THINGS TO DO IN VENICE ITALY
THINGS TO DO IN VENICE ITALY
Venice is not just a city to look at—it's a city to live. With its shimmering canals, timeless architecture, and rich cultural heritage, the best way to explore La Serenissima is by stepping into its daily rhythm and uncovering its hidden soul. At VivoVenetia, we invite you to go beyond the usual sightseeing and discover authentic things to do in Venice that stir emotions and create lasting memories.
Whether you visit the Basilica of St. Mark with an expert local guide, hop on a water taxi to the lesser-known islands, sip local vintages in intimate wine bars, or lose yourself in the literary charm of the Libreria Acqua Alta, Venice reveals itself slowly, like a whispered secret.
Wander through quiet calli and discover treasures like the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni or take part in immersive experiences that connect you with artisans, traditions, and everyday life. Each activity is crafted to show you Venice as a living city, not just a beautiful backdrop.
Trust a local agency that respects the city's fragile balance and promotes sustainable, heartfelt tourism.
Live Venice—don’t just visit it.
Best Things to Do in Venice, Italy: Live the City, Don't Just See It
Venice is more than a postcard-perfect destination—it's a living, breathing city best experienced through its rhythms, stories, and people. At VivoVenetia, we believe in immersing travelers in authentic experiences that go beyond the usual tourist paths. Our approach emphasizes responsible tourism, encouraging visitors to connect deeply with the city's culture and community.
By partnering with local artisans, guides, and residents, we offer unique activities that reveal the true essence of Venice.Whether it's exploring hidden workshops, participating in traditional crafts, or savoring local cuisine, our experiences are designed to leave lasting impressions. We advocate for mindful exploration that respects the city's heritage and supports its preservation.
Choosing VivoVenetia means supporting a local agency committed to sustainable tourism. Our curated experiences aim to foster meaningful connections and unforgettable memories, ensuring that your visit contributes positively to Venice's vibrant tapestry.
Best things to do in Venice
We believe it's emotions and encounters that make a journey truly meaningful. Beyond what you can see, Venice is about what you can do — and who you can meet. Our tours are designed to connect you with the city and its people through authentic, local experiences.
Venice Museums: discover the history of the Serenissima!
By now we have learnt how rich in history and art is Venice. So why not finding it out all the way, by visiting one of the many Venice museums that are present here?
We have for example the Museo Correr, one of the most important of the island, located in the San Marco district, which illustrates beautifully the art, civilization and history of the island. It is part of the Civic Museums Foundation of Venice to which other museums also belong, such as the Murano Glass Museum, the Burano Lace Museum, the Natural History Museum and the International Gallery of Modern Art
We also have La Scuola Grande di San Rocco, an ancient building located in the San Polo district, the Accademia Galleries located in the Dorsoduro district, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection which are of great interest.
St Mark’s Basilica Venice and its square... top venice attractions!
The church of San Marco, better known as the St Mark’s Basilica, is the cathedral and seat of the patriarchate of Venice.
Together with the Campanile, and the Palazzo Ducale, it marks St Mark's Square and forms the main architectural site of Venice.
It was built for the first time in 828 but over time it underwent many variations, including the most significant restoration in 1231 after a devastating fire.
The basilica is divided into three registers, namely the lower floor, the terrace and the domes.
A guided tour here is really a must, but we advise you to book a visit in advance, waiting times could be really long, so take advantage of the possibility to skip the queue ... You will gain time to see many other things!
Doge's palace Venice
Located next to the Basilica of San Marco, the Palazzo Ducale is one of the symbols of the city as the seat of the Doge and state magistrates. It was founded in 812 but as with most places of interest in Venice, it underwent human intervention over the years.
The first significant restructuring took place in 1173 by Nicolò Barattiero, who among other things built the Rialto bridge and erected the columns of San Marco and San Todaro, also located the San Marco district.
Today it is possible to visit the Doge's Palace in Venice almost entirely, and it is certainly one of the things we advise you to do if you really want to know the history of the Serenissima. If you like, take this leap into the past with us, we would be really happy to assist!
Scala Contarini del Bovolo
One of the lesser known tourist attractions in venice italy but which should absolutely be visited, we certainly have at the top of the list also the Scala del Bovolo.
Over the centuries the building has had several "owners" but only with the arrival of the Contarini family, it was enriched by this noble staircase. The name derives in part from the family, and partly from "bovolo" which in Venetian means snail.
The palace location between Rialto ( the economic heart of Venice) and San Marco ( the political heart of the city) was strategic, although no special view could be enjoyed. The Contarini family hence decided to add the Scala del Bovolo so they could enjoy one of the most magnificient views of Venice.
A visit to this jewel of art in Gothic style is really worth it, so wear your favorite sneakers and let's go!
Jewish Ghetto Venice
The Jewish ghetto in Venice was the neighborhood where Jews were forced to live, and where the fulcrum of the Jewish community still exists.
It is located in the Cannaregio district and is home to several synagogues and other religious institutions.
However, this area was not always "Jewish land"; until 1516 it was the area in which the foundries were concentrated, these in Venetian were called "geto", from which originally the name derives. With the decision to make it the area of residence for excluded minorities, the name was crippled until it became the term that is used today throughout the world. Curious right? Are you thirsty for "news" from the past and from different cultures? All you have to do is let yourself be guided in the soul of the synagogues of Venice.
Canals of Venice
Venice would not be the one we all see today in the 20th Century, if it weren't for its canals, which make up the city's navigation system.
Within the urban context we find:
- The Grand Canal
- The Cannaregio Canal
- The Giudecca Canal
- And the lesser known Canale della Scomenzera.
Generally only the first two are considered real Canals here, all the rest of Venice's "streets of water" are called Rii. The walkable roads that run along the Riis are instead called Fondamenta, or Riva.
As you probably know, there are different ways you can navigate i Canali di Venezia: you could take one of the slow and romantic gondola rides, the faster water taxi or you could try the vaporetto (our local bus system but… on water!)
Venice bridges: which one is which?
Venice today, is very different from what it used to be. In fact, as weird as this sounds, originally there were no bridges at all! Why? People only used boats to go from one of the 121 islands to another – either their own or “public” ones. Because of technological progress, population growth, and the city’s increase in trade it became necessary to build routes that would connect the various areas.
This is how the 435 bridges of Venice are born. 300 are made of stone, 60 of iron, and the rest of wood. The most famous bridges in the floating city today remain the Rialto Bridge called Ponte di Rialto, famous for its row of shops, and the Bridge of Sighs connected to the Doge Palace. Follow the link for more on Venice bridges.
Venice arsenal
The Arsenal of Venice is the complex of shipyards and workshops that was the heart of the Venetian naval industry from the 12th century and is linked to the most flourishing period of the Serenissima: the Venetian Republic succeeded in conquering the routes of northern Europe thanks to the imposing ships built here.
Part of the large complex is now home to the Historical Naval Museum which we recommend you to visit to gain a great insight to this part of the history of Venice. Another part of the complex is now used by the Venice Biennale for its contemporary art exhibitions, which of course you should visit if you are interested in art
Venice Churches: you will be surprised!
Who said that to visit the places of interest of a city, one must necessarily spend a fortune? Several of Venice Churches can be explored without spending much or even for free. Among the most important we have:
- Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, closely linked to the history of the Feast of the Redeemer.
- The Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, here you can climb to the top of the bell tower and enjoy an indescribable view of Piazza San Marco.
- The Church of Santa Maria dei miracoli, located in Cannaregio.
And the list could also be really long and endless