The best things to do in Venice

With its maze of canals and bridges, the dreamy vibe and the magical scenery, Venice is just one of those places everyone should see at least once in their life – so making sure you have a tried-and-tested list of the best things to do in Venice is essential for making the most out of your trip. First-time visitors, struck by the beauty of the lavish palazzos that reflect in the lagoon, stare in wonder at the miracle of a city that has been built on water and still stands after centuries. It may look like a floating world, but it is well-anchored to the seabed through strong stilt-supported houses that weather high tides and storms. Venice has a lot to offer in terms of highlights and things to do, though its real soul lies in the unique experiences and emotions it gives travellers. To ensure you have a bucket list worthy of such a destination – these are the best things to do in Venice.

Best things to do in Venice

1. Daydream on a gondola

It may be a bit of cliché but going to Venice and skipping a traditional guided trip on a gondola would be like visiting Rome and not entering the Colosseum. As you lay back on velvet cushions, gliding along the canals just like aristocrats did in the old days, you’ll be amazed at the navigating and story-telling skills of Venice’s gondolieri. It’s the best way to explore the lagoon‘s waterways, zig-zagging along the narrow canals where old houses have docks instead of entrance gates. Forget parking spaces for cars, many locals keep dinghies out the front porch.

2. Eat at a Renaissance restaurant

Prepare for a culinary throwback. The Osteria Antico Dolo, located in the Rialto Bridge market area, used to be a 15th-century brothel where energy-rich food was served to exhausted clients after heavy sex sessions. It’s one of Italy’s oldest restaurants. In 1434 it became a typical, no-frill Venetian tavern, tucked away in a traditional calle alleyway where clients could enjoy a glass of red or white wine. It still serves today delicious iconic recipes such as tripe with different types of offals.

Address: Ostaria Antico Dolo, Ruga Rialto, 778, 30175 Venezia
Website: anticodolo.it

3. Take the ferry boat to Burano

The isle of Burano, a 40-minute ferry boat ride across the lagoon from the main island, is a patchwork of brightly coloured, low-cut fishermen's dwellings that line the harbour, reflecting in the water. Time seems frozen. Far from the buzz of crowded spots, it’s quiet and peaceful, ideal for evening strolls or sunset aperitifs. Residents have embraced a slower-paced lifestyle and warmly greet visitors.

4. Admire the ‘aristocratic’ Grand Canal

Water is everywhere in Venice. The main infrastructure is the Grand Canal, the city’s biggest lure. It unwinds like a snake all the way to the open lagoon, passing by elegant mansions, museums, aristocratic buildings and majestic hotels. It may get crowded during rush hours, with taxi boats and ferries going up and down, but after lunch, when most locals are off to rest, it’s much quieter. Looking up, you’ll catch glimpses of regal palaces’ frescoed ceilings and crystal chandeliers. Private taxi boats come with onboard Champagne and finger foods.

5. Buy fresh produce at the Ponte di Rialto market

With over 400 bridges in the entire Venetian archipelago, the pearl-white, geometric Ponte di Rialto rules above them all. It’s majestic and one of the few in the world to have artisan boutiques built onto it, including jewellers and silk shops selling handmade creations. Despite its grandeur, it’s also a very humble place. Housewives and restaurant chefs head here each morning to buy fresh veggies and fruit at the farmers’ market. All products are locally sourced from the surrounding countryside, with zero food miles.

6. Get the goosebumps at Ponte dei Sospiri

Venice has quite a bit of dark history. To catch a glimpse of it, the creamy-white stone Ponte dei Sospiri (the ‘Bridge of Sighs’) is one of the most fascinating things to do in Venice. Don’t be fooled by the name, it’s not a romantic spot for lovers. On the contrary, this richly decorated arched passageway connecting the Doge’s Palace to the ancient dungeons, built above a canal, is where prisoners sentenced to death made their last walk to their cells, letting out sighs of torment and anguish. It can be visited by entering through a wing of the palace or simply strolling along the lagoon seafront.

Address: Bridge of Sighs, P.za San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia
Website: palazzoducale.visitmuve.it

7. Get lost in the maze of calle

Venice is a labyrinth of intersecting canals and tiny bridges leading to narrow calle – the traditional alleys where Venetians kill time chatting. There is no better way to discover the city than by foot, up and down the ponticelli (little bridges). The calle unwind through piazzas, small gardens, cafés and boutiques selling the best handmade leather and silk clothes. Many private dwellings with courtyards are connected to the calle by minuscule bridges. Getting lost here is the only way to really soak in the Venetian vibe.

8. Learn about Murano’s glass blowers

The glass museum on sister-isle Murano showcases the centuries-old glass-making art and unique technique behind wonderful creations that look like masterpieces. It’s a skill handed down across generations of glass-blowers. The stunning handmade products, from rainbow-coloured lamps to beautiful earrings, are made inside the local glass factory, which is also open to tours.

Address: Glass Museum, Fondamenta Marco Giustinian, 8, 30141 Venezia
Website: museovetro.visitmuve.it

9. Go underground

There’s more to Venice than meets the eye. It may look like a floating city, but its depths are not made just of water. Below the sumptuous buildings and mystical churches lies a hidden, secret world of dark caves. At San Zaccaria Church and St. Mark’s Cathedral, you can descend to admire underground crypts full of skulls and skeletons and a mysterious grave covered in religious frescoes. According to local lore, these spooky places are haunted, so don’t freak out if you bump into a ghost on a guided tour.

Address: Chiesa di San Zaccaria, Campo S. Zaccaria, 4693, 30122 Venezia; Saint Mark's Basilica, P.za San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia
Website: soprintendenza.venezia.beniculturali.it; basilicasanmarco.it

10. Let it all out during Carnival

The most fun part of the year to visit Venice is February, when the centuries-old Carnival takes place. Millions of revellers from all over the world dress up in masquerade costumes and get wild. It’s party time: in the past, it was a blank cheque to debauchery, and citizens could do whatever they wanted as long as their identity was concealed. Today it’s an open-air catwalk of glittery masks, feathered hats, black capes and colourful ball gowns. To enjoy the confetti-showered spectacle without getting stuck in the crowd, sit at one of the historical cafés that line St. Mark’s Square, swarming with party-goers.

Website: venice-carnival-italy.com

11. Nibble like a real local

Happy hour for Venetians is when they gather at the city’s historical bacari, little eateries that have been serving finger foods and alcohol shots since the dawn of time. Iconic drinks include Spritz (a Prosecco and soda water cocktail) and so-called ombre (wine glasses), paired with cicchetti appetizers. These are small grilled bread stuffed with baccalà stockfish, fruit, cheeses and Venetian calf liver mixed with onions. At Al Timon you can nibble inside a small boat, while Cantina do Mori with dangling copper pots is where womaniser Casanova loved to hang out.

Address: Al Timon, Fondamenta dei Ormesini, 2754, 30121 Venezia; Cantina Do Mori, Calle Do Mori, 429, 30125 Venezia
Website: altimon.it; facebook.com

12. Cruise the lagoon

Venice is a city best explored by water, so on a private cruise you’ll admire the entire lagoon and the hidden gems of its archipelago. Hop on Eolo, an old wooden flat-bottomed sailing boat formerly used to fish in shallow waters. It’s also a sailing restaurant, serving local delicacies like sweet and sour sardines. There are tailored tours of up to six days with personal guides, sleeping in exclusive accommodations and learning about the amazing history of this wonderful corner of Italy.

Address: cruisingvenice.com