Things to do in Venice

Activities, attractions and tours

Grand Canal featuring a lake or waterhole, heritage architecture and water sports
Grand Canal featuring a lake or waterhole, heritage architecture and water sports
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute which includes religious elements, general coastal views and a church or cathedral
Doge\'s Palace which includes a castle, general coastal views and heritage architecture
Venice which includes heritage architecture and boating
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Top places to visit

1. St. Mark's Square

Known by locals as El Piazza, St. Mark’s Square is a remarkably dynamic spot. By day it is teeming with tourists taking in the splendour of St Mark’s Basilica, the impressive façade of the Doge’s Palace and all the iconic sights of central Venice. By night it takes on a softer, more romantic atmosphere as couples emerge hand in hand to enjoy the softly illuminated Venetian cityscape.
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St. Mark\'s Square showing a square or plaza and heritage architecture as well as a large group of people

2. Grand Canal

Venice’s aquatic thoroughfare snaking through the bustling heart of the city—the Grand Canal stretches four kilometres and passes by the most iconic landmarks that mark the skyline.
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Grand Canal featuring heritage architecture, a ferry and a marina

3. Rialto Bridge

One of the most iconic features of the Venetian cityscape, the Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) has stood on its spot over the Grand Canal for more than five hundred years. With its immediately recognisable V-shaped design, stone arcades and balustrades, it is a popular spot for photographers, lovers, tourists—any and all who flock to this beautiful city.
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Rialto Bridge featuring heritage architecture, a lake or waterhole and a bridge

4. Doge's Palace

Immediately recognisable for its pink marble façade, Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale in Italian) stands tall and proud in the midst of St. Mark’s Square. With its arched loggias and its militaristic crenellations, the palace struck awe and not a little fear into the hearts of the visitors who arrived in Venice by sea over hundreds of years in former times.
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Doge\'s Palace featuring street scenes and heritage elements

5. St. Mark's Basilica

Whenever you come into the heart of Venice, you won’t be able to miss the striking façade of St Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco), known affectionately by locals as the Chiesa d’Oro (Church of Gold). With its dazzling golden spires, it towers over St Mark’s Square, a spectacular piece of Byzantine architecture and one of Venice’s most iconic and best loved sights with its walls ornately adored with sculptures, reliefs and mosaics.
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St. Mark\'s Basilica which includes religious aspects, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

6. Teatro La Fenice

To experience an operatic performance at La Fenice Opera House is to watch some of the world's best singers in a lavishly decorated auditorium. The 18th-century theater is one of Europe's premier locations for the introduction of new operas. Performing at La Fenice Opera House helped launch the careers of Verdi and Rossini. Among the operatic stars to have graced its stage are Luciano Pavarotti and Joan Sutherland.
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La Fenice Opera House featuring theatre scenes and interior views

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What to do in Venice

Popular places to visit

moderne Fußgängerbrücke über den Canal Grande Venedig

Piazzale Roma

You can learn about the local history of Venice during your trip to a top site such as Piazzale Roma. Stroll along the marina or visit the stunning cathedral in the area.

Piazzale Roma
St. Mark\'s Square which includes a church or cathedral, a square or plaza and a city

St. Mark's Square

The beating heart of the city where you’ll find some of its most famous sights, its best cafes, and enjoy the true charm of Venice.

St. Mark's Square
Grand Canal featuring heritage architecture, a ferry and a marina

Grand Canal

Take a gondola ride along Venice’s beautiful canal and see the city and its magnificent sights in all their glory.

Grand Canal
Rialto Bridge featuring heritage architecture, a lake or waterhole and a bridge

Rialto Bridge

Cross the romantic old bridge, one of Venice’s most iconic and world-famous sights, now packed with souvenirs and street entertainers.

Rialto Bridge
Doge\'s Palace featuring heritage architecture, chateau or palace and interior views

Doge's Palace

The home of the Venetian ruling elite for hundreds of years, an enduring monument to the city’s power and stature.

Doge's Palace
St. Mark\'s Basilica featuring heritage architecture

St. Mark's Basilica

An exquisite Byzantine cathedral and one of the most striking of all Venice’s great attractions with a story as old as the city itself.

St. Mark's Basilica
Port in Venice, Italy. Seafront with piers for tourist ships in Venetian lagoon. Cityscape of Venice in summer. City embankment taken from above. Concept of sea travel and vacation in Venice.

Port of Venice

Explore the waterfront of Port of Venice and enjoy other activities such as boating in Venice. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries.

Port of Venice
Winter. The famous Lido Beach in Venice, Italy.

Lido of Venice Beaches

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Lido of Venice Beaches during your travels in Venice? Visit the churches and charming cafes in this romantic area.

Lido of Venice Beaches
La Fenice Opera House showing heritage architecture and a city

Teatro La Fenice

Tour the lavish interior of one of Italy's most prestigious music venues then enjoy an evening of classic or experimental opera.

Teatro La Fenice

Areas of Venice

Dorsoduro featuring a coastal town and heritage architecture

Venice City Center

The stunning cathedral and charming cafes are just a few highlights of Venice City Center. Make a stop by St. Mark's Square or Grand Canal while you're exploring the area.

Venice City Center
San Marco showing kayaking or canoeing and a river or creek

San Marco

4.5/5(1,050 area reviews)

One of Venice’s most iconic sights is known all over the world for its historic square, cathedral and surrounding shops and cafés.

San Marco
San Polo showing heritage architecture and a bay or harbour

San Polo

4.5/5(146 area reviews)

The smallest of Venice’s six districts, this is also one of the oldest. It offers many tourist sites in its palaces, its churches and the Rialto Bridge.

San Polo
Venetian Ghetto featuring heritage architecture, boating and a bridge

Cannaregio

4.5/5(577 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Cannaregio is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Grand Canal and Casino of Venice.

Cannaregio
Dorsoduro which includes a river or creek and a bridge

Dorsoduro

4.5/5(297 area reviews)

One of six districts in Venice, this beautiful area has many sights located along the edge of Venice and on the island of Giudecca.

Dorsoduro
Old canals and Rialto bridge in Venice

Santa Croce

4.5/5(210 area reviews)

Santa Croce is known for its charming cafes, and you can make a stop by Piazzale Roma and Grand Canal while in the area.

Santa Croce

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Mestre showing street scenes

Mestre

The Island of Burano and the Venetian Lagoon.

Torcello

famous old town of chioggia in italy

Chioggia

Parco Nuove Gemme, Spinea

Spinea

Front view of villa Belvedere in Mirano Italy

Mirano

View of Villa Pisani, a large historical Italian residence

Stra

Frequently asked questions

Is Venice worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Venice is visit Marina di Venezia. Check this top sight off your to-do list, then experience more of the area's culture and history.
How do I spend a day in Venice?
Start your day with a visit to Marina di Venezia and Lungomare d'Annunzio Beach. Then, explore other parts of Venice for local restaurants and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Venice?
Marina di Venezia is one of the top tourist attractions in Venice and deserves a spot on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Venice?
Three days in Venice is more than enough to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many travellers book for three days on average. Marina di Venezia, Lungomare d'Annunzio Beach and Palazzo Pisani Moretta are among the most popular sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Mestre.
Is Venice a walkable city?
That comes down to what you'd like to do and see in Venice. Several key attractions, like Lungomare d'Annunzio Beach and Palazzo Pisani Moretta, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Venice's neighbourhoods, Venice City Centre is 0.48 kilometres away from downtown, while San Marco is 0.16 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Venice with kids?
If you're looking for sights and tours for all ages, check out these fantastic ideas for what to do in Venice with kids.

What to do in Venice for adults?
Venissa Vineyard and Cantina Marco Polo 6811 are just a couple of the things to do in Venice. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Venice?
From visiting parks to strolling around exciting neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Venice. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Lungomare d'Annunzio Beach is a top spot for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing activities.

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