Things to Do in Venice

If you are planning a trip to the floating city but are confused about what to do in Venice, this list of the Activities to do in Venice will help you.

1. Gondola Ride
One of the must-have activities to do in Venice. A Gondola is a wooden boat mainly found in the floating city. The primary source of transportation, a gondola ride is something that you just can't miss. You can go for a day ride or at night, the charges for a night ride are costlier, but the stunning lit up Venice alleys more than make-up for it. Click here to book: Private Gondola Ride in Venice.

Location: Grand Canal (most famous)
Price: €80 for daytime and €100 after 7 pm for 40-minute. Additional €40 or €50 after 7 pm each for an extended 20 minutes.
Timings: 10 am - 10 pm

2. Visit and climb up the Campanile

The original tower was made in 1902, later destroyed and then rebuilt in 1912. It is the tallest and the oldest bell tower in Venice and just the spot for a bird-eye view of the city. One of the Offbeat Things to Do in Venice, you should take an elevator ride to the top and get a glimpse of the afar Dolomites mountain range as well.
Situated in St. Mark's square, you could also tour the museums here or take a stroll of the golden-hued square, which is one of the Free things to do in Vence.

Location: St. Mark's Square, Piazza San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Price: 12 Euro
Timings: 9:45 am – 7 pm

3. Attend Carnevale
If you are visiting Venice in February, you cannot miss the Mardi Gras celebrations that take place here. The city hosts a grand festival known as Carnevale and attending it is one of the top activities to do in Venice. The festivities go on for weeks with people dressed in period costumes, Venetian masks, attending masquerade balls.
Apart from this, there are reenactments of 'Fight of Angels', water parades and other free canal-side entertainments. Along with a lot of food and drinks, attending the carnival is one of the most Fun Things to do in Venice.

Location: Venice, Italy
Price: Check on the website for the details
Timings: All-day

4. Glass Making in Murano
If you are wondering what to do in Venice? The answer is, take a trip to Murano, an island offering Offbeat Things to Do in Venice. It is a world-famous location for making hand-blown glass items, from knick-knack ornaments to massive, intricate chandeliers, they make them all.
You can get to Murano by taking the 4.2 Vaporetto water bus from St. Mark's square, to learn the history and art of glassmaking. While here, you can also bring back some Murano glass souvenirs. Speaking of the island, you should also take a ferry to Burano and Torcello, two of the more prominent islands in Venice.

Location: Murano, 30141 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Price: Depending on the tour or class you pick
Timings: 9 am – 5 pm

5. Tour the Art Museums

Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a modern contemporary art museum that houses works from influential 20th century American and European artists including Pollock, Klee, and Mondrian. The museum is made out of an unfinished 18th-century palace, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni and at once was also the residence of Peggy Guggenheim herself.
Along with the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, you can visit The Gallerie dell'Accademia, another splendid museum displaying Michelangelo's world-class sculpture, ‘David’ along with many essential Venetian paintings.

- Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Location: Dorsoduro, 701-704, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
Price: Adults: €15
Senior visitors over 65 yrs.: €13
Students under 26 yrs.: €9 (with current student ID)
Children under 10 yrs., members: free
Timings: 10am – 6pm

- Gallerie dell'Accademia:
Location: Campo della Carita, 1050, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
Price: 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

Apart from these, there are still plenty of things to do in Venice such as visiting the lace-making workshops in Burano or the Jewish Ghetto in Venice, Going out for an Aperitivo (A Venetian drink) or relish some Veniteian cuisine, Attend the Venice Biennale (an art exposition) taking place from June to November, every odd-numbered year or an extensive tour of the city's monuments.

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.

Venice, an epitome of love and romance, is an ideal city with plenty of places for you to enjoy with your spouses. So here is a list of romantic places for couples in Venice.

1. Bridge of Sighs
It was once used to take prisoners from the city plaza to the central jail. Today the stunning bridge has found romantic significance among couples. All the couples, while crossing the bridge in a gondola or standing over it, take a moment to steal a kiss or two here.

2. Terrazza Danieli

A beautiful 180-degree view of the pristine water lagoon, this restaurant is perfect for a date night or that big proposal in Venice. Take your partner here for a delicious meal and drinks while soaking yourself in the romantic atmosphere and picturesque views.

3. Alberoni Beach
A reserved attraction within Venice, the beach is not accessible by all. You can visit here by booking a property and spending a cozy romantic getaway. Frolic in the salty waters or laze around on the quiet beach. Alberoni beach is also a favoured vacation destination of the world's wealthiest people.

4. Taking a Wine tour
When in Venice, drink like the Venetians and take a winemaking/tasting tour with your significant other. Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Sant'Erasmo Island, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Valpolicella are some popular places in and around Venice for wine tours.

5. Burano Island
This island adds that pop of colour to Venice. The vibrant houses and lace-making workshops will make all love-birds fall in love all over again. The place is perfect for art enthusiasts and people with a penchant for photography. When here, you must visit the Lace museum as it is one of the more offbeat things to do in Venice.

Along with these places, you should also visit Zattere for a stroll, Teatro La Fenice for an Opera performance, St. Mark's Square, go on a Gondola ride and San Giorgio Maggiore among other things.

The floating city is breath-taking during the day but has its own charm during the night. Now, if you are thinking about what to do in Venice at night? This list of fun activities to do in Venice is here to help you. Also the one thing you should keep in mind is to make reservations beforehand so that you have a hassle-free night.

- At night the St, Marks square is nicely lit and is way less crowded. You could go for a walk here and admire the museums that are located within the Piazza.

- You should also attend an Opera concert at the Teatro La Fenice. It is especially romantic and perfect for travelling couples.

- Another romantic or enchanting activity is to take a Gondola ride at night. It is a tad bit pricer compared to a day ride, but the sight of the city is incomparable.

- Along with these, you could also go to the restaurants and bars in Venice, trying out the Venetian version of Tapas, aperitivo and Cicchetti. Or opt for a night food tour, which is also quite popular.

- Talking of nightlife, you could also go to the many Jazz clubs in Venice to enjoy some soothing music or to shake a leg.

- Party the night away at Venice’s Aurora Beach Club or Skyline Rooftop Bar.

- Take your chances at gambling by playing a few sets of cards at Casino De Venezia

1. Palazzo Ducale
The Doge's Palace was the governmental and residential building of the Doge, the head of the Venetian state. The palace is a masterpiece of elaborate Gothic architecture with essential Renaissance and Mannerist additions.
Moreover, the interiors of the Doge's apartments and chambers are decorated with paintings by Tintoretto and Titian among others. The Palazzo Ducale is located in St. Mark's square along with two more museums, the Museo Correr, and the Archeological Museum and the Biblioteca.

2. Gallerie dell'Accademia
Taking a tour of Gallerie dell'Accademia is one of the top Things to Do in Venice, as it displays Venice Renaissance at its best with its collections of oil paintings, restored masterpieces of Venice's history and religious themes.
The museum mainly consists of exhibits spanning from the 13th to 17th centuries of works done in and around Venice. The works of well-known painters such as Titian, Canaletto and Bosch, among others, are presented here.

3. Scuola Grande di San Marco
The Scuola Grande di San Marco, presently is the city hospital with a floor dedicated as a Museum. It was once one of Venice's six major confraternities, now the first floor of the building is the museum of the history of Medicine with sumptuous rooms, gilded ceilings and Renaissance marble altars.
The hospital museum houses over 8,000 medical opuses, including the works of Hippocrates and Galen (ancient physicians) along with displays of surgical equipment from the 19th and 20th centuries.

4. Fondazione Querini Stampalia
The Fondazione Querini Stampalia was once an honourable residence which was opened to the public in 1869 by the last heir if the family, Count Giovanni Querini. The stately building exhibits the daily life of an aristocratic Venitian family from the 18th century.
The visitors here can amble across traditional living quarters and rooms which have stucco decoration and frescoed ceilings. There is also a library which is open to visitors in the evenings. Furthermore, the museum also hosts music concerts and art exhibitions that one can relish.

5. Museo Storico Navale di Venezia
The Museo Storico Navale is a museum dedicated to Venice's naval history, visiting here is one of the offbeat things to do in Venice. Forty-two exhibition rooms reveal the city's waterways and how they are central to its identity.
The most eye-catching is the gondola vessels at this museum, a display unlike anything you've seen before. The bottom floor of the naval museum displays naval artillery and port dioramas; apart from that, the other floors showcases artefacts, Italian nautical memorabilia and antique boats.

Apart from these, Venice has plenty of other equally exciting Museums that would spike your interest in the city and its history. The likes of which include, Jewish Museum of Venice, House of Carlo Goldoni, Ca' Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art, among many others.

Venice is also called the city of bridges and rightly so. There are over 400 connecting bridges in different parts of the city. Today some of these bridges are a peak tourist attraction in Venice, the likes of which are:

1. Rialto Bridge
It was initially a wooden drawbridge which was rebuilt in stone in the 16th century by Antonio da Ponte. It is the main pedestrian crossing over the Grand Canal with shops lined across selling jewellery, glass, and clothing etc. The Rialto fish and food market is also located nearby, making it great for shopping, which is one of the Things to Do in Venice.

2. Bridge of Sighs
Also known as Ponte dei Sospiri, it is a white Istrian stone bridge, which connected the Palazzo Ducale to the city’s historic prison. Back in the day, the prisoners serving their sentences could only get a glimpse of the city from a small window. Today the bridge is somewhat romanticized and is visited by couples and others.

3. Ponte dei Pugni
The bridge connects Campo San Barnaba and Campo Santa Margherita. The name of the bridge translates to Bridge of Fists as it was the central spot for the two rival groups the Castellani and the Nicolotti to tussle and toss one another in the water. Today, you can find traces of the dangerous history by looking at four stone footprints on the bridge.

Some of the other famous brides to go on a stroll for or admire while riding a Gondola are Academy Bridge, Ponte della Liberta, Ponte della Paglia, Calatrava Bridge and Ponte delle Guglie.

Gondolas are black boats (sometimes ornate) which have been a part of Venice’s history and culture. Once used by upper-class Venetians, today the gondolas are the primary means of transportation and riding it is one of the top things to do in Venice.

A Gondola is an 11 metres flat bottomed, wooden boat made in special workshops called squeri and some 500 gondolas are commuting on the city canals at present. A gondolier is the one owning and taking care of their boats; they also have a dress code of black pants/trousers with a red and white striped shirt, dark shoes and a straw hat.

A gondola ride in the Venetian waterways will cost you €80 for a daytime ride and €100 for rides after 7 pm, with additional cost for an extended trip.

Venice being one of the leading vacation destinations, can be expensive for some, but there are still plentiful places and Free Things to Do in Venice.

- Taking a walk over the Grand Canal on top of Rialto Bridge. Or looking at the Piazza San Marco and the flocks of people visiting is among the free things to do in Venice.

- Admire the splendid architecture of the Basilica di San Marco or check out the Titans in Santa Maria della Salute.

- There are museums like the Museo della Musica with free displays that let you into the history of music or indulge in Renaissance art at Galleria dell’Accademia (free entry based on eligibility).

- You should also tour the local markets such as the Rialto Market or the streets just off the Piazza San Marco, for some window shopping.

Venice is made up of 118 small islands with astonishing Renaissance and Gothic style architecture, numerous churches and basilicas, museums and art galleries spread all across. Therefore, every lane visited here is an exciting experience that you don’t have to pay for.

The answer to that would be a no. As of 2018, the Venice city authorities have issued an official ban on all significant canals, including the Grand Canal. However, you can still go kayaking in some smaller canals in the city, post 3 pm. The city administration gave safety of navigation as the main reason behind this ban.