What Are the Most Popular Things to Do in Venice?

Venice is unlike any other place on earth. Located in northeastern Italy, it’s a network of 118 islands that are connected by an intricate system of canals and bridges. If you’re planning a trip to Venice, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to sights and activities. Here are the most popular things to do in Venice:

1. Tour the Canals

Venice is known as the City of Water. And it’s easy to see why, as the city is criss-crossed with a network of canals and bridges. The best way to experience this unique location is to take a tour of the canals in one of Venice’s iconic gondola boats. Most canal tours start from St Mark’s Square, but there are plenty of other rental spots for your gondola or other boats. You’ll drift under the small stone bridges and get a glimpse at Venice’s unique landmarks as you go.

2. Visit Punta Della Dogana

Punta della Dogana is one of Venice’s renowned art galleries. It’s located on a triangular shaped area at the entrance to the Grand Canal and is part of the Fondazione Pinault Collection, which collects art from all over the world. If you love modern art, then this should be top of your Venice must-see list.

3. Sample the Street Food

If you want a truly unique foodie experience then you should definitely try some of the street food that’s around Venice. You’ll find plenty of snack places and food stalls by both the side of the canals and the city itself. Try some tramezzini, a typically Venetian sandwich which is usually filled with cheese, ham, tuna and salad style ingredients. For a sweet treat, look out for Bussolai – round sweet biscuits flavoured with raisins and orange zest.

4. Exploring Venice’s Streets

Venice is best explored by foot. Stroll through its narrow alleyways, explore its hidden squares and cross its picturesque bridges. Keep an eye out for one of hundreds of churches scattered throughout the city too – they can be particularly breathtaking and it’s possible to spend hours simply exploring each individual one.

5. St Mark’s Basilica

St Mark’s Basilica is one of the world’s most beautiful churches — no visit to Venice would be complete with visiting it. Look out for its beautiful exterior, filled with marble made from the area itself (also known as Verona marble). Inside you’ll find its stunning golden mosaics, some of which were made as early as the 13th century. Be sure to visit St Mark’s Square in general too – it’s bustling with stalls and interesting things to see.

6. Tour the Doge Palace

Another fun way to explore Venice is to visit the Doge Palace, which was once the residence of the city’s doge — effectively its ruler — in centuries gone by. Amongst other things you can explore its huge wooden staircase and its impressive courtyard, too.

7. Take a Glassblowing Class

Glassblowing has been a tradition in Venice since 10th century BC — and it’s alive and well today! That means you can take full advantage of it by attending one of Venice’s myriad glassblowing classes or workshops, in which you can learn about this age-old tradition from a local expert and even create your own glass piece with their help too! Artisans of Florence offer some great classes for starters who want to learn about glassblowing and craft their own personal pieces in Murano, the home of Venitian glassmaking. No matter what you choose to do, there are plenty of activities to choose from during your stay in Venice that will make sure that your time here is unforgettable! So what are you waiting for? Book your next trip now to experience a Venitian adventure like no other!

An Insider’s Guide to Venice: Discover the City Beyond the Tourist Spots

If you’re visiting Venice, you’ll likely already have a list of popular tourist spots to visit. However, to experience the city fully and to get a real sense of local culture, you’ll need to venture beyond the beaten path. Here are some hidden gems that only locals know about:

Local Attractions: Discover Hidden Gems

Apart from the famous St. Mark’s Square and Doge’s Palace, Venice has a lot of hidden gems. For instance, check out the Rialto Market in the early morning. It’s the go-to spot for Venetians, and you’ll witness a flood of activity, including boats delivering groceries and food vendors setting up their stalls. Another hidden gem is the Fondaco dei Turchi, a museum with a fascinating history and stunning architecture.

Dining Spots: Savor the Local Cuisine

Venice is known for its seafood-based cuisine. But, other than that, the city offers a wide range of options for food adventure. Try a traditional cichetti crawl in the evenings, where you go bar-hopping between wine bars and sample small plates or the Venetian version of tapas. If you want to try some of the lesser-known local dishes, try sarde in saor—a sweet and sour sardine dish—or risi e bisi, a Venetian-style risotto with peas, pancetta and parmesan cheese—all the while enjoying picturesque views from the canal side restaurants.

Cultural Experiences: Discover the City’s Traditions

If you’re in Venice during the Carnivale season, don’t miss the masquerade balls and parades wearing exquisite costumes—isn’t that the image you have for Venice? Another cultural experience worth trying is gelato-making. Join a cooking class, learn how to make many flavors of gelato, and understand the Italian ice cream culture. Also, if you’re interested in classical music, book tickets to listen to one of several hundred-year-old orchestral performances throughout the year.

Local History: Uncover the Fascinating Past

Venice is a city of fascinating stories and myths, with a rich history that dates back over a thousand years. Visit the Palazzo Grimani for a glimpse into Venetian art and architectural history. You can also visit the Jewish Ghetto, the first-ever established ghetto in Europe, dating back to the 16th century. Another must-visit historical spot is the Libreria Acqua Alta, a unique bookstore that stores the books in gondolas, canoes and bathtubs to guard against flooding in the city.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Discover the Unexpected

To discover Venice’s more offbeat corners, get lost among the Venetian alleys and piazzas. Take a stroll through the colorful art district of Dorsoduro, or rent a bike to ride on the Lido island, known for its stunning beaches and sand dunes. Also, if you want a bird’s-eye view of the city, take a hot air balloon ride and see the city from a unique perspective.

Get ready to experience Venice like a local, beyond the tourist spots, and create unforgettable memories.