A city rich in art, culture, and canals: this is Venice. Located northeast of Italy, Venice comprises over 117 islands connected by over 400 bridges, thus being called the City of Bridges. But more than its canals, you’ll also find century-old churches, fascinating museums, and other unique attractions that will leave you in awe. If you’re looking for things to do in Venice, be prepared to be overwhelmed by its incomparable splendor and charm.
With its intricately-detailed facade, it’s hard to miss Saint Mark’s Basilica. Located on the eastern side of Piazza San Marco, the church is one of Venice’s most iconic attractions. It became famous for its breathtaking beauty, dubbed as one of the best examples of Italo-Byzantine architecture. Schedule your visit between December and January if you want to avoid the crowd! Dress codes here are strictly imposed as well.
There are plenty of things to do in Venice, but your starting point should always be at St. Mark’s Square. It is the city’s most famous piazza surrounded by many well-known buildings including, Doge’s Palace, Torre dell’ Orologio, and, of course, St. Mark’s Basilica. Other notable monuments and structures here include the Lion of Venice and the Clocktower. Best to visit the square early in the morning so you can take hundreds of photos before the crowd starts to build up!
Another impressive attraction in Venice is the Doge’s Palace. Located in St. Mark’s Square, the Venetian Gothic palace faces directly onto the Grand Canal. It was the former residence of the Doge of Venice, the former Republic’s supreme authority, and is now a museum run by the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia. Join a guided tour for a better appreciation of the beauty and history of the residence.
Rialto Bridge, also known as the Ponte di Rialto, is another well-known attraction in the city. This busy thoroughfare spans along the Grand Canal and connects the district of San Marco and San Polo. It was once a wooden structure but later rebuilt to what it is now: a beautifully designed bridge filled with intricate details and stone reliefs. You can view the Rialto Bridge from the canal or walk over it and check out the souvenir shops along the area.
A visit to Venice wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the majestic Grand Canal. The river serves as the city’s main waterway, lined with century-old buildings that are also a sight to behold. Although four bridges are connecting the canal, both locals and tourists still prefer to travel by boat. One of the top things to do in Venice is taking a romantic gondola ride along the canal while being serenaded by gondoliers.
Located near Piazza San Marco, another must-do in Venice is stopping by the Bridge of Sighs. According to legend, prisoners from Doge’s Palace being transported to Prigioni Nuove get to stop by the bridge one last time and sigh at their final sight of Venice before facing judgment. Today, it’s one of the city’s most beloved attractions. You can visit before 09:00 am to catch the local market sans the crowd or stop by late at night to savor its charm in peace.
Just an hour away from Venice is the island of Burano. It’s a popular tourist attraction, thanks to its lace products and lines of houses colored in bright hues. You can visit in the morning to catch the reflection of these vivid homes against the canal or buy lace products from the many stores in the area. If you prefer not to join the crowd, you can visit Burano at night.
Just north of Venice is another lovely attraction in the form of Murano. The group of islands connected by many bridges, like Venice, is famous for its glass products. The glass-making industry has been thriving in Murano since the 13th century. Today there are still several makers in the area creating magical glass artwork. You can join a guided tour of a glass factory or visit Museo del Vetro if you want to know more about the history of glass in Murano
Standing proudly beside St. Mark's Basilica is its bell tower, the Campanile. After its collapse in 1902, the Venetians reconstructed it in 1912 and made sure to rebuild it to its former glory. Today, it stands at 98.6 meters and is the tallest structure in the city. Many tourists aim to climb to the top of the Campanile to get a spectacular view of Venice. However, it can only accommodate up to 12 persons per hour, so best to book your tickets in advance.
One of the best things to do in Venice is exploring its many museums. One that should be on top of your list is Gallerie dell'Accademia. It comprises three conjoined buildings housing incredible works from the 14th to 19th centuries. Some of the displays here are creations of masters like Bellini, Titian, and Veronese, but its most prized possession is probably Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man. Best to schedule your visit from Tuesdays to Thursdays, at about 5:00 pm for a crowd-free experience.
Venice is best known for its canals, hence the names City of Bridges or the City of Canals. But, the Queen of Adriatic is also home to stunning Gothic palaces, Renaissance art, and the much-anticipated Venice Carnival.
The best time to visit Venice is usually during the summer season, which is between April to June. However, it is also the busiest and most expensive. If you opt not to join the crowd, September to November can be your best bet. Hotel rates are lower, and the canals are a little less busy, but the weather can be a bit colder.
If you prefer to be closer to the city’s favorite attractions like St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge, or Doge’s Palace, then San Marco can be the place for you. However, due to its proximity to these famous sites, San Marco can be crowded and pricey. If you prefer a quieter space and cheaper options, Dorsoduro is a great substitute! It’s still close to some attractions but won’t hurt your wallet.