What to Do in Venice: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Venice, a city of canals, romance, and history, offers an unparalleled experience for every traveller. Famous for its enchanting waterways, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, Venice is a destination brimming with possibilities. Whether you're exploring what to do in Venice in 1 day or planning a longer visit, this guide will help you uncover what to see and do in Venice, from the must-sees to the truly unique experiences.
Events found for Venice
Venues found for Venice
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Scuola Grande di San Teodoro
Venice, Italy
The Scuola Grande di San Teodoro is one of eight 'Scuole Grande' in Venice. It was founded in 1258. In 1960 San Teodoro was reconstructed and today it is used as a venue for cultural events.
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Chiesa di San Vidal
Venice, Italy
The Church San Vidal was built in 1084, today it is frequently used as a concert hall for chamber concerts.
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Palazzo Barbarigo‐Minotto
Venice, Italy
Facing the Grand Canal, this splendid 15th century palace bears decorative elements by famous artists.
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Teatro La Fenice
Venice, Italy
The Teatro La Fenice was founded in 1792. In the nineteenth century, the theatre staged the world premieres of numerous operas, including Rossini’s Tancredi, Sigismondo and Semiramide, Bellini’s I Capuleti e i Montecchi (The Capulets and the Montagues) and Beatrice di Tenda, Donizetti’s Belisario (Belisarius), Pia de’ Tolomei, and Maria de Rudenz, and Verdi’s Ernani, Attila, Rigoletto, La traviata and Simon Boccanegra.
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Santa Maria della Pietà
Venice, Italy
S. Maria della Pietà, 'Church of Vivaldi,' has Tiepolo frescoes, connected to Vivaldi. Since 1978, it hosts concerts honoring Vivaldi's legacy.
Popular Topics in Venice
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Venice Concerts
Tickets for Classical Concerts in Venice
Classical music in the Floating City
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Venice Opera
Tickets for Venice opera. Purchase your e-Ticket today!
An overview of opera performances in Venice
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Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto Venice
Opera Tickets and Schedule
Opera up close and personal in Venice
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Venice Christmas Concerts
Find Schedule and Tickets
Information, Schedule and Tickets
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church concerts in Venice
Fixtures and tickets
Information, Schedules and Tickets
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Italian Cooking Class in Venice
In the beautiful, waterside city of Venice, professional chef Carolyn shares with you her passion for Italian food on this hands‐on cooking class in Venice. Step into Carolyn’s elegant home kitchen on the square of Campo Santa Margherita, one of the most picturesque squares in all of Venice. Carolyn — an American married to a Venetian — has lived in Italy for over 20 years, and has won numerous awards for her amazing Venetian cooking. She will be your personal chef during the workshop, and will share some of her tips and secrets. During your class, sip a refreshing glass of Venetian wine in the kitchen, and prepare a tasty and traditional Italian lunch – a main course with dessert, accompanied by Venetian wine and coffee. The class includes all your ingredients and utensils, and will teach you how to make fresh and traditional pasta the classic Italian way.
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SPARKLING WINE & ITALIAN PROSECCO TASTING
A delicious local sparkling wine tasting in a traditional Venetian wine bar.An unforgettable experience where you will taste 5 different types of Italian Prosecco (sparkling wine) with some yummy local finger food. The combination of wine and food is wisely chosen by the sommelier Marco.Marco (owner and sommelier of the wine bar) will explain how to do properly a wine tasting and will teach you secrets and techniques of production of these excellent wines. He has a long experience in this world, and he perfectly knows the characteristics and skills of these wines."Dai Do Cancari", run by the expert Venetian Sommelier Marco, is a cozy wine bar in the heart of Venice, just a few steps from Accademia Bridge, in a place very famous for the artistic shops and away from the overcrowded touristic places. Here you can chat over a wine glass in totally relax.He’s inherited the love for the wines from his grandfather that worked in the vineyards around Veneto and Tuscany for decades. The wine’s passion has always been the main characteristic of his family! He works in this sector for 20 years and he’s visited the world looking for new and top wines in order to enrich the own “wine house”.
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Artisan's Mask Decoration Course
In this unforgettable activity, a Venetian master craftsman will explain the traditional art of mask‐making and its ancient history. Spend an hour on a decoration course with Giorgio and feel like a first‐hand participant in this incredible experience, right in the heart of Venice!Giorgio is a true Venetian and an expert mask maker based in Venice. His traditional‐style atelier will take you to another dimension! Giorgio and his family carry on one of the oldest and most fascinating arts of the Venetian tradition, the Carnival mask‐making.Attending his class you will immediately notice his incredible skills and the lovable passion of someone who has been carrying on a craft for four generations.Giorgio will teach you in a fun way how to decorate your mask. You will choose a mask to decorate during the course and, at the end of the lesson, you can keep your creation as a very special souvenir to take home.A truly unforgettable and unique experience not to be missed if you want to fully immerse yourself in the soul of this city so rich in art and tradition.Create your own mask and discover Giorgio's craft secrets!
Must‐See Attractions: The Classics of What to Do in Venice
If you’re planning what to do in Venice, start with the city's iconic landmarks. Begin your journey in Piazza San Marco, home to St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile. Climb to the top of the bell tower for breathtaking views of the city.
Another must see in Venice is the Doge’s Palace, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Wander through its ornate halls and cross the Bridge of Sighs, where history and legend intertwine. For art lovers, the Gallerie dell’Accademia houses an exceptional collection of Venetian Renaissance masterpieces.
A gondola ride along the Grand Canal is undeniably one of the best things to do in Venice. Glide past palaces, bridges, and picturesque waterways while soaking in the city’s charm.
What to Do in Venice by Day and Night
During the day, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Venice’s labyrinthine streets and squares. Visit the Rialto Market to experience local flavours and vibrant Venetian life. Don’t miss a walk across the iconic Rialto Bridge, a highlight of what to see and do in Venice.
As the sun sets, Venice takes on a magical atmosphere. Wondering what to do in Venice at night? Take an evening vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal to see the city’s landmarks illuminated. For an unforgettable cultural experience, attend a classical concert or an opera performance at Venice concert venues like Chiesa di San Vidal, which regularly hosts performances of Vivaldi’s works. Alternatively, experience opera in an intimate setting at Palazzo Barbarigo-Minotto, or enjoy a performance at Santa Maria della Pietà, where Vivaldi once composed and performed.
If you prefer a romantic dinner, dine at a canal-side trattoria or sip a classic Venetian spritz in Campo Santa Margherita. These evening activities ensure you experience the charm of Venice both by day and by night.
Venice Tips and Attractions
Venice offers something special in every season. Whether you’re exploring what to do in Venice in 2 days or planning a longer stay, the city’s charm never fades. During warmer months, enjoy outdoor concerts or gondola rides, while winter offers quieter streets and a serene atmosphere.
Check for Venice events like the Venetian Carnival in February, a spectacle of costumes and masks, or the Biennale, which showcases art and architecture. Venice’s dynamic calendar ensures there’s always something new to discover.
Unique Things to Do in Venice
For those seeking unique things to do in Venice, consider exploring the quieter islands of the Venetian Lagoon. Murano is famous for its glassmaking tradition, while Burano enchants visitors with its brightly coloured houses and lace craftsmanship. Torcello, with its ancient cathedral, offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city.
Another unique experience is getting lost in the charming backstreets of Venice. Wander through the lesser known sestieri (districts) like Castello or Santa Croce, where you’ll discover hidden courtyards, quaint bridges, and authentic local eateries. These areas provide a glimpse of Venetian life away from the tourist crowds and are perfect for those looking to see a different side of the city.
Exploring Venice’s Neighbourhoods
Wondering what to do in Venice in 1 day? Start by exploring the historic centre. Visit Piazza San Marco, tour St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, and take a gondola ride along the Grand Canal. If you have more time, wander through the charming neighbourhoods of Cannaregio or Dorsoduro.
Cannaregio, the historic Jewish Ghetto, offers a fascinating blend of history and culture, while Dorsoduro is home to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and quiet, picturesque canals. Venice’s neighbourhoods reveal the city’s diverse character and charm.
Food and Dining in Venice
When deciding what to do in Venice, be sure to indulge in its delicious culinary offerings. Venice’s cuisine is a treat for food lovers. Don’t miss dishes like sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines) or black squid ink risotto.
For a special dining experience, visit Antiche Carampane, known for its authentic Venetian dishes. For something more casual, try Osteria al Squero, where you can enjoy cicchetti (small plates) with a view of the canals. And don’t forget to end your meal with tiramisu, a Venetian classic.
Why Venice is Worth Visiting
Venice captivates visitors with its stunning canals, romantic charm, and rich cultural offerings. From the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica to the intimate atmosphere of its hidden corners, there’s always something new to discover in this enchanting city. Whether you’re wandering through the picturesque Piazza San Marco or gliding along the Grand Canal in a gondola, Venice’s charm is undeniable.
As you think about what to do in Venice, make sure to also check out Classictic for tickets to the city’s top classical performances, adding a memorable cultural experience to your visit. Venice’s combination of history, art, and vibrant local life ensures it remains one of the most magical destinations in the world.