What to do in Venice, Italy

What to do in Venice, Italy

Top Things to Do in Venice, Italy: Unmissable Attractions & Hidden Gems Experience the magic of Venice with this guide to the city’s top attractions and hidden treasures. From the awe-inspiring St. Mark's Basilica and the Rialto Bridge to the quiet charm of lesser-known neighborhoods, explore the best things to do in Venice. Take a gondola ride through scenic canals, visit art-filled palaces, wander through vibrant markets, and uncover secret spots loved by locals. Whether you're a history buff, art lover, or foodie, this guide offers everything you need to create unforgettable memories in Venice. Make sure to save this guide so you always have accessibility.
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Must See Sights and & Scenic Spots

St. Mark's Square
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Also known as St. Mark's Square, this is Venice's largest open space and a popular destination for visitors
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Doge's Palace
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Explore the grandiose palace that once housed Venice's rulers, complete with beautiful artwork and historical exhibits. This historic landmark was the former seat of Venetian political power with Gothic architecture.
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Saint Mark's Basilica
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One of Venice’s most famous landmarks, this Byzantine church stuns with its intricate architecture and mosaics.
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Ponte di Rialto
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One of Venice’s most iconic and oldest bridges, offering fantastic views of the Grand Canal, it crosses, and a bustling market area.
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Bridge of Sighs
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A stone bridge with two corridors and small barred windows that, according to legend, gets its name from the sighs of prisoners
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T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace
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For panoramic views of the city, this luxury department store offers a free rooftop observation deck with stunning views of Venice.
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Grand Canal
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A more than two-mile-long waterway that connects many of Venice's top attractions to smaller canals throughout the city
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Unique Venetian Experiences

This is especially fun if you're visiting Venice near the time of Carnevale

Check out a historic opera

Explore Venice’s Hidden Gems

Libreria Acqua Alta
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A quirky bookstore filled with piles of books and gondolas, this charming shop is a photographer’s dream as you can take a photo posing with the gondola along the canal outside.
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Teatro La Fenice
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Also known as the Phoenix, this famous opera house hosts some of the world's most famous opera singers
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Tintoretto Scuola Grande di San Rocco
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A hidden gem, this building holds masterpieces by Tintoretto that aren’t as widely known as other Venetian attractions.
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Campo Santa Margherita
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A more local square full of cafes, bars, and a relaxed vibe, away from the crowds of touristy areas.
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Rialto Market
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A lively market selling fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruits. It’s a great place to get a feel for local life and Venetian cuisine.
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Take a Day Trip visiting the islands of Murano and Burano

You can get to these islands by the public water taxi or you can take a tour

Murano
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The island off of Venice known for its superb artisan glassmaking
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Burano
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An island famous for its production of lace and colorful houses
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Torcello
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A quiet, tranquil island with ancient churches, perfect for those looking for peace and history
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Now, let's talk FOOD

Venice is famous for Cicchetti, which are like Venetian tapas. Make sure while in Venice to try a local bacaro, or wine bar, and taste the finger food "cicchetti". Here's a list of 24 restaurant/wine bars known for their cicchetti so you can create your own wine and food pairing. 

OR do a food tour with a local

Here's a guide to what to eat in Venice, including 17 restaurants + 24 restaurants/bars for cicchetti 

Try a Cooking Class

Where to Stay?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ciao! My name is Danielle and I'm a Californian from San Diego, who's been living full time in Florence, Italy since 2020. I studied in Florence in 2016 and absolutely fell in love with the food, culture, and history, and made it my mission to move back. I moved right before the pandemic, and staying here through all the lockdowns and pandemic life really helped me discover slow travel and find all of Italy's beauty, including lesser known gems, and off the beaten path travel spots. During my three years in Florence, I have wrote for publications like The Florentine, done freelance marketing with restaurants and a travel agency, giving me high insight into the best destinations, foodie spots, and more. I am here to help you make the most of your vacation in Italy with curated itineraries for every type of traveler and digital maps to help you enjoy THE BEST food each region has to offer. Let me do the work so you can just relax and enjoy, without any stress! I've had a very unique experience living in Italy the last 4 years, as I made my official move right before the pandemic, after visiting for years. Because of this I learned to travel locally and deeply throughout the numerous incredible destinations in Italy and for that I cater my travel services to finding the most local and mindful experiences, keeping true to discovering and appreciating Italy's culture.
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