Things To Do In Venice

As well as being one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Venice is full of history and culture. Make your visit even more special with these top 5 things to do in Venice.

Things To Do in Venice

Take a Gondola Ride

Exploring Venice by Gondola is the very best way to experience the real Venice and in my opinion definitely one of the things to do in Venice! There are no cars on the main island, this is a city that lives and works on the water. Exploring Venice by Gondola means you can go off the beaten path and see what day to day life in Venice is really like.

Prices for gondola rides are regulated. At the time of writing, the cost was 80 Euro for the first 30 minutes. Increase the length of your ride in 15 minute increments, usually at a cost of around 40 Euro each time. Be aware that at 7pm, the basic rate goes up to 120 Euro for the first 30 minutes. If you want a longer tour, be sure to agree a price with the gondolier in advance. Gondoliers only accept local currency (Euro) in cash. Bear in mind that haggling can be futile as there is plenty of demand for gondola rides, but you can always try. Most gondoliers appreciate – and often expect – a tip.

Although gondola rides are expensive, they really are worth the splurge. It’s a fun way to see the city with family, or a romantic way to see it as a couple. In addition to the basic rate gondola services detailed above you can also pay extra for musicians or English speaking guides to come with you. I recommend arranging this in advance. In October of 2015 we took a gondola tour with an English speaking guide and it was by far the best gondola ride we have ever had. Expect to pay at least 80 Euro per person for this sort of tour.

Indulge Your Inner Foodie at The Mercati di Rialto

If you love fresh, local food, put the Rialto Market near the top of your list of things to do in Venice. The first thing I noticed about the Rialto Market was the amazing colours. There is a huge selection of fresh vegetables, fruit, fish, meat, spices, pasta, and more on offer. Nestled near the feet of the Rialto Bridge, the market spreads into the side streets. Feel immersed in the experience of living in an Italian city as vendors call out, enticing you to look at their wares. It’s a wonderful place to while away an hour or two, and perhaps pick up some foodie souvenirs. (Check customs regulations to be sure you are allowed to bring your souvenirs back home.)

Visit St Mark’s Basilica

Definitely one of the things to do in Venice, a visit to The Basilica San Marco such an amazing experience. The Basilicais a fantastic example of Gothic and Byzantine architecture, and one of the most breath-taking cathedrals I have ever visited. Don’t forget to look up as you walk the pathway into the church – every ceiling is ornately decorated. With nearly 8000 square meters of mosaics with golden backgrounds on the walls, vaults and cupolas, the cathedral seems to glow from within.

Despite the hundreds of people walking through the cathedral, it has a beautiful, peaceful atmosphere. You can feel the history and the faith in this incredible place.

Queues to visit St Mark’s form early in the morning. You can find out more about admission on the St Mark’s Basilica website.

Explore The Doge’s Palace

The scale and grandeur of The Doge’s Palace is unsurpassed. There’s so much opulence, it’s almost overwhelming. The Doge’s private apartments were closed when we visited this time, but it’s still incredible seeing the public areas. Each room seems more beautiful than the last. If you are a history buff, this is definitely one of the most important things to do in Venice.

Eventually you arrive at The Bridge of Sighs. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see this iconic bridge from the inside, although honestly, I found that portion of the tour a bit harrowing! You proceed through the narrow bridge, with its view on to the beautiful Grand Canal, and then find yourself in the dungeons. The very walls seem to breathe sadness, and I really couldn’t wait to get out. I was incredibly glad to leave the dungeons behind and explore in the courtyard of this magnificent building.

There can be long queues to get into the Doge’s Palace, so again it is good to visit early in the day. You can find more information on the Doge’s Palace website.

Expand Your Artistic Horizons at The Guggenheim Museum

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is housed in Peggy’s former Venice home, right on the Grand Canal. The museum is home to wonderful examples of Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Impressionism, as well as a striking sculpture garden. It really is a wonderful place to spend a couple of hours, even if your tastes in art run to the more traditional, as mine do.

Want To Know More About Things To Do In Venice?

Exploring Venice By Gondola

The Beautiful, Historic Hotel Danieli

This post contains my honest opinions and the advice I give to friends. None of our experiences were gifted and we paid all our own expenses. Information is correct to the best of my knowledge at the time of writing. Always visit restaurant and venue websites for opening times, their full terms and conditions, and to check prices, availability and payment terms.

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