things to do in Venice at night, classical concerts provide a cultured and memorable evening. The combination of beautiful settings, world-class musicians, and Venice’s magical atmosphere creates an experience you won’t forget.
Visit During Carnival or New Year
Timing your visit for special events can make your things to do in Venice experience even more extraordinary. Two celebrations stand out as particularly spectacular times to visit.
Venice Carnival transforms the city into a living theater every February or early March. For ten days, Venice celebrates with elaborate masks, costume balls, and festivities throughout the city. St. Mark’s Square becomes the main stage, with parades, performances, and thousands of people in stunning historical costumes.
The tradition of mask-wearing during Carnival dates back centuries. Originally, masks allowed people of different social classes to mingle anonymously. Today, the tradition continues with modern revelers creating or renting elaborate costumes and masks. Simply walking through the city during Carnival feels like stepping back in time.
If you’re wondering about things to do in Venice at New Year, the city offers a spectacular celebration. Venice’s New Year’s Eve festivities center around St. Mark’s Square, where thousands gather to welcome the new year. Fireworks light up the sky over the lagoon at midnight, creating a magical backdrop.
The celebration continues into New Year’s Day with the traditional New Year’s Concert at La Fenice Opera House. Many restaurants offer special menus for New Year’s Eve, and booking dinner with a view of the water makes for an unforgettable evening.
Keep in mind that Venice gets extremely crowded during both Carnival and New Year’s Eve. Book accommodation well in advance and expect higher prices. The crowds are part of the experience, but if you prefer a quieter visit, consider coming during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall.
Climb the Campanile for Panoramic Views
For the best views of Venice, head to the top of St. Mark’s Campanile, the bell tower rising 98.6 meters above the piazza. This iconic structure has watched over Venice for over a thousand years, though the current tower is a reconstruction after the original collapsed in 1902.
An elevator whisks you to the top, making this accessible for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. From the observation deck, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of Venice and the surrounding lagoon. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Alps in the distance.
The panoramic perspective helps you understand Venice’s unique geography. You’ll see how the city spreads across numerous islands connected by bridges, the serpentine curve of the Grand Canal, and the terracotta rooftops stretching to the horizon. It’s one of the best things to do in Venice, Italy for photography enthusiasts.
Visit in the late afternoon when the light is warmest and creates beautiful shadows across the city. The Campanile opens early and stays open until evening during summer months. Lines can be long during midday, so timing your visit for early morning or late afternoon typically means shorter waits.
From the top, you can also hear the bells ring. Five different bells each had traditional purposes, from announcing executions to calling senators to assembly. Today they mark the hours and special occasions, their sound echoing across Venice as it has for centuries.
Explore the Accademia Gallery
Art lovers will find the Gallerie dell’Accademia an essential stop. This museum houses the world’s finest collection of Venetian art, spanning from the Byzantine period through the 18th century.
The collection focuses on the Venetian school of painting, showcasing works by masters who defined the city’s artistic legacy. You’ll encounter masterpieces by Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, Bellini, and Canaletto, among many others. Each room reveals how Venetian artists developed their distinctive style characterized by rich colors and dramatic light.
The museum occupies a former monastery and church, and the historic setting enhances the experience. The arrangement is mostly chronological, allowing you to trace the evolution of Venetian art through the centuries. Take your time in each gallery, as the collection is comprehensive but not overwhelming.
One of the highlights is Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man drawing, though this fragile work is only occasionally displayed. Even without seeing this particular treasure, the museum offers an incredible journey through Venetian artistic achievement.
Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the galleries. Audio guides are available and provide valuable context about the paintings and their historical significance. The museum is less crowded than some other things to do in Venice attractions, offering a more peaceful cultural experience.
The Accademia Bridge, just outside the museum, provides one of the most photographed views of the Grand Canal. Take a moment to enjoy this vista before or after your museum visit.
Experience Venice Off the Beaten Path
While the major landmarks deserve their fame, some of the most memorable experiences happen when you explore beyond the typical tourist circuit. Venice rewards those willing to venture into lesser-known areas.
The Libreria Acqua Alta has become one of Venice’s most unique bookshops. Books are stored in bathtubs, gondolas, and waterproof bins to protect them from flooding. A staircase made entirely of old books in the courtyard creates an Instagram-worthy photo op, but this charming shop is genuinely worth visiting for its quirky character.
For a different perspective on Venetian art, visit the Scuola Grande di San Rocco. This building contains one of the greatest masterpieces of Western art: Tintoretto’s complete decorative scheme covering walls and ceilings with over 60 paintings. The sheer scale and quality of work in this single building is breathtaking.
Take a walk along the Zattere promenade in Dorsoduro for a more local experience. This wide waterfront walkway offers views across to the island of Giudecca and provides a pleasant escape from narrow, crowded streets. Locals jog here, walk their dogs, and sit at waterfront cafes enjoying the sunshine.
The Arsenal district, once Venice’s massive shipbuilding complex, now hosts the Venice Biennale and offers interesting exploration. The neighborhood combines industrial heritage with contemporary art spaces, creating an unusual contrast to historic Venice.
Campo Santa Maria Formosa exemplifies a typical Venetian square away from the main tourist flows. The campo has a beautiful church, several cafes, and a weekly market. You’ll see Venetians going about daily life, children playing, and neighbors chatting across windows.
Practical Tips for Visiting Venice
Making the most of your things to do in Venice adventure requires some insider knowledge. These practical tips will help you navigate the city more smoothly and avoid common tourist mistakes.
Venice’s layout is genuinely confusing, and getting lost is inevitable. Embrace this rather than fighting it. Some of the city’s greatest charms reveal themselves when you’re wandering without a specific destination. That said, download an offline map on your phone or buy a physical map to help when you actually need to reach somewhere specific.
The vaporetto water bus system is Venice’s public transportation. Purchase a travel pass if you’re staying more than a day or two, as individual tickets are expensive. The passes provide unlimited rides and make island hopping affordable. Validate your ticket every time you board to avoid hefty fines.
Venice gets extremely crowded during peak season from April through October. If possible, visit in November, March, or even winter months for a more peaceful experience. The city is beautiful in all seasons, and fewer crowds mean you can actually enjoy the atmosphere without constantly dodging tour groups.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential. You’ll walk for miles on cobblestone streets and up and down countless bridges. Leave the high heels at home regardless of how stylish you want to look. Your feet will thank you by the end of each day.
Venice can be expensive, especially around St. Mark’s Square. Venture into residential neighborhoods to find restaurants with better value and more authentic food. Look for places filled with locals rather than tourist-heavy establishments with multilingual menus and photos outside.
Plan Your Perfect Venice Adventure
Venice offers something magical for every type of traveler. Whether you’re seeking romance, history, art, food, or simply the joy of exploring one of the world’s most unique cities, you’ll find endless possibilities.
The things to do in Venice outlined in this guide provide a comprehensive starting point for your adventure. Mix the must-see landmarks with lesser-known experiences. Balance structured activities with unplanned wandering. Take time to sit in quiet squares and absorb the atmosphere rather than rushing from sight to sight.
Remember that Venice isn’t just a collection of monuments and museums. It’s a living city with a fascinating culture, delicious food, and warm people. The most memorable moments often happen unexpectedly: a gondolier’s song echoing through a quiet canal, stumbling upon a hidden courtyard garden, or watching the sunset paint the buildings in golden light.
Start planning your things to do in Venice journey today. Research the specific attractions that interest you most, book any necessary tickets in advance, and prepare for an adventure that will stay with you forever. Venice awaits with its timeless beauty and endless wonders, ready to enchant you just as it has enchanted travelers for centuries.
The floating city promises experiences found nowhere else on Earth. Your perfect Venetian adventure is out there, waiting to be discovered.
Conclusion
Venice is a city that stays in your heart long after you leave. Every canal, bridge, and quiet square feels special and full of stories. Take your time, slow down, and enjoy the small moments as much as the famous sights.
Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, things to do in Venice always offers something new. Walk without a plan, try local food, and enjoy the magic around you. This floating city is truly one of a kind.
FAQs
1. How many days are enough to visit Venice?
2 to 3 days are ideal to see major attractions and explore local neighborhoods at a relaxed pace.
2. What is the best time to visit Venice?
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer good weather and fewer crowds.
3. Are gondola rides worth it?
Yes, they are expensive but provide a unique and romantic way to see Venice from the water.
4. Is Venice expensive for tourists?
Venice can be costly, but you can save money by eating away from tourist areas and using travel passes.
5. Can you explore Venice without a tour guide?
Absolutely. Venice is perfect for self-exploration, and getting lost is part of the experience.
