What to do in Venice

Activities, attractions and tours

Grand Canal featuring heritage architecture, water sports and a lake or waterhole
Venice
Doge\'s Palace which includes heritage architecture, château or palace and general coastal views
Venice
Venice featuring a gondola, a city and street scenes

Places to Visit in Venice

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Venice, Veneto while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Venice attractions from NZ$6, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Venice tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 406 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Venice. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. St. Mark's Square

Think of Venice and the first place that comes to mind will almost certainly be St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco). People have been flocking here to eat, drink, talk, worship and trade since the 10th century, and it remains a magnet for locals and visitors alike.
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St. Mark\'s Square featuring heritage architecture and a square or plaza as well as a large group of people

2. Grand Canal

Winding through the ancient city like a glittering ribbon, the Grand Canal offers unrivalled views of Venice’s most famous sights. The waterway, with its colourful river craft carrying eager visitors past the majestic buildings that line its banks, is one of the best ways to experience the romance of La Serenissima.
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Grand Canal which includes a ferry, heritage architecture and a marina

3. Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) spanning the Grand Canal is one of Venice’s most recognisable features, and has been wowing visitors since the 16th century, when it replaced an earlier structure. It was designed by Antonio Da Ponte (Antonio of the Bridge), who was awarded the contract in the face of stiff competition, not least from Italy’s most celebrated architect Michelangelo. On its completion it immediately won praise for its beautiful yet functional design, confounding the views of some rivals that its audacious engineering techniques were ahead of its time. The central arch of its revolutionary single span is high enough to allow ships to pass beneath, while its beautifully proportioned balustrades lend it an elegance that belies its sturdy construction.
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Rialto Bridge featuring heritage architecture, a lake or waterhole and a bridge

4. St. Mark's Basilica

The golden spires of St Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) mark their unique profile on the Venetian skyline from all angles. Known locally as the Chiesa d’Oro (Church of Gold), this spectacular Byzantine church is one of the most recognisable sights of central Venice.
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St. Mark\'s Basilica showing a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and religious aspects

5. Doge's Palace

Venice was run by elected rulers, or “doges”, from the 7th to the 18th century, and their palace is a living testament to their luxurious lifestyle. Its walls drip with priceless artworks and its lavish furnishings are remnants of the riches of a bygone age.
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Doge\'s Palace featuring street scenes and heritage elements

Recommended things to do in Venice

Number of things to do
406
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Venice: Unlimited Italy Internet with eSIM Mobile Data Plan: NZ$6
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Venice

Discover the most popular places to visit in Venice

St. Mark\'s Square which includes heritage architecture, a city and a square or plaza

St. Mark's Square

4.5/5(177 reviews)

Surround yourself in Venetian splendour as you soak up the heady atmosphere of the city’s social and cultural hub.

St. Mark's Square
Grand Canal which includes a ferry, heritage architecture and a marina

Grand Canal

4.5/5(135 reviews)

The Grand Canal is Venice’s crowning glory, so flag down a gondola and get ready for one of the most beautiful boat trips in the world.

Grand Canal
Rialto Bridge

Rialto Bridge

4.5/5(179 reviews)

The oldest bridge in Venice has become one of its most popular modern-day tourist attractions.

Rialto Bridge
Port of Venice

Port of Venice

4.5/5(67 reviews)

Explore the waterfront of Port of Venice and enjoy other activities such as boating in Venice. Experience the area's acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums.

Port of Venice
St. Mark\'s Basilica showing heritage architecture

St. Mark's Basilica

4.5/5(160 reviews)

The jewel in Venice’s crown is known as the “Church of Gold” for its gilded spires that tower over St Mark’s Square.

St. Mark's Basilica
Doge's Palace

Doge's Palace

4.5/5(104 reviews)

The walls of this grand palace are steeped in the history of Venice’s powerful and wealthy ruling classes.

Doge's Palace
Lido of Venice Beaches

Lido of Venice Beaches

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Lido of Venice Beaches during your travels in Venice? Visit the stunning cathedral and charming cafes in this romantic area.

Lido of Venice Beaches
La Fenice Opera House featuring a city and heritage architecture

Teatro La Fenice

4.5/5(20 reviews)

Tour the lavish interior of one of Italy's most prestigious music venues then enjoy an evening of classic or experimental opera.

Teatro La Fenice
St Mark\'s Campanile showing heritage architecture

St Mark's Campanile

4.5/5(102 reviews)

Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views from the top of this landmark bell tower, where Galileo once made his name.

St Mark's Campanile

Explore areas of Venice

Dorsoduro which includes a coastal town and heritage architecture

Venice City Center

The stunning cathedral and charming cafes are just a few highlights of Venice City Center. Make a stop by St. Mark's Square or Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo while you're exploring the area.

Venice City Center
San Marco featuring kayaking or canoeing and a river or creek

San Marco

4.5/5(162 area reviews)

One of Venice’s most iconic sights is known all over the world for its historic square, cathedral and surrounding shops and cafés.

San Marco
San Polo showing a bay or harbour and heritage architecture

San Polo

4.5/5(33 area reviews)

The smallest of Venice’s six districts, this is also one of the oldest. It offers many tourist sites in its palaces, its churches and the Rialto Bridge.

San Polo
Venetian Ghetto which includes a bridge, heritage architecture and a coastal town

Cannaregio

4.5/5(119 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Cannaregio is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Casino of Venice and Ca' d'Oro Giorgio Franchetti Gallery.

Cannaregio
Dorsoduro featuring a bridge and a river or creek

Dorsoduro

5/5(30 area reviews)

One of six districts in Venice, this beautiful area has many sights located along the edge of Venice and on the island of Giudecca.

Dorsoduro
Default Image

Santa Croce

4.5/5(62 area reviews)

Santa Croce is known for its charming cafes, and you can make a stop by Piazzale Roma and Grand Canal while in the area.

Santa Croce

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Venice

Mestre showing street scenes

Mestre

Mira

Mira

Burano

Burano

Photo "Mogliano Veneto" by Threecharlie (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Threecharlie (CC BY-SA)

Mogliano Veneto

Malamocco

Malamocco

Chioggia

Chioggia

Photo "Spinea" by Marco Usan (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Marco Usan (CC BY)

Spinea

San Nicolo

San Nicolo

Frequently asked questions

Is Venice worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Venice is visit Marina di Venezia. Check this top sight off your to-do list, then experience more of the area's culture and history.
How do I spend a day in Venice?
Start your day with a visit to Marina di Venezia and Lungomare d'Annunzio Beach. Then, explore other parts of Venice for local restaurants and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Venice?
Marina di Venezia is one of the top tourist attractions in Venice and deserves a spot on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Venice?
Three days in Venice is more than enough to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many travellers book for three days on average. Marina di Venezia, Lungomare d'Annunzio Beach and Palazzo Pisani Moretta are among the most popular sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Mestre.
Is Venice a walkable city?
That comes down to what you'd like to do and see in Venice. Several key attractions, like Lungomare d'Annunzio Beach and Palazzo Pisani Moretta, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Venice's neighbourhoods, Venice City Centre is 0.48 kilometres away from downtown, while San Marco is 0.16 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Venice with kids?
If you're looking for sights and tours for all ages, check out these fantastic ideas for what to do in Venice with kids.

What to do in Venice for adults?
Venissa Vineyard and Cantina Marco Polo 6811 are just a couple of the things to do in Venice. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Venice?
From visiting parks to strolling around exciting neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Venice. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Lungomare d'Annunzio Beach is a top spot for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing activities.

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