Venice really is one of those cities that feels a little bit unreal, like you’ve wandered straight into a painting.
Between the winding canals, hidden alleyways, and grand piazzas, there is something magical waiting around every corner. It is not a place you rush through; it’s a place you soak up slowly, letting yourself get a little lost along the way. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, here are 10 wonderful things to do in Venice to help you experience the full charm of this unforgettable city.
1. Drift along the canals on a gondola (or a vaporetto).
Sure, it might feel a little touristy, but there is something genuinely special about seeing Venice from the water. A gondola ride is romantic and peaceful if you are willing to splurge, but hopping on a vaporetto, the public water bus, gives you the same dreamy canal views for a fraction of the cost.
Either way, moving through the city by water helps you understand Venice’s heart a little better. Watching the centuries-old buildings glide past, with the sound of water slapping gently against the stone, is a memory you will tuck away forever.
2. Get gloriously lost in the backstreets.
Venice is a labyrinth, and getting lost is part of the experience. Some of the best moments happen when you put away the map and wander down whatever narrow alley or tiny bridge catches your eye. You’ll stumble across quiet canals, tiny courtyards, and hidden churches that most tourists miss. Plus, the city is small enough that you’ll eventually find your way back to something familiar—no panic necessary.
3. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica (and take your time).
It’s easy to feel rushed when you visit big attractions, but St. Mark’s Basilica deserves your full attention. The golden mosaics, the intricate marble floors, the sheer sense of history in the air—it’s overwhelming in the best way. Going early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help you avoid the biggest crowds, giving you a bit more breathing room to really take it all in at your own pace.
4. Watch the world go by in Piazza San Marco.
Venice’s most famous square is touristy, yes, but it’s also genuinely breathtaking. Grab a coffee (yes, it will be overpriced) at one of the cafes with live music and just sit for a while. There’s something deeply lovely about watching people from all over the world wander past, the bells of the basilica chiming in the background, the pigeons fluttering at the edges of the crowd. It’s one of those rare places that feels like a living postcard.
5. Take a boat trip to Murano and Burano.
When you need a little break from the crowds, hop on a ferry and head out to the islands of Murano and Burano. Murano is famous for its centuries-old glassblowing tradition, and watching the artisans at work is genuinely fascinating. Burano, meanwhile, is pure colour therapy—a small fishing village where every house is painted a different bright hue. Wandering its cheerful streets feels like stepping into a fairytale.
6. Snack your way through cicchetti bars.
Cicchetti are Venice’s answer to tapas—small, delicious bites usually enjoyed with a glass of wine at a standing bar. Exploring the local bàcari (wine bars) and trying a few plates at each stop is a perfect, low-key way to eat your way through the city. It’s casual, social, and gives you a taste of the real Venice beyond the tourist menus. Plus, it’s a great excuse to try something new without committing to a full meal.
7. Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
If you love art, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is an absolute must. Housed in her former home right on the Grand Canal, it features an incredible array of modern art from names like Picasso, Pollock, and Calder. The museum itself feels intimate and personal—much smaller and more manageable than many big-city galleries—and the garden overlooking the water is the perfect spot for a quiet moment afterward.
8. Cross the Rialto Bridge (then keep walking).
The Rialto Bridge is one of Venice’s most famous sights, and it is absolutely worth seeing, but it’s also jammed with tourists at almost every hour. Take your photos, admire the view, and then keep moving. The real magic often lies just a few streets away, where the crowds thin out, and you can wander into little shops, peaceful corners, and market stalls filled with local goods and fresh produce.
9. Take a slow walk along the Zattere.
If you are looking for a quieter part of Venice to catch your breath, head to the Zattere waterfront. It’s a long, wide promenade that runs along the southern edge of the city, with plenty of cafes and benches where you can simply sit and watch the water. At sunset, it’s especially gorgeous—the light softens, the crowds thin out, and everything feels a little more peaceful, like the city is taking a long, slow breath.
10. Let yourself fall in love with the imperfect parts.
Venice is beautiful, but it is not polished. It is crumbling in places, a little chaotic, sometimes frustrating, and that’s a part of what makes it unforgettable. The peeling paint, the crooked alleys, the occasional smell of the canals—they’re all part of the real magic. Letting go of the need for everything to be perfect opens up space to fall in love with the soul of the city—a place that has survived centuries and still finds ways to be utterly breathtaking today.
