Things to do in Venice

Things to do in Venice

Top 10 Things to do in Venice

Experiences for every interest

All Things to do in Venice

Explore Venice with a local of your choice

Learn about their personal stories, and find out how you can explore Venice together

What other travelers love about our local experts

Katie
About local
3 March 2025
Fabulous tour thank you

We had a fabulous morning with Sarah in Venice. When we met, Sarah chatted to us and got a feel for what we would like to see before we set off. Venice was busy because of the Carnivale but Sarah took us to some quieter areas which we loved. We also visited some local craftspeople in their studios and tried the local festival donuts. A really lovely morning and just what we wanted, thank you Sarah!

Mason
About local
24 February 2025
Cannaregio cicchetti, drinks and gelato

We had a great evening with Olimpia on our Drinks and Bites in Cannaregio tour. Olimpia is plugged into the local scene and knows the best intimate places to take you to get a taste of authentic local flavors and vibes. She is fun to talk to and speaks excellent English. Highly recommended.

Laura
About local
11 February 2025
Wonderful Food Tour!

Our group of three (my husband and I, and our adult daughter) had a wonderful time getting to know Venice with Giada. She took us to a variety of eateries, where we experienced authentic Venetian cuisine - everything from spritzes to cichetti to chocolate to fritelle. Along the way, Giada shared lots of information with us about Venetian foods, and living in Venice. She even provided us with suggestions for other places to visit during the rest of our stay in Venice. We very much enjoyed our evening with Giada!

Elaine
About local
11 January 2025
Wander Woman

What a great day in Venice with Genny.Informative, entertaining, and seeing places we would have missed without her local knowledge and contacts. Genny treated us like family so much so that we ended our day with a hug. Thanks so much,Genny , we will recommend you to friends travelling to Venice.

What to see and do in Venice, Italy?

Venice, Italy is a beautiful and unique city known for its canals, gondolas, and historic architecture. One of the most popular things to do in Venice is to take a gondola ride through the city's canals. This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and to experience some of its charming waterways. Another popular activity is to visit St. Mark's Basilica, which is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture and is home to some of the city's most important works of art. The nearby St. Mark's Square is also a must-see destination, as it is home to several important landmarks, including the Doge's Palace and the Campanile bell tower. Additionally, you can explore the winding streets and alleys of the city to discover hidden gems such as picturesque squares, charming shops, and delicious local restaurants.

  • What should you not miss in Venice?

    Venice is a city like no other, with its winding canals, charming gondolas, and colorful architecture. There is so much to see and do here, but if you're looking for the must-see sights and experiences, we recommend the following:

    Take a gondola ride through the canals of Venice. This is a true Venetian experience that you won't want to miss. Book our "The Grand Canal of Venice: Private Boat Tour" for a unique twist on this classic activity.

    Visit St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. These two iconic landmarks are located in the heart of Venice and offer a glimpse into the city's rich history and culture. Book our "Majestic Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica Tour" for a hassle-free and informative visit.

    Walk through the charming streets of Venice. The city is full of hidden gems and picturesque spots, so take a stroll and explore the different neighborhoods. Book our "Highlights & Hidden Gems of Venice" to discover some lesser-known spots and learn about the city's hidden history.

    Enjoy the local food and drink. Venice is known for its seafood and wine, so be sure to indulge in some traditional dishes and local wines. Book our "The 10 Tastings of Venice" for a culinary journey through Venice.

    Take a day trip to the nearby island of Murano. This island are a short boat ride from Venice and offer a different perspective on the city. Book our "City Escape: Murano Day Trip" to explore this charming island.

  • What food is Venice famous for?

    Venice is known for its delicious seafood, as well as its traditional dishes such as "sarde in saor" (sardines in sweet and sour sauce), "baccalà alla vicentina" (salt cod with onions, polenta and butter) and "risi e bisi" (rice and peas).

    If you're looking to experience the local food scene in Venice, we recommend booking one of our food tours with a local host. Our "Fish shopping in Rialto and home cooking in Murano in a small group" is a great option for seafood lovers, and our "The 10 Tastings of Venice" tour is perfect for those looking to try a variety of traditional dishes.

    Additionally, our "Drinks & Bites in Cannaregio Tour" is a unique and unforgettable way to explore Venice's local food and culture, while enjoying a gondola ride through the charming canals.

    Book one of these tours and enjoy the taste of Venice.

  • Is gondola ride in Venice worth it?

    Absolutely! A gondola ride in Venice is an unforgettable experience! It is a unique experience that will transport you back in time and give you a different perspective of the city. The gondoliers are skilled professionals who will serenade you with traditional Venetian songs and make your ride a truly romantic and unforgettable experience. To make your experience even more special, book our "Benvenuto A Venezia! Intro tour with your Licensed Private Tour Guide and Gondola ride" tour. This tour is a perfect introduction to the city, where you will be guided by a local expert who will show you the hidden gems and tell you the stories of the city's rich history.

  • Do and don'ts in Venice?

    Venice, the floating city of canals and charming architecture! As you explore this unique destination, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:

    DO:

    Book a Withlocals tour to get an authentic taste of Venice. We highly recommend the "The Best of Venice in a Day Tour with your Licensed Private Tour Guide" tour, where you'll discover the hidden gems of the Venetian Lagoon and enjoy a traditional seafood lunch on one of the islands.

    Take a gondola ride to experience the city from a different perspective.

    Visit the Basilica di San Marco and the Palazzo Ducale, two of Venice's most iconic landmarks.

    Wander around the narrow streets and bridges of the city to discover its charming architecture and hidden gems.

    Try some traditional Venetian cuisine, such as cicchetti (small plates of seafood or meat), risotto alla veneta (risotto with fish), and tiramisu.

    DON'T:

    Get lost in the crowds. Venice can get quite crowded, especially during peak season, so plan your itinerary in advance and avoid the busiest areas. Book our "Off the Beaten Track in Venice: Dorsoduro Tour" to avoid the crowds.

    Forget to wear comfortable shoes. The city is built on water and is mostly made up of bridges and cobblestone streets, so wear shoes that are easy to walk in.

    Forget to bring your camera. Venice is a city of stunning views, so make sure to capture the memories.

    Forget to respect the city's heritage. Venice is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so please be mindful of your actions and avoid any activities that could damage the city's cultural heritage.

  • Can you walk all of Venice in a day?

    Yes, it is possible to walk all of Venice in a day - though it would be a very long day! If you'd like to explore the city's many hidden gems, we recommend booking a Withlocals walking tour. Our experienced local guides will take you through the winding streets, squares, and canals of Venice, revealing the secrets and stories of the city along the way. We recommend booking at least one of our Venice tours, such as our "Highlights & Hidden Gems of Venice" or "The 10 Tastings of Venice" to get the most out of your visit.

  • Can you just walk around Venice?

    Yes, of course you can explore Venice on foot! With its winding streets, canals, and fascinating architecture, the city is the perfect place to wander and explore. Whether you’re looking for a historical tour of the city or a more relaxed stroll, there are plenty of options to choose from.

    To make the most of your visit, we recommend booking a Withlocals Venice tour with one of our knowledgeable local hosts.

    Our Venice tours will give you a deeper understanding of this incredible city, as well as tips on where to find the best food and hidden gems. From the Venice Grand Canal Tour to the Venice Food Tour, you'll be sure to find a tour that fits your needs.

  • Is 2 days enough for Venice?

    Two days in Venice is certainly enough time to see some of the city's most famous highlights, including St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge. You'll also have the opportunity to sample some of the delicious local cuisine and gain a basic understanding of the city's rich history. However, if you really want to get a feel for Venice and all it has to offer, we would recommend spending 3-4 days here. This way, you'll have time to explore some of the lesser-known parts of the city and immerse yourself fully in its unique culture and atmosphere.

    If you're only here for 2 days, we recommend booking our "Highlights & Hidden Gems of Venice" tour, which takes you on a comprehensive walking tour of the city, highlighting its most famous landmarks and hidden gems. We also recommend combining this tour with our "The 10 Tastings of Venice" or "Benvenuto A Venezia! Intro tour with your Licensed Private Tour Guide and Gondola ride" tour, both of which will give you a taste of Venice's rich food culture and its picturesque canals.

  • What are the most popular things to do in Venice with kids?

    Venice is a city that provides endless opportunities for kids to learn and have fun. With its canals, gondolas, and colorful buildings, it's no wonder why Venice is a top travel destination for families. Here are some of the most popular things to do in Venice with kids:

    Take a Gondola Ride. Experience Venice's waterways with a classic gondola ride, a fun and unique way to see the city.

    Visit Piazza San Marco. See the iconic Basilica di San Marco and the Doge's Palace, and let the kids run around in the square.

    Explore the Islands. Take a boat tour to the nearby islands of Murano, famous for its glass-making, and Burano, known for its colorful houses.

    Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Enjoy contemporary art with the kids in a beautiful setting on the Grand Canal.

    Have a Gelato. Enjoy a delicious treat while strolling the streets of Venice, a perfect way to cool down on a warm day.

  • Is there a dress code in Venice?

    Yes, there is a dress code in Venice, especially when visiting religious sites such as churches. It is recommended to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. Wearing shorts or tank tops is not appropriate. During the hot summer months, lightweight and breathable clothing is recommended, while in the cooler months, layering is a good idea.

    For a unique and authentic experience, we recommend booking a Withlocals tour with a local guide. Our Venice tours include food and drink tastings, a gondola ride, and exploring hidden corners of the city. For a truly authentic experience, book the “The Secret Venice: History, Characters & Gossips” tour, where you'll learn about local customs and traditions, or the "Venice Off the Beaten Path: Gardens & Hidden Gems with an art historian" tour, which takes you off the beaten path to discover hidden gems in the city.

  • What is the nicest area of Venice?

    Venice is a city known for its beautiful architecture, charming canals and rich history. It is no wonder that many visitors are drawn to this incredible city, and it can be tough to choose which area to stay in. However, one of the most sought-after areas in Venice is undoubtedly the historic San Polo neighborhood. This charming and picturesque district is home to some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Rialto Bridge and the Frari Church.

    If you are looking for a real Venetian experience, then San Polo is definitely the place to be. This area is renowned for its winding streets, traditional shops, and bustling food markets. You'll find many local eateries serving up delicious Venetian cuisine, as well as local wine bars offering a taste of the region's famous vino.

    So, if you're looking to immerse yourself in the true spirit of Venice, we recommend booking one of our Withlocals tours in San Polo. Our ‘Discover Unknown Venice and enjoy Cicchetti, Wine and Stories’ is a great way to sample local cuisine and wine in the heart of San Polo, while our ‘City Kickstart Tour: Venice’ will take you on a journey through the city's most charming streets and canals, ending in the historic San Polo neighborhood.

    Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, San Polo is a must-visit area in Venice, and our Withlocals tours will ensure that you have a truly unforgettable experience.

  • What are the top attractions to visit in Venice?

    Venice is a unique city that is renowned for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and the enchanting canals that run through it. If you're planning a trip to this fascinating city, here are some of the top attractions you should visit and the Withlocals tours that are a perfect match for each one.

    St. Mark's Basilica: This magnificent church is one of the most iconic buildings in Venice and is an absolute must-visit for anyone who loves history and architecture. Withlocals offers a private tour of St. Mark's Basilica, where a local guide will take you through the church's history, art, and symbolism.

    Doge's Palace: The Doge's Palace is a stunning medieval building that was once the home of the Doge, the most powerful man in Venice. Today, it's a museum that showcases the city's rich history and is a great place to learn about Venice's past. Withlocals offers a private tour of the Doge's Palace, which includes a visit to the famous Bridge of Sighs.

    Gondola Ride: A gondola ride through the canals of Venice is an experience that's not to be missed. Withlocals offers a private gondola ride that lets you explore the city's waterways in the company of a local gondolier who will share the stories and legends of Venice.

    Murano Glass Museum: Venice is famous for its glass-making tradition, and the Murano Glass Museum is a great place to learn about this fascinating art form. Withlocals offers a private tour of Murano, where you'll see some of the most beautiful pieces of art created in Venice.

Unique things to do in Venice

Discover Venice like a true local. From exploring the intricate canals to island hopping in search of artisan crafts, your local host will be able to show you the most exciting things to do in Venice. Benvenuti! You’ll soon discover there are plenty of activities in Venice. With so many things to do, you’ll be wondering where to start! Intrepid explorers can discover the art of masks and puppetry, stroll through the winding canals, wander across Rialto Market and listen to stories of the real merchants of Venice! Foodies will be delighted by all the delicious treats to discover. Try all the flavors of creamy gelato, stop for a pizza, pick your favorite cinchetti bites and round off the day with a glass of Prosecco. With your local host to show you the way, you’ll know just where to go to discover all the amazing things to do in Venice! Exploring a new city with a genuine local who knows the secrets of Venice in depth is the best way to uncover the top things to do. Whether you take a day trip to the islands of Mazzorbo, Burano and Murano in search of the finest hand-blown glass or taste your way through Venetian history along the winding canals, you’ll soon see that traveling with a local is the best way to discover what to do in Venice on your own terms! Simply let your local host know which things you would most like to see and they will personalize your private tour of Venice! If you’re deciding on your activities in Venice, a WithLocals tour that is 100% private and fully customizable is the perfect way to discover the all the unique things to do. With your local host by your side, you’ll discover all the best things to see. Let them know what you prefer, and they’ll sort it all out locally for you!

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