When it comes to romantic getaways or simply a unique vacation experience, Venice is a destination that should be at the top of everyone’s travel bucket list! Known as the “Floating City” and the “City of Canals”, Venice is a city like no other!
In this article, we will share with you some of the best things to do in Venice and useful tips to make the most of your visit to this wonderful city.
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Things to do in Venice
Visit St Mark’s Campanile
Standing at 98.6 meters tall, St Mark’s Campanile, or bell tower, is the tallest structure in Venice and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city’s iconic waterways and historic buildings. The ascent to the top of the tower is an experience in itself, with narrow stairways and small viewing platforms along the way.
We recommend visiting the campanile on a sunny day or at sunset. Also, try to arrive early and book your tickets in advance; the campanile is a very popular destination and the waiting queue can be very long.
Visit St. Mark's Basilica
This beautiful and historic church is a must-see in Venice. The basilica is known for its fancy Byzantine architecture and alluring mosaics. It’s also home to the remains of Saint Mark, the patron saint of Venice.
Visit the Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge across the Grand Canal
The Rialto Bridge is one of the most famous and iconic landmarks of Venice. It is one of the four bridges, and the oldest one, that spans the Grand Canal. From the bridge, you can enjoy incredible views of the surrounding canals and architecture.
Stroll through the streets and along the canals
Strolling through the narrow streets of Venice and its canals is our favorite thing to do! Venice is best seen on foot, and the best way to explore the city and discover its hidden gems is to wander through its charming streets and along its famous canals.
If you want to explore Venice beyond the tourist-trodden paths, a walk through the Cannaregio neighborhood is a must. This lesser-known neighborhood is known for its charming canals, colorful buildings, and lively atmosphere.
Take a gondola ride
No trip to Venice is complete without a gondola ride through the city’s picturesque canals, a classic Venice experience! It’s a bit pricey but the experience is worth it, the gondola will take you to the small canals where you can see the city from a different perspective. You can find Gondola rides everywhere along the canals in Venice and they all have the same price.
Do a tour of Venice by night
Taking a tour of Venice by night is a unique and memorable experience. The city takes on a different personality!
With fewer people around, you can take your time exploring the city’s main attractions, such as St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, and appreciate their beauty without the hustle and bustle of the daytime crowds.
Visit the Doge's Palace
If you’re interested in history, you’ll want to check out the Doge’s Palace, a Gothic palace, which was once the residence of the Doge of Venice. Today, the palace is open to the public as a museum and it gives a glimpse into the lifestyle of the city’s past rulers.
The Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs is another famous landmark of Venice. It was built in the 17th century and was used to transport prisoners from the Doge’s Palace, the former residence of the Doge of Venice, to the New Prison.
It is said that prisoners would sigh as they crossed the bridge, that’s why it was called the “Bridge of Sighs.”
Ponte Chiodo
Ponte Chiodo is one of the few remaining bridges in Venice that does not have railings.
In the past, wealthy Venetian families would often build their own bridges to connect their palaces or buildings, and these bridges were generally not accessible to the public. This particular bridge was one of them, and it has been preserved over the centuries as a rare example of this type of structure.
Ponte dell'Accademia
The Ponte dell’Accademia, also known as the Accademia Bridge, is one of the four bridges that spans the Grand Canal. It was built in the early 20th century and replaced a wooden bridge that had previously stood in its place.
Next to it, you will find beautiful cafés and restaurants, it is a great place to have a break during the day. It is also a well-known spot for artists who come to paint and sketch the surrounding scenery.
The Clock Tower
The Clock Tower, also known as the Torre dell’Orologio, is located in St. Mark’s Square. It was built in the 15th century and features a rotating sphere that shows the phases of the moon, as well as an astrological dial that indicates the position of the sun and the planets. It was also used to regulate the city’s time and to announce the opening and closing of the city’s markets.
The Clock Tower has two large bronze figures, known as the “Moors.” They strike the bell at the top of the tower every hour so don’t miss that moment!
San Giorgio Maggiore
San Giorgio Maggiore is a beautiful island in the Venetian lagoon. There you can visit the magnificent church and climb up the campanile that offers breathtaking views of Venice.
It’s best to visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds, and we recommend to purchase tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line. Moreover, taking a vaporetto or water taxi to the island is the easiest way to reach it.
Other things to do in Venice
Other things to visit in Venice are: the Gallerie dell’Accademia, Scuola Grande di San Rocco, Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, Church of San Pietro, Church of Santa Maria Formosa, Church of the Santi Apostoli, Chiesa dell’Abbazia della Misericordia, Chiesa di San Zaccaria, Chiesa di San Barnaba, Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista di Venezia, the Venetian Arsenal, and Marco Polo’s House.
These are just a few of the many things that Venice has to offer. With its historic landmarks and unparalleled art and architecture, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this unique city.
Useful tips for visiting Venice
Plan your itinerary in advance
Venice can be overwhelming, with so many sights to see and places to visit. Plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your time in the city and prioritize the places you really want to see.
Wear comfortable shoes
Venice is a city of walkways and bridges, and you will be doing a lot of walking. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as some of the streets and alleys can be uneven and cobblestoned.
Tips for authentic local eats
When in Venice, opt for small local pasta takeaways for a genuine food experience. We tried Dal Moro’s pasta and we loved it! You will find lots of takeaways in the city mainly in the narrow hidden streets.
When we first arrived in Venice, we couldn’t help but notice that Aperol was the drink of choice everywhere! We became curious and decided to give the famous beverage a taste, and needless to say, we absolutely loved it.
Use public transportation
Venice is famous for its canals, but it also has an efficient public transportation system that includes vaporetti (water buses) and traghetti (gondola ferries). This is a great way to get around the city and save your feet from unnecessary walking. Also, if you are travelling on a budget, touring in a vaporetti is a great alternative to the gondola rides! You will see the main sights; however, the vaporetti doesn’t go to the small canals.
Another tip: When you arrive at Venice Airport, you’ll have several bus shuttle options available. These shuttles typically stop at either Tronchetto Bus Station or Piazzale Roma. Once you arrive at either of these transportation hubs, you’ll likely encounter many taxi drivers eager to offer you a ride to your destination. However, it’s just as easy to take a vaporetto (water bus) to get to the heart of Venice.
Visit off-peak hours
Venice can be very crowded, especially in the summer. Try to visit the most popular sights in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Avoid the crowds at Piazza San Marco and be careful of pickpockets
Piazza San Marco is the most popular attraction in Venice, but it can also be the most crowded. If you can, try to visit at an off-peak hour or consider visiting other less-crowded squares in the city instead such as Campo San Polo and Campo Santo Stefano.
Be prepared for the weather
Venice can be hot and humid in the summer and cold and damp in the winter. Make sure to pack accordingly and always bring an umbrella or rain jacket just in case.
Upon our arrival in Venice, the weather was foggy and cloudy. Then, we were lucky to have two warm sunny days with clear blue skies!
Clothes drying traditions in Venice
When we arrived in Venice, we were surprised to see all the clothes hanging out to dry!
At first, we were taken aback by the sight – it’s not something we’re used to seeing in our own cities. But as we spent more time in Venice, we began to appreciate the practicality and charm of this tradition. It was a reminder that despite its many tourist attractions and historic landmarks, Venice is first and foremost a living, breathing city, with its own unique customs and ways of life!
Where to buy souvenirs in Venice
Next to the Rialto Bridge, you will find many souvenir shops, but the prices can vary greatly so here are a few tips on finding the cheapest souvenirs.
First, look for smaller shops. Also, the souvenir shops closest to the Rialto Bridge tend to be more expensive, so consider walking a bit further away to find smaller shops with better prices. Second, compare prices; don’t just buy from the first shop you see. Third, bargain. It’s a common practice to bargain with shop owners in Venice, so don’t be afraid to negotiate a lower price!
Water fountains
Visit the surrounding islands
If you’re planning a visit to Venice, add to you itinerary visiting the surrounding islands. We went on a day trip to Burano and Murano and we had an unforgettable time! The islands are just a short boat ride from Venice.
Attend Venice Carnival
Overall, Venice is a beautiful and unique city that offers a lot to see and do. With its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and charming atmosphere, you will absolutely have an unforgettable trip. Keep in mind that Venice is a city that is best explored on foot, wandering through its charming streets, bridges, and canals!
Note: We only recommend places that we enjoyed visiting with no commercial benefits.