Helping travelers to Italy since 2008

Things To Do
In Venice ...

...plus unique things to do in Venice off the beaten path.

Welcome to Venice, the floating city that feels like stepping straight into a beautiful painting! If you're planning a trip to this magical place, you're in for the adventure of a lifetime. Venice is built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, and it has no roads, just canals.

This means every corner you turn offers a stunning new view of sparkling water, historic bridges, and stunning architecture. I'm so excited to share my favorite tips and tricks with you to make your Italian vacation absolutely unforgettable.

When you start looking for the best things to do in Venice, it can feel a little overwhelming because there's just so much to see. From world-famous landmarks to tiny, winding alleyways, this city has something for everyone.

You'll want to experience the grand sights that make Venice famous, but you'll also want to leave some time to wander. The true magic of this city often happens when you put down your map and just let yourself get a little lost.

Venice

Things To Do
In Venice

Of course, you can't visit without checking off the major attractions that put this city on the map. The top things to do in Venice always start right in the heart of the city at St. Mark's Square, or Piazza San Marco.

Napoleon once called this grand plaza the "drawing room of Europe," and it's easy to see why. Surrounded by stunning cafes and historic buildings, it's the perfect spot to grab a gelato, listen to the live orchestras playing outside, and soak in the incredible atmosphere.

Right at the eastern end of the square sits the breathtaking St. Mark's Basilica. This stunning cathedral is famous for its incredible design and the millions of golden mosaics that cover its ceilings.

When the sunlight hits those tiles, the whole church literally glows! It's totally free to enter the main part of the basilica, but you'll definitely want to book a skip-the-line ticket in advance because the queues can get super long during the busy summer months.

St Mark's, Venice

Just next door to the basilica is the Doge's Palace, which is an absolute must-see. For centuries, this beautiful Gothic palace was the seat of the Venetian government and the home of the Doge, the ruler of Venice.

Inside, you can walk through massive, gold-covered rooms decorated with giant paintings by famous artists like Tintoretto. Exploring the Doge's Palace goes far beyond postcard-perfect canals and dives deep into the city's rich political history.

Things to do in Venice

While you're touring the Doge's Palace, you'll actually get to walk across the famous Bridge of Sighs. From the outside, this enclosed white limestone bridge looks incredibly romantic as it stretches over a narrow canal.

However, its history is a bit darker. It connects the palace to the old prisons, and it got its name because prisoners would supposedly sigh as they caught their final glimpse of beautiful Venice through the tiny windows before being locked away.

Bridge of Sighs

Another iconic landmark you have to visit is the Rialto Bridge, the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal. It's a massive stone structure lined with little shops selling jewelry, souvenirs, and beautiful Murano glass.

Standing at the top of the Rialto Bridge and watching the gondolas and water buses glide by underneath is one of the most classic things to do in Venice. Try to go early in the morning or right at sunset for the best photos without the massive crowds.

Speaking of the Grand Canal, you simply have to take a ride down this bustling waterway. It's the main "highway" of Venice, lined with more than 170 stunning palaces and historic buildings.

The cheapest and easiest way to see it is by hopping on a Vaporetto, which is the local water bus. Grab a seat at the front or back of the boat, feel the breeze in your hair, and enjoy the incredible views of the city from the water.

A Vaporetto on the Grand Canal

Once you've seen the big sights, it's time to escape the crowds and look for some hidden things to do in Venice. One of my absolute favorite secret spots is the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo.

Tucked away in a quiet courtyard, this palace features a stunning, multi-story spiral staircase that looks like a snail shell. You can climb all the way to the top for a fantastic, panoramic view of the city's red rooftops, and it's usually much less crowded than the bell tower in St. Mark's Square.

Hidden Things To
Do In Venice

If you love books, you can't miss the Libreria Acqua Alta, which translates to the "High Water Bookstore." Because Venice often floods during the winter, the owner of this quirky shop keeps his books in bathtubs, waterproof bins, and even a full-sized gondola right in the middle of the store!

It's a chaotic, charming mess of new and used books, and they even have a staircase made entirely out of old encyclopedias in the back courtyard.

Libreria Acqua Alta

Have you ever wondered where all those beautiful black gondolas come from? Head over to the Squero di San Trovaso, one of the last remaining historic boatyards in the city.

Viewing gondola making is a fantastic way to experience the authentic side of the city. You can't go inside the workshop, but you can grab an ice cream from the shop across the canal and watch the craftsmen shaping the wood and repairing the boats just like they have for centuries.

For something a little spooky and totally fascinating, check out the Flooded Crypt of San Zaccaria. Located under a beautiful church just a short walk from St. Mark's Square, this ancient crypt holds the tombs of several early Venetian Doges.

Because the water levels in Venice have risen over the centuries, the crypt is permanently flooded with a few feet of water. The reflection of the ancient columns in the still, dark water is incredibly eerie and beautiful, making it a brilliant hidden gem.

Flooded Crypt of San Zaccaria

Hidden Things To
Do In Venice

When you're ready to venture even further out, there are some truly unique things to do in Venice off the beaten path. One highly recommended adventure is taking a Vaporetto out to Lazzaretto Nuovo.

This island was used as a quarantine station during the plague outbreaks in the Middle Ages. Today, you can take a guided tour to learn about how Venice handled the Black Death and see the ancient writings left on the walls by quarantined merchants. It's a fascinating, slightly spooky slice of history that most tourists completely miss.

Another great way to get off the beaten path is to spend an afternoon exploring the Cannaregio district. This is where many local Venetians actually live, so it has a much more relaxed, authentic vibe than the busy tourist centers.

You'll find quiet canals, laundry hanging from windows, and kids playing in the small squares. It's the perfect place to just wander, take photos, and soak up the everyday atmosphere of the city.

Cannaregio

While you're in Cannaregio, you have to try a "cicchetti" crawl. Cicchetti are basically Venetian tapas—small plates of food like meatballs, seafood salads, and crostini topped with delicious local ingredients.

You hop from one small local bar, called a bacaro, to the next, grabbing a few snacks and a small glass of local wine at each stop. It's a fun, delicious, and budget-friendly way to eat your way through the city like a true local.

Cannaregio is also home to the Venetian Ghetto, which was the first Jewish ghetto in the world, established in 1516. It's a deeply historic and moving area to visit, with five beautiful synagogues hidden behind ordinary-looking building facades.

You can take a guided tour to learn about the rich history of the Jewish community in Venice, visit the local museum, and try some traditional kosher baked goods from the neighborhood bakeries.

Unique Things To Do In
Venice Off The Beaten Path

If you have a few days in the city, you should definitely plan a day trip to the other islands in the Venetian lagoon. The most famous is Murano, which is known all over the world for its incredible glassmaking.

You can visit the historic factories, watch the master glassblowers shape glowing hot glass into beautiful vases and chandeliers, and pick up some stunning, authentic souvenirs to take home with you.

An example of colored Murano glass in Venice

Just a short boat ride from Murano is the island of Burano, which is famous for two things: intricate handmade lace and brightly colored houses. Legend says the fishermen painted their houses in bright neon colors so they could see them through the thick fog when they were coming home from sea.

It's an absolute dream for photographers, and wandering through the cheerful, rainbow-colored streets is guaranteed to put a huge smile on your face.

Burano

For a totally different island vibe, head over to Torcello. This was actually the very first island in the lagoon to be settled, long before the main city of Venice was even built!

Today, it's a quiet, peaceful nature reserve with only a handful of full-time residents. The main attraction here is the ancient Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which features some of the oldest and most spectacular Byzantine mosaics in all of Italy.

Torcello

No matter what you choose to do, the absolute best activity in Venice is simply getting lost. The city is a giant maze of narrow alleys, dead ends, and tiny bridges. Don't worry about sticking to a strict schedule all the time.

Put your phone away, pick a random direction, and see what you find. You might stumble upon a quiet little piazza, a beautiful hidden church, or the best gelato shop you've ever tasted.

Of course, while getting lost is fun, sometimes you actually need to know where you're going! That's why we've put together a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the city's winding streets and waterways.

If you want to get a lay of the land before you arrive, be sure to check out our detailed Venice map page. It'll help you figure out the different neighborhoods, locate the major Vaporetto stops, and plan your daily walking routes with ease.

Knowing what to pack is just as important as knowing where to go, which means you need to understand the local climate. Venice has distinct seasons, and the weather can really impact your travel plans.

From hot, sunny summers to chilly, misty winters, you'll want to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. Head over to our weather in Venice page for a great overview of the city's summer climate.

If you're trying to decide exactly which month is the best time for your trip, we have even more detailed information to help you out. We break down the average temperatures, rainfall, and what kind of clothing you should bring for each specific season.

If you plan to visit Venice in the Spring, take a look at our specific page on Spring weather so you can pack your bags perfectly.

Unique Things To Do In
Venice Off The Beaten Path

Traveling to such a popular destination can sometimes get a little expensive, but it doesn't have to break the bank! There are plenty of wonderful, budget-friendly places to stay if you know where to look.

We've hunted down some of the best affordable accommodations that still offer great locations and authentic Italian charm. Check out our guide to cheap hotels in Venice to find a cozy, wallet-friendly home base for your adventures.

On the other hand, if you're looking to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime luxury experience, you have to check out one of the most famous hotels in the world. Located right on the waterfront near St. Mark's Square, Hotel Danieli offers breathtaking views, opulent rooms, and world-class service.

If you want to feel like Venetian royalty during your stay, read all about this incredible hotel and see why it's a favorite among celebrities.

Hotel Danieli roof terrace

After a long morning of sightseeing, there's nothing quite like sitting down to enjoy a traditional Italian espresso or a creamy cappuccino. Venice is home to some of the oldest and most beautiful coffee houses in all of Europe, where you can sip your drink surrounded by velvet chairs and sparkling chandeliers. Explore our guide to the best cafe in Venice - Caffe Florian.

Inside Caffe Florian

If you're lucky enough to visit during the late winter, you might get to experience the city's most famous and spectacular festival. For a few weeks every year, the streets fill with people wearing elaborate historical costumes and stunning, hand-painted masks.

It's a magical, theatrical event that completely transforms the city. Learn all about the history, the parties, and how to join in the fun on our page about Carnevale.

Carnevale

Finally, no trip to this floating city is complete without taking a romantic ride in a traditional gondola. But have you ever wondered about the people who steer these iconic boats? It takes years of training and a special license to navigate the busy canals with a single oar.

To learn more about this fascinating and historic profession, check out our dedicated gondola driver page all about what it takes to become a true Venetian boatman.

A Gondola

Things to do in Venice

Venice is truly a city unlike any other in the world. It's a place where history comes alive, where the streets are made of water, and where every view looks like a masterpiece.

Whether you're marveling at the golden mosaics of St. Mark's Basilica, sipping wine in a quiet local bacaro, or exploring the colorful streets of Burano, you're going to fall completely in love with this Italian gem.

Remember that the best trips are a mix of the famous sights and the quiet, unexpected moments. Take the time to wake up early and watch the sunrise over the Grand Canal before the crowds arrive.

Stay out late and listen to the water lapping against the stone steps in the moonlight. These are the memories that will stick with you long after you've packed your bags and headed home.

As you plan your itinerary, don't be afraid to step away from the main tourist hubs. The heart and soul of Venice are often found in the quiet neighborhoods, the hidden courtyards, and the small, family-run shops.

By seeking out those unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences, you'll connect with the city on a much deeper level and get a taste of what it's really like to live in this extraordinary place.

I hope this guide to things to do in Venice has given you plenty of inspiration and excitement for your upcoming trip! Venice is an incredibly informative, interesting, and fun destination that will capture your heart from the moment you step off the boat.

With a little bit of planning and a spirit of adventure, you're going to have the most amazing time exploring everything this floating city has to offer!

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