Here are the best things to do in Venice, essential and unusual places to visit, and our tips for a successful trip. Let’s go!
- What to do in Venice 🤩
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- Public transportation in Venice 🛥️
The 15 best things to do in Venice
Let’s start with our top 15 best things to do in Venice.
1. See Saint Mark’s Square
One cannot talk about Venice without mentioning Saint Mark’s Square. This central square of Venice is a must-visit for all travelers wishing to visit the City of Doges. On this square are several emblematic monuments of Venice, such as Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Venice and its lagoon, notably Saint Mark’s Square, are part of the UNESCO world heritage.
2. Visit Saint Mark’s Basilica of Venice
Saint Mark’s Basilica is beautiful from the outside but also inside. Entrance to the religious spaces is free. However, you must buy a ticket to discover this exceptional basilica’s treasures and go up to its terrace. Click here to read our guide for visiting Saint Mark’s Basilica.
3. Visit the Doge’s Palace of Venice
The Doge’s Palace is one of the monuments that most reflect the wealth of Venice at the peak of its economic and political power. It is a fascinating place to see in Venice for those interested in history. Plan at least 1 hour and 30 minutes for this visit. Click here to read our guide for visiting the Doge’s Palace.
4. Take a Venetian gondola tour
This is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Venice during your trip! To find the gondoliers and their gondolas in Venice, follow the “Servizio Gondole” sign. Otherwise, book your gondola tour in advance to enjoy better rates. And for a romantic trip to Venice, consider private gondolas. Click here to read our guide for the Gondolas in Venice.
5. See the Rialto Bridge
There are 438 bridges in Venice, but among the most beautiful is the Rialto Bridge. It is a 10-minute walk from Saint Mark’s Square. The Rialto Bridge is one of the four main bridges crossing the Venice Grand Canal. If you are going to visit Venice, you cannot miss it!
6. Get lost in the alleys of Venice
The architecture and urban planning of Venice are unique in the world. The city does not include any roads, only canals. Do not hesitate to get lost in its alleys to discover this magnificent city. Many surprises await you! Make a round in the Librairie Acqua Alta (view it on Google Maps), one of the most unusual places to visit Venice.
7. Kiss under the Bridge of Sighs at sunset
Are you visiting Venice with a loved one? Then, you must know this legend before your trip to Venice! The legend says that lovers who kiss in a Venetian gondola under the Bridge of Sighs at sunset will be in love forever! You now know what to do to make your love last.
8. Climb the San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower
The island of San Giorgio Maggiore is located opposite Saint Mark’s Square. It is a small picturesque island with a lovely church and a beautiful bell tower. And it is precisely from this bell tower or campanile that you can admire a panoramic view over Venice! The Campanile of Saint Mark’s Square also offers a 360-degree view of the city, but if you want to discover another place in Venice, come to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore.
Good to know! You can take the Vaporetto, Venice’s water bus, to move around Venice and between its islands. The Venice public transport card allows you to take it. It’s very convenient!
9. Visit the islands of Burano and Murano of Venice
The islands of Burano and Murano offer a different facet of Venice. Each of these islands has its own character. You can visit the islands of Burano and Murano on a Vaporetto or book excursions from the center of Venice. Here is an example of a guided tour of the islands of Burano and Murano.
10. Visit the Venice Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute
The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute is one of Venice’s most beautiful places to visit. This basilica is the very emblem of the city. It is located at the southern tip of the Grand Canal of Venice. The interior of the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute is more sober than that of Saint Mark’s Basilica. However, if you spend more than 2 days in Venice, it’s a lovely visit!
12. Listen to a concert at the Church of San Vidal in Venice
If you are looking for an unusual activity in Venice, here it is! Listen to a magnificent concert inside the Church of San Vidal in Venice. You will enjoy a magical moment! Find all the practical information and ticket booking here: Interpreti Veneziani at the church of San Vidal.
12. Visit the sumptuous interiors of the Scuola Grande de San Rocco
The Scuola Grande de San Rocco was one of the wealthiest historic confraternities in Venice! The interiors are sumptuous. The ceilings, the sculptures, the paintings, the frescoes. It’s a gorgeous place to see in Venice! The Scuola Grande de San Rocco is located in the San Polo district of Venice, one of the most beautiful areas of Venice: see the exact location on Google Maps.
13. Visit Venice’s Opera House: La Fenice
La Fenice is the biggest opera house in Venice. You can visit La Fenice outside of performances or take the opportunity to listen to a beautiful opera. The decor is spectacular! It’s one of the best places to mark your trip to Venice. Here is La Fenice’s official website to learn more and see the program.
14. Climb the steps of the splendid staircase of the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
The Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is known for its external spiral staircase with multiple arches. Visiting the palace is well-deserved because it is not easy to find (locate on Google Maps). Even though it’s only a 5-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square, it is hidden in a labyrinth of alleys and canals. It’s a charming spot and a worthwhile visit in Venice if you stay for more than 4 days in the City of the Doges.
15. See the magnificent Venetian palaces
When you visit Venice, do not miss these beautiful palaces! Among the most remarkable palaces on Venice’s Grand Canal are the Ca’ d’Oro, Ca’ Pesaro, and even the Ca’ Rezzonico. You can admire them during a gondola tour, as their facades can only be fully appreciated from the water.
16. Go up to the panoramic terrace of Fondaco dei Tedeschi
The Fondaco dei Tedeschi, or Fontego dei Tedeschi, is another magnificent building on Venice’s Grand Canal. Today, it is a large luxury shopping center, but its particular feature is its terrace, which offers an unobstructed view of Venice’s roofs. To access the rooftop, book on the Fondaco dei Tedeschi website. It’s a beautiful place to visit in Venice at sunset!
17. Visit the Rialto Market of Venice
The Rialto Market in Venice is located between two districts of Venice, San Marco, and San Polo, just minutes from the Rialto Bridge. This market is open every day, but only in the morning. It has existed since the 13th century. What colors and what flavors in a majestic setting!
18. Walk around the Giardini della Biennale in Venice
The Giardini della Biennale is a green space in the historic city of Venice. A rare green oasis in Venice! From this park, there is a nice view of the bay, but it is also known for its contemporary art and architecture exhibitions. It is a 20-minute walk from the Doge’s Palace: see it on the map.
19. Arriving from Venice Airport by boat
You can start your visit to Venice with an unusual activity: transfer from the airport by boat! Yes, it’s possible! See our complete guide for airport transfer in Venice here.
20. See the Peggy Guggenheim collection
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice is an impressive collection of contemporary art. It attracts thousands of visitors every year. Peggy Guggenheim was the heiress of an American family of magnates, but most of all, an art enthusiast. In Venice, you can see some of the artworks this collector had accumulated throughout her life. To learn more, visit the official website of the collection.
The best areas of Venice
Venice can be divided into 5 main districts: the districts of San Marco and San Polo (the most touristy) and the districts of Cannaregio, Santa Croce, Castello, and Dorsoduro (the less touristy ones).
The accommodation rates are highest in San Marco and San Polo, but this is where you will be in the heart of the historic center of Venice. If you want more affordable accommodation rates, look in the Cannaregio, Santa Croce, Castello, and Dorsoduro districts instead.
Using public transportation to visit Venice
Venice is a city with no roads. The canals take the place of streets. The public transportation in Venice is, therefore, made up of boats, and this fleet is managed by the company Actv.
As you’ve seen above, several places to visit in Venice are outside the San Marco district and on other islands of Venice. This is the case, for example, with the islands of Burano and Murano and San Giorgio Maggiore.
The best option to move around Venice more efficiently is to take an unlimited ticket (see the rates here). This solution saves time on the spot and allows you to travel around Venice with peace of mind.
Planning a trip to Venice is important, as it is one of the most visited cities in Europe and the world. To visit Venice, plan the essential visits, but don’t forget to allow yourself some time for the unexpected and especially for pleasant surprises once you’re there.
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