Things to do in Venice

Activities, attractions and tours

Grand Canal which includes kayaking or canoeing, a lake or waterhole and water sports
Grand Canal which includes kayaking or canoeing, a lake or waterhole and water sports
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute which includes religious elements, general coastal views and a church or cathedral
Doge\'s Palace featuring a castle, general coastal views and heritage architecture
Venice which includes heritage architecture and boating
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Top places to visit

1. St. Mark's Square

Step into Venice’s most famous square and expect to be impressed by the opulence of St. Mark’s Basilica, the towering Campanile, and the gothic façade of the Doge’s Palace. This lively hub has been the focal point for Venetian life for over 10 centuries. Enjoy a drink in one of the cafés under the colonnaded arcade that lines the square or visit its most iconic buildings.
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St. Mark\'s Square showing heritage architecture and a square or plaza as well as a large group of people

2. Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is Venice’s famous S-shaped thoroughfare. On any given day you can hear the splashing of the oars of the gondolas that slowly traverse the city just as they have done for centuries. A trip in a gondola is almost unavoidable because there are very few sidewalks along the canal, and the backs of the Floating City’s buildings drop straight into the water. A more modern and faster way to see the Grand Canal, and the main tourist attractions alongside it, is by vaporetto (water bus). For a simple crossing, take a traghetto, a ferry on which you remain standing for the duration of the short trip.
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Grand Canal which includes boating, heritage architecture and a marina

3. Rialto Bridge

When riding a vaporetto (water bus) or gondola along the Grand Canal, look up as you round the bend by the fish market: One of Venice’s most iconic sights appears before you. The Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) has been a feature of the city since the late 1500s. It has a distinctive V-shape design, high stone arcades and balustrades from which tourists peek at the gondolas in the canal below.
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Rialto Bridge featuring heritage architecture, a lake or waterhole and a bridge

4. St. Mark's Basilica

Approach St. Mark’s Square from any angle and, on a fine day, you’ll see the golden spires of St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica San Marco) glimmer in the sunlight. This is why the locals call this the Chiesa d’Oro (Church of Gold). As you get closer, you’ll see the many sculptures, reliefs and mosaics of the ornate facade. This church is a spectacular example of Byzantine architecture.
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St. Mark\'s Basilica which includes a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and religious aspects

5. Doge's Palace

The pink marble façade of the 14th-century Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is a striking sight on St. Mark’s Square. The arched loggias and the fortress-like peaks on top of the walls convey a sense of wealth and power to those who approach Venice by sea. Every aspect of this building was designed to impress, from the imposing décor of the Hall of the Great Council, to the luxurious apartments.
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Doge\'s Palace featuring street scenes and heritage elements

What to do in Venice

Popular places to visit

View from the Empire States building of an Evening. For those of you wanting to take pictures from the empire States building I would recommend you go twice once early In the morning before the crowds arrive and once in the evenin

Piazzale Roma

You can learn about the local history of Venice during your trip to a top site such as Piazzale Roma. Stroll along the marina or visit the churches in the area.

Piazzale Roma
St. Mark\'s Square featuring a city, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

St. Mark's Square

Experience the timeless charm of Venice’s glorious heart, home to the city’s most famous cultural icons, many cafés ... and several thousand pigeons.

St. Mark's Square
Grand Canal which includes boating, heritage architecture and a marina

Grand Canal

Venice’s famous canal winds through the city and brings you to nearly all of its world-famous attractions. Hop in a gondola or vaporetto to take it all in!

Grand Canal
Rialto Bridge featuring heritage architecture, a lake or waterhole and a bridge

Rialto Bridge

Take a stroll across Venice’s oldest and most iconic bridge for romantic views, souvenir shopping and street entertainment.

Rialto Bridge
St. Mark\'s Basilica which includes heritage architecture

St. Mark's Basilica

Gilded mosaics, a jewel-encrusted screen and magnificent Byzantine architecture make this cathedral one of the most stunning attractions in Venice.

St. Mark's Basilica
Port in Venice, Italy. Seafront with piers for tourist ships in Venetian lagoon. Cityscape of Venice in summer. City embankment taken from above. Concept of sea travel and vacation in Venice.

Port of Venice

Explore the waterfront of Port of Venice and enjoy other activities such as boating in Venice. Experience the area's acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums.

Port of Venice
Doge\'s Palace featuring heritage architecture, chateau or palace and interior views

Doge's Palace

This grand building was home to Venice’s rulers for centuries and is still a statement of wealth and power.

Doge's Palace
Winter. The famous Lido Beach in Venice, Italy.

Lido of Venice Beaches

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Lido of Venice Beaches during your travels in Venice? Visit the churches and charming cafes in this romantic area.

Lido of Venice Beaches
La Fenice Opera House which includes heritage architecture and a city

Teatro La Fenice

Tour the lavish interior of one of Italy's most prestigious music venues then enjoy an evening of classic or experimental opera.

Teatro La Fenice

Areas of Venice

Dorsoduro which includes heritage architecture and a coastal town

Venice City Center

The stunning cathedral and charming cafes are just a few highlights of Venice City Center. Make a stop by St. Mark's Square or Grand Canal while you're exploring the area.

Venice City Center
San Marco showing a river or creek and kayaking or canoeing

San Marco

4.5/5(1,050 area reviews)

One of Venice’s most iconic sights is known all over the world for its historic square, cathedral and surrounding shops and cafés.

San Marco
San Polo featuring a bay or harbour and heritage architecture

San Polo

4.5/5(146 area reviews)

The smallest of Venice’s six districts, this is also one of the oldest. It offers many tourist sites in its palaces, its churches and the Rialto Bridge.

San Polo
Venetian Ghetto featuring heritage architecture, boating and a bridge

Cannaregio

4.5/5(577 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Cannaregio is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Grand Canal and Jewish Museum of Venice.

Cannaregio
Dorsoduro which includes a bridge and a river or creek

Dorsoduro

4.5/5(297 area reviews)

One of six districts in Venice, this beautiful area has many sights located along the edge of Venice and on the island of Giudecca.

Dorsoduro
Old canals and Rialto bridge in Venice

Santa Croce

4.5/5(210 area reviews)

Santa Croce is known for its charming cafes, and you can make a stop by Piazzale Roma and Grand Canal while in the area.

Santa Croce
Mestre featuring street scenes

Mestre

Zerman, frazione di Mogliano Veneto: Villa Braida (XIX secolo).

Mogliano Veneto

Venice showing heritage architecture

Alberoni

The remarkable Villa Pisani was where Hitler and Mussolini first met. It has also housed royalty such as Napoleon. The palace of the noble Pisani family lies along the Riviera del Brenta, an extension of Venetian Gran Canal on the land, 10 minutes away from Padua and 20 minutes from Venice. #History

Stra

What a beautifull place in italy. Me with my girl in our holidays

Cavallino-Treporti

Frequently asked questions

Is Venice worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Venice is visit Marina di Venezia. Check this top sight off your to-do list, then experience more of the area's culture and history.
How do I spend a day in Venice?
Start your day with a visit to Marina di Venezia and Lungomare d'Annunzio Beach. Then, explore other parts of Venice for local restaurants and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Venice?
Marina di Venezia is one of the top tourist attractions in Venice and deserves a spot on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Venice?
Three days in Venice is more than enough to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many travellers book for three days on average. Marina di Venezia, Lungomare d'Annunzio Beach and Palazzo Pisani Moretta are among the most popular sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Mestre.
Is Venice a walkable city?
That comes down to what you'd like to do and see in Venice. Several key attractions, like Lungomare d'Annunzio Beach and Palazzo Pisani Moretta, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Venice's neighbourhoods, Venice City Centre is 0.48 kilometres away from downtown, while San Marco is 0.16 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Venice with kids?
If you're looking for sights and tours for all ages, check out these fantastic ideas for what to do in Venice with kids.

What to do in Venice for adults?
Venissa Vineyard and Cantina Marco Polo 6811 are just a couple of the things to do in Venice. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Venice?
From visiting parks to strolling around exciting neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Venice. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Lungomare d'Annunzio Beach is a top spot for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing activities.

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