Venice draws you in with romantic canals, centuries-old buildings, and rich art history. It’s a city like no other—where getting lost down narrow alleys or gliding past palaces on a gondola feels magical.
Wander across Rialto Bridge at sunrise, when crowds thin out. Snap photos of striped gondolas bobbing in quiet canals. Skip rushed tours; take time to explore markets near San Polo or sip espresso at tucked-away cafes. Every corner here tells a story, and half the fun is stumbling on it yourself.
If it’s your first trip or fifth, here’s a handy list of things to do in Venice that balances famous spots and secret corners.
Magnificent Piazza San Marco: The Heart of Venetian Life
Piazza San Marco in Venice, sometimes nicknamed “Europe’s living room,” acts as the city’s main gathering spot—a wide-open space framed by amazing buildings that hold centuries of history in their detailed designs. Mornings here feel magical, especially when crowds thin and sunlight glows softly.
Drop by to:
- Grab espresso at Caffè Florian, open since 1720.
- Watch locals chat while pigeons dart between statues.
- Hear live classical tunes from evening bands near the arches.
- Admire how all structures fit together like a balanced puzzle.
What’s cool is how the vibe shifts hour by hour. Peaceful dawns give way to lively afternoons, then turn dreamy once lamps flicker on at night. It’s worth swinging by more than once to catch different moods.
Climb Saint Mark’s Bell Tower: Venice From Above
Towering over Piazza San Marco, Campanile gives you unbeatable views of Venice. Built way back in the 900s and rebuilt in 1902 after it fell down, this nearly 100-meter-tall landmark lets you see Venice like nowhere else. On sunny days, you might even spot Alps popping up on the horizon!
Hop in the elevator to the top, and you’ll see why the city’s layout blows people away—think tangled maze of red roofs, snake-like canals, and tiny islands in the lagoon. It’s this bird’s-eye view that cements Campanile as one of the top things to do in Venice, Italy. No need for fancy words or repeat details—just straight-up magic from up there.
Explore the Magnificent Palazzo Ducale
Doge’s Palace isn’t just another historic building—it’s a Gothic marvel that shaped Venice’s political and cultural identity. For centuries, this was where power lived. Venetian rulers governed from here, blending wealth and control in a way few places ever have.
Inside, you’ll find:
- A massive Council Chamber dominated by Tintoretto’s sprawling Paradise fresco.
- The notorious Bridge of Sighs, linking palace to cramped prisons.
- Lavish private rooms once used by the Doge.
- An armory packed with weapons and armor.
Outside, pink Verona marble and lace-like stonework make the façade a standout example of Venetian craft. Wander through arched corridors and grand staircases, and it’s easy to imagine the Republic at its peak, pulling strings across Mediterranean trade.
Marvel at the Basilica of Saint Mark’s
Basilica di San Marco shows why Venice earned its “La Serenissima” nickname. Covered in golden mosaics and loaded with global treasures, domes take cues from Byzantine design. Mosaics spanning 8,000 square meters bring Bible stories and city history to life with vivid details.
Must-see spots include:
- Pala d’Oro: its glowing gold altarpiece.
- Saint Mark’s Horses: ancient bronze statues.
- Treasury: packed with looted treasures.
- Main dome’s golden mosaics.
It’s a top pick for things to see in Venice—skip it and you’ll regret it! Just reserve entry slots online to dodge summer crowds.
Sail Down the Grand Canal: Venice’s Liquid Main Street
The S-shaped Grand Canal slices through Venice’s heart, offering a parade of palaces that showcase the city’s architectural evolution across centuries. Rather than an expensive gondola ride, consider taking vaporetto line 1, which traverses the entire canal at a leisurely pace—perfect for photography and sightseeing.
The journey reveals:
- Over 170 buildings, many dating from the 13th to 18th centuries.
- Four spectacular bridges, including the iconic Rialto.
- Palaces displaying Byzantine, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.
- The bustling life of a city still dependent on its waterways.
No guided tour or guidebook captures its pulse like drifting past centuries-old palaces or waving to gondoliers. For visitors, choosing what to do in Venice often starts here: skip crowded museums and let the canal itself be your storyteller. Want to understand Venice? Sit back, watch bridges arch overhead, and let the city float by.
Walk to the Zattere: Sunset Paradise
Skip crowds by wandering Zattere, a breezy waterfront path next to Giudecca Canal. Views stretch over to Giudecca Island, quieter than busier spots in Venice. Come dusk, water turns golden under fading light—perfect for couples or quiet reflection.
Grab gelato at Nico’s. Try their gianduiotto, a slab of chocolate-hazelnut ice cream topped with cream, best enjoyed while boats pass by.
This laid-back experience stands out among unique things to do in Venice that most tourists miss. No tickets, no lines—just slow walks and sunset hues.
Shop at Rialto Market: A Feast for the Senses
For over 900 years, Venetians have gathered near the Rialto Bridge to trade goods. Today’s market continues this tradition with vibrant displays of fresh seafood, locally grown produce, and specialty foods. Arriving early (before 9 AM) rewards you with the authentic spectacle of chefs selecting the day’s ingredients and locals haggling over prices.
The market offers:
- Photo-worthy displays of unusual seafood from the lagoon.
- Seasonal fruits and vegetables from nearby islands.
- Opportunities to sample local specialties.
- A glimpse into authentic Venetian daily life.
This colorful market experience should rank high on your list of what to do in Venice, Italy if you want to understand the city’s culinary traditions and local culture.
World-Class Art at the Accademia: Venetian Masters Await
Gallerie dell’Accademia holds the world’s largest stash of Venetian art, showing how this floating city turned into an art hub. Works range from Byzantine styles to Renaissance pieces, all the way up to 18th-century art. You’ll find paintings by big names: Titian, Tintoretto, Bellini, Veronese, Giorgione.
Don’t miss standouts like Giorgione’s mysterious The Tempest, Tintoretto’s action-packed Miracle of the Slave, Titian’s moody final work Pietà, or Veronese’s sprawling Feast in the House of Levi. Museum’s full collection makes clear why Venetian painting, known for bold color and light play, ranks high among attractions in Venice, Italy for art fans.
Reach the Rooftop of the New Fondaco dei Tedeschi: Modern Luxury Meets History
This Renaissance building once served as headquarters for German merchants. Today, after a remarkable renovation by architect Rem Koolhaas, it houses a luxury department store with a free-access rooftop terrace offering spectacular views of the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge.
The rooftop provides:
- Panoramic vistas of central Venice.
- Perfect photo opportunities of the Grand Canal.
- A different perspective from Saint Mark’s Bell Tower.
- A moment of tranquility above the bustling streets.
Reservations for the terrace are required but free, making this one of the best things to do in Venice for budget-conscious travelers seeking extraordinary views.
Explore Jewish History in the Ghetto Neighborhood
What to see in Venice for those seeking lesser known spots? Visit the Ghetto Neighborhood. Venice established the world’s first ghetto in 1516, confining its Jewish population to this island neighborhood. Today, the area preserves its unique heritage while offering a glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of Venetian history. Five synagogues, distinguished by their tall windows and hidden exteriors, still stand as testaments to religious perseverance.
The neighborhood features:
- The Jewish Museum documenting community history.
- Distinctive tall buildings (residents built upward due to space restrictions).
- Traditional Jewish bakeries and restaurants.
- Memorial plaques commemorating Holocaust victims.
This historically significant area represents one of the most educational options, revealing the complex multicultural history beneath Venice’s tourist façade.
Guggenheim Museum: Modern Art in a Grand Canal Palace
Housed in Peggy Guggenheim’s former residence, this outstanding collection showcases 20th-century masterpieces in an intimate setting. The American heiress assembled works by Picasso, Pollock, Kandinsky, Miró, and many others, creating a striking contrast to Venice’s ancient surroundings.
The museum offers:
- A world-class collection of Surrealist, Cubist, and Abstract Expressionist art.
- Peggy’s personal gondola dock and waterfront garden.
- Temporary exhibitions highlighting contemporary artists.
- A sculpture garden featuring works by Max Ernst and others.
This modernist haven represents one of the best things to do in Venice, Italy for those seeking artistic experiences beyond traditional Venetian painting.
Visit the Arsenal: Where Venetian Naval Power Was Born
Once the largest industrial complex in pre-industrial Europe, the Arsenal employed thousands of workers who could assemble a complete warship in a single day using revolutionary assembly-line techniques. This massive shipyard complex, with its imposing Renaissance gateway guarded by stone lions, symbolizes the maritime might that made Venice wealthy.
While much of the Arsenal remains closed to the public, visitors can:
- Admire the monumental entrance with its trophy lions.
- Visit sections that house Biennale exhibitions.
- Learn about Venice’s naval innovations.
- Understand why shipbuilding represents what is Venice famous for historically.
The Arsenal’s scale and efficiency—centuries ahead of its time—explains how a small city-state could dominate Mediterranean trade for so long.
The Murano Hand-Blown Glass: Artisan Traditions Live On
Hop on a vaporetto for a quick trip to Murano Island, where glassmaking has defined local life since 1291. Here, artisans shape glowing, molten material into sculptures, chandeliers, or decorations—right before your eyes. It’s a craft Venice has honed for over 700 years, and Murano lets you experience it firsthand.
While there, you can:
- Catch live glassblowing sessions (watch a vase or bowl take shape in minutes).
- Wander through Murano’s Glass Museum to see how techniques changed over time.
- Buy real glass pieces straight from studios—no middleman.
- Stroll quiet canals and piazzas that feel distinct from busier parts of Venice.
For anyone curious about history or hunting meaningful souvenirs, visiting Murano easily lands among top things to do in Venice. It’s hands-on, memorable, and deeply tied to what makes this city unique.
FAQ
What are some lesser-known festivals in Venice?
Beyond Venice’s famous Carnevale masks, you’ll find lesser-known happenings. Take Regata Storica in September—gondoliers race historic boats along canals. Come May, Festa della Sensa fills waterways with colorful processions honoring Venice’s sea-faring past.
Every other year, from April to November, the Venice Biennale takes over unexpected spaces. Think abandoned warehouses or tucked-away courtyards turned into modern art showcases, featuring rotating installations most tourists miss. These events stay under the radar but capture what keeps Venice alive beyond postcards.
Are there budget-friendly things to do in Venice besides the main attractions?
Venice doesn’t have to break the bank. Check out free churches—Santa Maria dei Miracoli dazzles with its candy-colored marble, while San Zaccaria hides a crypt that’s half underwater (bring shoes that can handle puddles).
For snacks, wander Dorsoduro’s bacari alleys: grab €3 cicchetti at hole-in-the-wall spots like Cantinone già Schiavi. Snag a Venezia Unica pass—it slashes museum ticket costs and covers vaporetto rides. And save time for Acqua Alta Bookshop, where bathtubs double as shelves and a tucked-away courtyard feels like a local’s secret.
What hidden culinary experiences should I add to my list of things to do in Venice, Italy?
For bold flavors, grab a seat at Osteria Al Portego—their sarde in saor mixes sweet and sour with fresh sardines. Craving something rich and dark? Local trattorias dish out squid ink risotto that’s worth the stained lips.
Near Rialto Bridge, Cantina Do Spade keeps things classic with recipes unchanged for generations. Prefer snacks on the go? Hit Cannaregio’s cicchetti tours—tiny plates like mołéche (think crispy soft-shell crabs) pair perfectly with Venetian wine.
Can Venice offer something romantic beyond the typical gondola rides?
Attend a sunset serenade on a traditional bragozzo boat or stroll the Giardini della Marinaressa, a secluded waterfront garden. Or you can dine at Osteria alle Testiere, a tiny seafood spot perfect for intimate evenings.
Summing Up
Venice rewards those who venture beyond the obvious landmarks. Between grand monuments, discover quiet canals where laundry still hangs between buildings, neighborhood bacari (wine bars) serving cicchetti (Venetian tapas), and campos where local children play soccer against ancient church walls.
These authentic moments, as much as the spectacular sights, create the unforgettable magic that keeps drawing travelers to this extraordinary floating city.
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