Things to do in Venice

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Grand Canal showing a lake or waterhole, kayaking or canoeing and heritage architecture
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute which includes religious elements, general coastal views and a church or cathedral
Doge\'s Palace featuring general coastal views, a castle and heritage architecture
Venice which includes heritage architecture and boating
Venice showing a city, a gondola and street scenes

Venice Attractions

If you have always wanted to spend a sojourn in one of the most entrancing spots in Italy, you should contact our offices here at Expedia to talk about the best ways to discover the City of Canals. Whether you are seeking a romantic vacation destination or looking for an ideal city to take the family on a cultural holiday, we can help you find the attractions in Venice to make your trip memorable.

Of course, if you are going to be visiting the city with a romantic partner, you will be almost obligated to include one of the world-renowned gondola rides among your Venice excursions. You can even get married in the middle of one of Venice's canals. However, the boats aren't all for show and glamor. The City of Water is actually formed on an archipelago containing 117 islands, and water transport is a normal way of getting around for many local residents of Venice.

There are so many things to do in Venice that you could spend years in the city and still not experience everything it has to offer. Like all cities in Italy, Venice is steeped in culture, tradition, and art. Naturally, St. Mark's Basilica is at the top of the list of the must see places in the Floating City, and the nearby Piazza San Marco is something you should see before you leave Venice. We can also provide you with information concerning other Venice activities that will suit your personal tastes and preferences as well as provide you with a map of the city so you can create your own personalized Venice tours.

The health-conscious tourist will be delighted to discover that Venetian cuisine is largely based on fresh, healthy seafood. Shopping is also one of the main attractions in Venice, and several high fashion designers have their main offices here. Guests of this city have an abundance of choices of activities, and everyone who visits this city will leave with vibrant memories they will cherish for the rest of their lives.


Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.

One Key members save 10% or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.


Most popular activities in Venice

Tours & day trips

See all 433 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 118 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 90 activities

Water activities

See all 33 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 32 activities

What to do in Venice

Free Things to Do in Venice

There's no need to max out your credit card in Venice. The following won't cost a red cent.

Mostra Manet - Chock-full of exhibits and objects, this place is heaven for curious minds.

Cometa di Vetro - Feed your passion for arts and culture here and see local talent at work.

San Giuliano Park - Make this place among your first stops if you're chasing fun during your stay.

Academy Bridge - Admire the creativity and design of this fantastic example of modern architecture.

Procuratie Nuove - If you're intrigued by times gone by, this is one stop you can't miss.

St. Mark's Square - Spend some time in this popular place and imagine what life would be like as a local resident.

Lagune von Venedig - Close your eyes and draw a deep breath — nothing beats being beside the water for some rest and relaxation.

National Library of St Mark's - Open up your guidebook and find out why this place is worth adding to your to-do list.

Chiesa di San Moisè - Spend some time in meditation or prayer at this holy site.

Papadopoli Gardens - Arrange a picnic date and enjoy a relaxing walk around the interesting plants.


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Venice? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Venice

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Venice

Dorsoduro featuring heritage architecture and a coastal town

Venice City Center

Discover an abundance of architectural monuments and great art by grandmasters in the heart of an Italian city built on water.

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

San Marco

4.5/5(1,933 area reviews)

In the heart of Venice, this densely built area boasts iconic attractions like St Mark's Square, Saint Mark's Basilica, and the Doge's Palace. Find numerous hotels, banks, and high-end shops amid the bustling tourist scene.

San Marco
San Polo featuring heritage architecture and a bay or harbor

San Polo

4.5/5(302 area reviews)

Smallest and most central sestiere, San Polo boasts churches in the west, palaces in the east, and iconic attractions like Rialto Bridge and Scuola Grande di San Rocco.

San Polo
Venetian Ghetto showing boating, a coastal town and heritage architecture

Cannaregio

4.5/5(1,000 area reviews)

Explore historic churches like Santa Maria di Nazareth and Santa Maria dei Miracoli, or admire stunning palazzos such as Ca' d'Oro and Ca' Vendramin Calergi. Enjoy morning markets, local shops, and quaint cafés in this residential, peaceful district.

Cannaregio
Dorsoduro showing a river or creek and a bridge

Dorsoduro

4.5/5(423 area reviews)

Boasting the highest land areas in Venice, this sestiere features the stunning Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute and the picturesque Zattere quay. Easily connect to San Marco via Ponte dell'Accademia.

Dorsoduro
Default Image

Santa Croce

4.5/5(658 area reviews)

In the northwestern part of Venice, Santa Croce boasts a mix of medieval charm in the east and 20th-century land reclamation in the west. Explore churches like San Giacomo dell'Orio and visit the Museum of the History of Fabric and Costume, while enjoying the convenience of Piazzale Roma's transportation hub.

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.

 


 

Popular day trips from Venice

Frequently asked questions

Is Venice worth visiting?
Offering a mix of culture and history, there are plenty of things to do in Venice. When you’re here, head to Sant’Elena, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Venice?
Kick your day off with a visit to Sant’Elena and St. Mark’s Square. Then, tour different areas of Venice for local restaurants and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Venice?
Sant’Elena is the top tourist attraction in Venice and deserves a place on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Venice?
Three days will be plenty of time to check out many city highlights, such as Sant’Elena, St. Mark’s Square and Piazzale Roma. The average stay in Venice is three days. If you have the urge to extend your trip, Mestre isn’t far away.
Is Venice a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you’d like to see and do in Venice. Several key sights, including Sant’Elena and Grand Canal, are accessible on foot. If you’re up for a wander through some of Venice’s neighborhoods, Venice City Center is 0.3 miles away from downtown, while San Marco is 0.1 miles away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Venice with kids?
Planning what to do in Venice with kids is easier than ever. Whether you’re getting away with toddlers or teenagers, there are lots of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone entertained here.
What to do in Venice for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Venice, with activities for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Venetian Ghetto or Venetian Arsenal.
Are there free things to do in Venice?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in Venice is to ask a local tour guide. You’ll get insider views on hip neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without getting your cash out. Sant’Elena is one place that doesn’t charge an admission fee.