If you want to know the best things to do in Venice, Italy, we have you covered!
Italy is one of the most desired vacation destinations, and it’s not hard to see why. It has everything you could ever want for an enchanting getaway.
Planning your trip to Venice last minute?
Make sure to book your hotels and tours in Venice in advance to ensure availability! Often, things sell out the closer you get to your trip. Here are our top picks for Venice:
Top Tours And Tickets To Book In Advance:
- Doge’s Palace Entry Ticket (Save time and book in advance!)
- Grand Canal Gondola Ride (Skip the line)
- Marco Polo Airport Bus Transfer (Skip the line and super easy)
- St Marks + Doge’s Terrace Access Tour (Likely to sell out)
Best Venice Hotels:
- Hotel Gardena (Includes breakfast!)
- Carnival Palace-Venice Collection (Close to the water bus stop)
- Hotel Firenze (San Marco: Our fave location in Venice)
The enticing food, rich history, and culture are sure to draw you in!
Venice is one of the top places to visit in Northern Italy.
You could easily spend two days in Venice or longer exploring everything this small town has to offer.
Venice is said to have been founded as far back as the year 421! Can you imagine?!
Known as the Floating City, Venice sits on over 100 lagoon islands with over 400 bridges connecting them.
There’s no place in the world quite like Venice, Italy, with its dreamlike spaces and evocative city life.
Below we have a list of the best places to visit in Venice!
Make sure to check out our complete guide on where to stay in Venice during your trip!
20 Memorable Things To Do In Venice Italy
Explore The Famed Piazza San Marco
La Piazza San Marco, or Saint Mark’s Square, is arguably the most famous landmark in all of Venice.
You must add it to your list of the best free things to do in Venice, Italy!
La Piazza, which translates into “the Square”, is the renowned public area in the city.
It has historical significance to Venetians because it was once the center of both political and religious power in the region.
Even surrounded by shops, restaurants, and other sights (such as Saint Mark’s Clock Tower and the Saint Mark’s Basin), the square’s centerpiece is Saint Mark’s Basilica.
This church is one of the grandest places of worship in the city and therefore is a must-visit.
Book Here: Venice: St Mark’s Square Walking Tour & Gondola Ride
Say A Prayer In Saint Mark’s Basilica
Saint Mark’s Basilica lies at one end of the Piazza San Marco, which is connected to the Doge’s Palace.
Once a chapel to the Doge, this has been the go-to cathedral since 1807 after becoming the seat of the Patriarch of Venice.
The structure of the church dates back to the 11th century. The design is Italo-Byzantine with Gothic touches.
Gold ground mosaics cover almost all the upper areas of the interior of the cathedral and took hundreds of years to complete.
These statement pieces are status symbols of Venetian wealth and power, giving the building the nickname Chiesa d’Oro (Church of Gold).
This ornate building is a must-see in Venice, Italy!
Book Here: Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica Fast-Track Entry and Audio Guide
Climb The Companile di San Marco Bell Tower
While visiting St. Mark’s Square, you’ll want to take a quick walk over to Companile di San Marco, or Saint Mark’s Bell Tower.
This tower was originally built in the 9th century and has been restored many times due to fires caused by lightning. Still, it stands proud.
If you look up, you can see the symbol of St. Mark, which is the winged lion, in the area by the belfry.
Each of the five bells was rung for different reasons back in the day, and you can get close to them today.
But be warned: the line to get to St. Marks Bell Tower can get crowded, so you may want to look into a tour that helps you skip the line!
Don’t let the popularity of this excursion deter you. When you reach the top of the tower, you will have one of the most beautiful views in all of Venice.
Trust us, you don’t want to miss this view. It is truly one of the most picturesque things to do in Venice, Italy!
This is also where to go in Venice for sunset!
Don’t forget to check out our helpful post on When To Visit Italy which talks about the pros and cons of different seasons, weather, crowds, festivals, and more!
Marvel At Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace is a beautiful 1,000-year-old mansion. It is one of Venice’s main landmarks, making it one of the best things to do in Venice.
Situated right next to St. Mark’s Square, this gorgeous palace is conveniently accessible.
It was formerly used as a residence for the “Doge of Venice,” which is the name given to those who were seated as the main authority for the Republic of Venice.
Although this palace was once used as a center of political leadership, today it serves as a museum.
This attraction brings in both tourists and citizens alike.
Since its opening in 1923 guests have marveled at this Gothic monument and enjoyed getting a glimpse of the life of Venice’s past leadership.
This is truly the best of Venice!
Book Here: Venice: Doge’s Palace Reserved Entry Admission Ticket
Go Beneath The Bridge of Sighs
Another popular feature is to stop at the Bridge of Sighs. Connected to the Doge’s Palace, you can visit both of these Venice attractions at the same time.
Historically, this bridge was used as a walkway for prisoners. After criminals were interrogated and convicted in the Doge’s Palace, they were walked across this bridge to prison.
As they crossed the bridge, they got their last view of freedom and the beauty of Venice, causing them to sigh.
Don’t worry though, the only sign you’ll experience will be one of awe. This is what to see in Venice for free!
You can also take a gondola tour underneath the bridge to get a closer look or book the Secret Itineraries Tour of the Doge’s Palace which allows you to walk through.
Book Here: Venice: Private Bridge of Sighs Gondola Ride
Go On A Gondola Ride
Gondolas are the most widely known and famous motif of all of Venice.
Taking a ride on one will surely find a place on anyone’s Venice itinerary.
Ask those who have been, and they will all say this experience tops the list of things to do in Venice for couples.
For centuries, gondolas have maneuvered through Venice’s tight canals, serving as one of the primary modes of transportation.
Today they are also popular among tourists as they offer a romantic and photogenic view of the Floating City.
It should be noted that Gondola tours can be expensive. Make sure to speak to your gondolier before hopping in so you can prevent any unpleasant surprises when you emerge from your romantic tourist dream!
All prices and expectations should be discussed ahead of the outing.
Book Here: Venice: Grand Canal by Gondola with Commentary
Get Views from the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore
The Church of San Giorgio Maggiore is found on a small island just a short ferry ride from St. Mark’s Square.
The beautiful, Benedictine church was completed in 1610 and the bell tower beside it was built in 1791.
From this bell tower, you will get amazing views looking back at St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace as well as the surrounding lagoon.
Add this church to your Venice bucket list!
Walk Over Rialto Bridge
If you’ve ever seen a film shot in Italy chances are there is a scene featuring the iconic Rialto Bridge. Spiderman: Far From Home anyone?
This is the oldest bridge in Venice that crosses the Grand Canal. It was built between 1588 and 1591.
It is one of the main hubs for a multitude of markets, restaurants, landmarks, and more!
Despite St. Mark’s Square is a bit more famous, the Rialto Bridge has been considered the “soul” of Venice.
The Rialto Bridge is one of the best things to do in Venice because it’s so well connected to a variety of different places.
Surrounding the bridge are the Rialto Markets, the Palazzo Contarini de Bovolo, the Santa Maria Dei Miracle, and Ca Rezzonico.
Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to explore this area!
Book Here: Venice: Private Rialto Bridge Gondola Ride
Discover The Leaning Towers In Venice
If you’re exploring the streets looking for hidden gems in Italy and fun things to do in Venice be sure to keep a lookout for the three-leaning bell towers.
Santo Stefano, San Giorgio dei Greci, and San Pietro di Castello are all amazing, historic structures that stick out due to their slight lean.
While Pisa may be the most famous leaning tower in Italy, these are worth a peek.
Book Here: Hidden Venice: Unusual Walking Tour
Visit The Beaches
Venice is easily the most well-known chain of islands in Italy and while it is an amazing place to see it is also incredibly populated.
If you need to take a break from it all then one of the best Venice activities is planning a trip to a stretch of beach.
The proximity of the beaches from the Venice mainland makes them an ideal place to visit.
There are a few beaches to choose from depending on how far away you are willing to travel.
Lido de Venezia (also known as Lido Island) is located off the mainland. The island is long and narrow and at least half the seaward coast has sandy beaches.
Much of the beach in the town of Lido belongs to various hotels but there are large public beaches towards the northern and southern ends.
Lido di Jesolo is Venice’s most popular nearby beach hands-down. Why? It’s close to Venice and is favorable for family vacationers.
During the summer months, traffic to this beach may become a problem so keep that in mind.
Be sure to explore the nightlife here. Bars stay open later at night (with lower prices).
Enjoy The View From Scala Contarini del Bovolo
Scala Contarini del Bovolo is a unique and Instagrammable place in Venice making it one of the most memorable things you can do in the city.
This tower offers some of the best views for photos and many don’t know that it exists at all.
It is a bit difficult to find this beautiful winding staircase so make sure to put the name Scala Contarini del Bovolo or Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo into Google Maps.
There is a small entrance fee if you want to climb the tower. We recommend going as soon as it opens so you can get photos without any extra guests in them.
If you just want to see this pretty spot in Venice from the ground, you can choose to do that as well.
While the view from the top is stunning, it is a fabulous building to view from the ground as well.
Visiting this spot is one of the best activities in Venice!
Book Here: Venice: Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo Entrance Ticket
Explore Murano And Buy Something Glass
Whether you get to Murano via a boat tour or dedicate some independent time to visit there, you must find a way.
Known for its Venetian glass, this island was once entirely dedicated to the art of glassmaking when all Venetian glassmakers were forced to move here in 1291 to help prevent fires from starting due to furnaces.
Today, Murano is still the principal hub of Venice’s glassmaking. It is a wonderful destination for someone on the hunt for some incredible treasures.
Shop and bring back one-of-a-kind, beautiful gifts, or simply watch an artist blow glass.
Book Here: Venice: Burano and Murano Boat Tour with Glass Factory Visit
Take Photos Of Colorful Burano
If you’re looking for some colorful content, Burano is the place to be.
Known for its brightly colored buildings giving the island its trademark vibrant look, this city is one of the top things to do near Venice.
As an old fishing town, the natives would traditionally paint their houses with bright paint so they wouldn’t have a hard time finding their homes amidst the lagoon’s thick fog.
These colorful houses attract people, especially photographers from all around the world.
Another thing Burano is famous for is its fine lace. Watch out because many knick-knack shops in the more touristy areas of Burano will try to sell you cheap, fake imitations of this lace.
So, when you’re out exploring don’t let yourself fall for that. Real Burano lace is extremely expensive because the quality of the fabric is on a completely different level.
Even a small sample can take the artist weeks to finish. A fine example of real artisan quality Burano lace can be found at The Museo del Merletto (The Lace Museum).
Overall, this island is one of the most beautiful places in Venice!
Book Here: Venice: Murano and Burano Excursion
Try Locally Made Gelato
Gelato is pretty much everywhere in Venice and is an indulgence you shouldn’t skip.
Make sure to choose a shop near the Grand Canal if you want to take an envy-inducing snapshot of your treat.
Take in a fantastic view of the water and the hustle and bustle of the passersby whilst relishing the tasty experience.
This is surely the yummiest of things to do in Venice with kids! Makes sure to try as many flavors as you can!
Book Here: Venice: Guided Aperitivo Food Tour
Ride A Vaporetto
A Vaporetto is a water ferry that is a convenient and beautiful way to get around Venice.
Stops are shown on most Venice maps, and you’ll see them as you’re walking around the city.
They are easy to recognize by their yellow-and-white floating platforms.
One of the reasons people love traveling by Vaporetto is because it is more than just a means of getting around, it is also a sightseeing adventure.
This is one of the best things to do in Venice at night. Rest after a day of wandering and watch the lit city pass by.
Book Here: Venice: Waterbus and Mainland Bus Pass
Go To Gallerie Dell’ Accademia
The Accademia Gallery is located on the south bank of the Grand Canal in the Dorsoduro neighborhood.
In the early 18th century, painters were members of an artisan union but there was still no art academy.
In 1766, the Senate ordered the construction of an academy of sculpture, painting, and architecture, somewhat like those of the main cities of Europe.
Currently, the museum is home to a rich collection of Venetian paintings ranging from Byzantine to Gothic.
Renaissance artists (and artists influenced by the history of European painting) are featured.
There is an assortment of work by a number of famous artists found here, making it one of the best experiences in Venice for art lovers.
Also, if you are looking for what to do in Venice at sunset, stop by the Ponte dell’Accademia. This bridge was epic views of the Grand Canal.
Find Culture at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Art lovers will also want to stop by the Peggy Guggenheim Collection while in Venice.
This museum is housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni which was once the home of Peggy Guggenheim, an American socialite, and art collection.
The collection features abstract and surrealist work by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, Salvador Dali, and Rene Magritte.
Book Here: Venice: Peggy Guggenheim Collection Ticket
Buy Books At Libreria Acqua Alta
Any bibliophiles out there? This is your kind of vibe!
Libreria Acqua Alta is a lovely bookstore that has rushed onto the scene as one of the more unique attractions in Venice.
While it isn’t quite as famous as some of the other places on this Venice to-do list, it is well-known in photography groups.
If you love books, spend some time browsing the selections. You may have a really unique souvenir to bring home from Venice in addition to your photos!
Book Here: Venice: Sightseeing Tour with a Local Guide
Attend Carnevale
Carnevale is Italy’s version of Mardi Gras. This fun event takes place during the two weeks before Ash Wednesday and is a great time to visit the city.
Throughout Venice, you will see people dressed in colorful and elaborate costumes complete with a mask.
There are all sorts of activities during Carnevale such as boat parades and street fairs. The formal balls are some of the best things to do in Venice for adults!
If you want a great souvenir, make sure to find a shop selling handmade masks to support local artisans.
Carnevale can be an expensive time to visit Venice since it is so popular. If you want an epic trip to Italy, make sure to book accommodations in advance.
Book Here: Venice: Carnival Mask Workshop and Glass-Making Experience
Getting Lost On Purpose
A trip to Venice will never be complete without getting lost…on purpose.
If you have ever heard people talking about getting lost in Venice before, it’s an actual cultural thing! This is one of the most fun activities in Venice!
Getting lost in Venice easily happens because the small streets are like a maze.
The awesome thing about that is, as you’re walking around lost you’re coming across amazing spaces, buildings, churches, canals, restaurants, etc. that may not have been on your list.
Opening yourself up to unexpected experiences is refreshing and, dare we say, magical!
Even if you don’t plan on getting lost when you’re spending time in Venice, don’t be too shocked if it just ends up happening.
Just let loose and roll with it! You will agree this is one of the best things to do in Venice, Italy!
Visiting Venice is definitely one of the best things to do in Italy!
With its esteemed architectural heritage, spectacular labyrinths of walkways and waterways, plus unequaled romantic vibes, it’s understandable why people from all over the world flock here.
The visual delights this urban destination has are endless. Stand anywhere in the cobbled streets or near the canals and you’re bound to like what you see.
Hopefully, you have learned about some different things to do in Venice besides the top attractions!
Next, check out our advice on planning a trip to Italy!
15 Best Beaches in the World You Must Visit
BEAUTIFUL photography here. Made me feel I was right there. All 4 of my grandparents were born in Italy and it is on my bucket list along with Amsterdam and hopefully Finland one day!