Things to Visit in Venice: Canals, Squares, and Islands
Experience Venice beyond the tourist crowds. Covers the grand landmarks, hidden neighborhoods, canal-side walks, island day trips, and where to eat without getting ripped off.
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San Marco and Grand Canal
Visit St. Mark's Basilica
Free entry to the main basilica but expect 30-60 minute lines in peak season. Book a skip-the-line time slot online for 6 EUR. No shorts, bare shoulders, or large bags allowed. The gold mosaics on the ceiling are the main draw; visit in the morning when sunlight illuminates them.
See the Pala d'Oro golden altarpiece (small extra fee)
Climb to the terrace for close-up views of the piazza
Climb the Campanile bell tower
The 99-meter tower in St. Mark's Square has an elevator to the top. The views cover the entire lagoon, rooftops, and on clear days the Dolomites. Go early to avoid the line or buy a timed entry. The original tower collapsed in 1902; this is a faithful reconstruction.
Tour the Doge's Palace
Book the Secret Itineraries tour to see the rooms closed to general admission, including the prison cells and the bridge where Casanova escaped. Standard admission takes 1.5-2 hours. The palace connects to the prison via the Bridge of Sighs.
Walk across the Rialto Bridge
The oldest bridge over the Grand Canal (built 1591) is lined with shops. The views of the canal from the center are iconic but the bridge gets extremely crowded midday. Visit at sunrise or after 8 PM for the best experience.
Take a vaporetto ride down the Grand Canal
Line 1 is the slow boat that stops at every station along the entire Grand Canal. Sit outside in the back for the best views. A single ticket costs 9.50 EUR; a 24-hour pass at 25 EUR pays for itself in 3 rides.
See the Bridge of Sighs from Ponte della Paglia
The enclosed limestone bridge connecting the palace to the prison is best viewed from outside. The small bridge next to the Doge's Palace (Ponte della Paglia) has the classic photo angle. Go early or late; midday crowds make it hard to stop.
Neighborhoods Beyond San Marco
Explore Dorsoduro and the art galleries
The southern district is home to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Gallerie dell'Accademia. Fondamenta delle Zattere along the south edge has wide waterfront walkways, gelato shops, and views across to Giudecca island. Quieter than San Marco.
Wander through Cannaregio
The northernmost sestiere has the original Jewish Ghetto (the word 'ghetto' originated here in 1516), the beautiful Church of Madonna dell'Orto, and far fewer tourists. Fondamenta della Misericordia is a local bar and restaurant strip.
Get lost in Castello
Venice's largest district stretches from St. Mark's to the eastern tip. Via Garibaldi is the widest street in Venice and has affordable restaurants. The Giardini and Arsenale areas host the Venice Biennale (art in odd years, architecture in even years).
Visit the Rialto Fish Market
The outdoor fish market near the Rialto Bridge has operated since 1097. Open Tuesday through Saturday, mornings only (closes by noon). Go before 9 AM for the full spread. The adjacent produce stalls sell local fruits and vegetables.
Cross to San Giorgio Maggiore island
Take vaporetto line 2 from San Marco (2-minute ride). The church is free and the bell tower elevator costs 8 EUR. The views of the San Marco waterfront from the top are arguably the best in Venice. Far less crowded than the Campanile.
Art and Museums
Visit the Gallerie dell'Accademia
Venice's premier art museum houses Venetian paintings from the 14th to 18th centuries, including works by Bellini, Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese. The building itself is a former convent. Allow 2-3 hours. Book online to avoid ticket lines.
Tour the Peggy Guggenheim Collection
A compact but outstanding modern art collection in Peggy Guggenheim's former palazzo on the Grand Canal. Picasso, Pollock, Duchamp, and Ernst in an intimate setting. The sculpture garden overlooking the canal is a quiet highlight. Closed Tuesdays.
See Tintoretto's masterworks at Scuola Grande di San Rocco
Often called Venice's Sistine Chapel, this building holds over 60 Tintoretto paintings covering the walls and ceilings. The mirror provided at entry lets you view the ceiling paintings without craning your neck. Allow 1-1.5 hours.
Visit the Ca' Rezzonico museum
A Grand Canal palazzo turned museum showing 18th-century Venetian life. Tiepolo ceiling frescoes, period furniture, and carnival costumes. One of the most beautiful palace interiors you can enter in Venice. Less visited than the Accademia.
Check Venice Biennale dates
The art biennale (odd years) and architecture biennale (even years) run from late April to late November. National pavilions in the Giardini and exhibitions throughout the Arsenale are the highlights. A two-day pass lets you revisit. The city buzzes with collateral events during biennale months.
Island Day Trips
Visit Murano for glassmaking
Vaporetto lines 4.1 and 4.2 run from Fondamente Nove (20 minutes). The Glass Museum traces 700 years of Murano glass. Watch a live glass-blowing demonstration at one of the furnaces; many are free but expect a sales pitch. Shops on the main canal are tourist-priced; walk deeper into the island for better deals.
Visit Burano for colorful houses and lace
The pastel-colored fishing village is 45 minutes by vaporetto from Venice. Every house is painted a different color (residents need government approval to repaint). The Lace Museum shows the island's centuries-old tradition. Lunch here is more affordable than central Venice.
Stop at Torcello island
Once the most populous island in the lagoon, now home to fewer than 20 residents. The cathedral has stunning 11th-century Byzantine mosaics. Combined easily with a Burano trip since the vaporetto connects them (5 minutes). Allow 1 hour.
Explore Lido beach in summer
Venice's barrier island has sandy beaches, an art deco hotel strip, and a completely different vibe from the main islands. Free public beaches are at the north and south ends; the central stretch has paid beach clubs. The Venice Film Festival happens here every September.
Food, Drink, and Local Life
Do a cicchetti crawl in the evening
Cicchetti are Venetian bar snacks similar to tapas: crostini, fried seafood, meatballs, and baccala mantecato (whipped salt cod). Order 3-4 pieces with an ombra (small glass of wine) and move to the next bar. The area around Rialto (especially Calle dei Do Mori) is the traditional circuit.
Try fresh seafood risotto or pasta
Spaghetti alle vongole (clams) and risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink) are Venetian classics. Restaurants near St. Mark's charge double; head to Castello or Cannaregio for local prices. Lunch menus (pranzo) typically cost 30-50% less than dinner.
Drink a Spritz at a canal-side bar
The Aperol Spritz was born in the Veneto region. Order one at a bar with outdoor seating along a canal for the full experience. Campo Santa Margherita in Dorsoduro is where students and locals gather for evening spritzes at 4-6 EUR each.
Get gelato from a local gelateria
Look for natural colors (pistachio should be dull green, not bright) and covered containers (gelato displayed in big colorful mounds is usually artificial). Expect to pay 2.50-4 EUR for a cone. Campo San Barnaba and Campo Santa Margherita have good options.
Visit a traditional bacaro (wine bar)
Bacari are Venice's answer to pubs: standing-room wine bars serving cicchetti and local wines by the glass. They fill up between 6-8 PM for the pre-dinner aperitivo ritual. Prices are low (1-3 EUR per cicchetto, 2-4 EUR per glass).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Venice?
3 days covers the main landmarks, neighborhoods, and one island day trip. With 4-5 days, you can explore all four lagoon islands, visit multiple museums, and wander without a plan (which is the best way to experience Venice). Day trips are possible but rushed.
Is a gondola ride in Venice worth the cost?
A standard 30-minute gondola ride costs 80 EUR (daytime) or 100 EUR (after 7 PM) for up to 6 people. Split among a group, it is reasonable. Solo or as a couple, it is expensive for 30 minutes. The experience is unique and the views from water level are different from walking. For a cheaper canal experience, take a 2 EUR traghetto (gondola ferry) across the Grand Canal.
When is the best time to visit Venice?
April-May and September-October have mild weather, manageable crowds, and lower hotel prices. Summer (June-August) is hot, humid, and packed. November-February is acqua alta (flooding) season but also the most atmospheric with fog and far fewer tourists. Carnival (February) is spectacular but prices spike and crowds return.
Does Venice charge an entry fee for tourists?
Yes, as of 2024 Venice charges a day-tripper access fee of 5 EUR on peak days (typically weekends and holidays from April to July). Overnight hotel guests are exempt as their tourist tax is included in accommodation. The fee is paid via an online booking system, and you need a QR code to enter the city on those days.
How do you get around Venice without cars?
Walking and water buses (vaporetti) are the only options. There are no cars, bikes, or scooters in the historic center. Vaporetto single tickets cost 9.50 EUR; buy a 24-hour (25 EUR) or 72-hour (45 EUR) pass if you plan more than 2-3 rides. Water taxis exist but are very expensive (starting at 50 EUR).