Venice is considered by many to be the most beautiful city on earth. And it is certainly one of the most unusual, with its 118 islands and four hundred bridges. You should come here for at least three days. In this article we will share with you 20 ideas for things to do and places to go in Venice. And to really get to know Venice, add a self-guided tour to your trip. And don’t forget to pre-book a suitable hotel and buy tickets to the main attractions at this link.
Ride a gondola
Renting a gondola locally will cost 80-100 euros for 30 minutes.
You can save money and ride for 34 euros in the company of other tourists (audio guide included). Here's a link to the ticket.
Read all the ways in this helpful article.
And on the vaporetto
The vaporetto river tram is good for exploring the city. It is an inexpensive transport used by Venetians themselves. Take the No. 1 boat, which runs along the Grand Canal from the railway station to Lido Island, almost across the city.
The trip costs 7.5 euros, so it’s the most expensive public transport in the world. You will recognise the stop by the orange stripes and the inscription ‘Ferrovia’. We advise you to start your walk early in the morning, at this time the trams are half-empty.
To save money on public transport you can use a bus pass. This one, for example, entitles you to unlimited use of vaporettos and ground buses. And with the City Pass, you can also visit the Doge’s Palace, all the museums and 16 historic churches.
Take a stroll through the Rialto Quarter
According to legend, it was here, on the «Rialto Islands», that Venice emerged in the 5th century. The city’s birthday is celebrated on 25 March, according to a document on the founding of the factoria (trading settlement) found by historians.
Sights of the neighbourhood:
- Rialto Bridge. A floating wooden bridge appeared here in the XI century. The stone bridge was built in the 16th century, after several collapses of the wooden one. Learn the history of the Rialto Bridge on one of the guided tours at the link
- Rialto Market. In the early days of the city, gold, spices and fresh meat were traded here. Now its second name is «Fish Market», which means you should buy fresh seafood for dinner (you can buy ready-made dishes at once). Cheese, fruit, delicatessen meats and bread are also here, and in a large assortment
- Church of San Giacomo di Rialto. The oldest church in Venice and historically the first building in the city (at least that’s what the legend says)
Lunch at Café Florian
It is the oldest coffee shop in Europe. It opened in 1640, and for a long time it was called «Arab». Here the Venetians first tried coffee, and the institution quickly became popular.
Cafe Florian has several halls: the Hall of Important People, the Hall of the Senate, the Chinese and Oriental Halls, the Hall of Mirrors, the Hall of Seasons and the Hall of Freedom. There are tables outside.
The owners have kept the three-century-old design. And they do not even purposely restore the facade to emphasise that this is a place with history. The black and white classic uniforms of the waiters remind about it.
The café also has its own orchestra, which plays on the square on weekends and holidays.
In general, it is definitely worth visiting the place, despite the cosmic prices. A cappuccino, for example, costs 8 euros (in other places from 2 euros).
Drinks at Osteria Bancojiro
Under the arches of the restaurant there used to be a merchant bank. Merchants sent messengers for loans and debts, while the authorities proclaimed new laws and condemned criminals.
See the statue of the hunchback holding a ladder on his back? The staircase used to be a tribune, and on the statue itself the inhabitants secretly hung leaflets ridiculing the decisions of the authorities.
Now the bank has turned into an osteria, whose menu changes from season to season. Seafood dishes are especially tasty here. Order white Italian wine to accompany them (the Veneto region also produces it).
Where else to eat in Venice?
Try new flavours in the company of a guide. Choose one of the gastronomic tours of Venice at this link.
In high season, it can be difficult to find where to dine in Venice. But you can book a table in advance at a restaurant in the centre. You’ll enjoy a hearty dinner and contemplate the passing gondolas.
Getting round the «tricky» columns of the Doge’s Palace
There’s a sad story behind the columns of the Doge’s Palace on the San Giorgio side of the island.
It is said that those condemned to death were given a last chance to escape – if you manage to pass in close contact with the column without slipping on the grey slab, you will be pardoned at the last minute.
Want to test your agility? Count the columns of the Doge’s Palace on the water side and reach the fourth column. It protrudes slightly from the line of the other columns, just a few centimetres. Lean your back against the column and try to walk around it.
Once you reach the outside, it is very difficult not to slide off the ledge onto the grey slabs of the embankment. Now imagine the shattered hope of the convicts who also failed to do so.
Find out more interesting things to do with our Venice audio guideView the Doge’s Palace from the inside
- Address: Piazza San Marco, 1, 30124
- Opening hours: c 09:00 to 18:00, last entrance at 17:00. Weekends: 25 December and 1 January
The Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) was the seat of the governors of the Venetian Republic (Doge) from the 14th to the 18th century. The main wing housed the Senate, the Supreme Court and the secret police, while the neighbouring wing housed the prison.
Now the palace has two museums, a national library and an armoury. To visit all these places + the Bridge of Sighs is convenient with this ticket:
Walk across the Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs connects the two wings of the Doge’s Palace: one was the court and the other the prison. The bridge was named after the sad moans of the convicts who were allowed a last glimpse of Venice through a window on their way to prison.
The bridge, unlike the Gothic palace, is in the Baroque style. The story of the Bridge of Sighs impressed George Byron so much that he included it in his poem about Venice.
» READ MORE – Venice in 1 Day: Itinerary
View the city from St Mark’s Bell Tower
The bell tower (campanile) of St Mark’s rises in the heart of the city’s tourist area, Piazza San Marco. From a height of 98.6 metres you can see the Grand Canal, the square itself and the church of San Giorgio Maggiore on the island of the same name.
- Interesting fact: Galileo climbed this bell tower with his telescope
- Opening hours: 09:45 – 19:00
Visit at least one church
There are 150 churches in Venice. San Marco, of course, is the main one. It is said to be the only church in the world with so many uniquely intertwined styles.
- Opening hours: 09:45 – 17:00, from April to the end of November until 17:15
- Weekends and holidays: 14:00 – 17:00, from April to the end of November – until 17:15
Entrance to the cathedral is free (but you will have to queue), you will have to pay to visit the treasury, museum and bell tower. If you’re pressed for time, we recommend this ticket with fast entry and audio guide.
Or opt for a tour of the Basilica of San MarcoIf you love ancient works of art, be sure to visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, which houses Titian’s Assunta. This is also where he is buried.
From Piazza San Marco you can get there on foot + by ferry across the Grand Canal.
» READ MORE – San Marco Cathedral: Tickets, History, What to See
Try the cicchetti
This culinary phenomenon can only be found in Venice. They are basically just sandwiches, but with very rich and varied fillings. They can be ordered in every bar (this is how coffee shops are called in Italy).
For example, tourists praise the bar All’Arco at S. Polo, 436, 30125. It’s a good place to take a little break while strolling through the centre of Venice.
If you’re really hungry, don’t try to eat the cicchetti. It’s more of an appetiser after all, and a solid dinner is better ordered in a tavern or osteria.
Find a rare book at Libreria Aqua Alta
This shop surprises visitors with its chaos. Books and magazines are arranged in stacks along the walls, on tables, in waterproof boxes, tubs and gondolas. During the annual flood, this saves the books from getting wet.
The shop offers books in Italian and English, postcards and souvenirs. Another peculiarity of the place is cats and cat lying on almost every step.
- Address: Calle Longa Santa Maria Formosa Castello 5176, 30122
- Opening hours: 09:00 – 20:00
Buy lace on the island of Burano
Lace has been made here since the 16th century, and with an unusual technology – not on bobbins, but with a needle (that’s why it’s called needle lace). There are lace shops on every corner of the island, from doilies to dresses. If you are here, be sure to visit the museum as well.
The island of Burano is convenient to visit together with Murano. For example, on this tour:
Learn the story of Peggy Guggenheim
The small museum is the private collection of Peggy Guggenheim. The Guggenheims are a billionaire family from America who were philanthropists and art collectors.
After moving to Venice, Peggy bought the unfinished Palazzo, where she set up a salon. It contains over 300 paintings by famous Surrealists, Cubists and Modernists.
In addition to the paintings, the museum houses the ashes of Peggy herself and all her favourite dogs.
- Address: Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, Dorsoduro 701, Venice, 30123
- Opening hours: 10:00 to 18:00. Day off: Tuesday
Get to the Venice Carnival
The largest and oldest costume festival in the world takes place at the end of February in the streets of Venice. Not only natives of the city and the country, but also crowds of tourists from all over the world come to take part in it.
The first day of the carnival is Festa delle Marie, aka the Feast of Mary. A medieval scene of pirates kidnapping beauties is played out in front of the participants. Then seven of the most beautiful girls of the city come on stage.
In addition to a large procession in ancient masks and costumes, during the carnival there is a football match. And on the final day («Fat Tuesday») an effigy is burnt and festivities take place.
But even in normal times in Venice you can feel the spirit of carnival: masks are sold everywhere and you can even make one yourself. For example, at this masterclass (even children can do it).
If you decide to go to Venice during the festival, book accommodation in advance. There are a lot of people who want to go to Venice at this time!
Find a good hotel in Venice for your desired datesGo to a performance at the La Fenice Opera House
The name alludes to a phoenix, which is very ironic considering the theatre has survived several fires and World War I. La Fenice has been open since 2003, after years of restoration and rebirth from the ashes. You need to buy a ticket for a particular performance in advance on the official website.
Didn’t make it to a performance? Check out the theatre’s auditorium and learn its history on this tour.
Buy Murano glass jewellery
Glass and glassware are made on the island of Murano in Italy and sold all over the country. As well as a large selection of vases, toys and jewellery, there are shows: if you come on a guided tour, you can watch the glassblowers at work.
For example, here is an inexpensive group tour from Venice with a visit to the glassworks. And here you can buy a private boat tour to the islands of Burano and Murano.
Walk to Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
The noble ruling Contarini family commissioned this narrow and tall palace in the 15th century as a sign of their own power and wealth. The spiral staircase stands out in the façade, which is why the palace was named «Bovolo», meaning «Spiral» in Italian.
The structure with white arches and columns is hidden in a narrow alleyway, so you’ll be on a bit of a quest. Follow the sign with the name of the palace.
- Address: 4299 San Marco
- Opening hours: 10am to 6pm, 09:30am to 5:30pm in winter. Weekends: 25 and 26 December, 1 January, 15 August and 1 November
- Tickets can be purchased at the box office at the entrance or at this link
Sail to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore
This island is much less crowded than Venice itself. Attractions include the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore, the bell tower and the Monastery of San Giorgio Maggiore. The island bell tower is very similar to the campanile of San Marco Cathedral. It is only 39 metres lower.
The island can be reached by vaporetto number 2.
Sunbathe on the sandy hills of Lido Island
Not all tourists come here, so the island is relatively deserted. Most of the island is occupied by expensive hotels, but there is a free beach. When you get bored of the sea, take a walk around the historic quarter and have dinner at one of the restaurants.
It’s easy to get lost in Venice, even if you have a navigator, but that’s where many people find the special charm. Venice is best recognised by wandering around the city in search of a house, cafe or church. Or you can just wander around without a purpose, breathing in the seaweed-scented air, feeling the warm marble walls, «remembering a thousand touches».
We wish you a pleasant holiday in Venice!
voyage10.com 
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