Venice is one of the most magical cities in the world, a place where time seems to slow down as gondolas glide along centuries-old canals. With its grand palaces, intricate bridges, and romantic atmosphere, it’s no wonder Venice has captured travelers’ imaginations for centuries.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, you’ll find countless attractions and experiences that make this city truly unforgettable.
Note: I visited Italy with G Adventures Solo-ish Tour.
Here are the best things to do in Venice to make the most of your visit.
21 Explore Palazzo Pisina Film Setting
Palazzo Pisani, one of Venice’s grandest and largest palaces, rises near Campo Santo Stefano with impressive Gothic elegance. Built in the 17th century for the wealthy Pisani family, it now houses the Conservatorio di Musica Benedetto Marcello, filling its ornate halls with music. Its beauty has also made it a star on the silver screen. The palace appeared in Summertime with Katharine Hepburn, in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade as the Venetian library, in Casino Royale during Bond’s dramatic Venice finale, and in The Tourist with Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp. Palazzo Pisani blends history, culture, and cinema.
20 Discover Squero di San Trovaso 
Ever wondered where gondolas come from? This tiny boatyard has been making and fixing them for centuries. You can’t go inside, but watching the craftsmanship from across the canal is pretty cool.
19 Get Literary in Libreria Acqua Alta
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Venice, Libreria Acqua Alta is one of the city’s most enchanting treasures. Known as the “most beautiful bookstore in the world,” it’s a whimsical haven where books are stacked in gondolas, bathtubs, and even an old canoe to protect them from the frequent floods. Cats lounge lazily among the shelves, adding to the charm. Step outside to the famous staircase of old books, perfect for photos overlooking a canal. Whether you’re a book lover or just seeking a quirky Venetian experience, this magical spot captures the soul of Venice’s creativity and resilience.
18 See Campiello de la Scuola
Tucked away from Venice’s busy canals, Campiello de la Scuola is a small, enchanting square that captures the city’s timeless charm. Surrounded by elegant facades and quiet corners, this hidden gem offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling tourist routes. Its name reflects Venice’s tradition of “scuole”—historic confraternities that played vital roles in the city’s social and cultural life. Today, the campiello invites visitors to pause, admire its architecture, and soak in the authentic Venetian atmosphere. With its intimate scale and rich history, Campiello de la Scuola is the perfect spot to experience Venice’s quieter, more local side.
17 Eat Cicchetti
For a true Venetian specialty, be sure to try some cicchetti — Venice’s version of tapas or pintxos. Pronounced “chi-KET-ee,” these small finger foods often take the form of a spread and fishy topping on a piece of bread, but you’ll find a variety of forms and flavors.
16 Cross the Bridge of Sighs
One of Venice’s most iconic landmarks, the Bridge of Sighs, connects Doge’s Palace to the old prisons. Legend has it that prisoners would sigh as they caught their last glimpse of Venice through its stone windows. Today, walking across or admiring it from the canal is a must for history lovers.
15 Stroll the Dorsoduro Neighborhood
Dorsoduro, Venice’s artistic heart, blends vibrant student life with timeless charm. Home to the Accademia Gallery and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, it’s a haven for art lovers. Its canals and narrow lanes lead to artisan shops, quaint cafés, and lively campo squares buzzing with locals.
Stroll along the Zattere promenade for sweeping views across the Giudecca Canal or relax at a waterside gelateria. Quieter than the tourist-heavy San Marco, Dorsoduro offers a glimpse into Venice’s authentic rhythm. From Renaissance masterpieces to modern creativity, this neighborhood captures the soul of Venice in a way both inspiring and refreshingly real.
14 Walk Across the Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is Venice’s most famous crossing, arching gracefully over the Grand Canal. Completed in the 16th century, it’s lined with shops selling souvenirs, jewelry, and Murano glass. From the top, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of gondolas and vaporettos navigating the canal’s sparkling waters.
13 Sail to Murano
A short vaporetto ride from Venice, Murano is world-renowned for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition. Walking through its colorful canals, you’ll find artisans shaping molten glass into dazzling chandeliers, delicate jewelry, and intricate sculptures. The Glass Museum offers insight into this ancient craft, while countless workshops invite you to watch masters at work.
Beyond glass, Murano charms with its quiet piazzas, stunning Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato, and peaceful waterfront views. Less crowded than Venice, it’s the perfect place to wander, shop for unique souvenirs, and experience authentic island life steeped in history and artistry.
12 Climb Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Venice lies the enchanting Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, famous for its striking spiral staircase, the Scala Contarini del Bovolo. Built in the late 15th century, this hidden architectural gem combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Venetian styles. The graceful spiral winds its way up the façade, earning it the nickname bovolo, meaning “snail.” Climbing to the top rewards visitors with sweeping views of the Venetian rooftops, bell towers, and domes. Far from the bustling crowds, this palace offers a peaceful retreat and a chance to discover one of Venice’s most charming and unique treasures.
11 Experience a Venetian Dress Up
Step into the elegance of Venice’s past by dressing in traditional Venetian costumes. Many ateliers offer the chance to wear exquisite gowns, suits, and masks reminiscent of Carnival. You can even book a photo session in palaces or gondolas, capturing the romance and grandeur of Venice in a truly unforgettable way.
Want a 10% discount? Enter my code LUGGAGEANDLIPSTICK when you sign up on the Venetian Dress Up Experience website!
10 Get Colorful in Burano
Burano, Italy, feels like stepping into a painter’s dream. This tiny island in the Venetian Lagoon is famous for its kaleidoscope of brightly painted houses—each one a splash of color reflecting in the canals, said to have been painted vividly so fishermen could spot their homes from afar.
Beyond its charm, Burano boasts a centuries-old tradition of intricate lace-making, a craft that is still celebrated in shops and museums today. Strolling its narrow streets, you’ll find cozy trattorias, laundry strung between windows, and postcard-perfect bridges. Burano isn’t just a destination—it’s a living canvas of art, history, and Venetian culture.
Tip: The whole village is stunning, but the best photo spot is on the Tri Ponti (bridge) where three canals meet, offering panoramic views of the island’s colorful houses reflected in the canals.
9 Decadent Ice Cream at Caffè Florian
Step back in time at Caffè Florian, one of the world’s oldest coffee houses, dating back to 1720. Located in St. Mark’s Square, this elegant café is steeped in history, once frequented by Casanova and Lord Byron. Enjoying an espresso here, while listening to live classical music, feels like pure Venetian luxury.
8 Marvel at Doge’s Palace
Once the residence of the Doge, Venice’s chief magistrate, this Gothic masterpiece is filled with opulent chambers, frescoes, and secret passageways. The ornate façade and golden staircase are stunning, but the highlight is crossing the Bridge of Sighs into the old prisons. The palace captures the grandeur and power of Venice’s past.
7 Photo from Ponte dell’Accademia
While the bridge itself isn’t particularly attractive, one of the most iconic views in Venice can be captured from Ponte dell’Accademia, a wooden bridge spanning the Grand Canal. From this vantage point, your camera frames a postcard-perfect scene: gondolas gliding across shimmering waters, elegant palazzos lining the canal, and in the distance, the majestic dome of Santa Maria della Salute. Whether at sunrise, when the city is bathed in golden light, or at sunset, when pastel hues reflect on the water, every moment offers a breathtaking photo opportunity. A shot from Ponte dell’Accademia is the quintessential Venetian memory you’ll want to treasure forever.
6 Stroll Along the Grand Canal
Strolling along Venice’s Grand Canal feels like stepping into a living painting. Gondolas glide by, palazzos with centuries of history rise gracefully from the water, and the reflections of pastel facades shimmer in the ever-changing light. Every curve of the canal reveals something magical—ornate bridges, bustling vaporettos, or quiet corners where time seems to pause.
Whether you’re admiring the golden glow of sunset or the romance of lanterns twinkling at night, the Grand Canal captures the soul of Venice. It’s not just a walk—it’s an unforgettable journey through history, beauty, and timeless charm.
5 Climb St. Mark’s Campanile
For the best panoramic views of Venice, ascend St. Mark’s Campanile, the towering bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica. From the top, you’ll see a sea of terracotta rooftops, winding canals, and distant lagoon islands. It’s especially breathtaking at sunset when the city glows with golden light.
4 Visit St. Mark’s Basilica
The jewel of Venice, St. Mark’s Basilica, is a dazzling display of Byzantine architecture. Inside, glittering mosaics and intricate domes tell stories from centuries past. The church’s Pala d’Oro, an ornate golden altarpiece, is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. This sacred space is a must-see on any Venice itinerary.
3 Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco is the beating heart of Venice, where history, beauty, and romance come together. Surrounded by grand arcades, the majestic Basilica di San Marco dazzles with golden mosaics, while the Campanile offers breathtaking views over the lagoon. The square is alive with the sound of street musicians, the flutter of pigeons, and the chatter of travelers from around the world. Whether you’re indulging in a decadent (and uber expensive!) ice cream sundae at the iconic Caffè Florian or watching the square glow at sunset, Piazza San Marco is a place that makes you feel the magic of Venice at every step. A true masterpiece under open skies.
2 Get Lost in the Hidden Streets
Part of Venice’s charm lies in wandering without a plan. Away from the bustling main squares, the narrow alleys reveal quiet canals, cozy trattorias, and artisan workshops. Getting lost here isn’t frustrating—it’s enchanting. Each turn brings a new discovery, from laundry swaying above the streets to tiny bridges connecting pastel-colored houses.
1 Take a Gondola Ride
Nothing captures the romance of Venice more than a gondola ride. As you glide through the canals, you’ll pass historic palaces, hidden courtyards, and charming bridges. Though it can be pricey, the experience is unforgettable and worth every euro. A gondola ride is truly one of the best things to do in Venice, symbolizing the essence of the floating city.
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Conclusion
From its iconic canals to its hidden treasures, Venice is a city unlike any other. Whether you’re exploring art, history, or just soaking in the atmosphere, these are the 10 best things to do in Venice for travelers who want the full experience. Which one would you try first?
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About the Author
Patti Morrow
is a freelance travel writer and founder of the award-winning international blog Luggage and Lipstick. TripAdvisor called her one of the “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials” and she was named one of the “Top 35 Travel Blogs” in the world.
She is also the star of the upcoming TV series “Destination Takeover” which is scheduled to premiere in the next few months.
Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. She has traveled extensively through six continents looking for fabulous destinations, exotic beaches, and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer tribe.
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