When we first set foot in Venice, it honestly felt like stepping into a photo we saw online. The canals, gondolas, and little bridges around every corner make this city one of the most unique places in the world. It’s not just beautiful — it’s truly unlike anywhere else we’ve been.
We’ve already visited Venice twice, each time only for a single day, and we loved it so much that we’d happily come back a third time on our next trip to Italy.
Even though we managed to see a lot in just a day, it did feel rushed. If you can, we recommend staying at least two full days — that way you’ll have enough time to enjoy the main attractions without running from one spot to another.
So why is Venice worth visiting? Because it’s more than gondolas and Piazza San Marco. It’s about the atmosphere, the history, the hidden corners where you suddenly stumble upon a quiet canal or a cozy little café. It’s about getting lost in the maze of streets and realizing that every turn gives you something new to admire.
In this guide, we’ll share the best things to do in Venice, from world-famous landmarks to the smaller, more personal experiences that made us fall in love with this city.
Map of all the best things to do in Venice
15 Best Things To Do In Venice
1. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica
St. Mark’s Basilica is, without a doubt, the most famous church in Venice and a place you really shouldn’t miss. The golden mosaics are breathtaking, and the amount of detail inside left us speechless.
We arrived a couple of minutes after the opening, and a long line was already stretching across the square. Luckily, we had expected this and booked skip-the-line tickets in advance.
Honestly, we were super happy we did — even though they cost a bit more, it was 100% worth it. On top of that, we had a host who accompanied our group throughout the visit, plus an audioguide that made the whole experience so much more engaging.
The basilica usually opens at 9:30 AM (on Sundays and religious holidays it’s later, around 2 PM), and it stays open until about 5:15 PM. Entry to the main basilica costs just a few euros, while extras like the Pala d’Oro (€5) and the museum with terrace access (€7) are definitely worth it if you want the full experience.
We especially loved the terrace because it gave us one of the best views over St. Mark’s Square — a moment we’ll never forget.
Plan to spend around 30–45 minutes if you’re just visiting the main basilica, or closer to 1–1.5 hours if you add the museum and terrace. Crowds build up very quickly, so if you want a smooth visit like we had, booking skip-the-line tickets in advance is the way to go.
2. Walk around St. Mark’s Square
When we are already talking about St. Mark’s Basilica, then of course we can’t skip St. Mark’s Square itself — the heart of Venice. This is the most famous square in the city and one of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen.
It’s surrounded by incredible architecture on all sides, including the basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Campanile tower. The atmosphere here is something special — busy, lively, yet so iconic that you can’t help but feel excited just standing there. It’s truly one of the must-see highlights in Venice, Italy.
The square doesn’t really have opening or closing times, so you can come anytime of day. We visited both in the morning and late afternoon during our two trips, and the vibe was completely different.
In the morning, it felt peaceful and easier to move around, while in the evening, it was buzzing with life, street musicians, and people taking in the views as the lights came on. If you want that postcard-perfect photo without big crowds, definitely come early.
One of our favorite memories was simply sitting on the steps at the edge of the square, eating gelato, and watching the world go by.
3. Enjoy the views from St. Mark’s Campanile
Since I already mentioned two attractions that are close to each other, it would be great to continue and visit more places that are located at the same square.
St. Mark’s Campanile, the tall brick bell tower right on St. Mark’s Square, is one of the most iconic landmarks of Venice. It might look simple from the outside, but the real magic is waiting at the top.
You take an elevator (no stairs, thankfully!) to reach the viewing platform, where you’ll get breathtaking 360° views over the rooftops, canals, and out to the lagoon.
Honestly, it’s one of the best viewpoints in the entire city, and we loved just standing there trying to spot all the places we wanted to visit. If you’re putting together a list of things to do in Venice, this one is a must.
The tower is open daily from 9:30 AM to 9:15 PM. Compared to St. Mark’s Basilica, the crowd level here is much smaller, so there’s no need to buy skip-the-line tickets. Around 20–30 minutes is enough for the visit, but you might want to stay longer if you’re waiting for that perfect photo.
4. Visit Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
Right next to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Campanile, you’ll find the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), another one of the most impressive landmarks in Venice. This stunning Gothic masterpiece was once the residence of the Doge, the ruler of Venice, and today it’s a museum that lets you step back in time into the city’s fascinating history.
Honestly, we didn’t go inside during our visits — mostly because we were short on time and planned the trips a bit chaotically. But if you have the chance, don’t make the same mistake.
Everyone we’ve talked to says the interior is breathtaking, with ornate chambers, grand staircases, and incredible artwork. One of the highlights is crossing the famous Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the old prison.
The Doge’s Palace is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and you’ll want to allow at least 1–2 hours for a proper visit. Tickets start around €25, and here skip-the-line tickets are a must.
The queue can get extremely long during the day, so spending a little extra to save your time is worth it.
Even just admiring the palace from the outside was memorable for us, but if you’re wondering what to do in Venice, then the Doge’s Palace should be high on your list.
5. Take a photo of the Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs is one of those must-see spots in Venice, located right next to the Doge’s Palace. Built in the 17th century from white limestone, it connects the palace to the old prison.
Its name comes from the sighs of prisoners who supposedly took their last glimpse of freedom through the tiny windows before being locked away.
We only admired it from the outside, but honestly, that’s what most visitors do. The best view is from the Ponte della Paglia bridge, where you can snap that classic photo with gondolas passing underneath.
It doesn’t take long to visit, but it’s such an iconic part of Venice that you shouldn’t miss it.
TIP: If you want a photo without huge crowds in the background, come early in the morning — later in the day it gets packed with tourists.
6. Get lost in the back alleys
One of the best things to do in Venice is simply to get lost in its back alleys. Honestly, some of the streets feel like a real labyrinth — narrow passages twisting and turning, sometimes ending at a canal or leading to a tiny hidden square.
We actually got lost a couple of times after strolling around without checking the map, but that’s when we found some of our favorite spots.
That’s the real charm of Venice — wandering aimlessly, away from the tourist crowds, and stumbling upon quiet canals, small bridges, or a little café where locals hang out. It’s the kind of experience that makes you fall in love with the city beyond its famous landmarks.
TIP: Don’t stress if you lose your way — just keep walking, and you’ll eventually end up back at one of the main canals or squares. Getting lost here is part of the adventure!
7. Cruise the Grand Canal by vaporetto
Cruising the Grand Canal by vaporetto is one of the best ways to see Venice from the water without spending a fortune on a private gondola. We absolutely loved it and ended up using it several times during our visits.
Walking across Venice can be exhausting and time-consuming, but the vaporetto saved us so much time while giving us a completely different perspective of the city. Floating past palaces, bridges, and little canals was unforgettable.
We recommend buying a day pass if you plan to use it more than once. A single ride costs around €9.50, while a 24-hour pass is €25 and gives you unlimited rides on ACTV vaporetti and buses.
You can buy tickets at ticket machines, official ACTV offices near the main vaporetto stops, or even online before your trip. For us, the day pass was totally worth it — and the best part is that it also covers trips to the nearby islands like Lido, Murano, Burano, and Torcello, which we’ll talk about later in this guide.
The ride through the entire Grand Canal usually takes around 45 minutes, but since there are multiple vaporetto stops along the way, you can hop on and off depending on what you want to see.
Just make sure to check the stops on a map in advance so you don’t miss the ones near the attractions you want to visit.
TIP: Grab a spot outside in the front or back of the boat if you can — the views along the Grand Canal are amazing, and this way you can enjoy them without glass in between.
8. Visit Burano and Murano Islands by vaporetto
This was high on our list, and honestly, we can highly recommend it to anyone visiting Venice. Burano especially stole our hearts — the colorful houses lined up along the canals, the leaning clocktower, and the relaxed village vibe made it one of our favorite memories. Just walking around with a gelato in hand and taking photos felt like stepping into a postcard.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit Murano, but if you do, make sure to stop there too. Murano is world-famous for its glass-making tradition, and you can even watch live glass-blowing demonstrations — a really unique experience.
Getting there is easy with the vaporetto. From Venice, Line 12 will take you to both Murano and Burano, departing from Fondamente Nove. The ride to Murano takes about 15 minutes, while the ride to Burano takes about 45 minutes.
If you have more time, you can even continue to Torcello, another quiet island nearby with old churches and a very different atmosphere compared to Venice.
Travel Tips:
- The 24-hour vaporetto pass (25 EUR) covers trips to Murano, Burano, and Torcello, so you don’t need to buy a separate ticket.
- Go early in the morning if possible — Burano especially gets busy later in the day.
- Plan at least half a day to see both islands, but if you’re short on time, pick one (we’d choose Burano for the colorful charm).
For us, visiting Burano was one of the highlights of our Venice trip, and if we come back, we’ll make time for Murano as well.
9. Cross the Rialto Bridge and visit Rialto Market
No visit to Venice would feel complete without a stop at the iconic Rialto Bridge. It’s the oldest of the four bridges crossing the Grand Canal and probably the most famous.
The views from the top are incredible — you can see gondolas, vaporettos, and boats passing underneath while both sides of the canal are lined with colorful buildings.
We stopped here a couple of times just to enjoy the view, and it felt different each time — once in the quiet morning light, and later when it was buzzing with life.
Right next to the bridge is the Rialto Market, which we absolutely recommend if you want to feel the local vibe. The market is split into two parts: the fish market (Pescheria) and the fresh produce stalls.
Wandering between vendors selling seafood, fruits, and vegetables was such a fun experience — even if you’re not buying anything, it’s worth checking out.
Good to know:
- The Rialto Market is open in the mornings (Monday–Saturday for produce, Tuesday–Saturday for fish). Best time to go is early, before 11 AM.
- Expect the bridge itself to be crowded during the day — much less early in the morning
- Time needed: around 10-15 minutes for the bridge itself with photos, but allow at least an hour if you’re also exploring the market.
One of our favorite little memories here was grabbing some fresh fruit from the market and sitting by the canal to snack while watching boats go by.
10. Go Shopping for souvenirs
One of the best parts about visiting Venice is browsing for unique souvenirs that you really can’t find anywhere else. The city is famous for its Murano glass, handmade on the nearby island of Murano.
You’ll see everything from jewelry and small trinkets to elaborate chandeliers — we loved just walking into little shops and admiring the craftsmanship.
Another classic is the Venetian masks. Originally worn during the Carnival of Venice, they’re now a symbol of the city itself. You’ll find plenty of cheap versions sold at stands, but if you want something authentic, it’s worth visiting one of the traditional workshops.
Of course, there are also plenty of other things to pick up — postcards, art prints, and handmade leather goods. We bought a few small Murano glass pieces and honestly still smile every time we see them at home because they bring us back to our trip.
Where to shop:
- Near Rialto Bridge – plenty of little boutiques and mask shops
- Murano Island – best place for authentic glass, especially if you want to see workshops.
- Dorsoduro district – quieter area with artisan shops and galleries.
TIP: Prices can vary a lot depending on where you shop. If you’re buying Murano glass, make sure it has a certificate of authenticity so you know it’s the real deal.
11. Take a Gondola ride
You can’t talk about Venice without mentioning gondolas. It’s the most iconic experience in the city, and even though it’s touristy, we honestly think it’s worth doing at least once.
Gliding slowly through the narrow canals, passing under bridges, and seeing the beautiful old buildings from the water felt like stepping into a movie scene.
We actually booked our gondola ride online in advance, and it was one of the best decisions we made. Not only was the price cheaper than going directly to the gondoliers on the spot, but it also saved us the stress of negotiating or waiting in line.
We showed up at the meeting point, skipped the hassle, and within minutes, we were on the water.
The ride was super relaxing — just us, the gondolier, and the calm canals. It felt amazing to see Venice from this perspective and honestly, it was way better than we expected. Even though it’s the ultimate tourist thing to do, we were really glad we didn’t skip it.
TIP: Even though gondoliers usually follow set routes, don’t be shy to ask if they can take you through smaller canals. We found those parts to be the most atmospheric and romantic.
12. Eat Gelato and Pizza (as much as you can)
One of the best parts of Venice for us was simply eating our way through the city. We probably had gelato two or three times a day — no regrets. It became a routine: walk a bit, explore, grab a scoop, repeat. Honestly, it made the hot days so much easier.
Our favorite spot for gelato was Gelateria Gallonetto, which has some of the best reviews in Venice and truly lived up to the hype — creamy, fresh, and full of flavor.
Pizza was the other obsession. We lost count of how many slices we grabbed, but every time it felt like the right choice. The standout for us was La Piazza — crispy base, great toppings, and a proper Italian atmosphere.
And don’t be surprised when the bill arrives — almost every restaurant in Venice adds a service charge (coperto) to the check. It’s normal here, so always count on that in your budget.
Eating gelato and pizza in Venice might sound cliché, but for us, it’s one of those things you absolutely shouldn’t skip. It’s part of the whole vibe of the city.
13. Try Chichetti
When we travel, we always look for food that feels authentic to the place — and in Venice, that’s cicchetti. These are small Venetian-style tapas served in cozy little wine bars called bacari. Think of them as Venice’s answer to Spanish tapas, but with a local twist.
We popped into a couple of bacari during our visits and absolutely loved the vibe — no fancy dining, just locals and travelers standing by the counter with a glass of wine in one hand and a plate of cicchetti in the other. You can try all sorts of things, from fresh seafood to little sandwiches and fried bites.
Our favorite part was that it’s such a budget-friendly way to eat in Venice. While restaurants around St. Mark’s Square can easily drain your wallet, cicchetti usually cost just a couple of euros each.
Some of the best bacari to check out are:
- Cantina Do Spade – one of the oldest bacari in Venice, with amazing fried cicchetti.
- Osteria Al Squero – a personal favorite, located right by a gondola workshop.
14. Explore Venice at night
This might not be one of the usual “things to do in Venice” you see on every blog, but we highly recommend it. If you’re staying overnight or can stay after sunset, make sure to experience the city after dark.
Once the day-trippers leave, it feels like a completely different place — the narrow streets suddenly empty out, the canals get quiet, and you can finally wander without the crowds.
We loved this side of Venice. Walking through the softly lit alleys, crossing empty bridges, and hearing nothing but the water lapping against the gondolas felt different — magical.
If you have time, grab a late dinner, take a gelato to go, and stroll aimlessly — it’s one of the best ways to enjoy Venice’s charm. Honestly, exploring at night quickly became one of our favorite memories from both of our trips
15. Visit Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
If you’re looking for something a little less crowded but still really impressive, head to Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, also called the “snail palace” thanks to its beautiful spiral staircase. The tower looks like something out of a fairytale, and climbing up gives you charming views over Venice’s rooftops.
We came here late in the afternoon and honestly loved how quiet it was — compared to places like St. Mark’s, it felt like a hidden gem most tourists skip. You don’t need much time here, maybe 20–30 minutes.
- Opening times: 10 AM – 6 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM)
- Entry fee: €8 per adult
- Crowd level: Low — you usually don’t need to book in advance
Access fee for Venice
When we last visited Venice (before spring 2024), there was no access fee — happily, we didn’t need to worry. But if you’re planning a day trip in 2025, here’s the important part:
Day-trippers to Venice’s historic center must pay an access fee on 54 high‐traffic dates between April and July, during the hours of 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. If you book your visit at least four days in advance, it’s €5 per person; anything booked later will cost €10.
How they check it:
- Purchase your ticket ahead on the official VeneziaUnica site, which generates a QR code for your visit.
- Officials will scan your QR code at major entry points like the train station, Piazzale Roma, or some ferry docks. There are also random checks within the city; failure to show your code can result in fines between €50–€300, plus paying the fee if you haven’t already.
Who’s exempt?
Anyone staying overnight (hotel, Airbnb, etc.) does not need to pay the access fee but must still register online as exempt and have proof of booking. Other exemptions include children under 14, residents of Veneto, students, workers, family members, and people visiting islands like Murano, Burano, Torcello, or Lido.
Best hotels in Venice
Check availability
Where to Eat & Drink
Top Restaurants
- Impronta Restaurant Venice – Stylish spot with beautifully presented Italian classics and a modern twist.
- Ristorante San Silvestro – Cozy, authentic, and known for fresh seafood and generous pasta portions.
- Trattoria Al Gazzettino – Lively, rustic trattoria where the food is delicious and the atmosphere unforgettable.
Top Cafés
- Dolce Vita Venezia – Relaxed café, great for a morning coffee and pastry.
- Boresso – Modern vibe, refreshing iced coffee — perfect on hot days.
- Caffe del Doge – A must for coffee lovers, serving some of the best blends in Venice.
How to Get Around Venice
On Foot
Walking is the best way to explore Venice. The city is like a giant open-air museum, and every corner hides something beautiful. We actually enjoyed getting lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets and canals — it’s part of the experience.
Vaporetto (Water Bus)
The vaporetto is the main public transport in Venice and the easiest way to move quickly, especially along the Grand Canal or to the nearby islands like Murano and Burano.
A single ride is €9.50, but we recommend buying a day pass online in advance (€25 for 24 hours) if you plan to use it multiple times — it saves money and also covers island trips.
We used vaporettos several times during our visits and honestly loved it. Not only did it save us from long walks across the city, but it also gave us a completely different perspective of Venice from the water.
TIP: We always tried to get to the back of the vaporetto for the best views — but so does everyone else. If you want to secure that spot, make sure you’re among the first to board.
Gondolas & Water Taxis
Gondolas are more of an experience than a mode of transport, and water taxis are convenient but very expensive. Unless you really need them, stick with vaporettos.
Best time to visit Venice
Venice is a city you can visit year-round, but the experience changes depending on when you go. The most popular time is summer (June–August), when the city is buzzing with tourists. The atmosphere is lively, but crowds are intense, hotel prices skyrocket, and the canals can sometimes smell unpleasant in the heat.
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are, in our opinion, the sweet spots. The weather is warm, the canals look gorgeous, and the crowds are more manageable. During our visits in May, we really enjoyed walking around without sweating too much, and while Venice was still busy, it wasn’t overwhelming.
Winter (November–February) is the quietest time. The weather can be cold and foggy, but it gives Venice a very moody, romantic vibe. If you don’t mind layering up, you’ll enjoy almost empty streets and cheaper accommodation. Of course, February is an exception — the Venice Carnival brings thousands of people and incredible costumes.
Quick Summary – Best Time to Visit Venice
- Best overall: April–May & September–October → pleasant weather & fewer crowds
- Summer (June–August): hot, crowded, expensive
- Winter (Nov–Feb): cold & foggy but quiet & cheaper (except Carnival = very busy)
- Our tip: We visited in May → warm, manageable crowds, and a perfect balance for sightseeing
When to avoid Venice
- Late autumn & early winter (Oct–Dec): Venice sometimes experiences acqua alta (high water/flooding). It doesn’t happen every day, but when it does, streets and squares can be partially underwater. While locals are used to it, it can make sightseeing tricky.
- August: Tourist numbers are at their peak, it’s hot, crowded, and expensive.
Parking in Venice
Parking in Venice is one of the trickiest (and priciest) parts of visiting. Since no cars are allowed inside the city, you’ll need to leave yours either behind the Piazzale Roma or on the mainland in Mestre. But don’t worry, we have one great advice for you.
You have two main choices:
- Garages in Venice (Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto) – like Garage San Marco, Tronchetto, Autorimessa Comunale, or Venice Park by Blitz. Convenient but very expensive.
- Parking in Mestre – much cheaper, and less then 10 minutes away from Venice by bus.
We went to Venice City Park in Mestre (Google Maps location), and honestly, it’s the best option if you don’t want to burn your budget on parking. It’s guarded, affordable, and about 5 minutes on foot from the nearest bus stop (Google Maps location).
From there, you can take Actv bus lines 2, 4, 6, or 7 straight to Fermata ACTV, where you can hop on the vaporetto. It was super easy to get to Venice and we avoided traffic jams.
- Rates: €8/day in summer (June–September), €6.50/day in winter (October–May)
- Bus ticket: around €1 (but included if you buy a 24h vaporetto pass for €25 which we highly recommend)
TIP: Even though the lot is guarded, don’t leave anything visible inside your car if you can. Theft can still happen.
For us, this was the cheapest, easiest, and most stress-free way to get to the Venice.
Quick Tips
- Safety: Venice is safe, but watch out for pickpockets in busy spots like St. Mark’s Square, Rialto Bridge, and on the vaporetto.
- Cars: No cars or bikes in Venice — only boats and walking. Don’t try to drive in.
- Restaurants: Almost all add a service charge to the bill, so count on it.
- Costs: Avoid restaurants right on St. Mark’s Square unless you’re ready for very high prices.
- Time needed: Venice deserves at least 1–2 days — don’t plan it as just a quick stop.
- Toilets: Public toilets are rare and cost around €1.50 — plan ahead.
- Water: Tap water is safe to drink, and you’ll find free fountains around the city.
- Flooding: In late autumn and winter, Venice sometimes floods (acqua alta). Raised walkways are put in place.
Planning a trip to the Dolomites?
If you’re planning a trip to the Dolomites after visiting Venice, we recommend visiting these places:
Final thoughts
We’ve been to Venice twice already, and honestly, we’d go back a third time without hesitation. What makes it so memorable is the mix of history, canals, food, and that unique atmosphere you can’t find anywhere else.
If we had to choose just two can’t-miss experiences, it would be St. Mark’s Basilica for the history and beauty, and a vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal for the unique views of the city.
Let us know in the comments if our guide helped you, or share your favorite moments.
