Venice
Venice is one of those places that feels almost unreal the first time you see it. The canals, the bridges, the tiny winding streets, the old buildings that seem to rise right out of the water—it truly feels like stepping into another world.
Before we jump into our favorite things to do in Venice, did you know this ancient and beautiful city is made up of 118 small islands connected by more than 400 bridges? Located in the Adriatic Sea, Venice is one of Italy’s most visited cities, but it is also home to around 250,000 permanent residents who somehow manage to live among the endless stream of tourists and rolling suitcases.
We always recommend staying at least a few days in Venice. This is not a city to rush. Venice is best enjoyed slowly—with long walks, a spritz by the canal, getting slightly lost, and finding those quiet corners away from the crowds. And after our most recent trip, we have a few new lessons learned to share—because Venice can be magical, but it can also humble you quickly if you book the wrong hotel room.
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Plan Your Calendar
When people think of Venice, they picture gondolas, Carnival masks, St. Mark’s Square, and the Grand Canal. But timing your visit matters more than many realize.
Historical Regatta
The Historical Regatta usually takes place in early September and is one of Venice’s most exciting annual events. Take a peek at our post on it here.
In 2016, we stayed right on the Grand Canal and watched the race from our hotel window while enjoying lunch and a spritz. Honestly, it was one of those perfect Italy moments you never forget.
Just know that hotel prices rise quickly during this time, especially if you want Grand Canal views.
Carnival
Carnival is usually held between late February and early March and is still on our bucket list. Masks, elaborate costumes, music, and celebrations take over the city. If this is your dream trip, book very early.
Acqua Alta
Between late fall and early spring, Venice can experience acqua alta—high water flooding, especially around Piazza San Marco.
We experienced this ourselves years ago, and watching the raised walkways being assembled was something else. Most people use the platforms, but every now and then, you’ll spot a tourist confidently wading through knee-deep water like they’re starring in their own travel documentary.
Hotel Tip We Learned the Hard Way
Let’s talk hotels.
On our recent trip, we booked what looked like a lovely, reasonably priced hotel. Beautiful photos. Great reviews. Charming Venetian character.
Reality?
We got what can only be described as a closet with a bed. Four flights of stairs. No elevator. No air conditioning. Tiny room. Good thing we didn’t have heavy luggage. Questionable life choices.
The lesson here: always check if there is an elevator, ask what floor your room is on, and if stairs are difficult, request a lower floor before arrival. In Venice, “charming historic building” often means “you’re carrying your suitcase to the moon.”
Vaporetto Tip: Don’t Overpay Like We Did
The Vaporetto (water bus) is essential in Venice. But on our recent trip, we definitely overpaid by buying single rides too often. It adds up fast.
If you plan to visit islands like Murano, Burano, Lido, or even just move around the city often, a 24-hour Vaporetto pass may be the smarter choice and often saves money.
Learn from us. Venice already takes enough of your money.
Here are our 13+ things to do when in Venice:
1. St Mark’s Square
A perfect place to start your adventure in Venice! This is the most famous piazza in Venice, and you won’t be able to miss it. You will venture through this piazza many times during your stay, getting from one place to another. You will find St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, San Marco, and Campanile all within this square. This is the heart of Venice and the perfect place to begin.
Napoleon once called it “the drawing room of Europe,” and honestly, he wasn’t wrong.
2. Mark’s Basilica
Built in 1092, this church is breathtaking. The gold mosaics, Byzantine details, marble floors, and incredible ceilings are unforgettable. During acqua alta, we actually saw water flowing inside the entrance, which made us wonder how those mosaic floors have survived all these centuries. You can also visit the terrace for incredible views over the piazza.
Quick tip: backpacks are often not allowed inside, so travel light. There are lockers outside the Basilica that you can pay to use before you enter.
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3. Caffé Florian
While in Piazza San Marco, stop at the famous Caffè Florian.
Yes, it’s expensive.
Yes, you should still do it.
The café dates back to 1720, and the interior feels like stepping into another century. Sit outside, order coffee or dessert, listen to live music, and enjoy some world-class people-watching. At this point, you’re paying for the experience—and it’s worth it.
4. Doge’s Palace
Also located in this same area is the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale). This ornately decorated palace is simply stunning. The pink and white marble building is a wonderful example of Italian architecture. It has almost a “lace look” to it with a series of diamond patterns. We took a tour of the palace which was well worth the admission price and in addition, you get to cross the Bridge of Sighs to see the prison that is attached to the palace.
5. San Marco Campanile
This tower is the tallest structure in Venice and is also located in St. Mark’s Square and is 98.6m high. The tower that stands now is actually a reconstruction as the original collapsed in 1902. Through time, the tower has been damaged by earthquakes, fire, and lightning. Take the elevator up to the top for the best panoramic views of the city.
6. Ride on a Vaporetto
You cannot visit Venice and skip seeing it from the water. Take the Vaporetto down the Grand Canal and simply watch the city unfold around you. It’s practical transportation and sightseeing at the same time. Just remember our pass advice above.
7. San Giorgio Maggiore
San Giorgio Maggiore is a small separate island that is located opposite Doge’s Palace, across the Grand Canal which can be reached by a short Vaporetto or private water taxi ride. We did a separate post on this which you can view San Giorgio Maggiore
8. Gallerie dell’Accademia
Art lovers should absolutely visit Gallerie dell’Accademia. This holds one of the finest collections of Venetian Renaissance art, featuring works by Bellini, Titian, and Canaletto. Even if you’re not usually a museum person, this one is special. For more information, see our post Gallerie dell Accademia
9. Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is an ornate bridge that crosses the Grand Canal. This bridge has been rebuilt many times and many do not know that the original bridge was made of wood and actually collapsed in 1524. There are four major bridges that cross the canal, but The Rialto Bridge is by far the most famous. This bridge connects the districts of San Marco and San Polo.
If crowds are not your thing, visit early in the morning. You’ll practically have it to yourself.
Our 13+ things to do in Venice continue…
10. Murano
Murano is famous for glass blowing and is an easy Vaporetto ride from Venice.
On our recent trip, we returned and spent more time exploring beyond just the glass shops. It’s worth slowing down here. We also found a fantastic restaurant on Murano that absolutely deserves a spot on your list—details are in our restaurant recommendations under FOOD on the main menu bar.
11. Gondola Ride
Take a gondola ride through Venice’s Grand Canal. When I think back to our visit in 2012, I went to Venice and said I wasn’t going to take a gondola ride. It “wasn’t going to be worth the money”, I said. Consequently, one evening, as we were walking back to our B&B, Gary asked me to reconsider my thoughts on a gondola ride. We bargained (yes, you can do this, especially if the weather isn’t perfect) and agreed on a price I could live with, and I am so glad we did. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. What was funny is our gondolier said he visited a friend in Arizona once, and said it was way too hot for him!
12. Lido Island
This was one of our favorite surprises on our recent trip. We spent the day on Lido di Venezia, had lunch right on the beach, and honestly—it felt like a completely different side of Venice. Fewer crowds. More relaxed. Sea breeze. A long lunch by the water. It was amazing. If you have extra time, don’t skip Lido.
13. Burano
Burano is about a 40-minute Vaporetto ride from the main island. This island is famous for its beautifully painted homes in just about every color you can imagine. We spent a few hours walking every inch of this island and taking hundreds of pictures! You can see some of them The island of Burano
Other Sites to See
Finally, there are so many more things to see and do when staying in this magical city. Here are just a few more for your consideration:
- The Peggy Guggenheim Museum is located close to the Doges Palace and is one of the world’s best collections of modern art. While we personally did not visit this museum, we do hear it is pretty spectacular.
- The Ca Rezzonico Palace was truly worth the visit. You can read about our visit Ca Rezzonico Palace
- The Liberia Acqua Alta Library was such a find! It took us a while to locate it but it was worth the visit Library
- The Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (Frari) is a Gothic-style church dating from the 14th century. It is very plain on the outside, which is why we walked right past it several times. The beauty is definitely on the inside, where you’ll see works by Titian, Bellini, and Vivarini, among others.
In Conclusion…
- Last but not least, guarding the entrance to the Grand Canal is the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. Our post can give you more information Santa Maria Della Salute
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Editor’s Note: This post was initially published in November 2018 and was recently updated in March 2026 for accuracy and additional information.
