30 Best Things to Do in Venice: Practical Travel Guide

1. Visit Piazza San Marco at sunrise

While all the squares in Venice are called “campi” and “campielli”, Piazza San Marco is the only “piazza” in the city of Venice.

The beauty of this place is well known all across the world and Napoleon even called it “the drawing room of Europe”.  It’s undoubtedly one of the best places in Venice and the perfect spot to start a day in Veneto Capital.

While the square is often overcrowded during the day, at sunrise, you can experience its true essence, focusing not on the crowds but on the architecture and beauty around you.

For all photography lovers, this is one of the best photo spots in Venice. See the sunrise as it brightens up the unique architecture and snap some photos to remember this moment forever.

The square hosts some of the most famous places to see in Venice, such as the Basilica of St Mark, the belltower, the Clocktower, several historical cafes, and more. We will discuss these things further.

2. Enjoy breakfast at Caffè Florian

Caffè Florian is an institution, and you can’t miss it. It is the oldest cafe in Italy and one of the oldest in the entire world. Florian opened its doors to artists and intellectuals for the first time in 1720.

The Caffè was frequented initially by notable people including the playwright Carlo Goldoni, Goethe, and Casanova, who was attracted by the fact that Caffè Florian was the only coffee house that allowed women. Lord Byron, Marcel Proust, and Charles Dickens, should I keep going?

You might be wondering why this cafe is so special. Everything inside the Florian is a piece of art, every room has its own paintings, style, and decorations. On top of that, an orchestra delights the customers sitting in the square San Marco.

If this wasn’t enough to convince you to start with a breakfast at Florian, their selection of pastries, teas, and obviously espresso, will win your heart. If you want to come back later, Florian also offers lunch, afternoon teas, and aperitifs. 

It comes with a price and there are two different menu options – for those who want to take an order at the bar and for those who want to be served at the table.

3. Visit the famous Doge’s Palace

Some places in Venice are beautiful to look at but easy to skip. The Doge’s Palace isn’t one of them. If you want to understand how Venice actually worked (who held power and how the city was run), this is the place to visit.

For centuries, it was the residence of the Doge, the ruler of the Venetian Republic. Architecturally, it’s one of the finest examples of Gothic art in Italy, with clear Byzantine influences that reflect Venice’s ties to the East. The exterior alone feels deliberate and imposing, designed to project authority.

Inside, you move through the courtyard and into the Appartamento del Doge, where private rooms sit alongside big halls used to receive politicians and foreign dignitaries.

The walls and ceilings are richly decorated with works by leading artists of the time, including Tintoretto, whose paintings dominate several rooms.

The visit takes a darker turn when you cross the Bridge of Sighs into the prisons. You’ll finish in the Armeria, a four-room collection of weapons and armor, including pieces gathered after wars against the Ottomans.

* The St. Mark’s Square Museums Ticket is a single combined ticket that covers the main cultural sites around St. Mark’s Square. It includes entry to Doge’s Palace, the Museum Correr, the National Archaeological Museum of Venice, and the Monumental Rooms of the Marciana National Library.

4. Climb the Campanile di San Marco

Venice is famously flat, which is part of its charm, but it also means good viewpoints are rare. That’s what makes the Campanile so special. At nearly 100 meters tall, it’s the highest structure in the city and the best place to see a panorama of Venice.

From the top, you get open views over St. Mark’s Square, the rooftops spreading out in every direction, and the lagoon beyond. Bonus points if you can visit it at sunset on a clear day!

The entrance fee is €15, and there’s a lift to the top, so it’s an easy visit. Just note that larger backpacks aren’t allowed.

5. Enter St. Mark’s Basilica and see the Pala d’Oro

The Basilica of San Marco is one of Venice’s most recognizable landmarks, dominating St. Mark’s Square. From the outside alone, it’s clear that this is not a typical Italian church.

Architecturally, the basilica is one of the finest examples of Italian Byzantine art. The influence of Constantinople is unmistakable, and the interior often draws comparisons to Hagia Sophia. 

Stepping inside feels like entering a massive, glowing mosaic. Golden ceilings, marble floors, and layered details surround you in every direction. Despite all of this, one work of art usually commands the most attention: the Pala d’Oro.

It is a remarkable altarpiece made of gold, silver, and 1,927 precious stones. Measuring 3.5 meters wide and 1.5 meters tall, its creation began in 976 and took nearly 300 years to complete. 

It is part of the Treasury of San Marco and requires a separate ticket, but it’s widely considered one of the most extraordinary Byzantine works of art in the world, and a highlight of any visit to the basilica.

6. Admire the Torre dell’Orologio

The Clock Tower in Venice is an early Renaissance building on the north side of the Piazza San Marco, at the entrance to the Merceria. It comprises a tower that houses the clock and lower buildings on each side.

The main clock represents the zodiac signs that are covered in gold. These signs shine all over the city when the sun comes up. On top of the clock, you can see the Virgin Mary. Finally, on the highest point, you can see the symbol of Venice: the lion of Saint Mark.

Stairways (steep and narrow) inside the building give access to the terrace on the roof, passing the clock mechanism on the way. Tours are in Italian, English, and French and must be booked in advance.

7. Learn the history of the Bridge of Sighs

Ponte dei Sospiri is one of the most iconic things to see in Venice. Replicas of this famous bridge exist all over the world, from New York to Peru, but nothing compares to the original.

The bridge was built in Baroque style after a fire damaged Palazzo Ducale. Look closely at the details, including the sculpture of the drunk Noah with his sons, which is often overlooked.

The name “Bridge of Sighs” was popularized by Lord Byron. The bridge can be admired from the outside, but it can also be visited from the inside as part of a guided tour of Palazzo Ducale, which includes access to the former prisons and torture rooms.

For the best photos of the bridge, head to Ponte della Paglia, which offers the classic viewpoint. You can also take beautiful shots from Ponte della Canonica or from Calle della Canonica if you have a zoom lens.

8. Cross the Rialto Bridge (and the other 446 bridges!)

Venice has 446 bridges, and you’d probably need a lifetime to cross them all. While the Rialto Bridge, Ponte dell’Accademia, and the Bridge of Sighs are the most popular, there are several other important bridges worth adding to your route.

Ponte degli Scalzi was built in 1846, and you’ll cross it as soon as you arrive at Venice’s main train station. It’s your first introduction to the city, and it’s just as stunning as everything that follows.

Ponte dei Tre Archi crosses the Cannaregio Canal. It’s the only bridge in Venice with three arches and one of the most photographed bridges in the city.

Ponte dei Pugni is another legendary place to see in Venice. At first glance, it may look like just another picturesque bridge, but it carries a surprising amount of history. An important fight once took place here, and the scene was painted by Joseph Heintz in 1673.

Ponte delle Tette literally translates to “the Bridge of Breasts.” If you’re wondering why, it’s because this area was once Venice’s red-light district during the era of the Venetian Republic.

9. Watch the sunset over the Grand Canal

Venice is famous for its canals, and the main canal is Canal Grande. It is almost 4km long, and it has some of the nicest buildings in Venice, like the famous Palazzi Barbaro, Ca’ Rezzonico, and Ca d’Oro.

Sunset is the perfect moment to visit this main attraction in Venice. See the sun golden up the buildings and observe the traffic of boats and gondolas coming and going.

The best place to take the photo is from the Rialto Bridge. There are other bridges on the Canal Grande, but the best view will be on the Rialto Bridge.

10. Ride a gondola through the canals

A gondola ride is one of the most iconic things to do in Venice and a classic way to experience the city. Viewing Venice from the water offers a perspective that is not possible from the streets alone.

For centuries, gondolas were a primary means of transportation in Venice. Each gondola is about 11 meters long and built from roughly 280 hand-crafted pieces, using eight different types of wood. What looks simple today is the result of careful design and long-standing tradition.

You’ll find plenty of gondola “stations” throughout Venice. Before hopping on, always ask about the route, as there are several options (like popular sights or smaller canals). 30 minute gondola ride costs 90 euros during the day and 110 euros after dark.

And here’s the secret: if you’re on a budget but still want to experience a gondola ride, there is a way to do it for just €2. Yes, really. It’s short and shared with others, but it counts, and it’s one of Venice’s best-kept secrets. Read more about it here.

Did you know about Venice’s last squeri?

The Squero di San Trovaso is one of the very few traditional boatyards still operating in Venice, but you can’t actually go inside it. Instead, you watch gondolas being repaired from across the canal, often with a glass of wine in hand at the nearby cicchetti bars.

The squero has been active since the 17th century, and its layout, with sloping ramps instead of dry docks, is designed specifically for hauling gondolas out of the water for maintenance.

11. Discover the painted ceiling of San Pantalon

One of the places to visit in Venice is the Church of San Pantalon. Outside it looks like an ordinary pretty church, but it’s inside that holds its precious secret!

The church is well known for its immense ceiling painting, depicting The Martyrdom and Apotheosis of St Pantalon. The ceiling is 443 square meters, made of over 40 canvases, and is the largest of its kind in Europe. It’s impressive once you see it with your own eyes.

I would call this one of the best non-touristy things to do in Venice since visitors don’t often expect such a big treasure inside that simple church. Many people don’t even notice it, so make sure you add it to your Venice itinerary.

Other beautiful churches in Venice:

• Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
• Chiesa di San Giorgio dei Greci
• Church of Saint Mary of Miracles
• Church of Saint Sebastian
• Chiesa Parrocchiale di Sant’Alvise

12. Attend an opera at La Fenice

Teatro La Fenice is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world and a key cultural landmark in Venice. If you enjoy opera and have the time, attending a performance here is one of the best things to do in Venice.

Its name, meaning The Phoenix, reflects the theatre’s history. La Fenice has been destroyed by fire multiple times and rebuilt each time, famously rising from the ashes and reopening within a year after one of its most devastating fires.

Even beyond the performances, the theatre is worth visiting for its interiors alone. Golden balconies, frescoed ceilings, and ornate details make it easy to get distracted from the stage, so arriving early is well worth it.

If attending an opera isn’t possible, you can still visit La Fenice on a guided or self-guided tour. You can book your visit here.

13. Explore art at the Museo Correr

Correr Museum is probably the best museum in Venice. It is located in St. Mark’s Square, and with its rich and varied collections, the Museo Correr covers both the art and history of Venice.

On the first floor, inside the Ala Napoleonica, you will find masterpieces by Antonio Canova (his sculptures’ details will make your jaw drop!). The rooms are decorated in Neo-Classical style, and they are rich in detail.

The Sissi apartment is another highlight. The Wunderkammer, or the collection of wanders is filled with relics, paintings, and antiques. The Venice Civilization hosts Libreria Pisani and a collection of paintings representing the history of Venice.

On the second floor, you can admire approximately 140 paintings from Theodor Correr’s private collection. Giovanni Bellini and Antonello da Messina are some of the most popular artists, but the collection includes many more artists you should pay attention to.

Extra tip! If you are planning to visit Doge’s Palace, the St. Mark’s Square Museums Ticket includes the Correr Museum together with other museums in St. Mark’s Square.

Other places to visit in Venice if you love art:

• Gallerie dell’Accademia
• Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection

14. Go to the classical concert

Venice is a city shaped by art in all its forms: architecture, craftsmanship, painting, and, inevitably, music. Its most famous musical figure is Antonio Vivaldi, one of the greatest violinists in history and the composer of The Four Seasons.

His legacy is still very much alive. Every day, concerts take place across the city in atmospheric settings: palaces, churches, museums, and historic halls, each adding its own character to the experience. The setting matters almost as much as the music itself.

Because of this, tickets for the most impressive venues tend to sell out quickly. While it’s still possible to find last-minute concerts in simpler locations, I recommend booking ahead if you’re after something more memorable.

🎶 This concert was our choice, and I can’t recommend it enough!

15. Climb the Scala Contarini del Bovolo

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is one of those places many visitors walk past without realizing what’s inside. While it’s a known spot, it’s still far less visited than most viewpoints in Venice. Many people stop briefly in the courtyard, but fewer continue up the staircase.

The palace dates back to the late Gothic period, and its exterior alone is worth the visit. The spiral staircase (bovolo means “snail” in Venetian dialect) is the main highlight that sets it apart from other buildings in the city.

Climbing to the top rewards you with an amazing view over Venice, with red-tiled roofs stretching out in every direction and St. Mark’s Bell Tower visible in the distance.

🎟 Entrance fee: 9 euros, you can purchase it online here.

16. Explore Venice through its historic shops

With more than 1,000 years of history, Venice has a surprising number of shops that have barely changed over time. Here are some of my favorite finds, but don’t forget to venture off and make your own discoveries.

Farmacia Santa Fosca is one of my favorite shops in Venice. Located in Cannaregio, it originally functioned as a spice shop and dates back several centuries. Inside, you’ll see wooden cabinets, glass jars, and traditional counters that feel more like a museum than a shop.

Antica Drogheria Mascari is known for spices, sweets, and other food products. It has been serving Venetians for generations and is a good place to find edible souvenirs that are still part of daily cooking rather than decorative gifts.

Venice and romance go hand in hand, so it feels only right to include Gioielleria Nardi. Located on St. Mark’s Square for over a century, this jewelry shop is as beautiful as what it sells. Even if you’re not shopping for diamonds, the baroque interior alone is worth stepping inside.

In Cannaregio, Nicolao’s atelier is unlike anything else in the city. Known for its handmade costumes, especially during Carnival, the showroom is worth visiting year-round. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of more than 15,000 recreated period costumes.

And then there’s Despar Teatro Italia, proof that even a quick grocery stop can feel special in Venice. Set inside a former cinema, this supermarket still features painted ceilings and original theater details. 

17. Drink spritz and snack at local bacari

Venice is often considered the birthplace of the Spritz, even though nearby Padova also claims it. In Venice, Select is more commonly used than Aperol, and local Venetian wine plays a big role in the final taste.

According to legend, the Spritz dates back to the Austrian domination of Veneto, when Austrian soldiers found local wine too strong and diluted it with soda or sparkling water.

18. Find Libreria Acqua Alta

It is definitely one of the most unique and beautiful libraries in the world, so whether you are a book lover or not, you shouldn’t miss this place. Inside you will find steps made from old encyclopedias and a huge selection of new and used books on gondolas, boats, canoes, and tanks. 

Charming, right? There are also four lovely kitties wandering around the library, making the place even more unique. This is one of the most Instagrammable places in Venice, so don’t forget your camera when you visit it!

Please consider supporting the business by buying some books there. The library has a huge cost of maintenance due to its position and the endless flooding of Venice.

19. Stroll through the Jewish Ghetto

This area, established in 1516, was the first Jewish ghetto in the world, the place where the word “ghetto” itself originated. Jews were forced to live here, locked in at night, yet the community survived and built a rich cultural and religious life within these walls.

Several synagogues were built between the 16th and 17th centuries, often hidden behind simple exteriors. The Great German Synagogue, built in 1528, is the oldest in Venice, while the Spanish Synagogue is the largest. The Levantine Synagogue is also nearby.

Today, the Jewish Ghetto is a lived-in neighborhood with open squares and a slower pace. It’s an easy walk from busier parts of the city, yet it feels removed from the crowds that define much of Venice.

20. Experience the Rialto Market

Mercato di Rialto takes place beside the Grand Canal, inside the elegant Neo-Gothic building of the Pescheria di Rialto, completed in 1907. Long before that, this area had been Venice’s main trading hub for over a thousand years.

While today the stalls focus on fresh seafood, fruit, and locally grown produce, the market’s past was far more global. Merchants from across Europe and beyond once traded silk, spices, and perfumes here.

The market is open daily until midday and is best visited in the morning, when locals do their shopping, and the atmosphere feels most alive. Even if you’re not planning to cook, it’s a great place to observe daily life in Venice.

21. Learn to cook Venetian dishes

When in Italy, cooking classes are always fun, and Venice is no exception. The Veneto region is best known as the birthplace of tiramisù and prosecco, but local cuisine goes far beyond that, with meat, pasta, and seafood dishes.

One of my favorite experiences here is a market visit paired with a hands-on cooking class. It begins at Rialto Market, where you select fresh ingredients before heading to the kitchen to cook under the guidance of a local chef, while sipping a glass of prosecco.

—> book your cooking class here

22. Photograph Venice’s most picturesque canals

The canals of Venice are iconic, but the best memories come from getting a little lost and wandering away from the obvious routes. While the Grand Canal gets most of the attention, some of Venice’s smaller waterways are far more atmospheric.

Rio de l’Barcaroli is tucked between narrow buildings and still canals, and it’s often considered one of the best photo spots in Venice. Even if photography isn’t your thing, it’s worth a short stop. One of the best locations is right next to the Hotel San Moise.

Canale di Cannaregio feels broader and more residential, lined with Baroque palaces, local bars, and restaurants. Walking along it gives you a chance to photograph elegant façades while seeing everyday Venetian life unfold.

Nearby, Rio della Misericordia is another favorite, especially later in the day. It runs close to the Jewish Ghetto and is surrounded by lively bars and small shops selling vintage items and crafts.

For something quieter, Rio San Barnaba offers a more intimate scene. Visit in the morning to catch floating stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, a simple moment of local life that feels worlds away from Venice’s busiest areas.

23. Discover the Arsenale

The Arsenale di Venezia is a big complex of former shipyards and armories. Its construction dates back to the height of Venice’s maritime power, when control of the sea was the foundation of the city’s wealth and influence.

While a Byzantine-style arsenal may have existed here as early as the 8th century, the structure most visitors see today is generally dated to 1104. At its peak, the Arsenale was capable of producing ships at an unprecedented scale.

Today, much of the Arsenale is open to the public, aside from areas still used by the Italian navy. Even if you don’t plan to visit the exhibitions, it’s worth coming here just to see the monumental entrance and quiet waterfront.

24. Find the narrowest street in Venice

To see a different side of the city, head to Calle Varisco, the narrowest street in Venice. At its tightest point, it measures just 53 centimeters wide. Hidden away in Cannaregio, it sits well off the main tourist routes and is rarely crowded.

The alley is short and easy to miss, but it’s a good example of how Venice adapted to limited space. The closely packed walls show how buildings were expanded and modified over centuries.

25. Visit lesser-known museums

Venice’s museum scene extends well beyond its most famous names. Yet the Serenissima is home to many museums that tourists often skip while focusing on the main attractions.

Museo di Palazzo Grimani, near San Marco, is frequently overlooked despite its central location. Built in the 16th century for the Grimani family, the palazzo itself is the highlight, with interiors that blend classical Roman influences and Venetian architecture.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco remains surprisingly quiet, even though it houses Tintoretto’s monumental painting cycle. Founded in the 16th century as a charitable confraternity, its walls and ceilings are covered with dramatic, large-scale works.

Nearby, Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni offers an even more intimate experience. Built for the Dalmatian community in the early 1500s, it is famous for Vittore Carpaccio’s narrative painting cycle.

For something entirely different, the Museum of Pathological Anatomy focuses on medical history rather than art. It’s highly specialized, but also one of the quietest museums in Venice.

26. Get lost in the Borges Labyrinth

Venice doesn’t have many truly quiet places left, which is why the Borges Labyrinth feels so unexpected. Tucked away on San Giorgio Maggiore, just across the water from St. Mark’s Square, it’s one of those spots most visitors never even hear about.

The labyrinth was created in 2011 by an English architect, commissioned by Maria Kodama, the widow of Argentine writer and poet Jorge Luis Borges. Because the labyrinth only opened to visitors relatively recently, it still flies under the radar.

The admission fee is 15 euros, but keep in mind that you can only visit it on guided tours. Book your visit here.

27. Dine with a view at The St. Regis Venice

Venice has no shortage of restaurants, but genuinely memorable dining experiences are harder to come by. Gio’s Restaurant & Terrace, located inside The St. Regis Venice, is one of the places that actually lives up to the expectations.

The menu is rooted in Venetian tradition, with a clear focus on the flavors of the Adriatic Sea. You’ll also find classic Italian staples, like Costoletta alla Milanese, done properly and without shortcuts.

A special mention is obviously for the king of the Venetian desserts: the Tiramisu. But the sweetest part is the view that you get from the restaurant. Hands down the best food experience in Venice.

28. Taste traditional Venetian food

Food in Venice is deeply tied to tradition, and trying local dishes is an essential part of experiencing the city. Beyond bacari and cicchetti, Venetian cuisine reflects centuries of lagoon life, trade, and simple ingredients prepared with care.

One of the most common starters is baccalà mantecato, a creamy codfish spread often served on bread or polenta. Sarde in saor is another classic appetizer, made with fried sardines marinated in vinegar, caramelized onions, raisins, and pine nuts.

For first courses, risi e bisi, a dish halfway between soup and risotto, is a local favorite, while bigoli in salsa combines thick fresh pasta with a simple sauce of onions and anchovies. Among main dishes, fegato alla veneziana stands out.

To finish on a sweet note, try fritole, fried pastry balls with raisins and pine nuts, originally linked to Carnival but now available all year round.

29. Explore colorful Burano

Burano is often listed among the most Instagrammable places in Venice, and it hardly needs an introduction. The island is strikingly picturesque, with brightly painted houses lining narrow canals, and is easily one of the most colorful places in Italy.

There’s no real itinerary to follow here. Walking along the canals, crossing small bridges, and exploring quiet residential streets is the main experience.

Early morning is the best time to visit if you want to experience Burano at its calmest. During the shoulder season, late afternoon can also be a good option. When the main streets feel busy, it only takes a few turns to find quieter areas that feel almost untouched.

⛴ Getting to Burano: Take vaporetto Line 12 from Fondamente Nove (about 45 min, every 30–40 min). A single ticket is €9.50. Alternative: Line 14 (slower, less frequent).

30. Meet the glass masters of Murano

Murano is inseparable from the history of Venetian glass. In 1292, fearing fires that could devastate the city’s largely wooden buildings, the Venetian Republic ordered glassmakers to move their furnaces here. 

What began as a safety measure turned Murano into a center of innovation and craftsmanship, and for centuries, its artisans guarded their techniques closely. Even today, Murano glass remains one of the most enduring symbols of Venice.

The island’s main cultural landmark is the Glass Museum, which traces the evolution of glassmaking from Roman times to the modern era. 

Nearby, the Basilica of Santa Maria e Donato stands out for its ancient mosaics, while the churches of Santa Chiara and San Pietro Martire reflect Murano’s long religious and artistic traditions.

To get here, you’ll take the same ferry line that continues to Burano. Most visitors try to see Burano and Murano in a single day, but that’s a rushed and tiring itinerary. If you can, spread the visits over two days.

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