15 of the Top Things To Do in Venice Per Viator Travelers

What?: The perfect Venetian starting point is St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco), which is home to several of the top attractions in Venice. Take a guided tour to see the square’s highlights including St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco), the Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale), and the Bridge of Sighs. Some excursions also add a stop at St. Mark’s Bell Tower (Campanile di San Marco), which offers some of the best views in the city.

When?: Plan your tour for any day except Sunday, when St. Mark’s Basilica is closed.

What one reviewer said: “Excellent experience and the tour guide was amazing. I would highly recommend this tour for family and friends.” Donna_D, February 2025

What?: The Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) is one of the most famous Venice landmarks, spanning the Grand Canal between the sestieri (neighborhoods) of San Marco and San Polo. Join a walking tour that stops by the bridge along with other must-see places in Venice such as Marco Polo's Home (Casa di Marco Polo), the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, and the Frari Church (Basilica dei Frari)—and learn about Venetian history and architecture along the way.

When?: The Rialto Bridge is open 24 hours a day, so it’s a top Venice tourist spot whether you’re on a walking tour by day or after sunset.

What one reviewer said: “Fun walk around Venice to learn the basics and more. See things and experience the culture with a true local who can share the real Venezia with you!” Robin_D, March 2025

What?: Venetians have been getting around in elegant black gondolas for centuries. Experience the city from the water on a gondola ride along the spectacular Grand Canal, or head for quieter secondary canals lined with colorful palazzi rising directly from the water. Some rides include serenades or live commentary on board.

When?: Gondola rides are offered all day, from the morning to past sunset. Book an evening tour for atmospheric Venice sightseeing.

What one reviewer said: “This was an amazing experience with a group of friends. It's a must when you're visiting Venice and great photo opportunities when on the gondola boat.” Michelle_R, March 2025

What?: The Venetian Lagoon's most famous islands, Murano and Burano, are each known for a specific handicraft. On Murano, master glassblowers craft one-of-a-kind works of art, while lacemakers on Burano create intricate pieces by hand. You can discover each on an island tour, which covers both in a single day by a private boat.

When?: The artisan workshops on Murano and Burano are open daily and most tours set off from central Venice in the morning and return by mid-afternoon.

What one reviewer said: “Brilliant trip. [It] was lovely to see both islands and learn about the history and the culture. Would definitely recommend.” Leona_A, March 2025

What?: Venice is home to one of Italy’s premier opera houses: La Fenice Opera House (Teatro La Fenice). This historic venue hosts a rich roster of performances all year round, so you can catch an evening opera or classical music concert while in the city. Alternatively, tour the opera house to learn about its history and admire the gilded interior.

When?: La Fenice hosts evening performances all year round and guided tours are offered most days.

What one reviewer said: “This was a beautiful theater and worth the visit. The tour guide gave a brief intro about the building while we were on the front steps, then took us through the foyer entry and into the theater.” Edward_C, October 2024

What?: The Grand Canal—Venice’s main watery thoroughfare—is lined by sumptuous palaces and majestic churches. Hop on a canal tour to see highlights including the Casinò di Venezia, Ca' d'Oro (Palazzo Santa Sofia), Ca’ Rezzonico, and the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute. Onboard commentary offers information and insight into each Venice landmark.

When?: The Grand Canal is wow-worthy around the clock, and small-group and private canal tours are one of the best Venice activities both day and night.

What one reviewer said: “This is a must-do—see the Grand Canal and other parts of Venice! Our guide Nico was wonderful and knowledgeable; he gave us all the history as only a local can!” MariaAraceli_C, October 2024

What?: Home to dozens of vendors hawking fish plucked directly from the surrounding lagoon, the Rialto Fish Market (Mercato di Rialto) is a bustling foodie hub. Try joining a food tour that starts here in the morning, plus stops at food shops and eateries in the surrounding San Polo neighborhood for tastings of local delicacies.

When?: This historic market is open Monday to Saturday from the early morning until mid-afternoon.

What one reviewer said: “The tour was wonderful. The food was delicious and Julia was an excellent guide, sharing interesting facts about the food history and preparation, the places that we visited, [and] the history of Venice … I highly recommend this tour!” Barbara_G, October 2024

What?: Set in the Cannaregio neighborhood, Venice’s Jewish Ghetto (Ghetto di Venezia) was the first in Europe, and it's one of the most fascinating corners of the city today. Visit with a guide to gain more insight into the area’s significance and stop by historic synagogues and museum. This is also a popular area of Venice for food tours.

When?: The Jewish sights in Cannaregio are generally closed from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning.

What one reviewer said: “We were able to go inside the synagogue, which was a nice treat and our guide, Barbara, explained everything very thoroughly and was wonderful!” Stacey_K, September 2024

What?: Venice is home to one of the world’s premier collections of modern art, amassed by American art collector Peggy Guggenheim in the mid-20th century: the Peggy Guggenheim Collection (Collezione Peggy Guggenheim). Be sure to book your tickets to this popular museum in advance to avoid a wait at the entrance, or plan to peruse the gallery with a guide for deeper insight into the artworks displayed.

When?: The museum is open Wednesday to Monday from late morning to early evening and is closed on Tuesdays.

What one reviewer said: “This tour is a great option, whether you know anything about Peggy Guggenheim and her life or not … Having a guide with an artistic background and learning about her favorites was delightful.” Denise_R, October 2024

What?: Unique to Venice, cicchetti are small plates served as snacks or finger food with small glasses of wine just before lunch or dinner—similar to tapas in Spain. Discover the best bacari (wine bars where cicchetti is served) with an insider gourmand guide on a specialized food tour through the city’s back alleys.

When?: Cicchetti is served at traditional Venetian wine bars from just before lunch hour through the evening.

What one reviewer said: “The entire tour was a great experience. This is not something I would have been able to do on my own. Our guide, Giorgia, took us through the side roads to taste and drink the [flavor] of Venice. She has stories on their origin, which captured the history of the city. It made each bite and sip more meaningful.” Sharon_C, February 2025

What?: Venice has plenty of world-class art museums that are set away from the crowds that overwhelm St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Book skip-the-line tickets to admire the smaller collections in the Correr Museum (Museo Correr) or Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art on your own, or opt for a guided tour of larger museums such as the Venice Accademia Gallery (Gallerie dell'Accademia).

When?: Some Venice museums are closed on Mondays, either all day or earlier than usual, so confirm opening hours before visiting.

What one reviewer said: “It was very rewarding to have a private guide to the Accademia in Venice! Our guide put everything in context for us so it was not so overwhelming. She also took us on a wonderful walking tour of the area and pointed out interesting sites.” James_S, November 2022

What?: St. Mark’s Basilica is Venice’s headliner, but there are countless other churches and scuole (historic religious charitable fraternities) that house important artworks as well. For more context about their history and the masterpieces inside, book a guided tour of these treasure troves, which include the Venice Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, the Frari Church, Madonna dell’Orto Church (Chiesa della Madonna dell'Orto), Scuola Grande di San Rocco, and the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista.

When?: Venice churches are closed entirely or open late on Sundays for tourist visits, while the scuole are typically open daily.

What one reviewer said: “Valentina was a great guide, giving a tour of the many famous landmarks and history of Venice but also the not so famous and more quirky landmarks and history.” Polly_M, November 2024

What?: Take a break from your Venice sightseeing itinerary with a culinary experience in a real Venetian home. Learn how to make local specialties during a hands-on cooking class, or relax as your host prepares a variety of local dishes before you gather around the table for an informal meal together.

When?: Choose a morning cooking class or culinary experience followed by lunch, or begin in the afternoon and end with dinner.

What one reviewer said: “It was incredibly enriching, exciting and fun ... We made the best pasta we’ve honestly ever had! It was also culturally fascinating to be invited into their home for four hours and live like a Venetian.” ElizabethAllen_R, March 2025

What?: Venice is perfectly positioned for a day trip to the Prosecco Hills, the wine country that produces Italy’s beloved bubbly between the towns of Valdobbiadene, Conegliano, and Asolo. Join an excursion that includes a winery tour and tasting lunch, plus round-trip transportation so you can sip freely.

When?: Most day trips to the Prosecco Hills set off in the morning and return to Venice in the late afternoon.

What one reviewer said: “We had a wonderful experience and would recommend this to anyone who is interested in an intimate experience to learn more about wine and see a part of Italy that may not be seen by typically as many people. We learned a lot, saw great scenery, and tried some wonderful wine.” Matthew_B, September 2024

What?: So scenic that they're a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dolomites are within driving distance of Venice and make for an amazing day trip. In a single day with a private driver from Venice you can take in crystalline lakes and soaring peaks, plus stop at chic resort towns such as Cortina d’Ampezzo.

When?: The Dolomites are an unforgettable destination for scenic views all year round, but the snow-blanketed peaks are particularly photogenic in winter.

What one reviewer said: “This trip to the Dolomites was one of the most memorable experiences of our lives, filled with natural beauty, delicious food, and great company.” Andreana_T, December 2024