Best Things To Do In Venice: A Guide To This Incredible City

There are few cities in the world as intricately unique as Venice. Once the capital of a powerful maritime empire and home to some of the most influential minds in history, this small city is now a labyrinthine wonderland of canals and bridges. The city is so distinctive that it has its own word to describe places like it: ‘Veneziano’. This article will cover some of the best things to do in Venice.  Whether you have just a few hours or a whole day, there is something for everyone here.

Walking Tour of Venice

Walking is the best way to appreciate Venice’s unique nature and architecture. There are plenty of free walking tours in the city that can be found online or at any of the major piazzas. They will give you the history of the city and its famous monuments, as well as offer some tips on where to eat and shop. The best part is that you don’t even have to book in advance. You just show up at the meeting place and join other travellers on the tour. If you have more than a day and are looking for more in-depth knowledge of the city, you can book a tour with a licensed guide. You can select from a variety of different tours that vary in length and price. You can also book a gondola tour if you want to experience this Venetian icon.

The Rialto Bridge

Best Things To Do In Venice: The Rialto Bridge
One of Venice’s most iconic landmarks, the Rialto Bridge is also the oldest bridge in the city, having been completed in the late 13th century. It is also the only bridge in Venice that remains as it was originally built, with no alterations since then. The bridge is a great place to start your visit to Venice. It is easy to find from any of the piazzas, and it also provides you with an essential photo opportunity. The nearby mosaics are also well worth seeing. This is a great introduction to Venice and a must-see for anyone visiting the city.

Venice's Churches

Best Things To Do In Venice: A Guide To This Incredible City
Venice has a number of stunning churches, many of which are hidden and off the beaten track. These are a must for anyone interested in the history of Venice and its role as a major trading hub in the Middle Ages. Three of the most famous churches are San Giorgio Maggiore, Santa Maria dei Miracoli, and San Marco. San Giorgio Maggiore is the most beautiful church in Venice, while Santa Maria dei Miracoli is one of the oldest, having been built in the 12th century. San Marco is the most famous church in Venice, serving as the seat of the Venetian Orthodox Church and home to the famous St. Mark’s Basilica. All three are well worth visiting, and they give you a unique insight into the history of Venice.

St. Mark's Basilica

Best Things To Do In Venice City, St Mark's Basilica

The St. Mark’s Basilica is perhaps the most famous church in Venice and one of its most significant attractions. It is also the most important church in the city for religious purposes. It is the home of the city’s patron saint, Mark the Evangelist. The basilica is a massive building that can be seen from almost anywhere in Venice. It is a must-see for anyone interested in religious history and architectural masterpieces. It is also a good place to start your St. Mark’s experience because of its close proximity to the nearby Piazza San Marco.

Piazza San Marco and the Campanile

Best Things To Do In Venice City, Piazza San Marco and the Campanile

No visit to Venice is complete without seeing Piazza San Marco, the city’s main square. Here, you will find the famous St. Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile (also know as the bell tower), and the striking Venetian Loggia. It is also an ideal place to start your exploration of the city. The square is always busy and full of life, and it is a great place to experience the unique atmosphere of Venice. It is also a good place to visit at night, when the Piazza is lit up and the atmosphere is even more magical.

Tip: Always pay for a guided tour!

Venice is a city that is incredibly easy to get lost in. It is also one that can be quite tiring to explore, as there are few places to sit down. This makes it even more important that you pay for a guided tour. These are offered by almost every tour operator in Venice, and they include transportation to and from your hotel as well as expert guides that can help you navigate the city and understand its history. You will save yourself a lot of time and effort by booking one of these tours. They will take you to the main attractions and help you make the most out of your visit to Venice. Even if you are only in the city for a few hours, a guided tour can help you see the most important sights and get the most out of your stay.

Gondola Ride

Best Things To Do In Venice City, Gondola ride
Everyone who visits Venice has seen a gondola ride, yet many people still do not know how to go about booking one. The gondolier profession has been regulated and controlled by the government in Venice since the 14th century. This means that you can only take a gondola ride if you have booked it in advance with a licensed operator. Gondola rides are expensive and not worth their price in every case. To get a worthwhile experience, make sure you book a ride that takes you through some of Venice’s most important sights. You can also get a ride with a gondolier who can tell you about the history of the city and its canals. This can make for a very special experience and is certainly worth the extra cost.

Dal Mascolo School and Ca' Corner Galicia

If you want to see something a bit different from the touristy attractions in Venice, you should visit the Dal Mascolo School and Ca’ Corner Galicia. Both are located in the city’s Cannaregio area, and they offer a great insight into what life was like for Venetians before tourism took off in a major way. Both attractions are free to enter and are great examples of the typical Venetian architecture and culture. Dal Mascolo is a school that was built in the 17th century and has remained largely untouched since then. Ca’ Corner Galicia is a merchant’s house built in the 16th century. Even if you are not particularly interested in architecture, you will find these two places interesting and worth a visit.

Marciano Museum, Archaeological Museum, and Ca' Pesaro

These three museums are ideal for art lovers and people who want to learn more about Venetian culture. The Marciano Museum is one of the most famous museums in the city and hosts a wide variety of art exhibitions. The Archaeological Museum is an interesting place to learn about the history of Venice and its inhabitants. The Ca’ Pesaro is an art museum located in an old silk factory and also hosts different exhibitions. All three museums are interesting and well worth visiting. They give you an insight into the history of Venice and the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped the city throughout its existence. You will find something that interests you, no matter what your tastes might be.

Conclusion

Venice is one of the most beautiful and unique cities in the world. It is a city that everyone should visit at least once in their lives. Whether you want to explore its architecture and history or simply spend a day relaxing at the beach, there is something for everyone here. There are so many things to do in Venice that you will not be able to fit them all into one trip, so you will have to come back for more someday.