Venice is a gorgeous city located in Italy. As the capital of Italy’s Veneto region, Venice is uniquely made up of 117 small islands, which are all connected together through a network of canals. Venice is one of the most visited places by tourists and you are going to find out why.
Get the most out of your upcoming trip with these 21 things to do…
MUST-DO
Start at St. Mark’s Basilica
St. Mark’s Basilica is easily one of the most famous buildings you’ll find in Venice. Created in 1092, the building boasts stunning architecture and is the most important religious temple in Venice. Inside you will find more than 85000 square feet of mosaic, done over 8 centuries.
Get taken back to the renaissance period with the beautiful interior, and learn something new as you tour the whole place.
Go to the Grand Canal
Of the many Canals connecting Venice, the Grand Canal is the largest. Also known as Canale Grande, it is s-shaped with up to 200 buildings on its banks. Visiting the beautiful canal will guarantee you a view of the Centuries-old palaces which are on each side of the water.
Note: This is a tourist hotspot so you will be sure to experience some water traffic.
Venice Carnevale
The Carnival of Venice is held annually in February. It is surely the place to be if you are in Venice at that time. Festivities are centred around Piazza San Marco, but also take place in every Venetian sestiere. Carnival attendees dress up in masquerade costumes and party for up to two weeks.
The atmosphere is electric and you will surely make once-in-a-lifetime memories. Experience something new, try new food and enjoy the entertainment found at the carnival.
A Gondola Ride
Is it cliche? Yes. Is it worth it? Double yes. A Gondola ride along Venice’s canals is what will make your trip. Take in the awesome scenery whilst relaxing on a sturdy grandola. You can be sure of your safety as traditional hand-built wooden gondolas have a useful life of about 20 years. If you are in the mood for some singing, pay more and your wish is their command.
Note: Prices will vary, so make sure you agree on a price and duration of the ride before you set off.
Teatro La Fenice
Teatro La Fenice is one of Italy’s famous opera houses. It has earned its name by being able to survive three fires since its opening in 1792, the meaning being a “rise from the ashes”. Located 5 minutes from Piazza San Marco, the theatre is grand from the inside out. The golden interior and plush atmosphere are not to be missed.
Note: Make sure you book tickets in advance as they tend to go quite quickly.
Venetian Ghetto
Why not go and see the world’s first ghetto which was established in 1516? The Venetian Jewish district is totally worth a visit. Although it was once used to oppress Jewish people, it is now an area to learn more about the history and cultures of Venice. There is still a large population of Jewish people in the area so you get to explore the synagogues, restaurants and shops.
Bonus: It’s significantly less crowded than the other parts of the city.
SIGHTSEEING
Rialto Bridge
Ponte Di Rialto is Venice’s most famous bridge. Spanning over the Grand Canal, the bridge offers unforgettable views of Venice. The bridge connects the siestri of San Marco and San Polo together and is the oldest of all of the bridges on the Grand Canal. Although it is always full of several tourists, you will be sure to find a spot to take a picture.
At whatever time, sunrise, sunset or even during the day, enjoy the mesmerizing atmosphere to be found on this bridge.
San Polo
San polo is a small neighbourhood not too far from Rialto Bridge. It is where you will find the famous Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, a church adored by art lovers. Being the smallest of the six sestieri of Venice, you will get the chance to meet many locals.
Wander around, go to the market and explore the nightlife options San Polo has to offer.
The Bridge of Sighs
Although you walk over the Bridge of Sighs from the Doge’s Palace, it’s a must-see on its own accord. It is a fully enclosed bridge made entirely of white limestone. The view from the bridge is also iconic, connecting Prigioni Nuove to Doge’s Palace.
It is relatively small compared to the other bridges found in Venice, however, its beauty speaks for itself.
Scala Contarini del Bovolo
The Contarini del Bovolo is a small Palazzo in Venice with one of the most unique sights. The grand spiral staircase is an amazing illustration of Renaissance art, standing at twenty-eight-metre high. Walking up the cylindrical tower’s stairs to the Belvedere guarantees you spectacular views.
Campanile Di San Marco
The skyline of Venice is dominated by the Campanile di San Marco. The tower which is about 99 meters high was originally built as a lighthouse helping navigation to the lagoon. Get to the top of the bell tower and enjoy the breathtaking view of Venice from that height, and if you look really far, you may even see the Alps in the distance.
For those who are not too fond of climbing you will be glad to know that you can only get to the top by elevator (lucky eh).
OTHER GREAT THINGS TO DO
Relax at the Lido
Lido di Venezia is the place to get away from the bulk of tourists roaming the city. The barrier island is 11 kilometres long and has shallow enough waters for even the kids to swim in. This is also the home of the Venice Film Festival which takes place from late August to early September.
There are currently approximately 20,000 inhabitants here, so you will be able to find many residential shops, hotels and restaurants.
Go to the Islands
Take a day trip to the nearby islands, there are many to choose from! Burano is a 40-minute boat ride from St Mark’s Square and it is a beautiful one to start at. The island is known for its colourful fishermen’s houses and local butter cookies called “bussolai buranei”. You can also choose to visit Murano. Lying about 1.5 kilometres north of Venice, the Island is best known for its tradition of glass-making. Glass-making workshops are also available here!
Try some sea-food
Although Pizza is much sought after in Italy, seafood is the one to try whilst in Venice. As it is more of a local speciality, there are many mouth-watering seafood dishes to pick from. Baccalà mantecato and Sarde in saor should be at the top of your list.
Expand your palette and make sure to try something new!
San Giorgio Maggiore
San Giorgio Maggiore is one of the smaller islands which are not connected to the main canals in Venice. Yet, it is still one of the most photographed basilicas in Venice. Visit the San Giorgio Monastery which stands next to the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, serving the monastic community. There are three floors in the church which contain various paintings by Tintoretto. Alternatively, you can get to the top of Campanile di San Giorgio Maggiore (almost as tall as Campanile di San Marco), by elevator.
You can reach here by Vaporetto or private water taxi.
Rialto Market
Have some fun at the market! Enjoy some fresh food at the Rialto market and converse with some locals as you negotiate the best prices. Located close to Rialto bridge, you can be sure to meet many other tourists here. This market is the main one in Venice so it is worth stopping off at.
Get the local authentic experience by going early in the morning to see fishmongers hawking for their fish.
The Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace, also known as Palazzo Ducale, is the epitome of the Venetian Gothic style. Built in 1340, the palace was the home of the Doge of Venice. Now a museum, it is the place to view and learn more about the history of Venice. There are special tours available to tourists such as “The hidden treasures of the doge” and “Secret Itineraries of the Doge’s Palace”.
It is certainly worth a visit.
La Biennale di Venezia
La Biennale di Venezia or Venice Biennale is an art organization founded in 1895. Often referred to as the “Olympics of the art world”, visiting here gives you the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with the very best contemporary arts.
Note: The international art exhibition which features visual arts, cinema, architecture, music and much more is held every two years. Due to Covid-19, the next one is scheduled for 2022.
Lazzaretto Nuovo
Lazzaretto Nuovo was first established in 1468 as a station for incoming ships and cargo. The island of about nine hectares is located in the northern part of Venice Laguna. Learn more about the history and archaeology of the island through several guided tours.
To get here take the number 13 ferry running from Venice’s Fondamenta Nove stop, to the island of Sant’ Erasmo – ask for Lazzaretto Nuovo specifically.
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Another one of Venice’s most visited spots is the Peggy Guggenheim collection. The museum which is located on the Grand Canal features modern art. The Palazzo Venier dei Leoni is a one-story building which houses the collection. It was actually an unfinished palace designed by architect Lorenzo Boschetti.
The collection is definitely a sight to behold, displaying abstract expressionism, Surrealism and Cubism.
Go to Fondaco dei Tedeschi
The Fondaco dei Tedeschi is a historic landmark also situated on the Grand Canal. First constructed in 1228 as a warehouse and also living quarters, the building today is an urban department store and a major destination for tourists.
Your visit is certainly not complete without going to the rooftop terrace of the Fondaco dei Tedeschi, which will offer the most surreal views of Venice.
