- Ride a Gondola Through the Canals
- Visit St. Mark’s Basilica
- Climb the Campanile for a View
- Walk Across the Rialto Bridge
- Try Cicchetti – Venice’s Favorite Snacks
- Take a Ride on a Vaporetto
- Visit the Islands of Murano and Burano
- Get Lost in Venice’s Streets
- Explore the Doge’s Palace
- Watch the Sunset on the Grand Canal
If you are in Venice and don’t do these 10 things, your trip just won’t feel complete. Venice is a city full of wonders, from its romantic canals to its rich history and unique culture. Each of these activities helps you experience the magic that makes Venice so special. Whether it’s gliding down a canal in a gondola or exploring hidden streets, these 10 must-do adventures will make your visit unforgettable. So, don’t miss out—Venice is waiting to show you its best!
Ride a Gondola Through the Canals
One of the first things you think of when someone says “Venice” is probably a Gondola Ride. Gondolas are long, thin boats that have been used in Venice for hundreds of years. They move slowly through the canals, giving you a peaceful way to see the city. The gondolier, the person who rows the boat, often wears a striped shirt and sometimes even sings while they take you around!
When you ride a gondola, you get to see Venice from the water, which is a whole different experience than walking around. You’ll float under beautiful bridges, pass by old buildings with balconies hanging over the water, and maybe even catch a glimpse of local life as you glide past windows. It’s especially romantic if you go at sunset or in the evening when the city is lit up with soft lights. While gondola rides can be a bit expensive, many people say it’s worth it for the magical experience.
Visit St. Mark’s Basilica
St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the most famous places in Venice, and for good reason. This large, beautiful church is covered with golden mosaics that sparkle in the sunlight. As you walk into St. Mark’s Square, you’ll see the church’s large domes and detailed arches. The design is a mix of different styles, making it stand out from any other church you’ve ever seen.
Inside the basilica, it’s just as beautiful. The high ceilings are covered in gold tiles that shine brightly, and the walls are decorated with scenes from the Bible. Every inch of the church feels rich in history. If you have time, go up to the rooftop to see the famous bronze horses, which have been a part of the church for centuries. You’ll also get a great view of the square and the nearby lagoon.
Climb the Campanile for a View
Next to St. Mark’s Basilica stands the Campanile, a tall bell tower that reaches high above the city. It’s one of the tallest buildings in Venice, and from the top, you can see for miles. The Campanile is about 100 meters tall, which is roughly the height of 30 regular houses stacked on top of each other!
To get to the top, you can either take the elevator or climb the stairs. Once you’re up there, you’ll be treated to an incredible view. You can see Venice’s many red rooftops, the sparkling blue waters of the lagoon, and even some of the nearby islands. It’s a perfect spot to take photos or just stand and enjoy the view. On a clear day, you might even see the distant mountains!
Walk Across the Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is the oldest and most famous bridge in Venice. It crosses over the Grand Canal, which is the largest canal in the city. The bridge itself is beautiful, made of white stone with graceful arches. Walking across it is like stepping back in time because it has been standing for over 400 years!
From the top of the bridge, you get an amazing view of the Grand Canal. You’ll see boats of all kinds, from small gondolas to larger waterbuses, moving up and down the canal. The buildings that line the canal are colorful and charming, making it a perfect spot for pictures. Around the bridge, you’ll find lots of shops and markets where you can buy souvenirs, like Venetian masks or handmade glass.
Try Cicchetti – Venice’s Favorite Snacks
One of the best ways to feel like a local in Venice is to try some Cicchetti. These are small snacks that are usually served in bars, called bacari, around Venice. Think of them like little bites of delicious food that you can enjoy with a drink. They’re perfect if you want to try different flavors without committing to a big meal.
Cicchetti can be anything from small sandwiches, olives, or fried fish to meatballs or slices of cheese. Every bar has its own unique offerings, and many locals love to hop from one bar to the next, trying different dishes. It’s a fun way to spend an evening, especially if you pair the food with a glass of local wine. You don’t need to know exactly where to go—just look for a cozy bar with people enjoying themselves, and you’re likely to find great cicchetti.
Take a Ride on a Vaporetto
Venice doesn’t have cars or buses, but it has something even better—waterbuses! The Vaporetto is Venice’s version of public transportation, and it runs on the canals. These boats are much bigger than gondolas and are used by both locals and tourists to get around the city.
Riding the Vaporetto is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to explore Venice by water. You can hop on a Vaporetto at one stop, ride it down the Grand Canal, and get off wherever you like. Along the way, you’ll pass by beautiful palaces, churches, and bridges. You can even take the Vaporetto to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano. It’s a simple and fun way to see a lot of Venice without spending too much money.
Visit the Islands of Murano and Burano
While Venice is the main attraction, the nearby islands of Murano and Burano are also worth a visit. Each island has its own charm and personality. Murano is famous for its glassmaking. For centuries, artisans have made beautiful glass objects, like vases and jewelry, by hand. When you visit, you can watch glass-blowing demonstrations, where you’ll see hot glass being shaped into amazing pieces.
Burano, on the other hand, is known for its colorful houses. Every house is painted a bright color, like pink, yellow, or blue, which makes the whole island look like a painting. Burano is also famous for lace-making, and you can visit shops where skilled lace-makers create delicate designs. The island is peaceful and perfect for wandering around, taking photos, and enjoying a slower pace of life.
Get Lost in Venice’s Streets
One of the best ways to experience Venice is by simply wandering around with no set plan. Venice’s streets are like a maze, full of narrow alleyways, hidden squares, and small bridges. It’s easy to get lost, but that’s part of the fun!
As you walk, you’ll discover all kinds of little surprises. You might find a quiet canal where a gondola is slowly passing by, or you could stumble upon a charming café where locals are sipping coffee. Venice is full of tiny details, like old signs, flower-filled balconies, and stone statues. Walking without a map lets you see a more personal side of the city, away from the crowded tourist spots.
Explore the Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace is a large, historic building in Venice that was once the home of the Doge, the leader of Venice. It’s now a museum where you can explore grand rooms filled with artwork, gold decorations, and stories of Venice’s powerful past.
Inside, you’ll walk through rooms that were once used for important meetings and ceremonies. The walls are covered in paintings by famous artists, and the ceilings are often covered in gold. One of the most interesting parts of the palace is the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the old prison. Prisoners used to walk across this bridge on their way to jail, and legend says they sighed when they saw their last view of Venice through the small windows.
Watch the Sunset on the Grand Canal
Venice is beautiful at any time of day, but there’s something truly magical about watching the sunset over the Grand Canal. As the sun goes down, the city is bathed in golden light, and the water reflects the colors of the sky. Find a quiet spot along the canal, or take a Vaporetto ride during the evening to enjoy the view from the water.
As the day turns into night, the city becomes quieter, and the lights of Venice start to twinkle in the dark. It’s a peaceful and romantic way to end your day, giving you a moment to reflect on all the wonderful things you’ve seen and done in Venice.
