Things To Do In Venice
Located in Northern Italy, Venice is like no other city in Europe. Built on over 100 small islands, Venice is famous for its untouched heritage with no roads, just a network of canals. And you can spend forever wandering along the city’s labyrinth of canals and enticing little streets and passageways, soaking up the magnificent architecture and the unmatched romantic aura of the city. Put simply, Venice is a uniquely beautiful city.
Visiting this wonderland of canals is bound to be at the top of your bucket list, so what are you waiting for? With so much to explore in Venice, we’ve scouted some of our stand-out spots to make planning your trip that little bit easier. Let’s take a look at some of the best things to do whilst you’re on holiday in Venice.
What are Venice’s main tourist attractions?
Venice is a truly beautiful Italian gem and with so much stunning architecture to explore, you’ll be spoilt for choice during your stay. Here are some of Venice’s top tourist attractions.
Basilica di San Marco
Basilica di San Marco is a magnificent church located in the Piazza San Marco. It’s perhaps one of Venice’s most famous churches and you’ll be blown away by the delicate mosaic artwork, golden sculptures and the Italo-Byzantine architecture.
When was the Basilica di San Marco built?
The Basilica di San Marco structure was built in its original form in 829 to house and honour the remains of St Mark. In 976, the structure was largely destroyed by a fire and a second church was built in its place on the remains. Construction of the third church began in 1063 and since then, the church has been modified, enlarged and decorated with mosaics and other artwork.
Top traveller tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds!
Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco is Venice’s largest square and one of our favourite spots in the city.
Aside from the Basilica di San Marco, located in Piazza San Marco are some of Venice’s most iconic attractions including Campanile de San Marco and Palazzo Ducale.
Soak up the local culture and the lively atmosphere in the piazza, with its various restaurants and cafes dotted around the edge. This is a great location to grab a coffee or gelato and people-watch!
Palazzo Ducale
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Palazzo Ducale, or the Doge’s Palace, is a vast palace that was once the residence of the Doge of Venice.
This famous landmark with its interesting history is another must-see during your stay in the city.
Gallerie dell’Accademia
Located opposite the Ponte della Accademia, the Gallerie dell’Accademia is home to a comprehensive collection of 15th to 18th century artwork and features the fine work from many well-known artists.
Top traveller tip: This is a popular tourist attraction so you’re best to arrive when it opens or towards the end of the day to avoid the queues. Alternatively, be sure to book in advance!
Burano Island
Burano is an island in Venice packed full of picturesque homes painted in all the colours of the rainbow. As well as its intriguing, colourful buildings, the island is also famous for its lace.
This beautiful destination is definitely worth the short ride from the centre of Venice and makes for a popular day trip for visitors who tie their visit in with their adventures to Burano Island and Torcello Island.
What free things are there to do in Venice?
Venice is renowned for being one of the most expensive cities in Italy. But don’t be discouraged, you can still explore some of the city’s most impressive sights without spending a fortune. Here are some of the best free or cheaper things to do during your trip.
Grand Canal
The Grand Canal is the ‘main street’ and the largest canal in Venice, lined with stunning terracotta buildings sat on the water’s edge. You won’t miss it!
How long is the Grand Canal?
The Grand Canal is 3.8 km long and 30-90 m wide, with only four bridges crossing over it.
And no trip to Venice would be complete without a gondola ride down the canal; the perfect way to explore some of the best sights in the city from the water itself.
Ponte di Rialto
Venice has over 400 bridges but the Ponte di Rialto, spanning the Grand Canal, was the city’s first bridge and is now its most famous. Built entirely out of marble, the Ponte di Rialto is the perfect spot to watch the gondolas and vaporettos cruising up and down the canal.
When was the Ponte di Rialto built?
The Ponte di Rialto was built in 1588 to replace a wooden boat bridge that spanned the Grand Canal. It was the only way to cross the canal by foot up until 1854 when the Ponte della Accademia was built.
Soak up the views over the glistening water and be sure to make the most of the dazzling photo opportunities.
Top traveller tip: After taking some snaps of the views from the Ponte di Rialto, head to jetty on the canal close to the bridge to admire the structure of the bridge itself.
Ponte dell’Accademia
Venice, the gift that keeps on giving!
Another popular bridge in Venice, Ponte dell’Accademia offers stunning views overlooking the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and the mouth of the canal.
Bridge of Sighs
Another famous bridge in Venice, the Bridge of Sighs can be found in the heart of the city and is viewed as an important historic landmark.
What is the Bridge of Sighs famous for?
The bridge passes over the Rio di Palazzo and was originally built to connect Palazzo Ducale with its prisons. It received its name as it was said to be the last view of Venice convicted criminals saw before being executed.
Mercato di Rialto
The stretch of stalls that make up the Mercato di Rialto offer the freshest food in Venice. The market specialises in seafood from the lagoon, as well as seasonal fruit and veg.
Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, the market has a buzzing atmosphere and is great to wander around.
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
The renowned Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is a Roman Catholic church that takes centre stage on the Grand Canal and houses impressive paintings and artwork.
When was the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute built?
In 1630, Venice was subject to a devastating outbreak of the plague, killing nearly a third of the population. The construction of the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute began in 1631 to commemorate the end of the plague outbreak and was completed in 1687, 56 years later.
Top traveller tips: This beautiful church is free to visit inside but take a look at the dress code before paying a visit.
Giardini della Biennale
An under-rated spot in the city, Giardini della Biennale is a glorious area of parkland in the midst of the canals of Venice. Although the area is busier during the Venice Biennale Art Festival when tourists flock to the various art exhibitions in the gardens, this is a great place to escape the crowds and take some time to relax.
T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace
The T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace offers some of the most magnificent views in Venice, whether you’re visiting during the day or the evening. Don’t forget you’re camera!
Top traveller tip: Whilst visits are free of charge, visits are limited to 15 minutes each so be sure to book in advance.
What things can you do in Venice at night?
Venice at night is a completely different experience than by day once the streets have emptied and the city has quietened down.
If you have the time, we recommend visiting Venice’s most popular sights both by day and by night. Wander across Ponte di Rialto once the crowds have dispersed and enjoy the tranquillity of Piazza San Marco once the day-trippers have left for the day.
Aperitivo
Wind down after a busy day exploring the sights of Venice with an Aperitivo. An Aperitivo is a pre-meal drink enjoyed by the Italian locals between 7pm and 9pm to help work up an appetite before it’s dinnertime and a great way to begin your evening in the city.
Head to one of Venice’s many rooftop bars and enjoy a Negroni, Aperol Spritz or Campari and delicious bar snacks.
Cruise down the Grand Canal
As the evening comes, there’s something simply magical about all of the lights shimmering on the canals. And what’s better than a romantic moonlit gondola ride?
A gondola ride at night is a true delight and a whole different experience to adventuring down the Grand Canal during the day.
Teatro La Fenice
Teatro La Fenice is one of the most renowned landmarks in the history of Italian theatre and a definite must-visit if you’re a fan of the opera. If you’re after a special, romantic evening, book tickets to watch a performance; you won’t regret it!
Even if you’re not watching a performance, this stunning venue is well-worth a visit during the day to simply admire the beautiful interior and décor.
Venice Jazz Club
This is certainly a place for jazz lovers, with some of the city’s best musicians having played their music at this wonderful venue. The low-lit bar creates a friendly, warm atmosphere and there’s a great selection of food and beverages on offer too.
Where to eat in Venice
Venice is every foodies’ dream! Packed full of authentic Italian restaurants, there’s plenty of romantic spots for a candlelit dinner for two to pick from, as well as a variety of bars, pubs, markets, cafes and coffee shops. You’ll be spoilt for choice!
And remember, no trip to Venice is complete without a scoop (or 10) of to-die-for gelato!
What are the best restaurants in Venice?
Ristorante Pizzeria Rio Novo – Amazing fresh fish, pasta and pizza with. Beautiful views over the canal.
Ristorante la Porta d’Acqua – Fantastic dishes, service and location. Be sure to book a table on the canal.
Hostaria da Franz – A gastronomic delight; vibrant and fresh Italian food, perfect for a romantic evening.
What are the best bars in Venice?
Skyline Rooftop Bar – Spend the evening here and soak in the outstanding views of Venice. The definition of an apertifi with a view.
Il Mercante Cocktail Bar – Serves an array of incredible, inventive cocktails. Sit back and relax in this sophisticated venue and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Estro – Located in a lovely neighbourhood in Venice, Dorsoduro, this artsy wine bar serves a fantastic selection of wines.
What are the best cafes in Venice?
Caffè Florian – Born in Venice in 1720, this beautiful coffee house is the oldest café in the world and well worth a visit.
Pasticceria Da Bonifacio – Serves superb coffees, espressos, savoury snacks and pastries.
Torrefazione Cannaregio – A laid-back café with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The place to go for a locally roasted coffee.
Where is the best gelato in Venice?
Gelato di Natura – Delicious selection of gelato in fresh flavours, simply hard to resist!
Bacaro del Gelato – Traditional gelato in an array of rich flavours, what’s not to love?
Gelatoteca Suso – Perhaps one of the best places for gelato in Venice, with a range of creamy, smooth flavours to pick from.
Book a holiday to Venice with Viva Holidays
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