Best things to do in Venice

Venice is an enchanting city, and one of the most romantic places in the world. There are plenty of things to do to make the most of your visit. Beyond its well-known charm, Venice is a tapestry of hidden alleys and local secrets. Are you a foodie looking for an authentic culinary experience, a history buff searching for a glimpse of the past? Or are you simply in love with beauty? Well, this city has layers of wonders for everyone.

Explore Venice with a variety of activities that make up the best things to do in Venice. Choosing from an extensive list can be a delightful challenge. Whether it’s embarking on a scenic walking tour, a food tour, a history guided tour, or a romantic escapade. In this blog we’ll unveil the must-do experiences, inviting you to discover Venice together!

Best things to do in Venice during your trip

If you’re planning a trip to Venice, here are some of the best things do in Venice that will transform your visit into a magical experience:

Take a Gondola Ride. Experience Venice’s iconic canals from a gondola, the city’s traditional boat. Enjoy the stunning views of the city as your gondolier takes you through the narrow canals. For a unique and romantic experience, opt for a sunset ride when the city’s lights reflect on the water.
Visit St. Mark’s Square. This famous square is the heart of the city and features stunning architecture, including St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Take a stroll through the square and explore its surroundings. St. Mark’s Square is more than just a tourist hub. It’s a living museum, steeped in history. Early mornings here are peaceful, a perfect time to appreciate the Basilica’s intricate facades without the crowds.
Take a Cooking Class. Learn the secrets of traditional Venetian cuisine from a professional chef during a cooking class. Discover the city’s culinary culture and take home some new cooking skills.
Explore the Rialto Market. Early visits to the Rialto Market offer an authentic glimpse into Venetian life. It’s not just a market; it’s a vibrant spectacle of daily life. Wander through the market to find fresh produce, fish, and local delicacies. It’s a great place to pick up some ingredients for your own culinary creations.
Enjoy Venetian Cuisine. Venice is a paradise for seafood lovers. Savor the delicious traditional Venetian dishes, from fresh seafood to pasta and risotto. Try some of the city’s specialties like cicchetti or tramezzini in a cozy bàcaro. You can find them throughout the city, inviting you to taste and spend a smiling and tasteful break, as Italians like it!
Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Art lovers won’t want to miss this contemporary art museum. It is a sanctuary of modern art. Here, the intimate setting allows for a personal connection with the artworks. Many activities dedicated to the little ones are often organized. It is ideal for families with children for a different and truly unique experience.
Take a Day Trip to the Islands. Visit the charming islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Each island has its unique character and attractions. From glassblowing in Murano to the colorful houses in Burano. Then Torcello, with its museum which collects precious archaeological remains. These islands are more than just tourist spots. They are guardians of Venice’s artisanal heritage. You can reach them by ferry or water taxi; there are many timetables available for these routes.

Venice has plenty to offer! From the iconic canals and stunning architecture, to the vibrant food culture and contemporary art scene. So, dear traveler, let this guide be your companion making the most of your visit by exploring these best things to do in Venice.

Best things to do in Venice_St Mark Square

Venice best things to do: Unveiling the hidden gems

Exploring Venice is a journey of enchantment. To truly feel its essence, it’s best to do so without missing any of the best things to do in Venice. Let’s uncover the treasures this city has to offer, from the most famous attractions, to the hidden gems in Venice.

Food & Wine delights

Renowned for its rich culinary heritage, Venice has a lot to offer to food lovers. The city is famous for its fresh seafood, delicious genuine vegetables, a unique homemade pasta, and rich wine culture. Tourists can explore local markets and food shops, and taste traditional Venetian dishes while wandering through the charming streets of the city.

Cooking Classes in Venice

For those seeking a more immersive experience, Venice reveals its hidden gems through a wide range of cooking classes. They allow visitors to learn the secrets of authentic Venetian cuisine. A cooking class is an excellent way to experience the city’s food culture and indulge in its delicious dishes. In Venice, every bite tells a story, and every sip is a toast to tradition, so let the city’s culinary treasures be your guide.

Enchanting Walking Tours

Walking tours are a great way to explore Venice and get a feel for its unique atmosphere. With no cars or motorbikes allowed in the city, walking is the best way to navigate the narrow streets and bridges that make up the city. Here are some Venice tips to make the most of your journey. Walking tours allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Venice, from the architecture to the charming canals. You can stroll through the city’s picturesque neighborhoods and get a sense of the local culture. So, lace up your comfortable shoes and embrace the pedestrian rhythm! Let the narrow streets of Venice lead you to an adventure filled with history and the timeless beauty of this extraordinary city.

Insider insights with experienced guides

Enhance your experience by choosing a walking tour led by an experienced guide. Their knowledge transforms each step into a story. Sharing legends, and unique perspectives, they make Venice truly enchanting. So, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, a walking tour is a must-do activity in Venice and really one of the best things to do in Venice.

Cultural Tours

Taking a cultural tour of Venice is a unique way to give you a sense of the history and culture of this unique city. These tours offer a detailed overview of Venice’s history and architecture. They give visitors a unique opportunity to see Venice at its best. All of these tours include access to some of the city’s best sights, such as St. Mark’s Square and the canal tour by gondola. Choose from a variety of cultural tours that suit your preferences. Half or daylong city tours. Let the history of this city come alive through experienced guides who will show you the best things uniquely.

Best things to do in Venice_Walking tours

Best things to do in Venice: main cultural attractions

Venice is a city rich in culture and history, and there are many cultural sites that attract visitors from all over the world. If you’re planning a trip to Venice, be sure to check out these top cultural sites that are available to visit year-round. You can organize your visit to these places both on your own with a paper travel guide or with a guided tour. In both ways, these cultural gems promise to leave an indelible mark on your Venice adventure.

Saint Mark’s Basilica. This iconic cathedral is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Venice and the best place to visit. Its stunning architecture and intricate mosaics make it a must-see attraction.
Doge’s Palace. Il Palazzo Ducale, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and is one of the most significant cultural sites in Venice. It was once the seat of government and now houses several museums and galleries. A visit here is an immersion into the artistry and political significance that defines Venice.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a world-renowned museum. It showcases modern and contemporary art from some of the world’s most celebrated artists. Also, it invites visitors to witness the transformative power of creativity.
Gallerie dell’Accademia. The Gallerie dell’Accademia is one of the most important art museums in Italy. It is home to a vast collection of Renaissance masterpieces.
Teatro La Fenice. For opera enthusiasts, a visit to Teatro La Fenice is a non-negotiable. This iconic opera house has resonated with the melodies of the world’s most famous singers and musicians over the centuries.
Ca’ Rezzonico. This stunning palazzo houses the Museum of 18th-century and is home to an extensive collection of art and artifacts from the period.
Bridges of Venice. Among the countless bridges that grace Venice, Ponte di Rialto (Rialto bridge) and Ponte dei Sospiri (bridge of Sighs) are iconic symbols. Ponte di Rialto, the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, is a testament to architectural talent. Ponte dei Sospiri, exudes romance and mystery, connecting the Doge’s Palace to the historic prison.

These cultural sites offer a glimpse into Venice’s rich history and artistic heritage. They are must-see attractions for anyone visiting the city. So, be sure to add these sites to your itinerary for an unforgettable trip to Venice!

Venice transportation

Venetian lagoon has a public transport system that includes water taxi, ferry boat (as a kind of water bus) and walking ways. The water taxi service runs between the various districts of the city and can be used to get around easily. Ferry boats run from one district of Venice to another. They are great for getting across the lagoon and visiting the other small islands such as Burano and Murano or for going to Venezia Lido. Anyway, walking is a great way to explore Venice as it is easy to navigate and there are plenty of places where you can stop for a drink or lunch on your way. Whereas, if you’re interested in gondola rides, do them during sunset or sunrise. This is when gondola rides become especially beautiful and romantic, as the day turns into night and the city lights come on.

Best things to do in Venice_Venice Transport

Conclusion

With this guide, we have accompanied you along the best things to do in Venice, so that you don’t miss any of the hidden gems of this city. You can choose what to visit first based on your preferences and the time you have available. In any case, we are sure that you will not be disappointed!

And if among the best things to do in Venice the one that struck you the most is the cooking school, here we are! We recommend our class, loved by many tourists and local people. Everyone loves to learn and improve their culinary skills using the best products locals! Our Venice cooking school is designed to help you learn venetian cuisine and cooking skills. Want to experience Venice cooking class with us? Book today! Here are our contacts.