Top 10 Things to Do and See in Venice

What are the must-see things to do in Venice? The list could be endless — but if we had to choose only the best, these 10 experiences capture the real spirit of the city: art, water, light, local life, architecture and pure atmosphere. If your time is short, start with the first three — and whenever possible, choose priority entry tickets to avoid queues and make the most of your visit.

1. Climb St. Mark’s Bell Tower at sunset

   

   St. Mark’s Bell Tower is the highest viewpoint in Venice — a soaring 99 meters over the city and the lagoon. On clear days you can even see the Dolomites. Queues can be long, but the view is unforgettable: rooftops, domes and canals glowing in warm golden light.

   For a truly emotional moment, choose sunset. Venice becomes a mosaic of reflections — a quiet panorama suspended between water and sky.

    

2. Enter St. Mark’s Basilica

   

   Visiting Venice without stepping inside St. Mark’s Basilica would mean missing one of the world’s most extraordinary sacred spaces. Gold mosaics, the Pala d’Oro, relics and centuries of history — everything here is precious, rich and layered.

   Book priority access when possible — in summer especially, queues are long and daylight does wonders on the mosaics.

    

3. Visit the Doge’s Palace

   

   To understand the power and structure of the Venetian Republic, you need to enter the Doge’s Palace. The Grand Council Hall, the Bridge of Sighs, the Prisons — art, politics and legends are woven together here.

   Take a moment on the Loggia overlooking the basin: that view alone is worth the visit.

    

4. Get lost in Venice

   

   Past St. Mark’s, let yourself wander through tiny alleys and unexpected bridges. This is how you discover “real Venice”: artisan workshops, secret courtyards, little canals mirroring centuries-old stone façades.

   Bring a map — just in case — but let curiosity lead the way. And if you ask a Venetian for directions and they respond “always straight”… smile: it’s tradition.

    

5. Spritz, Ombra & Cicchetto

   

   Venice is also taste and ritual. An ombra (small glass of wine) and a cicchetto (small bite) at traditional bacari reveal the everyday Venice locals love. Some are historic, some tiny — all atmospheric.

   For inspiration check curated selections of bacari & cicchetti and create your own little “gourmet trail” through the city.

    

6. Walk along the Zattere

   

   The promenade along the Zattere faces the wide Giudecca Canal — sunny, bright and elegant. Start near San Basilio and walk toward Punta della Dogana: it’s the perfect place to slow down and watch the lagoon breathing in the light.

   Sunsets here are pure magic — and winter days are surprisingly luminous and quiet.

    

7. Teatro La Fenice: visit, concert or opera

   

   La Fenice is one of the most iconic opera houses in the world — and a symbol of rebirth. Even if you don’t attend a performance, the guided visit is thrilling: foyer, stucco and gold, frescoed ceilings, the atmosphere of centuries of music.

   If you can, book an evening concert or an opera — it’s an unforgettable way to experience Venice beyond sightseeing. Smart-casual attire recommended for evening shows.

   • Why go: extraordinary acoustics, unique atmosphere, refined architecture.
   • When: daytime visits almost daily; performances in the evening.
    

8. Visit the Guggenheim

   

   Why choose the Guggenheim? Because masterpieces of the 20th century — Cubism, Surrealism, Futurism, Abstract Expressionism — live here in what was once Peggy Guggenheim’s own home on the Grand Canal.

   On sunny days, take a moment on the terrace or in the sculpture garden — it’s one of the most evocative corners of modern art in Venice.

    

9. Watch master glassblowers at work in Murano

   

   The history of Venetian glassmaking lives in Murano. Be careful with tourist traps — true Murano glass involves technique, time and great skill. Watching the blowing process is the most authentic way to understand this centuries-old craft.

   Choose workshops that work real glass and not souvenir-style imitations — you’ll bring home something unique.

    

10. Visit the Arsenale

    

    The Arsenale was the industrial heart of the Venetian Republic — an extraordinary place where ships, fleets and maritime power were built. The scale of the docks, corderie and pavilions still tells a story of innovation and vision.

    For a deeper dive, visit the Naval History Museum and the Ships Pavilion to explore models, stories and maritime tradition in depth.

     



Recommendations

Venice is fragile. Small gestures help keep it beautiful. Trash bins can be limited or full — carry a small bag for your waste and dispose of it as soon as you find space. Avoid sitting on bridges or monument steps, and respect residents and walking paths.
Walking through a clean, respected city is a joy for everyone.

THE BEST ACTIVITIES IN VENICE

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€84

Basilica Guided Tour & Gondola

30-Minute Gondola-Treasury in the Basilica

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The Inside Venice Tour

Doge's Palace skip-the-line tour

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€30

The Islands Tour

6-Hour Tour - Visit Murano - Burano - Torcello