What to See and Do in Venice?

For a small city, Venice has many attractions. You could spend hours just walking along the canals and getting lost; there are churches, palaces and museums galore not to mention day trips to the other islands.

If you are in Venice for just a day or two and want to see the ‘must see’ sights, we have put together a list of the and top things to see and do in La Serenissima.

St Mark’s Square

St Mark’s square is undoubtedly the most majestic and ornate square in Venice, perhaps in the whole of Italy. Approaching from the sea is the best way to appreciate it but once there, you are in no doubt from the grandeur that this was the centre of the Venetian Republic and its maritime empire.

Three of Venice’s most visited attractions are located in this square: The Basilica di San Marco, the Campanile or Bell tower and the Doge’s Palace Palazzo Ducale. St Mark’s square is a great place to appreciate the splendour of Venice and for people watching. Although whatever you do, no feeding the pigeons, this could leave you with a hefty fine!

The Grand Canal

This wide waterway is the main thoroughfare of Venice. The watery road snakes thorough the districts of Venice and is lined with more than 170 buildings, dating from the 13th to the 18th century. An array of Venetian styles from Gothic to Baroque express the wealth and splendour of the Venetian Republic. You can walk along some parts of the canal but the main mode of transport is the vaporetto, or the water bus. The vaporetto stops at a number of stations along the grand canal. Alternatively, you can take a water taxi, a more expensive private form of transport or a gondola ride, both of which will pass through the grand canal. (for more information see Getting around Venice)

Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is the most iconic landmark and certainly the most photographed bridge of Venice. Yet the origins of the bridge are much humbler, dating back to the 12th century when it was a simple wooden pontoon bridge that led to the markets of the city. The grand structure we see today dates to the 16th century, when its design was thought too daring and doomed to failure. For over 300 years it was the only way across the grand canal. At 48 meters long and 22 meters wide, it consists of two ramps that rise to a portico in the centre. The covered ramps house a number of shops (much like the Ponte Vecchio in Florence).

Saint Mark’s Basilica

Perhaps the most decorated church in Italy, if not in the world is named after the patron saint Mark whose bones lie beneath the basilica. This magnificent church dates back to the 12th century and is a dizzying mix of artistic and architectural styles from the east and west. Built on a Greek cross plan, it has five cupolas or domes according to the eastern models. Inside is an explosion of colour from the beautiful multi-coloured marble floor and the handmade mosaics that glitter and shine. There are a number of highlights inside including the ancient bronze horses stolen from Constantinople that once adorned the front of the Basilica which can be found in the St Mark’s Museum. The Pala D’Oro is a stunning byzantine high altar studded with enamels and gems inside the Basilica. Visitors can also climb the bell tower or campanile which is the highest point in Venice and has stunning views across the city and the lagoon (For more information see our page on St Mark’s Basilica)

Doge’s Palace or Palazzo Ducale

This extraordinary building has burned down, been rebuilt and restored several times over the centuries but endured as the centre powerhouse of the Venetian Republic. The doges have been associated with this site since the 9th century, but the current building dates back to the 14th century and was extended later. The façade is an extraordinary pattern of pink Verona and white Istrian marble that change colour as the sun passes overhead. The lacy architectural detail is called Venetian Gothic and is the characteristic blend of artistic styles.

The palace is huge, you can visit the official government rooms including the enormous council chamber where 2,500 people convened overlooked by artistic masterpieces. The Sala of justice was a courtroom where laws were made and justice dispensed. Prisoners were also kept here; they were led across the so-called Bridge of Sighs to the prison where legend has it they sighed as they took their last glimpse of the lagoon from the bridge. The Doges Palace should not be missed, here visitors will discover the history, culture and art of Venice.

Go for an Aperitivo

The Aperitivo is a tradition all over Italy. From around 6pm people gather to have a drink together, usually served alongside nibbles or finger food of some kind. The slightly bitter orange Aperol Spritz (aperol and prosecco) comes from the Veneto region, Padua to be precise; so, it is the local aperitivo drink of choice.

You could also go to one of the antique taverns or wine bars called baccari for a small glass of wine called an Ombra (shadow) and cicchetti which are a kind of Venetian tapas, usually seafood based.

It is said that there are more Osterie and Baccari than Churches in Venice, so you should not leave Venice without visiting one of them.

The Gallerie dell’Accademia

With so many art collections to choose from it is hard to pick just one. But if you want to see masterpieces by the very cream of Venetian artists it has to be the Gallerie dell’Accademia in the Dorsoduro district. This beautiful collection includes the work of the Venetian heavyweights Bellini, Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese and is a celebration of Venetian artists prior to the 19th century although there also some pieces by Antonio Canova. Another important work is Leonardo da Vinci’s study of the human body known as ‘Vitruvian Man’ which is rarely on display because it is so fragile. Originally called the Academy of Fine Art, it was founded by Napoleon who had removed precious artworks from churches, monasteries and guilds to create a gallery. The museum opened to the public in 1817.

See the Islands of the lagoon

If you have the time, taking a day or even an afternoon out to visit the islands is a must. Not only are the islands more serene, each has its own attraction. The small island of Torcello is the first place the Venetians settled, a visit to this sparsely populated island will take you back in time and you can marvel at the earliest Basilica of Venice with its byzantine mosaics. Burano is known for its colourful houses and lacemaking and is also a great lunch spot for delicacies of the lagoon. Murano is famous worldwide for its glass and here you can see a demonstration of the age-old tradition of glass blowing not to mention picking up an original piece of Murano glassware. (See Island Hopping for more information).

Take a gondola ride

If you only visit Venice once in your life you should splash out and take a gondola. Whilst the experience is not cheap, there really is no other way to experience Venice than being punted around the narrow canals by a Gondolier. Those who wince at the price should remember that travelling by gondola was the preferred mode of travel for the Venetian merchants of the 16th century, they are handmade boats with a long history that are the equivalent of a water limousine.

Some of the most picturesque spots in the city are hidden down narrow canals and the views of the buildings from the vantage point of a gondola cannot be matched. Do not expect your Gondolier to sing, this is undoubtedly a throwback to the walls ‘Cornetto’ adverts of the 1980s and the Italian Gondoliers are often puzzled if not irritated by the expectation they should sing. The prices of gondola rides are fixed at €80/100 for 30 minutes around the canals, these prices can vary depending on the time of day (more expensive at sunset); longer trips or any extras like singing will cost more. (see or blog Gondola)