Italy, the home of la dolce vita and seen by many as the benchmark of a life of leisure. From the many vacation attractions to the Italian pursuit of the sweetness of doing nothing (dolce far niente), it should come as no surprise that tens of millions of tourists flock to this popular downtime destination every year.
Related: Travelling in spring? Here’s what you can expect in Italy!
Of the many popular destinations frequented by visitors from all over the world, Venice truly stands out as a special experience. That’s why Expat Explore has created this city guide to Venice! So you can get a sense of this sensational city before you book your trip and visit. Because believe us, you’ll want to after this!
Check out our top things to do in Venice, Italy:
Take your time at St. Mark’s Basilica & Square
The iconic landmark of Basilica di San Marco is one that’s bound to impress! This cathedral is known for its extravagant details. From golden domes to beautiful paintings, ornate decorations to opulent animal statues, all coming together in the perfect destination for photographs and unforgettable memories.
With so many details to behold, you might need more than one visit to truly get a glimpse of it all! For that reason, we advise you to take your time to see as many as you possibly can now. And while you’re in the area, why not experience the Basilica Square? From there, you can access a variety of Venice attractions, including notable galleries and museums.
Float along Canal Grande and under Rialto Bridge
Fancy a float? It just so happens that two of Italy’s top attractions are best viewed by boat! When you’re in Venice, be sure to book a boat ride down the Canal Grande. It’s an iconic canal that flows through all of Venice’s districts. From here, you’ll have the best seats in the house to see all the charming attractions along Canal Grande.
But wait, there’s more! About halfway down Canal Grande, while on your boat ride, you’ll catch an unbeatable view of the world-famous Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge). You can always give it another visit to experience the many souvenir shops along the pedestrian bridge. But for the best snapshot, view it from the Canal Grande!
Spend an evening in Teatro la Fenice
Yes, this stunning landmark is home to many performance types such as opera and ballet, but that doesn’t mean you should be a theatre buff to appreciate it! Trust us; between the rich lighting, cosy armchairs, grand balconies and ornate ceilings, you’ll have enough to look at before your eyes focus on the performers on stage.
To experience this iconic attraction, you can either book a guided tour of the premises or immerse yourself in Italian culture with an evening of theatre or ballet. This will be a grand affair indeed, but you’re bound to walk away with more memories than you thought you could afford!
Sightsee from the top of the Campanile
Also located at the iconic St. Mark’s Square, the Campanile is an unmissable Italian attraction! The details make it truly mesmerising, such as the exposed bricks, marble decorations, green copper and golden angel. The Campanile is also an incredible vantage point from which to view other landmarks in the area.
Climb to the top of the Campanile for unbeatable views of St. Mark’s Square, including some of the other attractions we’ve already mentioned as well as the Museo Archeologico, Torre dell’Orologio and the lagoon. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this unique and breathtaking sightseeing experience!
Visit the islands of Murano and Burano by boat
Venice is surrounded by several islands that you can visit and tour with local guides. Two of the most popular are the islands of Murano and Burano, both accessible from Venice by boat. Murano, the closest of the two, is widely known for its glass art and the museums and shops that display it.
The other, Burano, is a little further but worth the visit for the streets lined with brightly coloured houses alone! But if that’s not reason enough, you’ll also experience the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta on this island as well as spectacular views over the lagoon. Burano is also known for the intricate art of lacemaking. You won’t want to miss it!
Related: See both Murano and Burano with the Venice Lagoon Tour optional excursion on your Taste of Italy tour!
Spend a day in the Dorsoduro district
Venice consists of six distinct districts, and Dorsoduro is the southernmost. It’s best known for its rich culture and active student life, but there are many more reasons tourists love to frequent this district!
For starters, a short walk will bring you face to face with several Italian attractions. See the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Punta della Dogana and Galleria dell’Accademia. Dorsoduro also borders the Canal Grande that we mentioned earlier, so it’s a great idea to add both to your itinerary and visit them on the same outing. Take in the stunning architecture and bustling culture on a trip to Dorsoduro.
These must-see attractions are already reason enough to pay Venice a visit! But there are plenty more historical, cultural and quintessentially Italian experiences waiting around every street corner. Even more reason to see it for yourself!
If you’d like to tick the best things to do on vacation in Venice off your bucket list, book an Italy trip with Expat Explore, and get ready to sightsee in style and embrace the sweetness of Italian life!