The 20 best things to do in Venice, Italy
20 unmissable Venice attractions for your list
Let’s face it, it’s difficult to think of a European city that’s both incredibly unique and packed with as much history, heritage and culture other than Venice. Here are the absolute must-sees whether you’ve got a romantic weekend or a full week of sightseeing ahead.
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Palazzo Grassi
The three-story Palazzo Grassi mixes Baroque and Classical elements in its facade. Palazzo Grassi was the final palace completed on the Grand Canal before the Venetian Republic's demise in 1797.
After falling into disrepair, the Fiat Motor Company purchased the palace and made extensive repairs and alterations including the covering of the courtyard, that together with the rest of the palace, is now used for exhibitions.
The building's flawless fusion of Neoclassical and modern architectural forms is noteworthy and helps the Palazzo Grassi to stand out from the other buildings on this stretch of the Grand Canal.
See Palazzo Grassi and other important Venice landmarks on a half-day walking tour of the city.
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2. St Mark’s Basilica
This majestic centuries-old Basilica with its dazzling gold mosaics dominates Piazza San Marco and is one of the most impressive holy buildings in Italy, and perhaps Europe. Although admission is free, it is advisable to invest a few euros for a skip-the-line ticket.
The Basilica has relics and artefacts from all across the Venetian Empire which formerly extended from the Dalmatian Coast to Istanbul. On the inside, visitors will walk beneath brilliantly painted pendentive domes in the shape of a Greek cross. A must-see is the Pala d'Oro, a jewel-encrusted altarpiece hidden away in the presbytery. There are around 2,000 gems in all including pearls, sapphires, emeralds and garnets.
Book a guided St Mark’s Basilica tour to ensure you don’t miss out on key insights and exciting stories.
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3. Piazza San Marco
While visiting the Basilica, just spend some time taking in the atmosphere in the square outside it. This famous public space is known simply as ‘la piazza’ or ‘the square’ in Italian and is always busy. Dodge the crowds and umbrella-wielding tour guides by visiting just before sunrise or late at night when the Basilica and surrounding buildings are lit up.
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4. Venetian Arsenal
Built in the 12th century, the Arsenale di Venezia is a huge Byzantine armoury and shipyard that functioned as the Venetian military headquarters for many decades. The Arsenal’s vast halls and beautiful gardens, as well as the city's Naval Museum, are now used as event spaces especially during the Bienniale, one of Venice’s most famous festivals.
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5. Basilica dei Frari
The enormous Basilica dei Frari, completed in 1490, is one of the city's three extant Venetian Gothic basilicas. Many prominent personalities, like Neoclassical sculptor Antonio Canova (whose heart is placed in a beautiful pyramid designed by him) and Venetian painter Titian, are buried there.
Two of Titian's masterpieces, as well as works by Bellini and other Medieval masters, decorate the church's walls making the Basilica die Frari an important stop on any Venice art tour.
The outstanding collection of sculptures, artworks and funerary monuments can be viewed seven days a week except on Sunday mornings when the Basilica is, of course, in use.
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6. Caffe Florian
Caffé Florian, located in the centre of San Marco Square, is a must-visit. Since 1720, this renowned piece of Venetian history has been a trademark of royalty, drawing celebrities such as Charlie Chaplin and Andy Warhol over the years. The décor hasn't altered much since the 18th century making this a great place for history lovers.
Try the risotto or the gourmet chocolates, speciality coffees and ice-cold gelato. In the summer, the terrace is excellent for a view across the square but be prepared to pay the super-high premiums in this tourist and local hotspot!
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7. Palazzo Ducale
This magnificent fortified house served as the residence of the Doge, the ruler of the Republic of Venice, for the best part 400 years. The beautiful façade of this castle is a masterwork of Venetian Gothic architecture.
The Palazzo Ducale served as the republic's democratic heart, housing not only the governing Doge's chambers and administration but also the courts of law and the jail linked to the palace by the world-famous Bridge of Sighs. A visit to Venice would be incomplete without a stop here, so book a guided Doge’s Palace tour to get the most out of this marvellous landmark.
Before crossing the bridge to see the jail cell of famed Venetian playboy Casanova, allow yourself extra time to marvel at the golden ceilings.
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8. Peggy Guggenheim collection
You’ll certainly recognise this name synonymous with some of the greatest art collections in the world. In Venice's peaceful Dorsoduro neighbourhood, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection fits right in and is easily one of the world's most prestigious private art collections.
From the Grand Canal, this one-story structure appears to be an incomplete palace - which is exactly what it is. Guggenheim bought the unfinished building in 1949 and began filling its rooms with her extensive collection of 20th century surrealism, abstract expressionism, avant-garde sculpture, cubism and more.
Browse works by Jackson Polloc, Mondrian, Dali and Picasso. Don’t forget to explore the museum's sculpture garden too, packed with lush greenery and more fantastic artworks.
If this one sounds like it’s up your street, then a private guided tour is a fantastic option.
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9. Ca’ d’Oro
Although the marble filigree work of Bartolomeo Bon, who also created the Porta della Carta in the Doge's palace, has lost its original rich paint and gilding that gave it its name - House of Gold - , the Ca’ d’Oro it is probably even more lovely without it.
The interior, which is now a museum, clearly depicts the lives of Venetian aristocrats in the late Middle Ages. The ground-floor mosaic is a replica of one found in St. Mark's Basilica and the walls are adorned with fine art and extravagant decoration. Take some time to visit the Galleria Franchetti, an art collection housed in the Ca’ d’Oro.
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10. St Mark’s Campanile
Venice’s most famous and recognisable tower is the bell tower of St Mark’s Basilica. Unsurprisingly, the view from the top is one of the best in the city.
Pay €12 and scale the narrow staircases (rests may be needed on hot days) and prepare for some sublime vistas all the way across the city, lagoon and the mainland on clear days.
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11. Gallerie dell’Accademia
If you have even the slightest interest in art, this is one building you absolutely need to visit in your lifetime. Founded in 1750, the gorgeous palatial Gallerie dell’Accademia is filled to the rafters with treasures. Although the building has been there since the 1300s, Napoleon Bonaparte himself moved the collection in 1807 as part of his grand plan for improvements to Venice.
The collection, which includes paintings by Bosch, Bellini, Veronese and, probably Venice's most famous artist, Titian, is as magnificent as the building itself.
Both art lovers who want to learn more about the masterpieces and beginners who don't know where to begin will really benefit from a Gallerie dell’Accademia guided tour.
There are 20 days each year when admission is free which coincide with local feasts and worldwide holidays, so check the Gallerie dell’Accademia website in preparation of your visit.
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12. Murano and Burano
Although both a boat ride away from central Venice, and nowhere near each other, these islands make a perfect day trip each if you have the time.
Murano is closer to the city proper and is famous for glassmaking. Dozens of independent blowers and vendors line the narrow lanes making this the ideal stop off for some proper Venice interactions and a break from the extreme business of the city centre. There are also plenty of fantastic bars and restaurants for ‘locals’, so grab a bite here too.
Burano is even further from Venice to the north of the lagoon, so a 45-minute water taxi or transfer is needed. Burano is famous for it’s pretty painted houses that are often used as artist retreats or galleries. The pace is a lot slower here, so make the trip if you need some respite from the crowds and fancy a relaxing wind through a unique part of Venice.
See everything in detail on a half day guided tour.
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13. Ca’ Pesaro
The Galleria Internazionale d'Arte Moderna and the Museo d'Arte Orientale are two remarkable art museums hidden behind the noble exterior of this Baldassare Longhena–designed masterpiece built in 1710.
Prince Enrico di Borbone is to be thanked for the Museo d’Arte Orientale after a two-year trip across Asia in the 1880s turned into one of the most extravagant souvenir binges of all time. Fine silks, pottery, glassware and even weapons from the Far and Middle East are on display in the first section of the building.
The other half of Ca’ Pesaro houses paintings from La Biennale di Venezia. Ca' Pesaro's magnificent painted ceilings, which allude to the Pesaro clan's strength and grandeur, compete with the artworks for visitors’ attentions. So don’t forget to look up!
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14. Rialto Bridge
Venice’s most famous bridge is also its most popular for tourists to the point where it’s almost impossible not to encounter crowds. If you don’t fancy being pushed and shoved or accosted by street vendors, take the walkways that run adjacent for superior views and better photo opportunities.
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15. Rialto Market
Under the magnificent canopies of the 16th-century Rialto Market structure, the tradition of early-morning fish sales continues. Stalls brimming with fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices, as well as the day's catch from Venice's fisherman, may be found.
Rivo Alto (later abbreviated to Rialto) is one of Venice's busiest and oldest neighbourhoods, dating back to the fifth century. The Rialto, the island's true heart, was where Venice's early residents set up shop and the selling of fish caught in the surrounding lagoon quickly followed.
The market is a great spot to pick up a picnic lunch or go on a culinary tour. Also, when you make your purchases, strike up a conversation with the merchants - even if you don't speak Italian- they'll still give it a fair go; it's a time-honoured tradition to chat about life when you've bought something.
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16. San Giorgio Maggiore
Just a short boat journey from St Mark’s Square lies the Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore with its dazzling white façade and tower soaring into the sky. This distinctive landmark on the Venice skyline, designed by famous architect Andrea Palladio, is a must-visit thanks to the gorgeous architecture, stunning Tintoretto paintings and slower pace than central Venice.
A climb to the top of the bell tower, which offers spectacular views of St Mark's Square and the adjacent Venetian lagoon, is another great reason to make the trip.
Make your trip extra-memorable with a private pleasure cruise of Venice’s waterways, including San Giorgio Maggiore.
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17. Palazzo Contarini
The Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, tucked away in a super-narrow lane, is an architectural treasure that combines Gothic, Renaissance and Venetian Byzantine elements to make a building that is not only unique in Venice, but pretty much in all of Europe.
The Scala Contarini del Bovolo, the building's famed external spiral "snail" stairway, has recently reopened to the public after 30 years of laborious restoration. Climb up this magnificent piece of engineering for an outstanding view of Venice's historic streets and canals.
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18. Punta della Dogana
On the tip of Dorsoduro district right under the Salute Cathedral, this imposing structure, originally the ancient customs house, looks out onto the lagoon like a fortress of marble and stone.
The Punta della Dogana is the French art organisation's second art gallery space in Venice and has been beautifully restored by the Pinault Collection. François Pinault is known for his extraordinary collection of modern art and this venue is no exception with world-class exhibitions and excellent viewing spaces.
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19. The Grand Canal
Venice’s main highway isn’t a road, but the widest and probably most important canal. The Gran Canal is lined with many of Venice’s key buildings and bridges and is a natural magnet for both visitors and locals.
It may be tempting to hire a private gondola (which is totally recommended), but the vaporetto, Venice's floating public transportation system, can take you from San Marco to Porta Roma along the Grand Canal. Take Line 1 rather than the express Line 2- unless you want to rush by the palaces and skip numerous stops including the Rialto Bridge and the Palazzo Grassi.
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20. Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
The massive Baroque church of Santa Maria della Salute was built in 1630 to celebrate the plague loosening its grip on Venice. More than a million timbers were hammered into the lagoon's floor by architect Baldassare Longhena to withstand the structure's massive weight.
The church is a striking landmark visible from San Marco across the Grand Canal and the grandeur continues inside with your gaze drawn immediately to the huge dome. Make a point of visiting the Sacristy which has the best paintings, including Tintoretto's Marriage at Cana. The landing for the vaporetto is immediately in front of the church.
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