14 Best Tourist Attractions in Venice, Italy
Whoever said that the best things in life are free was probably referring to getting lost in the cobbled maze of Venice, Italy. Just strolling through this magical city was one of my favorite parts of visiting Venice.
If you have a few days in the city, check out my guide for the best tourist attractions in Venice, Italy. From cruising the Grand Canal to watching the lights come on over Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy truly tops the list for epic bucket list adventures. Hope you enjoy!
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1. Soak in the splendor of St. Mark’s Basilica
St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the best tourist attractions in Venice, Italy, and easily one of the most iconic sites. The cathedral church is located on the edge of Piazza San Marco, and is well known for its elaborate design and gold mosaic. Make sure to get up close and personal to check it out!
2. Gaze out on the Venetian rooftops from St. Mark’s Campanile
St. Mark’s Campanile is the bell tower of St. Marks’ Basilica. Hike up the stairs to get a panoramic view of the beautiful city. Lines can get pretty lengthy in the summer, so arrive early or invest in a skip the line ticket!
3. Watch the sun go down & the lights come on in Piazza San Marco
One of my favorite things about Venice is watching all of the lights come on in St. Mark’s Square. Watch the sun disappear, night roll in, and the square come alive. The evening is one of the most beautiful times of day there.
4. Cruise down the Grand Canal
The Grand Canal is basically like the aquatic Main Street of Venice—it’s the main thoroughfare of the city. It’s packed with water taxis, vaporettos, and gondolas all going about their days. The first thing I did upon arrival was to take a Grand Canal tour to get oriented with the city!
5. Get a taste of authentic Venetian cuisine
For everyone that knows me, food is always a huge highlight of my trip. Savoring the local cuisine gets you in touch with the culture, and I’m not sure I’ve enjoyed that anywhere more than in Italy. I tasted pasta, antipasti, fresh seafood, gelato, you name it…you basically had to roll me out of dinner when I was done!
6. Indulge in a gondola Ride
When you go to Venice, you should probably take a gondola ride. You see gondolas on postcards, on TV, in your dreams…you might as well splurge when you’re in the city itself. It’s easily one of the best tourist attractions in Venice, Italy!
7. Visit the Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace is one of the best tourist attractions in Venice, Italy. Serving as the residence for the former Doge (aka Big Boss of Venice), it holds an immense amount of history. I did a Secret Tour of Doge’s Palace, where I got to see the room from which Casanova escaped, cross the Bridge of Sighs, and get sneak peeks into other hidden rooms. I’d definitely recommend the hidden itineraries tour, because it also lets you skip the line!
8. Cross the Bridge of Sighs
When you make it to the Doge’s Palace, make sure to cross the Bridge of Sighs. The legend is that prisoners would sigh at their last view of Venice before being taken down to their cells. Honestly, with the stone lattice in the way you couldn’t see much though.
9. Shop for hand-blown glass on Murano
If you have a few days in Venice, I would definitely recommend taking a trip to Murano and Burano. Murano has beautiful hand-blown glass, and one of the coolest things to do is watch a glass-blowing demonstration. I’m warning you, these demos are very hot (but also totally worth it)! On a side note, Murano is also where I found a calzone the size of my head, so it holds a very special place in my heart. You can either use the vaporetto (public ferry) to get to the island, or take a tour that will transport you to Murano and Burano.
10. Experience Instagram heaven on Burano
I’ve already written a whole post on what to do on Burano for a day and how absolutely in love I am with this little slice of paradise, so you’ll want to check out my guide for photo tips and transportation to and from the island. What I can promise is that you will 100% fall head over heels for Burano.
11. Take a Walking Tour through “Hidden Venice”
Get off the main tourist thoroughfares and experience the true life of a Venetian. This is one of my top things to do in every city. The Castello neighborhood was one of my favorites, and I really felt like I could see everyday life on the island. Also, how can you not love adorable canals like this?!
12. Drink like a Venetian
Venice has this fun drink called an Aperol Spritz or just “The Spritz.” The drink is made with prosecco, aperol, a bit of soda water, and an orange slice and is incredibly refreshing after a long day exploring the city. It does have a very unique taste, so before you go crazy and order 10 of them, make sure you like it first! (I liked it!)
13. Lose the map and explore
This one was easy for me since I have no sense of direction and am usually lost. Take a stroll through the quiet streets, check out the canals, and soak in the pure Italian-ness of the city. I know a lot of people that have visited Venice have said they don’t like it…it’s too crowded, too smelly, etc.
Honestly, I was there in July, and didn’t experience that at all. Sure, St. Mark’s Square was crowded, but after seeing the main attractions there, I explored the quieter areas and enjoyed what Venice had to offer. Venice may have been my favorite city in Italy…
14. Experience Aperitivo Time
Italians (and myself) were a huge fan of this time of day. In the evening, everyone congregates for snacks (cicchetti) and drinks (oftentimes wine or spritz) as the day cools down. If you’re feeling hungry, hop on a cicchetti and wine bar tour with a local. It’s also easy to make your own!
So, I hope you found guide to the best tourist attractions in Venice, Italy guide helpful. I was somewhat skeptical going after hearing all of the mixed reviews, but I came out totally obsessed with the city. If you haven’t been, it should definitely be on your bucket list!
Read More:
If you enjoyed reading about the best tourist attractions in Venice, Italy, check out some of the posts below!
Italy Itinerary: 10 Days in Italy: Your Perfect Itinerary
Italian Bucket List: Top 10 Things to do in Italy
Cinque Terre: Why Cinque Terre Should be on Your Bucket List
Florence: 5 Top Photo Spots: Where to Take Stunning Photos in Florence, Italy
Florence Art: Cheat Sheet: Art in Florence, Italy
Burano: Burano, Italy: A Real Life Fairy Tale
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I’ve always wanted to go to Venice! Looks amazing!
Hope you get to go one day! It was probably my favorite spot in Italy 🙂
I’ve been saving this one. We’re going to Venice in September so was very interested in what your top things to do were and they match mine perfectly. Fantastic! No need for FOMO, I have the list right here! Thanks Melissa 😉
Ahh so exciting, take me with you?? Venice is such an amazing city 🙂
Awesome list! We really like #13 – we do that almost everywhere we go. No better way to discover a city! 🙂 Thanks for sharing on #FeetDoTravel
Totally agree with you! Though many times when I get lost, it’s not on purpose haha
Venice looks amazing! We would love to take a Walking Tour through ‘Hidden Venice’. When did you visit? Seems like you got perfect weather!
I was there end of June/ beginning of July! It was definitely warm, but that’s how I like it! Such a beautiful time of year to be there, as long as you can avoid the crowded areas.
Still yet to visit this fascinating city! Your article and photos are a great inspiration. I love getting off the beaten track and strolling down streets and lanes discovering great local restaurants and more. Glad I found your post on Pinterest 🙂
Hi! My sister n I went to Italy for 12 days in 2009! Venice n San Gimignano were my best!!! Didn’t encounter what others have said about the bad smell! Definitely hoping to go back!!!
Me too! I absolutely loved it there, I didn’t want to leave!
Spent 4 days in Venice in June. Not enough time I’m coming back in October for two months.
That sounds amazing! Hope you have a wonderful time 🙂