25 Things to Do in Venice, Italy

Venice is the most picturesque city in Italy. It is a city surrounded by canals and over 400 bridges. There are 25 unique things to do in Venice, Italy that I will list below!

My Experience: I have gone to Italy once in my life where I was able to see Venice. Venice is a unique place. I highly recommend taking a gondola or boat ride through the city, as you will see the city from a different perspective. The pasta and pizza in Venice, Italy, are not as great as in NYC.

Tours:

#1- Gondola or Boat Ride

Float through the canals and under bridges on a boat or a Gondola for the best adventure in Venice. A friendly, knowledgeable tour guide who happens to sing is an experience you will remember forever.

#2- Food Walking Tour

Food Walking Tour– What better way to experience the taste of Venice than by getting advice from the locals who live there?

#3- Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting Tour in Venice– The wine in Venice is delicious. This tour will enable you to try various types of wine in a fun environment!

#4- Murano and Burano Island

25 Things to Do in Venice, Italy — Murano Island

Murano and Burano Islands Tour by Private Boat- These islands are stunning. What better way to go and see them than with a professional, friendly guide who will take you there on a private boat?

#5- Kayaking

Kayak Tour– See the city of Venice with this kayak tour. There is no experience necessary. The guides share details about the history and culture of Venice throughout this trip.

#6- St. Mark’s Basilica-

St. Mark’s Basilica Tour- The best way to visit a museum, castle or church in another country is to see it with a professional guide in that they will have the answers to all of your questions.

#7-Dolomite Mountains

Dolomite Mountains and Cortina Day Trip from Venice– This tour from Venice will enable you to see incredible mountains and places that you would have never thought to see otherwise!

#8-Concert

Musici Veneziani Concert: Vilvaldi Four Seasons- Are you looking for a concert to keep you entertained? This one will do just that!

Views:

#9- Catch a Venetian Sunset

The sunsets in Venice are stunning, as the sky turns pink, yellow, purple, and orange colors.

#10- Scala Contarini Del Bovolo

If you are looking for a hidden attraction in Venice, then look no further than to climb up this spiral staircase and get a beautiful view of Venice from above. You will get a great view of the domes and Campanile of San Marco.

Landmarks:

#11- St. Mark’s Square

St. Mark’s Square is a public square home to the Clock Tower, St. Mark’s Basilica, Doges Palace, and the Winged Lion of Venice. There are a ton of public events held in this space.

#12- Ponte Di Rialto Bridge

The Ponte Di Rialto Bridge is one of the most famous ones in Venice because the architecture of it and the fact that the view at the top of it is breathtaking.

#13- Go to the Top of Marco Campanile

The observatory deck at the top of Marco Campanile has a fabulous view of Venice. Did you know? Drones are not allowed in Venice. The observatory deck will be the best view that you will get!

#14- The Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is a channel running through the city. The sight of spectacular buildings from the water is incredible. As you pass, you will see private water taxis, locally owned motorboats, and police boats.

#15- Cross the Bridge o Sighs

The Bridge o Sighs is a famous bridge made of white limestone that spans the Rio di Palazzo in Venice. It once led to a Venetian prison. It was a convict’s last sight before losing their freedom. Hence the “sighs” as they passed.

#16- Canareggio District

Stroll along the narrow streets in northern Venice, featuring six historic districts. The Canareggio district is also known as the former Jewish Ghetto of Venice.

Churches:

#17- St. Mark’s Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilica is the most famous church in Venice to visit. The church is unique, as it has a mix of influences. The beautiful domed ceilings and gold-leaf mosaics stand out the most.

#18- Basilica Di Santa Maria Della Salute

Venice suffered the bubonic plague in the 17th century. Post plague, Venetians built this basilica to honor Virgin Mary, who they believe saved them from much worse. The result was a beautiful baroque-style structure with a dome. This building has become an iconic part of the Venetian skyline.

Famous Buildings:

#19- This Doge’s Palace

Did you know? The Doge was also known as a chief magistrate elected for life by Venetian nobles. This palace is where the doge lived. Now the Palace is home to a museum and happens to be one of the most famous landmarks in Venice to date.

Stores:

#20- Libreria Acqua Alta Book Store

The Libreria Acqua Alta Book Store is perhaps the most picturesque library. There are quirky little backdrops for photos around the store. All of their books are in bathtubs that have waterproof containers. There is even a full-sized gondola!

Day Trips from Venice:

#21- Glass Making Museum

Stop into Museo del Vetro and learn about the history and how to make Murano glass. The Museum of Glass is in Murano, a city outside of Venice.

#22- Day Trip to Burano

Burano is a smaller city also on water and is reached by a 40-minute taxi from St. Mark’s Square. The area is filled with bars and outdoor restaurants.

Carnivals/ Cultural Events:

#23- Festival

What better way to experience Venice than to attend a carnival? The carnivals are where citizens dress up in anonymous costumes making fun of the aristocracy without fear. The festival backfired and criminals got away with crimes behind their masks. The masks allowed people to partake in gambling, robbery, assassination, and other illicit activities. The carnival halted in 1797. The celebrations returned in the 1960s.

#24- Buy a Venetian Carnival Mask

Even if you are not visiting Venice during an annual festival, the masks are spectacular and super unique to Venice. The people wear masks to hide their true identities. The upper class and peasants would socialize together.

Pick up your own as a souvenir. You can even take a class to build your own! How much fun does that sound?