The romantic city of Venice is one of the most iconic locations in Italy, if not the entire world. Spanning more than 100 small islands on the cusp of the Adriatic Sea, this historic and cultural jewel is famously navigated via canals and waterways.
Experience the local cuisine, take in extraordinary sights, and discover the best beaches and day trips nearby when you visit. Here is our in-depth guide to the best things to do in Venice.
St. Mark’s Square
Known as Piazza San Marco to locals, this majestic and important focal point is situated on the grand canal in Venice, opposite San Giorgio island.
When it comes to impressive architecture, few places in Europe can rival the grandeur and significance of this space, with its audacious clock tower, vibrant atmosphere, and vital baroque and Renaissance buildings framing the square. It is truly a sight to behold.
Surrounding the iconic location you’ll find such wonders as St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, and if you make Piazza San Marco the first stop on your Venice trip, it will certainly make for an awe-inspiring introduction.
St. Mark’s Basilica
Without doubt the jewel in the crown of Venice’s famed buildings, this spellbinding cathedral is adorned with more than 8,000 square metres of vibrant mosaics – and five grand arches support the iconic domes. The architecture of this amazing building is an eclectic fusion of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian influences.
The most famous feature of the breath-taking Basilica is inside the cathedral and behind the high altar. The Pala d’Oro is one of the most elegant works of Byzantine enamelling in existence, featuring gold bejewelled with around 2,000 gemstones, and is worth the small entrance fee to the building alone.
Doge’s Palace
Looking out onto the canal in St. Mark’s Square is the much-celebrated Doge’s Palace. For almost 1,000 years this Venetian Gothic style palace was where each of the 120 chief magistrates of Venice lived. Now it continues its long and extraordinary life as a museum, offering many exhibitions and tours.
The exterior of the building boasts white stone arches and detailed diamond patterns. The interior also doesn’t disappoint, living up to the grandeur associated with a palace.
Original features, furniture and works of art have been maintained, with numerous rooms brimming with ornate detail. If you love learning about history and heritage from such lovingly-maintained museums, and all they have to offer, it would be well worth investing in a Venice Museum Pass – which grants you access to 11 museums in the city.
Grand Canal
While there are literally hundreds of canals and waterways in Venice, the Grand Canal lives up to its name, meandering through the centre for almost four kilometres. At one end the canal reaches the lagoon, and at the other it flows into San Marco’s basin.
The banks of the canal are lined with dozens of magnificent buildings, with histories reaching as far back as the 13th century. There are just four bridges crossing the wide, shining water, but finding one to stand on and admire the view is definitely advised. Either join the water traffic for a cruise along the canal, or wander sections of it taking in the buildings and boats.
Eat like a local with some Cicchetti
Venetian Cicchetti are local snacks or ‘finger foods’ served at every social gathering. These delicious light bites are usually very affordable if you find a venue popular with locals, at between €1 and €2.50 each, and can be enjoyed as a starter, snack or as a meal if you have a selection – at lunchtime or in the evening.
Arcicchetti Bakaro is one of the most celebrated cicchetti bars in Venice, and boasts a warm and welcoming atmosphere as well as these delicious snacks.
Relax in Venice Lido
You might not naturally associate Venice with a beach holiday, but just a short journey from the city you’ll find this stunning 11-kilometre long sandbar, which offers fantastic opportunities for relaxation and sunshine.
Take a waterbus (or ‘vaporetto’) from Venice to the Lido and enjoy this perfect change of pace for a truly relaxing element to your break. This island will take around 20 minutes to reach, and Venice Lido also has many shops and restaurants for you to enjoy.
If you visit in the late summer, you may notice the area is far busier, as the Venice Film Festival is held here every year. The Lido is the perfect backdrop to the glitz and glamour of this prestigious movie event.
Day trip to Padua
When staying in or around Venice you also have the opportunity to explore the rest of stunning northern Italy. There are many options available to you, including visiting famous food and drink town Treviso in around 30 minutes, and the foothills of the Dolomite mountain range in less than an hour.
The city of Padua is around a 40-minute drive away from Venice, meanwhile, and proves absolutely perfect for a day trip. There’s parking available in a great central location at the Piazza Isaac Rabin, so you can leave your rental car and discover the city on foot.
Padua boasts many attractions including Italy’s second oldest university, the stunning 13th-century Basilica di San Antonio and the breath-taking frescoes by Giotto in its Scrovegni Chapel. This is a day trip you certainly won’t want to miss.
Whether you’re following our guide to the city and surrounding area or creating your own itinerary, car rental in Venice allows you head out on the road and explore the nearby sights, embark on day trips, and explore the wider wonders of the beautiful Veneto region.
