Julie Italy 95 Comments

Venice is one of our favorite spots in Italy. Why? Venice is romantic, historic, and gorgeous. It is also small and compact, perfect to be explored with just a few days time. The list of sites to visit in Venice is long. So long, in fact, that it would take days to see all of them. Most people have just a few days in this magical city. Here is a short list of the best things to do in Venice, a good starting point for having the best holiday here.

So far, we have visited Venice three times, our most recent visit being in the summer of 2022. Every time we are here, we find new things to do and new areas to explore. 20 things may sound like a lot to do, and it is, but Venice is filled with wonderful experiences. Below we list our favorite things to do in Venice, followed by advice on how to plan your time, where to stay, and more.

Enjoy!

Overview of Venice

Venice is built on a group of 118 islands and these small islands are linked with 400 bridges. These islands are located in the Venetian Lagoon, which sits just off of the mainland of Italy.

With its Venetian Gothic architecture, Renaissance and Baroque buildings, wide piazzas, and narrow canals, Venice is often described as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Venice is made up of neighborhoods, also called sestieri (singular sestiere). Some sestieri contain Venice’s most popular sites while others are quieter, where the locals live.

San Marco is the touristy heart of Venice and home to Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Square, and the Rialto Bridge. Most tourists spend the majority of their time here, along with Dorsoduro (Pont dell’Accademia, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute), and San Polo.

Santa Croce, located on the western end of Venice, is the main transportation hub. The bus station, parking garages, and train station are located here.

Cannaregio, Castello, and Giudecca are where many local Venetians live, but these sestieri make great places to go for a stroll if you want to escape the tourist crowds in the heart of Venice.

Finally, Murano, Burano, and Lido make great day trips from Venice, but you need to have at least three days in Venice in order to have enough time to do this.

I do my best to keep the hours of operation and pricing up to date for each attraction, however, these can change at any time. I recommend getting updated hours and pricing for your dates of travel. The link to the official website is provided for each site.

Tourist Entry Fee in Venice: Beginning in 2024 (the date keeps getting pushed out and as of December 2023, the start day is April 2024), there will be a fee for visitors to enter Venice. This fee will cost €5. If you have plans to spend the night in Venice, you will be exempt from the fee. All visitors, even those with an overnight stay in Venice, will have to register their visit on an online website. This will be unveiled in early 2024 and we will continue to update this article as changes occur. Learn more here.

Best Things to Do in Venice

1. Just Wander…Get Lost in Venice

Put down your map and just wander. Forget the big, popular sites (we will get to those soon). The smaller canals off of the main tourist trail are perfect for wandering.

The main city of Venice is small enough that you can walk it in several hours. Explore the canals, sit and relax in the small squares that punctuate the city, go cafe-hopping for coffee or wine, and just enjoy this city without feeling like you have to check a bunch of sites off of your to-do list.

Get Lost in Venice

Venice canal | Best Things to Do in Venice

 

Dorsoduro Venice

Dorsoduro, Venice | Best Things to Do in Venice

 

Venice Canal View

Venice canal | Best things to do in Venice

2. St. Mark’s Square

St. Mark’s Square is the heart of Venice. From here you can easily visit most of the other main sites. The best things to do here? Take a 360° panorama photo and go people watching.

St Marks Square

St. Mark’s Square from the terrace of St. Mark’s Basilica

3. Climb the Campanile di San Marco

The Campanile is the bell tower that dominates the skyline of Venice. The only way to the top is by elevator. From the top, your reward is one of the best views of the city.

Campanile Venice

The Campanile | Best things to do in Venice

 

Campanile View

View from the Campanile | Best things to do in Venice

 
Best Venice View

Another view from the Campanile | Best things to do in Venice

Hours: Hours vary by season. April 16 to September 30: 8:30 am to 9:00 pm (last admission 8:45 pm). Reduced hours the remainder of the year. Get the full schedule here.
Cost:  €10 onsite, €12 online in advance
Important:  During adverse weather conditions (high winds, cold temperatures) the campanile will close.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Lines can be long to enter the bell tower. Before your visit to Venice, book a time slot on the official St. Mark’s Basilica website. Only 30 tickets are available for each time slot so I recommend you make your reservation as soon as you know your dates of travel to Venice. 

4. View Venice from the Rialto Bridge

Spanning the Grand Canal, the Ponte di Rialto is Venice’s most popular bridge. From the top of the bridge, enjoy another fantastic, iconic view of this city. See it at sunrise, see it at sunset, join the crowds of tourists in the middle of the day. Watching the gondolas, vaporettos, and ferries travel up and down the Grand Canal from this spot is mesmerizing.

Expect to share this space with a lot of other travelers. Find a spot, take lots of selfie photos, and smile because you are in Venice!

Rialto Bridge

Rialto Bridge | Best things to do in Venice

 

Grand Canal of Venice | Best things to do in Venice

View from the Rialto Bridge | Best Things to Do in Venice

 

5. Cruise the Canals on a Gondola…and is It Worth It?

Yes, it may be cliché and super-touristy, but in our opinion, a visit to Venice would not be complete without a gondola ride through the canals.

Venice Canal Gondola Ride

View from a gondola ride | Best things to do in Venice

 

Venice Gondola Ride

Rialto from Gondola best things to do in Venice

The Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal | Best Things to Do in Venice

How Much Does a Gondola ride cost? That’s a good question. The city of Venice sets the rate at €80 per 40 minutes (€100 after 7 pm) but that doesn’t mean that’s the rate you will get. You will have to negotiate with your gondolier before you ride. Make sure you agree on the price and the length of time you will ride before you get in the gondola. And if you would like him to sing, that will cost extra. Here is a great article if you want to learn more.

6. Visit the Doges’ Palace

The Doges’ Palace is a palace built in Venetian Gothic styles. For centuries, this building served as the residence for the Doge, the seat of the government, and a palace of justice. Now, it is a museum. Without a doubt, a visit to the Doges’ Palace is a must-have experience in Venice. The history that took place here is incredible. Touring this palace is one of the best things to do in Venice.

You can tour the Palace on your own or book a guided tour. As you tour the Palace, you will have more fantastic views of Venice. Yes, we love great views of the cities we visit, especially those that are unique or from a high vantage point. The Doges’ Palace has some great views of Venice.

Venice Photo View best things to do in Venice

View from the Doge’s Palace | Best Things to Do in Venice

 

One of the most unique views of Venice is from the Bridge of Sighs. From this window, prisoners on their way to execution would have this final view of the city.

Bridge of Sighs View | Best things to do in Venice

View from the Bridge of Sighs | Best things to do in Venice

Hours:  10 am to 6 pm, last admission at 5 pm
Cost: €25, audio guide €5
Website: Get updated pricing, learn about the Secret Itineraries tour, and book your tickets in advance on the official website.

You can also join one of these highly rated skip-the-line tours of the Doges Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.

 

 

7. The Bridge of Sighs

So, you walked across the Bridge of Sighs from the Doges’ Palace. Now it is time to view the Bridge of Sighs from outside the Doges’ Palace.

Go for a stroll along Riva degli Schiavoni, which is a wide promenade that runs along the Venetian Lagoon near Doge’s Palace. As you cross Ponte della Paglia look down the canal for the iconic view of the Bridge of Sighs.

Bridge of Sighs Venice | Best things to do in Venice

Bridge of Sighs | Best things to do in Venice

8. Saint Mark’s Basilica

This is another landmark of Venice that is not to be missed.

St. Mark’s Basilica dates back to the 9th century AD. Over the course of eight centuries, mosaics were added to the interior of the cathedral, as well as treasures from the Crusades. The Pala d’Oro is a Byzantine alter piece that is covered in gold and studded with almost 2,000 gems.

St Marks Basilica

St. Mark’s Basilica | Best things to do in Venice

 

St Marks Basilica Tour

Inside St. Mark’s Basilica, during a nighttime small group tour | Best Things to Do in Venice

 

St Marks Basilica Terrace

On the terrace of St. Mark’s Basilica | Best Things to Do in Venice

 

What to Do in Venice

The view of the Campanile from the terrace of St. Mark’s Basilica

 

Pala dOro Venice

Pala d’Oro | Best Things to Do in Venice

How to Visit St. Mark’s Basilica

This cathedral is one of Venice’s top attractions. Lines to get in are legendary but you can now book a ticket online in advance to skip the line.

On a visit to St. Mark’s Cathedral, you will pay a few euros to enter the basilica. For an additional fee, you can add on the Pala d’Oro, the Loggia dei Cavalli, and look out over St. Mark’s Square from the terrace. We cover each of these sites and their cost in much more detail in our Guide to St. Mark’s Basilica. This also includes tips to help you have the best experience, lots of photos both inside and outside of the basilica, and information on how to skip the line.

St. Mark’s Basilica opens at 9:30 am (on Sundays, it opens at 2 pm). I recommend getting in line at 9 am, or even earlier, to minimize your wait, if you plan to purchase your ticket onsite. But for the best experience, book your entrance ticket online for a 9:30 am entry. Before you go, get updates on hours of operation here.

Hours: 9:30 am to 5:15 pm Monday to Saturday; Sunday 2 pm to 5:15 pm; last admission at 4:45 pm
Cost: 3€ onsite, 6€ online in advance; Pala d’Oro, the Museum, and Loggia dei Cavalli have additional fees which you can see here.
Website: Get updated hours and pricing on the official website

Skip-the-Line: This tour has skip-the-line access and includes a visit to the St. Mark’s terrace for great views of the city.

Nighttime Tour of St. Mark’s Basilica: If you like the idea of visiting the Basilica with low crowds, consider taking a nighttime tour of St. Mark’s Basilica. Offered after closing time, this small group tour allows you to visit the Basilica without the crowds and you get to see the Basilica illuminated at night. We took this tour in July 2022 and it was amazing! To tour the Basilica without the crowds and see it illuminated was an incredible experience and much better than visiting it during the day, in my opinion (we have done both). 

Skip-the-line at St. Mark’s Basilica plus Doge’s Palace: This 3-hour skip-the-line tour includes both St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. This is a great tour to consider since it includes both of these sights and you get to tour them with a knowledgeable guide. 

Italy Travel Guide Florence

9. Venice’s Best Bargain: The Vaporetto

What is a vaporetto? Basically, it is a water bus that takes passengers from point to point. Most people use the vaporetto as a way to travel between the main sites. For a cheap but fantastic way to tour the Grand Canal, ride the vaporetto from the lagoon through the Grand Canal, past the Rialto Bridge, all the way to the train station.

Take the No. 1 vaporetto (ACTV) Linea 1 from Piazzale Roma to Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square). If you want, this vaporetto travels all of the way to Lido Island. It also runs in both directions, so if you are coming from Lido Island, you can ride the vaporetto across the lagoon and down the entire Grand Canal.

Avoid the Crowds: In the late afternoon, start at Piazzale Roma and journey down the Grand Canal towards St. Mark’s Square. At this time of day, most people will be traveling in the other direction.

Learn more about the vaporetto here.

Venice Vaporetto best things to do in Venice

Venice best things to do in Venice

10. Take a Walking Tour of Venice

If you prefer to walk the canals with a guide, here a few great options to consider.

This Venice Highlights walking tour gets near perfect reviews and it covers the major highlights of the city.

The walking tour with a local guide can be customized for how much time you have and what you want to see and do in Venice.

11. Enjoy the View from Ponte dell’Accademia

From Ponte dell’Accademia, you have one of the best views of the Grand Canal. This old, wooden bridge is not one of prettier bridges in town but the view from here is stunning.

Look east along the Grand Canal. You will be able to see the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, a 400-year-old church that is a famous Venetian landmark. This bridge also a great spot to watch as gondolas, water buses, and taxis drift up and down the Grand Canal.

Grand Canal Venice | Best things to do in Venice

View from Ponte dell’Accademia | Best things to do in Venice

12. Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

This Basilica was completed in 1687 and it was built to celebrate the end of the plague. It is dedicated to Our Lady of Health (Salute in Italian).

There are two reasons why visiting the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is one of the best things to do in Venice: it is a beautiful basilica, both inside and out, and the views from the cupola are one of the best in the city.

Inside Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

Inside Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute | Best Things to Do in Venice

The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is located on the Grand Canal. From Ponte dell’Accademia, this baroque cathedral is one of the main focal points.

Visiting the Basilica is free.

During the summer months, the Basilica is open from 9 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 5:30 pm. Get updated hours here before your visit. 

Visiting the Cupola

We didn’t know that this was a thing you could do. We just happened to notice the sign to climb to the cupola while visiting the inside of the basilica. And of course we wanted to climb the cupola (and I am so glad we did!).

There is an 8€ fee per person to climb the steps to the cupola (the dome). We purchased our tickets from the attendant but here is a link to purchase them online. 

You can visit the cupola on the hour and the half hour. Your visit lasts 30 minutes. Note: the cupola is not open on Monday or Tuesday.

When you enter the Basilica, follow the signs to the cupola. Wait here on the hour or half hour for the attendant to appear, pay your ticket, and then climb the steps. The attendant accompanied us to the cupola and when we did this, it was just Tim and I with one other couple.

Also, when we did this, the attendant was about 5 minutes late, so if he/she doesn’t appear right on time, it’s worth waiting a few extra minutes.

There are 150 steps to the cupola. This is on a spiral staircase and it is very narrow at times. If you suffer from claustrophobia, or don’t think you can climb a tight, twisting staircase, skip this activity.

Here is the view from the cupola:

Best Things to Do in Venice

View from the cupola | Best Things to Do in Venice

 

Things to Do in Venice

13. T Fondaco Rooftop Terrace

The T F Fondaco Terrace is one of the best free things to do in Venice.

The Fondaco Dei Tedeschi building sits next to the Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal. It was originally built 800 years ago by Germans for trade and lodging. In 1925 it was the headquarters of the Central Post Office in Venice. And in 2016, the building opened to the public as the first DFS store in Europe.

Sitting on top of the building is a rooftop terrace that overlooks the Grand Canal. From here, you look out over the Rialto Bridge and can watch as gondolas, water taxis, the vaporetto, and other boats zip back and forth along the Grand Canal.

T Fondaco Terrace

View from the T Fondaco Terrace | Best Things to Do in Venice

 

Grand Canal Venice

The Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge | Best Things to Do in Venice

How to Visit the T Fondaco Terrace

Tickets to visit the terrace are free and can be reserved online in advance. When we did this (July 2022) tickets sold out at least in week in advance, so we recommend making your reservation sooner than that. Tickets are released 21 days in advance. You will be reserving a 15-minute time slot and visitation is limited to 40 people.

For hours, more information, and the link to reserve your tickets in advance, visit the official website.

14. Try Cicchetti

Cicchetti are small plates of food, similar to tapas, that are eaten as a snack or a small meal. They can be found throughout Venice. Usually, cicchetti are small sandwiches, meats or cheeses arranged on top of bread, or vegetables served on top of polenta.

15. Climb the Steps at Scala Contarini del Bovolo

The Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is a small palazzo, or palace, in Venice. This palazzo is famous for its spiral staircase that leads to an observation terrace. The staircase is featured in Orson Welles film adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello.

Tickets cost €8 per adult (€6 for those 26 and younger). We purchased our tickets onsite and did not have to wait in line when we did this (July 2022).

Scala Contarini del Bovolo | best things to do in Venice

Scala Contarini del Bovolo Photo

Scala Contarini del Bovolo | Best Things to Do in Venice

 

Scala Contarini del Bovolo Steps | best things to do in Venice

16. Church of San Giorgio Maggiore

San Giorgio Maggiore is a small island that sits just to the east of Giudecca. This island, and the church that is located here, the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, is a focal point when looking across the lagoon from Riva degli Schiavoni.

The first church that was built on this island dates back to 790. The present day church was completed in 1610. The bell tower that sits beside the church was completed in 1791.

The views from the island and the bell tower are wonderful. From here, you look across the lagoon to the Doge’s Palace, the St. Mark Campanile, St. Mark’s Basilica, and Riva degli Schiavoni.

Not many people venture out this way, so this is a great activity to do if you want to escape the crowds and get an amazing view of Venice.

Church of San Giorgio Maggiore

Church of San Giorgio Maggiore | Best Things to Do in Venice

 

San Giorgio Maggiore View

View from the terrace in front of  San Giorgio Maggiore | Best Things to Do in Venice

 

Best Views of Venice | best things to do in Venice

View from the bell tower | Best Things to Do in Venice

 

View from San Giorgio Maggiore | best things to do in Venice

Another view from the bell tower | Best Things to Do in Venice

How to Visit the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore

It is free to visit the church but you will pay €8 per person to visit the bell tower. When we did this, payment was by cash only.

To get to the top of the bell tower, no steps are required. An elevator zips you to the top in just a matter of seconds. And once at the top, you get 360° views of the area.

Getting Here: Take the water bus (vaporetto lines 2 and N). It’s best to purchase a daily pass, since your total visit could be longer than 75 minutes. There is no ticket machine for the vaporetto on San Giorgio Maggiore island. You can also take a water taxi, but getting back will be more challenging, since water taxis don’t regularly visit this island.

17. Day trip to Murano, Burano, and Lido

Murano, Burano, and Lido are a series of islands that sit in the Venetian Lagoon and make a great day trip from Venice.

Burano is famous for its colorful buildings and lacemaking. Murano is famous for its glass making. And Lido is a long, thin island with a beach. One of our favorite memories in Venice was day tripping to Lido and cycling around the island on a 4-person surrey.

 


 

18. Teatro La Fenice

This opera house is one of the most famous and historic opera houses in the world. The theater was destroyed by a fire three times, the most recent being in 1996. It reopened in December 2003, truly earning its name “the Phoenix,” as it continually rises from the ashes.

The theater is open for tours on a daily basis. Your admission fee includes the audio guide tour.

Teatro La Fenice | best things to do in Venice

Teatro La Fenice | Best Things to Do in Venice

Cost: 11€
Hours: 9:30 am to 6 pm daily
Website: Get updated hours and pricing here.
Other Ticket Sellers: We purchased our ticket in advance through GetYourGuide, which allowed us to select a morning ticket or an afternoon ticket, so we were not locked into one set time.

19. Peggy Guggenheim Collection

This modern art museum is located in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, an 18th century palace. It contains modern art by Picasso, Dalí, Miró, and Kandinsky that was collected by American heiress Peggy Guggenheim.

One of our favorite parts of this museum is the terrace on the Grand Canal. From here, you have a nice view of Ponte dell’Accademia.

Peggy Guggenheim Museum | best things to do in Venice

Peggy Guggenheim Museum | Best Things to Do in Venice

Hours: 10 am to 6 pm daily; closed Tuesday
Cost: 16€
Website: Get updated hours and pricing on the official website. Purchase your ticket online in advance to avoid waiting in line.

20. Libreria Acqua Alta

The Libreria Acqua Alta is a bookshop in Venice. Books are stored in bathtubs and even a gondola, to protect them from the flooding that occurs annually in Venice.

With colorful books stacked against the walls and a gondola running down the center of the store, Libreria Acqua Alta has become a very popular Instagram spot in recent years.

In my opinion, this bookshop is an overrated attraction in Venice. The shop is small, crowded, and not nearly as photogenic as it appears in some photos.

Libreria Acqua Alta Gondola | best things to do in Venice

 

At the back of the store, you can exit out onto a small terrace and climb the stacks of books for a view of a canal, but it’s not any more scenic than other canals you will see in Venice.

Libreria Acqua Alta Steps | best things to do in Venice

Libreria Acqua Alta View | best things to do in Venice

View from Libreria Acqua Alta

And there is a small patio with colorful books piled up against the walls, which makes a nice spot to take a photo.

Libreria Acqua Alta | best things to do in Venice

Libreria Acqua Alta | Best Things to Do in Venice

If you have limited time in Venice (a day or two), I think your time is better spent in other places in the city. But if you are curious and want to check this place out, it is free and quick to visit (it just takes some time to walk here).

List of Free Things to Do in Venice

  • Wander the canals of Venice
  • Visit St. Mark’s Square
  • Take a stroll across the Rialto Bridge
  • Enjoy the view from the T Fondaco Terrace
  • Photograph the Bridge of Sighs from Ponte della Paglia
  • Take a stroll along Riva degli Schiavoni
  • Photograph the Grand Canal from Ponte dell’Accademia
  • Visit the Libreria Acqua Alta

VENICE TOURIST TAX: Beginning sometime in 2023 (the date keeps getting pushed out and as of March 2023, there is no set start date), there will be a fee for visitors to enter Venice. The fee will range from €3 to €10, depending on visitation numbers. If you will be staying in a hotel in Venice, you will be exempt from this fee. For more information, read this article.

Best Things to Do in Venice: On a Map

How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each thing to do. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.

Tours of Venice

Joining a tour can help save you time waiting in line, allow you to learn more about Venice from a knowledgeable guide, and introduce you to sights that you may not be able to do on your own. Here are some of the best tours in Venice.

For one of the best experiences in Venice, visit St. Mark’s Basilica after hours. You get to tour the Basilica with an expert guide and visit it without the crowds. We are taking this tour on our upcoming visit to Venice.

This combination tour includes both St. Mark’s Basilica and a tour of Doge’s Palace. The tour lasts 2.5 to 3 hours and is one of the best things to do if this is your first visit to Venice.

Take a private evening tour of Cannaregio. With a guide, you will explore Cannaregio, dine on local food, and enjoy wine, beer, and cocktails. 

On this 2.5 hour food tour, explore the Rialto Market with a guide and sample local foods.

For something unique, create your own glass artwork with famous craftsman or create your own Venetian mask in this workshop.

Finally, go on a candlelight dinner cruise on the Venetian Lagoon.

 

How Many Days Should You Spend in Venice?

Ideally, plan on spending two or more days in Venice.

With 2 days in Venice, you have just enough time to visit the highlights of Venice and stroll the canals. It will be a busy but wonderful 2 days in Venice.

With 3 days in Venice, spend two days visiting the highlights in Venice and on the third day, day trip to Murano and Burano and/or Lido. Even more time allows you to slow down and explore the quieter neighborhoods of Venice.

If you only have one day in Venice, it will be a whirlwind, but you can visit a few of the more popular sites in the morning (such as Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica) and explore the canals in the afternoon.

Best Venice Itinerary | Best things to do in Venice

Gondolas on the lagoon | Best Things to Do in Venice

 Best Time to Visit Venice

In general, spring and fall are the best times of the year to visit Venice. During this time, the weather is great for sightseeing and crowds tend to be lower than the busy summer months. But here is a breakdown by season of what you can expect in Venice:

WINTER: It’s cold in Venice during the winter months. Daytime high’s average around 7°C (in the mid-40’s) and it can get down to freezing at night. However, this is the driest time of the year. Crowds are also at their lowest, so if you want to visit Venice without the crowds, this is the time to go…just pack your winter coat. Carnavale is one of Venice’s biggest festivals and takes place at the end of February, ending on Mardi Gras.

SPRING: As the weather warms up in the spring, rain chances also go up. Spring is one of the wettest seasons to visit Venice, but not quite as rainy as the fall months. In early spring, the high temperature is 13°C (55°F) and it continues to get warmer week by week, reaching an average high of 21°C (70°F) by June.

SUMMER: Expect big crowds and hot weather during the summer months. Daily high temperatures average 28°C (82°F) but can get up much higher than this (sometimes getting over 35°C/95°F). However, rainfall is low. Summer is the most popular time to visit Venice, so crowds will be at their highest. If you plan to visit in the summer months, make your hotel reservations far in advance and purchase skip-the-line tickets if possible. And book a hotel with air conditioning, just in case you are here during a heat wave.

FALL: In early fall, crowds can still be high, not really quieting down until the end of October. Daytime high’s range from 21°C (70°F) in early fall and cooling off to 13°C (55°F) by late fall. Autumn is the wettest time to visit Venice (late September through early November), so bring an umbrella if you plan to be here at this time.

VERDICT: I think the best time to visit Venice is from late-April through May. The weather is nice, spring break is over, and crowds are manageable. If you don’t mind chilly weather, March into April would also be a nice time to visit Venice, just try to avoid the Easter holiday.

We have visited Venice twice: in mid-July and mid-September. Crowd levels were about the same for both visits and may have actually been a little bit higher on our September visit.

VENICE FLOODS: Between the months of October and January, water levels in the Venetian Lagoon can rise, flooding St. Mark’s Square. This is called acqua alta, or “high water” and typically lasts a few days each year.

How to Get to Venice

Venice is a cluster of small islands located just off of the mainland. To get from the airport or the Venezia-Mestre train station, you can either take the bus, the train, or a water taxi. If you have a car, you can drive onto the island and park at one of several parking lots and parking garages near Piazzale Roma. 

If you are arriving into Marco Polo Airport, here are bus and water taxi options for getting to Venice.

 

Where to Stay in Venice

Staying in the heart of Venice, in San Marco and around the Grand Canal, can cost a small fortune for a decent place. Consider staying just outside of the center of Venice to save money.

When picking your accommodation, also consider how you are going to get to your hotel. From the airport, you will have to take a taxi (usually a water taxi) to get into Venice. Staying right on the Grand Canal is very convenient, but you will pay more for this convenience. Think about what it will be like to carry your luggage from the canal to your hotel when making your booking.

Luxury:  If money is no object, take a look at the Gritti Palace. This hotel has a prime location, centrally located in San Marco. From your luxurious room, enjoy views of the Grand Canal.

Upscale: Hotel American-Denisen. We stayed here on our most recent trip to Venice. This small hotel has a beautiful setting on the San Vio Canal and it is located just a short walk away from the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Rooms are luxuriously decorated and some have a small balcony with a canal view. If you are traveling as a family, the quadruple room can accommodate up to five people.

Mid-Range:  Hotel Olimpia Venezia. This is where we stayed on one of our visits to Venice. This hotel is located in Santa Croce, so it’s not in the heart of Venice, but that does have its advantages. In just a few minutes you can walk to the train station, the bus station, and the parking garages, which makes getting in and out of Venice a breeze. To get to St. Mark’s Square you can walk (about 20 minutes) or take the vaporetto from Santa Croce. The rooms are quiet and comfortable and breakfast was delicious. We would stay here again.

Budget (in Venice):  Combo Venezia. This hostel is located in Cannaregio, which sits north of San Marco. It is connected by water taxi to the main sites in Venice as well as Lido, Murano, and Burano.

Budget (outside of Venice):  Villa Antica Graziela.  This small, budget hotel is located in Marghera, on the “mainland” of Italy. To get into Venice, you have to take a bus, which takes approximately 30 minutes, once you account for the time waiting for the bus. We stayed here on our around the world trip. The place was great and taking the bus wasn’t too bad (it was worth it to save money). Our only complaint is the slow wifi, but maybe things have changed since our stay in 2014.

Do you need more recommendations on where to stay in Venice? We have an entire post about the different neighborhoods in Venice, how to choose which one fits your traveling style, and many more hotel recommendations based on your budget. Read it here:
 

Best Neighborhoods and Hotels for Your Budget

Planning Your Italy Itinerary

If you are still planning your Italy Itinerary, we have several great itineraries to share with you.

Our article 10 Days in Italy 5 Sample Itineraries has an overview of five different ways to plan a 10-day trip to Italy.

If you have 10 days in Italy and want to visit the top locations such as Rome, Florence, Venice and the Cinque Terre, you’ll love this 10 day Italy Itinerary.

If you have more time (lucky you!), check out our 14 Day Italy itinerary, which includes Rome, Florence, Venice, the Cinque Terre, and the Amalfi Coast.

Finally, this 10 day Northern Italy Itinerary starts in Venice, spends a nice chunk of time in the Dolomites, and ends with Verona, Milan, and Lake Como.

More Information for Your Trip to Venice

VENICE ITINERARY: If you need suggestions on how to plan your time, take a look at our One Day in Venice Itinerary and Two Days in Venice Itinerary.

VENICE HOTELS: In our Venice Hotel Guide, we cover not only where to stay in Venice, but also the best hotels in each area (or sestiere) that fits your budget.

ST. MARK’S BASILICA: In our Guide to St. Mark’s Basilica, learn how to plan your visit, how to skip the line, and learn why an evening tour is one of the best experiences in Venice.

BEST VIEWS OF VENICE: We cover the best photo spots and viewpoints in Venice in our article 12 Beautiful Views of Venice.

VENICE HOTELS: In our Venice Hotel Guide, we cover not only where to stay in Venice, but also the best hotels in each area (or sestiere) that fits your budget.


If you have any questions about the best things to do in Venice, let us know in the comment section below. 

More Information about Italy

FLORENCE & TUSCANY: If this is your first visit to Florence, read our guide to the Best Things to Do in Florence and the best rooftop bars in Florence. If you plan to visit Tuscany, learn how to spend one day in Siena, things to do in Montepulciano, and the best things to do in San Gimignano.

BEST OF ITALY: In our guide to the Best Places to Visit in Italy, we list 25 beautiful destinations to consider for your next trip to Italy. 

NORTHERN ITALY:  Verona is a beautiful city to add to your itinerary and we also have a detailed guide on how to day trip to Lake Como and Bellagio.

ROME: For a list of the top experiences in Rome, read our article Best Things to Do in Rome. Learn how to put these together in our 2 Day Rome Itinerary, where to eat in our Rome Restaurant Guide, how to visit the Colosseum, and where to stay in our Rome Hotel Guide. And don’t miss our guide to the Best Rooftop Bars in Rome.

DOLOMITES: In our article Best Hikes in the Dolomites, we cover 15 epic trails in the Dolomites. And for ideas on what to do, read our article Best Things to Do in the Dolomites.

TRAVEL ITINERARIES: For more travel itineraries for destinations around the world, take a look at our Travel Itineraries page.

 

We have TONS more information about Italy in our Italy Travel Guide, including Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, the Dolomites, the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre, and Puglia.

 

Best Things to do in Venice

Venice Italy Travel Guide

 

Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.

All rights reserved © Earth Trekkers. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc.), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.

Comments 95

  1. Avatar for Barbara
    Barbara

    Thank you for all of this information, it’s so helpful in sorting thru the highlights (I’ve already booked an evening S. Marco tour!). I have a question about the cupola at S. Maria della Salute, which certainly seems to offer amazing views of the city. My husband is 6’5″ tall, do you think he’ll be able to fit into the stairs? We did the cupola climb at St. Peter’s in Rome and it got pretty dicey for his head a few times there! One of the few times that I, all of 5’3″, could feel superior, LOL! Thanks in advance.

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      Hello Barbara. Tim is 6’3″ tall and he did fine, although I’m sure he had to duck a few times. I think your husband should be fine. It is an amazing view of Venice, one of our favorites. I hope you have a wonderful time in Venice and enjoy your evening tour of St. Mark’s Basilica! Cheers, Julie

  2. Avatar for Esther
    Esther

    Hi! Thank you so much for all the information you’ve given! It has helped my husband and I so much in planning our 15yr anniversary trip to Venice for 8 days. Which is a long time for one area and we plan on adding some day trips. Specifically Sermione, Lake Garda. I have a question about speed train fares. Do you know what the increase of price is on purchasing tickets now vs a week in advance? It’s hard to plan for the weather and may be worth it to us to pay a little extra to book a week out when we see the forecast, versus now (5 weeks in advance). Any insight or advice? Thank you so much!

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      No, I am not sure how much prices will go up in that time period. I think it would be worth taking the risk so you can take the trip when the weather is clear. Have a great time in Venice! Cheers, Julie

  3. Avatar for KYLIE
    KYLIE

    Thankyou Julie for making what seemed impossible to figure out traveling without a tour group easily laid out.

    It has taken me months to map together the first half of our trip. Wondering if you would kindly have a quick scan and see if you would steal any nights in one location to add to another.

    Milan 3 nights
    Florence – 3 nights
    Dolmites – 2 nights
    Venice 4 nights
    Misano – 2 nights (Italian Bike Festival)
    unknown – 1 night
    Puglia – 7 night e bike tour
    Matera – 2 nights
    Sorento – 3 nights
    Rome – 5 Nights
    Cinque terre – 3 Nights
    Milan – 2 Nights

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      Wow, that is a wonderfully long Italy itinerary! If you will be in Italy between June and mid-October and you like hiking, you could steal 2 days from Milan and put them in the Dolomites. You could take a day from Venice or use the unknown day to day trip into Tuscany from Florence. But overall, that is a great itinerary with plenty of time in each spot! Cheers, Julie

  4. Avatar for Imi
    Imi

    Hi Julie , absolutely great article and one of most easier to follow for first time visitors .Thank you for that.
    However , looking for quick advice on Vaporetto . We plan to stay in Punta Sabbioni. We plan to use transportation water line to Venice and back . Reading all comments and also getting familiar with lines i do understand that line 14 will get us to Venice and back to Punta Sabbioni . If we get daily ticket for price around 24 Euros , will this ticket also cover Vaporetto’s in Venice transportation or only for line 14 .. i cant nowhere find that explaining similiar case.
    Buying daily water line ticket e.g.line 14, will traveler be able to use it in most Venice part or must must purchase separate ticket for Venice Vaporretto’s ?

    Thank you again
    Imi

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      Unfortunately, I am not sure either. I recommend looking at the ACTV website for answers, or asking a staff member at one of the ticket booths in Venice for a definitive answers. I know that you can buy a day pass for the vaporetto but I am not sure if there is an inclusive ticket for all ferries in the area. Cheers, Julie

  5. Avatar for Alex
    Alex

    Hi Julie!

    My husband and I are headed to Central/Northern Italy for 10 days in May. We have two nights in Venice after getting in on the train at ~ 12 pm. I am trying to decide if we should do a day trip on the second day to see another area, such as a Dolomites day tour (would be a long day!) or to Verona vs if we should just slow down and enjoy Venice for the 2nd full day. We are generally pretty fast paced travelers and travel at the speed you have in many of your itineraries (we have done your Bavarian alps 7 day Utah Might Five, and Paris/Brussels/Amsterdam trip). Any recommendations on what we should do with our second day is greatly appreciated!

    Thanks for all you do,
    Alex

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      That’s tough to answer because both are great options. But if it is your first time in Venice, then I recommend spending two days here. One day is enough time to zip through the top sights, but one of the best things to do in Venice, in my opinion, is to stroll along the canals, away from the main touristy areas. Two days gives you enough time to do this, or day trip to Murano/Burano or Lido. If you like hiking, I recommend a return trip in the future to Verona and the Dolomites. The Dolomites are one of our favorite spots in the world. We will be back here again this summer and will have all kinds of new content in late 2022 to help you plan your next trip. However, if it’s not your first visit to Venice, then I say do the day trip to the Dolomites. If you are like us (and it sounds like you are because you listed some of our favorite trips) you’ll be back again. Cheers, Julie

  6. Avatar for Amanda
    Amanda

    Great article, but just a heads up…. it is illegal to feed the pigeons and there is a hefty fine for tourists who ignore the signs all over the city.

  7. Avatar for Chris Powell
    Chris Powell

    Hi Julie,

    We have a photo framed of the backdrop where your family have their hands up on the bridge.

    Do you know where that bridge is located as we have been meaning to find it, whilst here in Venice.

    Thanks

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      No, I am sorry, I do not know the exact location of the bridge. However, I think it is near the Rialto Bridge, but I am not sure which side of the Grand Canal. Sorry! But hopefully you have fun looking for it! Cheers, Julie

    2. Avatar for James
      James

      Hi Chris,

      The little bridge you are looking for is actually just next to Hotel Splendid Venice, search for ‘Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione’ on Google Maps 😉

Load More Comments

Leave A Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *