Dreamy Venice is one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Quaint bridges, gleaming waterways and mosaic-clad buildings create a cityscape like no other.
There are plenty of things to see in Venice, but where do you start? With barely a car in sight, this unique city swaps roads for canals. You’ll need to be nifty with a map and hot-foot it to each attraction – that’s how we can help.
Our handy guide brings together 10 of the top things to do in Venice, so you can work out how to make the most of your next city break. Here are our fave Venice attractions:
- Piazza San Marco
- Saint Mark’s Basilica
- Doge’s Palace
- Burano
- Grand Canal
- Rialto Bridge
- Scuola Grande di San Rocco
- San Giorgio Maggiore
- Gallerie dell’Accademia
- Teatro La Fenice
1. Piazza San Marco
Napoleon named the Piazza San Marco as ‘the finest drawing room in Europe’ and who are we to argue? This centrepiece of the city is where the tourists (and plenty of pigeons) flock to marvel at many different attractions.
Head to this bustling square to find the bulbous domes of Saint Mark’s Basilica, the sky-high sea views of the Clock Tower and Café Florian, the oldest café in Europe. Look out for the Lion of Venice flapping its wings, too.
2. Saint Mark’s Basilica
That brings us on nicely to the next in our top ten things to do in Venice. Built in lavish fashion, this ornate cathedral is a sight to behold. Stand up close (inside and outside) to see the shimmer of Saint Mark’s Basilica’s golden mosaics – Byzantine beauty at its finest.
Fun fact: Napoleon (that guy again) paraded four ancient equine statues, known as the Horses of Saint Mark, around Paris after looting the city in 1797. Lucky for you, they’re now back home on display inside the basilica.
3. Doge’s Palace
You won’t have to go far to find the third attraction on our list – simply stay in Piazza San Marco. The sheer grandeur of the Doge’s Palace reveals just what a force the Venetian Republic was.
Originally created as a magnificent residence for the leader of Venice, today it’s more of a testament to sublime art and Gothic architecture. Make your way along the masterpieces by Tiepolo and Tintoretto to see the huge globes and maps in the Sala dello Scudo.
4. Burano
Fancy exploring an island while on your city break? The things to see in Venice expand beyond the city itself and into the surrounding lagoon.
Burano’s got a lot to love about it thanks to the eye-popping pastel townhouses that line the waterfront. It would be worth it for these photos alone but stay a while to see the intricate pieces of the Lace Museum. Burano became famous for the unique craft of lace making back in the 16th century.
5. Grand Canal
Where other great cities have a grand thoroughfare, Venice has a Grand Canal. This majestic waterway snakes through the city, passing under the Rialto Bridge and alongside the Ca’ d’Oro, Santa Maria della Salute and many more fine buildings.
Hop aboard a gondola and enjoy a journey along the nearly three-mile-long channel. Gliding through the turquoise waters is the ultimate way to see the city in traditional Venetian style.
6. Rialto Bridge
For one of the best views of the Grand Canal, make a beeline for Rialto Bridge. The solid stone structure is set across Venice’s largest waterway and makes an iconic sight whether you see it day or night.
It’s also a great landmark for navigating your way to the Rialto Market. Go to the centuries-old trading hub and you’ll see stalls piled high with fresh local produce including the famous red chicory.
7. Scuola Grande di San Rocco
This beautiful building may be named after San Rocco but really it’s a testament to the true genius of the Venetian painter, Tintoretto. He began the series of paintings that adorn the walls here in 1564 and worked on them until 1587.
Stand in the Sala dell’Albergo and marvel at the sheer stature of the Crucifixion. You’ll also be amazed by the drama of Moses Striking the Rock in the Chapter Room.
8. San Giorgio Maggiore
This tiny island lies just south of the Piazza San Marco and it’s easy to get here simply by hopping on the Vaporetto 2 water bus from the San Zaccaria stop.
Many people visit for the views – at the top of the island’s campanile (bell tower) you’ll see all of Venice laid out before you. Inside the church of San Giorgio Maggiore, you’ll have the chance to see yet more masterpieces by Tintoretto, while the Fondazione Giorgio Cini has beautiful gardens and the historic Longhena Library.
9. Gallerie dell’Accademia
The seafaring and international trading of the Venetian Republic led to an explosion of creativity, as well as a dazzling array of new (and expensive) paint colours. That’s part of the reason why many of the things to see in Venice have an artistic legacy and the Gallerie dell’ Accademia brings together some of the city’s finest artworks.
Spend an afternoon exploring the treasure trove of art inside this mesmerising gallery. The rooms encompass the cryptic paintings by Giorgione, the flashes of dazzling colour by Titian, the dramatic scenes of Tintoretto and the lovely landscapes of Canaletto.
10. Teatro La Fenice
This resplendent opera house recalls the lavish era of 18th century Venice when there was a focus on beautiful ballrooms, shimmering costumes and refined entertainment. Often described as one of the world’s finest opera houses, this was the ultimate place to be seen.
Book tickets for a memorable evening in Venice. As well as operas, ballets and classical concerts take place here. The balconies are sculpted with ornate golden leaf while a single chandelier illuminates the performances.
We’ve picked out just 10 of the top things to do in Venice, but you’ll find there’s even more to discover! Plan a trip to this Italian city with Jet2CityBreaks and get your flights, hotel and 22kg baggage all wrapped up in one easy booking.
Posted: 7th Dec 2018.