BEST THINGS TO DO IN VENICE, ITALY
Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A trip to Italy wouldn’t be complete without seeing the city of love. It has been home to poets, sculptors and musicians for centuries and is still unspoiled by modern times. Venice is the beloved home of Casanova, a writer and lover. It delights lovers of beauty with its beautiful architecture and charming squares.
With the help of frequent Venice visitor Karen Worral and our own experience in the “City of Water”, we have created a comprehensive guide to the best things you can do in Venice. Karen shares her knowledge and first-hand experiences from our many trips to Venice. This comprehensive guide to Venice will provide molto information. (A lot of information).
Things to Do in Venice, Italy
Venice, famous for its extensive and intricate canal system, was built 2000 years ago on the Adriatic Sea edge. We love that the city is compact enough to allow you to see much in just a few days. Venice, Italy, is the perfect place to live your dream of seeing the city from a gondola or strolling along the pedestrian-only streets. These are the top things to do in this magical place.
Book this airport transfer to make your flight into Venice unforgettable Take a water taxi to get to your hotel from Venice Marco Polo International Airport. Your first glimpse of Venice will be spectacular as you arrive by water.
Mark’s Square
People often place St. Marks Square at the top of their list of things to do when visiting Venice. St. Mark’s Square is where you should go to feel the essence and vibrancy of Venice. The beating heartbeat of Rome is the Colosseum. However, Venice’s most famous piazza, St. Mark’s Square (also known as Piazza San Marco), is the beating heart. This impressive square is flanked by arches, ornate buildings and entrances which host high-end cafes and shops. It is one of Europe’s most famous squares, with the Campanile (clock tower), on one side and the Torre dell Orologio on the other. Other Venetian landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and Doges Palace are also on the other.
Take a 2-hour guided walk around Saint Mark’s Square to learn more about Venice’s history. Skip-the-line tickets for Doges Palace included. Book your ticket to learn more. No cancellation fees and refunds up to 24 hours before the tour begins. You will spend much of your time in this area, as some of Venice’s most significant buildings are situated around St. Mark’s Square.
Doge’s Palace
Doges Palace, located in Venice’s main area of Venice, is one of the most popular places to visit. The Palazzo Ducale, or the Doge’s Palace, is the most significant building in Venetian History. For centuries, the Doge was Venice’s head of religion and state. He was Venice’s Pope Regent, President, Prime Minister, and Regent all at once.
The Doge’s Palace can be found in the corner, with statues of St Mark (the Patron Saint of Venice) and the winged lion towards the water. Looking at the Venetian Gothic architecture within and outside of Doge’s palace is impressive. I recommend spending at least 90 minutes.
The Skip-the-Line Tickets to Doge’s Palace or St Marks Square Tour include a local-led guided tour and skip-the-line tickets. They have special exhibits throughout the year, which are included in your ticket. The ticket also allows you entry to Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, and Biblioteca Nazionale.
St Mark’s Basilica
The square’s main focal point is held by St Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco). This stunning facade is covered with elegant equestrian statues and grand domes in gold-leaf mosaics. It is a must-see in Venice to visit the Basilica San Marco and see the stunning array of mosaics that have been recently restored. You can also find the Treasury, which houses the church’s relics, and the Pala D’oro (Byzantine golden cloth).
You can climb the steps to St Mark’s Museum for a small museum about Venice’s history and a stunning view of St Mark’s Square. Basilica of Saint Mark (San Marco) is a fine example of Byzantine architecture, modeled after the Holy Apostles church.
Mark’s Campanile
The tower of St. Mark’s Campanile (12th century), also known as San Marco Campanile, stands 323 feet tall and offers a magnificent view of the square from the loggia Belfry. Campanile San Marco was once a lighthouse that allowed shipping, and it was also the prototype for Campaniles’ lagoon area Campaniles.
One of the original five bells is still in the church, as the tower’s collapse destroyed all the others in 1902. All the bells are still rung, although they have been replaced. On top of the tower, a golden statue representing Gabriel the Archangel holds court. For a spectacular view of Venice, climb up to the top.
A walking tour is highly recommended. This private tour of St. Mark’s Square shows the square’s main attractions, the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica and the Clock Tower (Torre dell Orologio). The Doge’s Palace (formerly the Doge’s residence and seat of the Venetian government), the Bridge of Sighs and other historical details about Venice will be on the agenda. You’ll then take an elevator to St. Mark’s Bell Tower (Campanile di San Marco) for a panoramic view of the city and the lagoon from 99m above.
San Marco is a great place to stay in Venice. It’s within walking distance of top attractions such as Saint Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs. You can enjoy all the attractions of Venice from the heart of the city, whether you stay in the middle or later in the evening. These are some suggestions for hotels.
The most memorable moments in Venice are often the simplest. Relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate in San Marco Square. It will likely be the most expensive hot chocolate or coffee you have ever had. However, it is highly recommended. Quadra Café often has a classical quartet playing in its front.
Ponte Di Rialto
Ponte di Rialto, also known as Rialto Bridge, is Venice’s oldest bridge. It dates back to the 16th century. It is the most well-known bridge in Venice and the only one that spans the Grand Canal, connecting San Marco and San Polo. Ponte di Calatrava A Venezia Ponte dell’Accademia Ponte degli Scalzi are the other bridges that span Grand Canal.