Nestled in the Adriatic Sea, Venice is a magical place in the Veneto region famed for its scenic canals and picturesque bridges. Colloquially known as The City of Canals or The Floating City, the city is a captivating playground for adventure lovers as well as romantic couples. There is a myriad of interesting things to do in Italy; however, visiting Venice is easily one of the best on discerning travelers' bucket lists.
Those visiting Venice for the first time would be thrilled to explore attractions such as St. Mark’s Square, Saint Mark’s Basilica, and the Rialto Bridge. Plus, there are many amazing things to do in Venice for families and fun-seekers. If that sounds like a fun way to spend a vacation in Venice, here are the top things that should be on the bucket list of every adventurer coming to what is indeed one of the most famous cities in Italy - the vivacious and very vibrant Venice.
10 Visit St. Mark's Square
Set in the heart of Venice, St. Mark’s Square is one of the must-visit sites in Venice city. Locally known as Piazza San Marco, it is a historical plaza that houses the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doges Palace. Since the 12th century, this has been a major gathering spot in the city where tourists can freely mingle with the natives. Revelers are always trickling down here at night to enjoy the exciting cacophony of Italian sounds ringing throughout the plaza.
9 Soak Up Magical Canal Views From The Rialto Bridge
Constructed in the late 16th century, the Rialto Bridge takes pride as the oldest bridge across the Grand Canal. Romantics vacationing in the city love coming here to admire the breathtaking views of gondolas on the canal. In the evenings, the bridge is usually packed with tourists marveling at the stunning sunsets. The bridge has shops and eateries where tourists can buy things and dine while enjoying magnificent canal views. The bridge was a result of a design competition that took place in the city.
8 Explore The Bridge Of Sighs
Travelers visiting Venice wouldn’t leave the city without stopping at the Bridge of Sighs. It’s a popular tourist attraction with plenty of stories to tell. Constructed in 1600 with white limestone, the bridge connected the Doge’s Palace and the New Prison. That allowed prisoners who had been sentenced to have a last glimpse of the City of Canals before their execution. Today, tourists come here to reminisce about the prisoner’s plight and to take photos for their memories.
7 Tour Doge's Palace
Apart from the breathtaking canals, Venice is also a destination known for its stunning architecture, and no place embodies that better than the Doge’s Palace. It is one of the oldest structures in the city, having been built in the year 1340. Tourists always stop by to marvel and take photos of its stunning Gothic architecture. The palace, which today is a museum, is also a must-visit site for history buffs looking to have a glimpse of the city’s storied past.
6 Marvel At The Galleries In The Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Set along the Grand Canal, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is one of the best attractions in Venice (that aren't overrated and actually worth it). It’s a popular art museum that is nestled in an 18th-century palace, the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni. For about three decades, the property served as the residency of a famous American heiress known as Peggy Guggenheim. Today, art enthusiasts visit the museum to view her private collection of modern artworks. The exhibits inside showcase concepts such as cubism, surrealism, and abstract expressionism.
5 Watch A Live Performance At Teatro La Fenice
Venice is a truly unique wonder and one of the most romantic cities in Europe, and there is no better way to savor such an experience than watching a live performance with a dear one at Teatro La Fenice. This is a famous opera house that attracts tourists from far and near. It’s a spacious theater that can comfortably host up to a thousand people at a time. Literally, it rose from ashes after a fire had consumed it to the ground. Today, it’s a popular venue for enthralling activities such as concerts and ballet dances.
4 Stand In Awe At Ponte Dell'Accademia
Another masterpiece located across the Grand Canal is Ponte dell'Accademia, a sophisticated bridged found near the southern end of the canal. It is one of the prime spots in the beautiful city of Venice, where tourists come to enjoy magical photo sessions. It’s a fantastic spot where travelers can come to feast their eyes on awe-inspiring views of the canal or romantic sunsets. It’s a strategic point to watch gondolas and other water vessels sailing on the canal.
3 Admire The Beautiful Colored Houses On Venice's Burano Island
Tucked away in the Nothern Venetian Lagoon, Burano Island is home to the famous colored houses in Venice and offers lots to do and see. It's the perfect day trip from Venice, as it is an enchanting island that is a must-visit for romantics. The town is known for its stunning canals and architecturally gorgeous structures, but visiting this island allows tourists to see a different side of Venice they didn’t know existed. Adventurer lovers can take a gondola tour for a chance to see the beautifully colored houses that sit on the island. The island is also highly associated with traditional lacemaking.
2 Buy Seafood At Mercato Di Rialto (Rialto Market)
Foodies vacationing in Venice wouldn’t miss the opportunity to tour Mercato di Rialto (Rialto Market) for anything in the world. This is a popular fresh food market that sits in front of a canal, allowing shoppers to buy while admiring the sailing water vessels. The market is lined with a plethora of stalls that sell fresh produce from the farm as well as freshly caught fish. Buyers can also grab spices to help add aromas to their meals. Visitors can also purchase fresh or dried fruits here.
1 Taste Locally Made Wine At Venissa Wine Resort
Lovebirds and honeymooners can make the most of their time in Venice by taking a tour of the Venissa Wine Resort. Being part of the Venetian Lagoon, this is a fantastic spot for tourists to come and experience the island’s unspoiled beauty. There is a restaurant on the property where couples can enjoy a romantic dining experience after strolling in the pristine vineyard. Be it red or white wine, a sip of the fine wine here can leave taste glands tingling.