25 Things to Do in Venice

Venice is the most picturesque city in Italy. It is a city surrounded by canals and over 400 bridges. Below are 25 things to do in Venice!

My Experience: I traveled to Venice a few times and loved every second of my adventure. Venice is a unique, scenic place, so do not forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty of colorful buildings along the water. I highly recommend taking a gondola or boat ride through the city, as you will see the city from a different perspective. The cappuccinos and pastries in Venice are delicious!

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 guide who happens to sing is an experience you will remember forever.

#2- Food Walking Tour

What better way to experience the taste of Venice than by getting advice from the locals who live there? Get to know Venice with your senses on a private food and wine tour that takes you to authentic, hard-to-find eateries.

#3- Go Wine Tasting

The wine in Italy is delicious. The wine tasting tour will enable you to try 6 types of wine from the surrounding countryside in a fun environment!

#4- Boat Tour to Murano and Burano Islands

The Murano and Burano 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- Go Kayaking

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

#6- Admire St. Mark’s Basilica-

St. Mark’s Basilica is the most famous church, with beautiful domed ceilings and gold-leaf mosaics.

#7-Hike the Dolomite Mountains

The Dolomite tour from Venice will enable you to see incredible mountains. The tour stops at Lake Misurina and the alpine town of Cortina.

#8-See a Remarkable Orchestra Performance

Are you looking for a concert for entertainment? Book your ticket to the Veneziani Concert at Vivaldi Four Seasons to see a remarkable orchestra performance!

Views:

#9- Catch a Venetian Sunset

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

#10- Climb the Spiral Staircase at 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. The view of the domes and Campanile of San Marco is immaculate.

Landmarks:

#11- Walk Along 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- Go Shopping along the 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 from the top of it is breathtaking. There are numerous jewelry shops and restaurants along the Bridge.

#13- Go to the Observatory Deck at 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-  Boat Ride to 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 sound of sighs they made as they passed.

#16- See the Canareggio District or Jewish Ghetto

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- Admire the Intricate Detail at the 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- Visit the Basilica Di Santa Maria Della Salute

Venice suffered the bubonic plague in the 17th century. Post-plague, Venetians built this basilica to honor the 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- Book Tickets to See the 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. Today, the Palace is a museum and famous landmark. The art on the ceilings is unbelievable. Do not get lost in the dungeons below, and skip the dungeons if you are claustrophobic. 

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 on the water. The best way to see the city is on a tour! 

Carnivals/ Cultural Events:

#23- Attend a Festival

 What better way to experience Venice than to attend a carnival? The carnivals are where citizens dress up in anonymous costumes. The festival backfired because 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?

Food/Drinks:

#25- Have a Cocktail at Hotel Danieli

Grab a drink at the 14th-century palace hotel at Bar Dandolo. This bar was in three James Bond films.

We shared 25 things to do in Venice. Have you ever been to Venice? Please comment about your experience below.

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Top of this Post– 25 Things to Do in Venice

Rome is the capital of Italy, located in the region of Lazio. It truly is a cultural experience, as the city has a mix of history, archeology, art, religion, and delicious food. Below are 24 things to do in Rome, Italy!

Fun Facts:

-Population: 4.3 million

-Tourism: Most visited city in Italy

-Languages: Greek and Latin were the official languages of the Roman Empire

Tours to Book:

-Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, and Positano Day Trip from Rome

-Rome by Golf Cart Private Tour

Historical Sites:

1- Tour the Underground Arena at the Colosseum– 

The Colosseum is an oval amphitheater in the center of Rome. The Colosseum was the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire and still standing today. Construction to hold 50,000 spectators began in 69 AD. The arena is where many gladiatorial fights took place. Be sure to book a guided tour in advance to skip the line and see the underground arena because the tour sells out quickly.

Tour: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Tour: Colosseum Underground-Arena and Forum

2- Make a Wish at the Trevi Fountain- 

Visiting the Trevi fountain is a must-see on many travelers’ bucket lists, as it was a landmark in the Lizzie McGuire movie. Okay, but in all seriousness, the Trevi is a powerful example of a Baroque design with a distinctly mythological character. A local legend states that throwing a single coin in the Trevi Fountain will ensure your return to Rome in the future. Throwing two coins is said to bring love and romance, while throwing three means you will marry in Rome.

3- See the Ancient Ruins at the Roman Forum- 

The Roman Forum consists of Ancient Rome’s most important structures. Structures you will see are shrines, government houses, and monuments. Ancient ruins in the Roman Forum include the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titris, and the House of the Vestal Virgins. The Underground Colosseum tour shared previously will also take you to the Roman Forum.

Tour: Colosseum Underground-Arena and Forum

4- Baths of Caracalla- 

The Baths of Caracalla, built between 211 and 224, were the city’s second-largest public baths in Rome. They are an example of imperial spas in Rome.

Churches/Religious Buildings:

5- St Peter’s Basilica- 

St. Peter’s Basilica is free to visit, and you can climb the 551 steps to the summit for an amazing view. This panorama view of Rome’s spectacular landscape is stunning.

Tour: –Vatican Museum and St. Peter’s Basilica Skip the Line Tour

6- Pantheon- 

The Pantheon is a former Roman temple and now a church. You can also pay respects to the Italian kings buried inside the Pantheon.

Tour: –Pantheon Small Group Tour

7- Basilica di San Clemente- 

Booking a tour to go to the lower levels of the Basilica di San Clemente with a professional guide will be worth every penny!

Tour: –Underground Temple Tour of Basilica di San Clemente

Neighborhoods/ Public Areas:

8- Trastevere- 

Trastevere is one of the most adorable neighborhoods in Rome to visit, as it is home to restaurants, bars, and cobblestone streets. This neighborhood is one that you do not want to miss out on!

9- Piazza Navona- 

Piazza Navona is one of the best-known public squares in Rome because there are street performers and artists. Cafes, shops, and restaurants abound. The square has infamous monuments like Sant ‘Agnese in Agone.

10- Spanish Steps-

The Spanish Steps are also known as Piazza di Spagna, where visitors can tread the same stairs that writers Balzac and Byron climbed for inspiration. They are just steps; however, it is stunning during the spring because the azaleas blossom.

11- St Peter’s Square- 

St. Peter’s Square, designed by architect Bernini, is one of the most elegant areas in the world. The square has over 140 statues and a few fountains.

12- The Jewish Ghetto- 

The Jewish Ghetto is one of the most beautiful hidden treasures of the city. It shows the religious, social, and cultural life of the Jews in Rome. Visiting this small neighborhood should be on your Rome Bucket List!

13- Piazza del Popolo- 

Piazza del Popolo is a large urban square in Rome. 

Museums:

14- The Vatican Museum + The Sistine Chapel- 

Reserve your ticket to the Vatican Museum in advance to save time. The best way to see the museum is with a guided tour in that they offer a host of knowledge about the place. The Sistine Chapel, spiral staircase, and Raphael Rooms are treasures in the museum.

Tour: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour

15- Galleria Borghese- 

The Galleria Borghese Museum has a massive art collection of sculptures.

Tour: Skip the Line Galleria Borghese Museum Tickets

16- National Museum of Rome-

The National Museum of Rome is a group of museums scattered in several places throughout the city. The museums showcase antiques preserving the ancient culture of Rome.

17- Castel Sant’angelo- 

This former castle is now a museum with a terrace offering a stunning lookout area of the city.

18- Capuchin Crypt- 

The Capuchin Crypt contains the skeletal remains of 3,700 bodies!

Tour: Capachin Crypt Skip the Line Tour

Shopping:

19- Porta Portese- 

Porta Portese is a Sunday morning market you do not want to miss, as vendors sell everything from books to antiques. The main focus is clothes.

20- Campo de’ Fiori–

Campo de’ Fiori is a free market with numerous pizzerias, cafes, and gelaterias.

Hiking:

21- Gianicolo Hill- 

Gianicolo Hill has a panoramic view of the Eternal City. At the top, you can see some of the most famous buildings in Rome. One building you can see is St. Peter’s Basilica. It is not one of the seven hills of Rome because it sits right outside the ancient city.

Parks:

22- Villa Borghese Gardens- 

This park is a landscape garden in Rome. There are several buildings and museums surrounding the park. It is the third largest park in Rome after the Villa Doria Pamphii and Villa Ada.

Food/Deserts:

23- Try Gelato- 

The best place to enjoy Gelato in Rome is at Fatamorgana. 

24- Make Pasta–

Take a cooking class to make pasta from scratch or go on a food walking tour to have a unique cultural experience in Rome!

Tour: Rome Food Tour by Sunset around Prati District

Tour: Rome Food Walking Tour: Trastevere, Campo de’ Fiori, Jewish Ghetto

We listed 24 things to do in Rome! Have you ever been to Rome? Please comment below about your experience. 🙂

Have a wonderful day + safe future travels!

XOXO, Ashley

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