Venice is a city located in northeastern Italy, built on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and connected by bridges. It is known for its stunning architecture, art, and history, as well as its iconic gondolas. Visitors can explore numerous landmarks, such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge. Venice is also famous for its annual carnival, which features elaborate costumes and masks. The city is a popular destination for tourists, attracting millions each year to experience its unique charm and beauty.
Official tourism websites:
https://www.italia.it/en/veneto/venice
https://www.veneziaunica.it/en
Google map of Venice
The Best Things to Do in Venice
#1 St Mark’s Square – Piazza San Marco
St. Mark’s Square, or Piazza San Marco, is the principal public square in Venice, Italy. It is located in the heart of the city and surrounded by stunning architecture, including the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. The square has a rich history and has been the site of numerous political and cultural events over the centuries. Visitors can stroll through the square, enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes, and soak in the beauty and history of this iconic landmark.
Official website:
https://www.basilicasanmarco.it/?lang=en
Google map 4.7/5
#2 St Mark’s Basilica – Basilica di San Marco
St. Mark’s Basilica is a stunning cathedral located in St. Mark’s Square in Venice, Italy. It is known for its intricate Byzantine architecture and beautiful mosaics, which cover the walls and ceilings of the cathedral. The basilica dates back to the 9th century and has undergone numerous restorations and renovations over the centuries. Visitors can explore the interior of the cathedral and view its stunning art and architecture, as well as climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Venice.
Official website:
https://www.basilicasanmarco.it/?lang=en
Google map 4.7/5
#3 Doge’s Palace – Palazzo Ducale
The Doge’s Palace, or Palazzo Ducale, is a remarkable Gothic-style palace located in Venice’s historic center. Once the residence of the Doge, Venice’s chief magistrate, and the seat of government, this architectural masterpiece showcases opulent interiors, including the Great Council Hall, the Doge’s Apartments, and the Tintoretto-painted ceiling. Visitors can tour the palace, explore its rich history, and admire its extensive collection of Renaissance art and artifacts.
Official website:
https://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/
Google map 4.7/5
#4 Grand Canal – Canal Grande
The Grand Canal, or Canal Grande, is Venice’s main waterway, stretching over 3.8 kilometers and traversing the city in a reverse-S shape. Lined with over 170 historic buildings dating from the 13th to 18th centuries, this impressive waterway serves as a bustling thoroughfare for vaporettos, water taxis, and gondolas. Visitors can enjoy a scenic boat ride, admire the architectural splendor, and capture memorable photos of this iconic Venetian attraction.
Google map 4.8/5
#5 Rialto Bridge – Ponte di Rialto
The Rialto Bridge, or Ponte di Rialto, is a renowned 16th-century stone-arch bridge crossing the Grand Canal in Venice. As the oldest and most famous bridge in the city, it features a central portico with shops, offering a unique shopping experience amidst striking architecture. Visitors can stroll along the bridge, take in picturesque views of the Grand Canal, and shop for souvenirs, making the Rialto Bridge a must-see attraction in Venice.
FREE entry
Google map 4.7/5
#6 San Giorgio Maggiore
The San Giorgio Maggiore Basilica is a stunning church located on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, Italy. It was designed by renowned architect Andrea Palladio in the 16th century and is known for its elegant Renaissance architecture and beautiful art. Visitors can explore the interior of the church and view its stunning paintings and sculptures, as well as climb to the top of the bell tower for panoramic views of Venice and the surrounding lagoon.
Official website:
Google map 4.8/5
#7 Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
The Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (Saint Mary of the Friars) is a historic church located in Venice, Italy. It was built in the 14th century and is known for its stunning Gothic architecture and beautiful art. The church houses numerous important works, including the famous altarpiece by Titian. Visitors can explore the interior of the church and view its stunning paintings and sculptures, as well as appreciate the beauty and history of this important cultural and religious landmark in Venice.
Official website:
Google map 4.7/5
#8 Bridge of Sighs – Ponte dei Sospiri
The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) is a historic bridge that connects the Doge’s Palace to the prison in Venice, Italy. It was built in the 17th century and is known for its stunning Baroque architecture and rich history. The bridge is named for the sighs of prisoners who would cross it on their way to the prison. Visitors can view the bridge from the outside and appreciate its unique beauty and history, as well as explore the Doge’s Palace and learn about its role in Venetian history.
Google map 4.6/5
#9 Ponte dell’Accademia Bridge
Ponte dell’Accademia (Academy Bridge) is one of only four bridges to span the Grand Canal in Venice and is named after the Gallerie dell’Accademia art gallery located nearby. Views from the bridge are some of the best in Venice making it particularly popular with photographers. The view in the photo above is towards the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute at twilight.
Google map 4.7/5
#10 Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is a large Baroque church located at the entrance to the Grand Canal. The church was finished in 1687 in honor of the city’s deliverance from the plague epidemic of 1630. For this reason, the church takes the name “Salute” meaning health and salvation.
Google map 4.7/5
#11 Peggy Guggenheim Collection
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a modern art museum located in Venice, Italy. It houses an impressive collection of artwork, including pieces by famous artists such as Jackson Pollock and Salvador Dalí. The museum is housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, which was Peggy Guggenheim’s former home. Visitors can explore the museum and appreciate its unique collection of modern art.
Official website:
https://www.guggenheim-venice.it/en/
Google map 4.6/5
#12 Venice Carnival
The Venice Carnival is an annual festival held in Venice, Italy, known for its elaborate costumes and masks. The carnival dates back to the 13th century and is a celebration of the city’s rich history and culture. Visitors can take part in numerous events, including parades, masquerade balls, and street performances. The Venice Carnival is a popular destination for tourists, attracting thousands each year to experience its unique charm and beauty.
#13 Torcello
Torcello is an island located in the Venetian Lagoon, Italy. It is known for its rich history and stunning Byzantine architecture. Visitors can explore the island’s numerous landmarks, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Church of Santa Fosca. Torcello is a popular destination for those looking to experience the beauty and history of Venice away from the crowds.
Official website:
Google map 4.4/5
#14 Burano
Burano is a small island located in the Venetian Lagoon, Italy. It is known for its colorful houses, lace-making tradition, and picturesque canals. Visitors can explore the island’s narrow streets and enjoy its unique beauty and charm. Burano is a popular destination for those looking to experience the beauty and culture of Venice away from the crowds.
Google map 4.8/5
Take a Gondola Ride
Taking a gondola ride is an iconic Venetian experience, offering tourists a leisurely way to explore Venice’s waterways and historic architecture. Traditional, flat-bottomed boats are navigated by skilled gondoliers through the city’s intricate network of canals. Lasting about 30 to 40 minutes, these rides provide a unique perspective of Venice that is difficult to replicate by other means of transportation, making it a memorable activity for visitors to the city.
Vaporettos
The Vaporettos are the public water transportation system operating in Venice, Italy, and its surrounding islands. Serving as the primary mode of public transportation in a city defined by its canals and waterways, these water buses provide an efficient means of travel for both residents and tourists. Vaporettos enable convenient access to Venice’s main attractions, residential areas, and nearby islands such as Murano, Burano, and Torcello.