10 Things To Do in Venice

Venice is one of my favorite places in Italy. Why?

Venice is a stunning, ancient, and charming city. Additionally, it is small and easily transportable, making it ideal for touring in a few days.

There are a lot of places to see in Venice. It would take days to see them all; they were so lengthy. Most visitors to this enchanted city only stay for a few days.

This is a quick guide to the top things to do in Venice that will help you have the greatest vacation possible.

I have traveled to Venice three times thus far; the most recent trip was in the summer of 2023. I always discover new things to do and places to explore when we visit.

Things to do in Venice 2024

1. Piazza San Marco

Napoleon referred to this as “the drawing room of Europe,” and St. Mark’s Square remains elegant despite the crowds of people and selfie sticks that exist today.

See high tides rise through the drains, take the elevator to the top of the campanile for drone-style views, and visit the renowned Correr Museum, which is situated above the renowned porticos.

Above all, have a beverage at one of the well-known cafes, some of which have been operating for hundreds of years.

Florian has been welcoming excited visitors to Venice since 1720, but we choose Quadri, which is located on the other side of the plaza and is run by the Alajmo brothers, who live nearby. Quadri boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant above and upscale bar snacks downstairs.

2- Take a Gondola Ride

Even though taking a gondola ride in Venice is undoubtedly an expensive experience, it has always been at the top of my list of things to do in Venice.

I discussed it with several other travelers and bloggers, and although some said it wasn’t worth it, others practically pushed me to do one.

I debated for a while before deciding to take the risk and board one of these Venetian boats. Regardless of the cost, I believed it to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure I shouldn’t miss.

Really, when am I going to get another opportunity to do that?

Venice was a very different, yet equally amazing, experience when viewed from this vantage point after having previously enjoyed it from above.

A trip on a gondola in Venice should, in my opinion, be included on the agenda of each first-time tourist, regardless of whether you’re going with your boyfriend, friends, family, or yourself.

3- Tour Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Square  

Cars are not permitted on the island of Venice since the city is mostly made up of several small, winding lanes. St. Mark’s plaza is a big one situated directly at the sea.

The principal area in the city, St. Mark’s area, is home to the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, Campanile, and several exquisite but pricey cafés. Among these is the well-known Caffè Florian.

It is Venice’s most prominent and oldest cafe, opening in 1720. Expect to spend more than €20 for two coffees because the costs are expensive.

The Doge’s Palace is undoubtedly the most remarkable structure in St. Mark’s Square.

Make travel reservations in advance if you want to view it from the inside.

4- Take a view of Venice from the Bridge of Rialto

The Ponte di Rialto, which crosses the Grand Canal, is the most well-known bridge in Venice. Enjoy another breathtaking, iconic vista of a beautiful city from the top of the bridge.

Witness it during dawn or dusk, or go with the crowds of visitors throughout the day. From here, watching the boats, vaporettos, and gondolas go up and down the Grand Canal is fascinating.

You’ll be sharing this area with a lot of other tourists. Now that you’re in Venice, choose a site, snap many selfies, and remember to smile!

5- Explore the Grand Canal by boat

Venice is a great place to explore, but its magnificent palazzos were meant to be seen from the river. Take the #1 Vaporetto (waterbus), which travels the Grand Canal, to experience one of the best public transportation systems in the world.

Beauty abounds wherever you look, but if you head south, don’t miss the Fondaco dei Turchi, Ca’ d’Oro, with its magnificent facade covered in marble and carved details.

Ca’ Foscari, the city’s stunning university, and the octagonal Salute church, which stands just before the Grand Canal, meet the lagoon.

6- Eat cicchetti in a bacaro

Three terms you should know before visiting Venice: ombra, Cicchetti, and bacaro. A little glass of wine served at a bacaro, a typical wine bar or tavern, is known locally as an ombra (shadow).

Even if it’s just a tiny glass, don’t forget to have some Cicchetti, bar nibbles in the form of finger foods similar to Spanish tapas.

Bacari may be found all around the town; be sure to stop when you see one that looks appetizing.

7- Explore Venice Off the Beaten Path

I don’t know about you, but I enjoy following my path wherever it may go.

Finding the little-known treasures that charm a location makes it unique for me.

Like my sister and I, turn off Google Maps or any other navigation system you use.

Get lost in bridges, alleyways, and canals while looking for pleasant discoveries. Get to know the authentic Venice by straying off the tourist paths!

8- Gallerie dell’Accademia  

Napoleon stole several of Venice’s finest Renaissance pieces and brought them back to France when he seized the city.

However, many have been retrieved and are now housed at this enormous gallery, which is among the best in Italy and has one of the world’s largest collections of Renaissance art.

The chambers with high ceilings are filled with altarpieces created by notable Venetian artists such as Titian, Tintoretto, Bellini, and Carpaccio, and those who achieved success here, such as Mantegna and Veronese.

Keep an eye out for modern exhibits, particularly during the Biennale years. The most recent Anish Kapoor display was quite captivating.

9- Saint Mark’s Basilica

This is yet another must-see sight in Venice.

The Basilica of St. Mark was built in the ninth century AD. Mosaics and artifacts from the Crusades were added to the cathedral’s interior over eight centuries.

A Byzantine altarpiece adorned with about 2,000 stones and coated in gold is called the Pala d’Oro. One of the main draws of Venice is this cathedral. Though there are infamously long lines to enter, you may now avoid the wait by purchasing a ticket online.

When visiting St. Mark’s Cathedral, the cost of entry to the basilica is a few euros.

St. Mark’s Basilica opens at nine in the morning (it opens at two on Sundays). If you intend to buy your ticket in person, I advise you to line up as early as 9 am or earlier to avoid waiting around.

But to get the most out of it, reserve your admission ticket online for 9:30 am.

10- Pay homage to Tintoretto

The cathedral of Madonna dell’Orto and the serene canals lined with elegant palazzos make peaceful Cannaregio worth a stroll.

This large barn-like structure served as Tintoretto’s neighborhood church. He is buried there, along with his two artistic children, Domenico and Marietta, and his paintings and those of Titian, Palma il Giovane, and Cima da Conegliano, decorate the walls.

Conclusion

There is nothing like the allure of Venice. Venice provides an exceptional and unforgettable experience, whether you want to explore its famous canals or get lost in its quaint labyrinth of alleys.

Venice captivates the senses with its picturesque architecture, intricate canal system, and distinct culture that persists long after your visit.

Prepare to discover the enchantment of Venice for yourself by packing your bags, scheduling your travel, and starting your journey.