Top Things to Do in Venice

About the City

Ah, Venice, the timeless maze of canals and charm! Picture yourself gliding on a gondola, the melody of an Italian serenata filling the air while ancient, noble facades elegantly blush at their reflections on the water's surface. This floating city boasts an air of romantic history, where masked balls and narrow, cobblestone paths whisper tales of a bygone era. Here, you can lose yourself in the endless intricacies of the Doge's Palace, or find serenity in the venerable grace of St. Mark's Basilica, its mosaics winking in the sun. Yet, not all glitters in this aqueous paradise. The city's charm is a siren call to a sea of visitors, crowding the bridges and alleyways, often turning a leisurely stroll into an adventurer's obstacle course. High tides bring acqua alta, playfully splashing the notion that perhaps Venice is a beauty best admired in wellies. And if you're not careful, you may find yourself paying a princely sum for a coffee in Piazza San Marco, as prices soar like the pigeons that call it home. Nonetheless, even with its quirks and quibbles, Venice stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring allure of a life lived floating on the brink of fantasy and reality.

Things to Do in Venice

Attraction Image

Find weird art at Doge’s Palace

Sights

1)horse balls and a jacked dog 2)arrow to the head 3)lady dragging kid by hair 4)baby Jesus with way too long limbs 5)dude lifting baby by the arm

Munch on Moecche

Food & Drink

Ready to get a little shellfish? Dive into the crisp, juicy world of Moecche, Venice's own soft-shell crabs! These deep-fried delicacies are a seasonal treat, usually best in spring. They're so tasty,...

Fish Market Fortune-Telling

Outdoors

Get your palms read by the ancient tales of the sea at the bustling Rialto Fish Market. Grab a fresh sea bream, make a wish, and listen to the old fishmongers' tales that weave the future as intricate...

Venetian High Tea Heist

The Unexpected

Ever fancied sipping tea like Venetian nobility? Find the city's tucked-away terraces for an afternoon tea experience that'll tickle your taste buds. From delicate pastries to robust brews, it's a ste...

Venetian Cat Cuddles

The Unexpected

Unleash your inner cat aficionado and seek out the feline royalty of Venice. These whiskered locals are purr-fessional chillers on the sun-drenched windowsills. Offer a gentle chin scratch and earn a ...

Enchanting Literary Lounges

The Unexpected

Calling all bookish buccaneers! Scour Venice's lesser-known literary lounges for a tome-tastic hideaway. Nuzzle in with a novel amidst the alleyway book nooks, where the coffee's strong and the pages ...

Secret Courtyard Concerts

The Unexpected

Find a secret symphony in the hidden courtyards of Venice! Local virtuosos set up intimate gigs in these secluded spaces, giving you a private concerto experience - if you can locate them! Keep an ear...

Birdwatching at Lagoon Oasis

Outdoors

Put on your nature-loving hat and grab those binoculars! Venice isn't just about canals and carvings; it's also a sanctuary for feathered friends. Steal away to the serene lagoon oases where the sound...

Venetian Vistas & Sketches

Outdoors

Channel your inner artist and sketch some of Venice's most awe-inspiring views. Whether you're a doodler or the next da Vinci, you'll love capturing the city's charm on paper. Find a cozy canal-side c...

Epic Venetian Scavenger Hunt

Outdoors

Get your game face on and your comfy shoes ready! We're kickin' it up a notch with a high-stakes scavenger hunt across the city. You'll be chasing clues and discovering secret spots that even some loc...

Venetian Photo Sprint

Outdoors

Ready, set, snap! Dash around Venice capturing the most Instagrammable moments before time runs out. It's a race against the clock to see who can bag the best shots. And hey, if you're not sprinting t...

Dig into Baicoli

Food & Drink

Munch on Baicoli, Venice's own crunchy, twice-baked biscuits. Dip them in your caffe or just nibble away as you stroll through the piazzas. They're a dry, sweet delight sure to make your snack time mo...

Discover the Mystery of the Bridge of Sighs

Sights

Pucker up near the Bridge of Sighs, because legend has it, a smooch here spells eternal love. Peek through the lattice windows where prisoners once glimpsed Venice for the last time. Mystery, romance,...

Stand Awestruck in the Basilica di San Marco

Sights

Gawk at the golden glory of the Basilica di San Marco with its jaw-dropping mosaics. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but here? You'll be too mesmerized to even mumble. Time to live out y...

Snap a Sunset on the Rialto Bridge

Sights

Join the bridge brigade and catch a Venetian sunset that'll knock your socks off. Perch on the Rialto Bridge, hustle for a spot, and watch the sky blaze over the Grand Canal. Don't forget your camera—...

Catch the Vibe at Venice's Jewish Ghetto

Sights

Step into a slice of history at the world's oldest Jewish ghetto. Immerse yourself in the rich culture with a casual stroll, check out the unique shops, and maybe snag a kosher treat. This is Venice's...

Feast on Bigoli in Salsa

Food & Drink

Twist your fork into a plate of Bigoli in Salsa, the thick, whole-wheat spaghetti's delectable encounter with a savory sauce made from onions and salt-cured fish. It's a classic Venetian primo that'll...

Nibble on Polenta e Schie

Food & Drink

Get your hands on Polenta e Schie, where golden polenta meets tiny, sweet, and juicy shrimp fished right out of the Venetian lagoon. It's a simple yet scrumptious dish that'll make your heart and bell...

Sip on a Bellini at Harry's Bar

Food & Drink

Toast to the high life with a bubbly Bellini at the legendary Harry's Bar, where this peachy cocktail was born. Pink and perfect, it's like sipping on liquid luxury!

Catch a Flick at an Open-Air Cinema

The Unexpected

Trade the movie theater popcorn for gelato and watch A-list flicks under the stars at Venice's hip open-air cinemas. It’s like Netflix, but with gondoliers singing in the background!

More Resources for Venice