What to See and Do in Venice?

Venice is one of the most spectacular cities in the world, and its uniqueness is the reason why people from all over the globe flock to it each year. The canals and plazas are beautiful, and there’s so much to explore. That’s why so many people wonder what to see and do in Venice?

If you’re planning your own Venetian vacation, then you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll go through everything you should fit into your itinerary so that you can make the most of your time in Venice. From museums to transportation, here’s what you need to know while you’re in the city.

Gondola Tours

The most iconic experience of Venice would have to be its gondola tours. Gondolas are small boats powered by a gondolier, and they make for a slow, gentle voyage down the canals. As the gondola moves through the water, you’ll get amazing views of the city, as well as its surrounding islands. It’s definitely an experience not to be missed.

Gondola rides typically last 40 minutes, and they cost around 80 euros. You can purchase tickets at any gondola dock in Venice, or through Viator if you prefer to book in advance. Rates for shared gondolas are slightly cheaper, and these are great for couples or small groups.

Visit a Church

No trip to Venice would be complete without a visit to one of its many beautiful churches. The capital of the Veneto region has rich religious history, so it’s no surprise that religion is still alive and well here today.

Two of the most popular churches to visit are St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. The basilica is perhaps the most famous of all Venetian churches, with stunning architecture and incredible works of art that will leave your jaw on the floor. Doge’s Palace was once the home of the dukes of Venice and it boasts grandiose marble staircases, intricate paintings and sculptures, and so much more You can find out more about the history of the churches and search for opening times on Giambattista Vicentetour.

Eat Your Way through Venice

Eating is one of the best things to do while in Venice, and you can find so many delicious dishes, from fresh seafood caught from the Adriatic Sea that morning to classic Venetian cuisine. One dish we highly recommend is Cicchetti, a selection of little snacks that are served in Venetian bars, usually accompanied by a glass of wine or prosecco. It’s also one of the best ways to try a range of different flavors at once. In addition, you should definitely visit a traditional Venetian Baccaro for some wine and seafood.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not join a Venice: Local Secrets of Venice Tapas & Wine Walking Tour? Led by a local guide, this tour will take you to some of the best eateries around town – including hidden gems that even some locals don’t know about – where you can sample local wines, snacks, and plenty more! You’ll even get to learn about the Venetian culture along the way.

The Venice Biennnale

The Venice Biennale is an artistic celebration that takes place every two years in different venues across town. It brings together hundreds of artists from across the world to present their works in painting, sculpture, photography and more.

The Biennale began back in 1895 and was one of the first Biennials ever established in the world. Nowadays it’s considered one of the most important contemporary art events as well as one of Europe’s premier cultural showcases every two years. Get individual tickets or take a private tour with Intrepid Travel.

Take a Canal Cruise

The canals of Venice are stunningly beautiful, but if you want to get off the beaten path then why not take a canal cruise? You can explore some of the less explored parts of Venice while getting amazing views along the way – and what’s more, it allows you to travel through some parts of town that are inaccessible by foot!

Canal cruises usually last around 1 hour and cost from around 10 euros per person. You can find them at almost any tourist hotspot such as Piazza San Marco or Riva degli Schiavoni – just look for tourist kiosks or ask around for someone who’s offering canal cruises. Alternatively you can book online at Venezia Unica.

Shopping

Venice is filled with unique stores and markets where visitors can purchase souvenirs and other special items handmade in Italy – perfect for taking home with you as a reminder of your trip. For example, at Ca’ d’Oro you’ll find beautiful glassware, ceramics and jewelry on sale; at Fossano there are engravings and small artwork for sale; and at Piazza San Marco there are lots of souvenir shops that sell everything from t-shirts to Venetian masks.

You will likely find yourself drawn to the special atmosphere of these places too – Fondamenta delle Zattere is often filled with live music performances, while Campo Santa Margherita has plenty of markets stalls selling all kinds of quirky trinkets!

Explore Murano and Burano Islands

One last thing we definitely recommend doing while in Venice is to take a day trip or two out to Murano and Burano islands – they’re both part of the Laguna Veneta and just a short boat ride away from Venice proper. Murano is renowned for glass making while Burano is known for its brightly painted houses – it makes for a beautiful sight tucked away among the canals! You can find boat tours or rent your own boat on Lago Venezia Viaggi.

So there you have it! Everything you need to know about what to see and do in Venice from gondola rides to island hopping excursions – you can even fit in some culture with a visit to St Mark’s Basilica or take part in special events at the Biennale. No matter what kind of experiences you’re looking for, Venice has something for everyone!