Planning for your trip to Venice for the first time, in this article, I am going to share the best things to do in Venice.
Venice is a place full of crowds, expensive, and the hottest climate as well. Crossing a small bridge along with a gondolier lyrical to his sponsors under the canal feels like magic.
Having a boat ride on the Grand Canal in the sundown and viewing St. Mark’s Square from a bell tower is worth it.
A lot of visitors might have confusion about Venice because it is overcrowded and overrated. Although there is no place for everybody, some people might not like the cities I like.
I think some people who don’t love Venice have not given the city its best chance to spark. Sometimes they stay in the city for a longer time to quickly explore the famous places.
I am sure that St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge are highly crowded places in Venice. But there is a lot more to do in Venice, like exploring the famous spots, museums with full history, Islands, delicious local food and drinks, and much more best things to do in venice.
Venice is a great place with lots of experiences. Without further delay, let’s get into the topic about the Best things to do in Venice.
Table of Contents
7 Best Things to Do in Venice
1. Take a Gondola Ride Through the Canals
Having a boat ride is one of best things to do in Venice and it is always my Initial priority, and it is one of the top on everyone’s Italy bucket list, even though it is not a cheap experience.
A Gondola ride through canals around the city in 2025 you need to spend around €90 for a 30-minute ride in the day. If you are planning a Gondola ride at night, you need to spend around €110.
To enjoy a Gondola ride, you have to reach one of the Gondola stations in the city. It might not be difficult to identify Gondola stations because they are mostly located near to the bridges.
I personally recommend you to move towards smaller canals, which helps you to get a peaceful ride through the exciting portions of the city instead of the chaos of the Grand Canal.
If you don’t like to wait in the queue for a long time, there is an alternative option other than waiting: prebooking the Gondola ride.
Before prebooking, please check the reviews and ratings because a lot of people report that the ride was shorter than promised. I got that information from strangers.
2. Explore St. Mark’s Square and Doge’s Palace
Venice is mostly made up of many narrow streets. It explains why there are no cars on the island. There is a large square right at the sea called St. Mark’s Square.
St. Mark’s Square is the largest square in the city and features the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, Campanile, and more beautiful expensive cafes.
One of my most favourite and famous in St. Mark’s Square is Caffe Florian. Caffe Florian was opened in the year 1720, making it the oldest cafe in the world and the most popular in Venice.
Caffe Florian’s prices are much higher than expected. Before visiting Caffe Florian, make sure to spend more than €20 for two coffees.
Without any question, the Dodge Palace is the most impressive building. To explore the Dodge Palace, I recommend you book tours in advance. It is also one of the best things to do in Venice
3. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica
I spent a lot of time exploring the magnificent pieces of art and architecture called St. Mark’s Basilica di San Marco in Venice, which is also one of my favourite places in Venice. it is also one of the best things to do in Venice
St.Mark’s Basilica di San Marco is a popular masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and a popular landmark in Venice. St.Mark’s Basilica di San Marco is popular for its golden mosaics, marble columns, and majestic domes, which make the place amazing.
While watching the golden mosaics inch by inch of the ceiling and domes of the church makes you feel wonder, it also adds to your favorite list. This temple was built in the 11th century based on the design of the Holy Apostles.
4. Climb the Campanile di San Marco
Campanile di San Marco is known as the iconic Bell tower, it is the most recognisable building and the tallest building in Venice.
Elevator is the only way to go on to the top of the 100 meters Bell tower. We are very lucky to have the elevator because just imagine how tough it is if we climb through stairs.
To experience the iconic bell tower the tickets cost you around €12 – €15 you can directly buy the tickets at the counter. If you don’t want to wait in a queue you have to go early in the morning around 5am.
After purchasing the tickets I moved towards the elevator. After leaving the elevator I instantly felt that the view from the top of the bell tower is iconic and stunning.
Watching Venice from the top of the bell tower was an unforgettable experience and I wish every visitor should experience it in the best things to do in Venice.
5. Visit the Colourful island of Burano and Murano
Exploring Burano and Murano takes the whole day so be prepared before visiting the colourful islands.
Burano
Burano is the largest and most famous colourful island in Venice. One of the best things to do in Venice
Burano is more beautiful compared to Murano because Burano island is filled with colourful houses that are painted with bright colours which look stunning.
Trust me, you will definitely feel wonder by watching those amazing painted colourful houses.
No matter what the colour is you will find all the colourful houses either it is red, green, pink, orange or blue.
Murano
Murano is very famous for its glass making, it is not colourful like Burano.
There are a lot of shops in Murano where you can buy Murano glass. If you are lucky you will get a chance to watch a glassmaker at work.
Compared to Burano, Murano is a little disappointing. But it is very interesting to watch where the famous glass is coming from. one of the best things to do in Venice
6. Enjoy eating Italian Gelato
I love trying new foods because I am a big foodie. There is an ice salon offering a variety of vegan flavours around the corner from our hotel where we stayed in Venice.
I love the dark chocolate and raspberry flavour from Gelatoteca Suso and it offers a wide range of vegan flavours as well.
If you are non vegan you will find various flavours and choices including both traditional and exotic.
It is very easy to find ice creams in Venice because there are a lot of ice salons in every corner of the city.
So, if you have serious cravings you must try Italian gelato. it is also one of the best things to do in Venice.
7. Get Lost in Venice’s Hidden Streets
Yes, you heard right it is my favourite thing to do in Venice rather than watching famous places, churches or cruising in the grand canal.
If you are in Venice for a short period of time I can understand the last minute rush to find places like St. Mark’s Square, Rialto Bridge, and all the other popular locations. The real enjoyment you will find in Venice is quite corners.
Exploring the labyrinth of bridges, canals and winding lanes, but make sure to keep an eye on for the pleasant surprises.
Get lost from other tourist traps and discover the true and authentic Venice. it is also one of the best things to do in Venice
FAQs
1. How many days should I spend in Venice?
Plan to spend at least 2–3 days in Venice to explore the famous attractions, nearby islands.
2. Is Venice expensive?
Venice may be pricey, but you can save money by eating at local restaurants.
3. Should I book famous attractions in advance?
Yes! St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace have long lines for booking; to skip the line online booking will save your valuable time.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading the entire article about the best things to do in Venice. Venice is not just a destination it is an experience with world famous views and sights. Where would you go first if you were planning a trip to Venice?
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