Venice Tourist Attractions: 22 Highlights You Can’t Miss

Buy Tickets for Venice Highlights Online in Advance

During your trip to Venice, you’ll need to be prepared for long lines at the most popular sights.

That’s why it’s worth booking tickets in advance. That way, you simply walk right past the line and straight to the entrance.

For these Venice highlights, you should definitely buy your ticket ahead of time:

Venice in One Day

Are you currently vacationing at Lake Garda or somewhere else in Italy and only want to make a day trip to Venice?

Great idea — a tour of Venice works perfectly in a single day! You can fit in all of these highlights:

• 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 Campanile
• Bridge of Sighs
• Gondola ride

If you want to go inside anywhere — for example, the Doge’s Palace — you should definitely buy your tickets in advance. That way you skip the line and save time.

Note: From April to July 2026, you’ll pay an entry fee for a day trip to Venice — that is, if you’re not spending the night in the city. You can find more details in our general tips.

The Most Important Venice Sights on a Map

Here you’ll find the most important venice tourist attractions marked on a map so you can see exactly where each one is and plan your visit accordingly.

Impressive Buildings and Squares in Venice

St. Mark's Square

What you need to know: St. Mark’s Square is the most famous and largest square in Venice — 175 meters long and 82 meters wide, to be exact. It’s busy at any time of day: tourists, locals, and thousands of pigeons. Right on the square you’ll find several key venice tourist attractions: the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Campanile, and the historic Caffè Florian.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! St. Mark’s Square is the heart of Venice’s historic center and genuinely impressive. When you wander through the old quarter, you’ll inevitably end up here at some point anyway.

Our tip: With the St. Mark’s Square Pass, you can visit all the sights on the square with fast-track entry. These highlights are included:

• St. Mark’s Basilica with terrace,
• Doge’s Palace,
• St. Mark’s Campanile,
• Archaeological Museum,
• Museo Correr,
• National Library.

St. Mark's Basilica

What you need to know: Venice’s cathedral is one of the most impressive buildings in Italy. It’s absolutely worth seeing on the inside too: the 8,000-square-meter interior is completely covered in gilded mosaics and marble. Admission is 3 euros, but there’s always a line. With a skip-the-line ticket starting from 28 euros, you walk straight in.

Is it worth it? Totally! You should definitely go inside St. Mark’s Basilica. The interior is even more stunning than it looks from the outside.

Our tip: If you’re planning to visit the Doge’s Palace anyway, a Doge’s Palace + St. Mark’s Basilica combo ticket is really worth it.

St. Mark's Campanile

What you need to know: St. Mark’s Campanile is the bell tower of the basilica and nearly 100 meters tall. From the top, you get the best panorama of Venice — no other building in the city reaches higher. Galileo Galilei is said to have read the stars from up here, and Goethe reportedly saw the open sea for the very first time from this spot.

Is it worth it? Definitely! The view over all of Venice and the sea is seriously spectacular, and you can get up there comfortably by elevator.

Our tip: Be sure to book your ticket in advance, otherwise you’ll be waiting in line. If you go up on the hour, you’ll also get to hear the bells ring — a really special moment.

To the ticket for St. Mark’s Campanile

The Rialto Bridge

What you need to know: Among Venice’s 435 bridges, the Rialto Bridge is the most famous. It’s a bit reminiscent of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence — here too, boutiques were built directly on the bridge.

Is it worth it? If you’re heading from the main train station toward St. Mark’s Square, the most direct route goes right over the Rialto Bridge — so you’ll cross it anyway. It’s always crowded, but the view over the Grand Canal from the top is genuinely beautiful.

Our tip: For the best photo, position yourself on the Riva del Ferro promenade in the late afternoon. That’s when the setting sun falls directly on the bridge. It looks really stunning!

The Doge's Palace

What you need to know: When Venice was still a republic, the Doge’s Palace was the center of power — the seat of the Doge, the head of state, who ruled over Venice and its colonies from here. The palace also includes the Bridge of Sighs, the prison, and the Lead Chambers from which Casanova famously escaped.

Is it worth it? 100%! You should absolutely visit the Doge’s Palace from the inside. The enormous Hall of the Great Council, the prisons, and the Bridge of Sighs are all seriously impressive.

Our tip: Buy your ticket online — that way you automatically get fast-track entry. We really recommend the ticket with the secret passages tour, which also gets you into the Lead Chambers where Casanova was imprisoned.

To the ticket with secret passages tour

To the standard ticket

The Bridge of Sighs

What you need to know: The Bridge of Sighs connects the Doge’s Palace with Venice’s former prison. With a Doge’s Palace ticket, you also get to walk across it. The name comes from the sighs prisoners were said to let out as they were transferred from the palace to the jail.

Is it worth it? You can see the Bridge of Sighs very well from outside — head to the Ponte della Paglia bridge right next to the Doge’s Palace. It’s one of the classic photo spots in Venice.

Our tip: You can also pass under the bridge by gondola. Head to the Gondola Danieli dock and specifically ask the gondolier to take you that way.

The Church of Santa Maria della Salute

What you need to know: Santa Maria della Salute is the most photogenic church in Venice. It stands diagonally across from St. Mark’s Square, on the other side of the Grand Canal. The church was built in the 17th century when the plague was ravaging the city. The Doge vowed it to the Madonna in hopes the epidemic would end — and it did. Hence the name: salute means “health.”

Is it worth it? You can visit the inside for free. You’ll need to cross the Ponte dell’Accademia to get there — about a 20-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square. If that’s too far, the view from the outside is perfectly beautiful too.

Our tip: The best view of the church is from the tiny alley Calle del Traghetto Vecchio, on the opposite side of the Grand Canal. It ends right at the water’s edge and puts you practically face to face with the church.

The Spiral Staircase Scala del Bovolo

What you need to know: The Scala del Bovolo belongs to the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, tucked away in a rather unremarkable side alley near St. Mark’s Square. When the staircase was commissioned in the 15th century, the goal was to create the most beautiful staircase in the world. And honestly, it’s pretty spectacular!

Is it worth it? The tower isn’t very tall and you only just peek above Venice’s rooftops. That said, your ticket also includes a rotating exhibition of Venetian artists inside the palace, which is a nice bonus.

Our tip: Since this place is more of a local favorite than a tourist hotspot, you can usually buy your ticket on-site during the off-season. Lines are rarely an issue here.

To the 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 former Teatro San Benedetto, which burned down in the 18th century. Fenice means phoenix — the bird that rises from the ashes. Hence the name.

Is it worth it? If you’re particularly into theater and opera, you should definitely go inside. Otherwise, admiring it from the outside is perfectly fine too.

To the ticket with audio guide for Teatro La Fenice

Famous Islands and Canals near Venice

The Island of Burano

What you need to know: Burano is a small island within the Venice Lagoon and a firm fixture on any list of venice tourist attractions. It’s 50 minutes away by water bus line 12 and is famous for its vividly colorful houses.

Is it worth it? You can easily spend an afternoon on Burano, strolling along the colorful canals and enjoying a delicious fish risotto at one of the trattorias. Plus, it’s so much less crowded than the center of Venice.

Our tip: It’s worth joining a guided boat tour to Burano that also takes in the islands of Murano and Torcello. On each island you’ll have one to two hours of free time to explore on your own.

To the guided tour to Murano, Burano, and Torcello

Murano

What you need to know: Ever heard of Murano glass? It’s made on this small island in the Venice Lagoon — and only here. Murano is just 20 minutes from the city center by water bus and is a standout destination in its own right. There are charming little alleys, squares, trattorias, a lighthouse — and glassblowing factories where you can watch Murano glass being crafted and buy something on the spot.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! The craftspeople of Murano are true artists, conjuring up tiny colorful glass figures, decorations, and even enormous vases and chandeliers. Their craft is over 1,000 years old and exists nowhere else in the world.

Our tip: If you’re looking for a souvenir from Venice, pick up something made of Murano glass. It’s the perfect keepsake — and you know it’s the real thing.

To the tour of a glass factory in Murano

The Vacation Island of Lido di Venezia

What you need to know: Lido is the island for a beach vacation in Venice. Here you’ll find everything you’d expect from a classic Italian seaside resort: bars, restaurants, clubs, hotels in every price range, and an 11-kilometer-long sandy beach. You can reach Lido from the city center in just 15 minutes by water bus.

Is it worth it? If you want to swim while you’re in Venice, Lido is absolutely worth it. You don’t even need to bring your own umbrella or beach towel — you can get everything at the beach clubs on Lido.

Our tip: If you’re traveling to Venice in the summer and want a beach vacation too, look for a hotel on Lido. We’ve put together a guide to the five best beach hotels in Venice to help you choose.

The Best Museums in Venice

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection

What you need to know: Peggy Guggenheim was an American art collector who made it her mission in the 1930s and 1940s to found the greatest museum of modern art. Even during World War II, she braved the dangers of travel to scour Europe for interesting artworks. The result is what we know today as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection: Italy’s most important museum of modern art.

Is it worth it? The museum isn’t large, but you’ll see works by Pollock, Picasso, Kandinsky, and Magritte, among others. If you’re an art lover — or you’ve been caught in the rain — it’s definitely worth your time.

Our tip: Because the museum is on the smaller side, it can fill up quickly and lines can form. Buy your ticket in advance so you can walk straight in.

To the ticket for the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Casino Venier

What you need to know: Casino Venier is a genuine under-the-radar pick in Venice. In the past, casinos here were secret clubs where people danced, gambled, debated, and did all sorts of things meant to stay out of the public eye. The interior furnishings, floors, and frescoes are all original from that era. It consists of three rooms with secret passages, peepholes, and hidden chambers.

Is it worth it? In the 18th century, there were 118 such secret venues in Venice. Today, only Casino Venier survives. It’s truly one of a kind — and you’ll be seeing something that most visitors never even know exists.

Our tip: Today, Casino Venier belongs to the Alliance Française, an Italian-French cultural institution. To visit, you’ll need to request an appointment at the secretariat. Alternatively, Art Night Venezia takes place once a year in June, when numerous museums and cultural institutions stay open late into the night — and Casino Venier is open to the public free of charge.

Special Places in Venice

The Jewish Quarter

What you need to know: Venice’s Jewish Ghetto has existed since the 16th century. Back then, Jewish merchants were banished to a deserted corner of the city out of competitive fear. It wasn’t until Napoleon conquered the city at the end of the 18th century that Venetian Jews were free again. During the fascist era, a large portion of the Jews still living in the neighborhood were deported to concentration camps. Today, only about 30 Jews still live in the quarter.

Is it worth it? Once quite run-down, today it’s a charming, quiet neighborhood. Here you’ll find three synagogues, restaurants, art galleries, and the Jewish Museum. It’s also far less crowded than the rest of Venice, so you can enjoy a few more relaxed hours here.

Our tip: Without a guide, the neighborhood doesn’t look much different from other parts of Venice to the untrained eye. We really recommend taking a tour of the Jewish Quarter:

To the private tour of the Jewish Quarter

The Bookstore Libreria Acqua Alta

What you need to know: Libreria Acqua Alta is a lesser-known but totally worthwhile stop in Venice. The name translates to “high water bookstore.” Books are stacked all over the shop, largely inside gondolas and bathtubs — so that when flooding occurs, which can happen several times a year in Venice, the books are protected by their floating containers.

Is it worth it? A sign at the entrance declares it the most beautiful bookstore in the world. Whether that’s true, we can’t say — but it’s certainly unique, and a fun detour from the main tourist trail.

Our tip: The bookstore also has a small courtyard with a staircase made entirely of books, and a tiny terrace on the canal where you can flip through titles. A few resident cats are also part of the décor.

The Mercato di Rialto

What you need to know: The Rialto Market has existed for 950 years and is still the daily gathering place of Venetians. The fish market is especially worth seeing — it takes place under a stone loggia, where you’ll find every fish and seafood the Adriatic has to offer. The market runs Monday through Saturday until midday.

Is it worth it? The real buzz happens early in the morning between 7 and 9 AM, when haggling and lively debate fill the air. After that, tourists and photographers pour in and the market loses a bit of its authenticity — so get there early if you can.

Our tip: All around the market there are small bars where you can grab a croissant and cappuccino for breakfast and mingle with the locals.

To the street food tour of the Mercato di Rialto

The Historic Caffè Florian

What you need to know: Caffè Florian is Italy’s oldest coffeehouse, opened in 1720 and located right on St. Mark’s Square. It even has its own coat of arms. The interior is a blend of grandeur and decadence: gilded stucco, wall paintings, and large mirrors combined with faded wall colors.

Is it worth it? While the nobility and intellectuals of Venice once gathered here, today it’s mostly tourists. Even so, the café has incredible charm and is absolutely worth seeing at least once.

Note: The café is also famous for its prices: a cappuccino on the terrace costs around 10 euros, and if a pianist is playing, a few more euros get added on. If you drink your coffee standing at the counter, though, the prices are much more reasonable — and you still get to peek at the beautiful rooms.

The Mask Workshops

What you need to know: The Venice Carnival is an institution, which is why the city has so many mask workshops. Here, the famous Venetian masks are handcrafted and sold directly. One of the most well-known workshops is Ca’ Macana — its masks have been used in the Hollywood films Eyes Wide Shut and Fifty Shades of Grey.

Is it worth it? In the workshops, you can watch the craftspeople at work and shop for masks yourself. At your next costume party back home, you’ll surely have one of the most unique pieces in the room!

Our tip: You can even create your own mask — some workshops offer one-to-two-hour sessions where you design your very own mask. It’s a really fun activity in Venice!

To the workshop at a Venetian mask studio

Special Activities in Venice

The Venice Carnival

What you need to know: The Venice Carnival is the highlight of the year in the lagoon city. Ten days before Ash Wednesday, it kicks off with a grand opening ceremony in which an acrobat dressed as an angel descends from St. Mark’s Campanile to St. Mark’s Square. During Carnival, a historic boat parade also takes place on the Grand Canal. The traditional masks and costumes are from the 18th century — sweeping ball gowns and colorful headpieces, most of them handmade and worth several thousand euros.

Is it worth it? Definitely worth seeing, but also very crowded. Come on a weekday if you can.

Our tip: If you arrive in Venice a few days before the official Carnival season begins, it won’t be as packed yet — and you’ll still get to see some costumes.

A Gondola Ride

What you need to know: The classic Venice experience is the gondola ride. You can either book just a single seat in a gondola, or reserve the entire gondola for yourself. The whole gondola is more romantic, but costs around 100 euros for half an hour. A single seat costs about 30 euros.

Is it worth it? Without a doubt! A gondola ride is simply part of the Venice experience — it lets you see the city from a completely different perspective.

Our tip: You can also book a gondola ride online in advance. This is especially handy during peak season, when lines at the docks are not uncommon.

To the private gondola ride for up to 5 people

Eating Cicchetti

What you need to know: Cicchetti are the Venetian version of Spanish tapas — small slices of bread topped with all kinds of ingredients, such as grilled eggplant, pistachio cream cheese, or shrimp with garlic. Cicchetti are traditionally found in a bacaro: tiny little spots, usually just a counter and a few tables, scattered all over Venice.

Is it worth it? Eating cicchetti is truly Venetian. If you want to mingle with the locals, you absolutely have to stop into a bacaro and grab a plate.

Our tip: The truly Venetian way to eat cicchetti is on a plate by the edge of a canal, accompanied by an “ombra” — the Venetian word for a small glass of wine. Don’t miss it!

To the food tour with various cicchetti and wine

General Tips for Venice's Sights

Visiting Venice in the Off-Season

Venice never truly empties out. But from November to March, Venice is much more pleasant than during peak travel season.

You can also find real bargains when searching for hotels in Venice in the off-season: most hotels cost only half of what they charge in spring and summer.

With a bit of luck, the weather will cooperate too. We’ve been to Venice in November and in February, and both times it was sunny.

Don't Forget the Venice Entry Fee

If you’re only staying for a day and not spending the night in Venice, you’ll need to pay a 10-euro entry fee on certain selected days. You can book your ticket through the city’s online portal.

If you’re staying overnight in Venice, you’re already paying the tourist tax and therefore don’t need to pay an entry fee. However, you still need to register. You’ll then receive a QR code that you’ll need to show if checked.

This rule has been in effect since April 2024.

Joining a Guided Tour of Venice's Sights

If you only have one day in Venice and want to see as much as possible, joining a guided tour is a great idea.

This walking tour is a fantastic way to get a first overview of the city’s top points of interest:

To the 2-hour walking tour of Venice

But even if you’re staying longer or already know Venice well, there are some interesting tours that go a bit more in depth:

To the legends and ghosts tour of the old town

Saving Money with a Venice City Pass

With a Venice city pass, you get free or discounted admission to various sights, museums, and tours — and you can often skip the ticket line too. So you save both time and money.

We think the Venice Digital Pass is a great choice for a first visit to the city. It includes the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and a gondola ride — three absolute must-sees in Venice.

Buy the Venice Digital Pass online
Want to learn more about Venice’s city passes? Then check out this article.

Getting Around in Venice

In Venice there are no buses — only water buses. And no regular taxis either, just water taxis. Pretty cool, right?

If your hotel isn’t right in the center or you’re visiting Venice with kids, a public transit pass can be worth it. With it, you can use all of the city’s public transportation for multiple days. Day tickets are available too:

To the water bus pass for Venice