Sightseeing Places in Venice, Italy
Italy

Amazing Things to Do and Famous Places to Visit in Venice

Mustafa Natalwala 6189 Views

Venice is a city in the Venetian Lagoon in Italy. The city holds an almost iconic status in several travel and history books. The gondola rides, which are among the romantic things to do in Venice are on bucket lists of several couples. It is a popular destination for lovers. It also holds great historical significance for Italy, Europe and the World. Many of the best places to visit in Venice today were grounds on which several aspects of modern civilization were founded. The city is also home to some of the finest works of art created by some of the most renowned artists in history. The things to see in Venice are incredible expressions of art in architecture as well. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Venice as well as the Venetian Lagoon are included in UNESCO world heritage sites.

During its glory days, Venice was the wealthiest port city in all of Europe. This attracted the best of talents and incredible creations in this city. These places and objects are now visited as Venice attractions by a plethora of tourists. The city still retains many of these places and items, so in a way Venice trip is like time travel.

Among all the famous places in Venice, churches, and museums are the most common. As you would notice in the sections below, the city is filled with incredible and significant churches featuring beautiful architecture and ornate interiors. Many of these churches are also home to famous works of art by some of the most prominent and well-known artists in history. That is why they are such an integral part of Venice sightseeing. If you wish to further explore pre-modern artworks when you travel to Venice, you can explore the palaces, private collections, and art museums. As for modern, post-modern and contemporary art, there are numerous places to go in Venice for that as well. Owing to its history and present cultural association with art, the city still attracts numerous artists who continue to contribute to the city’s aesthetic beauty and art collection.

The city has an altogether different vibe to it which is unlike any other city in the world. Just walking about the streets without even visiting Venice’s points of interest would make you feel that you have transitioned to another time. You can create an itinerary of fun things to do in Venice without including any of the tourist attractions and it would still be a worthwhile trip.

Venice has a legendary status among cities of the world for its history, culture, architecture and art. The famous landmarks of Venice are just an addition to its appeal. Many people come to this city, not for the places, but for the city itself. Venice is a celebrity among cities and a very flamboyant one at that.

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Explore The Best Tourist Attractions in Venice in 3 Days (A Complete 3 Days Trip Itinerary)

The below section provides an itinerary with day by day breakdown to guide you toward the most

Day 1

1. Palazzo Santa Sofia (Ca’ d’Oro)

Also known as Ca’d’Oro or The Golden House, this palace was built in 1413 and was designed by Giovanni Bon & Bartolomeo Bon. The palace got its name from the gold detailing on its exterior. Being one city’s oldest palaces, The Golden House is among the most popular Venice attractions. You will need about an hour to explore it.

Palazzo Santa Sofia

2. Santa Maria dei Miracoli

The church was built in 1489 and is especially known for the portrait of Madonna housed inside the church. This particular portrait is said to be miraculous in nature. This in turn has put this church among the famous places in Venice. The church itself is quite small, so you won’t need more than 30 minutes to explore it.

Santa Maria dei Miracoli

3. Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)

This is the oldest of the 4 bridges built over the city’s Grand Canal. The Rialto Market close to the bridge is among the best places to visit in Venice for shopping. You would need 15 to 20 minutes for the Rialto Bridge during Venice sightseeing.

Here I am suggesting 3 different types of tours of Rialto Bridge and Market. You can go on any of the tours as per your interest and convenience.

Rialto Bridge

4. San Salvador Church

This church has several magnificent design and architectural features which has made it popular among Venice tourist attractions. The mosaics in Novello style and Cappelli frescoes are highlights of the church’s design. You would need 20 to 30 minutes to explore San Salvador Church.

San Salvador Church

5. St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)

This central square is surrounded by several important things to see in Venice. It has been an important landmark in the city and also a cultural landmark. You would need 30 to 45 minutes admiring the square and the various famous landmarks in Venice around it.

St. Mark's Square

6. Saint Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)

This church is one of the best places to visit in Venice, Italy. The church is deeply associated with the history and culture of the city. It is also home to some of the most well-known artworks in the city. You will need about an hour to explore this church thoroughly.

I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket to St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace Access.

Saint Mark's Basilica

7. St Mark’s Campanile (Campanile di San Marco)

This bell tower is a part of Basilica di San Marco but can be considered among the significant places to see in Venice in its own right. The tower has undergone several transformations in its purpose. You should put aside 30 minutes for this historic bell tower.

I suggest you should get a Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket to the St. Mark’s Campanile in advance.

St Mark's Campanile

8. Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

Also known as the Doges Palace, it is one of the striking things to see in Venice. This palace used to be the residence for the rulers of the city and the regions around it. You will need about an hour to explore the entire palace.

I suggest you should get your Reserved Entry Ticket to Doge’s Palace in advance.

Doge's Palace

9. Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri)

Also known as the Bridge of Sighs, it connects Doges Palace to the palace’s prison. You won’t need more than 10 minutes for the bridge as it is quite small.

I suggest you should go for a Private Gondola Ride of Bridge of Sighs.

Bridge of Sighs

10. Church of San Zaccaria (Chiesa di San Zaccaria)

This church is known to hold wonderful works of art done by renowned artists such as Trevisani, Van Dyck, Bellini, and Tiepolo. It is one of the most important places to go in Venice as it is the final resting place for many of the city’s rulers. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes at this church.

Church of San Zaccaria

11. St. Mark’s Clocktower (Torre dell’Orologio)

This ornate tower was completed in 1499 and is also known as St. Mark’s Tower or Moors Tower. It is included among Venice’s points of interest for its beautiful design elements. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore and admire this tower.

I suggest you should get your Admission Ticket to St. Mark’s Clock Tower in advance.

St Mark's Clocktower

Day 2

1. Venetian Arsenal (Arsenale di Venezia)

The history of Venice is closely associated with ports and the navy. This place was a shipyard that contributed to the development and maintenance of Venice’s powerful navy. It is a historically significant place to visit in Venice. You would need an hour’s time to explore it.

Venetian Arsenal

2. Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni

This church holds great cultural significance in the history of the city, especially for the Dalmatia community. It is also well known among best places to visit in Venice, Italy for the artworks by Vittore Carpaccio and the wooden painting by Bastian de Muran. You will need an hour to bask in the history and artistic glory of this church when you visit Venice.

Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni

3. Rive degli Schiavoni

This waterfront promenade is known for several fun things to do in Venice. It is a well-known market which entices several shoppers during Venice trip. You will need about an hour here.

Rive degli Schiavoni

4. Punta della Dogana (Dogana da Mar)

The building has a striking authority to it. It is among the most popular things to see in Venice owing to the sculpture on top of it. This used to be a customs office and is now a contemporary art museum. If you are an artist or an admirer of art, this is among the best places to see when you travel to Venice. It will take you an hour to explore the building and its exhibits.

I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket to the Punta della Dogana in advance.

Punta della Dogana

5. Saint Mary of Health (Santa Maria della Salute)

Also known as Saint Mary of Health Church, this church was built as gratitude for the passing of the plague. It is a wonderful architectural structure with 2 domes and 2 bell towers. It is among the grandest Venice tourist attractions. You will need an hour and a half to explore it.

Saint Mary of Health

6. Peggy Guggenheim Collection (Collezione Peggy Guggenheim)

This modern art museum features a collection of Peggy Guggenheim. It is housed in an 18th-century palace and features several masterpieces in paintings and sculptures from the modern era. It is one of the most important stops during Venice sightseeing for artists. It will take you an hour to explore it.

I suggest you should get your Entrance Ticket to Peggy Guggenheim Collection in advance.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

7. Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia)

This is one the greatest museums in the world and hence among the best places to visit in Venice, Italy. This art museum is home to works by renowned artists such as Bellini, Titian, Guardi, and da Vinci. You will need 2 hours to explore the marvelous exhibits at this museum.

Accademia Gallery

8. Gondola Factory (Squero di San Trovaso)

This boatyard is one of 3 remaining places where the famous gondolas can be repaired. This 17th-century boatyard is hence an important part of the city’s history. It also plays a fundamental role in the most romantic things to do in Venice. You would need about 30 minutes to learn about this boatyard and its significance.

Gondola Factory

Day 3

1. Church of Santa Maria Assunta (I Gesuati)

Also known as the Church of Saint Mary of the Rosary, this church is designed with a baroque style of architecture and exhibits Rocco decor and Tiepolo frescoes in its interior. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes to explore this church.

Church of Santa Maria Assunta

2. Church of Saint Sebastian (Chiesa di San Sebastiano)

This church was also built to express gratitude for the end of the plague in Venice. The church of St. Sebastian houses works of art by many well-known artists such as Tintoretto, Titian and Veronese. The church is among the famous places in Venice. You will need about 30 minutes to explore this church.

Church of Saint Sebastian

3. Ca’Rezzonico Palace

This incredible palace is popular among Venice tourist attractions for being home to Museum of 18th century Venice. It is suggested that you include this museum among the first places to visit during the Venice trip. You can experience what this city used to be in the 18th century and compare it to what you see today. You will need an hour to explore this museum.

Ca’Rezzonico Palace

4. Scuola Grande di San Rocco

This church is known for artworks by Titian, Palma, Younger, and Tintoretto in its interiors. The church will require 30 minutes of your time when you visit Venice.

Scuola Grande di San Rocco

5. Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

The church was first built in 1338 and was gradually rebuilt over the years and expanded. The exterior features a plain brick gothic style design but the interior is quite ornate. It is one of the most churches among famous landmarks in Venice and you will need 30 minutes to explore it.

Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari

6. Ca’Pesaro

This palace is home to the Museum of Modern Art in Venice and is among the city’s most prominent modern art galleries. You also get to enjoy Oriental Museum within the same palace. It will take you about 2 hours to explore both museums and other aspects of the palace. Even by itself, Ca’Pesaro Palace is among the most beautiful places to see in Venice.

I suggest you should get your Ticket of Ca’Pasaro Museum in advance.

Ca’Pesaro

7. Jewish Ghetto (Cannaregio)

This area used to be a foundry in the 14th century and became a Jewish Ghetto in the 16th century. It is also one of the earliest Jewish Ghettos in the world. You will need 1 hour to explore it.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Walking Tour of Jewish Ghetto.

Jewish Ghetto

8. Jewish Museum of Venice (Museo Ebraico)

This museum exhibits artifacts that outline the history of Jewish people in Venice. Besides historical and cultural artifacts, the museum also exhibits several sacred items. You will need about an hour to explore it.

Jewish Museum of Venice

9. Gondola Ride

You cannot leave the city without experiencing some of the most romantic things to do in Venice. The Gondola Ride is very distinctly associated with the city. There are several places to visit in Venice for this beautiful ride and you can even book them online. Keep an hour to explore the waters of the city in these iconic boats.

I suggest you should book your Gondola Ride in Venice in advance.

Gondola Ride

If you plan to visit Venice for more than 3 days, do check out our exhaustive list of all the places to visit and top things to do in Venice in the section below.

Things to do in Venice

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Venice

  1. St. Mark’s Square
  2. Doge’s Palace
  3. Saint Mark’s Basilica
  4. Rialto’s Bridge
  5. Grand Canal
  6. Burano
  7. Bridge of Sighs
  8. Murano
  9. St. Mark’s Campanile
  10. Piazza San Marco
  11. Gallerie dell Accademia
  12. Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
  13. Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’d’Oro
  14. Palazzo Santa Sofia
  15. Peggy Guggenheim Collection
  16. Teatro la Fenice
  17. Ca’ Rezzonico
  18. Museo Correr
  19. St. Mark’s Clocktower
  20. Church of San Giorgio Maggiore
  21. Basilica St. Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
  22. Glass Museum
  23. Punta della Dogana
  24. Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
  25. Venetian Arsenal
  26. Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art
  27. Ponte dell Accademia
  28. Chiesa di San Zaccaria
  29. Grassi Palace
  30. Scuola Grande di San Rocco
  31. Libreria Acqua Alta
  32. Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo
  33. Church of the Santissimo Redentore
  34. Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana
  35. Fondazione Querini Stampalia
  36. Church of Santa Maria Dei Miracoli
  37. Fortuny Palace
  38. Mocenigo Palace
  39. Torcello Basilica
  40. Villa Foscari
  41. Lace Museum
  42. Church of Madonna dell’Orto
  43. Campo San Polo
  44. San Francesco del Deserto
  45. Parrocchia di Santa Maria Formosa
  46. Procuratie
  47. Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto
  48. Museo Storico Navale di Venezia
  49. Church of Saint Roch
  50. Palazzo Dario
  51. Basilica of Saint Mary and Saint Donatus
  52. Jewish Museum of Venice
  53. Museo di Palazzo Grimani
  54. Church of Saint Elena
  55. Church of Saint Mary of Lily
  56. Church of Sant Mary Assunta
  57. Ca’ Vendramin Calergi
  58. San Pietro di Castello
  59. Scuola Grande di San Marco
  60. San Martino Church
  61. Church of San Stae
  62. San Simeone Piccolo Church
  63. Chiesa di Santo Stefano
  64. Santa Maria di Nazareth Church
  65. Villa Widmann Foscari
  66. San Francesco della Vigna
  67. Jewish Ghetto

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Venice

  1. La Certosa Lagoon
  2. Vignole Lagoon

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Venice

  1. San Giorgio Maggiore Island
  2. Poveglia Island
  3. Giardini della Biennale
  4. Sant Erasmo Island
  5. Casino of Venice
  6. San Servolo Island
  7. Caribe Bay Water Park
  8. Isola di San Clemente Island
  9. Lazaretto Nuovo Island
  10. Ottagono Ca’ Roman Island
  11. Tropicarium Park

Shopping in Italy

  1. Rialto Market
  2. Isola di San Michele Island
  3. Fondaco dei Tedeschi Mall
  4. Noventa di Piave Mall
  5. Galleria Barcella
  6. Nave de Vero
  7. Le Mercerie
  8. Salizada San Moise
  9. San Samuele
  10. Calle Larga XXII Marzo

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Venice

  1. Boat Cruise
  2. Gondola Ride

Sightseeing in Venice

  1. Torcello
  2. Giudecca
  3. Rialto Bridge
  4. Pellestrina
  5. Ponte degli Scalzi
  6. Constitution Bridge
  7. Liberty Bridge
  8. Riva degli Schiavoni
  9. Squaro di san Trovato
  10. Rio del Palazzo Canal
  11. Palazzo Cavalli
  12. Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia
  13. Grand Canal
  14. Piazzale Roma
  15. Troncheto Island

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Venice

  1. Caffe Florian
  2. La Zucca
  3. Osteria alla Staffa
  4. Ristorante Riviera
  5. Pasticeria Puppa
  6. Antiche Carampane
  7. Cantina do Mori
  8. L’Alcova
  9. Paradiso Perduto
  10. Alle Corone
  11. Al Merca
  12. Osteria alle Testiere
  13. Vino Vero
  14. Antico Martini
  15. Morion
  16. Osteria All’ Arco
  17. Osteria dal Riccio Poco
  18. Locanda Cipriani
  19. Jazz Club 900
  20. GLAM
  21. Fiumedreddo
  22. Il Ridotto

Where to Stay in Venice?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Venice. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Venice.

Luxurious Hotels

  1. Metropole Hotel Venezia
  2. The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
  3. JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
  4. Baglioni Hotel Luna
  5. Sina Centurion Palace
  6. NH Collection Venezia Grand Hotel Palazzo dei Dogi
  7. Hotel Moresco
  8. Hotel Palazzo Stern
  9. Hilton Molino Stucky Venice
  10. Hotel Rialto

Mid-Range Hotels

  1. Hotel Orion
  2. NH Venezia Rio Novo
  3. Liassidi Palace Hotel
  4. Hotel Al Duca di Venezia
  5. Palazzetto Madonna
  6. Duodo Palace Hotel
  7. Ca’ dei Dogi
  8. Hotel Bonvecchiati
  9. Palazzo Marcello Hotel Al Sole
  10. Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal

Budget Hotels

  1. Ca’ Nigra Lagoon Resort
  2. Ca’ Doge
  3. Locanda Antica Venezia
  4. B&B Venice A Casa Da Cinzia
  5. Generator Venice
  6. Hotel Ai Due Fanali
  7. Hotel dell’Opera
  8. Hotel San Gallo
  9. Casa ai Due Leoni
  10. Locanda al Leon

TripAdvisor

Custom Tours Package in Venice

How to Reach Venice?

By Air

Closest airport for Venice travel is Marco Polo airport situated on mainland Mestre. You can get direct flights from several major European cities as well as from Middle East and Asia. You can make Venice trip from the airport by bus or by cab. There are several buses which frequent between airport and places to visit in Venice. The cabs are a little bit costly, but if you are looking for convenience over expenses, then you can go with cabs. You can also get rental cars from the airport if you are eligible to drive in Italy.

By Road

Venice is connected to the mainland by SR11 road route. All the buses running along the route can be chosen for Venice trip. You can also catch train from Mestre mainland for Venice sightseeing. You can also get direct trains to visit Venice from Paris, Munich, Moscow, Vienna, Budapest, Rome, Zagreb and Milan.

By Water

You can get a boat to visit Venice from Piazzale Roma. Boats run frequently from Piazzale Roma to Stazione Marittima port in the city. Though the ride is enjoyable, it is quite expensive.

Image Reference

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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