Venice is one of the most visited cities in the world. The peculiarity of Venice is that it is a city entirely built on the sea. For its beauty, it has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
For 1100 years it was the capital of the Serenissima Republic of Venice, a maritime republic founded according to tradition in 697 by Paoluccio Anafesto and became one of the major European commercial and naval powers.
Book now the best day tour from Venice and enjoy the best thing to do in Venice, Italy.
Things to do in Venice
Visit the Doge’s Palace and the Basilica of San Marco
In Piazza San Marco you can visit the Doge’s Palace, a symbol of the civil and political history of the Venetian Republic. The Palace, the ancient residence of the Doge, has suffered numerous fires but has always managed to stand up and shine.
→ If you want to know more read our article: "Palazzo Ducale: history and curiosities"
The Basilica of San Marco is the symbol of the magnificence of the Republic of Venice. Inside there is the Treasure of San Marco (jewellery, silverware, precious stones, glass and paintings) and the most precious jewel of the Basilica: the Pala d'Oro.
Take the Grand Canal by Gondola
The Grand Canal, called "Canalazzo" by the citizens of Venice, has a form of an S on the contrary and divides in two the historic center of the city, crossing Venice for 4 km.
Do not miss the gondola ride, the characteristic boat of Venice. Lulled by the movement of the waters of the canal and enchanted by the stories told by the gondolier, it will be possible to live a unique experience to discover Venice.
Along the banks of the Grand Canal you can admire some of the main attractions of Venice: Palazzo Ca' d'Oro, the Gallerie dell'Accademia, Palazzo Ca' Rezzonico, the Church of Santa Maria della Salute, or the famous Rialto Bridge.
Stop in Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco is the only square in the city of Venice since all the other spaces are called "fields". It is 170 meters long and is also known as the "Square" or "The Salon of Europe".
Among the most important buildings of the square there are the Basilica of San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, the Correr Museum, the Bell Tower and the Clock Tower.
Visiting the colorful Rialto Market to try flavors and food traditions
The Rialto Market is one of the oldest markets in Italy and a place of exchange of goods since 1097. It is located a stone’s throw from the famous Rialto Bridge and attracts a large number of tourists and citizens, attracted by both merchandise and picturesque style.
Inside the market, you can breathe the true Venetian popular atmosphere.
→ Discover our Private Tour of Venice Market and Tapas Tasting
Visit the Acqua Alta Library
The Acqua Alta Bookshop is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the books are contained inside real gondolas or bathtubs to avoid the possible damages they’d encounter, in case of high water. You’ll also find many cats run around, purr, and sleep among the books.
In the bookshop, you can find many texts on Venice but also books of art, music, cinema, sport, food, comics and best sellers.
Visit the islands of the Venice lagoon
The islands of the lagoon of Venice can be visited by bike or boat. Among the favorite destinations are Murano, Burano and Torcello.
Murano is the largest island in the lagoon, famous for its glass processing.
Burano is the island of the Venetian Lagoon famous for its lace production and its houses with bright colors.
Torcello, is the least populated island in the lagoon of Venice and is famous for its priceless archaeological heritage.