30 Best Things to Do in Venice: Main Attractions, Hidden Gems and Fun Experiences

30 best things to do in Venice

I will repeat this over and over again, but Venice is an amusement park for travelers. It offers a lot of fun things to do, world-famous museums, art on every corner, and some unique experiences that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

At the same time, this could feel overwhelming while planning your Venice Itinerary, but don’t worry, I am here to help you. I’m sure after reading about these 30 best things to do in Venice, you will be ready to hit the road.

Visit Piazza San Marco at the 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. For all photography lovers, this is one of the best photo spots in Venice.

While during the day the square is literally overpacked with tourists, at sunrise you can get the real essence of the place and be overwhelmed not by the people but by the architecture and the beauty.

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.

Take breakfast at the famous Florian

Caffè Florian is an institution in Venice 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 is this cafe so special? Everything inside the Florian is a piece of art, every room has its paintings, style, and decorations. An orchestra delights the customers sitting on the square San Marco. The staff is fully dressed, with different outfits for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

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.

There is no better way than Florian to start your Venice itinerary. If you want to come back later, Florian also offers lunch, afternoon teas, and aperitifs, and it is one of the best places to eat in Venice. 

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. Click here to see the prices.

See the sunset over Canal Grande

Venice is famous for its channel and the main channel 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 Rialto Bridge. There are other three bridges on the Canal Grande, but the best view will be on the Rialto Bridge.

Some of the best restaurants in Venice are located across the Canal Grande and you will have the most romantic atmosphere in the city. La Porta d’Acqua is one of the best places to satisfy your need for authentic Italian food.

Discover the most beautiful ceiling in the world in the church 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.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a proper schedule and can be closed even during opening times, but it holds daily mass every day at 6 PM.

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 don’t be one of them and go to see it inside and add it to your Venice itinerary.

Cross the Rialto Bridge (and all the other 446 bridges!)

Venice counts 446 bridges and you probably need a lifetime to cross them all! So here is a list of the bridges that you can’t miss in Venice.

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, Rialto Bridge offers the best view over the Canal Grande. The majestic architecture of the bridge makes it one of the most instagrammable places in Venice.

The Bridge of Sighs is one of the most famous and beautiful places to see in Venice. The name was given by Lord Byron, from the suggestion that prisoners would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice before being taken down to their cells. The best view is from the Ponte Della Paglia, another wonderful example of Venetian architecture.

Ponte Degli Scalzi was built in 1846 and once you will arrive at Venice’s main train station you will cross this bridge to explore the city. It’s stunning just like everything else around.

Ponte dei Tre Archi crosses the Channel of Cannareggio. It is the only bridge left in Venice with three arches, and it is one of the most photographed bridges in Venice. 

Ponte Dei Pugni is another of the legendary places to see in Venice. If you think that this is just a regular picturesque bridge in Venice, you must know that it holds a lot of history and an important fight took place on the Ponte Dei Pugni. Joseph Heintz painted it in 1673.

Ponte delle Tette in English means the bridge of breasts. You might be wondering why. Well, during the era of the Venetian Republic, this was the red-light district of Venice.

Climb to the Scalinata del Bovolo

The Scalinata del Bovolo must be included in your Venice itinerary. You will certainly need Google Maps to get there because hidden away from other main attractions in Venice.

As soon as you get to the Palazzo del Bovolo, you will be impressed by the facade and the stairs. The palace was built in the late Gothic style and it is considered a hidden gem in Venice.

Incredibly the best is yet to come! Once you climb the stairs, you will see the best view of Venice, so don’t forget your camera to take some epic photos of Venice.

The admission fee is 8 euros and you can book your visit here.

Experience La Dolce Vita on a gondola and let the beauty surround you

When people think about the best things to do in Venice, the first response is “taking a gondola ride”.

For centuries, the gondola was a major means of transportation and the most common watercraft within Venice. If you are not familiar, Gondolas are 11 meters long and they are made of 280 hand-made pieces using eight types of wood.

Riding a gondola will give you a unique perspective of the city and I would say that this is the most romantic experience in Venice. And I’m talking about the romance between you and Venice. Not your partner or a lover.

You will find a lot of “stations” where you can take gondolas and choose your favorite ride. Ask for the route and the price in advance to see if you like the places you are going to see. I don’t recommend booking your tour online. I did my research and they are overpriced & with low reviews.

Like most of the experiences in Venice, taking a gondola might be a bit pricy. In the evening the rides are slightly more expensive than during the day.

Luckily for you, I have a key to a secret door in Venice. If you are on a budget but still want to experience a Gondola ride, you can take a short gondola ride for only 2 euros! Click here to read more.

Drink endless Spritz and try snacks at bacari 

Venice is the city where Spritz was born, even though Padova claims that Spritz is their invention. In Venice, Select is more used than Aperol, but Venetian wine makes all the difference.

The legend says that the first version of Spritz was served during the Austrian domination of Veneto. The Austrians couldn’t handle the local wine, so started to mix it with soda or sparkling water.

You can’t come to Veneto and don’t enjoy Spritz. It is one of those fun things to do in Venice and you don’t want to miss out. You will find it in every bacari – typical Venetian bars. So here are five places you can’t miss for your aperitivo in Venice.

Cantina Do Spade serves local food and wine since 1448 and it can be considered a real landmark of the city of Venice. Spritz and a huge selection of local wine will satisfy every food lover.

Cantina Do Mori is the oldest “Bacaro” of Venice, it started its activity in 1462. Inside, with its ancient atmosphere, it looks like a scene from a cinema movie. Here you must try the “cicchetti” which is a Venetian version of tapas.

Al Squero is maybe the most charming bacaro in Venice. It has a lovely view in front of a “Squero” which is a gondola shipyard, making this location one of the most loved by the Venetians. You can just sit on the walls outside on the channel and enjoy the Venice vibes.

Bacareto da Lele is the real essence of Venice bacari. And it hasn’t changed much since the day it was opened, but that’s the charm of it. There are not even places to sit, but the prices and quality of food and wines are top. Spritz was less than 2 euros and trust me, you will thank me later.

Learn the history behind the Ponte Dei Sospiri

Ponte Dei Sospiri is one of those unique things to see in Venice. Replicas of this famous bridge can be found all over the world, from New York to Peru, but nothing is as charming as the original. It is also called the bridge of lovers and it is one of the best places to visit in Venice, not only for its beauty but also for its history.

In order to take the best photos of the bridge I recommend you to go to Ponte Della Paglia. You can snap some beautiful photos also from Ponte Della Canonica, or Calle Della Canonica if you have a nice zoom lens. Right under Ponte Della Paglia, after the porticoes, there is a little space where to take another unforgettable photo of the bridge.

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the name was given by Lord Byron, and it can be visited from the outside and inside when visiting Palazzo Ducale with a guided tour. You will also have the chance to see the prisons and the torture room.

The bridge was built in Baroque style after a fire that damaged Palazzo Ducale. Don’t forget to spot the details, such as the sculpture of drunk Noah with his sons.

Find the 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 Instragrammable places in Venice, so don’t forget your camera when you visit it!

It is open every day from 9 am to 8 pm, so it can fit easily into your Venice itinerary.

Please consider supporting the business by buying some books there. The library has a huge cost of maintenance due to its position end the endless flood of Venice. Your help will help to preserve this hidden gem in Venice.

Admire the details of 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, which contains 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, and on her side is the hour in Roman and Arab numbers. 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.

Meet Titian and gothic art at Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

Titian was one of the most relevant painters in history, and the best way to get to know him was to visit the Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari.

The basilica looks stunning and massive from the outside. It is one of the best examples of Venetian-Gothic style, so don’t forget a wide-angle lens to capture the details from the Frari Bridge or the channel.

Once you step in, take a breath and a moment to realize where you are. Before heading to the High altar and seeing the most famous painting – the Assumption of the Virgin – check all the treasures this basilica has to offer.

The wide and bright interior will astonish you with its beauty. Sculptures by Donatello and tombs of the doges of Venice are extraordinary examples of art. The most interesting tomb is Antonio Canova’s, the famous sculptor. The Pesaro Madonna is another famous painting you should pay attention to.

Dive in a full immersion of art at Correr Museum

Correr Museum is probably the best museum in Venice. It is located in St. Mark 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 sculpture’s details will make your jaw drop. The rooms are decorated in Neo-Classical style and they are rich in details.

The Sissi apartment was the residence of the princess for almost 2 years. Now, you get a chance to see how royalties used to live. 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.

Visit the most famous palace of Venice: Palazzo Ducale 

Palazzo Ducale is the main palace of the city and one of the best photo spots in Venice. It used to be the house of the Doge of Venice and it is one of the best works of Gothic art in Italy. Like many other places in Venice, the Palazzo Ducale has a big influence on Byzantine art.

It was built between the IX – XVII century and it was restyled and redecorated after several fires that damaged the building. Today Palazzo Ducale is one of the most visited museums in Venice, and it offers a lot to visitors.

When you will step into the courtyard you will have a view of the facades of the palace. After, you can visit the Appartamento del Doge – the Doge’s apartment. You will admire the private rooms and rooms, where the Doge was inviting guests and politicians.

Decorations were made by the most important artists of the times, like the painter Tintoretto. As mentioned in the previous paragraph you will have the chance to visit the Ponte Dei Sospiri and the prisons.

Finally, the Armeria, is composed of 4 different rooms and it is a collection of weapons, some were collected after the wars against the Ottomans.

Check their website for tailored and other special tours.

Have Venice under your feet climbing at Campanile di San Marco

If you think that Venice can’t get more beautiful, try to climb St Mark’s Campanile. Climbing this symbol of the city will bring you back in time and you will be able to see Venice under your nose. My recommendation is to do it at sunset or on a clear day to enjoy the colors of the city.

The bell tower is almost 100 meters tall and it’s the tallest building in Venice. There is a lift to take you up and the admission fee is 12 euros. Currently, it closes at 7 PM and it will take you less than one hour to visit.

If you are looking for an alternative with fewer people and a cheaper price, you can go up to the tower of San Giorgio Maggiore. The entrance fee is 6 euros and you still have a lift that takes you up.

Get lost at the Borges labyrinth 

One of the non-touristy things to do in Venice is visiting the Borges Labyrinth.

The Labyrinth is located on St George Island and it is one of the most charming places in Venice. It was made in 2011 on a project of an English architect at the request of Maria Kodama, the widowed wife of the Argentinian writer and poet Jorge Luis Borges.

As the labyrinth has been opened to visitors quite recently, many people miss this place, which makes it another hidden gem of Venice.

The admission fee is 15 euros and it will take approximately one hour to visit. Click here to book your visit.

Admire the beauty of Venetian artists at the Gallerie dell Accademia 

The Gallerie dell’Accademia is a museum gallery of pre-19th-century art in Venice. It is housed in the School of Charity on the south bank of the Grand Canal, within the district of Dorsoduro. It was originally the gallery of the Academy of Fine Arts of Venice. If you are an art lover this is one of the places to visit in Venice.

The Gallerie dell’Accademia contains masterpieces of Venetian painting up to the 18th century, generally arranged chronologically though some thematic displays are evident. The Gallery hosts operas of some of the most relevant maestros like Titian, Tintoretto, Vasari, Antonio da Messina, Bellini, and Veronese. 

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 15 AM to 7.15 PM (last admission is 6.15 PM) and on Monday from 8.15 AM to 1 PM. The entrance fee is 12 euros and you can buy your ticket here.

Discover the soul of modern art at the Ca Pesaro

Ca da Pesaro is one of the Baroque gems on the Canal Grande. It is one of the 11 museums run by the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia system. The House is a project by the Venetian architect, Baldassarre Longhena, who also designed the church of the Salute and Ca’ Rezzonico. 

The grandiose palace is a seat of the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna and hosts artworks from Auguste Rodin and Gustav Klimt.

The admission fee is 11 euros and the last access is at 5 pm. You can check temporary exhibitions and purchase tickets here. 

Fine dining at The St. Regis Venice with a view of Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

One of the best restaurants in Venice is undoubtedly Gio’s Restaurant & Terrace at the St. Regis hotel and it offers a fine dining experience like no other.

The cuisine is a triumph of Venetian culture. You need to feel all the flavors that the Adriatic Sea has to offer, skilfully prepared by their chef. You can also try other dishes of Italian tradition like Costoletta alla Milanese.

If you are an Aperitivo lover (and you should become one when visiting Venice), the terrace offers the possibility to sip a drink before dinner time.

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

Stroll the Jewish ghetto

According to the books, Jewish people arrived in Venice around the XI century.  The ghetto was a trading post where the East and the West would meet. After a law of 1516, the Republic of Venice decided that the Jewish people had to live all in the same area. Even if this is probably not a nice record, this was the first ghetto in Europe.

Due to an increase in the Jewish community, the first synagogues were built between 1500 and 1600. You shouldn’t miss the Scola Grande Tedesca – Great German Synagogue – which is the first synagogue in Venice, it was built in 1528.

Another remarkable spot is the Scola Spagnola – the Spanish Synagogue – and its garden. It’s the biggest synagogue in Venice. Makes sure you visit Scola Levantina.  

Today the Ghetto is a lively district and one of the most visited areas of Venice. There is a museum of the Jewish culture if you are interested to know more.

Experience the Mercato di Rialto

Visiting the Mercato di Rialto is another one of those non-touristy things to do in Venice. The elegant, Neo-Gothic palace of Pescheria that hosts the Market, dates to 1907, but the market took place in the same area for more than 1000 years.

Nowadays here you can buy fresh seafood and other locally grown products, but it was not always like that. In the past, a lot of merchants from all over the world were trading their goods here. Here Venetians could buy imported products like silk, spices, and perfumes for the first time.

It is open every day until midday and it’s a great place to buy some food if you are planning to cook at home during your time in Venice.

Take photos of the most picturesque channels 

The channels of Venice are certainly iconic. Getting lost around them and hunting for the best photo spots is one of the best things to do in Venice. We already talked about the famous Canal Grande, but there are some others that deserve your attention.

Rinconcito Adorable is one of those places where everyone takes at least a picture of Venice. Look it up on Google Maps and it will lead you directly to the spot. If you ask me, it’s the best photo spot in Venice. If you are not into photography, you should still make a stop here.

Canale di Cannaregio is a baroque gem of Venice. Here you will find a lot of typical bars and restaurants. While exploring the streets of Cannaregio Canal, I recommend you to check out the Baroque palaces.

Another Instagrammable place in Venice is the Rio della Misericordia, located in the area of Cannareggio and close to the Jewish ghetto. After taking some photos, you can relax in one of the many bars that the channel offers. You’ll also find vintage goods and crafts for sale along its surrounding streets.

Rio Della Tetta will give you the chance to find one of the most famous photo spots in Venice: Palazzo Tetta. It is a palace surrounded by water on three sides.

Rio San Barnaba is a narrow canal in Venice and another perfect photo spot in Venice. It is ideal to get a glimpse of local life. Head to Rio San Barnaba in the morning when you’ll see fresh fruit and vegetables being sold on floating market stands.

Discover the mythical Arsenale di Venezia

The Arsenale di Venezia is a complex of former shipyards and armories clustered together. The construction of the arsenal dates back to the Republic of Venice times and It showed all the power of the naval force of Venice.

The Byzantine-style establishment may have existed as early as the 8th century, though the present structure is usually said to have begun in 1104. 

Nowadays you can visit most of the Arsenale, except for the part owned by the Italian naval army. The pavilions host exhibitions, a naval museum, and some public spaces. If you are not interested to visit this museum, make sure you check the facade from the outside.

Enter the Basilica of San Marco and find the Pala d’Oro

The Basilica of San Marco is one of the most famous landmarks of Venice and Italy. It dominates the St. Mark square, with its majestic facade and domes. I have to say that facade of the Basilica is under construction in the summer of 2022 and they don’t know how long it’s going to last.

The style of the Basilica is a perfect example of Italian Byzantine Art. In fact, I found the interiors of the basilica very similar to the ones of Hagia Sofia in Istanbul. The cultural exchange with Constantinople was relevant also for the number of sculptures, jewels, and artworks in general.

Stepping inside the St Mark Basilica means stepping inside a masterpiece. The golden mosaics and precious marbles will astonish you for the richness of details.

Despite the beauty surrounding you, there will be one thing that will probably catch your attention the most: La Pala d’Oro.

Pala d’Oro is a masterpiece composed of gold, silver, and precious stones including 1,927 gems. It is long 3.5 meters and 1.5 meters tall. While the beginning of the composition of the artwork started in 976, it took approximately 300 years to finish. Pala d’Oro is part of the St Mark Treasure and you will need an additional ticket to visit.

The entrance fee for Basilica and Pala d’Oro is 12 euros. Click here to purchase your ticket and read all the necessary information.

Learn about the Peggy Guggenheim collection in Palazzo Venier dei Leoni

The foundation Peggy Guggenheim is the second most visited museum in Venice after Palazzo Ducale. It is located in the famous Palazzo Venier Dei Leoni on the Canal Grande. The Palace has a wonderful classic facade. The construction started in 1748 and was actually never finished.

It is probably the most important museum Italian museum of American and European art. Here you can admire the artworks of Dali, Magritte, Kandinsky, Picasso, and more.

The Museum is open every day from 10 AM to 6 PM and the last admission is at 5.15. The entrance fee is 16 euros.

Go to opera at La Fenice

The Theatre La Fenice is a legendary institution in the city. It is one of the most prestigious and famous Opera houses in the world. If you have enough time and you are passionate about opera, I strongly recommend you to attend a play here. It is one of the best things to do in Venice and gives you another reason to dress up & show off your best outfit.

The name of the opera reflects its role in permitting an opera company to “rise from the ashes”. Despite losing the use of three theatres to fire, rebuilding was completed within a year.

The prestige and the history are not the only good reasons to visit this fantastic Venice landmark. The art and details of the interiors could easily distract you from the play, so I recommend you to come in advance to appreciate the beauty of the place. You can also find an exhibition of Maria Callas, who performed in Venice for many years.

If you can’t go to a play, you can still visit the opera house on a tour. Your visit will last approximately 40 minutes and the admission fee is 11 euros. The Theatre is open every day from 9.30 am to 6.00 pm.

Taste the flavors of Venice

Food in Venice is like a religion, so let’s discover Venetian cuisine together. I already mentioned that Bacari is one of those fun things to do in Venice, but now I want to give you a list of some must-try dishes when you are visiting Venice.

Baccalà Mantecato is a famous dish of cod fish and you will find it in most of the restaurants in Venice in the form of an appetizer.

It has a particular way of preparation and it often includes milk, but give it a try.

Risi e bisi which means rice and peas. It is a dish halfway between a soup and a risotto. Some places add bacon, but if not, it’s a great vegetarian dish.

Fegato alla veneziana is the most popular dish in Venice and another thing that you shouldn’t miss. It consists of a liver of pork or beef and it is served with polenta. It’s slow-cooked with onions, butter, sage, olive oil, vinegar, and pepper.

Fritole is known as the sweet of the Carnival, but you can find it all year long. Fritole are fried, pastry balls with raisins and pines, and they can be stuffed with cream or eggnog.

Polenta is one of the most common dishes in the north of Italy. Every city pairs it with something typical and in Venice, you will see it served with little shrimps. 

Bigoli in Salsa is a typical Italian first dish. Bigoli is fresh pasta that looks like thick spaghetti and the “salsa” is a sauce made of olive oil, onions, and anchovies. 

Sarde in Saor is a famous starter in Venice. Big sardines fried in a terrine and served with vinegar, caramelized onions, raisins, and pines. Delicious!

Color your life in Burano

Burano is a place like no other, probably it’s the most colorful town in the world and one of the most instagrammable places in Venice. Despite the big amount of people visiting this little village, it feels very peaceful and private. I still recommend visiting Burano early morning to see the opening of the bars and get a coffee in peace.

The town will welcome you with pastel-colored houses on every single corner and tiny channels with boats parked. The houses were painted like this so everyone could recognize easily their own home even on the foggiest days.

Burano is quite small, so it is a perfect day trip from Venice, but you can spend a night here as well.

You will need to use the ferry to get to Burano. Look for the line 12 ferry which takes 39 min and costs €8. It leaves from the F.te Nove terminal every 20-30 minutes.

Meet the glass masters Murano

Murano is famous for its glass-making. Back in 1292 the Venetian Republic, fearing fire and the destruction of the city’s mostly wooden buildings, ordered glassmakers to move their furnaces to Murano. Nowadays, Murano glass is still associated with Venice.

The most important sightseeing in Murano is the museum of Glass. Don’t miss the Basilica of Santa Maria e Donato, the cathedral of glass Santa Chiara, the church of San Pietro Martire, and the picturesque canals. 

On the island, you will also have the chance to meet the glass masters who will demonstrate to you how they work the glass.

You will need to use the same ferry line that takes you to Burano as explained in the paragraph above.

Useful things to know before visiting Venice

How to arrive in Venice?

Venice is located in the northeast of Italy and it’s the capital city of Veneto. You can reach Venice by plane, boat, or train and in this chapter, we will talk about the best ways to arrive in Venice.

Arriving by air. From Venice Marco Polo Airport, you can get to Venice center by bus, boat, and taxi.

Bus 5 takes 20 minutes and will leave you in Piazzale Roma. This is the cheapest option but it’s not the most comfortable, especially if your accommodation is located in old Venice.

Boats are slightly more expensive and slower than buses, but it’s definitely a better option. They are located just outside the arrivals and they stop in: San Marco, Rialto, Fondamenta Nuove, Le Guglie. The boat ride will take approximately 1 hour.

If you are not on the budget, just grab a water taxi. The boats are beautiful, the service is excellent and you will skip endless bridges of Venice to get to your accommodation. There is also the option to take a “taxi car” but I don’t recommend it unless you are staying in Mestre or the area of Piazzale Roma.

Other convenient airports are Treviso Airport, Milan Bergamo Airport, and Aeroporto di Bologna.

Arriving by Train. If you are planning to land somewhere else, the train is an excellent way to get to Venice. The main station of Venezia Santa Lucia is located in a convenient position in the city. From there you will have the chance to take a water taxi to get to your accommodation.

I recommend planning your trip as you can find some good fares for the fast trains on Trenitalia.

How many days in Venice?

Venice is one of the most famous and visited cities in Italy and the entire world. Despite its compact size, there are a lot of things to do in Venice.

In 3 days you can create an epic Venice itinerary that will help you to cover the main attractions of Venice. Nevertheless, if you want to experience some unique things to do in Venice and visit the world-famous museums, you will need at least one week.

If you are planning to tick off most of the things from this list (and you should!), you will need 5 to 7 days in Venice. I bet you could create an amazing 7 days Itinerary for Venice after reading this post.

How to move around Venice?

In the heart of Venice, you won’t find any cars or buses, so the best way to visit Venice is on foot. There are some ferry lines, but wandering around and getting lost in the tiny streets of Venice, is part of the charm. 

I recommend ferries and water taxis only for long distances. Also, you could use it to get to your accommodation, so you don’t have to carry your luggage through all of Venice. You will certainly need a ferry to get to Burano and Murano, but we will discuss this later.

And of course, then there is the gondola. It can’t be used as a means of public transport, but it’s a must. Keep on reading to find out how to take a gondola ride in Venice.

Where to stay in Venice?

As I mentioned earlier, Venice is not a big city, however, you should choose your area wisely. San Marco is one of the best areas to stay in Venice. Staying here might be pricy, but it will be easier to plan your Venice itinerary and move around.

If you want to consider more budget-friendly options you can check the area of Cannareggio, but I don’t recommend staying in Mestre. You will see Mestre recommended a lot and it’s certainly a budget-friendly option, but you will end up spending a lot of time getting to the main attractions. And in Venice time is precious.

If you are looking for the best hotels in Venice, make sure you check this guide. Here you will find the best luxury hotels, unique stays, mid-range accommodations, and cheap hotel options in Venice. Something for every budget and style.

Further reading for the best things to do in Venice

Or read about other popular regions of Italy

Dolomites | Liguria | Lombardy | Piedmont | Puglia | Sicily | Tuscany | Veneto

In conclusion…

You finally made it to the end of the 30 best things to do in Venice. I know it’s a long list and I don’t expect you to add all of these things to your Venice itinerary, but I believe that you found a lot of cool things that you will need to check off your bucket list and additional travel tips for making it happen.

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

Pin it for later and make sure you save the best things to do in Venice!