Last Updated on June 16, 2025 by Tori Pines
Venice, the floating city of Italy, is a place of timeless beauty and charm. From its winding canals and historic landmarks to its vibrant culture and cuisine, Venice offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this guide highlights the top activities and attractions to make the most of your time in Venice.
Venice is unlike any other city in the world. Built on a network of canals, it boasts stunning architecture, rich history, and a unique way of life that has captivated visitors for centuries. In 2025, Venice continues to enchant with its blend of old-world charm and modern experiences.
15 Things to do in Venice
1. Ride down the Grand Canal on a Vaporetto
Experience Venice from the water by taking a ride on the Vaporetto, the city’s public water bus. Line 1 offers a scenic route along the Grand Canal, passing by iconic landmarks and picturesque buildings. Find a seat with good views and get comfortable. It’s about an hour ride.
But the best part of this experience is listening to the Rick Steves audio guide along the way! It’s a completely free tour that you can listen to as you glide along the water where you’ll learn so much about the city and the different sights you pass. Download it to your phone in advance and remember to bring your headphones!
2. Wander the Alleys
One of the best ways to discover Venice’s charm is by wandering through its labyrinthine alleys and backstreets. You’ll stumble upon hidden courtyards, quaint shops, and local eateries that offer a glimpse into everyday Venetian life.
And honestly? This is the best way to find places to eat! All of the worst restaurants are right by the big tourist attractions. So, wander away and find something hidden down a little alley way for the best chances at incredible food. That’s how we stumbled upon 6342 A le Tole, an absolutely incredible spot for lunch or dinner with freshly made pasta that was SO good.
3. Visit St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
No trip to Venice is complete without a visit to St. Mark’s Square, the city’s main public square. Here, you’ll find the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile (bell tower), and the historic Doge’s Palace. It’s a hub of activity and a perfect spot for people-watching.
4. Climb the Campanile for Panoramic Views
For breathtaking views of Venice, climb the Campanile di San Marco. This bell tower offers a panoramic perspective of the city’s rooftops, canals, and the surrounding lagoon. It’s especially stunning at sunrise or sunset. Tickets are 12 euros and you can (and should) make reservations in advance.
Note: This is a church, so as with every other church in Italy, you must have your shoulders and knees covered! Long pants or skirts are a must!
5. Take a Day Trip to Burano
Escape the crowds and visit Burano, a charming island known for its brightly colored houses and lace-making traditions. A Vaporetto ride from Venice, Burano offers a peaceful retreat and picturesque scenery perfect for photography enthusiasts.
This was easily my favorite part of our trip to Venice, and one of the best parts of our two weeks in Italy. The village is absolutely gorgeous and we thoroughly enjoyed wandering around and taking photos. Plus, we enjoyed an absolutely delicious lunch right on the canal at Riva Rosa.
Be sure to get on the vaporetto that takes you directly to Burano, as opposed to the one that stops a million times throughout Venice first. We learned this the hard way and it took forever to get there, but a direct boat is an option!
Alternatively, you can book a tour to take you there, you will just have to be on their time schedule, and not as free to do what you want. This tour is great because it stops at both Burano and Murano, but allows you time for lunch on Burano while you’re there.
6. Eat Lots of Fresh Seafood at Local Trattorias
Venice is renowned for its seafood cuisine. Dine at a local trattoria to enjoy dishes like risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto) or fritto misto (mixed fried seafood). Pair your meal with a glass of local white wine for an authentic Venetian dining experience.
A few of the places I recommend are 6342 A le Tole, Ai Promessi Sposi and Taverna Scalinetta.
7. Experience the Local Tradition of Cicchetti
Experience Venice’s version of tapas by visiting a bàcaro, a traditional wine bar serving cicchetti—small plates of local delicacies. It’s a great way to sample a variety of flavors and mingle with locals. These are often served as little slices of bread with a variety of toppings. Some are fairly simple like tomatoes, while others include sardines and other items that might not be for everyone. Try what you’re comfortable with, but also, when in Venice….try what they recommend! And be sure to have a little glass of local prosecco to go with it.
Some great options for finding yummy cicchetti are Osteria Al Squero, Bar All’Arco or Osteria Bancogiro.
8. Cross the Iconic Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is one of Venice’s most famous landmarks. Spanning the Grand Canal, it offers stunning views and is lined with shops selling souvenirs, jewelry, and other goods. It’s a bustling spot that’s perfect for photos.
Find the little docks just next to the bridge for perfect insta worthy photos like I got. Or wander around like we did and find some more hidden spots to take photos with the bridge in the background!
Love to travel? Join my Facebook group to be a part of a small community of fellow travel lovers! Get inspiration for your next trip, ask and answer questions and make new friends who also love exploring the world!
9. Take a Gondola Ride
A gondola ride is a quintessential Venetian experience. While it can be pricey, gliding through the narrow canals offers a unique perspective of the city. For a more budget-friendly option, consider a shared gondola ride or a traghetto, a gondola ferry that crosses the Grand Canal.
What’s nice is at least the prices are set for gondola rides all throughout the city. You’ll pay 90 euros for a 30 minute ride during the day, or 110 euros for a 30 minute ride at night. Finding them is easy, they’re set up all throughout Venice waiting for you to board.
10. Discover the Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Art enthusiasts should not miss the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a modern art museum housed in the heiress’s former home. The museum features works by Picasso, Pollock, and Dalí, among others, and offers a tranquil garden setting along the Grand Canal.
11. Experience Venice After Dark
Venice takes on a magical ambiance at night. The crowds dissipate, and the city’s landmarks are beautifully illuminated. Take an evening stroll, enjoy a late-night gelato, or sip wine at a canal-side bar to experience the city’s nocturnal charm.
Just be sure to get GOOD gelato, because bad gelato absolutely does exist! More on that below!
12. Treat Yourself to Gelato at Gelatoteca Suso
For a sweet treat, head to Gelatoteca Suso, known for its artisanal gelato and innovative flavors. It’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike, offering a delightful way to cool down during your explorations. We tried a ton of gelato during our time in Italy, and Suso was definitely at the top of our list for the best spots!
If you want to try out some other spots in town, look for good gelato using these very important tips. First, wander away from the main tourist areas. The worst gelato is usually in the center of the action. Second, avoid any gelato shops where the gelato is piled high in tall mounds, you want to find a place where it is flatter, or even covered with a lid is best!! And third, avoid places that have brightly colored gelato. If the pistachio is bright green and not a more natural brown-ish green then run away! It won’t be good, I promise!
13. Visit the Island of Murano
Murano is famed for its glassmaking heritage. Visit a glass factory to watch artisans at work and browse the many shops selling exquisite glassware. It’s an ideal spot to pick up unique souvenirs and learn about this centuries-old craft.
As I mentioned above, be sure to get on the vaporetto that takes you directly to Murano, as opposed to the one that stops a million times throughout Venice first. We learned this the hard way and it took forever to get there, but a direct boat is an option!
Alternatively, you can book a tour to take you there, you will just have to be on their time schedule, and not as free to do what you want. This tour is great because it stops at both Burano and Murano, and allows you a good amount of time on each island.
14. Shop at the Rialto Fish Market
If you want a real taste of local life in Venice, head to the Rialto Fish Market early in the morning! This bustling market has been around for centuries and is where Venetians go to buy the freshest catch of the day—think glistening sardines, squid, and giant slabs of tuna. The energy is lively, the vendors are passionate, and the seafood is as fresh as it gets. Even if you’re not cooking, it’s worth visiting just to soak up the sights, smells, and authentic vibe. You can buy some fresh fruit or bread to munch on during the day exploring.
Plus, it’s right next to the iconic Rialto Bridge, so you can easily combine it with a stroll along the Grand Canal. It’s a little gritty, totally charming, and such a cool peek into everyday Venice.
15. Stop by Libreria Aqua Alta
If you’re a book lover (or just love quirky, unforgettable spots), visiting Libreria Acqua Alta is a must on your Venice itinerary! Housed in a canal-side alley near Campo Santa Maria Formosa, it’s as charming as it is unique. Books are stored in gondolas, bathtubs, and waterproof bins to survive Venice’s infamous acqua alta (high tide). Inside, you’ll discover a magical maze of stacked books including a staircase made entirely of books that leads to a rooftop view of the canal below. It’s a famous Insta-worthy photo spot.
Tucked among the books are resident cats, the purrfect companions for your browsing adventure . Whether you grab a used treasure or just snap cheesy photos on the “book steps,” this cozy labyrinth is unique, endlessly charming, and absolutely one-of-a-kind!
Venice is a city that captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression. From its historic landmarks and artistic treasures to its culinary delights and serene canals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re exploring its famous sights or uncovering hidden gems, Venice promises an unforgettable journey.
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