Things to do in Venice

Mention Venice and the image of beautifully-lit canals and graceful gondoliers come to mind. However, this romantic city boasts many more excellent tourist attractions. The Grand Canal (Canalazzo), Venice's main waterway, divides the city with city quarters to the west and east of it. It's the core around which much of the activity in Venice is conducted, and is surrounded by the elegant facades of the palazzi. A 'must-see' is St Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco) in the heart of Venice, while the 14th-century Basilica dei Frari, a Gothic Franciscan church, is mostly known for being the resting place of Renaissance painter, Titian, and the Venetian sculptor, Antonio Canova.

Travellers can explore the School of St Roch or the Gallerie dell'Accademia, which houses one of Europe's finest art collections from the 14th to 18th centuries. They can also visit the historic La Fenice Theater or the Jewish Ghetto of Venice, from where the word 'ghetto' derives. Jewish culture is still very active in the ghetto, which is home to five synagogues as well as various shops and restaurants. Venice is a great starting point for exploring the sights and history of Northern Italy, from the nearby islands of Murano and Burano in the Venetian Lagoon to the city of Padua, with its famous basilica and stylish cafes.

The traditional mode of transport in Venice is by foot or boat, so visitors should enjoy the strolls and relaxed boat trips. All visitors to Venice should buy a Venice Card, as it will give them use of the main tourist services, including optional discounted airport transfers, vaporetto services and admission to some museums and attractions.

The Grand Canal (Canalazzo) photo

The Grand Canal (Canalazzo)

The Grand Canal is a hub of activity in Venice, encircled by the elegant facades of the palazzi testifying to the city's past opulence. The best way to explore the architectural sp…

St Mark's Square photo

St Mark's Square

The city's first citadel and church were erected on the Piazza San Marco: the Palazzo Ducale and the Basilica di San Marco, respectively. The latter is a unique juxtaposition of By…

Rialto Bridge photo

Rialto Bridge

One of Venice's most iconic landmarks, the Rialto Bridge is often described as the heart of the city. It is the oldest bridge spanning the Grand Canal, and is one of only four that…

Basilica dei Frari photo

Basilica dei Frari

The Basilica dei Frari was constructed in the 14th century, and is primarily known as the burial place of Renaissance painter, Titian, and the Venetian sculptor, Antonio Canova. Ti…

School of St Roch photo

School of St Roch

San Rocco is known for the canvases of Venetian painter, Jacopo Tintoretto, adorning its interior. Tintoretto, who was admired and criticised for the speed with which he painted an…

Gallerie Accademia photo

Gallerie Accademia

This famous gallery was established in 1807 to house the artwork removed from Venetian churches and public buildings on Napoleon's orders. It's housed in three old religious buildi…

Peggy Guggenheim Collection photo

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, and is one of the most illustrious collections of modern art in Italy. It spans the artistic movements of…

Burano photo

Burano

Burano is a small picturesque island set within the Venetian lagoon that's famous for its pastel-coloured houses and for the handmade lace that was historically made by the wives o…

Caribe Bay photo

Caribe Bay

Caribe Bay is an extremely popular Caribbean-themed water park in the seaside resort town of Jesolo that has been earning rave reviews from visitors to Italy. Situated on an island…

Padua (Padova) photo

Padua (Padova)

Padua is often tragically overlooked due to its close proximity to Venice. The fabulous architecture of the old town, dating back as far as 1,000 AD, is a magnificent backdrop for …

Bell Tower (Campanile di San Marco) photo

Bell Tower (Campanile di San Marco)

Originally built in the 9th century, this 318 feet (97m) bell tower is the highest structure in Venice, offering visitors breathtaking views of the cupolas of St Mark's, the lagoon…

Murano photo

Murano

The Venetian Islands of Murano are joined by several bridges, making for a great trip for the whole family and the perfect place to seek out special Venetian souvenirs. In 1291, al…

Po Delta Natural Park photo

Po Delta Natural Park

A flatland along the Adriatic Coast, the vast Po Delta is one of the most stunning natural landscapes in Italy. It's divided into two regional parks: the Emilia-Romagna and Veneto.…

Gondola Rides photo

Gondola Rides

Surely one of Italy's most iconic images is that of gondolas being oared through the narrow canals of Venice by stripe-shirted, serenading gondoliers. These flat-bottomed boats are…