Things to do in Venice

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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).

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.

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.