Things to do in Venice

Activities, attractions and tours

A canal in Venice with gondolas and historic buildings.
A panoramic view of Venice's Grand Canal with historic buildings and gondolas.
A grand white building with statues and columns, a large open plaza with yellow tables, and a clear blue sky.
A canal in Venice with boats, historic buildings, and a dome in the background.
A narrow canal in Venice with wooden boats docked along the sides.

Things to do

Venice in a Day with St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, & Gondola Ride

Venice in a Day:Gondola Ride, Doge's Palace, St Mark's Basilica & City Tour

€146
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Venice in a Day:Gondola Ride, Doge's Palace, St Mark's Basilica & City Tour
Venice Islands: Murano Glass & Burano Colors Guided Visit

Murano Glass & Burano Colors Guided Visit with Optional Torcello

€30
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Murano Glass & Burano Colors Guided Visit with Optional Torcello
Guests on a gondola tour in Venice

Gondola Ride

€42
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Gondola Ride
Skip-the-Line: Doge’s Palace & St Mark’s Basilica Small-Group Guided Tour

Skip-the-Line: Doge’s Palace & St Mark’s Basilica Small-Group Guided Tour

€85
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Skip-the-Line: Doge’s Palace & St Mark’s Basilica Small-Group Guided Tour
Charming Gondola Ride on Grand Canal

Charming Gondola Ride on Grand Canal

€37
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
Charming Gondola Ride on Grand Canal
Single gondola paddles down waterway in Venice

Classic 30 minutes Gondola Ride

€39
per traveller
72% of travellers recommend
Classic 30 minutes Gondola Ride
Eating Venice Food & Drinks Tour

Eating Venice Food & Drinks Tour

€119
per adult
Eating Venice Food & Drinks Tour
Gondolas parked in the water next to the Hard Rock Cafe in Venice Italy

Hard Rock Cafe Venice Dining with Priority Seating

€31
per traveller
88% of travellers recommend
Hard Rock Cafe Venice Dining with Priority Seating
From Venice: Murano, Burano on the Boat with stops

From Venice: Murano, Burano on the Boat with stops

€20
per adult
From Venice: Murano, Burano on the Boat with stops
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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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A historic building with intricate architecture and a large open plaza.

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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A canal with boats and buildings along the water.

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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A stone bridge with arches over a canal, surrounded by historic buildings.

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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A detailed mosaic with religious figures and architectural columns.

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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A grand architectural structure with ornate columns and a staircase leading to an upper level.

What to do in Venice

Stay near popular Venice attractions

A narrow canal with colorful buildings on either side.

Burano

9.8/10 (23 reviews)
Colorful houses line narrow canals at this charming island renowned for its delicate lacework.
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Where to stay in Venice

Find the best Venice areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A narrow Venetian canal with gondolas, historic buildings, and colorful balconies.

San Marco

San Marco is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like St. Mark's Square and Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo.

A canal in Venice with colorful buildings and a bridge.

Cannaregio

A noteworthy feature of Cannaregio is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Casino of Venice and Ca' d'Oro Giorgio Franchetti Gallery.

A historic building with a dome and bell tower by the water.

Dorsoduro

The ample dining options and fascinating museums are top of the list for many visitors to Dorsoduro. A stop by Maritime Station or Campo Santa Margherita might round out your trip.

A canal with boats, historic buildings, and a large dome.

Santa Croce

Santa Croce is known for its charming cafes, and you can make a stop by Piazzale Roma and Ca' Pesaro Galleria Internazionale d'Arte Moderna while in the area.

A canal with boats docked, historic buildings, and a clear sky.

San Polo

San Polo is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Campo San Polo and Palazzo Pisani Moretta while you're in town.

A street with a flower shop, a building with a sign reading "Teatro Tonino", and a red building in the background.

Mestre

A square with a statue, a yellow building, and trees.

Mogliano Veneto

The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute in Venice, Italy, with its large dome and ornate facade.

Alberoni

A grand neoclassical building with a symmetrical facade, large columns, and statues.

Stra

A gondola on Venice's Grand Canal with a historic building in the background.

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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