The city of canals and bridges with breath-taking attractions and plenty of activities to do in Venice is a stunning vacation destination. That being said, planning a trip can be daunting, leaving you with questions like, where to go or what to do in Venice? Hence, we have made a list of all the significant places to see in Venice.
1. Grand Canal
The one place that comes to mind in Venice is the Grand Canal or Canale Grande. This S-shaped 4 kilometres long canal is the most iconic tourist attraction in Venice. One end of the channel merges into the lagoon near Santa Lucia railway station, while the other end leads into San Marco.
The Grand Canal is immensely popular for romantic Gondola rides while touring the gorgeous Renaissance-era palaces and other structures of the city. There are several splendid bridges built over this waterway, the likes of which are the renowned Rialto Bridge, Ponte dell'Accademia and Ponte della Libertà, walking over these bridges while touring the city is one of the free things to do in Venice. Moreover, visiting the magnificent Grand Canal at night is one of the other things to do in Venice.
Location: 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
Entry Fee: Free (paid tours)
Timings: Open for 24 hours
2. Ca' Rezzonico
Ca' Rezzonico is an 18th century Palazzo turned into a public museum, located on the Grand Canal. The edifice is a notable example of Venetian and baroque style architecture, and rococo interiors. It is one of the eleven museums handled by Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia and taking a tour of this museum is one of the top things to do in Venice.
The stunning exhibits include painting and sculptures by Titian, Van Dyck, Tullio Lombardo and Bernini, to name a few. Apart from artwork, the museum also has a marvellous collection of vintage furniture and Venetian glass-work.
Location: Dorsoduro, 3136, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
Entry Fee:
Full: 10 euro
Reduced: 7.50 euro
Timings: 10:30am – 4:30pm
3. St. Mark's Square
Piazza San Marco or St. Mark's Square is the most popular location in Venice. Taking a stroll here while admiring the stunning buildings within the square is one of the free things to do in Venice. The square houses the San Marco Basilica, the DogeÍs Palace, Campanile (bell tower), clock towers and the Correr Museum; all these places are just as popular and worth visiting. Further, the square gets lit up during the night, which is a stunning sight to behold.
Location: Piazza San Marco, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
Entry Fee: Free for the square
Timings: The square is 24 hours open (the attraction within aren't)
4. Gallerie Dell'Accademia
Taking a tour of Scuola della Carita or School of charity, a medieval building which is now the museum, is one of the things to do in Venice. Located on the south bank of the Grand Canal, within the sestiere (section) of Dorsoduro, It is one of the most renowned Venetian attractions.
An art enthusiasts paradise, the museum houses pre 19th-century Venetian paintings. All the paintings are displayed in chronological order for viewers to be able to make sense of the evolution of art over centuries. Some of the exhibited artists and artworks worth mentioning are Michelangelo's David and Slave, Rape of the Sabines, Bellini, Tintoretto and Tiziano etc.
Location: Campo della Carita, 1050, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
Entry Fee:
Full, Adult: 20 euro - (includes reservation to skip-the-line and on-line fees 4 euro)
Reduced: 10 euro - (includes reservation to skip-the-line and on-line fees 4 euro)
Timings: 8:15am – 7:15pm
5. Teatro La Fenice
An Opera House first built in1792, Teatro La Fenice is one of the most famous and magnificent places in Venice. The building itself has been destroyed in fire incidents twice; however, it has been rebuilt and restored to its original glory each time.
Teatro La Fenice has showcased several Italian theatricals and some of the biggest composers like Bellini, Verdi and Donizetti have performed their concerts. Attending a show at The opera house and the theatre is among one of the fun things to do in Venice.
Location: Campo San Fantin, 1965, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Entry Fee: Based on the event you are attending.
- Entrance without performance is 10 Euro. Reduced entrance fee: 7 Euro to the La Fenice Theatre.
Family ticket with two adults and one child: 23 euros and with two children 26 euros.
Timings: 9:30am – 11pm
Other places in Venice that deserve your attention are; Bridge of Sighs, Doge's Palace, Basilica Di San Marco, San Giorgio Maggiore, Rialto Bridge. As well as the Jewish Museum, Scuola Grande Di San Rocco, Ca' D'Oro and Chiesa Della Madonna Dell' Orto are among others.