The Best Things to
Do in Venice, Italy

EUROPE / ITALY / TRIPS TO VENICE

Cross Off 9 Bucket-List Moments in Venice, Italy

Located in Northeast Italy, Venice is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea and is an archipelago of more than 100 islands in a lagoon connected by breathtaking bridges and canals. A city built on water, many believe there is no place in Italy more beautiful than Venice, and the lagoon is considered to be one of the most romantic places in the world. Venice's architecture is complemented by pleasant temperatures year-round that rarely drop below 40°F in the winter or rise above more than 80°F in the summer. It's a popular destination because most travelers seek to cross off bucket list items like gliding in a gondola along the canals, strolling through St. Mark's Square, capturing photos of famous bridges, and witnessing the art of traditional Venetian glassmaking. There's so much to do in the lagoon that we rounded up our top nine moments to cross off your bucket list in Venice, Italy.

1. A Serenaded Gondola Ride Along Venice's Canals

Of course, one of the main draws of a visit to Venice is a gondola ride through the Grand Canal, complete with singing gondoliers. You’ll likely get a better experience, though, if you ask for a ride through back canals where fewer boats and tourists often wander. You’ll also save time and money by taking a ride from San Toma as opposed to popular St. Mark’s square. In any event, Venice was meant to be viewed from the water. A gondola ride through the canals of Venice is an experience not to be missed.

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2. Tour the Doge's Palace

Visiting the Doge's Palace is an essential experience for anyone traveling to Venice, as it offers a deep dive into the city’s fascinating history and breathtaking architecture. This magnificent Gothic palace, once the political and judicial heart of Venice, showcases intricate details and grandeur that reflect the city’s former power and wealth. Inside, you’ll find richly decorated chambers, grand staircases, and priceless works of art that tell the story of Venice’s illustrious past. 

A visit here is not just about admiring the opulent beauty of the palace, but also about understanding the pivotal role it played in shaping Venetian history. Exploring the Doge’s Palace is like stepping back in time, offering a rare glimpse into the world of the Venetian Republic at the height of its glory.

3. Capture an Iconic Photo of the "Bridge of Sighs"

The Bridge of Sighs is a must-see in Venice, not only for its stunning architectural beauty but also for its rich historical significance. As one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, this small yet captivating bridge is a "bucket-list item" for travelers who want to immerse themselves in Venice's unique blend of romance and history. Built in the 17th century, the bridge connects the Doge's Palace to the prison, and its name derives from the sighs of prisoners crossing it toward imprisonment. 

After judgments at the Palace, prisoners were taken to their cells or even executed. They would sorrowfully sigh at perhaps their last view of the beautiful city of Venice from the bridge's small stone windows. This moment of reflection, filled with regret and the realization of their grim fate, led to the bridge's evocative name, conveying the sorrow and loss experienced by those who crossed it.

Visiting the Bridge of Sighs offers a poignant reminder of the city's storied past while providing a perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this symbol of Venice’s enduring allure on your next visit.

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4. Explore St. Mark's Square

The city offers more than just gondoliers and candlelit dinners, though. Namely, you’ll want to be sure you save time to visit St. Mark’s square, often referred to as the “Drawing room of Europe” and comprised of The Basilica San Marco, Doge’s Palace, the old clock tower, and bell tower. The Basilica San Marco stands as northern Italy’s Roman Catholic Archdiocese and Venice’s only cathedral. Covered in gold mosaics, the Basilica is nicknamed the “Church of Gold.” The outside is banked with sculptures, while the interior, which is divided into 3 sections, boasts four domes and a marble floor. Just across the Piazza San Marco, you’ll find Doge’s Palace. Though the palace was once home to the Doge of Venice, it has operated as a museum since 1923.

5. See the Colors of Burano

Burano is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Venice, offering a burst of color and culture that’s truly unforgettable. The island’s brightly painted fishermen’s cottages, in shades of hot pink, chartreuse, orange, and lemon yellow, create a vibrant scene that feels like stepping into an artist’s dream. Beyond its picturesque charm, Burano is also steeped in history, known for its lace-making tradition that has been lovingly passed down from mother to daughter since the late 16th century. Visiting Burano allows you to explore this rich heritage firsthand. For the best experience, stroll through the town in the early evening when the day’s tourists have left, allowing you to soak in the island’s unique atmosphere at its most serene.

6. Visit a Traditional Venetian Murano Glass Shop

Murano glass is famous world-round. This glass art tradition spans centuries and is said to be produced in the lagoon's islands for over 1,500 years. You can find almost anything you'd like made in Murano glass: sculptures, chandeliers, vases, jewelry, lighting, mirrors, tiny figurines. Don't be fooled by imitation glass - always look for the trademark Vetro Artistico, which ensures that products are genuine. The best way to purchase the glass is direct from the workshop. Plus, when you visit Murano from Venice by boat, you'll get a much better idea of just how gorgeous the lagoon is. At a workshop, you'll get to see master glassblowers and learn the art and skill that goes into the famous Venetian Glass. 

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7. See Venice from Rialto Bridge

Located in the heart of Venice, the Rialto Bridge connects two important districts, San Polo and San Marco, making it a convenient and essential stop for anyone exploring the city. It was the first bridge to span the Grand Canal and has been a crucial crossing point in the city for centuries. The bridge is one of the oldest and most iconic bridges in Venice, dating back to the late 16th century, and is an impressive example of Renaissance architecture. Its elegant arches, stone balustrades, and intricate design make it a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. 

Rialto Bridge offers some of the best views of the Grand Canal. From the top, you can see the bustling waterways, with gondolas and boats navigating the canal, and the beautiful Venetian buildings lining the water. The bridge itself is a popular subject for photographers, both for its own beauty and the views it offers. It’s a place where you can capture quintessential Venice in a single frame. The area around the Rialto Bridge is lively, filled with shops, markets, and restaurants. It’s a great place to experience the local culture, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy Venetian cuisine.

8. See Saint Mark's Basilica at Night or After-Hours

You’ll find it almost impossible not to gaze heavenward as you enter St. Mark’s. High overhead, magnificent domes are sheathed in mosaics telling the story of the New Testament, but don’t miss the intricate pattern of marble and mosaic tile under your feet or the famous altarpiece made by 10th-century Byzantine artisans who gilded it and decorated it with precious gems (some of which were subsequently stolen by Napoleon).

The building, which exemplifies the city’s historic connection to Byzantium and the Eastern Mediterranean, was finished in the 11th century and incorporates the remnants of earlier churches. Golden glass-tiled mosaics line the interior walls and cupolas, giving the church its nickname, Church of Gold. It houses treasures collected by Venetians over the centuries. The relics of St. Mark, patron saint of the city, were stolen from Alexandria, and the Tetrarch, a group of four crowned figures, was looted from Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade. Every successful Venetian voyager returned with something to decorate the basilica—a frieze, a statue—and the result is one of the most stunning works of art and architecture in this amazing city.

Please note: It is not always possible to arrange an after-hours visit to St. Mark’s Basilica if religious functions or festivities are taking place in the evening, such as during the week of Easter.