10 Best Things to Do and See in Venice
Exploring Venice on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Venice, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Venice. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. St. Mark’s Square
St. Mark’s Square is Venice’s iconic square, in the heart of the city, where you can discover one of its most famous urban landscapes. Surrounded by remarkable monuments, it offers a sweeping view framed by elegant arcades, historic cafés, and monumental façades. It is a lively place where you can admire Venetian architecture, watch visitors passing by, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the lagoon. The square is also an ideal starting point for exploring the main sights in Venice’s historic center.
2. Rialto Bridge
Rialto Bridge is one of the most iconic crossings in Venice, Italy. Spanning the Grand Canal, it offers a striking view of the palaces, boats, and the city’s daily bustle. It is also a very popular spot for its arcades and integrated shops, where visitors stroll while watching the comings and goings of tourists and Venetians. From the surrounding area, you can take in one of Venice’s most famous views, where architecture, water, and city life come together.
3. Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace, in the heart of Venice, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This vast building captivates visitors with its elegant Gothic architecture and ornate facades overlooking St. Mark’s Square and the basin. Inside, you will discover grand richly decorated halls, majestic staircases, works of art, and spaces linked to Venetian political power. The visit also offers a glimpse of the famous Bridge of Sighs and access to historic routes that immerse you in the atmosphere of the former Republic of Venice.
4. St. Mark’s Basilica
St. Mark’s Basilica, in the heart of Venice, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. As you discover it, you can admire its domes, richly decorated façades, and brilliant mosaics that cover vast surfaces both inside and out. The site impresses with its solemn atmosphere, Byzantine details, and the richness of its religious decor. It attracts visitors as much for its spiritual significance as for the beauty of its architecture, right on the famous St. Mark’s Square.
5. Bridge of Sighs
In Venice, the Bridge of Sighs is a covered white stone bridge that connects two buildings near the Doge’s Palace, on the edge of the St. Mark’s Basin. As you discover it, you notice its elegant yet enclosed appearance, with small barred windows that let light filter into the interior passage. The site is as appealing for its architecture as for the unique atmosphere along the canal. From the surrounding area, it also offers one of the city’s most famous and most photographed views.
6. Academy Bridge
The Academy Bridge is one of the most beloved bridges in Venice for the view it offers over the Grand Canal. As you cross it, you are treated to a sweeping panorama of Venetian facades, palaces lining the water, and the constant flow of vaporetti and gondolas. Its viewpoint also offers a glimpse of the Santa Maria della Salute basilica on one side and the San Marco district on the other. Popular with both visitors and locals, it connects two of the city’s iconic banks in a lively, quintessentially Venetian atmosphere.
7. Venice Opera House
The Venice Opera refers to one of the major landmarks of Venetian musical life, where visitors discover an elegant setting associated with Italian opera. Depending on the hall or theater in question, visitors can enjoy refined architecture, elegant decor, and an intimate atmosphere that is ideal for listening. It is the perfect stop to experience Venice’s taste for art, music, and high-quality performances. People come here as much for the beauty of the place as for the cultural experience it offers in the heart of the city.
8. Contarini del Bovolo Palace
Contarini del Bovolo Palace in Venice is best known for its elegant spiral exterior staircase, the true signature of the site. Nestled in the dense fabric of the historic center, this small palace offers a unique glimpse into Venetian architecture, with its discreet façade and refined character. As you explore it, you can admire the structure of the famous staircase, the details of the inner courtyard, and the intimate atmosphere of a place that is less crowded than the city’s major attractions. It is a visit appreciated for its charm and its views over the rooftops of Venice.
9. Peggy Guggenheim Collection
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection, located on the edge of the Grand Canal in Venice, is one of the must-see places to discover modern art in Italy. This museum features a rich selection of 20th-century works, including paintings, sculptures and pieces linked to major avant-garde movements, notably Surrealism, Cubism and Abstract Expressionism. Visitors can also admire Peggy Guggenheim’s personal collection, reflecting her passion for contemporary art, in an intimate and elegant setting that highlights the works while offering a wonderful cultural break in the heart of the city.
10. Constitution Bridge
The Constitution Bridge, in Venice, is a modern footbridge that connects the area around Santa Lucia Station to the Piazzale Roma district, spanning the Grand Canal. Its elegant structure of glass, steel and stone contrasts with the city’s historic architecture and offers a popular viewpoint over the water, gondolas and Venetian facades. It is a busy crossing for travelers, convenient for quickly reaching several central areas of Venice while enjoying a typically lagoon-style panorama.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
