Updated September 17, 2023
A fairytale labyrinth of small islands, ornate bridges, and gondola-dotted waterways: Venice is easily one of the most iconic cities in Italy. The allure of this floating metropolis lies in its romantic scenery, rich history, emblematic Gothic buildings, and colorful festivals. An architectural treasure and art haven, the historic city and its lagoon have earned their spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The sights of Venice rank among the top things to do in Italy. Read this round-up of the best things to do in Venice as you prepare for your dreamy Italian vacation!
Public transportation looks a little different in Venice than in other major cities. Known, among other names, as the ”Floating City,” the main mode of transportation around the archipelago is by water. If canals are Venice’s roads, the Grand Canal is the main highway. The largest of all the canals, this major waterway runs throughout the entire city. Hop on a Vaporetto (waterbus) on the Grand Canal for a scenic cruise. The route is flanked by opulent palaces, churches, and museums like the famous Palazzo Ca Dario, St. Mark’s Basilica, and Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Bridged at four different points, riders will pass below the most iconic bridges in the city. Just like any other major highway, the canal can get pretty crowded during morning and evening commutes. We recommend a nighttime ride on the canal when the crowds are low and the city is lit up.
For a more serene experience, don’t rent a gondola on the Grand Canal. Head instead to one of the small waterways without public transport!
Trade in cobblestone city streets for sun-soaked sand with a day trip to Lido Beach. One of the continent’s oldest beach resorts, today it is still ranked as one of the best beaches in Italy. Lido is perhaps known most famously as the destination for the star-studded Venice International Film Festival. Aside from the glitz and glam of award season, this spot is a lowkey destination and one of the best things to do in Venice for beach lovers. Just a seven-mile strip of land, visitors might be surprised to find how much Lido has to offer. The southern tip is home to a protected natural reserve, the Oasis of Alberoni, that boasts impressive dunes and pine forests. Before you hit the beach walk the Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta, the main boulevard, lined with shops, restaurants, and hotels. During high season it is recommended to rent an umbrella and chair to ensure you get a spot on the sand.
Connect with your inner bohemian with a coffee or cocktail at the iconic Caffè Florian. Open since 1720, this historic cafe has been the local haunt for poets, philosophers, playwrights, and politicians. Notable figures such as Ernest Hemingway, Charles Dickens, Goethe, and Andy Warhol have all graced the tables of the Florian. Visitors may come for the history but they stay for the ambiance. Designed in the Neo-Baroque style, the interior is adorned with velvet cushions and gilded mirrored walls. The windows of the cafe overlook the square and offer amazing views of Venice’s famous landmarks.
Piazza San Marco, or St Mark's Square, is definitely a tourist hub. Still, sometimes it pays off to join the crowds. The San Marco district is home to the city’s most iconic attractions. Here you will find sights such as Saint Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, both examples of the opulent architecture found throughout the city, and the famed Rialto Bridge. Explore the waterfront market next to the bridge. Named as one of the top things to do in Italy by locals, don’t leave without getting your hands on some seafood.
Be sure to note that Italy is safe for travelers, but tourist scams are more common in busy areas like St. Mark’s Square so read up on these before you go!
Outstanding craftsmanship is one of Italy’s many claims to fame and Venetian glass makes the top of the list. The ancient art dates all the way back to the Roman Empire when glass was used to illuminate the bathhouses. Head to Murano, the home of all the glassmakers in Venice, to admire their elaborate glasswork. Visitors can tour the Fornace Ferro Murano glass factory, and check out their workshop. To learn more about the history behind this impressive craft, make time to explore the Murano Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro). Make sure you bring a bag big enough to carry back some colorful glass souvenirs!
Built-in 639 AD, Torcello Cathedral is the oldest building in Venice. The basilica church is an example of Venetian-Byzantine architecture, adorned with ornate mosaics. At the altar, you will find an elaborate gold-leaf fresco and a piece titled ‘Harrowing of Hell.’ The eerie church also houses a crypt and the skull of Saint Cecilia, which has rested there for centuries. Apart from the cathedral, Torcello Island has its own fascinating history. It served as a refuge during the fall of the Roman Empire and has remnants of abandoned settlements. A visit here is one of the best things to do in Venice for history buffs.
Bridges are what connect the various districts of this floating metropolis, hence the nickname the “City of Bridges.” With over 400 overpasses, not all of them are works of art. However, the most renowned ones are true design masterpieces. Perhaps the most famous bridge in Venice is the Rialto Bridge, which serves as the main walkway over the Grand Canal. Designed and built during the Renaissance, the arched pathway is the oldest of the canal’s four bridges. The Bridge of Sighs is another unmissable stop on any bridge tour. The white limestone structure is the most photogenic of them all, but its history is not so romantic. The overpass was used to connect Doge's Palace with the city’s prisons.
Spend the day on the candy-colored island of Burano. The Instagram-worthy location is a 40-minute boat trip from the main island so plan to spend the day there. We agree it’s one of the best things to do in Italy and worth the ride. Historically a fishing town, the houses were painted their signature bright colors so the fishermen could find them on foggy days. Today the picturesque multicolored buildings are a favorite Venice highlight. Fishing isn’t the only time-honored tradition on the island. The craftsmen of Burano are renowned for lacemaking. Stop at the Museo del Merletto for an in-depth look at the art and history behind this textile industry. For dinner grab some freshly caught seafood.
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection should be on every art lover’s Venice bucket list. The impressive museum represents one of the world’s most elite private art collections acquired by the famous Guggenheim socialite. Inside patrons can admire works from iconic art movements and artists including Picasso, Pollock, Dalí, Mondrian, Hirshfield, and many more. The waterside museum is housed inside an unfinished palace, purchased by the art collector in 1949, a flamboyant enough setting to match the masterpieces inside. When you are finished touring the inside collection take a stroll through the sculpture garden.
The birthplace of opera, theaters play an important role in Italian history and modern times. In Venice, La Fenice is one of the most iconic opera houses. The name translates to “the phoenix,” an appropriate name considering its fiery history. Built-in 1792 to replace the burnt-down San Benedetto Theatre, La Fenice burnt and was rebuilt three times throughout its history. Over the years the theater has hosted renowned composers such as Verdi and Rossini. Rising from the ashes each time, the gilded opera house is still a citywide institution where music enthusiasts can come catch outstanding performances. Visitors can tour the opera house during the day, however, if you get the chance we recommend grabbing a ticket to a show.
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