Some places you visit, others you feel. Venice is the latter – a floating city of art, history, and romance that seems to find itself on every traveler’s bucket list. Just the idea of visiting a city build on water is enough to convince many, but add layers of history and lively piazzas, golden sunsets and moonlit canals, and few will resist the opportunity to visit. If you’re searching for the best things to do in Venice, 2025 is the perfect time to explore its magic.
There’s so much to explore and do in Venice, from gliding down the Grand Canal to marveling at the golden mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica, then snacking on cicchetti and taking day trips to nearby islands.
Whether you’re here for art, history, or just the thrill of getting lost, Venice is a dream you’ll never want to wake up from. Here’s our expert travel guide to the 15 best things to do in Venice.
1. Glide down the Grand Canal on a vaporetto or gondola
No trip to Venice is complete without floating down the Grand Canal, the city’s main waterway. You can jump aboard a vaporetto (Venice’s water bus) for a budget-friendly ride past stunning palazzos, or go all in on the romance with a traditional gondola ride.
Whatever your vessel, you’ll drift beneath the famous 16th-century Rialto Bridge and past centuries-old mansions. See Venice as it was meant to be seen – by water!
2. Explore the famous Piazza San Marco
At the heart of Venice lies the grand Piazza San Marco. Any visitor to the city can’t skip a wander through this square – it’s where history, architecture, and Venetian charm collide.
The piazza is flanked by the beautiful St. Mark’s Basilica, the towering bell tower, and the grand Palazzo Ducale. Most importantly, this square has been the city’s social hub and meeting place for centuries. Sip an espresso at the legendary Caffè Florian or Quadri and people-watch as pigeons flutter around. It’s part of the Venetian experience!
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3. Climb the St. Mark’s Bell Tower
Want the best view in Venice? Head straight to the St. Mark’s Bell Tower (otherwise known as Campanile di San Marco). This is the tallest structure in the city, standing at nearly 100 meters (330 feet), andd from the top of the iconic red-brick tower you’ll soak up panoramic views of the Grand Canal, Piazza San Marco, and even the distant Dolomite Mountains on a clear day.
Better yet…. unlike most historic towers, you won’t have to climb hundreds of steps – there’s an elevator to whisk you straight to the top for a that bird’s eye view of the city.
4. Soak up the beauty of St. Mark’s Basilica
St. Mark’s Basilica is more than a church – it’s a temple to art and history. Step inside to discover more than 8000 sq metres (86,000 sq ft) of shimmering mosaics, intricate marble floors, and beautiful Byzantine architecture. Gaze up at the famous Pala d’Oro, a golden altarpiece that sparkles like a treasure chest.
Apparently a church has stood here since the 9th century when Venetian merchants smuggled the corpse of St Mark here from Egypt. The original burnt down in 932 and what you see was built in its place, with the oldest facade mosaic dating back to 1270.
5. Walk across the historic Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is an icon of Venice that has connected the city since 1591. Stroll across the stone bridge to take in scenes of gondolas gliding by and the grand palazzos lining the Grand Canal. There are stores on the bridge itself, selling everything from Venetian glass to unique souvenirs.
6. Then, wander through the Rialto Market
Crossing the Rialto Bridge leads you to a taste of Venetian life – the Rialto Market. Venice has always been a commerce hub, and for the past 1000 years locals have been visiting this food market. Here you can see fresh seafood stacked high, vibrant fruit and veg, and stalls peddling Venetian specialties.
You can stop here for a drink and snack, just be mindful of the locals who are on a mission to do their shopping!
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7. Savor Venetian cicchetti at a wine bar
Cicchetti is Venice’s delicious answer to tapas. Think bite-sized Venetian snacks, best enjoyed at one of the cozy wine bars (or bacari) scattered around the city. Here you drink small glasses of wine (ombra), each with a cicchetti – which might be crispy fried seafood or creamy baccalà mantecato (salted cod). If you don’t drink wine, ask for a Venetian spritz and kick back alongside a canal.
8. Step inside the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace)
Once home to the Doges (Venice’s rulers), the Palazzo Ducale is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, with an intricate façade and ornate interior filled with treasure. It was from here the Doges ruled the Republic of Venice from here for around 900 years.
Step over the Bridge of Sighs and into the palace where you’ll find works of art by Tintoretto, Veronese, and Bellini. The grand Sala del Maggior Consiglio is a showstopper, with its towering frescoes and stunning views of the lagoon. Wandering through the rooms and imagine the height of Venice’s power and elegance.
9. Explore the art of Murano glass blowing
Just a short trip from Venice, the island of Murano is famous worldwide for its centuries-old glass-blowing tradition. On Trafalgar’s Real Italy tour you’ll visit one of the island’s iconic workshops and watch artisans transform molten glass into stunning works of art right before your eyes. From delicate chandeliers to colorful jewelry, the craftsmanship of glass makers is truly magical. A special glass piece makes ht perfect unique souvenir too!
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10. Admire Venetian masterpieces at Gallerie dell’Accademia
The Gallerie dell’Accademia is a world-renowned museum that houses masterpieces by Venetian greats like Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese, showcasing the city’s rich artistic legacy. Here you can discover Venice’s history, mythology, and religious grandeur through paintings frozen in time. Discover the story of Venetian art, from the stunning works of the Renaissance to the delicate brushstrokes of the Baroque period.
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11. Take a day trip to the colorful Island of Burano
For a burst of color and fishing village charm, hop over to the island of Burano. This humble island is famous for its vibrant, candy-colored houses that line the canals – making Burano a photographer’s paradise. Step along the bright streets, then explore the island’s delicate lace-making tradition. There’s a museum to learn more, or you can support the local economy by shopping for a handmade souvenir.
12. Time your trip to collide with Venice Carnival
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a real-life masquerade ball, Venice Carnival is where it happens. The event moves each year, ending on Shrove Tuesday (March 4 in 2025), and a line-up of festivities transforms the city into a celebration of masks, music, and mystery. From grand parades to secretive costume balls, these events add a splash of magic to the atmosphere, making Piazza San Marco an even better spot to people watch. Try and catch the Volo dell’Angelo, which kicks off the carnival.
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13. Find serenity within the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute
The Basilica Santa Maria della Salute is a peaceful sanctuary offering a moment of tranquility away from Venice’s busy streets. You’ll likely recognise this church for its striking dome and Baroque architecture. Curiously, this basilica is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of Venice’s resilience after the plague.
14. Go during the Venice Biennale
If you love art, there’s no better time to visit Venice than during the Venice Biennale. Held every two years, this world-famous cultural event turns the city into a dynamic place of cutting-edge contemporary art, architecture, and performances – which are spread across historic palazzos, gardens, and hidden corners of the city. It seems to fall on even years from May to November, so the next one will be 2026, adding an exciting, creative energy to Venice.
15. Snap a photo at the Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs is a beautiful, arched bridge that connects the Palazzo Ducale to the old prison. It’s said that prisoners would sigh as they crossed, catching one last glimpse of Venice’s stunning skyline before their imprisonment.
Frequently-asked questions about things to do in Venice:
1. Is 2 days in Venice enough?
Two days in Venice can give you a good taste of the city’s top sights, like the Grand Canal, Piazza San Marco, and Rialto Bridge, but there’s so much more to explore. If you’re in a hurry, you can hit the must-sees – and with an overnight stop Trafalgar’s Italian Holiday manages that plus a gondola ride and trip to Murano island.
But if you want to wander the quieter neighborhoods, and take a day trip to Burano, two days might feel a bit rushed. Venice is small, but the charm is in the details – so perhaps Trafalgar’s Great Italian Cities tour, which has three nights in the floating city.
What non-touristy things should I do in Venice?
Explore the quieter side of Venice. Wander through Cannaregio, where you can discover local shops and cafes, or head to Dorsoduro to admire art at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. For hot summer days, visit the Lido beach or take a vaporetto to the lesser-known islands of San Michele or Torcello.
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What is the number one thing to see in Venice, Italy?
Piazza San Marco and St. Mark’s Basilica. This famous square is the heart of Venice – a centerpiece of architecture, history, and social gatherings.
What is the famous drink in Venice?
The famous drink in Venice is the spritz – a refreshing cocktail made with Aperol or bitter aperitif, Prosecco, and soda water. It’s bright, bubbly, and perfect for sipping on a sunny terrace overlooking the canals. The Venetian version differs from the Aperol spritz in the balance of ingredients – it has more water and less alcohol, plus some places will use a Venetian bitter aperitif.
You should also try the Bellini – a mix of Prosecco and peach purée – which was created in Venice!
That’s our list of the best things to do in Venice. Do you have anything to add? Leave us a comment!