In this article, we will show you the 10 best things to do in Venice, a city of many names — City of Water, City of Canals, La Dominante, La Serenissima, The Floating City, and others. The lagoon and a part of the city of Venice are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The suggestions are based on our exciting trip to this unique historic city.
NUMBER 10: Venetian Ghetto Venetian Ghetto is a Jewish part of Venice dating back to the year 1516, which makes it the first Jewish ghetto in Europe. In fact, according to one theory, the word ghetto derives from the Venetian Ghetto. Don't miss Banco Rosso and the Jewish Museum.
NUMBER 9: Grand Canal Grand Canal or Canal Grande is a 2.4-mile-long water avenue or in other words, the main water road in Venice, featuring numerous palaces, luxury hotels, and four bridges, including the famous Rialto Bridge. Grand Canal is also home to museums, churches, a fish market, as well as the renowned Casino of Venice.
NUMBER 8: St. Mark’s Square Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark’s Square in English, is the main square and the actual center of Venice, built between the 9th and 12th century AD in front of the impressive Basilica di San Marco.
The square is also home to the famous Campanile, a bell tower of Basilica di San Marco. The tower features the highest observation deck in Venice.
Just a few steps across the square you will find the clock tower, of course, featuring a big clock as well as the lion of St. Mark. St. Mark Square is also one of the main locations of the famous Carnival of Venice.
NUMBER 7: Doge’s Palace Also located in the St. Mark Square, stands another important Venice landmark, the center of centuries-long power and influence in Venice – the Doge’s Palace. It was the residence of the Doge of Venice, the leader of the Venetian Republic. Don’t miss the Bridge of Sighs, connecting Doge’s palace interrogation rooms to the New Prison.
NUMBER 6: Crypt at The Church of San Zaccaria The Church of San Zaccaria, located close to the St. Mark Square, houses a very special attraction. In the basement, you will find a crypt where many of the doges of Venice were buried. Because of the water from surrounding canals, the crypt floor is always flooded, which is a common phenomenon in the buildings of Venice.
NUMBER 5: Venetian Arsenal Venice was a naval super power and in order to build ships throughout history, Venice created what is believed to be one of the largest industrial enterprises in the world before the industrial revolution. The Arsenale di Venezia was a vast complex of shipyards, armories, and other buildings, many of which still exist today. The production of galleys in Arsenale was unlike any other production process of its time.
NUMBER 4: Museums & Art Galleries Venice is home to amazing museums and art galleries. Located next to Arsenale you can find the Naval History Museum and ships pavilion to see some of the ships that were built here during the Venetian golden era. Don’t miss: Galleria dell’Accademia, Museo Civico Correr, Ca’ Rezzonico, Venice Glass Museum in Murano, etc. Famous galleries include Punta Della Dogana, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and Giudecca 795 Art Gallery.
NUMBER 3: Bridges Did you know that Venice is situated on 118 small islands connected by over 400 bridges? Bridges became an important part of the city’s infrastructure, as well as amazing pieces of architecture. Apart from the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs that we already mentioned, Venice is home to many exceptional bridges with amazing history such as the Bridge of Fists, Ponte Chiodo, Ponte dell'Accademia bridge, Ponte del Paradiso, Nail Bridge, an ancient bridge without rails, and others.
NUMBER 2: Gondola & Vaporetto Venice would not be Venice without gondolas, an iconic rowing boat constructed specifically for use in the Venetian lagoon. You can find gondolas in most parts of Venice, and to truly experience the ancient Venetian canals, a ride on a gondola is a one-of-a-kind romantic experience. However, gondola rides can be very expensive, from 80 to over 100 EUR for 40 minutes. However, a cheaper alternative is buying a ticket for Venice public water transportation called Vaporetto. This way you will still be able to experience some of the main canals and attractions from water, which can also be an exciting experience. Check our travel guide for more information.
NUMBER 1: Surrounding Islands Venice is located in the Venetian lagoon, consisting of over 100 additional islands, some of which can be easily reached by Vaporetto. One of the most important islands is Murano, famous for glass-blowing factories of the world-famous Venetian or Murano glass. Another important island is the island of Burano, located further away, and known for its incredible colorful façades, beautiful lace products, and can be a very exciting addition to your trip to Venice.
Other interesting islands include the quiet Torcello island, San Michele, home to an impressive Venetian cemetery, and Sant’Erasmo island, also called the garden of Venice.
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