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Things to do in Venice
Must-see Venice sights
Visiting Venice requires a slight balancing act: rising sea levels means the construction of a mobile flood barrier, and high visitor numbers saw ‘responsible tourist’ rules introduced, such as opting to extend your stay. Once you’ve fallen for the city’s allure, though, making the most of your time in Venice won’t be a problem at all.
1. Wander through the Rialto’s markets
Best for: Nestling into the heart of the city.
While you’re there: Stop off at a bacari (a Venetian wine and tapas bar) where you’ll be served the likes of asparagus parcels, salt cod and meatballs.
2. Brush up your history at Palazzo Ducale
The Rialto is Venice’s oldest district and as such holds the greatest number of Veneto-Byzantine palaces. Here you can cross Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto), which connects the two ‘sides’ of Venice: Rialto di quà (this side), and the Rialto di là (that side). There’s also loads of markets worth checking out - the Erberia sells a colourful combo of herbs, flowers, fruit, Veneto wines and vegetables.
Best for: Stepping through history, one room at a time.
While you’re there: Visit the Civic Museums of Venice website for more details of tours.
3. Take the art trail at Collezione Peggy Guggenheim
Bringing Venice up to the modern day is this exceptional museum, which is generally regarded as one of the best modern art collections in Europe. This is one of the more modern things to do in Venice: among its outstanding exhibits are early Picassos and works by Max Ernst.
Best for: Art lovers.
While you’re there: Don’t miss Marino Marini’s Angel of the Citadel, a bronze equestrian statue in the garden facing the Grand Canal.
4. Gaze up at Scuola Grande di San Rocco
Venice really is a place for art history lovers; and Scuola Grande di San Rocco is a place for the emotions. The interior is decorated with many of notable artist Tintoretto’s finest paintings - there are around 65. Back on ground there are wooden figures carved by Venice’s offbeat 17th-century sculptor, Francesco Pianto.
Best for: Sharp details and moreish murals.
While you’re there: Study the astounding detail – especially the ceiling works.
5. Venture out at Murano
After San Michele, the vaporetto stops at Murano, an island famed for glassblowing. Make your own way around the factories, museums and churches for a fascinating insight into this intriguing little island that is undeniably a highlight of any visit to Venice. It’s even thought that spectacles were invented here, back in the 14th century.
Best for: Taking a half- or full-day excursion.
While you’re there: Visit the Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro, Fondamenta Giustinian 8; daily 10.30am–6pm, Nov–Mar until 4.30pm).
6. Basilicas and Bellinis
This magnificent church lies at the very heart of Venice; there’s no missing it, what with its jewel-like lavish details glittering across the water. The cathedral (narthex) details fabulous mosaics, while the small Museo Marciano houses some of San Marco’s finest treasures.
Best for: Ticking off one of Venice’s must-visits.
While you’re there: Stop off at nearby Harry’s Bar, where the Bellini (prosecco and peach-juice) was first supposedly created.
7. Cross over the bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs links the Palazzo Ducale with the former jail, Prigioni Nuove. Sadly the Baroque-stone bridge takes its name from fiction, not hard fact, though: we have the English poet Lord Byron to ‘thank’ for that.
Best for: Slow travellers.
While you’re there: The two parallel passageways each lead to different court and interrogation rooms.
8. Get arty at The Accademia
In the picturesque Dorsoduro district sits Venice’s finest art gallery, the Accademia. Undoubtedly it’s one of the best things to do in Venice: the collection ranges from the 14th to 18th centuries and is spread across 24 rooms. Take in Bellini’s Madonna and Child painting (Hall IV), Leonardo Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man and Carriera’s 18th-century self-portrait (Hall 8).
Best for: Culture vultures: this is Venice’s artiest district.
While you’re there: Only 180 visitors are allowed in at a time, so arrive early to avoid the queues.
9. Make a pilgrimage to La Salute
Its full name is Santa Maria della Salute, but locals know it as ‘La Salute’. If you’re wondering what to do in Venice, this Baroque church is a familiar landmark. On Feast Day (1st November), a pontoon of boats are arranged across the water, allowing everyone to cross over and into the church - it’s the one day of the year the main doors open.
Best for: Getting in with the locals.
While you’re there: In the sacristy to the left of the high altar is Tintoretto’s magnificent Marriage at Cana painting.
10. See Venice at its grandest
One of the top things to do in Venice is taking a gondola ride along the Grand Canal (Canal Grande). The main artery through Venice, it stretches over 4km (2 miles). Many Venice holiday packages include this as part of the trip and with good reason - board a vaporetti and skim along the waves while taking in some of the great sights Venice has to offer.
Best for: Riding the waves.
While you’re there: Keep an eye out for the Fondaco dei Turchi (Natural History Museum), one of the Grand Canal’s oldest buildings, built in 1227.
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