What to do in Venice

Activities, attractions and tours

A canal in Venice with gondolas and historic buildings.
A panoramic view of Venice's Grand Canal with historic buildings and gondolas.
A grand white building with statues and columns, a large open plaza with yellow tables, and a clear blue sky.
A canal in Venice with boats, historic buildings, and a dome in the background.
A narrow canal in Venice with wooden boats docked along the sides.

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$8, 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 842 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.

Activities

Sidewalk flanked by colorful buildings in Burano

Murano & Burano Tour

NZ$98
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Murano & Burano Tour
Venice in a Day with St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, & Gondola Ride

Venice in a Day:Gondola Ride, Doge's Palace, St Mark's Basilica & City Tour

NZ$288
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Venice in a Day:Gondola Ride, Doge's Palace, St Mark's Basilica & City Tour
Charming Gondola Ride on Grand Canal

Charming Gondola Ride on Grand Canal

NZ$73
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
Charming Gondola Ride on Grand Canal
Taste of Venice: Local Tapas Tastings & Wine Tour

Venice Small Group Tour: Venetian Tapas, Wine, Spritz & Gondola Ride

NZ$156
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Venice Small Group Tour: Venetian Tapas, Wine, Spritz & Gondola Ride
Single gondola paddles down waterway in Venice

Classic 30 minutes Gondola Ride

NZ$77
per traveller
72% of travellers recommend
Classic 30 minutes Gondola Ride
Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Guided Tour – Skip The Line

Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Guided Tour – Skip The Line

NZ$190
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Guided Tour – Skip The Line
Venice Islands Cruise: Murano & Burano islands and optional Torcello

Venice Islands Cruise: Murano & Burano islands and optional Torcello

NZ$59
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Venice Islands Cruise: Murano & Burano islands and optional Torcello
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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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A historic building with intricate architecture and a large open plaza.

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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A canal with boats and buildings along the water.

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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A stone bridge with arches over a canal, surrounded by historic buildings.

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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A detailed mosaic with religious figures and architectural columns.

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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A grand architectural structure with ornate columns and a staircase leading to an upper level.

Recommended things to do in Venice

Number of things to do
842
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Audio Guided Tour of Veneto : Verona, Vicenza, Padua and Venice: NZ$8
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Venice

Stay near popular Venice attractions

A bridge over a canal with buildings and a green dome in the background.

Piazzale Roma

8.6/10 (9,106 reviews)
Venice's mainland gateway, Piazzale Roma connects road travellers to the car-free historic centre. From here, catch water buses to iconic sights or walk across the Constitution Bridge to begin your Venetian adventure.
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Our guide on where to stay in Venice

Find the best Venice areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Venice
Learn more about Venice
A narrow Venetian canal with gondolas, historic buildings, and colorful balconies.

San Marco

San Marco is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like St. Mark's Square and Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo.

A canal in Venice with colorful buildings and a bridge.

Cannaregio

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.

A historic building with a dome and bell tower by the water.

Dorsoduro

The ample dining options and fascinating museums are top of the list for many visitors to Dorsoduro. A stop by Maritime Station or Campo Santa Margherita might round out your trip.

A canal with boats, historic buildings, and a large dome.

Santa Croce

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

A canal with boats docked, historic buildings, and a clear sky.

San Polo

San Polo is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari and Palazzo Pisani Moretta while you're in town.

 

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

A street with a flower shop, a building with a sign reading "Teatro Tonino", and a red building in the background.

Mestre

A large, historic building with a symmetrical facade, multiple chimneys, and a well-maintained garden with hedges and potted plants.

Mira

A narrow canal with colorful buildings on either side.

Burano

A square with a statue, a yellow building, and trees.

Mogliano Veneto

A coastal landscape with a church tower, dense greenery, and a clear blue sea.

Malamocco

A harbor with multiple boats docked along a waterfront lined with colorful buildings.

Chioggia

A wooden bridge over a river with snow on the planks and railings.

Spinea

A historic building with a prominent tower and a waterfront.

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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