Things to Do in Venice
Plan your days in Venice, your way
Start with the essential: a morning in Piazza San Marco, basilica mosaics and coffee at a cafe older than most countries.
Ride vaporetto line 1 down the Grand Canal, the best cheap seat in the city.
Wander Cannaregio's back canals where gondoliers' families actually live, no map needed.
Lunch on cicchetti at a canal-side bacaro, pointing at what looks good, trusting the process.
An afternoon in Dorsoduro: the Peggy Guggenheim Collection if it rains, the Zattere promenade if it shines.
Gelato on the Accademia Bridge as the Salute catches the late light.
One gondola ride through the small canals, because some clichés are clichés for a reason.
Dinner in a neighborhood trattoria: spaghetti alle vongole, house wine, no rush.
Night stroll across a quiet Rialto Bridge, the market shuttered, the water black and silver.
A little of everything, nothing overdone — the version of Venice you'll actually tell people about.
Top attractions and places to eat in Venice
Piazza San Marco
The principal public square of Venice, framed by St Mark's Basilica, the Campanile, and grand arcades. Travelers come for its iconic architecture, cafes, and atmosphere.
attraction · 4.5 rating
Museo di San Marco
A museum within St Mark's Basilica displaying the original bronze horses, mosaics, and sacred treasures, with access to the loggia over Piazza San Marco. Travelers visit for religious art, history, and views over the square.
attraction · 4.5 rating
Ponte di Rialto
The oldest and most famous bridge spanning the Grand Canal, lined with shops and offering iconic canal views. It is a central landmark and gathering point in Venice.
attraction · 4.2 rating
Teatro La Fenice
One of Italy's most renowned opera houses, celebrated for its opulent interior and history of famous premieres. Travelers attend performances or tour its ornate halls.
attraction · 4.7 rating
Burano
A small island in the Venetian Lagoon famous for its brightly colored fishermen's houses and traditional lace-making. Travelers visit to wander its picturesque canals and photograph the vivid facades.
attraction · 4.8 rating
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
A renowned modern art museum housed in Peggy Guggenheim's former palazzo on the Grand Canal, displaying major 20th-century works and a sculpture garden. Travelers come for its world-class collection.
attraction · 4.5 rating · €17
Fondamenta Cannaregio
A canal-side walkway along the Cannaregio Canal in one of Venice's most authentic residential districts, lined with cafes and local eateries. Travelers stroll here for an unhurried, less touristy taste of Venetian daily life.
attraction · 4.6 rating
Basilica S.Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
A grand Gothic church renowned for masterpieces including Titian's Assumption of the Virgin and his tomb. A must-see for art and history enthusiasts in Venice.
church · 4.7 rating
Harry's Bar-Venice
The legendary Venetian bar and restaurant famed as the birthplace of the Bellini cocktail and carpaccio, once frequented by Hemingway. An iconic splurge destination for its history and refined atmosphere.
bar · 3.6 rating
Cantina Do Spade
A historic bacaro near Rialto dating back centuries, serving cicchetti, fried seafood, and Venetian dishes in a cozy setting. A traditional stop for casual local food and wine.
bar · 4.4 rating
Abbazia di San Giorgio Maggiore
Palladian church on its own island with a bell tower offering views of Venice.
church · 4.6 rating
Al Timon
A popular canalside bacaro and wine bar in the Cannaregio district known for cicchetti, grilled meats, and drinks enjoyed along the Fondamenta dei Ormesini, often on boats moored outside. A lively spot beloved by locals and students for evening aperitivo.
restaurant · 4.4 rating
Vino Vero
A trendy natural-wine bar in Cannaregio along the Fondamenta della Misericordia, serving inventive cicchetti alongside an extensive selection of natural and biodynamic wines. A lively evening spot popular with locals.
bar · 4.5 rating
Ostaria dai Zemei
A small bacaro run by twin brothers near Campo San Polo, known for creative gourmet cicchetti and quality wines. A refined take on the traditional Venetian snack bar.
bar · 4.5 rating
La Zucca
A beloved trattoria known for its vegetable-forward Venetian cooking, including a famous pumpkin flan. A cozy spot valued for creative seasonal dishes.
restaurant · 4.5 rating