Ten Things to Do in Venice

The most stunning metropolis in the world, according to many. Venice, with its timeless and heartbreaking allure, is now one of the global centers of modern art. The timeless and enchanted heart of Venice consists of nearly one hundred and twenty individual islands connected by over four hundred bridges and surrounded by canals that serve as waterways, constantly active with gondolas and vessels making their way back and forth. It wouldn’t be an insult to suggest that it is stuffed with priceless works of art; its nostalgic allure and rich history are truly one-of-a-kind. There are many wonderful things to do in Venice throughout the year.

1. Visit St. Mark's Basilica

Explore Venetian history with two of the city's most recognisable structures. The iconic St. Mark's Basilica, always one of the city's most popular attractions, is a must-see in Venice. Explore the mosaic-covered interior and Byzantine antiquities, and take in the breathtaking view of Piazza San Marco from St Marks' balcony. Doge's Palace, Venice's former political center, is nearby.  All Venice holidays should include this beautiful piece of architecture and its historical background.

• Join an organized tour for the best experience.  These cost around $40 per person.
• Doge Palace gets very busy so pre-reserve tickets.

1. Travel the Grand Canal by Gondola

One of the nicest things to do in Venice is to ride across the canals in a traditional gondola with a personal gondolier. Float around small streams and hidden passages, savoring the grandeur of one of Italy's most enchanting cities and taking in the sights. Visitors can pass through centuries-old bridges and see famous landmarks like St. Mark's Bell Tower and San Giorgio Island from the comfort of a gorgeous flat-bottomed gondola.

• Private Gondola ride for around $45 per person.
• Rides average between 30 and 50 minutes.3. Do a Food Tour

Food tasting is very popular on Venice tours.  Venice tasting excursions provide an enjoyable introduction to the varied Venetian cuisine. The tourist can obtain an insider's view of where to drink and dine in the city, as well as enjoy a variety of local specialties such as fresh seafood, handcrafted gelato, classic Venetian sweets, and regional wines. Visit a few of Venice's pubs, restaurants, and gourmet highlights. Tours experience native foods such as fresh seafood, Venetian wines, and handcrafted gelato.

• A three-hour tour will cost around $85 per person.
• Tours of this nature are usually well-paced.

TIP - Remember to tell the guide of any food allergies. 

1. Visit the Murano Glass Factory

The islands of Venice are very well-known for their handicrafts and beautiful products. Many visitors to Venice look forward to a half-day voyage by private boat to Murano Island, where they may witness a spectacular glass-blowing display at the famed factory.  Murano glass is becoming increasingly collectible, and this tour allows tourists to purchase some of this amazing glass at factory pricing. This is one of the many places to visit in Venice.

• A tour of the factory costs around $35 per person, including transport to the island.
• Murano island has much more than a glass factory and is worth exploring.5. Take a Trip to the Dolomite Mountains

It's simple to escape Venice for the day and visit the UNESCO-listed Dolomite Mountains for Venice sightseeing. Visit the stylish alpine town of Cortina d'Ampezzo with a driver/tour escort and enjoy free time to explore. These tours typically include the gorgeous Lake Misurina as well as the Tre Cime di Lavaredo peaks, with participants learning about the region's history as the tour unfolds. Many of the small-group tours are limited to no more than eight persons in order to provide the most personalized experience achievable.

• Dolomite tours start at around $185.
• This is a full day and will start very early and finish late.6. Visit Piazza San Marco

San Marco has been dubbed "Europe's drawing room," and it is a breathtakingly gorgeous site to visit. However, the area has long been a magnet for pigeons, drawn by the large number of tourists who freely feed them, and this sometimes distracts from the square's majesty.  The square is flanked by excellent restaurants and coffee shops, providing visitors with a spectacular view of this historic monument.  San Marco is one of the best places to visit in Venice.

• A coffee in San Marco will cost around $11
• Food and drinks are always more expensive if served outside.

TIP - If sitting outside and the band starts to play, the visitor WILL be charged more. 

1. Scuola Grande di San Rocco

The Scuola Grande di San Rocco, a lay confraternity founded in 1478, is one of the most important sights to see in Venice.  It is a one-of-a-kind location where over sixty artworks have been conserved in their original settings in a building that has barely been altered since its creation. The confraternity is still active today, doing its usual charity obligations as well as caring for its exceptional cultural patrimony. This stunning structure is a must-see on any  Venice sightseeing tour.

• The Scuola Grande costs $10 to enter.
• The establishment is open between 9:00am and 5:00pm every day.8. Sightseeing in the Cannaregio.

Based in the northern sector of the islands of Venice, the Cannaregio is known as being the Jewish sector of the city. The neighborhood is well-known both for its buildings and the history that is connected to the early merchants who lived and worked in the city.  The neighborhood is popular among photographers in the city because of the large number of historic graves and cemeteries that can be found there and is a must see in Venice.

• The Cannaregio visit is often paired with a food tour. These can cost around $110 per person.
• Because it is away from the city center, the Cannaregio is often a full-day tour.9. Cross the Rialto

The Rialto Bridge, spanning the Grand Canal in stunning Istrian white stone, is a must-see for any tourist in Venice. What lies beyond the bridge, however, is possibly just as intriguing. Even while the market on the western side of the bridge hasn't been the bustling commercial center it once was, you can still get a good selection of fresh seafood and produce there. This is a genuine Venetian market, and it's well worth the trip on Venice holidays.

• Try crossing the bridge at different times of day to get different aspects.
• The market is open every day between 9:30am and Midday.10. Eat Authentic Cicchetti in a Bacaro

The words cicchetti and bacaro are required vocabulary for anyone taking a Venice tour. Along with the name "Ombra," which refers to a little glass of wine, these are the things that epitomize snacking in Venice. Cicchetti are bite-sized appetizers prepared in the form of tapas and are a traditional component of the Venetian experience. They are typically served in bar establishments known as bacaro. 

• Cicchetti typically cost around $2.50 each dish, but are small.
• People usually eat between 7 and 10 of these for a meal.