Things to Do in Venice: Canals, Landmarks, and Local Tips
The crazy thing about Venice is that there are no cars and no bikes. When you get off the train, it immediately hits you with how much water there is, how tiny the streets are, and how many islands there are. More than 100!
However, the most amazing things in Venice are so simple. Find a very small street around 7 PM, go into a bar (which has to be random), drink cheap wine, eat whatever looks good on your plate, and watch the locals live their day. That is when it all makes sense.
This list of things to do in Venice (famous spots and quiet areas where locals live) is compiled by FREETOUR.com — we know this city well. Just learn more about understanding free tours and how they work.
So, here is a plan of what to do in Venice first: go to Piazza San Marco early in the morning, then visit St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace before the crowds arrive. Cross the Rialto Bridge, then take a traghetto across the Grand Canal for just €2. Eat cicchetti in Cannaregio in the evening. If you have extra time, then take a vaporetto from Venice to Murano or Burano in the morning.
Quick Answer: What to see in Venice?
Venice doesn't look or feel like a typical city. There are no roads to drive on, no automobiles, and no bicycles. Instead, you will find only waterways and pedestrians. Venice spans 117 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon, divided into six districts known as sestieri — San Marco, Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, Castello, San Polo, and Santa Croce. Each district has its own unique characteristics and atmosphere.
Flooding occurs with some frequency due to high tides. Residents refer to this occurrence as "acqua alta," don rain boots, and continue as usual.
Venetian architecture is distinct from most of the world. A combination of Byzantine, Arab, and Italian architectural styles is used to create what is known as Venetian Gothic architecture. Due to a large amount of money accumulated by the Republic of Venice during its 1,000-year reign, the buildings were constructed with an opulence never before seen. This wealth resulted in the extravagant appearance of many of the famous places in Venice. These are the true Venice highlights — old, rich, disappearing beneath the surface of the Adriatic Sea but still intact.
Piazza San Marco is one of the most famous Venice landmarks out there. The piazza is large, beautiful, and houses an ancient bell-tower (Campanile) with an elevator that takes you to the top for excellent views. On the same square as Piazza San Marco is the Museo Correr, which is usually empty. Be sure to get here by 9 AM at the latest, as after 10, the area quickly becomes very busy.
There are so many places to visit in Venice, but this is one place you definitely must visit. Every single wall and ceiling is covered in gold and Byzantine mosaics. The Pala d'Oro is a stunning piece with gems. If you don't mind spending an additional €2-€5, then it is worth going in. But dress modestly. Also, you should know that the lines for this basilica get very large very quickly. So, to avoid the crowds at St. Mark's Basilica, buy your skip-the-line ticket before you go.
Doge's Palace in Venice has some amazing views and, as one of Venice top attractions, is an absolute must-see for anyone. Previously, the entire city was run from this place — courts, prison, government offices, etc. The walls here are covered with massive paintings by Tintoretto. You can go on a "Secret Itinerary" tour that takes you into the secret rooms of the palazzo, including a torture room and Casanova's escape cell.
The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) is an architectural connection between the Doge’s Palace and the old prisons. The romantic title was given to it by a poet many years later. At the time, it was simply the route from the courthouse to the prison cell for convicted prisoners. The most photographed view of it would be from the other side of the bridge (Ponte della Paglia).
The Rialto Bridge was the sole means of crossing the Grand Canal. This area of Venice is worth visiting primarily because of the nearby Rialto Market. It is a produce and seafood market with stands operating in approximately the same location as they have been since the 12th century. Visit it around noon, as you can find some of the freshest and most unique products available anywhere in the city.
The Grand Canal is the main road in Venice. It runs through the middle of the city (in a large S shape) and has buildings (palazzi) lining each side that were originally the homes and warehouses of the merchant families that created the republic. You will be able to see it from bridges, from vaporettos, from the water taxis.
The best way to explore Venice sightseeing is just walking around. That is all part of the experience, and skipping it altogether would be unfortunate.
Yes and no. A gondola ride costs about €80-€90 per boat, for about 30-40 minutes. And the Grand Canal isn't even a good place to take a gondola ride. There are boats everywhere, and there is so much noise from motorboats, etc. The side canals (Cannaregio & Castello) are the places to go. They have very narrow canals, it is almost completely silent, and hardly anyone walks through them. That being said, a gondola ride is among the most popular Venice activities, yet, not cheap.
The vaporetto is Venice's main water bus service; it is also known as line one. This is a boat that makes all stops along the Grand Canal and originates from the Santa Lucia train station and travels down to San Marco. A single ticket is €9.50; purchasing a 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour ticket will save you money. When traveling by vaporetto, sit in either the front or rear of the boat on the exterior deck to maximize your views of the palaces.
While gondolas are famous, locals prefer Traghetti. These are a basic version of Gondolas used as a way to cross the Grand Canal in areas where a bridge doesn’t exist. A ticket will cost you €2, and mostly locals use these for transportation. So, this is an example of how travel can be practical as well as authentic.
Each sestiere (neighborhood) has its own distinct vibe. So, if you want to experience the floating city on foot, then walk around it.
The northernmost sestiere is between the train station and the center of the city. The Jewish Ghetto (the oldest ghetto in the world) is located west of Cannaregio, with a small museum and five synagogues. And in the evenings, the roads north of the central tourist zone become crowded with Venetians who come to stand at their local bacaro counters with a glass of wine, to pick cicchetti, and to talk loudly.
Dorsoduro is where you can find the students, as well as those who love the arts. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection draws visitors, and Campo Santa Margherita square provides a better insight into how people live their lives. This large, uneven spot is the one area of Venice that can be considered like an everyday neighborhood hangout. The Zattere promenade, located on the south side of the sestiere, is very atmospheric.
The area is also the largest sestiere in Venice. The surrounding areas to the Arsenale (the old shipyard where the Venetian Navy was constructed) have many of the quiet and true-to-form local streets. The Giardini della Biennale opens out at the very far eastern edge of this area, which offers a rare bit of green space for walking.
These two districts are technically separated, yet in reality, they are connected by their history with trade. San Marco is very upscale and refined. The Rialto Market takes place in these districts; therefore, there is always plenty of energy, people moving about, and local shops bustling with activity. There are side alleys that have "bacari", and you can purchase fresh fish at the Rialto Market.
This was originally Peggy Guggenheim’s private palace, where she had put all her own artwork. It also includes the works of Picasso, Dalí, Pollock, Rothko, Magritte, and many others. You will spend about two hours there, and it is closed on Tuesdays.
You can see this basilica from almost every location along the Grand Canal. Although relatively quiet inside, the basilica features a few paintings by Titian in its sacristy. There is a small charge for admission to enter the basilica itself, while access to the sacristy will cost slightly more.
Venice’s old opera house has burned to the ground twice in its history. After each fire, La Fenice has been restored with a degree of accuracy to its original form that borders on fanaticism. Visitors can take a guided tour through La Fenice during non-performance hours.
This school has many paintings by Tintoretto, most of which are located upstairs. All three walls and the entire ceiling are covered with paintings. There are also massive paintings depicting biblical scenes, which make the whole area seem to be part of the painting.
This unique bookstore is famous for being filled with cats (and books, of course!). Due to its recent popularity on social media, this place became quite crowded. Be prepared for that; however, this doesn’t detract from how wonderful it is, especially when climbing up the stairs to the back, where there is a beautiful view of the canal.
The food in Venice is like nowhere else on earth, and the food experiences most worth having are the ones built around standing at a counter rather than sitting down at a white-tablecloth restaurant.
Murano is world-famous for its glassmaking. There are many places where you can watch artisan glassblowers working directly by the furnaces. Also, there are many different types of stores selling items ranging from nice, handmade decorations to extremely tacky chandeliers shaped like eagles. The island also includes a small canal, a small basilica, and a glass museum called Museo del Vetro. The Museo del Vetro is actually quite interesting.
Burano is an island known primarily for its lace-making traditions and bright-colored houses. They paint their houses every color imaginable. Bright yellow, pink coral, and cobalt blue are all colors that you may find while walking down every single street in this area. Try to come on a weekday if possible.
It is the island on the other side of the water from Piazza San Marco, which was created by Palladio and has as its anchor a beautiful church. There is an elevator to the bell tower, and the views from the top are arguably even better than those from the Campanile.
It is a full-fledged beach resort during the summer months, where you can rent cabins or place an umbrella. During September, it is the host city of the Venice Film Festival — one of the first film festivals ever established. While many tourists visit here for just part of the day, it is a wonderful way to see an entirely new perspective of how some Venetians live.
If you only have one day, here is exactly what will work:
Use days 1 and 2 to fully explore all areas around San Marco and Rialto.
This is the best time to avoid the massive crowds of cruise ship tourists. From 9 AM–6 PM, day-trippers flood the city, making it difficult to navigate the narrow streets.
Walking is truly the only way to explore Venice due to its unique design as a walking city. Take the waterbus (vaporetto) to move around the city, crossing the waterways and exploring the rest of the city on foot.
There are advanced ticket options available for skipping lines at some attractions that are well worth purchasing. Specifically, these would include booking tickets online ahead of time for St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge's Palace, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which can sell out early during weekend peak periods.
What are the main things to do in Venice?
The essentials are Piazza San Marco, St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, Rialto Bridge, a ride on the Grand Canal, and a wander through at least one neighborhood beyond the tourist center.
What should I not miss in Venice?
The Rialto Market in the morning, cicchetti in a bacaro, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, and a vaporetto ride down the full length of the Grand Canal at golden hour.
Is one day enough for Venice?
One day is enough to see the main landmarks, but not enough to feel the city. Two days is the minimum for something resembling a real experience.
Is a gondola ride worth it?
If you take it in the quiet side canals rather than the Grand Canal, and you are prepared for the price (€80–90 for 30–40 minutes), yes. It is not a transport choice, as it is an experience.
What are the unique things to do in Venice?
Riding a traghetto standing up like a local, watching a glassblowing demonstration in Murano, eating sarde in saor at a bacaro counter, and going up the San Giorgio Maggiore bell tower instead of the more famous Campanile.
Where should first-time visitors stay or focus?
San Polo, Santa Croce, and Cannaregio give a better daily experience than the area immediately around San Marco, which is beautiful but heavily touristed and priced accordingly.
What is the best way to get around Venice?
Walking, followed by the vaporetto for crossing the Grand Canal or reaching the islands. A 48-hour vaporetto pass pays for itself quickly.
What food is Venice known for?
Cicchetti, sarde in saor, baccalà mantecato, risotto, and spritz. The city has a strong seafood tradition and a casual, counter-service culture for eating that is one of its best qualities.
Venice is not a checklist. Sure, you should walk over the Rialto and check out San Marco. But there are so many other things to see in Venice... Find a random street, look at something that catches your eye in a shop window. Sit next to a waterway and enjoy nothing but the moment for a while. That is how you visit Venice if you want to be an authentic visitor.
To really experience Venice, the history of Venice, the off-the-beaten-path places, or the day-to-day life of Venetians, use a free walking tour service and some sort of local experience provided on FREETOUR.com. It is way easier than trying to figure it all out on your own.
However, the most amazing things in Venice are so simple. Find a very small street around 7 PM, go into a bar (which has to be random), drink cheap wine, eat whatever looks good on your plate, and watch the locals live their day. That is when it all makes sense.
This list of things to do in Venice (famous spots and quiet areas where locals live) is compiled by FREETOUR.com — we know this city well. Just learn more about understanding free tours and how they work.
So, here is a plan of what to do in Venice first: go to Piazza San Marco early in the morning, then visit St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace before the crowds arrive. Cross the Rialto Bridge, then take a traghetto across the Grand Canal for just €2. Eat cicchetti in Cannaregio in the evening. If you have extra time, then take a vaporetto from Venice to Murano or Burano in the morning.
Quick Answer: What to see in Venice?
- See St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace at Piazza San Marco
- Walk across the Rialto Bridge and look out over the Grand Canal
- Take a gondola, vaporetto, or traghetto ride on the water
- Get genuinely lost in Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, and Castello
- Eat cicchetti in a traditional bacaro
- Visit Murano, Burano, or San Giorgio Maggiore
- Admire art at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or Scuola Grande di San Rocco
What Makes Venice So Different?
Venice doesn't look or feel like a typical city. There are no roads to drive on, no automobiles, and no bicycles. Instead, you will find only waterways and pedestrians. Venice spans 117 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon, divided into six districts known as sestieri — San Marco, Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, Castello, San Polo, and Santa Croce. Each district has its own unique characteristics and atmosphere.
Flooding occurs with some frequency due to high tides. Residents refer to this occurrence as "acqua alta," don rain boots, and continue as usual.
Venetian architecture is distinct from most of the world. A combination of Byzantine, Arab, and Italian architectural styles is used to create what is known as Venetian Gothic architecture. Due to a large amount of money accumulated by the Republic of Venice during its 1,000-year reign, the buildings were constructed with an opulence never before seen. This wealth resulted in the extravagant appearance of many of the famous places in Venice. These are the true Venice highlights — old, rich, disappearing beneath the surface of the Adriatic Sea but still intact.
Iconic Venice Landmarks You Should See First
Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco is one of the most famous Venice landmarks out there. The piazza is large, beautiful, and houses an ancient bell-tower (Campanile) with an elevator that takes you to the top for excellent views. On the same square as Piazza San Marco is the Museo Correr, which is usually empty. Be sure to get here by 9 AM at the latest, as after 10, the area quickly becomes very busy.
St. Mark’s Basilica
There are so many places to visit in Venice, but this is one place you definitely must visit. Every single wall and ceiling is covered in gold and Byzantine mosaics. The Pala d'Oro is a stunning piece with gems. If you don't mind spending an additional €2-€5, then it is worth going in. But dress modestly. Also, you should know that the lines for this basilica get very large very quickly. So, to avoid the crowds at St. Mark's Basilica, buy your skip-the-line ticket before you go.
Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
Doge's Palace in Venice has some amazing views and, as one of Venice top attractions, is an absolute must-see for anyone. Previously, the entire city was run from this place — courts, prison, government offices, etc. The walls here are covered with massive paintings by Tintoretto. You can go on a "Secret Itinerary" tour that takes you into the secret rooms of the palazzo, including a torture room and Casanova's escape cell.
Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) is an architectural connection between the Doge’s Palace and the old prisons. The romantic title was given to it by a poet many years later. At the time, it was simply the route from the courthouse to the prison cell for convicted prisoners. The most photographed view of it would be from the other side of the bridge (Ponte della Paglia).
Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge was the sole means of crossing the Grand Canal. This area of Venice is worth visiting primarily because of the nearby Rialto Market. It is a produce and seafood market with stands operating in approximately the same location as they have been since the 12th century. Visit it around noon, as you can find some of the freshest and most unique products available anywhere in the city.
The Grand Canal
The Grand Canal is the main road in Venice. It runs through the middle of the city (in a large S shape) and has buildings (palazzi) lining each side that were originally the homes and warehouses of the merchant families that created the republic. You will be able to see it from bridges, from vaporettos, from the water taxis.
Venice from the Water: Gondolas, Vaporetti, and Traghetti
The best way to explore Venice sightseeing is just walking around. That is all part of the experience, and skipping it altogether would be unfortunate.
Is a Gondola Ride Worth It?
Yes and no. A gondola ride costs about €80-€90 per boat, for about 30-40 minutes. And the Grand Canal isn't even a good place to take a gondola ride. There are boats everywhere, and there is so much noise from motorboats, etc. The side canals (Cannaregio & Castello) are the places to go. They have very narrow canals, it is almost completely silent, and hardly anyone walks through them. That being said, a gondola ride is among the most popular Venice activities, yet, not cheap.
Vaporetto Line 1 for the Grand Canal
The vaporetto is Venice's main water bus service; it is also known as line one. This is a boat that makes all stops along the Grand Canal and originates from the Santa Lucia train station and travels down to San Marco. A single ticket is €9.50; purchasing a 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour ticket will save you money. When traveling by vaporetto, sit in either the front or rear of the boat on the exterior deck to maximize your views of the palaces.
Traghetti: The Local Shortcut
While gondolas are famous, locals prefer Traghetti. These are a basic version of Gondolas used as a way to cross the Grand Canal in areas where a bridge doesn’t exist. A ticket will cost you €2, and mostly locals use these for transportation. So, this is an example of how travel can be practical as well as authentic.
Get Lost on Purpose: The Most Atmospheric Areas
Each sestiere (neighborhood) has its own distinct vibe. So, if you want to experience the floating city on foot, then walk around it.
Cannaregio
The northernmost sestiere is between the train station and the center of the city. The Jewish Ghetto (the oldest ghetto in the world) is located west of Cannaregio, with a small museum and five synagogues. And in the evenings, the roads north of the central tourist zone become crowded with Venetians who come to stand at their local bacaro counters with a glass of wine, to pick cicchetti, and to talk loudly.
Dorsoduro
Dorsoduro is where you can find the students, as well as those who love the arts. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection draws visitors, and Campo Santa Margherita square provides a better insight into how people live their lives. This large, uneven spot is the one area of Venice that can be considered like an everyday neighborhood hangout. The Zattere promenade, located on the south side of the sestiere, is very atmospheric.
Castello
The area is also the largest sestiere in Venice. The surrounding areas to the Arsenale (the old shipyard where the Venetian Navy was constructed) have many of the quiet and true-to-form local streets. The Giardini della Biennale opens out at the very far eastern edge of this area, which offers a rare bit of green space for walking.
San Polo and Santa Croce
These two districts are technically separated, yet in reality, they are connected by their history with trade. San Marco is very upscale and refined. The Rialto Market takes place in these districts; therefore, there is always plenty of energy, people moving about, and local shops bustling with activity. There are side alleys that have "bacari", and you can purchase fresh fish at the Rialto Market.
Art, Churches, and Museums Worth Your Time
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
This was originally Peggy Guggenheim’s private palace, where she had put all her own artwork. It also includes the works of Picasso, Dalí, Pollock, Rothko, Magritte, and many others. You will spend about two hours there, and it is closed on Tuesdays.
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
You can see this basilica from almost every location along the Grand Canal. Although relatively quiet inside, the basilica features a few paintings by Titian in its sacristy. There is a small charge for admission to enter the basilica itself, while access to the sacristy will cost slightly more.
Teatro La Fenice
Venice’s old opera house has burned to the ground twice in its history. After each fire, La Fenice has been restored with a degree of accuracy to its original form that borders on fanaticism. Visitors can take a guided tour through La Fenice during non-performance hours.
Scuola Grande di San Rocco
This school has many paintings by Tintoretto, most of which are located upstairs. All three walls and the entire ceiling are covered with paintings. There are also massive paintings depicting biblical scenes, which make the whole area seem to be part of the painting.
Libreria Acqua Alta
This unique bookstore is famous for being filled with cats (and books, of course!). Due to its recent popularity on social media, this place became quite crowded. Be prepared for that; however, this doesn’t detract from how wonderful it is, especially when climbing up the stairs to the back, where there is a beautiful view of the canal.
Food Experiences You Should Try in Venice
The food in Venice is like nowhere else on earth, and the food experiences most worth having are the ones built around standing at a counter rather than sitting down at a white-tablecloth restaurant.
Eat Cicchetti in a Bacaro
- What it is: Cicchetti is an appetizer. It can be very simple, for example, just some fish placed on top of a small piece of bread. Or they may be made with polenta that includes anchovies. Typically eaten while standing at a bacaro, where you can also order an ombra (local wine) or Spritz.
- Where to find the best: Streets surrounding the Rialto Market contain many bacari. The neighborhood of Cannaregio contains many as well.
- Price tip: Cicchetti typically cost around €2 – €4 each.
Try Traditional Venetian Seafood
- What it is: Three dishes worth trying: sarde in saor – sardines with vinegar & raisins. Baccalà mantecato – whipped salt cod in polenta. Risotto al nero di seppia – black squid ink risotto.
- Where to find the best: They can be found at an average osteria. They are usually run by locals, so you will have no problem finding them.
- Price tip: Always eat at a counter instead of a table if you want to save money.
Coffee, Pastries, and Gelato Stops
- What it is: Caffè Florian is the oldest coffee house in Venice. Sitting down comes with a price. They also charge for the live music while you are sitting.
- Where to find the best: The fastest way to get a cup of coffee and a pastry is by ordering at the place where you see locals gathered.
- Price tip: Local bars can offer you a great spritz for €3-€5. Expect to pay double that amount if you are near San Marco. Grabbing some fritole doughnuts and bussolai cookies is well worth the stop at almost any Venetian pastry shop.
Islands Near Venice: Murano, Burano, and Beyond
Murano
Murano is world-famous for its glassmaking. There are many places where you can watch artisan glassblowers working directly by the furnaces. Also, there are many different types of stores selling items ranging from nice, handmade decorations to extremely tacky chandeliers shaped like eagles. The island also includes a small canal, a small basilica, and a glass museum called Museo del Vetro. The Museo del Vetro is actually quite interesting.
Burano
Burano is an island known primarily for its lace-making traditions and bright-colored houses. They paint their houses every color imaginable. Bright yellow, pink coral, and cobalt blue are all colors that you may find while walking down every single street in this area. Try to come on a weekday if possible.
San Giorgio Maggiore
It is the island on the other side of the water from Piazza San Marco, which was created by Palladio and has as its anchor a beautiful church. There is an elevator to the bell tower, and the views from the top are arguably even better than those from the Campanile.
Lido
It is a full-fledged beach resort during the summer months, where you can rent cabins or place an umbrella. During September, it is the host city of the Venice Film Festival — one of the first film festivals ever established. While many tourists visit here for just part of the day, it is a wonderful way to see an entirely new perspective of how some Venetians live.
How to Plan Your Time: Venice Itineraries
What to Do in Venice for a Day
If you only have one day, here is exactly what will work:
- Morning. You need to be at Piazza San Marco by 9 AM. Then take the elevator to the top of the Campanile tower. From there, enter St. Mark’s Basilica. Once inside, you have about an hour or two to see everything while it is still quiet. By 10:30, you should make your way to the Rialto Bridge, and if the Rialto market is still going on, you can browse through.
- Lunch. Stop at a local bacaro and eat some cicchetti. This is inexpensive but delicious food. In the afternoon, buy a vaporetto pass that gives you unlimited rides on the Grand Canal bus for the next 24 hours.
- Evening. Walk to Dorsoduro and have a spritz at one of the local bars there. Murano and Burano are great places to visit, but they are too far away for you to visit them in one short day.
Venice in 2–3 Days: A Smarter Route
Use days 1 and 2 to fully explore all areas around San Marco and Rialto.
- Day 1. Use the morning to visit San Marco and Rialto. In the afternoon, go to the Doge’s Palace. Make sure you book your tickets early.
- Day 2. Divide your time between visiting Dorsoduro in the morning and Cannaregio in the evening. Be sure to include a visit to the Peggy Guggenheim museum, Santa Maria della Salute church, and the Zattere promenade. Also, try to find some of the local bacari bars to grab a drink.
- Day 3. Visit Murano and Burano. Start with Murano in the morning. After lunch, head to Burano and catch a ferry back to Venice before having dinner. Also, try taking a short walk in almost any direction from San Marco, and you will find yourself in very few crowded areas.
Common Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make
- Spending the entire trip between San Marco and Rialto is the most common one. These two spots are about 15 minutes away from each other on foot. If you don't leave this narrow strip of land, you will have missed out on most of what makes Venice special.
- Skipping Cannaregio and Dorsoduro is the direct consequence of the above. Both neighborhoods are more interesting, more "local," and less expensive than the middle of town.
- Assuming gondolas are the only boats is another. The vaporetto and traghetto together offer something close to everything a first-time visitor will want/need from the water for a small fraction of the cost of a gondola ride.
- Eating on the main tourist streets. There are places designed to take your money, and a person standing in front who wants to drag you inside. Take a 15-minute walk into any neighborhood, and both quality and prices increase significantly.
- Respect the rules. Sitting on bridges or having a packed lunch sitting on the stairs of Piazza San Marco may result in actual fines. It is also against the law to swim in the canals.
Practical Tips for Venice Sightseeing
Start Early or Stay Out Late
This is the best time to avoid the massive crowds of cruise ship tourists. From 9 AM–6 PM, day-trippers flood the city, making it difficult to navigate the narrow streets.
Use Walking and Boats Together
Walking is truly the only way to explore Venice due to its unique design as a walking city. Take the waterbus (vaporetto) to move around the city, crossing the waterways and exploring the rest of the city on foot.
Book Major Attractions in Advance
There are advanced ticket options available for skipping lines at some attractions that are well worth purchasing. Specifically, these would include booking tickets online ahead of time for St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge's Palace, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which can sell out early during weekend peak periods.
FAQ About Things to Do in Venice
What are the main things to do in Venice?
The essentials are Piazza San Marco, St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, Rialto Bridge, a ride on the Grand Canal, and a wander through at least one neighborhood beyond the tourist center.
What should I not miss in Venice?
The Rialto Market in the morning, cicchetti in a bacaro, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, and a vaporetto ride down the full length of the Grand Canal at golden hour.
Is one day enough for Venice?
One day is enough to see the main landmarks, but not enough to feel the city. Two days is the minimum for something resembling a real experience.
Is a gondola ride worth it?
If you take it in the quiet side canals rather than the Grand Canal, and you are prepared for the price (€80–90 for 30–40 minutes), yes. It is not a transport choice, as it is an experience.
What are the unique things to do in Venice?
Riding a traghetto standing up like a local, watching a glassblowing demonstration in Murano, eating sarde in saor at a bacaro counter, and going up the San Giorgio Maggiore bell tower instead of the more famous Campanile.
Where should first-time visitors stay or focus?
San Polo, Santa Croce, and Cannaregio give a better daily experience than the area immediately around San Marco, which is beautiful but heavily touristed and priced accordingly.
What is the best way to get around Venice?
Walking, followed by the vaporetto for crossing the Grand Canal or reaching the islands. A 48-hour vaporetto pass pays for itself quickly.
What food is Venice known for?
Cicchetti, sarde in saor, baccalà mantecato, risotto, and spritz. The city has a strong seafood tradition and a casual, counter-service culture for eating that is one of its best qualities.
Final Thoughts: Venice Is Better When You Slow Down
Venice is not a checklist. Sure, you should walk over the Rialto and check out San Marco. But there are so many other things to see in Venice... Find a random street, look at something that catches your eye in a shop window. Sit next to a waterway and enjoy nothing but the moment for a while. That is how you visit Venice if you want to be an authentic visitor.
To really experience Venice, the history of Venice, the off-the-beaten-path places, or the day-to-day life of Venetians, use a free walking tour service and some sort of local experience provided on FREETOUR.com. It is way easier than trying to figure it all out on your own.
