The floating city of Venice, built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most unique and romantic destinations on Earth. From iconic historical landmarks to charming hidden canals, there’s a wealth of what to see in Venice, Italy, for every traveller.
What to do in Venice?
When planning your trip and considering what to do in Venice, these are the essential spots and experiences:
St. Mark’s Square
Piazza San Marco is the city’s main public square and the heart of Venice, often cited as one of the world’s most beautiful squares. It’s the perfect place to start your exploration and a must-see among the best attractions in Venice.
St. Mark’s Basilica
The stunning cathedral, a masterpiece of Italo-Byzantine architecture, is famous for its opulent design, gold mosaics, and status as a symbol of Venetian wealth and power.
Doge’s Palace
Right next to the Basilica, the Palazzo Ducale served as the seat of the Venetian government and the Doge’s residence for centuries. Its lavish interiors and political significance make it one of the top things to do in Venice.
Grand Canal
The S-shaped main waterway is the city’s most famous avenue, lined with beautiful Gothic and Renaissance palaces. A trip down the Grand Canal, whether by vaporetto (water bus) or water taxi, is a highlight of what to see in Venice Italy.
The Lagoon Islands: Murano, Burano, and Torcello
For fantastic excursions Venice Italy, take a boat trip to the smaller islands. Murano is globally famous for its glass-making, while Burano captivates with its brightly painted houses. Torcello offers a peaceful escape and ancient history.
Gondola Ride
While touristy, a gondola ride is the quintessential Venetian experience. Glide along the smaller, quieter canals for a truly romantic view of the city—it’s one of the most popular things to do in Italy Venice.
Cannaregio
Wander the Cannaregio district to experience the city like a local. It’s home to the historic Jewish Ghetto, charming restaurants, and a great place to find free things to do in Venice Italy, like simply exploring the quiet calli (alleys).
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
For art lovers, this modern art museum is housed in the former home of art collector Peggy Guggenheim and features masterpieces by Picasso, Dalí, and Pollock.
St. Mark’s Bell Tower
Climb (or take the lift) to the top of the Campanile di San Marco for the most breathtaking, panoramic view of the city, the lagoon, and beyond.
How many days do you need to visit Venice?
Deciding how many days in Venice is right for your trip depends on your interests.
- 1-2 Days: Enough time to see the main highlights (what to see in Venice Italy in one day or two) and get a feel for the city.
- 3+ Days: Recommended for a deeper dive, including the main attractions, the islands, and exploring the lesser-known districts.
Venice in one day: a walking itinerary
If you only have time for a one day Venice Italy itinerary, focus on the core:
- Start at Piazza San Marco to see the Basilica and Doge’s Palace (pre-book tickets!).
- Walk across the Rialto Bridge and browse the local market.
- Have lunch in the San Polo district.
- Take a quick gondola ride or a Vaporetto down the Grand Canal.
- Find a quiet bacaro (traditional bar) for an evening cicchetto (snack) and a glass of local wine. This itinerary covers the essential things to do in Venice Italy in one day.
What to do in Venice in 2 days
A Venice 2 day itinerary allows you to see the main sites and delve deeper.
Day 1: Follow the one-day itinerary (St. Mark’s, Rialto, Grand Canal). Day 2: Focus on museums and districts: Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and explore the quieter Cannaregio and Castello districts. Consider a quick Vaporetto ride to Murano or Burano for a half-day island excursion. This covers the main things to do in Venice 2 days.
What to do in Venice in 3 days
With 3 days in Venice, you can fully immerse yourself and visit the best places to go in Venice Italy:
Day 1 & 2: Follow the two-day itinerary. Day 3: Dedicate a full day to the Lagoon Islands (Murano, Burano, and Torcello). Alternatively, spend the day exploring more authentic and quieter areas like Dorsoduro and the Giudecca island, allowing you to see what to visit in Venice in 3 days at a relaxed pace.