In a nutshell
- Venice has so much to offer that every corner is worth exploring. In this article, we show you the best places to visit in Venice so you don’t miss out.
- At St. Mark’s Square, you’ll find several of the most famous sights together: St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Tower, and the Doge’s Palace.
- A gondola ride in Venice may seem touristy, but it’s still one of the best things to do in Venice and gives you a unique perspective of the canals.
- The city is perfect to explore on foot, and with our simple Venice attractions map, we help you plan your trip.
Buy Tickets for Venice Attractions Online in Advance
Long lines at Venice’s main attractions are common, so booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.
That’s why it makes sense to book tickets in advance for the most popular sights. This way you can skip the queue and head straight inside.
You should definitely secure tickets ahead of time for these top tourist attractions in Venice:
| Price per person | Tickets | |
|---|---|---|
| Doge's Palace | €30 | Book your ticket |
| St. Mark's Basilica (skip the line) | €10 | Book your ticket |
| St. Mark's Tower | €16 | Book your ticket |
| Gondola ride (shared with others) | €35 | Book your ticket |
Venice in One Day
Are you staying at Lake Garda or elsewhere in Italy and want to plan a day trip to Venice?
Great choice—many of the best things to see in Venice can be covered in a single day. Here’s what to see:
- Rialto Market
- Rialto Bridge
- Scala del Bovolo
- Teatro La Fenice
- St. Mark’s Square with the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica and St. Mark’s Tower
- Bridge of Sighs
- Gondola ride
If you want to visit a major sight like the Doge’s Palace, it’s best to buy your tickets in advance. You’ll save valuable time by avoiding the line.
Note: In some months, you’ll need to pay an access fee for a day trip to Venice if you’re not staying overnight. You’ll find all the details in our article about the entrance fee in Venice.
Our Venice Sightseeing Map
Here you’ll find the key places to visit in Venice marked clearly on our Venice attractions map.
It’s the easiest way to see where each sight is located and plan your trip efficiently.
St. Mark's Square
What you need to know: St. Mark’s Square is the largest and most famous square in Venice. St. Mark’s Square measures 175 meters by 82 meters. It’s always lively, filled with visitors, locals, and countless pigeons. Some of the best places to visit in Venice are right here: the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Tower, and the historic Caffè Florian.
Is it worth it? Absolutely—St. Mark’s Square is stunning and the heart of the city. As you wander through Venice, you’ll naturally end up here at some point.
Our tip: With the St. Mark’s Square Pass, you can visit all the major sights with fast-track entry. Included in the pass are:
- St. Mark’s Basilica with terrace,
- Doge’s Palace,
- St. Mark’s Tower,
- Archaeological Museum,
- Museo Correr,
- National Library.
St. Mark's Basilica
What you need to know: St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the most breathtaking churches in Italy. The interior is even more impressive than the outside: 8,000 square meters covered in golden mosaics and marble. Admission costs 3 euros, but lines are common. With a skip-the-line ticket for 10 euros, you can enter right away.
Is it worth it? Definitely—if you only have time for a few Venice attractions, make sure this is one of them.
Our tip: If you’re planning to see the Doge’s Palace too, it’s best to get a combination ticket that includes both.
St. Mark's Tower
What you need to know: St. Mark’s Tower is the basilica’s bell tower and stands nearly 100 meters tall. From the top, you’ll have the best panoramic view of Venice—no other building rises higher. Galileo once studied the stars from here, and Goethe is said to have first glimpsed the open sea from this very spot.
Is it worth it? Yes. The views of the city and lagoon are spectacular, and the elevator makes it easy to reach the top.
Our tip: Book tickets in advance to skip the line and plan your visit on the hour to hear the bells ring.
Get your ticket for St. Mark’s Tower
Rialto Bridge
What you need to know: Of the 435 bridges in Venice, the Rialto Bridge is the most iconic. Like Florence’s Ponte Vecchio, its arc is lined with little shops and boutiques.
Is it worth it? Yes—the bridge is always crowded, but it’s a very popular place to visit in Venice. From the top, you get a picture-perfect view over the lively Grand Canal.
Our tip: For the best photo, head to the Riva del Ferro promenade in the late afternoon. The setting sun lights up the bridge beautifully.
Doge's Palace
What you need to know: When Venice was still a republic, the Doge’s Palace was the heart of political power. The Doge, the head of state, ruled over Venice and its colonies from here. The palace also includes the Bridge of Sighs, the old prison, and the famous lead chambers from which Casanova once escaped.
Is it worth it? Definitely—this is one of the top tourist attractions in Venice. Don’t miss the vast Great Council Chamber, the prisons and of course the Bridge of Sighs.
Our tip: Buy your ticket online for fast entry. We especially recommend the ticket with the secret passages tour, which takes you into the hidden chambers where Casanova was held.
Book your Doge’s Palace ticket with secret passages tour (our tip!)
Book the Doge’s Palace simple ticket
Bridge of Sighs
What you need to know: The Bridge of Sighs connects the Doge’s Palace with the old prison. Entry is included with your Doge’s Palace ticket. The name comes from the sighs of prisoners as they crossed the bridge on their way to their cells.
Is it worth it? Definitely. The best view is from the Ponte della Paglia, right next to the palace. It’s a classic photo spot in Venice.
Our tip: You can also glide underneath on a gondola ride. Head to the Gondola Danieli landing stage and ask your gondolier to take you there.
Church of Santa Maria Della Salute
What you need to know: Santa Maria della Salute is one of the most striking churches in Venice. It stands opposite St. Mark’s Square, across the Grand Canal. It was built in the 17th century after the plague, as an offering of thanks to the Madonna when the city was freed from the epidemic. The name translates to ‘Saint Mary of Health’.
Is it worth it? Yes. Entrance is free, and you can reach it with a 20-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square over the Ponte dell’Accademia. If that feels too far, the view from the outside is still amazing.
Our tip: For the best photo, head to Calle del Traghetto Vecchio, a tiny lane ending right on the canal directly opposite the church.
Spiral Staircase Scala Del Bovolo
What you need to know: The Scala del Bovolo is part of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, hidden in a quiet side street near St. Mark’s Square. Built in the 15th century, it was designed to be the most beautiful staircase in Venice.
Is it worth it? The tower isn’t very tall and the view only just clears the rooftops, but your ticket also includes a temporary art exhibition inside the palace.
Our tip: Since this spot is still something of an insider’s secret, you can often buy tickets on-site in low season without waiting.
Book your ticket for the Scala del Bovolo
Teatro La Fenice
What you need to know: Teatro La Fenice is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. It stands on the site of the San Benedetto theater, which burned down in the 18th century. Fenice means phoenix, the mythical bird reborn from the ashes—hence the name.
Is it worth it? If you love theater, it’s a fantastic place to visit in Venice. Otherwise, a look from the outside is enough.
Book your ticket for the Teatro La Fenice with audio guide
Burano
What you need to know: Burano is a small island in the Venice lagoon and one of the best places to visit in Venice. It’s about 50 minutes away by water bus line 12 and is famous for its brightly painted houses.
Is it worth it? Absolutely. You can spend a relaxing afternoon wandering the colorful canals and enjoying fresh fish risotto in the local trattorias. It’s also far less crowded than the busy center.
Our tip: A guided boat tour to Burano is a great option, often combined with stops in Murano and Torcello. On each island you’ll have time to explore on your own.
Book a guided tour to Murano, Burano and Torcello
Murano
What you need to know: Murano is world-famous for its glassmaking. This island, just 20 minutes by water bus, has been producing Murano glass for centuries and remains a top tourist attraction in Venice. There are charming little alleyways, squares, trattorias, a lighthouse – and of course the glass workshops where you can watch the masters at work and buy unique pieces.
Is it worth it? Definitely. The glassmakers create everything from tiny colorful figurines to huge chandeliers. The craft is over 1,000 years old and unique to this island, making it one of the best things to see in Venice.
Our tip: If you’re looking for a special souvenir, Murano glass is the perfect choice. It’s authentic, beautiful, and a real iconic thing to bring home from Venice.
Book a tour through a glass factory in Murano
Island of Lido Di Venezia
What you need to know: Lido is Venice’s beach escape and one of the best places to visit in Venice in summer. It feels like a classic Italian seaside resort, with bars, restaurants, clubs, hotels of all kinds, and of course its famous 11-kilometer sandy beach. You can reach Lido in just 15 minutes by water bus from the city center.
Is it worth it? Yes, especially if you’d like to swim. You don’t need to bring much—parasols, loungers, and towels are available at the lidos.
Our tip: If you’re visiting in summer and want to combine Venice sightseeing with a beach stay, consider booking a hotel on Lido. We’ve rounded up the 5 best beach hotels in Venice.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
What you need to know: Peggy Guggenheim was an American art collector who built one of the most important collections of modern art. She traveled across Europe, even during World War II, to acquire works that today make up this renowned Venice museum.
Is it worth it? Yes. The museum is small, but you’ll see masterpieces by Pollock, Picasso, Kandinsky, and Magritte. If you love art or need something to do on a rainy day, it’s a great thing to do in Venice.
Our tip: Because the museum is compact, it fills up quickly. Book your ticket in advance to skip the line.
Book your ticket for the Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Casino Venier
What you need to know: The Casino Venier is a hidden gem among Venice attractions. In the 18th century, casinos were secret clubs where the elite came to dance, gamble, and socialize away from public view. Inside, you’ll find original floors, frescoes, three rooms, and even secret passages and peepholes.
Is it worth it? Yes. Out of the 118 secret casinos that once existed, this is the only one that remains. Visiting gives you a glimpse of a side of Venice few tourists ever see.
Our tip: Today, the Casino Venier belongs to the Alliance Française. To visit, you’ll need to request an appointment. Alternatively, during Art Night Venezia in June, the doors are open to everyone.
Jewish Quarter
What you need to know: The Jewish Ghetto of Venice was established in the 16th century, when Jewish merchants were forced to live in a remote area of the city. The word ghetto comes from this time, likely derived from the Venetian word geto, meaning foundry, since the district once housed an ironworks. Napoleon ended the segregation in the late 18th century. Later, during the Fascist era, many residents were deported to concentration camps. Today, only about 30 Jews still live in the neighborhood.
Is it worth it? Yes. Once run-down, the quarter is now a quiet, atmospheric part of Venice with three synagogues, the Jewish Museum, and several restaurants and galleries. It’s also much calmer than the main tourist areas, making it one of the best places to visit in Venice if you want to escape the crowds.
Our tip: On your own, the area may not look very different from other neighborhoods. A guided tour is highly recommended to appreciate its history.
Book a private tour through the Jewish quarter
Bookshop Libreria Acqua Alta
What you need to know: Libreria Acqua Alta is a more unusual place to visit in Venice and definitely worth a stop. Its name translates to “floodwater bookshop.” The shelves here are anything but ordinary—books are stacked inside gondolas and bathtubs. Since Venice floods several times a year, this creative setup keeps the books safe and dry.
Is it worth it? At the entrance, a sign claims it’s the most beautiful bookshop in the world. Whether that’s true is up for debate, but it’s certainly worth a visit.
Our tip: Don’t miss the little courtyard with its staircase made of books and the terrace right on the canal. Keep an eye out for the shop’s friendly cats, too.
Mercato Di Rialto
What you need to know: The Rialto Market has been part of daily life for Venetians for more than 950 years. The lively fish market, held under a stone arcade, is especially worth a visit—you’ll find every type of fish and seafood from the Adriatic Sea. The market is open from Monday to Saturday until lunchtime.
Is it worth it? The real action happens between 7 and 9 a.m., when locals haggle and chat. Later in the morning, the atmosphere becomes more touristy as visitors and photographers arrive.
Our tip: After exploring, grab a cappuccino and croissant in one of the nearby bars and enjoy breakfast with the locals.
Book a street food tour of the Mercato di Rialto
Caffè Florian
What you need to know: Opened in 1720, Caffè Florian is the oldest coffee house in Italy and a top tourist attraction in Venice. It sits right on St. Mark’s Square, with a stunning interior of gilded stucco, frescoes, mirrors, and fading wall colors that mix grandeur with history.
Is it worth it? Once a meeting place for aristocrats and intellectuals, today it’s mostly tourists—but the café’s charm makes it one of the best places to visit in Venice.
Note: Prices are famously high—a cappuccino on the terrace costs about 10 euros, and there’s an extra charge if live music is playing. A cheaper option is to enjoy your coffee standing at the bar, while still taking in the beautiful interior.
Mask Studios
What you need to know: Venice is famous for its Carnival, and the city’s many mask studios are part of that tradition. The most renowned is Ca’ Macana, whose handmade masks have even appeared in Hollywood films like *Eyes Wide Shut* and *50 Shades of Grey*.
Is it worth it? Visiting a mask atelier is a cool thing to do in Venice. You can watch artisans at work and take home a unique piece of Venetian craftsmanship.
Our tip: Some studios offer short workshops where you can paint and decorate your own mask—a creative and memorable activity in Venice.
Book a workshop in the Venetian mask studio
Carnival of Venice
What you need to know: The Carnival of Venice is the city’s most famous festival and a highlight of the year. It begins about 10 days before Ash Wednesday with a spectacular ceremony where an acrobat dressed as an angel glides from St. Mark’s Tower down to St. Mark’s Square. A historic boat parade also takes place on the Grand Canal, with around 120 gondolas filled with costumed rowers. Traditional 18th-century-style masks, ball gowns, and ornate headdresses make this one of the best things to see in Venice.
Is it worth it? Yes—but be prepared for big crowds. Visiting during the week is usually less hectic.
Our tip: If you arrive in Venice a few days before Carnival officially starts, you’ll still see costumed performers without the overwhelming crowds.
Gondola Ride
What you need to know: A gondola ride is the classic Venice experience and a must-do if you’re in the city. You can either share a gondola seat for about 30 euros or hire a private gondola for around 100 euros for half an hour.
Is it worth it? Without a doubt, seeing the city from the water is one of the best things to do in Venice.
Our tip: Book your gondola ride online in advance, especially in high season, to skip the long lines at the piers.
Book a private gondola ride for up to 5 people
Eat Cicchetti
You need to know this: Cicchetti are Venice’s answer to Spanish tapas. These are small slices of bread topped with everything from grilled eggplant and pistachio cream cheese to prawns with garlic. The variety is endless and always delicious. You’ll find cicchetti in a traditional bacaro—tiny neighborhood bars with just a counter and a few tables, scattered all over the city.
Is it worth it? Absolutely. Cicchetti are part of daily life in Venice, and eating them in a bacaro is one of the best things to do in Venice if you want to experience the city like a local.
Our tip: Try them the Venetian way—on a plate by the canal, paired with an “ombra,” the local term for a small glass of wine.
Book the Venetian night flavors tour with different cicchetti and ombre
General Tips For Sightseeing in Venice
Before you dive into exploring, here are a few useful tips for your trip.
#1 Visit Venice in the low season
Venice is never truly quiet, but from November to March the city feels much calmer than in high season.
Hotels are often half the price compared to spring and summer, so you can find great deals. With some luck, you’ll even get sunny days—we’ve visited in November and February and enjoyed blue skies both times.
#2 Remember the Venice entrance fee
If you’re only coming for the day and are not staying overnight in Venice, you’ll need to pay a 10 euro entrance fee on certain dates. Tickets can be booked through the official city portal.
Overnight guests don’t have to pay this fee since it’s covered by the tourist tax, but you still need to register and show the QR code provided.
The rule has been in place since April 2024. Starting in August 2025, the fee will be removed, with a new system planned for 2026.
#3 Join a guided tour of Venice’s sights
If you only have one day and want to cover the top tourist attractions in Venice, a guided tour is the best way to go.
Even if you’ve been here before, there are tours that dive into the city’s hidden corners and stories:
Legends and ghosts tour through the old town
#4 Save money with a Venice Citypass
A Venice Citypass gives you free or discounted entry to museums, tours, and major sights. You often get skip-the-line access, saving both time and money.
The Venice Digital Pass is perfect for first-time visitors. It includes the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and a gondola ride—three of the best places to visit in Venice.
Buy the Venice Digital Pass online
Want more details about Venice passes? Check out our full guide here.
#5 Getting around Venice
There are no buses in Venice—only water buses. And instead of regular taxis, you’ll find water taxis.
If your hotel isn’t central or you’re visiting Venice with kids, a transport pass can be handy. It lets you use all public transport for several days. Day passes are also available:
Book the pass for the water bus in Venice
These were our 22 best places to visit in Venice
Hopefully this guide gave you an idea of what to see in Venice—from iconic landmarks to local traditions. Have you been to Venice and discovered more highlights? Share your tips in the comments!