While there is no shortage of historically rich destinations throughout Europe, it can also be said that Venice and its endless, grandiose heritage can give any number of ancient cities a run for their money.
Famously poised on the Grand Canal, Venice is a visually stunning city with equally breathtaking history. From its artisanal craftsman and theatrical delights to its political and religious history, and even its reputation for things that go bump in the night. Venice is a city determined to be second to none. Here read below to see how we rank the sites and the best things to do in Venice.
Best Things to Do in Venice & Best Venice Tours
Venice Grand Canal Gondola Experience
Say hello to your gondolier and climb aboard for an hour-long gondola cruise along the Grand Canal! Grab a plush seat while you take in the gorgeous historical influence of the Renaissance and Modern eras.
Marvel at the timeless architecture of La Fenice Theatre, famous for its classic Italian operas. Admire the Peggy Guggenheim Collection Palace. It’s excellent expressions of Cubism, Futurism, Surrealism, Metaphysical Painting, and countless other artistic visions.
Pay homage as you cruise by Salute Church and Punta Della Dogana, and a generous glimpse of S. Giorgio’s Island, Saint Mark’s Campanile, and Doge’s Palace. Pay homage when you cruise past Mozart’s and Desdemona’s homes.
Sit back, take a deep breath and relax while your gondolier regales you with Venetian history. While safely escorting you up and down the riverbanks of the Grand Canal. Optional tour commentary is available at your leisure. It can be listened to in eight different languages when you book your tour in advance!
Murano, Burano, and Torcello Day Trip
Taking a day trip to the Venetian Lagoon is one of the best things to do in Venice. This four-hour day tour is a triple-threat in entertainment. You’ll explore three very unique islands accompanied by an expert local guide.
First up is Murano Island, known and loved for its artisan glass blowing and crafting. You’ll be able to stroll through one of Murano’s glass factories. Observe masters honing their craft while creating one-of-a-kind glass artwork.
From there you’ll traverse to Torcello Island, home of the Byzantine Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Church of Santa Fosca. Literature lovers may recognize Torcello Island as the inspiration for Ernest Hemingway’s novel “Across the River and Into the Trees.”
Finally, you’ll journey to Burano Island, where you enjoy a walk along local streets, admiring the island’s vibrant and colorful houses.
Secure your place on a day trip to the Venetian Lagoon today, and you’ll be able to spend the interim daydreaming of your impending trip beneath the Mediterranean sun.
Hidden Venice: Unusual Walking Tour
Step outside of your comfort zone, and join a small group walking tour that’ll take you through some of the strangest locations throughout Venice! For one hour and fifteen minutes, you’ll stroll through the city with a knowledgeable guide, as they walk you through the beating heart of Venice.
Leave the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowds behind, and discover shadowed corners and discreetly hidden squares as old as the city. Savor the novelty of strolling down Venice’s narrow and labyrinthine streets and squares as you pull back the veil on such sites as the Scala Contarini del Bovolo, the grandiose spiral staircase that once belonged to one of Venice’s wealthiest families.
Walk through St. Mark’s Square and Doge’s Palace, and let these timeless architectural masterpieces transport you to another time and place in history.
Book your ticket online and skip the ticket queues, and you’ll rest peacefully knowing you’ve locked in your chance to experience one of the best things to do in Venice.
Top Things to do in Venice
Venice Carnival Mask-Making Class
Combine the joy of art and history by partaking in one of two classes designed to spread appreciation for the beautiful and timeless Carnival Mask.
Mask production courses are taught by a Venetian artisan master, who will educate you on the ancient technique of Venetian paper-mâché mask making. You’ll not only learn about mask-making in this hour-and-fifteen minute long course but will also have the pleasure of creating your own mask! Your mask will be allotted a safe space to dry, where you can come and pick it up several hours later.
In addition to mask production, the Venetian masters offer a second course to teach you all about Carnival mask decorating. Whether you’d like to decorate your own uniquely produced mask, or would like one provided, you are invited to enjoy this unique experience with all materials provided.
Reserve your spot today, and choose between a public or private session with a Venetian master artisan.
Underground Venice Walking Tour
Seeing Venice in the light of day is one thing. But traipsing through this ancient city after the sun sets is another thing altogether. Take a nice long look at the charming atmosphere of Venice’s bright, upbeat nightlife, because you’ll be moving straight past it and into the shadows of the night.
Keep close to your tour guide as they lead you into the depths of the city’s underground, with little more than a taper candle to light the way. Trek lightly through Venice’s below-ground mausoleum before emerging onto the streets of the infamous San Croce and Dorsoduro districts and their secret alleys.
You’ll do well to keep your feet moving as your escort regales you with mysterious anecdotes of paranormal encounters and morbid crime scene investigations.
So long as the Underground Venice Walking Tour exists, you’ll never have to wonder about what to do in Venice.
Venice: Skip-the-Line Golden Basilica Tour
Tour the breathtaking Cathedral of St. Mark, whose stunning mosaics and Byzantine artwork have earned it the moniker of Golden Basilica. Gaze in awe at all five domes of the cathedral, each painted by master artists.
Absorb the unique beauty of the “Pala D’Oro,” a gem-encrusted golden altarpiece, as your guide explains the historical significance of the Cathedral’s religious relics and artwork amassed over the centuries.
Continuing beyond the Basilica, you’ll visit an artisan glass factory in St. Mark’s Square, where you’ll observe master craftsmen in their element, with the option of participating at your leisure.
Download the tour’s mobile app with commentary, and enjoy a self-guided tour of the five districts of Venice at your own pace.
Book your ticket for this UNESCO World Heritage Site online for print or mobile ticketing, and you’ll also be able to skip the ticket line!
Legendary Venice St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Group or Private Tour
Whether you choose the private or group tour option, you won’t want to miss out on the Legendary Venice tour of St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace. This two-and-a-half-hour walking tour with a local guide includes special access to the terraces of St. Mark’s Basilica.
Hear about Venice’s robust history while strolling past the city’s towering structures and landmarks
St. Mark’s Basilica will be your first stop, where you’ll enjoy learning about how Venice established itself as a major trade hub across the Mediterranean. Pass over the Bridge of Sighs before gaining special access to the terraces at St. Mark’s where you’ll gain an entirely new perspective of the city.
From here you’ll move toward Doge’s Palace, a place once known as the political epicenter of the city. Take your time and explore the decadent apartments and the Hall of the Great Council, as well as the Palace’s prison and armory.
Book your tickets for the Legendary Venice Walking Tour online, so as to ensure your reserved tickets at both St. Marks and Doge’s Palace, where of course, you’ll be happy to skip the line.
Venice Ghost and Legends Walking Tour
Conserve your energy for this nighttime excursion on the streets of Venice, as you set out on a spooky and spirit-infested tour. Follow along as a local guide leads you through claustrophobia-inducing passageways and across abandoned canals while you peel back the dark side of Venice’s story.
Brace yourself for tales of those met harrowing and untimely ends on the streets of Venice, some of whom are rumored to have never left, including the victims of Biasio, the medieval child-murdering butcher of Venice.
Sneak past the city’s architectural powerhouse in the dark, including the Bovolo Staircase, and step foot in hidden corners where secret lovers held forbidden rendezvous.
Continue listening as your guide leads you back toward Rialto Bridge while detailing the misdeeds of killers and thieves who once frequented the area. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcome to continue your exploration of darkness sans guide–unless you’re scared!
Reserve your spot ahead of time, and secure your place on a delightfully terrifying tour of this ancient city!
Historical Promenade in the Heart of Venice
Start your morning in Venice with a historical walking tour through the heart of the city, starting with a stroll through the world-famous San Marco Square. Hear details regarding the lush and ancient history of the monuments and architecture of Doge’s Palace.
Explore the narrow and winding paths of Calli and Campi, a labyrinthine grid of Venetian streets and squares. Discover hidden treasures such as Paolo Church and its domineering facade. Make the trek to Rialto Bridge, where you’ll peruse Venice’s traditional markets that once stood as the greatest commercial center of the Mediterranean.
Feel free to stop off at one of St. Mark’s artisan glass factories, where you can observe master craftsmen as they refine their craft in front of your eyes.
Download the mobile commentary app, and strike out on your own, to further explore the five districts of Venice as you tour the Promenade.
Secure your place on this epic tour by booking your ticket online, also enabling you to skip the ticket line.
