20 Things to Do in Venice, Italy
Venice casts an undeniable spell, a city built on water where canals replace roads and gondolas glide past stunning Renaissance palaces. Its unique atmosphere, steeped in history and romance, draws visitors into a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and breathtaking squares; exploring this magical city includes many wonderful free things to do in Venice, like crossing its countless bridges or simply getting lost in its captivating beauty. Prepare for an experience unlike any other in the world.
This floating city offers a wealth of experiences, from world-famous landmarks to hidden canalside gems. This guide points you towards 20 distinct ways to immerse yourself in the unique charm of Venice, covering its iconic sights, nearby islands, essential cultural moments, and delightful local traditions. Get ready to discover the heart of the Venetian lagoon.
Iconic Squares & Bridges
St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco): Stand in Venice’s magnificent principal square, surrounded by architectural marvels like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Enjoy the vast open space, watch the pigeons (though feeding is discouraged), and soak in the historic grandeur.
St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco): Marvel at the stunning Byzantine architecture and glittering gold mosaics covering the interior of this incredible basilica. Book tickets online to minimize wait times for entering this opulent masterpiece.
Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto): Cross the oldest and most famous bridge spanning the Grand Canal, lined with shops built into its structure. Enjoy bustling views of gondolas and vaporettos navigating the busy waterway from this iconic vantage point.
Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri): View the enclosed white limestone bridge connecting the Doge’s Palace interrogation rooms to the prison. Legend says prisoners sighed at their last view of beautiful Venice through its windows, hence its evocative name.
Palaces & Power
Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale): Explore the former seat of Venetian government, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture showcasing opulent state rooms, impressive artwork, and the prison cells accessed via the Bridge of Sighs. Book ahead to discover the center of Venetian power and history.
Ca’ d’Oro: Admire the beautiful Gothic facade of this palace on the Grand Canal, now housing the Galleria Giorgio Franchetti art collection. Its intricate stonework makes it one of the most picturesque palazzos along the waterway.
Canal Journeys & Gondolas
Grand Canal Vaporetto Ride: Take public water bus (vaporetto) Line 1 for a scenic journey along the entire Grand Canal, offering fantastic views of palaces, churches, and bridges from the water. It’s an affordable way to see the city’s main thoroughfare.
Gondola Ride: Indulge in the quintessential Venetian experience with a romantic gondola ride through quiet side canals or along parts of the Grand Canal. While pricey, gliding silently through the waterways offers a unique and traditional perspective.
Islands of the Lagoon
Murano Island Visit: Take a vaporetto to the island famous for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition. Visit glass factories to watch artisans at work and browse shops selling beautiful Murano glass creations.
Burano Island Exploration: Stroll through the incredibly picturesque island known for its brightly colored fishermen’s houses lining the canals. It’s a photographer’s dream and famous for its traditional lacemaking.
Torcello Island Escape: Visit the sparsely populated island, the earliest center of civilization in the lagoon, home to the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta with its amazing Byzantine mosaics. Experience the peaceful, ancient atmosphere of this historic site.
Art, Culture & Unique Stops
Peggy Guggenheim Collection: Explore modern European and American art, including works by Picasso, Dalí, and Pollock, housed in an unfinished palace on the Grand Canal. Enjoy the sculpture garden and beautiful setting of this world-class modern art museum.
Gallerie dell’Accademia: Discover a vast collection of pre-19th century Venetian painting, featuring masterpieces by artists like Bellini, Titian, and Tintoretto. See iconic works like Vitruvian Man (displayed occasionally) in this premier Venetian art gallery.
Libreria Acqua Alta: Browse this unique bookstore known for its creative storage solutions – books piled in gondolas, bathtubs, and waterproof bins to protect them from Venice’s high tides (“acqua alta”). It’s a charmingly chaotic haven for book lovers.
Rialto Market Experience: Visit the bustling Rialto Market (Mercato di Rialto) near the bridge, especially vibrant in the morning. Explore the fish market (Pescheria) and produce stalls for a lively glimpse into local Venetian commerce.
Venetian Experiences
Get Lost Wandering: Put away the map and simply wander through the maze-like streets and canals away from the main tourist areas. Discovering hidden campi (squares), quiet canals, and local life is one of the best ways to experience authentic Venice.
Enjoy Cicchetti and Wine: Participate in the Venetian tradition of enjoying cicchetti (small snacks or side dishes, similar to tapas) with a glass of local wine (un’ombra) at a bacaro (traditional bar). It’s a delicious and social local custom.
Visit the Jewish Ghetto: Explore one of the world’s oldest Jewish ghettos, founded in 1516, located in the Cannaregio district. Visit historic synagogues (tours available) and learn about the community’s long history in this atmospheric neighborhood.
Climb St. Mark’s Campanile: Ascend the bell tower in St. Mark’s Square via elevator for stunning panoramic views over Venice, the lagoon, and surrounding islands. It offers a bird’s-eye perspective of the entire area.
Attend an Opera at La Fenice: Experience a performance at the beautifully restored historic opera house, Teatro La Fenice. Check the schedule for operas, ballets, or concerts for an elegant cultural evening.
