Top things to do in Venice
There is no denying it. Venice is one of the most enchanting cities you will ever come across. But figuring out where to stay in Venice, how to get around Venice and things to do in Venice can be quite daunting. That is why I am here to help you plan your stay with seven of the top things to do in Venice Italy.
My first time arriving in Venice I couldn’t quite believe it was real. It almost felt like the most authentic theme park or movie set you will ever step in to, as the setting and buildings almost seemed too pretty to be real. It was hard to imagine that people actually lived and worked here. It feels like it was created entirely for tourists. Think fading pastel buildings reflected in the green lagoon water, connected everywhere by the most romantic bridges. I mean imagine the glee of having to get a water taxi to work every day!
Venice has to be one of the engineering wonders of the world. The best time to experience the real Venice is early in the morning when you can witness how all the mundane tasks such as deliveries, postal services and even rubbish removal all take place on the water. As Alexander Herzen said “To build a city where it is impossible to build a city is madness in itself, but to build one of the most elegant and grandest of cities is the madness of genius”
Getting around Venice
In a city without roads it can seem daunting to figure out how to get around Venice. Trust me, it is easier than you think. I am here to help you with my tips on getting around Venice.
The easiest way to get around Venice is by Vaporetto, which is a small passenger ferry in Venice. ACTV main public transport provider for the urban area of Venice and the suburban area up to Padua, Treviso and Rovigo. Although the service is efficient and punctual, boats on main lines fill up and are prone to overcrowding during Carnevale and in peak season. One-way tickets cost about €7.50 but it is cheaper to buy a Venezia Unica City Pass for a few days so you can travel freely during your stay.
Inter-island ferry services to Murano, Torcello, the Lido and other lagoon islands are usually provided on larger motonave.
Where to buy tickets
AVM/Actv tickets can be purchased from the following sales channels:
• Venezia Unica point of sale throughout the historic center of Venice and on the mainland
• ACTV authorized retailers throughout Venice
• Automatic ticketing machines at the main AVM/Actv public transport arrival terminals and waterbus stops
• AVM Venezia Official App If you download the app you will have your ticket on your phone so that you can scan it to get on the Vaporetti so you don’t have to worry about losing a paper ticket.
• Tickets can be purchased on line on www.veneziaunica.it
• Or simply purchase your ticket on board waterborne services (throughout the day) and on board road services (excluding trams) as follows: week days from 08:00 pm to 07:00 am, Sundays and holidays throughout the day, Bus Lido from 08:00 pm to 07:00 am.
To plan itineraries, check schedules and buy tickets download the useful vaporetto app daAaB. It is the only transport app to cover all forms of transport in and around Venice (including buses, water buses and the Alilaguna airport shuttle). The advantage is that if you purchase tickets through the app, you can then scan your phone at the barriers in place of a ticket.
Each Vaporetto stop has a map showing routes and water buses come regularly. From Piazzale Roma or the train station, Vaporetto 1 meanders up the Grand Canal to San Marco and onward to Lido. If you’re not in a rush, it’s a great introduction to Venice.
Frequency varies greatly according to line and time of day. Vaporetto 1 runs every 10 minutes throughout most of the day, while lines such as the 4.1 and 4.2 only run every 20 minutes. Night services can be as much as one hour apart, and some lines stop running by around 9pm, so check timetables.
7 Things to do in Venice
Number 1: Get lost in Venice
The number 1 thing to do in Venice is simply get lost. Venice is a popular spot with tourists at any time of year. I’ve been in sunny October, chilly January and in March where, no joke, we started the day in sandals and sunglasses and ended the day with snow. No matter the weather or time of year Venice is thronged with tourists.
The absolute best thing to do in Venice is simply wander. With it’s narrow alleyways and cobbled streets winding away from the bustling thoroughfare of the Grand Canal, Venice is the perfect place to get utterly and completely lost. Think of it as a giant maze that somehow all interconnects. Around every corner you will find beautiful Piazzas , museums, authentic shops and restaurants and there is no getting away from beautiful churches at every turn. If you are lucky you may even get serenaded by a local playing the violin. So ditch that map and simply wander.
Number 2: Stay in luxury
Stay at the sumptuous Al Redentore Di Venzia which has to be one of the nicest accommodations that I have ever stayed at. For the luxury that you find at these apartments you would expect to pay high prices but they were so reasonably priced.
I stayed here on a trip with my sisters and my 18 month old nephew so we needed somewhere quiet and spacious and boy were these spacious. These apartments are located on the island of Giudecca which is only a very short water taxi straight to St. Mark’s square. The island of Giudecca itself is worth exploring. It is a more residential area of Venice with all of the authenticity that comes with that and the most gorgeous view of the city from the rooftop bar of the Hilton Molino Stucky which brings me on to…..
Number 3: Watch sunset from a rooftop bar
As the sun is setting get yourself straight to the Skyline Bar at the Molino Stucky Hilton . This gorgeous red bricked hotel really features along the Venetian waterway. The hotel was created by reuniting the buildings that were once part of the Stucky Flour Mill which dates back to 1895 and can be considered one of Europe’s most ambitious architectural restoration projects in recent years. Grab yourself a cocktail and take in one of the best panoramic views of this city. There is no better way to watch the sun go down.
Number 4: Visit St Mark’s Square & Basilica
No trip to Venice is complete without visiting St. Marks Square and Basilica. There is enough mosaic in St. Mark’s Basilica to cover 1.5 American football fields. The mosaics were done over 8 centuries, mostly in gold, and the result is astonishing. St. Mark’s Square itself is bustling with tourists and stalls selling everything from miniature gondolas to stripey Venetian T-shirts. Like any large square in Europe pigeons flock here to be fed by the tourists so be prepared to get up close and personal.
Number 5: Visit the famous Cafe Florian
Admittedly grabbing a coffee at St.Mark’s Square is a little on the expensive side but there is no better place to grab a coffee than in one of the prestigious cafe’s that line St. Mark’s Square. It takes people watching (or people running away from pigeons watching) to a whole new level.
My absolute favourite place is Cafe Florian. Established in 1720, it is the oldest cafe in Europe. It is hard not to feel like you are stepping back in time in a place that was patronised by people such as Goethe and Cassanova and that included Lord Byron, Marcel Proust and Charles Dickens as frequent visitors. Treat yourself to an Irish Coffee and soak up this amazing atmosphere.
Number 6: Walk across the Rialto Bridge
Visit Venice’s most spectacular bridges. Whilst probably the most touristy of all, the Bridge of Sighs really cannot be missed. The view from the windows of the Bridge of Sighs was the last view of Venice that convicts saw before their imprisonment. Legend has it is that the name came from the sigh of convicts at this last glimpse of Venice before being taken down to their cells.
Another of Venice’s magnificent bridges is the feat of engineering that is the Rialto Bridge. This stunning bridge is one of four bridges to cross the Grand Canal and is the most spectacular by far.
During the first half of the 15th century, two rows of shops were built along the sides of the bridge and the rents brought an income that helped maintain the bridge. Today that tradition is still in place and you will find many shops lining the bridge trying to lure in the tourists.
Unfortunately you will also find a lot of graffiti on the bridge which does take away from it’s charm. And if you wish to dine with a view of the bridge all lit up at night be prepared to pay top dollar for basic standard food. You are much better off taking my advice in number 1 and wandering away from the main thoroughfare and getting a little lost (you really can’t get lost lost in Venice) to find an authentic restaurant in one of the Piazza’s off the Grand Canal.
Number 7: Take a Vaporetto to Burano
Ok I expect most of you think my last tip is to have a gondola ride through the city but I’ve been there done that and it is certainly not as romantic as it seems. Expect to pay over €100 for a 15 minute ride down some of the back canals of Venice, most of which you can see when you are getting lost on foot (see it’s my number 1 tip for a reason).
If you have romantic images of being serenaded think again as the canals are so busy you just end up trying not to crash into the hundreds of other gondolas doing the same thing. Although ok, ok! we could not resist singing “Just one Cornetto” to each other as somehow it seemed the appropriate thing to do!
Instead grab the Vaporetto or Water Bus out to the island of Burano. You will not be disappointed. There is no other word to describe it other than colourful and you will get some of your best pictures here.
It was raining when myself and my sister visited here on our first trip to Venice in March (yes the time it literally was all four seasons in three days!) but these beautiful colourful houses made it seem like the sunniest day of the year.
It is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Venice. Think tranquil and calm with elderly ladies embroidering original Burano lace by their tombolo’s, while laughing and chatting in squares among them. It really couldn’t be more picturesque. We visited a glass blowing factory while we were there and whilst Murano is world renowned for it’s glass it was so wonderful to see this historic tradition in the flesh. Burano is a must see when visiting Venice.
As I said I’ve been to Venice three times, with my son and sisters. This city still has so many streets for me to get lost in and as it is one of the most romantic places I have been. I think it is time to go back with Mister Lavin!
Drop me a comment with what you thought of Venice or if you think these tips will be helpful in planning your visit. Learn more about responsible travel in Venice or spending the perfect day in Venice.
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Until next time you crazy kids!
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Such pretty photos! I loved Venice during my time there.
It is such a gorgeous and unique city.
What lovely ideas on things to do in Venice. Gorgeous city, cannot wait to go back someday!
You would really love it there. Such a magical city.
I love your photos so much!! Even that I was just in Venice they already make me want to go back 😀
It’s one of those cities that just keeps calling you back, isn’t it?
I really need to revisit Venice before it’s too late. Thank you for these amazing tips and spots! I am definitely saving this post for later.
You sure do! It is a truly beautiful place.
I would love to get lost in Venice. My girlfriend already visited Venice multiple times but I never been, but it’s about time ;). I will definitely use your guide. Ooh and you make beautiful pictures!
It is the most incredible city, I really hope you make it back there. Your girlfriend could be your tour guide xxx
OMG I loved Venice so much!. Want to go back so bad. I will definitely use your guide for planning! Love your hotos!
Thank you so much. That means a lot. Venice is a beautiful city.
Awesome post, for me the main reason is that the city is slowly drowning and I really need to see it. But it is kind of sad reason :)) all of those mentioned ones are really great though
Yes it really is one of those bucket list places that you should see sooner rather than later.
Venice is wonderful! I visited a couple of years ago and loved it! A bit crowded around the main attractions but worth to see it! Love your pictures, too!
Thank you so much. Yes I definitely recommend to go off-season to avoid peak crowds.
Venice is such a wonderful city and you captured it so well with your photos! Great info on what to do and see in Venice! ?
Thank you so much. It really is a great city.
Your pins are soooo beautiful. Loved them!
Oh thank you so much. I only changed them yesterday so that is great to hear.
Great read. Your #1 tip is the top tip I give my friends. Wander and get lost! Venice is a great city!
Miri
TravelingwithMiriandmargo.com
It’s the best city to get lost in.
I still haven’t made it to Venice and this makes me want to go even more!
Oh this is a must see city for everyone. I hope you make it there soon.
Hahah loved that you included your sister’s selfie moment! We stumbled upon the Rialto Bridge by accident in Venice, wasn’t even looking for it!
I couldn’t not include that! You stumble across so many great places just by wandering through Venice.
This is truely the best post I have read on Venice so far. I adore this place hence I read possibly every article on Venice I come across. Beautiful images here, beautiful content there is everything just perfect here in this blog. Thanks for the share. Cheers!!!
I am so glad that you liked it.
How beautiful is Venice? OMG! I’d love to get lost throughout Europe, but especially in Italy. Gosh! Transport me there. I hope to be able to go sometime in the near future.
Amazing blog post and great photos! Venice looks really beautiful but still cant believe gondolla is sooo expensive!!! Such a touristic trap
Can I just say how stunning the pictures are. They capture the essence of Venice so well. And I think your writing is so beautiful. You made me feel like I was there with you. Thank you for sharing this!
Awesome post. Thanks for sharing. I have a trip coming up and was looking to fill a couple days!
I love Venice! Getting lost in Venice is exactly what made me fall in love with the quaint little city!
Awesome Post !!!
This is good!!! Your pictures are amazing definitely loved them!
Thank you so much for you opinion I’m really glad that you loved it xxx
Your just adorable Nicola love you ♥️♥️♥️ Your writing is lovely? Your a very talented, beautiful girl ♥️?♥️
Thank you so much Alison. It means alot