What to Visit in Venice
Venice is an open-air museum. Every street, every bridge, every corner tells a centuries-old story of art, power, travel, and commerce. It is a city full of wonders, from museums to churches, famous bridges, and theaters to visit.
St. Mark's Square and the Bell Tower
St. Mark's Square is undoubtedly the most famous and photographed spot in the city. It’s where every visit should begin, not only for its beauty but also because from here you can easily access some of the most important attractions in Venice.
The majestic Basilica of St. Mark, the refined Doge's Palace, and the famous Clock Tower stand right here. A concentration of art and history like few others in the world.
Just steps from the basilica is one of Italy's most beautiful panoramic spots: St. Mark's Bell Tower. Standing almost 100 meters tall, it offers a 360° view of the lagoon, the basilica’s domes, the red rooftops of the city, and, on clear days, even the Dolomites.
The Doge's Palace
The Doge's Palace is a stunning building with frescoed halls and is the symbol of Venice’s power during the golden centuries of the Republic. Visiting the Doge's Palace means stepping into a world of politics, justice, and art.
Among the most fascinating paths are the Prisons and the Bridge of Sighs. Don’t miss the Hall of the Great Council, one of the largest column-free spaces in Europe.
The Fenice Theatre
If you love music and opera, you can't miss a visit to the Fenice Theatre, one of the most prestigious theatres in the world. Its name is no coincidence: the theatre has "risen from the ashes" multiple times in its history after several fires, always maintaining its splendor and prestige.
You can also visit it without attending a show, thanks to tours that take you through golden rooms, aristocratic boxes, and behind-the-scenes areas. A journey through time that tells the story of the passion for opera and stage arts that animates the city.
The Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge
The Grand Canal is Venice’s “main street,” about 4 km long and lined with over 170 historic palaces. The best way to admire it is by vaporetto, or for a more intimate experience, with a gondola ride.
At the center of the Grand Canal stands the Rialto Bridge, the oldest of the four bridges crossing it. Once the site of a market, today it houses artisan shops and offers one of the city’s most iconic views.
The Peggy Guggenheim Museum: Modern Art on the Grand Canal
The Peggy Guggenheim Museum is a must-visit for lovers of contemporary art. Located in the beautiful Palazzo Venier dei Leoni overlooking the Grand Canal, it houses works by Picasso, Dalí, Magritte, Pollock, and many others.
The collector’s garden is a special place where art and nature harmoniously come together. A visit here offers a less known but vibrant face of Venetian culture.
The Academy Galleries
The Academy Galleries represent the heart of Venetian painting. Located in the Dorsoduro district along the Grand Canal, they house an invaluable collection of works that tell centuries of art history. From Giorgione to Bellini, from Tintoretto to Canaletto, each room is a journey through the most significant moments of lagoon art production.
Among the masterpieces on display are Giorgione's “The Tempest,” Tintoretto’s “The Miracle of the Slave,” and many sacred and allegorical paintings.
Frari Basilica and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco
In the heart of the San Polo district stands the Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, one of Venice's most important churches. Inside, you’ll find masterpieces by Titian, including the Assumption and Madonna of Ca’ Pesaro, as well as his tomb. Antonio Canova is also buried here, with a monument that is a neoclassical work of art in itself.
Just a few minutes walk away, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco is a triumph of 16th-century Venetian art. The building, entirely decorated by Tintoretto, offers an unparalleled visual experience. The pictorial cycle created over more than twenty years tells episodes from both the Old and New Testament, transforming the halls into an immersive and powerful journey.
Explore the Main Districts
Venice is divided into six historic districts, called sestieri, each with its own identity. Cannaregio, the most populous, is home to the Jewish Ghetto and is perfect for those seeking an authentic and local atmosphere. Castello, the largest district, is full of quiet, less touristy corners, ideal for those who enjoy walking. Dorsoduro is the art district, with museums, galleries, and beautiful walks along the Zattere. San Polo preserves the city’s merchant soul, with shops, taverns, and the Rialto market.
The Islands of the Lagoon
One of the most fascinating experiences you can have if you have more than 3 days in Venice is visiting the islands of the lagoon. Each island has its own distinct personality: Murano is famous for its historic glass furnaces and glassmaking tradition; Burano delights with its colorful houses and lace-making tradition; Torcello, the oldest, offers a silent and spiritual atmosphere, with archaeological remains and the beautiful Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
A boat trip between these islands allows you to discover a different and surprising Venice.
