What to Do in Venice: A Complete Guide to Italy’s Floating City

Venice, the capital of Italy’s Veneto region, is a city like no other. Built across 118 small islands in a lagoon off the Adriatic Sea, its labyrinth of canals, historic architecture, and artistic legacy captivates millions of visitors yearly. Whether you’re gliding down the Grand Canal in a gondola, marveling at Byzantine mosaics, or savoring cicchetti in a bacaro, Venice offers an unforgettable experience.

This guide covers everything you need to know about what to do in Venice, including top attractions, cultural highlights, culinary delights, and practical tips for finding the perfect hotel in Venice, apartments in Venice, or cozy B&B in Venice. From iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica to hidden gems like the colorful island of Burano, Venice promises a journey filled with wonder and discovery.

Top Tourist Attractions in Venice

1. St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)
A masterpiece of Italo-Byzantine architecture, St. Mark’s Basilica dominates Piazza San Marco. Adorned with golden mosaics and housing relics of St. Mark, the basilica is a symbol of Venice’s wealth and power during the Middle Ages. Climb to the terrace for panoramic views of the square and lagoon.

2. Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
Next to the basilica, the Doge’s Palace served as the residence of Venice’s rulers and the seat of government. Explore its opulent chambers, cross the iconic Bridge of Sighs, and learn about the city’s political history.

3. Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)
The oldest of Venice’s four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge is a bustling hub. Visit the nearby Rialto Market to sample fresh produce or shop for souvenirs.

4. Grand Canal (Canal Grande)
A boat ride along the Grand Canal offers a front-row seat to Venice’s grandeur. Hop on a vaporetto (water bus) or splurge on a gondola to glide past palaces like Ca’ d’Oro and Palazzo Barbaro.

5. Islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello
Escape the crowds with a trip to Venice’s neighboring islands. Murano is famed for its glassblowing workshops, Burano for colorful houses and lace-making, and Torcello for the ancient Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.

Cultural Attractions in Venice

1. Gallerie dell’Accademia
This museum houses the world’s finest collection of Venetian Renaissance art, including works by Titian, Tintoretto, and Bellini.

2. La Fenice Opera House

3. Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Modern art lovers will adore this museum showcasing works by Picasso, Pollock, and Dalí, housed in the heiress’s former Palazzo Venier dei Leoni.

4. Scuola Grande di San Rocco
Known as “Tintoretto’s Sistine Chapel,” this 16th-century confraternity building features over 50 paintings by the Venetian master.

Gastronomic Delights in Venice

Venetian cuisine blends fresh seafood, polenta, and risotto. Don’t miss these experiences:

• Cicchetti: Venice’s answer to tapas—try fried calamari, baccalà mantecato (whipped cod), or sarde in saor (sweet-and-sour sardines) at bacari like Cantina Do Spade.
• Risotto al Nero di Seppia: Black squid ink risotto, a Venetian classic.
• Prosecco: Sip the region’s famed sparkling wine at a canal-side bar.

Top Restaurants:

• Osteria alle Testiere: A Michelin-starred gem for seafood.
• Ristorante Quadri: Dine with views of Piazza San Marco.

Recurring Events & Festivals

1. Venice Carnival (Carnevale di Venezia)
Held each February, this iconic festival features masquerade balls, elaborate costumes, and street performances.

2. Venice Biennale
From May to November, this prestigious art and architecture exhibition transforms the city into a global cultural hub.

3. Regata Storica
A historic boat race in September, where gondoliers in traditional attire compete along the Grand Canal.

4. Festa del Redentore
In July, Venetians celebrate the end of the 1576 plague with fireworks and a bridge of boats to the Redentore Church.

Where to Stay in Venice