Things To Do In Venice: 4 Ways to Enjoy the Floating City

Venice is a city of captivating beauty and timeless Italian charm. Its labyrinthine canals, historic landmarks, and cultural treasures have been drawing visitors for ages. And while it holds much of the heart of Italian culture, it also has a style and feel that is distinctly its own (including slight variations in the language!). If you’ve never been to the Floating City before, here’s a quick overview of some of the main things to do in Venice on your next Italian adventure.

With a custom-designed itinerary, I can help you plan a visit that can include main attractions, out-of-the-way gems, delicious food, and even visits to surrounding towns.

Disclosure: There are some tour affiliate links below and I may receive compensation if you book through them (at no additional cost to you). This did not influence inclusion – these are tours I’ve vetted and truly recommend.

Things to Do in Venice: Sightseeing

St. Mark’s Square

St. Mark’s Square, or Piazza San Marco, stands as the heart of Venice. Surrounded by elegant architecture, it is a bustling hub of activity. The Square is also dotted with wonderful cafes, so after touring around the Byzantine-inspired Basilica and taking in the intricate details of the Campanile, be sure to stop and sip an espresso as you watch the world go by.

St. Mark’s Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilica is a masterpiece of Italo-Byzantine architecture — rightly considered the jewel in Venice’s crown. Adorned with mosaics depicting biblical scenes and topped with dramatic domes and spires, the basilica is a testament to the city’s rich history. If you love a challenge, you can even climb to the basilica’s terrace for panoramic views of the city.

Doge’s Palace

A symbol of Venetian power, Doge’s Palace offers a glimpse into the opulence of the Venetian Republic. Explore the ornate chambers, cross the Bridge of Sighs to the prisons (see below), and learn about the intricate political workings of this historic palace — there’s always plenty of intrigue and drama when it comes to Italian royalty and politics.

For a more in-depth experience, I always recommend booking a high-quality guided tour. I especially love recommending the special-access VIP Secret Passages Tour for those with the time and interest.

Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is an iconic structure spanning the Grand Canal and a must-see landmark. You’ll likely recognize it immediately. The bridge offers stunning views of the Grand Canal, providing the perfect backdrop for memorable photos. And when you’re done, you can pop over to the vibrant Rialto Market nearby, where locals have traded for centuries.

Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri in Italian) is steeped in history and legend. A perhaps-oddly romantic and picturesque bridge connecting the Doge’s Palace to the prison, it got its name from the audible sighs of prisoners who glimpsed their final view of Venice before being taken down to their cells.

Sightseeing with a Guide

I love guided tours because they enhance your exploration and experience of a city. An expert guide can help you navigate the city’s winding streets (they are truly dizzying) with ease and gain insights into its rich history and culture. I love this tour, which includes all the major sights in a single day (about 6.5 hours), and of course, you get a gondola ride!

Speaking of gondola rides… let’s look at the most Venetian activities you can do while you’re visiting.

Things to Do in Venice: Activities

Grand Canal Cruise

Embark on a Grand Canal cruise to witness the splendor of Venice from its main artery. You’ll glide past elegant palaces and historic landmarks as you absorb the city’s unique atmosphere. Whether you go by public vaporetto or a private water taxi, the Grand Canal promises an unforgettable experience.

Gondola Ride

Indulge in the quintessential Venetian experience with a gondola ride. I recommend opting for the smaller canals, away from the bustling Grand Canal, for a more intimate and romantic journey through the city’s waterways.

Bookmark my Venice Gondola Stations Map so you can find one easily.

Walk the Narrow Streets and Canals

Make time to wander. Venice is very walkable, and exploring the enchanting neighborhood, streets, and canals on foot is one of my favorite things to do in Venice. Each corner reveals a new facet of the city’s character, from quiet residential areas to lively squares filled with cafes and shops.

Visit the Islands in the Lagoon

Especially in peak season, it feels good to escape the crowds and discover the unique charm of Venice’s surrounding islands. There are multiple ways to see the islands — on your own, with a guided tour, or even on a private tour.

Cassie’s Tip: Be sure to see Murano, famous for its glass-blowing demonstrations, and Burano, renowned for lace making, vibrantly colored houses, and a very relaxed atmosphere.

Ascend the Campanile

As mentioned above, you can climb the Campanile, the bell tower in St. Mark’s Square, for breathtaking panoramic views of Venice. The climb is well worth the effort, providing a perspective that captures the city’s intricate layout and architectural wonders.

Take a Food Tour

Venice is a foodie paradise — I mean, basically, the whole country is — and a food tour is the perfect way to savor its culinary delights. I really love this one.

Carnevale

If you love a good party, Carnevale is definitely one of the most thrilling things to do in Venice. This annual carnival is celebrated with the elaborate masks that Venice is so famous for, costumes, and festive events. The city comes alive with color and revelry during this enchanting period, offering a unique and vibrant experience.

Even if you’re not in town for the festival, you can still enjoy this top-notch Venetian Mask-Making Workshop (kids and adults love it!).

Cassie’s Tip: As with Mardi Gras in the US, this festival ends on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent begins — so the dates of this carnival change each year.

Related Post: European Cultural Festivals in Europe

Things to Do in Venice: Museums

Ca’ Rezzonico

This Baroque palace along the Grand Canal houses the Museum of 18th-Century Venice. The opulent rooms and galleries offer a glimpse into the lifestyles of Venice’s aristocracy during the city’s golden age.

Accademia

The Accademia Gallery is a treasure trove of Venetian art, featuring masterpieces by renowned painters such as Titian, Tintoretto, and Bellini. This museum shows the evolution of Venetian painting from the 14th to the 18th century.

Correr Museum

The Correr Museum, located in St. Mark’s Square, offers a fascinating journey through Venetian history. Explore its diverse collections, including paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts, providing insights into the city’s past.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Situated along the Grand Canal, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a haven for modern art enthusiasts. The museum showcases works by prominent artists such as Picasso, Pollock, and Magritte.

Ca’ Pesaro

Also situated along the Grand Canal, Ca’ Pesaro hosts the International Gallery of Modern Art. Its collection of works by Italian and international artists from the 19th and 20th centuries offers a comprehensive view of the evolution of modern art.

Things to Do in Venice: Day Trips

Verona

Verona is a city with a rich cultural and historical significance, and it’s relatively easy to get to. Consider a small group guided tour to explore Verona’s charming streets, visit Juliet’s balcony, and see the ancient Roman Arena.

Padua

On your own or with a private guided tour, venture to Padua, a city renowned for its university and historic architecture. You can explore the Scrovegni Chapel with its iconic frescoes or explore Padua’s botanical garden, which is one of the oldest in the world.

Cassie’s Tip: For more about what makes Padua such a fascinating day trip option from Venice, check out this blog I wrote about my visit.

Dolomites and Cortina

For a more nature-focused excursion, try on a day trip to the Dolomites and Cortina. You can take in the iconic alpine scenery, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the tranquility of the mountains.

Discover your favorite things to do in Venice, Italy!

Venice is a mysterious, utterly unique city that offers visitors unparalleled beauty and cultural richness. And it’s changing — rising sea levels are re-drawing the map of this city, making it all the more important to see and witness today.

Whether you’re captivated by historic landmarks, indulging in culinary delights, or exploring the surrounding regions, I can help create a custom-designed itinerary in Italy that will help you make the most of your time in the Floating City. The sights, sounds, and flavors of this wonderful place will stay with you long after you’ve returned home!

Cassie Tetro
Itinerary Designer
& Certified Travel Expert
(Paris, London & Rome)

WHO AM I?

I’m Cassie Tetro, an Itinerary Designer and Certified Travel Expert for Paris, London, and Rome — my three favorite cities!

I help independent travelers like you save time and eliminate confusion with customized point-to-point itineraries crafted to your interests, preferences, travel pace, and style.

I take care of every aspect of your trip before you walk out your front door — tickets, reservations, tours, maps, transportation — so you can relax, soak in the magic, and enjoy a frustration-free vacation with a travel plan that’s as unique as you are.