The Floating City. The City of Canals. Land of sunburnt tourists in gondola traffic jams… Call it what you will, but the iconic city of Venice, Italy is one of those spectacular places known the world over, therefore requiring little introduction from me.

I’ve been to Venice many times over the years. With it being the first European city I ever visited, it has a special place in my heart, and I’ve since gone back many times… even conquering the infamous rainy season once, when it was so wet, even my boots wore ponchos.

But what is there to actually do in Venice? Apart from sweat, get lost, and cry in a gondola?

I’m very glad you asked. As I mention in my full Venice travel tips guide, Venice is a city that requires preparation and research to enjoy properly. Luckily, you have a little planning gremlin on your side (me, hi) who has already assembled a shortlist for your perusal.

So, read on for a list of the best things to do in Venice, divided by sestiere… from iconic must-dos and hidden gems to surprises that escape most tourists. I hope you find it helpful!

My Free Map of Things to Do in Venice

For a free map that includes all the activities below (plus recommendations for food, drink, etc.), head to my VIP Zone!

1. Explore Venice at sunrise

Hands down, the best thing I ever did in Venice was wake up early for a sunrise tour.

I’ll be honest with you: in peak season, Venice can seem impossible to enjoy. The crowds, the heat, the lines… all of these can really diminish the romantic and historic vibe that Venice is known for.

The solution? Explore at sunrise! I once booked a sunrise tour in the thick of peak season and it’s still the most memorable thing I’ve done in Venice.

Imagine being able to ogle the squares, the monuments, and the canals… all without the thousands of people there with you? I know that crowds are sometimes inevitable, but getting to feel like you have Venice all to yourself is priceless. Plus, it’s also less hot at this time of day, so a win win.

I wasn’t able to track down the company I went with as this was years ago, but here is another company offering a similar experience. Alternatively, just go and explore on your own – it’ll be magical no matter what.

2. Admire Venice from the water 

This is a no-brainer as a city built on water, but there’s truly nothing like seeing Venice from the water, whether from one of the iconic Venetian gondolas, from one of the city’s many water buses, or on board a private water taxi.

The most iconic Venice experience is of course to enjoy a gondola ride, and while I do think it’s something nice to do once, you do need to plan properly and have your expectations in check because visitors are oftentimes because the experience wasn’t as they hoped.

For instance, if you go at peak periods, you’re basically stuck in a smelly gondola traffic jam the whole time… an experience that you pay a significant fee for (because sadly yes, gondola rides are expensive!)

So, to make the most of your experience, try to go in the morning (before crowds descend and gondoliers get grumpy), and try to board in quieter areas.

NOTE: Prices for gondolas are fixed, so there’s no room for negotiation. According to the official City of Venice regulations, gondolas can fit up to 5 adults at once and as of 2024 cost a fixed rate per boat of €90 for a 30 minute ride during the day, and €110 at night.

For a more immersive experience on the water, you can also consider taking a rowing class, available through Row Venice which gives you much more time on the water for a similar price point. Alternatively, you can book a sunset kayak tour like this one if you’d rather a more familiar water vessel.

Or, for an extremely quick but very affordable taste of Venice’s gondola experience, you can hop on a Traghetto. 

These boats have a capacity of about 12 passengers, making them larger than traditional gondolas, but they whisk passengers across the Grand Canal for the rock bottom price of €2 for tourists, meaning you could ride it back and forth forty five times for the price of one scenic gondola.

Sure, the experience won’t be the same, and I warn you that the ride is over in less than a minute, but for the the price of a bottle of water? Definitely not bad!

Another relatively affordable option is simply admiring the views from Venice’s extensive Vaporetto, or water bus network.

Granted, these also get very busy, so if you want to enjoy them for sightseeing purposes, try to go earlier in the morning. Catching the first water bus from the airport, we practically had the whole boat to ourselves, whereas later in the afternoon another day, there were so many people we gave up and decided to walk instead.

The most scenic route though is known to be the No 1 Line, which goes along the Grand Canal. To maximize your chances at getting a good spot though, be sure to board at the Piazzale Roma stop which is the first stop, because the next stop is the train station which is often super super busy.

Next on our list of quintessential Venice must-dos is to…

3. Gorge yourself on Venetian Cicchetti (and other local treats)

These bite-sized dishes are Venice’s answer to tapas, and best of all, at just €1-3 each, they don’t break the bank.

First time visitors often come to Venice and eat generic Italian dishes they’re familiar with from home, like pizza, or spaghetti bolognese, but when in Venice, you should try Venetian classics, and it doesn’t really get more Venetian than Cicchetti. You can typically find these at a Venetian tavern, known locally as a Bacaro, of which there are many.

Some popular Cicchetti to try include…

• Crostini, toasted pieces of fresh bread topped with different spreads/toppings
• Sarde in Saor which are fried sardines served with vinegar and onion.
• Polpette, fried meatballs
• Croquette fritte, fried croquettes filled with potato, cheese or sometimes fish

4. Hang out in a Bacaro

Bacari (or Bacaro, when referring to just one) are classic Venetian taverns famed for their cozy atmosphere, simple but tasty eats, and overall sense of local charm.

If you’re looking for things to do in Venice after a lengthy day of sightseeing, then relaxing in a Bacaro is a great bet.

Specific dates for when bacari originated vary, although Cantina Do Mori is apparently the oldest bacari in Venice, having been established in 1462. They were originally wine bars that served small appetisers that were like Italian style tapas, called cicchetti. Most of them are too small to sit down in, and the whole idea was for workers to have somewhere for a quick drink and a small meal after work, rather than a more expensive full meal at a restaurant.

5. Bask in the glory of Piazza San Marco (Saint Mark’s Square)

Known as the true heart of the city, it’s impossible visit Venice without admiring the grandeur of Piazza San Marco, a majestic sweeping square lined with some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, like the Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Basilica and St. Mark’s Campanile.

Long the social, religious and political centre of Venice, this striking piazza has played a significant role throughout history as a public gathering place and today, it’s a hotbed of pigeons, people, and ptouristic delights, which we’ll expand on below.

But for now, what you need to know is that Piazza San Marco is the heart of Venice – a gorgeous must-see even if you don’t make it inside its many attractions. In terms of sheer wow-factor, few squares in Europe can beat it… though for maximum enjoyment, I’d strongly suggest coming early in the morning before the crowds descend.

NOTE: I know those fancy eateries with waiters in white jackets and a violinist playing the Godfather theme on repeat seem tempting, but the restaurants here are known as some of the worst tourist traps in the city. If your goal is to enjoy the atmosphere, I’d recommend having a (certainly overpriced) coffee or drink here, then having a full meal elsewhere. Your money will go a lot further in other parts of town.

… oh, and don’t feed the pigeons.

Of course, when in St Mark’s Square, you can check off one of the most famous attractions in Venice – the beautiful Basilica di San Marco (St Mark’s Basilica).

This architectural marvel is adorned with over 30 tennis courts’ worth of Byzantine mosaics (or 8000 square metres), as well as a rich history spanning more than 1,200 years.

Originally built around 828 AD to house the remains of Saint Mark the Evangelist (AKA the patron saint of Venice), the church was initially humble in its origins, getting bigger and fancier over the years as Venice grew in wealth and power. Most of the current basilica, with its iconic domes and intricate mosaics, was finished by the 11th century, and is open to the public today for endless ogling.

Best known for its unique mix of Byzantine, Gothic and Romanesque styles, a stroll through St Mark’s Basilica intricate interior is a must-do in Venice for admirers of architecture… though again, be sure to get here early to avoid the endless crowds.

If you’re a sucker for views like I am, then another Venice must-do is a visit up the Campanile di San Marco, the tallest structure in the city at (almost) 99m high.

A quick elevator ride here transports you to the most incredible view that Venice has to offer, with all the city and Venetian lagoon in view – soaring towers, red rooftops, faraway islands and more.

NOTE: The line-ups here can be atrocious, so I’d advise coming either first thing in the morning or just before they close. Otherwise, your time may be better spent elsewhere rather than waiting hours in line. I’d also advise getting a skip the line ticket if you can.

If it’s the glitzier side of Venice you’re after, then a visit to the opulent Doge’s Palace is a must.

While the name Doge today evokes images of a judgey Shiba Inu (at least for millennials like me), it’s important to note that Doge in this context refers to the former leader of Venice back in its ‘Republic of Venice’ era.

During this time, the Doge’s Palace was (of course) the Doge’s official residence as well as the main government building, with plenty of courts where people were judged and laws were made. The earliest parts of the palace were built in the 9th century, but what you see today is the result of centuries worth of expansion and changes from various rulers who added their own touches. The palace opened as a museum in 1923, much to the joy of tourists like you and me.

If you’re a fan of lavishness, visiting is a must. After all, let’s not forget – the palace wasn’t just a place to work – it was a symbol of Venice’s wealth and power, meaning plenty of stunning art and elaborate decor to show off with.

Today, visitors can wander through grand chambers, explore secret passageways, and relive the city’s political history through either a self-guided visit or a guided tour that brings the palace to life. In any case, prepare yourself for a LOT of gold.

9. Tour the inside of the Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower)

And while you’re out gallivanting around St Mark’s Square – taking photos, dodging pigeons and all that, don’t miss out on the impressive clock tower located on the northern side of the piazza.

This is the 15th century gem known as St Mark’s Clocktower, one of the prettiest clock towers in Italy, showing not just the time but also phases of the moon and the signs of the Zodiac. It also has a great bell on top which is struck every hour by two statues, with a big winged lion of Saint Mark beneath them.

While you should definitely admire this stunning clock from outside, you can also tour the interior of the clock tower but only if you pre-book your tickets online. Your guided tour can be done in English, French or Italian and covers all five floors of the tower.

10. See the Bridge of Sighs

Another iconic Venice attraction near St Mark’s Square is the mysterious Bridge of Sighs.

Why the dreary name? It is said to have come from the fact that this bridge connected the interrogation rooms within the Doge’s Palace to the cells where prisoners were taken. The view of the city that prisoners would see from the bridge was the last time they would see Venice before being imprisoned (and possibly executed) and it was apparently so named for the sad sighs prisoners would give as they looked out at beautiful Venice for the last time.

The bridge was constructed in 1600 of white limestone and there are stone bars over the window. It arches over the Rio di Palazzo canal. According to a character in the 1979 American rom-com A Little Romance, if couples “kiss in a gondola beneath the bridge at sunset while the church bells toll, they will be in love forever.” From sad sighs to romantic sighs! Even if you don’t ride a gondola beneath the bridge, it’s an iconic photo opp.

And if you join this tour of the Doge’s Palace, you’ll be able to walk across the bridge and sigh at the view yourself!

11. Admire Rialto Bridge

Stretching over the impressive Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge is another Venice icon that commands the attention of every visitor – after all, this historic stone bridge is the oldest on the canal, dating back to the 16th century.

Beyond just historic brownie points, one of its more unique features is that it’s lined with shops, and provides some of the most beautiful views of the Grand Canal in Venice.

That said, to be honest, I like the experience of looking at the bridge far more than I like the experience of walking across it. The views from the bridge are amazing, sure, but it’s always incredibly crowded, as well as a hotbed for pickpockets. I’d say to tick this one off your list early in the morning for the mandatory photo opp, but apart from that, there’s plenty more to see and do around Venice.

Worried about getting robbed in Venice? Check out my full guide to avoiding pickpockets in Europe.

12. Enjoy the free views at Fondaco dei Tedeschi

Far better than battling the crowds at Rialto Bridge is enjoying the view above it over at the glitzy Fondaco dei Tedeschi department store, which has a rooftop terrace that offers some of the best views that the city has to offer.. all for free!

The catch is your need to book a timeslot in advance, which can prove difficult as they sell out almost instantly. Be sure to check for new ticket drops 21 days in advance and refresh on the day of too. I managed to secure two last minute tickets this way.

Now to be honest with you, the area connecting the tourist hotspots of San Marco and Rialto is one of my least favourite parts in the city, with sweaty crowds and tourist trap shops and restaurants in abundance. 

So, after exploring the main sights, my top recommendation is to get out of there as soon as possible.

The Western half of San Marco for instance has considerably fewer tourists but no shortage of nice sights. As a sucker for a spiral staircase, one of my favourites is to…

Dating back to the 15th century, this palace’s main highlight is its dramatic multi-arch staircase ripped straight from the pages of a fairytale.

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo literally means “of the snail” and it’s an apt name for this external winding staircase! Many visitors to Venice miss out on this quirky sight since it’s hidden away off the main streets, but with some of the best views over Venice’s iconic rooftops, this is a great stop for your itinerary if you love a good photo opp.

There’s also a small exhibition space inside as well, but let’s be honest, the views are the real star of the show. Just be sure to book your ticket well in advance!

Elsewhere in this part of San Marco, there are many other fun things to do, like…

14. Admire Teatro La Fenice

For a dose of even more culture, visitors can attend a performance at Teatro La Fenice, an enchanting opera house known for its opulent interiors and world-class productions.

Its name, “La Fenice,” translates to “The Phoenix,” symbolizing its resilience as it has been rebuilt multiple times due to fires and other disasters (not uncommon in the history of Venice, in case you fancy a Wikipedia rabbit hole).

Originally opened in 1792, La Fenice has a rich history of hosting premieres of iconic operas by composers such as Rossini, Bellini, and Verdi. The theater’s interior is lavishly decorated in the Neoclassical style, featuring ornate frescoes, gilded accents, and plush seating.

Today, it continues to be a vibrant cultural hub, attracting opera lovers from around the world with its world-class performances and stunning architectural beauty.

NOTE: If you can’t make it for a performance, you can always book a tour!

Now, while it’s great to explore more offbeat parts of San Marco, there’s of course much more to Venice than that, so let’s move across the Rialto Bridge to San Polo, for some gorgeous must-sees like…

15. Visit the Scuola Grande di San Rocco

For Renaissance fangirls, a must-see in Venice is the Scuola Grande di San Rocco.

This building is a treasure trove of Tintoretto’s masterpieces and a captivating reflection of Venice’s artistic legacy. Located next door to the Church of San Rocco (also worth visiting) and opposite the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, this was one of my happiest discoveries on my most recent visit to Venice.

What makes this place so worth seeing? Well, local legend Tintoretto was commissioned to do a series of paintings for the building, and everything you can see inside was done by either him or his assistants between 1564 and 1587. Many of these incredible paintings are still in their original setting, so it’s quite something to see SO many of Tintoretto’s works still inside the building where they were commissioned to be displayed. These paintings depict scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, as well as episodes from the Old Testament.

And if you time your visit for near closing-time, you may even get the whole place (almost) to yourself like I did… a true rarity in Venice.

Right next door to the Scuola Grande di San Rocco is the (surprisingly thorough and interesting) Leonardo da Vinci interactive Museum.

This museum features faithful reproductions of many of Leonardo’s inventions, including flying machines, war machines, and mechanical devices, with many hands-on exhibits and multimedia presentations about his life and work.

Trust me – if you’ve never fully understood what exactly made this man so famous, this museum will blow your mind. From pioneering anatomical drawings to wild inventions centuries before his time, this glimpse of Da Vinci’s genius is a thoroughly interesting way to spend an hour or two, especially on a rainy day in Venice.

NOTE: In this blurb, the museum I’m referring to is the Da Vinci Interactive Musuem in Campo San Rocco. Weirdly, we saw another Da Vinci exhibition at the Church of St. Barnaba, with a big sign saying it was the original so I suspect there may be some Da Vinci Musuem related feud going on in the city. Nonetheless, not getting involved.

Now, let’s continue this list of lesser known things to do in Venice! Next is to…

17. Explore Cannaregio

While within walking distance to most of Venice’s main sights, this neighbourhood in the north of historic Venice has a fraction of the crowds that you’ll encounter in San Marco.

Those who make the trip up here though are treated to a wealth of unique sights that are easy to discover on foot like…

• Casa del Tintoretto, a pretty pink house once home to the famous painter… as well as the Chiesa della Madonna dell’Orto, where he’s buried.
• Ponte Chiodo, which is the last bridge in the historic centre of Venice with no handrails.
• Despar Teatro Italia, quite possibly the most beautiful supermarket in the world, housed in a converted neo-gothic and art nouveau movie theatre
• Ca’ d’Oro, an elegant palace that’s home to a beautiful art collection and exquisite Gothic architecture
• … and many more!

One of my favourite things about Cannareggio is how you can actually stumble upon surprises no guidebook talks about, something I thought would be impossible in Venice.

During my most recent trip for instance, I found myself at the Scuola Grande Della Misericordia where there was an incredible free exhibition from Chinese artist Zeng Fanzhi.

As well as a unique display of 31 handcrafted dioramas depicting the life of Jesus, over at the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena, with entry by donation. 

Best of all, there were no crowds at these experiences at all, something I didn’t think would be possible in Venice.

So, be sure to pencil in some time around Cannareggio on your trip – you won’t regret it!

Cannaregio is also where you can…

18. Tour around Venice’s Jewish Ghetto

Known as the first of its kind in Europe, the Jewish Ghetto in Venice is where the city’s Jewish population was once forced to live in segregation during the Venetian Republic, from around 1516 to 1797. Today, the the Ghetto is home to five synagogues, two of which can be visited on a tour, as well as the Jewish Museum of Venice. 

While the area can be explored in-depth on a guided tour, honestly, I find it’s nice to just walk around the neighbourhood, taking in the sights from outside, and peering through all the bakery windows, with a vibe that feels worlds away from the rest of the city.

Now, onwards to another great neighbourhood to explore, with a nice…

19. Wander around Castello

While again, only steps away from the main sights, there are tons of beautiful gems here to explore, with a sure guarantee of getting lost thanks to its network of narrow and confusing streets. 

This is the neighbourhood I stayed in during my most recent trip and I loved just walking around and soaking in the views, with the leaning bell tower of San Giorgio dei Greci making a frequent appearance.

The Western part of the Sestiere has plenty of interesting sights for visitors, from mask workshops and beautiful artisan shops to the city’s stunning general hospital Ospedale SS Giovanni e Paolo, probably one of the prettiest hospitals in the world. Though this is of course one best admired from the outside!

There’s also the overlooked church next door (Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo), which is where 25 former doges of Venice are buried.

All in all though, Castello is full of great little spots, so my best recommendation is to just wander around and grab a drink when you want a break, like I did at the beautiful Campo Santa Maria Formosa.

That said, one of my favourite must-sees in Castello is actually a bookshop, which brings us to our next Venice must-do, which is to…

20. Visit one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world

One of my favourite spots in Castello is the stunning Libreria Acqua Alta, one of the world’s prettiest bookstores in the world, famed for its whimsical book displays in bathtubs and gondolas, along with its elegant courtyards decorated with stacks of books ruined by Venice’s infamous high tide floods.

Granted, the secret is out about this place, and it’s no longer the quiet gem it once was, so come as soon as they open if you can, and remember at the end of the day, this is a bookstore so do your best to support the shop by buying a book and don’t just come in for a photo!

(And respect the queuing system/limit if you do)

No doubt, if you’re looking for fun things to do in Venice for book lovers, this is a must.

21. Ogle the Arsenale

The eastern half of Castello is considerably more residential, but a highlight for those who time their visit properly would be a visit to the Arsenale, once a powerful shipyard and naval depot that is today periodically open to the public for special exhibitions and cultural events, most famously the Venice Biennale, an international art exhibition held every two years. 

While here, you can also visit MUNAV, the Naval Historical Museum of Venice to learn more about Venice’s naval history, although just going for a walk to the Ponte del Paradiso bridge offers impressive views of the towers that flank the entrance to the Arsenale.

22. Explore Dorsoduro 

In the south of Venice’s historic centre, there’s another great must-see neighbourhood especially for art lovers – Dorsoduro.

All around this neighbourhood, you’ll find a number of important art museums and galleries, highlights of which I’ll be sharing below. There’s also plenty of nice spots for food, drinks, and people watching… or even Bansky-spotting if you’re into it!

Yes indeed, Banksy’s piece the Migrant Child can be found painted on the facade of a canalside house here… one of many bragging rights secured by this vibrant neighbourhood, considered by many to be the cultural heart of the city, with plenty of artsy options like…

23. Scope out the Gallerie dell’Accademia

Found near the southern tip of the Grand Canal, the Gallerie dell’Accademia is home to a remarkable collection of Venetian masterpieces, including works by celebrated artists like Titian, Bosch and Tintoretto.

Inside, you will find a remarkable collection of Venetian art spanning from the 14th to the 18th centuries, including works by Leonardo da Vinci. In fact, this gallery is the home of the Vitruvian Man, one of da Vinci’s most famous drawings, although it’s only displayed on special occasions as it’s so delicate.

PS: If you’re needing a break after absorbing all that art and culture, do know that the gallery is located next to the iconic Ponte dell’Accademia, which has one of the best postcard views of Venice. It was here that I enjoyed a scenic little drink, full of excellent people watching.

24. Admire the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Now, I know modern art isn’t often what comes to mind when people think of Venice, but if that’s a side of the city you’d like to explore, then you’ll be pleased to hear that Peggy Guggenheim’s former home is now a treasure trove of 20th-century art, set in the enchanting Palazzo Venier dei Leoni.

Inside this gorgeous gallery, visitors can explore one of the most important collections of modern art in Italy, featuring works by iconic artists such as Picasso, Pollock, Kandinsky, Duchamp, and many others.

25. Enjoy a Venice food tour

Now, having covered the main “sights” of Venice, now let’s move onto some other fun experiences you can book and enjoy while you’re in town.

For instance, if you want a broader taste of Venice’s culinary scene, there are countless food tour companies willing to take you on a tasty whirl around the city.

Some popular options include…

• Venice Street Food Tour: This foodie tour is a great way to see the main sights while also eating delicious foods that are unique to Venice, like tiramisù!
• Rialto Market Food and Wine Tour: This tour starts off in a market filled with fresh fish, fruit and vegetables before heading to a variety of stops to sample food, wine and coffee.
• Traditional Cafés and Pastry Shops Walking Tour: This tour is perfect if you’re more into the sweet treats on offer at local cafés and it visits all six sestieri (neighborhoods) of Venice.

Or, if you’re more into drinks, you can even book this sparkling wine and prosecco tour!

Antonio Vivaldi was an Italian musician and composer most famous for his violin concertos The Four Seasons. He was also born and raised in Venice, working as a musician, music teacher and composer for many years.

If you’re a Vivaldi fan then listening to his greatest pieces inside the church of Santa Maria della Visitazione is bound to be an unforgettable experience!

While Vivaldi was living in Mantua when he composed The Four Seasons, this beautiful little church is located next door to where he used to work and play when he lived in Venice.

Get your tickets for this incredible Vivaldi concert here!

While opera might not be for everyone, there are few better places to enjoy it than Venice…

After all, opera was born in Italy around the late 16th century, starting as an experiment to revive the style of ancient Greek dramas, where stories were told through a combination of music, singing, and acting…

So if everyone is getting along and you feel like your trip needs a bit more drama, then consider booking this unique ‘traveling’ opera, where different acts are performed in different rooms of a gorgeous palazzo.

Whether you’re a seasoned opera fan or a total newbie, this is sure to be a night to remember!

When it comes to keepsakes from Venice one thing you’ll notice is the sheer number of amazing masks everywhere you go!

Venice is renowned for its carnival celebrations, where everyone dresses up in elaborate costumes and intricate masks inspired by the Venetian tradition of the Commedia dell’arte. For the most unique Venice souvenir possible, you can join a mask-making course where you’ll learn all the ancient techniques that make Venetian masks so special, while making your own mask.

And if that sounds like too much work, you can always just buy one…

What better way to commemorate your trip to Venice than with a series of deliciously over-the-top photos?

Just kidding – it doesn’t have to be over the top, but if you want gorgeous mementos from your trip, then booking a professional photoshoot isn’t a bad idea. This would be especially nice if this is a special trip like a honeymoon or something, plus it’s a shortcut to discovering the most scenic corners of the city.

This photoshoot, for instance, starts off in the stunning St Mark’s Square where you can have lovely photos taken in front of some of Venice’s most beautiful sights, including the Bridge of Sighs. The photos are professionally edited as well, so they will make an amazing keepsake for a special trip to Venice! Click here to see prices and availability.

30. Explore some of Venice’s other churches

I’ve already mentioned quite a few options in this list, but Venice is full of nice churches. That’s just a fact. And while most tourists will undoubtedly visit the Basilica San Marco, another unique thing to do is simply scope out some of the city’s other beautiful churches.

There are way too many to list, but here are some notable ones:

• San Giacomo di Rialto: One of Venice’s oldest churches (possibly the oldest church?), with a lively market square
• San Zaccaria: Home to a flooded crypt and the relics of Saint Zacharias, father of John the Baptist
• Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute: Most famous for its distinctive domed architecture, which you can see when sailing down the Grand Canal
• Church of San Giorgio Maggiore: Located on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, this is the church you can see across the water from St Mark’s Square (pictured below) but you can also visit it for panoramic views of Venice and works of art inside by Tintoretto and Sebastiano Ricci

31. Visit more islands in the Venetian Lagoon

Finally, if time permits, one of the best things you can do in Venice is explore further and see some other islands within the Venetian Lagoon.

If I were to pick just one, I’d go for Burano – the whimsical fishing village that’s painted in a slew of bright colours (said to be a visual aid in times of extreme fog). No matter the reason, these days Burano is a rainbow wonderland, and often considered among the world’s most colourful destinations. Yes, the main draw is that it’s pretty, but they also have lots of great lace artisans and other fun things to do.

You can learn more in my full guide about how to get from Venice to Burano.

Some other options include…

• Murano: Celebrated for its mesmerizing glass-blowing tradition and one of the oldest churches in Venice
• San Giorgio Maggiore: Where you can enjoy panoramic views of Venice from the church’s bell tower. There’s also a very cool labyrinth to explore.
• San Michele Cemetery Island: This island has been the main cemetery for Venice since 1807 and is the final resting place of big names like Ezra Pound and Igor Stravinsky. You can join a guided tour to learn more about it
• Torcello: A much more serene island with ancient landmarks to see, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Church of Santa Fosca, and the Devil’s Bridge.
• Lido: The long barrier island on the edge of the lagoon, most famous for hosting the Venice Film Festival but it also has some elegant Art Nouveau architecture to admire and beaches for relaxing

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Venice?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Venice activities to the list. Happy and safe travels! 🙂