The Best Things to Do in Venice, Italy

Thinking about visiting and wondering about the best things to do in Venice, Italy? Here’s the ultimate Venice Bucket List – all the best experiences not to miss in Italy’s most romantic city.

Updated: Fully for 2026, after my third trip to Venice.

Considered one of the most unique and romantic cities in the world, a trip to Venice should be on everyone’s bucket list. Its timeless beauty, history, Renaissance architecture, and delicious food attract millions of visitors every year, making it one of the most popular and sought-after destinations in Europe.

Venice is compact, and most sights and bucket list experiences are walkable. Whether you plan to spend 24 hours in Venice or even a week, there’s so much to do in this culturally rich Italian city.

After three visits to Venice (living in Italy, I’m lucky enough to visit often), here is my list of the best things to do in Venice, Italy, from experiences that are an absolute must for first-timers to hidden gems ideal for repeat visitors.

*This ‘best things to do in venice italy’ post contains affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top-quality content for free.

Best Time to Visit Venice, Italy

Venice may well be Europe’s most crowded city, especially at the height of summer, so timing your visit is everything if you want decent weather and a little breathing room.

Winter is cold, damp, and prone to flooding, but on those rare, bright days it’s pure magic. Fall is ideal for atmospheric fog (generally in November) and noticeably thinner crowds.

Spring—particularly April and May—hits the sweet spot with mild weather and manageable foot traffic. Summer, unsurprisingly, is hot, hectic, and unapologetically busy.

That said, crowds in Venice are surprisingly easy to escape. Wander beyond Piazza San Marco into neighborhoods like Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, Castello, or Giudecca, where quiet canals, local squares, and postcard-worthy moments exist blissfully off the tourist conveyor belt.

Getting Around Venice

Once you get to Venice, you’ll find that exploring the city is a little different to what you might be used to. Venice is charming and best explored on foot and by water taxi. Many of the tiny islands that comprise the city are linked by footbridges, making walking the best way to get around Venice.

Between the larger islands, however, you’ll need to take a boat taxi for a Vaporetto (water bus). You can buy a vaporetto day ticket, stamp it when you first get on the water bus, and then use the water buses all day long.

For individual tickets, you’ll be able to buy them at each vaporetto stop and stamp them as you get on.

The best thing you can do with your time is to just get lost in its magical, crumbling alleyways without a map and simply walk and see where you get to – it’s all part of the experience.

Top Tip: Venice Visitor Fee– In 2024, Venice implemented a day-use fee on selected days throughout the year (generally spring and summer months), a plan long discussed and now set in motion. This fee targets tourists who visit the city just for the day. If you’re planning a day visit, head to the official Visitor Access Fee website to find out if you need to pay.

30 Best Things to Do in Venice, Italy

1. Visit San Marco Square and San Marco Basilica

The undisputed headliner of any Venice bucket list, St. Mark’s Square is easily one of the most famous public squares on the planet.

For centuries, this has been the beating heart of Venetian art, trade, and power; even the Doge chose it as the site for his palace. Wander across the piazza and under the arcades, past storied cafés and traditional mask shops, then take in St. Mark’s Basilica from the outside, where shimmering mosaics and the imposing 16th-century bell tower dominate the skyline.

Finally, step inside the Basilica to see it at its most dazzling—an overwhelming sea of gold that reflects centuries of craftsmanship, ambition, and artistic devotion.

A quick but crucial note: If San Marco Basilica is on your list, book your tickets in advance—non-negotiable unless you’re visiting in the depths of winter. Booking online ahead of time lets you skip the dreaded lines, as in peak season, turning up without a ticket is basically volunteering to spend a large chunk of your day standing in the sun.

2. Take a Gondola Along the Grand Canal

There are plenty of ways to see Venice from the water, but nothing compares to drifting along the canals in a gondola.

Gliding slowly past the city’s most iconic facades, you’ll spot elegant palazzi rising straight from the water, quiet docks and bobbing piers, and the occasional café or restaurant tucked along the canal’s edge.

It’s Venice at its most cinematic—bridges arching overhead, oars slicing the water, and the city unfolding at gondola pace.

Headed to Venice with little time? Check out The Ultimate Venice One day Itinerary

3. See the Bridge of Sighs

Probably one of the first sights you’ll see, but the view from the Bridge of Sighs was one of the last prisoners saw as they crossed this bridge from the interrogation rooms to the Doge’s prison next door. The bridge has a bleak past but is now one of the most iconic symbols of Venice.

It’s located right by St Mark’s Square so make sure to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

4. Visit the Doge’s Palace

The Doge, elected by the aristocracy of Venice, was the ruler or king of the city-state of Venice from the 8th Century, a custom that lasted for one thousand years.

A visit to this palace is unmissable for learning about Venetian history, architecture, opulence, customs, and arts. It’s one of the best things to do in Venice.

As the Doge’s Palace is one of the most popular sights to visit in Venice, it’s worth getting your entrance ticket in advance to avoid the very long queues that can form here.

Book your Doge’s Palace tickets here to skip the lines.

5. Stroll Across Rialto Bridge

The most famous bridge in Venice—and one of only five spanning the Grand Canal—the Rialto Bridge is as iconic as it is historically significant.

Long before selfies were a thing, this was the commercial heart of the city, linking the Rialto markets to the rest of Venice and serving as a vital artery for trade and daily life.

Wider than most Venetian bridges and lined with small, traditional shops, it’s a place where function meets spectacle.

Pause here for a moment, give your legs a break, and watch the constant choreography of gondolas, vaporetti, and water taxis glide beneath you—proof that the Grand Canal is still very much Venice’s main thoroughfare.

6. Visit Chiesa di San Zaccaria

Tucked just behind St. Mark’s Square, the Chiesa di San Zaccaria is one of Venice’s most quietly mesmerizing churches—and the real reason to visit lies below. Step down into the crypt, and you’ll find yourself ankle-deep in water, where flooded stone floors mirror ancient columns and soft light filters in from above. It’s haunting, beautiful, and unmistakably Venetian.

Above ground, the church blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance elements, while the crypt serves as a poetic reminder of the city’s eternal dance with water. Come for the history, stay for the atmosphere—and don’t rush it; this is a place meant to be absorbed slowly.

7. Take in the Sculpture at Museo di Palazzo Grimani

Housed in a Renaissance palazzo just a short walk from Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Museo di Palazzo Grimani feels like a well-kept secret. It’s blissfully quiet, elegant, and refreshingly uncrowded.

The real stars here are the classical sculptures, displayed as they once were in the 16th century, lining rooms and niches in a way that feels more Roman villa than Venetian palace.

The Tribuna is the showstopper: a light-filled, geometrically perfect space designed specifically to showcase Giovanni Grimani’s extraordinary collection of Greek and Roman antiquities.

It’s a rare chance to see ancient sculpture presented as art and architecture, and a reminder that Venice has always been as obsessed with classical beauty as it is with canals and gondolas.

8. Go Shopping

Venice does shopping best when it sticks to what it knows: craftsmanship, heritage, and things that feel genuinely Venetian. There are many small ateliers, historic houses, and brands rooted in tradition, where quality still trumps quantity, and everything comes with a story.

Don’t miss these standout boutiques:

Piedàterre – The go-to address for friulane (also called furlane), Venice’s iconic velvet slippers. Handmade, effortlessly chic, and historically worn by gondoliers—arguably the most Venetian shoe you can buy.

Chiarastella Cattana – A beautiful selection of textiles and fabrics inspired by historic Venetian patterns, perfect if you’re tempted by something tactile and timeless.

Massimo Micheluzzi & Micheluzzi Glass – Sculptural Murano glass at its most refined. Think modern forms, serious artistry, and zero gimmicks.

Spezieria di San Marco – A historic perfumery steeped in centuries of botanical knowledge, offering fragrances that feel old-world, elegant, and unmistakably Venetian.

Divlos Venice – Understated, high-quality leather handbags made in Spain, with clean lines and a focus on craftsmanship over brands.

Acca Kappa – An Italian classic for cosmetics and haircare, known for refined scents, beautiful packaging, and products that actually deliver.

9. Explore Venice’s Printing Heritage

Long before social media and coffee-table books, Venice was a printing powerhouse. By the 15th century, the city had become one of Europe’s most important publishing centers, shaping how books, maps, and ideas circulated across the continent.

That legacy lives on today in Venice’s love of fine paper, calligraphy, and beautifully made stationery—quiet luxuries in a digital age.

For a living link to this past, visit Antica Stamperia, where Gianni Basso, a master stampatore, keeps centuries-old printing traditions alive. Using historic presses and antique techniques, he produces exquisite prints exactly as they would have been made hundreds of years ago.

His work has attracted an illustrious clientele, including Nigella Lawson and even the British Royal Family—a testament to the enduring appeal of Venetian craftsmanship.

Looking for an amazing boutique stay in Venice? Read: Checking In: Violino d’Oro, Venice, Italy

10. Eat Gelato

On a baking summer’s day in Italy, nothing beats a gelato break. Head to the famous gelateria Gelatoteca Suso, which really has some of the best gelato you’ll find in the city. There are also many vegan/dairy free options.

Otherwise, there are plenty of other spots in Venice for fantastic gelato with canal views.

11. Visit Burano

Located in the north of the Venetian lagoon, a 40-minute Vaporetto ride from St. Mark’s Square, Burano has recently gained more and more popularity for its colourful houses.

It’s a beautiful residential area where there isn’t too much to do but just explore the canal-lined streets, squares, and markets. Many local people live here too so it’s a chance to mingle with the locals, people watch and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

12. Visit Murano

Just north of Venice lies Murano, a group of seven islands. Famous for its centuries-old tradition of glassmaking, Murano offers a unique blend of artistry and history.

Wander through charming streets lined with colorful buildings and artisanal shops showcasing exquisite glassware. Make sure to also visit the Glass Museum to explore the island’s rich heritage and watch master glassblowers at work in local workshops.

Don’t miss the stunning Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato, renowned for its Byzantine mosaics. A short boat ride from Venice, Murano is a delightful escape into a world of creativity and craftsmanship.

It’s also a lovely place to get away from the crowds of Venice, relax, and stroll its canals.

13. Have a Bellini

In Venice, enjoying a spritz a Bellini is a quintessential experience. Both iconic cocktails originated in this enchanting city.

The Aperol Spritz, a refreshing mix of Aperol, prosecco, and soda, is perfect for sipping along the canals.

Meanwhile, the Bellini, a delightful blend of prosecco and white peach purée, was created at the legendary Harry’s Bar Cipriani. Opened in 1931, Harry’s Bar is the best place to savor this classic drink, offering a glimpse into Venice’s vibrant social scene and its rich culinary heritage.

Indulging in these cocktails is a delightful way to embrace Venetian tradition.

14. Ogle at the Ca’ D’Oro Palace

The Ca’ D’Oro is one of the oldest and best-surviving examples of Venetian Gothic architecture- if you only have time to see one palace, this should be it.

It has one of the most elaborate and pretty facades facing onto the Grand Canal, which used to be decorated in gilt and polychrome, thus the name, ‘oro’ meaning gold.

Head inside to explore further and look out for the intricate 15th-century ceiling carvings and fantastic floor tiles.

15. Visit the Galleria dell’ Accademia

The center of pre-19th-century Italian art in Venice, the Galleria dell’Accademia is the place to go for your dose of Italian masterpieces.

Containing priceless works by Italian masters such as Bellini, Tintoretto, and Titian among others it’s a must for not just art lovers.

16. Ride a Water Taxi

If the Vaporetto doesn’t quite live up to your Venetian transport expectations, take a water taxi, a much faster, stylish, and chic way of getting around.

17. Experience the Venice Biennale

The Venice Biennale is one of the most prestigious contemporary art events in the world, which happens in Venice every other year between May and November.

Established in 1895, it showcases cutting-edge contemporary art and attracts artists, curators, and enthusiasts worldwide. The Biennale features a sprawling array of exhibitions, installations, and performances across the city, from the historic Giardini and Arsenale to various palazzos and gardens.

If you’re in Venice during the Biennale, checking out the central pavilions and scouting out some artwork is a must.

18. Eat Cicchetti (Venetian Tapas)

Cicchetti are Venice’s local answer to tapas, and they are an incredible way to eat while sightseeing in Venice.

Simply stroll from one ‘bacari’ to another while taking in the sights on the way. Cicchetti is made with a slice of baguette on which many different toppings are placed from salami to grilled veggies. Pair this with a spritz or a cold glass of white wine and you’re ready to go.

My favorite spots for Cicchetti in the city are Bar All’Arco and Osteria Al Squero.

19. Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

One of the largest and most impressive Basilicas in Venice, the Salute Basilica can’t be missed. This stunning baroque masterpiece, completed in 1681, stands proudly at the entrance of the Grand Canal.

Built as a tribute to the Virgin Mary after a devastating plague, its majestic dome and intricate façade are a symbol of Venice’s architectural grandeur. Inside, the basilica dazzles with marble floors, ornate altars, and Titian’s vibrant paintings.

Take the Vaporetto over to the other side and admire its amazing door and intricate carvings and details up close.

20. Marvel at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Another of the unmissable museums in Venice, this time for 20th-century European and American art, the Guggenheim collection is on a par with that of New York.

Housed in the elegant Palazzo Venier dei Leoni along the Grand Canal this renowned museum was once the home of the American art collector Peggy Guggenheim.

Today, it boasts an exceptional collection featuring masterpieces by artists such as Picasso, Dalí, and Pollock. You’ll be able to explore an array of avant-garde sculptures, paintings, and surrealist works that shaped 20th-century art.

The museum’s serene garden and stunning canal views offer a tranquil escape from the city for a few hours.

21. Have a Coffee at Caffe Florian

Located on St. Mark’s Square, this rather legendary cafe looks like it hasn’t changed in a few hundred years.

Stop by for a coffee and be awed by the splendid Baroque furniture, the old, Italian paintings on the walls and the flamboyant touches.

22. Wander the Jewish Ghetto

Tucked away in Cannaregio, the Jewish Ghetto is one of Venice’s most compelling neighborhoods and the oldest Jewish ghetto in the world. Established in 1516, it’s quieter, more residential, and refreshingly removed from the tourist frenzy elsewhere in the city.

Spend time wandering its atmospheric squares, where tall, narrow buildings rise above peaceful canals, a result of centuries of enforced isolation and limited space.

Today, the area is home to synagogues, a small Jewish Museum, kosher bakeries, and local cafés, offering a layered glimpse into a community that has shaped Venice’s cultural and intellectual life for over 500 years.

23. Visit the Borges Labyrinth and San Giorgio Maggiore Church

Set on the peaceful island of San Giorgio Maggiore, just across the water from St. Mark’s Square, this pairing feels like a well-earned exhale from central Venice.

The Borges Labyrinth is a true hidden gem, a sprawling outdoor maze inspired by the writings of Argentine author Jorge Luis Borges. Designed as a meditative experience rather than a puzzle to “solve,” it’s a quiet, contemplative space that feels worlds away from the crowds, even though you’re minutes from the heart of the city.

Afterwards, step inside San Giorgio Maggiore Church, a serene Palladian masterpiece by Andrea Palladio. Its clean lines and luminous interior offer a striking contrast to Venice’s more ornate churches.

If you have time, take the elevator up the bell tower for one of the best views in Venice, less crowded than San Marco’s and arguably better, with the entire lagoon spread out before you.

24. Shop for Books at Libreria Acqua Alta

Made famous on Instagram a few years back, Libreria Acqua Alta is now one of Venice’s most photographed spots. It’s almost always busy, but most visitors queue patiently to access the small back terrace for the photo, but the real joy lies elsewhere.

Spend time browsing the wonderfully eclectic collection of books stacked in bathtubs, gondolas, and every available corner, a clever nod to Venice’s ever-present acqua alta.

Look out, too, for the bookstore’s resident cats, who nap contentedly among the piles and have clearly accepted their role as unofficial mascots. Chaotic, creative, and charmingly eccentric, it’s less about the snapshot and more about soaking up one of Venice’s most original literary spaces.

25. Visit the Archivio Cameraphoto Epoche

For a quieter, deeply atmospheric stop, make time for the Archivio Cameraphoto Epoche, a fascinating photographic archive that offers a window into Venice as it once was.

This small but powerful collection preserves historic images of the city—its people, streets, rituals, and daily life, captured long before mass tourism reshaped the lagoon. It’s an essential stop if you love photography.

26. Try the Sweets at Rosa Salva

A Venetian institution since 1876, Rosa Salva is where the city goes when it wants something sweet, and has been for generations. Inside, you’ll find a tempting lineup of pastries, cookies, and traditional Venetian treats, all made with old-school precision and tradition.

Pop in for a quick sugar hit or linger with a coffee and a pastry, ideally mid-morning when locals are doing the same.

27. Visit Teatro La Fenice

True to its name—The Phoenix—Teatro La Fenice has risen from the ashes more than once, and today stands as one of Europe’s most storied opera houses.

Lavish, intimate, and unapologetically grand, it has hosted premieres by the likes of Verdi and continues to anchor Venice’s cultural life.

Even if opera isn’t on your evening agenda, a daytime visit is worth it to admire the gilded interiors, plush boxes, and chandeliered auditorium. If you can time it right, attending a performance here is unforgettable too.

28. Visit the Museo Fortuny

One of the best hidden gems in Venice, in my opinion, is the Fortuny Museum, a quietly spectacular stop that often flies under the radar.

Housed in the former home and workshop of Mariano Fortuny, a noble Spanish painter, the palazzo is a world of rich textiles, theatrical lighting, fashion, photography, and design, all layered together in a way that feels deeply personal rather than museum-polished.

Wandering through its dimly lit rooms feels like stepping into the mind of a Renaissance polymath with impeccable taste. It’s atmospheric, uncrowded, and endlessly inspiring—easily one of the best things to do in Venice if you’re looking to experience the city beyond its headline attractions.

29. Climb to the Top of Scala Contarini del Bovolo

Tucked away down a quiet alley near Campo Manin, the Scala Contarini del Bovolo is one of Venice’s most unexpected architectural delights.

This elegant spiral staircase—bovolo means “snail” in Venetian—winds its way up the exterior of a 15th-century palazzo, blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Byzantine influences in one striking structure.

Climb to the top, and you’re rewarded with sweeping views over terracotta rooftops, church domes, and the city’s unmistakable skyline.

30. Glimpse Local Life in Via Garibaldi

Wide, lively, and unpolished, Via Garibaldi is one of Venice’s most local-feeling streets—and a welcome antidote to the city’s tourist-heavy core. Located in the Castello district, this is where Venetians actually shop, meet friends, and go about their daily lives.

Lined with neighborhood bakeries, produce stands, wine bars, and casual eateries, Via Garibaldi buzzes with real-world energy from morning through aperitivo hour. Come here to people-watch, grab a spritz among locals, and see a version of Venice that’s lived-in, social, and very much alive.

These are some of the best Venice tours to get the most out of your trip:

Any questions about the best things to do in Venice, Italy? Feel free to leave your questions or comments below.

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