Top 10 things to do in Venice

Piazza San Marco

Urban Attractions4.7

Piazza San Marco, the social and political heart of Venice, was laid out in its current form in 1177. Dominated by the Campanile and the Basilica, this square hosts open-air cafés where orchestras play ephemeral music creating an enchanting ambiance. Its sheer scale and elegance turn each stroll into a memorable experience.

Worth knowing. Visit after 8 PM to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and illuminated façades.

Rialto Bridge

Cultural & Heritage Sites4.7

Venice's Rialto Bridge, completed in 1591, spans the Grand Canal at 48 meters long. Designed by Antonio da Ponte, it was the only pedestrian crossing until 1854.

Worth knowing. Visit after sunset when the bridge is beautifully lit, and crowds have thinned.

Doge's Palace

Historical Attractions4.7

The Doge's Palace, a Gothic masterpiece started in 1340, served as the residence of the Doge and the seat of Venetian government. Its grand Council Chamber flaunts Tintoretto's 'Il Paradiso', considered the largest oil painting in the world. Strolling through the eerie Bridge of Sighs offers a poignant glimpse into the Republic’s judicial past.

Worth knowing. The prison cells are typically less crowded in the late afternoon.

St. Mark's Basilica

Religious Sites4.7

St. Mark's Basilica, commissioned by Doge Domenico Contarini in 1063, is celebrated for its opulent Byzantine mosaics that cover over 8,000 square meters. The Pala d'Oro, a gold altarpiece encrusted with jewels, is a highlight not to be missed. Early morning visits reveal the mosaics in their most luminous state, avoiding the tourist throng.

Worth knowing. Enter through the left-side door to bypass the central queue.

Bridge of Sighs

Historical Attractions4.6

The Bridge of Sighs, an enclosed limestone span, was built in 1600 to connect the Doge's Palace to the prisons across Rio di Palazzo. This small, barred bridge offered the condemned a final view of Venice's beauty, hence its melancholic name. From the outside, visitors can gaze upon its distinctive Baroque windows and imagine the stories it housed.

Worth knowing. Cross the bridge as part of a Doge's Palace tour to access areas most visitors miss.

Libreria Acqua Alta

Shopping and Markets4.4

Libreria Acqua Alta, located near Campo Santa Maria Formosa, is a unique bookstore famous for its eccentric book storage solutions, including bathtubs and gondolas. Positioned at the intersection of canals, it embraces periodic flooding by creatively displaying books above water level. The shop's quirky layout invites leisurely browsing through piles of new and vintage volumes.

Worth knowing. Find the hidden back terrace that overlooks a picturesque canal — perfect for a quiet read.

Teatro La Fenice

Arts and Entertainment Venues4.7

Teatro La Fenice, one of Italy’s most famed opera houses, has risen from the ashes not once but twice after devastating fires. Originally opened in 1792, it boasts a grand neoclassical interior, with opulent gold leaf decorations and plush red velvet seating that captivates every visitor who steps inside.

Worth knowing. Opt for a daytime tour to explore, as evening performances often sell out quickly.

Burano

Cultural & Heritage Sites4.5

Murano Island is a hub of centuries-old glassmaking, with the Glass Museum showcasing the craft's evolution with pieces that date back to the 14th century. Visit Fondamenta dei Vetrai to watch artisans shape glass into beautiful forms.

Santa Maria della Salute

Religious Sites4.7

Santa Maria della Salute was consecrated in 1681, designed by Baldassare Longhena as a votive offering for the city's deliverance from the plague. Its massive dome draws the skyline, and inside, Titian's 'Marriage at Cana' adorns the sacristy. The basilica’s position at the Grand Canal entrance makes it a beacon of resilience and faith.

Worth knowing. Head to the upper gallery for a less crowded view of the dome.

Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM | Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM | Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM | Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM | Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM | Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM | Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM

Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

Religious Sites4.7

Built in the 14th century, the Basilica S. Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is a marvel of Gothic architecture. Housing masterpieces such as Titian's 'Assumption of the Virgin', visitors are greeted with an interior adorned with intricate carvings and towering wooden choir stalls. Art enthusiasts and history buffs will find a wealth of detail at every turn.

Worth knowing. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to experience the artwork in the serene glow of natural light.

More to do in Venice