Welcome, Dear Travellers! A Love Letter to La Serenissima
Friendly fellow travellers, have you ever been drawn to a city with settled-down beauty, not some big, sudden drama? Well, for me, that’s Venice. You hear it before you go: it’s too busy, it smells, it’s expensive. But I tell you, after you get off the train and the sight of this floating masterpiece hits you a watery symphony of old stones and impossible buildings, none of that matters in the moment. Venice is a trick of light and history and just pure, unabashed magic. This guide will help you discover it.
I have recently spent a few days finding myself completely and delightfully lost amongst the streets of La Serenissima (The Most Serene Republic). I didn’t just tour the major landmarks, but I became a part of the city and found quiet nooks and crannies to experience what can now be called pure Venetian silence.
This is not a checklist of tourist traps; this is a personal, ranked itinerary travel guide from one backpacker to another. This itinerary is about discovering gems, in addition to the icons, and experiencing the pure, simple joy of a city that’s made of water. This is truly a list of the best things to do in Venice.
So, put your map away, and leave the frantic pace behind, while we explore the 15 experiences that I believe encompass my Venetian voyage, my ultimate list of things to do in Venice.
My Best List: 15 Things To Do in Venice
1. The Grand Canal in Style: Take the No. 1 Vaporetto at Sunset
There is no point in spending a fortune on a private water taxi; my number one recommendation for value for money and experience is to get on the No. 1 Vaporetto (water bus) and ride it the full distance along the Grand Canal. This is the city’s lifeblood, and you become part of it. Get a seat at the back, preferably outside, and as the sun begins to dip, get ready for a slow ride past the extravagant, centuries-old palaces and their gold and rose facades gleaming in the late light; a visual feast like nowhere else on earth.
From start to finish, it costs a few euros, lasts 45 minutes, and you see the best of architecture for very little money, it is a completely unmissable experience in Venice. It’s one of the most cost-effective and free things to do in Venice (once you have your Vaporetto pass, of course!).
2. Lose Yourself on Purpose: The Art of Getting Gloriously Lost
This is the most true, freeing, and free activity you can do here. Venice is small, so you can always find your way back to a prominent Venice landmark. My suggestion is to turn your phone map off. Explore the tiny, twisty calle (streets) and the hidden campi (squares) of Venice. When you venture into the quieter areas of the city, Venice reveals itself to you: you’ll hear a gondolier singing from far away, you might come across a string quartet rehearsing in some tiny church, or find a bridge that is impossibly tiny and impossibly well-preserved, and you’ll know you won’t be able to find that spot again. You won’t be able to resist: allow yourself to be lost. This is one of the best things to do in Venice for finding hidden moments.
3. The Golden Glow: Appreciate the Mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica
You will see why the Basilica di San Marco was a private chapel to the Doge upon stepping inside. You will be blown away by the interior ambience. Every square inch of the ceiling and dome is covered in shimmering, golden mosaics depicting biblical storytelling in Byzantine opulence. The light catches the thousands of small gold reflections, making the whole space glow and hum. It is an exceptional example of light and luxe and demonstrates the foresight and devotion of the stratospheric wealth of the former Venetian Republic. Dress respectfully! If you can book your entry time in advance. This is truly one of the unique things to do in Venice as a cultural experience.
4. A Prisoner’s View: Crossing the Bridge of Sighs (via Doge’s Palace)
You can take a picture of the famous Bridge of Sighs from Ponte della Paglia, but nothing beats walking across it yourself. The only way to walk across the Bridge of Sighs is by taking a tour through the stunning Doge’s Palace. The Bridge of Sighs connected the prison’s interrogation rooms to the cells. The name “Bridge of Sighs” was said to have come from the “sighs” of prisoners, capturing breath-taking views of beautiful Venice through the small and often high windows before entering the prisons. You walk along the same path and capture the same views through the same stone-framed windows, the moment is extremely moving through historic meaning. Adding this tour to your list of Venice attractions is highly recommended. It’s an essential attraction and one of the best things to do in Venice.
5. Colour Therapy: Day Trip to the Painted Island of Burano
If you have a whole day, take the Vaporetto to the northern lagoon. Destination? Burano. This small island is known for two things: its rich lacework traditions, which date back centuries, and its unbelievably colourful houses. Legend has it that the fisherman painted their house in these beautiful colours to spot them while coming back through the fog in the lagoon. Walking around Burano feels like walking through a painter’s palette, where every corner could be a photograph. It is a lovely, colourful change from the old stone of Venice itself. This colourful experience highlights why is Venice worth visiting for its lagoon islands alone. It is one of the best places to visit in Venice. The whole city and islands around it, to the north (Murano and Burano) are known as a cultural and environmental treasure, see the Venice and its Lagoon UNESCO World Heritage listing for more.
6. The Best View: Going Up the Campanile of San Giorgio Maggiore
People flock to St. Mark’s Campanile, but I believe that the best view is from the other side of the water. Just take a short ferry ride to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. The Palladian church is lovely, but the bell tower gives the best panoramic view of Venice. You get a postcard view directly across the water of the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the grand Campanile. The view of the city looking back at you like a geographical map is simply wonderful. It is one of the more rewarding things to do in Venice.
7. A Touch of Glamour: Taking in the Art on the Water at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Located right on the Grand Canal, the former private home of American heiress Peggy Guggenheim is a can’t miss. It is a small, manageable space with a beautiful collection of 20th-century European and American art, including works by Picasso, Dalí, Pollock, and Magritte. The real prize, however, is the back terrace. This plain stone ledge, right on the Grand Canal, is the ideal place for a moment of private reflection. Sit here, watch the boat traffic slide by, and enjoy art in the best view in the world. This collection is truly one of Venice hidden gems.
8. The Phoenix Rises: Taking a Self-Guided Audio Tour at Teatro La Fenice
How many times can you tour a ‘cursed’ opera house? Teatro La Fenice (“The Phoenix”) is infamous for burning down, not once, but twice, only to rise from the ashes both times. This elegant and heavily decorated theatre is nowhere near as busy as the other attractions, and it provides an intriguing perspective on Venetian cultural history. It also features an amazing self-guided audio tour. You can inspect the lovely blue and gold box seating and even enter the Royal Box, where the best views were once reserved for a king and queen. It’s like a lovely little secret hiding in plain sight. Visiting the theatre is a special, unique thing to do in Venice.
9. The Most Romantic Thing You Can Do: Gently floating in a gondola in the back canals
Yes, it is literally the most touristy thing to do, but it is touristy for a reason. While sitting on the Grand Canal in a gondola is fine, the real experience is in the smaller, residential canals. My advice is to locate a gondola station in a quieter campo. In the gondola, you will glide silently through narrow passages and under little bridges, with water gently touching the stone walls. This is an intimate, impossibly romantic experience that immerses you in the real rhythm of the city and its water. Out of all the romantic things to do in Italy, this is the quintessential choice.
10. A Sunset Drink: Enjoying the Venetian Spritz
Venice is the home of the Aperol Spritz, and no visit is complete without partaking in the tradition of experiencing the aperitivo. As the sun moves into evening, simply find a small bar (or bacaro as you will hear it referred to) and join locals for Spritz (Aperol or Campari), enjoying tasty little snacks called cicchetti. For a deeper taste of what Venice has to offer, explore some of the must-try local dishes and flavours. It is such a social, relaxed experience, standing alongside locals celebrating the end of another beautiful day. This social activity is a great way to blend in with the locals and is one of the quintessential best things to do in Venice. Enjoy this part of your holiday!
11. Bridging the Divide: Beauty in the Rialto and Ponte Chiodo
Venice has more than 400 bridges, but even though the Rialto Bridge is beautiful (and is only one of four bridges that cross the Grand Canal), do not forget the old historic bridges. The white stone arch of the Rialto Bridge and the nearby row of shops make it a must for people to stop. However, continue your search for a true Venice hidden gem by seeking out the Ponte Chiodo in the Cannaregio district, which is the very last remaining bridge in Venice without side railings. This peculiar and interesting remnant of the medieval era provides a small and real connection to the way things were long ago in Venice. These are key Venice tourist spots.
12. Shadows of the Past: A Visit to the Peaceful Venetian Ghetto
Located in Cannaregio, the Jewish Ghetto is a space of high importance; it is where the word “ghetto” comes from. The Ghetto was established in 1516 as a segregated and walled-off area. Now, the Ghetto is a quiet and working community that is culturally rich. Walking through the Ghetto, or taking a guided tour of the synagogues, can give a touching glimpse into the city’s complicated history and the triumph of the community. Having all this history, it is also worth saying that the city has serious environmental issues; official information about the recent UNESCO conservation that has been done on Venice gives details of how the authorities are attempting to save this delicate site.
The tall buildings that sit quietly under the sun here are an obvious contrast to the city outside, which is busy with people. For meaningful things to do in Venice, visiting the Ghetto is a must. Seeing the Ghetto is a profoundly important reason why is Venice worth visiting.
13. A Place of Shade: Visiting a Secret Church
While St. Mark’s is amazing, the other lesser-known churches are amazing, and sometimes, the only way you’re comfortable inside is to escape the heat and crowds. I loved Santa Maria della Salute, their massive, lots of domes church, simply sitting at the end of the Grand Canal. San Zaccaria is a great stop, as it is known for its flooded crypt that lets you see the tombs of past Doges underwater, what an experience! Finding these quiet, historic sanctuaries is one of the more contemplative Venice hidden gems. This is great Venice sightseeing.
14. A Look Back: Learn the History of Venice at Museo Correr
Located in St Mark’s Square, Museo Correr offers a deep look into the art and history of the Venetian Republic. It is found in former royal apartments and offices for the city, so the museum itself is also a great exhibit, full of magnificent ballrooms and period furniture. My favourite part of this museum is the cafe. The windows give you one of the best views, the eye-level view overlooking St. Mark’s Square and the Basilica. It makes for a great, secluded place for a moment of reflection. For history lovers, this is what to see in Venice.
15. Magical Hour: Watching the Sunset from Ponte dell’Accademia
The last item on my list is a moment of pure, cinematic beauty, and it’s free. Go to the wooden Ponte dell’Accademia at the southernmost bridge on the Grand Canal. You can see straight down the canal past the boats and the buildings to the impressive Santa Maria della Salute at the end of the canal. As the sun goes down, the domes and stone facades are bathed in a wonderful golden-hour light. It’s a time when it feels like Venice takes a breath; a lovely postcard send-off for a fantastic day. This free experience wraps up the best things to do in Venice perfectly.
Goodbye for Now
There you have my secrets, my dear travellers! Fifteen reasons why Venice is still one of the most magical places on Earth. A city that makes you slow down, look up, and feel endlessly curious. You shouldn’t worry about seeing everything; you should worry about feeling everything. Find your favourite bridge. Eat your favourite cicchetti. Allow yourself to be taken by the water-lapped rhythm of La Serenissima.
For anyone planning a holiday to Venice, let Low Cost Vibes help you uncover the best experiences, hidden gems, and unforgettable moments. Buon viaggio! I hope your Venetian experience is as one-of-a-kind as mine!
FAQs for things to do in Venice
Definitely, I know this is a very cheesy option, but the real gondola experience is being propelled silently through the small, residential back canals, where you feel a truly unique and romantic situation in the flow of the city.
Ride on the No. 1 Vaporetto (water bus). The slow, full-length ride gives you tremendous, once-in-a-lifetime views of the palaces along the Grand Canal, especially if you take the ride around sunset and pay the standard ticket price.
Go up the Campanile (bell tower) on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. The views from here are the best panoramic, postcard views looking back at all of St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace.
Cicchetti are small, savoury snacks (like tapas) served with a Venetian Spritz, usually enjoyed sometime during the aperitivo hour. You can usually find cicchetti in local bars called bacari, and you will see these serve cicchetti usually in the early evening.
I highly recommend the island of Burano. This island is known for its centuries-old lacework and its brightly painted houses, providing a colourful change from the main city.
