Top 25 Must-See Attractions in Venice, Italy

Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and no trip to Italy would be complete without visiting the city of love. It is unspoiled by modern life and has been a hub for artists, sculptors, musicians, and poets for centuries. This extensive guide will provide you with molto informazione on the best things to do in Venice.

Things to do in Venice, Italy

Famous for its intricate and extensive canal system, Venice itself was built over 2000 years ago at the edge of the Adriatic Sea. The city is compact enough that you can explore a lot in just a few days.

Whether you want to fulfill your dream of admiring the city by gondola or prefer to stroll the pedestrian-only streets, Venice, Italy, is a place that will make your dreams come alive. Most people spend about 3 Days in Venice, and these are all the best things to do in this magical city.

1. St. Mark’s Square

While the center of Rome might be the Colosseum, the heart of Venice is its illustrious piazza, St. Mark’s Square. To truly feel the essence of Venice, St. Mark’s Square is the place to begin and is often at the top of visitors’ lists of things to do in Venice.

The impressive square is surrounded by ornate buildings, archways, and porticos that host cafes and high-end shops. With the Campanile (clock tower) on one side and other Venetian landmarks such as St. Mark’s Basilica and Doges Palace, it is undoubtedly one of the most iconic squares in Europe.

• Address: P.za San Marco, 30124 Venice, Italy
• Hot Tip: Get up for sunrise to have the square all to yourself before the crowds arrive.

2. Doge’s Palace

Located on the Grand Canal in the heart of Venice, Doge’s Palace is one of the best places to visit in the city. The Palazzo Ducale, or Doge’s Palace, is the most significant building in Venetian history. The Doge served as both the head of state and religion for centuries; in this capacity, he was akin to Venice’s Pope, Regent, President, and Prime Minister all at once.

The architecture of Doge’s Palace, with its Venetian Gothic style, is impressive both inside and out, and I’d recommend setting aside at least 90 minutes to explore properly.

• Address: P.za San Marco, 1, 30124 Venice, Italy
• Hours: Summer (April 1-October 31) Sun-Thur 8.30am-9pm, Fri-Sat 8.30am-11pm. Winter (November 1-March 31) 8.30am-7pm. Last entry is always 30 minutes before closing.
• Cost of Doge’s Palace: €25, €13 for children 6-14, students 15-25, and seniors over 65.

3. St Mark’s Basilica

St Mark’s Basilica holds a prominent place on one side of the square. The stunning façade is adorned with gold leaf mosaics, grand domes, and elegant equestrian statues. Visiting the Basilica to see the recently renovated mosaics is a definite must-do in Venice. Inside, you can also find the Treasury that holds the church’s relics and the Pala D’oro – a stunning Byzantine golden cloth.

Climbing to St Mark’s Museum offers you a small tribute to the basilica’s history along with an unrivaled view of St Mark’s Square from the terrace near the horse statues. The Basilica is one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture.

• A visit inside St Mark’s Basilica lasts about ten minutes.
• Lines can be long, especially in summer, but it is worth the wait.
• Visit early or late in the day for a quieter experience.
• Backpacks are not allowed inside; there is a locker area available just around the corner.
• As with all churches in Italy, modest dress code applies—shoulders and knees should be covered.
• Check for skip-the-line tickets to ensure a smooth visit.

• Address: P.za San Marco, 328, 30124 Venice, Italy
• Hours: Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm (last entry 4.45pm), Sun 2-5pm (after services).
• Cost: Free for the main church; museum and treasury fees apply.

4. St. Mark’s Campanile – Climb the Bell Tower

During your Venice visit, consider climbing the Campanile for an exceptional view of the city.

This 12th-century bell tower, standing at 323ft tall, offers visitors a commanding view of St. Mark’s Square. Originally used as a lighthouse, the Campanile is a must-see for panoramic views of Venice.

• Hours: The Campanile is open from March, April, and October 9am-7pm; November-February 9.30am-3.45pm; and June to September 8.30am-9.30pm.
• Cost: €8, €4 for students.

5. Ponte Di Rialto

The Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) is not only the oldest bridge in Venice, dating back to the sixteenth century, but also one of the city’s most famous landmarks. This bridge uniquely connects the San Marco and San Polo districts across the Grand Canal.

It’s lined with shops, making it one of the world’s distinctive bridges. A gondola ride will likely take you under the Rialto Bridge, creating a perfect photo op.

• Address of Ponte Di Rialto: Sestiere San Polo, 30125 Venice VE, Italy

6. San Polo

As Venice’s smallest district, San Polo is known for its vibrant nightlife and fresh fruit and vegetable markets, making it a charming base for exploring.

Don’t miss the Church of San Giacomo di Rialto or the Rialto market, which offers a more local feel, along with exquisite pizza restaurants.

7. Mercato di Rialto

The Rialto Market is an essential spot for shopping, located close to the Rialto Bridge. As Venice’s principal food market, it offers everything from fresh fish to local produce.

• Address: Calle Prima de la Donzella, 306, 30125 Venice, Italy
• Hours: Usually from 9am until around 9pm in summer.

8. Take a Gondola Ride

Taking a gondola ride is undoubtedly one of the top attractions in Venice. Gondolas, paddled by expertly trained gondoliers, offer a romantic excursion through the city’s famous waterways. Prices for gondola rides can be high, often exceeding €100 during off-seasons.

9. Grand Canal Vaporetto

If a gondola ride isn’t in your budget, consider traveling the Grand Canal via Vaporetto, a water bus. This offers a more affordable way to experience Venice’s beautiful scenery.

• Cost: €7.50 for a single trip; consider a 24-hour pass for €20.

10. The Bridge of Sighs

This small bridge connects Doge’s Palace to the jail. It is an iconic spot for photos and a place filled with history, as many prisoners walked across it on their way to their sentences.

11. Basilica di Santa Maria

Standing proudly on the Grand Canal is the Basilica di Santa Maria, regarded as one of the most renowned churches in Venice. Originally built to honor the Madonna during a historic plague, this basilica is a must-see.

• Address: Dorsoduro, 1, 30123 Venice, Italy

12. Gallerie dell’Accademia

Venice’s most prestigious art gallery, housing the most comprehensive collection of Venetian art, is essential for any art lover visiting the city. The main themes revolve around religion and the rich history of Venetian life.

• Address: Campo della Carità, 1050, 30123 Venice, Italy
• Hours: Tues-Sun 8.15am-7.15pm, Mondays until 2pm.
• Cost: €15, with reduced rates for students and under 18s.

13. Murano

A popular excursion from Venice is the island of Murano, known for its colorful houses and glass-making tradition. Visit the Museo del Vetro to learn about glassblowing and purchase authentic Murano glass souvenirs.

• Cost: Vaporetto to Murano for €7.50 each way.

14. Burano

Burano is famous for its brightly colored houses and lace-making. Strolling through this picturesque island is a delightful experience, with opportunities to visit local lace-making museums.

• Cost: Similar to Murano, expect to pay €7.50 for the Vaporetto.

15. Isola di San Michele

For a different experience, visit Isola di San Michele, Venice’s cemetery island, dedicated to the deceased. The island is serene and primarily contains churches.

16. San Giorgio Maggiore

This island is home to a church with a bell tower offering stunning views of Venice. It is easily reachable by water taxi, making it a great addition to your itinerary.

17. Classical Concerts

Venice is a hub for the arts, and attending a classical concert in this beautiful city is a must. Concerts often take place in stunning settings, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

18. Teatro La Fenice

One of Italy’s grandest opera houses, La Fenice, is worth visiting even if you’re not attending a performance. The theatre’s stunning design and history are fascinating to explore.

19. Dine Along Grand Canal

Along the Grand Canal, you will find numerous restaurants ranging from high-end to casual dining. Enjoy a meal with a stunning view over the canal.

20. Venetian Carnivale

The Venice Carnevale is a spectacular festival held in February, with grand events and stunning costumes. Visitors can join in the festivities and embrace the local culture.

21. Churches of Venice

As you wander through Venice, you will come across many beautiful churches, each with its unique art and history. Temples like the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari are exceptional places to explore.

22. Peggy Guggenheim Collection

This museum holds important collections of modern art, showcasing European and American artists of the 20th century. The Sculpture Garden adds to its charm.

23. Pizza

Venice offers fantastic pizza options. Birreria la Corte is a family-friendly spot, while Jazz Club Novecento offers a unique ambiance to enjoy a meal.

24. Fondamenta della Misericordia

This long street in the Cannaregio area features family-run trattorias, shops, and ancient churches. It’s a lively place full of local color.

25. Taste Venice

Explore local delicacies and take advantage of free tastings in some stores—perfect for purchasing gifts or trying unique local flavors.

Best Free Things to Do in Venice

Visiting Venice doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of free things to explore that make for an amazing vacation without the need for costly tours.

Getting Around Venice

While Venice can be tricky to navigate, taking a Vaporetto (water bus) is one of the easiest ways to travel around the city.

About Venice

Venice, a city rich in artistic and architectural beauty, is a must-visit destination that enchants with its distinctive canals and historic significance. Are you ready to explore Venice?

If you’d like to dive deeper into this incredible Italian city, be sure to check out various travel resources and guides as you prepare for your adventure.