Culture, cuisine, and canals! What more do you need to want to see Venezia (Venice), Italy? you can wander the streets and canals for beauty in hidden gardens and courtyards, creativity and genius in the museums, and try many gastronomic offerings at traditional trattorie (family-owned traditional restaurants).
Every first-time traveler will flock to view the top things to do in Venice, including the Grand Canal, St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Market. But there’s much more to explore. These iconic locations are included below along with some hidden gems to give you a unique sample of how to experience Venice like a local.
As you wander to each place on our list of the best things to do in Venice, strike up a conversation with locals. They will often share insights into this immensely popular city, and point you toward authentic experiences nearby. Rosetta Stone is a great way to ensure you’ll communicate with confidence using our TruAccent system.
**Venice has instituted a $6 day trip fee for anyone who is not staying overnight in Venice during peak visitor months.**
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Things to do in Venice, Italy: boats, gondolas, and shipyards
The City of Canals still thrives on transportation through the canals. Food, garbage, construction materials, and anything else you can think of are transported on boats that navigate the “streets” of Venice. Aside from riding the traditional gondola, you can explore shipyards and ride public buses to get where you want to go.
1. Watch locals repair and paint gondolas at Squero di San Trovaso
Everyone knows that Venice is synonymous with a gondola. This 17th-century shipyard takes you back in time when the gondola was the primary source of transportation for locals instead of the motorized boats they use now. Over 10,000 gondolas once navigated the canal systems in the days before gondolas became a fun and romantic experience for tourists.
Here at Squero di San Trovaso, boat builders still make one boat a year by hand, and maintain others by removing algae, replacing the boat bottoms, and giving them a fresh coat of paint. They also give guided tours if you call ahead, which we definitely recommend!
2. Wander beyond the heart of Venice on a vaporetto
As a distinctive public transportation option, a vaporetto (public water bus) in Venice is a practical and scenic way to sail the Grand Canal or hop between landmarks and nearby islands. You can purchase a single-ride ticket, day-pass, or multi-day ticket. A flexible ticket will allow you to hop on and off as you explore the city or nearby islands like Burano, Murano, and Lido.
These water buses shuttle passengers along routes numbered between 1 and 22, stopping at stations along the Grand Canal and all the way to other islands. The leisurely Line 1 gives you a tremendous view and photo opportunity as you pass under the world-famous Rialto Bridge.
3. Leave the busier tourist areas to find Leone del Piero and the Arsenale di Venezia
If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path Venice, this is it. Head east from the busy area of San Marco to admire a statue of a lion that dates back to fourth-century Athens. Keep an eye out for engravings of some still-undeciphered Viking runes on this magnificent Piraeus Lion. The Venetians stole the lion as a wartime trophy in 1687, and it stands today to the left of the entrance to the 12th-century Arsenal of Venice.
It stands next to the ancient Venetian Arsenal, which is an enclosed shipyard, complete with walls and large gates, originally built to intimidate foreign visitors so as to discourage them from attacking Venice. It is still intact and functioning as an Italian naval facility today. You can visit the arsenal fortress nearby too.
4. Snap a selfie with your gondolier while gliding through the canals
The gondola is the iconic symbol of this city built on a series of connected islands. These sleek flat-bottomed boats are uniquely designed for the city’s network of shallow canals. Gondolieri (gondoliers) are trained for years to navigate these ancient canals and will love showing off their beloved city. You may think this is too touristy of a thing to do in Venice, but believe us when we say it’s worth it!
This can’t miss attraction costs around €80 for a standard 30-minute tour or about €120 for a romantic private tour at night. A budget-friendly option is to cross the Canal Grande (Grand Canal) like a local and take a gondola traghetto (gondola ferry). For about €2, it’s a quick way to cross a canal and still enjoy the thrill of a cheaper gondola ride.
What to do in Venice: local culture
There’s no place like Venice. And it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Yet, it has an ancient charm that’s palpable as you wander the narrow alleys, always looking up for the street signs in yellow or white. From neighborhoods and theaters to local cuisine and handicrafts, there’s a lot of culture to explore in Venice.
5. Buy tickets for a performance inside the stunning Teatro La Fenice
Is it coincidence or a self-fulfilling prophecy that this grand opera house has lived up to its name? La fenice means “the phoenix,” referring to the legendary bird that is consumed by flame but rises again from its ashes. Teatro La Fenice has faced its own real fires and each time has been restored to greatness, featuring Baroque gold and marble everywhere.
If you’re interested in attending a performance at this cornerstone of Venetian culture, visit the official website for calendar and dress code information. You’ll need to pay particular attention to the strictly enforced dress code expectations which can range from smart-casual to black tie / tuxedo depending on the timing of the performance. The performance you watch will be worth shopping for if you want to look your Italian best.
6. Wander through the quieter local streets of Cannaregio
This sestiere (neighborhood) of Cannaregio is a wonderful place to stroll in Venice if you want to get a feel of what life is like for the locals. Children playing in the piazza, couples strolling through residential streets, and neighbors sitting after work to enjoy an ombra (a glass of wine in the Venetian dialect, coming from the word “shadow”) all give this neighborhood a personal feel.
There are many great places to eat and drink there, and local tour guides can direct you to their favorite establishments and regional specialities like cicchetti (Venetian small plates of food paired with a drink). The whole area feels like it has been preserved in time, as it is based in tradition.
7. Try a local favorite appetizer: cicchetti
To be honest, calling cicchetti an appetizer doesn’t do it justice. Designed to be paired with any meal—but especially your aperitivo (pre-dinner drink) at a local bácaro (bar)—these small plates of finger food are a delicious part of Venetian cuisine. They have an assortment of yummy foods perched on a piece of bread, like a baguette, and seafood is one of the most popular toppings.
Many bacari (bars) offer deals for cicchetti, such as half price or even free when you order a drink. You’ll see signs in English and Italian stating whether there is a happy hour type of deal. We recommend expanding your taste buds on the squid, eggplant, ham, cod, salame, or any other number of delicious options.
8. Buy an authentic Venetian mask
There are plenty of tourist trap shops selling masks and fake Murano glass souvenirs. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea to buy a real Venetian mask. In fact, it’s incredibly worth it. A handful of authentic shops can be found around Venice where local craftsmen painstakingly create stunning masquerade masks. The quality will be noticeable when you walk in their stores.
You might think you don’t have a use for a mask back home, but this really is one of those unique souvenirs that you’ll regret not buying. A couple of great shops we recommend as our favorites to go to are Alberto Sarria Masks, San Marco 596 Venetian Masks, and La Moretta. A lot of Venetian shops don’t even list their business on Google or have a website, so have fun wandering the streets looking for other authentic craft shops!
9. Find a free viewpoint to watch the sunset
It doesn’t really matter where you are, catching a sunset is one of the most romantic things to do in Venice. With the warm and colorful glow over the shimmering waters of the lagoon and a backdrop of enchanting buildings, you can pause nearly anywhere for a breathtaking panorama.
Head toward the beach on Lido di Venezia or find a quiet spot on a less populated bridge. For the best view, reserve a free ticket well in advance to stand on the rooftop of Fondaco dei Tedeschi. Or head across the canal to San Giorgio Maggiore for a view of Venice from a distance. Wherever you choose, rest from a day of all of the fun things to do in Venice as you soak in the golden hues of a Venetian sunset.
10. Plan your trip to attend a Venetian festival
Venetian masks and costumes are among the most striking in the world, local artists are among the most inspiring, and the unique relationship of the city with water all combine to make Venice a city of merriment! A few of the notable Italian festivals in Venice include:
- Carnevale di Venezia – occurs the two weeks before Shrove Tuesday, in February or March. Masquerades, parades, and lots of crowds.
- Venice Film Festival – occurs around late August through September. Ideal for independent filmmakers in Europe
- La Biennale di Venezia – occurs from May to November every 2 years. Fine arts from dancing to film to art.
- Regata Storica – occurs the first Sunday in September. Watch boat races and enjoy other boat-related merrymaking
- Venice Jazz Festival – occurs twice per year in spring and fall on weekends. International musicians on a plethora of instruments.
Things to see in Venice: top monuments and attractions
Venice has one of the most beautiful squares in all of Italy, but we might be biased. As shrewd merchants, ancient Venetians ensured their city became an icon of beauty, wealth, and power. You’ll see that everywhere from the Doge’s Palace to St. Mark’s Basilica.
11. Dance with your partner to live music in St. Mark’s Square
Piazza San Marco might be one of our most favorite piazze in all of Italy. It’s the very heart of the city in the San Marco district and the point of origin from which all distances are estimated in Venice. We, like the locals, think that this space is best enjoyed in the evening.
The landmarks will be lit, the day-tripper crowds will have thinned out, and you can sit and enjoy the square that’s filled with live music from both sides of the square—thanks to two rival coffee shops. Speaking of which, Caffè Florian is the oldest coffee shop in Venice, so the overpriced coffee is worth the bragging rights before you join other travelers for a slow dance with your partner under the glow of St. Mark’s Basilica.
12. Walk across the famous Ponte di Rialto
The Rialto Bridge is the oldest of the four bridges that cross the Grand Canal. It connects the San Marco and San Polo districts of Venice. Rialto Bridge is not far from St. Mark’s Square (by Venice’s standards), but it’s easily one of the best things to do in Venice if you want an iconic selfie. (Head to the little waterfront space near Ristorante Al Buso on the east side for the best photo opportunity.)
This beloved and enduring landmark has undergone several reconstructions due to fires and age, yet its majestic arches stand as a testament to Venezia’s endurance since its inception around 421 A.D. You’ll want to visit this bridge more than once to compare the ever-changing view from early morning to the unparalleled Venetian sunset.
13. See Casanova’s cell at Palazzo Ducale
This gothic masterpiece (known in English as the Doge’s Palace) was the residence and seat of government of the doge, the elected ruler of the Venetian Republic and a symbol of impressive power and European influence for centuries.
You don’t want to miss visiting this palace and museum to catch a glimpse of the life of Venetian aristocracy, understand the palace’s significance in history, and to see the dungeons where famous prisoners like Casanova once languished. You’ll even have a chance to cross the famed Bridge of Sighs—so named as it gave prisoners their last view of the city before imprisonment.
The best value is to book a combination ticket with other attractions around St. Mark’s Square, like the bell tower or other museum. Or you can book a small group tour that enters both St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
14. Find the gondola bookshelf at Libreria Acqua Alta
It’s not a library, but a jam-packed bookstore and attraction! This uncommon collection boasts a staircase made of old books and an adopted cat or two to greet you during your visit. The chaotic shelving system involves piles of books inside of gondolas, row boats, bathtubs, and kitchen sinks! Might this be because Venice’s frequent flooding isn’t great for books? The name Libreria Acqua Alta, translated as High Water Bookstore, is a clue.
You’ll want to climb the stairs made of previously-waterlogged books for a view of the canal, even if there’s a bit of a line. Or you can take the fire escape and snap a photo in the gondola parked there for free!
As this free attraction is also a business, we recommend purchasing a book or two (in English or other) while you’re there to show your appreciation for the owner’s hospitality and creativity.
15. Stand beneath the glittering gold mosaics of Basilica di San Marco
St. Mark’s Basilica, also known as the Chiesa d’Oro (Church of Gold), presents priceless artwork and religious relics within an opulent gem filled with glittering mosaics. Standing in Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square), you’ll be wowed by the five domes and an imposing bell tower, all influenced by Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic architecture that speak to the city’s rich cultural heritage and cosmopolitan identity.
Pay a base admission fee and any add-ons for entry tickets to admire the Pala d’Oro (an altar screen made of gold and hundreds of precious gems), the museum, the Torre Orologio (clock tower) or the Campanile (bell tower). Lines can be long, so come early or book a skip-the-line tour!
16. Snap a selfie over the Grand Canal on Ponte dell’Accademia
Since there are no cars in Venice, you’ll be walking on foot or riding in a boat. That means you’ll cross a lot of bridges. It might seem silly to specifically add another to your itinerary, but you’ll understand when you step onto this picturesque wooden ponte (bridge).
Ponte dell’Accademia is not just a pedestrian pathway across the Grand Canal; it’s a destination of its own. Snap your photos here to solidify this memory at any time of day, with a fabulous view of the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute towards the lagoon. Connecting the Dorsoduro district to San Marco, this bridge is the most likely pedestrian crossing you’ll use!
What to visit in Venice: top museums
Italy’s history as the seat of the Renaissance means you’ll find incredible art in every city. Here in Venice, you’ll even find a Guggenheim, filled with contemporary art.
17. Go back to WWII history in Ghetto di Venezia
The history of Venice’s Jewish Ghetto extends back to at least 1516, making it one of the earliest ghettos in Europe where Jewish people were forced into segregation—and the origin of the word “ghetto.” Within the Cannaregio neighborhood, you will still find synagogues, museums, and an active Jewish community who commemorate and share how a culture flourished and preserved their culture under the most dire of circumstances.
There’s also a museum to explore that opened immediately after World War II as a “mark of confidence in the future of Judaism and of the dignity of mankind.” After you’re done exploring the Jewish Ghetto, we recommend finding a food tour as some of the best food in Venice is found in this district!
18. Lose yourself in the contemporary art of Peggy Guggenheim’s private collection
Art lovers know the name, but even art amateurs will recognize some of the artists and pieces within the Peggy Guggenheim museum: Picasso, Dalí, Miró, Andy Warhol, and Jackson Pollock. Peggy (niece of the founder of the original Guggenheim) left behind her impressive collection here in Venice’s arts district: Dorsoduro. It’s arguably one of the best collections from the 20th century.
First-time and repeat visitors will enjoy this contemplative retreat surrounded by rare greenery, with much to take in among the permanent collections and special temporary exhibitions. Peggy is also buried here with her fourteen Lhasa Apsos dogs so that they might rest eternally together.
What islands to visit around Venice
Venice is more than just the main island of Venice. It’s made up of dozens of little islands, of which a few are worth exploring. Whether it’s your first or fifth trip to Venice, make sure to get to at least one island outside of the main city.
19. Find a house in Burano that matches your outfit
Less than an hour by boat from Venezia is the colorful town of Burano. The homes on this island are painted in a striking variety of bright colors and the paint choices are protected by law. No one can really confirm the reason this trend began, but they make for a fun place to take selfies.
But there’s another cool reason to visit Burano. It’s one of the last places to see a centuries-old tradition of handmade lace! Take a class to learn the basics yourself or watch one of the octogenarian locals demonstrate the craft they have done since they were young. To hand-create one lace flower might take upwards of five hours with nothing but a needle and thread!
20. Get a new perspective of Venice on San Giorgio Maggiore island
Just a 5-minute vaporetto ride from St. Mark Square, escape the crowds to a small island and gain a different perspective of the city. Entrance to the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore is free when it’s open, but there is a small entry fee to climb the San Giorgio basilica bell tower. It’s completely worth doing for even better 360-degree views than the bell tower in St. Mark’s Square.
For being a tiny island, there’s a lot to do here. You can visit a functioning Cini monastery for a glimpse of life in centuries past. Take the guided tour of the Borges labyrinth in memory of famous writer Jorge Luis Borges or just sit in the rare Venetian gardens and enjoy the view of the lagoon from this unique and quiet vantage point.
21 Watch the centuries-old art of glassblowing in Murano
With roots dating back to the 13th century, and a rise of popularity during the Renaissance Era, Murano’s glassblowing industry is second to none. The glassblowers originally lived on the current island of Venice, but as fires frequently broke out from the hot ovens, they were eventually moved to their own island: Murano.
Whether you’re here on your own or with kids or a group of friends, booking a tour to watch a glassblowing demonstration is an unmissable thing to do in Venice. You’ll be able to spot authentic Murano glass in any shop after learning about how this unique glass is created. For extra fun, pair your trip to Murano with a tour of Burano!
Fun activities in Venice for families
Every major city in Italy has a wealth of activities to suit every type of traveler—kids included. Venice may have fewer options than Rome’s many things to do with kids, but we’ve still rounded up a few fun ideas.
22. Explore the vintage toys at Creature di Gomma
For a retro experience, toy collectors and families with kids will want to visit this vintage toy museum. This museum of nostalgia is filled to the brim with all manner of licensed figurines, toys, and collectibles. The private collection of over 5,000 vintage toys at Creature di Gomma has been open to the public only since 2018.
It’s only an 11-minute walk from some must-see landmarks, such as the Rialto Bridge, but we think it will take you longer, since you’ll squeeze through extremely narrow streets, be tempted by restaurants filled with chatty locals, and wonder at flower-adorned terraces and wrought-iron gates.
23. Hunt for the Opera di Banksy
At a crossroad of the Dorsoduro and San Polo districts, you can spot a mural attributed to the anonymous street artist Banksy. “The Migrant Child” depicts a young girl holding a flare in her hand and wearing a life jacket. It appeared overnight in 2019 and is the subject of fascination and debate—as Banksy murals are prone to be.
Local officials have been embroiled in controversy surrounding plans for the restoration of this mural, as it has deteriorated rapidly with exposure to the damp environment. Critics believe it is better left to fade in accordance with the ephemeral nature that characterizes street art. See it and decide for yourself!
24. Climb the snail known as Scala Contarini del Bovolo
Venice is a city full of narrow alleys. Inside one of them is a gorgeous spiral staircase named after a snail (del Bovolo means “of the snail” in Venetian dialect) inside Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo. For a small fee under €10, you are treated to a panoramic view of Venice’s rooftop and canals. The staircase winds its way toward the sky, giving you the chance to view other iconic structures from a different perspective.
This hidden gem is growing in popularity and has limited access, so definitely purchase your tickets in advance. You’ll queue and enter through a very narrow alley that’s not too far from St. Mark’s Square.
25. Visit the flooded crypt of Chiesa di San Zaccaria
A flooded basement might spell disaster for most, but Venetians have lived with changing water tides for centuries. The flooded crypt inside the cathedral of San Zaccaria is a permanent mirror-pool of standing water which makes the columns and the statues look twice as impressive under the vaulted ceilings.
Enter this unusual and sacred space from the Church of San Zaccaria located on the square of the same name. The docent will guide you through a seemingly ordinary door to this crypt that’s unlike any other.
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