By Kenya Barrett
Have you been thinking about a vacation to Venice, Italy? With so much to do, it’s best to create a bucket list of activities to prepare for your time in this magnificent city.
Check out some of our recommendations on the best things to do in Venice below.
Discover this iconic city by exploring our trips to Venice or view all vacation packages to Italy.
Gondola Rides / Ride on a Vaporetto
Since Venice is filled with canals, it’s inevitable that you’ll encounter many opportunities to ride in a gondola. Gondolas have become a symbol of this water city as a popular means of transportation – especially for couples looking for a little bit of romance in Italy.
Alternatively, you can hop abroad a vaporetto, a Venetian public water bus that transports larger groups of people down the canals. Both options serve as two of the best things to do in Venice, with the real difference being price. Gondolas are a bit more expensive and average $80+ USD, while a vaporetto ticket usually costs under $10 USD.
Grand Canal
Not only does the Grand Canal hold the title as one of the most popular things to explore in Venice, it’s also regarded as one of the greatest waterways in the world. This canal splits the city in two and is the main canal used to transport goods and people through Venice.
If you’re interested in experiencing a gondola ride (just for the heck of it), then a stroll through the Grand Canal will give you the longest and the most romantic experience. During the stroll, you pass many of Venice’s neighborhoods including San Polo, Castello, and San Marco.
Gallerie dell’ Accademia
Art lovers will easily find a visit to the Gallerie dell’ Accademia as one of the best things to do in Venice. The building is home to many fine 19th century masterpieces that were created by the hands of several famous artists including Paolo Veneziano, Vittore Carpaccio, and even Leonardo Da Vinci.
Visitors can still enjoy many contemporary and modern pieces from local artists as well – depending on what time of the year they decide to visit.
Explore Piazza San Marco & Saint Mark's Basilica
If you’d like to see some of Italy’s best architecture and design in person, then a trip to the Piazza San Marco is in order. This beautiful public square is home to many of Venice’s most important structures including the St. Mark’s Clocktower, the Loggetta, Saint Mark’s Campanile, and Saint Mark’s Basilica.
In particular, exploring Saint Mark’s Basilica is one the more popular activities in Venice simply due to its sheer beauty and rich history. The cathedral is made of gold and features Byzantine-style mosaics that make it utterly spectacular.
Day Trip to Burano
While this isn't specifically a Venetian activity to enjoy, a visit to Burano is easily one of the best day trips from Venice. Travelers can visit this island by catching a 40-minute vaporetto from the main city. Once you arrive, you’ll be mesmerized by the abundance of colorful buildings that will instantly remind you of the rainbow.
One of the best things about a trip to Burano is having the opportunity to sample fresh seafood and pasta dishes. Yum!
Doge’s Palace
Sitting on the very edge of Venice’s coast is Doge’s Palace – the former home of the Doge’s of Venice, several individuals who served as the highest authority of the city between 697 CE and 1797 CE. Once the title was retired, the palace became somewhat of a museum that travelers to Venice could explore. Over time, it became known as one of the best things to do in Venice while visiting.
The building features a mix of Byzantine and Gothic architecture and contains various canvas paintings, sculptures, and important artifacts. Similar to the Gallerie dell’ Academia, the palace also features regular modern art exhibitions and installations.
Ponte Rialto
In any other circumstance, a trip to a bridge wouldn’t sound too fun. However, Ponte Rialto isn’t like other bridges around the world. This historic crossing initially served as the only bridge that helped locals cross the grand canal in Venice. Today, it serves as an iconic landmark that is equally a perfect destination for a photo op.
Made completely of stone, this bridge has been rebuilt several times since its initial construction in 1951. Tourists can enjoy views of gondolas strolling under the bridge and examine its intricate architectural designs (which display a carving of St. Mark).
