18 Best Things to Do in Venice

Pubblicato il 2 set 2026 · 10 min di lettura · 18 cose da fare

Venice is a floating city built across 118 small islands, renowned for its intricate network of canals, grand Gothic palaces, and pedestrian-only stone alleys. Whether your broader European travels take you through the quiet archipelagos of the Åland Islands, the mountain passes of Andorra, or the coastlines of Albania, arriving in Venice requires a total shift in pacing. This guide outlines 18 essential attractions and experiences to help you structure your itinerary, from world-famous sights to tranquil lagoon retreats. Use it to prioritize your time, navigate efficiently, and enjoy the city's unique cultural heritage.

1. 1. St Mark's Basilica

   Located in Piazza San Marco, this iconic cathedral is famous for its intricate Italo-Byzantine architecture and shimmering gold interior mosaics. Visitors can walk through the nave to admire thousands of square metres of gilded artwork and the precious Pala d'Oro altar screen. The upper terrace offers close-up views of the replica bronze horses and sweeping vistas across the square.

   Perché andarci: It is Venice's most grand religious landmark and an extraordinary showcase of Byzantine art.

   Consiglio: Book skip-the-line entry tickets online well in advance and ensure your shoulders and knees are covered to comply with cathedral rules.

   StoriaEconomico

2. 2. Doge's Palace

   Serving as the seat of Venetian political power for centuries, the Doge's Palace is a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. Self-guided and guided tours take you through vast council halls adorned with works by Titian and Tintoretto down into gloomy historic prison cells. You will cross the iconic Bridge of Sighs, retracing the path once taken by convicts after sentencing.

   Perché andarci: This palace offers an unmatched look into the wealth, artistic patronage, and political power of the historic Venetian Republic.

   Consiglio: Reserve a 'Secret Itineraries' guided tour to access restricted historical areas, including Giacomo Casanova's former cell.

   StoriaLusso

3. 3. Grand Canal Vaporetto Ride

   The Grand Canal is Venice's principal waterway, lined with over 170 magnificent palaces built between the 13th and 18th centuries. Riding the Line 1 vaporetto (water bus) allows you to float past centuries of architectural history while passing beneath famous bridges. It serves as both practical public transportation and an unbeatable, low-cost sightseeing route.

   Perché andarci: It provides the quintessential introductory tour of Venice directly from the water.

   Consiglio: Board at the Piazzale Roma or Lido terminal to secure an outdoor seat at the front or back of the boat.

   Attività all'apertoEconomico

4. 4. Rialto Bridge and Market

   The Rialto Bridge is the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, famous for its stone arch and covered shop colonnades. Steps away sits the bustling Rialto Market, where Venetians have bought fresh seafood and local produce for centuries. Exploring the market offers a vibrant glimpse into daily local life away from purely tourist attractions.

   Perché andarci: It combines iconic Renaissance engineering with a lively display of traditional Venetian commerce.

   Consiglio: Visit the fish market early in the morning before 10:00 AM to see the daily trade at its most energetic.

   StoriaCibo e bevande

5. 5. Gondola Ride through Quiet Canals

   Navigated by a professional gondolier, a traditional flat-bottomed boat offers access to narrow waterways motorboats cannot enter. While rides on the Grand Canal can feel busy, departing from quiet side canals in San Polo or Castello provides a serene experience. You glide past quiet doorways, secret courtyards, and local residential bridges at water level.

   Perché andarci: A gondola ride remains a timeless, peaceful way to explore Venice's hidden backwaters.

   Consiglio: Official gondola rates are standardized per boat, so confirm the precise route and duration with the gondolier before boarding.

   LussoAttività all'aperto

6. 6. Gallerie dell'Accademia

   Housed in former religious complexes along the Grand Canal, this museum contains the world's finest collection of Venetian paintings. Masterpieces by Bellini, Titian, Veronese, and Tintoretto trace the artistic evolution of Venice from the Gothic period to the Rococo era. The galleries are spacious and well-organized, offering a deep dive into Italian art history.

   Perché andarci: It is the premier museum for understanding the distinct style and legacy of Venetian painting.

   Consiglio: Visit late in the afternoon when large tour groups have departed for a quiet gallery experience.

   Storia

7. 7. Burano Island

   Located in the northern Venetian Lagoon, Burano is famous for its bright, pastel-painted houses and traditional lace-making heritage. Wandering along its calm canals offers a cheerful contrast to the dense stone architecture of central Venice. Visitors can watch local lacemakers at work and sample traditional butter cookies at local bakeries.

   Perché andarci: The colorful island offers fantastic photography opportunities and a relaxed atmosphere.

   Consiglio: Catch vaporetto line 12 from Fondamente Nove early in the morning to enjoy the quiet streets before day-trippers arrive.

   Attività all'apertoShopping

8. 8. Murano Island

   World-famous for glassmaking since the late 13th century, Murano comprises a series of small islands linked by bridges. Visitors can watch master artisans transform molten glass into delicate sculptures and glassware in working glass factories. The island also features the Glass Museum and the historic Basilica di Santi Maria e Donato.

   Perché andarci: It allows you to observe an ancient craft that has defined Venetian industry for centuries.

   Consiglio: Look for small, independent artisan workshops near the island's centre for authentic craft demonstrations.

   StoriaShopping

9. 9. Peggy Guggenheim Collection

   Housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the Grand Canal, this modern art museum was once the personal home of heiress Peggy Guggenheim. The collection includes notable 20th-century works by Picasso, Pollock, Dalí, Kandinsky, and Magritte. A sculpture garden and canal-side terrace provide tranquil places to relax after viewing the galleries.

   Perché andarci: It offers a refreshing change of pace with premier modern art in an intimate waterside setting.

   Consiglio: Reserve timed-entry tickets online in advance, as venue capacity is strictly limited.

   StoriaAttività all'aperto

10. 10. Campanile di San Marco

    Standing nearly 100 metres tall in St Mark's Square, this bell tower is the tallest structure in Venice. A modern lift carries visitors to the top, where unobstructed 360-degree views stretch across the city's red roofs and out over the lagoon. On clear days, you can see as far as the snow-capped Dolomite mountains.

    Perché andarci: It provides the ultimate high-altitude viewpoint over the entire city and lagoon.

    Consiglio: Pre-book a timed elevator ticket online to skip the main queue in the open square.

    Attività all'apertoPer famiglie

11. 11. Teatro La Fenice

    Teatro La Fenice is one of Italy's most famous opera houses, celebrated for its exquisite gold-and-blue decor and remarkable history. Self-guided audio tours during the day allow visitors to explore the lavish auditorium, royal box, and historical exhibitions. Seeing an evening opera, ballet, or classical concert offers an unforgettable cultural experience.

    Perché andarci: Music lovers can explore one of the world's landmark venues for opera and classical performance.

    Consiglio: Check performance schedules months in advance, as tickets for evening shows regularly sell out early.

    StoriaLusso

12. 12. Cicchetti Crawl in Cannaregio

    Venetian food culture centers around 'cicchetti', small savoury bites served in traditional neighbourhood wine bars called 'bacari'. Common offerings include crostini topped with creamed cod, mini-meatballs, and seafood skewered on toothpicks, enjoyed with a small glass of wine. Cannaregio features lively backstreet canals lined with vibrant, authentic bars.

    Perché andarci: It is an affordable and delicious way to sample local Venetian food while socialising like a local.

    Consiglio: Order two or three small items at each bar while standing at the counter before moving on to the next spot.

    Cibo e bevandeEconomico

13. 13. Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

    Located in the San Polo district, this striking Gothic brick church is one of the largest religious buildings in Venice. The understated exterior opens into a breathtaking interior housing major art masterpieces, including Titian's 'Assumption of the Virgin'. The church also contains grand funerary monuments, including those of painter Titian and sculptor Antonio Canova.

    Perché andarci: It holds exceptional Renaissance masterworks in a serene, spacious architectural setting.

    Consiglio: Bring small Euro coins to operate the light meters that illuminate the altarpieces in side chapels.

    Storia

14. 14. Scuola Grande di San Rocco

    Established as a charitable lay confraternity, this building features an astounding interior painted almost entirely by Jacopo Tintoretto. Over two decades, Tintoretto completed dozens of large-scale paintings depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The upper hall is often described as Venice's artistic equivalent to the Sistine Chapel.

    Perché andarci: It offers art enthusiasts a rare chance to see a monumental cycle of paintings in its original setting.

    Consiglio: Use the hand-held mirrors provided near the entrance to view the elaborate ceiling paintings comfortably.

    Storia

15. 15. San Giorgio Maggiore

    Situated on its own small island across from St Mark's Square, this landmark features a classic white marble church designed by Andrea Palladio. Inside are late paintings by Tintoretto, while an elevator inside the bell tower takes visitors up for panoramic photos. Because it requires a short boat ride to reach, the island remains much quieter than central San Marco.

    Perché andarci: The bell tower offers a spectacular perspective looking straight back at St Mark's Square.

    Consiglio: Take vaporetto line 2 from San Zaccaria for a quick five-minute crossing directly to the island.

    Attività all'apertoStoria

16. 16. Jewish Ghetto (Ghetto di Venezia)

    Established in 1516 in the Cannaregio district, this neighborhood is the oldest state-enforced Jewish ghetto in the world. Today, it remains a vibrant hub of Venetian Jewish culture, characterized by tall apartment buildings designed to maximize space. Visitors can explore quiet public squares, bakeries, and historic synagogues via guided tours.

    Perché andarci: It provides a meaningful insight into Venice's rich multicultural history and heritage.

    Consiglio: Book a guided synagogue tour through the Jewish Museum, as access to the historic places of worship is by guided tour only.

    StoriaEconomico

17. 17. Fondaco dei Tedeschi Rooftop Terrace

    Located next to the Rialto Bridge, this historic 13th-century building was once a merchant trading post and now serves as a high-end luxury department store. On the top floor, a wooden rooftop platform provides views over the Grand Canal and surrounding rooftops. It is one of the top elevated photo spots in central Venice.

    Perché andarci: It offers a free elevated viewpoint over the Grand Canal inside a beautifully restored monument.

    Consiglio: You must reserve a free time slot online in advance, as access without a ticket is not permitted.

    ShoppingLusso

18. 18. Walk through Dorsoduro and Zattere

    Dorsoduro is Venice's artistic and residential district, filled with galleries, quiet squares, and university buildings. Walking along the Zattere, a long promenade along the southern edge of the district, provides expansive views across the Giudecca Canal. It is an ideal area for a relaxing stroll away from heavy sightseeing crowds.

    Perché andarci: It gives travellers a look at a quieter, highly livable district favored by locals and students.

    Consiglio: Stop at Gelateria Nico along the Zattere to sample their famous gianduiotto chocolate gelato dessert.

    Attività all'apertoEconomico

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