Immersed in a myriad of canals and decorated with romantic bridges, Venice offers many attractions and activities that capture the hearts of visitors. From the extraordinary beauty of Piazza San Marco to the architecture of the Doge’s Palace, passing through the sophistication of the La Fenice theatre and the tranquillity of the Jewish ghetto, the most famous of the Italian cities must be visited at least once in a lifetime. Take a romantic gondola ride, taste the typical cicchetti and then explore the incredible artistic heritage. And if you don’t know where to start, here are six of the best things to do in Venice.
The six best activities to do in Venice
1. Take a gondola ride
What would a trip to Venice be without a ride on one of its trademark gondolas? It’s a truly special and unmissable experience. Navigating the canals with a friendly gondolier will give you a completely different perspective on the city. Avoid the crowds and admire the most famous bridges and architectural wonders as you glide gently into the lagoon. You’ll also be able to discover some of the more hidden and secluded corners, while enjoying the romantic atmosphere. There is no better way to be captivated by the Venetian charm and understand the eternal bond between water and the city.
2. Enter the Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace in Venice, in the famous St Mark’s Square, is the testament to the city’s glorious past. With its Gothic architecture and majestic façade overlooking the lagoon, the palace is a must-see attraction. You need to book well in advance. Inside, you can admire sumptuous rooms, paintings and decorations, the ‘golden staircase’ and interesting historical artefacts from the once-mighty Republic of Venice.
3. Admire the works of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice is an internationally renowned gallery and is one of the most important museums in Italy. Housed in the former residence of art collector Peggy Guggenheim, the gallery showcases an impressive collection of 20th-century masterpieces, featuring works by artists such as Picasso, Pollock, Magritte, Dali and many more. Stroll through its welcoming exhibition rooms, framed by the beauty of the Grand Canal, and immerse yourself completely in modern art and its thousand evolutions.
4. Attend a show at La Fenice theatre
La Fenice, the renowned opera house of Venice, perfectly represents Italy’s cultural heritage and artistic excellence. Rebuilt from the ashes, as the name suggests, the theatre follows an elegant neoclassical style with a lavish interior. Attending a show at the Fenice is a momentous experience, which allows you to immerse yourself in the splendour of the classical opera and the symphony orchestra. But an audio-guided visit inside the theatre is also an excellent idea, to discover its history and admire its decorations, without rushing.
5. Visit the island of San Giorgio and the basilica
The Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore, designed by Andrea Palladio, is an architectural marvel and an important religious centre. With its Renaissance-style façade and beautiful bell tower, the basilica is a place of serenity dotted with wonderful works of art. Among these, admire the paintings by Tintoretto that decorate the choir. And then climb the belfry to enjoy a wonderful view of the city and the lagoon from a different perspective.
6. Take a trip to Murano and Burano
Murano and Burano are two small islands in the Venetian lagoon with a charm of their own. Murano, famous for glassmaking, showcases glass art in its historic workshops. Watching the glassmakers at work is a real show. Burano, on the other hand, enchants visitors with its kaleidoscope of coloured houses and with its fishing village allure. Walk along the canals, taste local fish dishes and let yourself be carried away by the laidback atmosphere.
