Venice, the city of canals, is a destination that will not leave you indifferent. With its romantic atmosphere and unique architecture, it feels like something straight out of a fairy tale, where every street invites you to get lost and discover.
In this blog, we will guide you through all the must-see spots in Venice, those that you simply cannot miss, and explain why Venice remains one of the most dreamed-about destinations in the world.
Let’s dive into the list of the 17 must-see places in Venice!
1. SAN MARCOS SQUARE
Let’s start with one of Italy's most iconic places. It’s known for its architecture and history, and it’s a landmark in Venice for both locals and the millions of tourists who visit the city every year. St. Mark’s Square was laid out in the 9th century, though it wasn’t until the 12th century that it took on its current form. Festivals, processions, and all kinds of events are held here.
This square is prone to flooding, known as acqua alta, especially in autumn and winter. Around the square, you’ll find many cafés that retain the historic style, as well as shops and restaurants. The best time to visit is early in the morning or at night, as there are fewer tourists, and you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
2. ST. MARK'S BASILICA
It is an impressive cathedral, famous for its Byzantine architecture and its brilliant golden mosaics. It’s one of the monuments you’ll find in St. Mark’s Square, built in the 11th century. Originally, it was the private chapel of the Doge of Venice, and throughout its façade and interiors, you can see marbles, sculptures, and mosaics that tell the story of St. Mark and Venice.
St. Mark’s Basilica is open every day from 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM, with the last entry at 4:45 PM. Visitors can enter the Basilica for free for prayer/mass. However, if you want to fully understand the history of the place, we recommend purchasing the skip-the-line guided tour of the Basilica. You can find the link below.
3. BELL TOWER
The bell tower, known as Campanile di San Marco, is one of the most iconic monuments in Venice. If you go to the top, you'll get spectacular views of the city and the lagoon, as it reaches a height of approximately 100 meters, making it the tallest building in Venice.
The bell tower was originally built in the 9th century as a watchtower and lighthouse, and it has been rebuilt and modified several times due to damage caused by fires and earthquakes. In 1902, the bell tower completely collapsed, but it was reconstructed in 1912, maintaining its original design.
Entry to the bell tower is not free, and if you want to go up, it’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially if you’re visiting Venice during high season, to avoid the long lines that form to go up.
4. CLOCK TOWER
Also located in St. Mark's Square, the Clock Tower (Torre dell'Orologio) is renowned for its impressive astronomical clock, which has served as a symbol of the city for centuries and exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of Venetian engineering and art. Constructed between 1496 and 1506, the tower not only marks the time but also stands as a testament to the power and influence of the Republic of Venice.
In addition to telling the time, the clock historically signaled the beginning of significant civic and ceremonial events, making it a central feature of public life in Venice. The intricate design includes two bronze Moors who strike the bell on the hour, adding to its charm. Visitors will also notice that the lower dial displays the zodiac signs and the phases of the moon, illustrating the city’s historical connection to astronomy and navigation.
The Clock Tower is not only a beautiful architectural landmark but also a reminder of Venice's rich cultural heritage and its historical role as a major center for trade and exploration.
5. DOGE'S PALACE
The Doge's Palace, or Palazzo Ducale, was originally built in the 9th century as the residence of the Doge of Venice and the seat of government. Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous expansions and renovations, for example, after a fire in 1577.
On the outside, its façade stands out with its arches and various decorative elements. If you choose to visit the interior, you'll find several rooms of historical and artistic importance, such as the Hall of the Great Council (the most important room, where the Great Council of Venice would meet, adorned with frescoes and a painting by Tintoretto), the Hall of the Senators and the Chamber of Justice or Doge’s Chamber.
The Doge's Palace is open to the public and can be visited either on a self-guided tour or with a guide. We’ve included the link below if you’d like to explore it from the inside. We recommend purchasing a combined ticket with the prison, so you can cross the Bridge of Sighs, which you'll read about below.
6. BRIDGE OF SIGHS
This iconic bridge connects the Doge's Palace to the New Prison (Prigioni Nuove), located on the island of San Giorgio. Its melancholic name, the Bridge of Sighs, carries with it a poignant history. Legend has it that as prisoners were led across the bridge, they would sigh at their final glimpse of the beautiful city of Venice before being imprisoned—or in some cases, facing execution.
Today, the Bridge of Sighs has become one of Venice’s most popular tourist attractions. While you can admire it from the outside, it’s also possible to cross the bridge as part of a guided tour that includes visits to both the Doge's Palace and the prison. This allows visitors to experience the same path once taken by the prisoners, adding a layer of historical immersion to your visit.
7. RIALTO BRIDGE
The Rialto Bridge is the oldest and one of the most famous of the four bridges that span Venice’s Grand Canal. Built in the 16th century, it replaced several wooden bridges that had been destroyed by fires and collapses. This particular bridge was designed with a single arch to withstand the heavy boat traffic on the Grand Canal, and it remains an impressive engineering feat, standing strong for over 400 years.
The bridge reaches a height of 7,5 meters at its highest point, allowing boats to pass underneath. As you walk across, you’ll notice two sloped ramps with steps on either side leading to the top. Along the way, there are numerous small shops selling jewelry, souvenirs and other items.
You can visit the Rialto Bridge at any time of day, but sunrise and sunset offer a particularly magical atmosphere. Since it’s a popular spot for photographs, it can become crowded with tourists. If you’d like a quieter experience and fewer people in your photos, it’s best to visit early in the morning.
8. ACADEMIA BRIDGE - DORSODURO DISTRICT
The Academia Bridge is one of the four bridges that cross Venice’s Grand Canal. It holds particular importance as it connects the San Marco district with Dorsoduro, a neighborhood renowned for its artistic and cultural significance. The bridge stands out for its elegant design and offers stunning panoramic views of the Grand Canal, including a breathtaking sight of the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute. Its name comes from its proximity to the Accademia Gallery, one of the city’s most important museums, where art lovers can admire Venetian paintings from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.
As for the Dorsoduro district, it is one of the six neighborhoods of Venice, located in the southern part of the city. A stroll through this area is a must, as it is famous for its artistic and bohemian vibe, filled with contemporary art galleries, boutiques, and cozy cafés. It’s also a bit quieter than other tourist-heavy areas. Key landmarks in Dorsoduro include the mentioned earlier Accademia Gallery, with its impressive collection of masterpieces, the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection as a modern art museum, the Zattere promenade, and the lively Campo Santa Margherita, a bustling square in the heart of the neighborhood.
9. SANTA MARÍA DELLA SALUTE
The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, located in the Dorsoduro district, as previously mentioned, stands prominently at the entrance of the Grand Canal. It's one of Venice’s most iconic churches, easily recognizable from various parts of the city thanks to its impressive central dome. The name Salute refers to "health," as the basilica was built in honor of the Virgin Mary during a devastating plague that struck the city. Every year on November 21st, the people of Venice celebrate the Feast of the Salute, commemorating the end of the plague. This is one of the city’s most important festivities, during which many residents make a pilgrimage to the church to pay tribute to the Virgin Mary.
10. BAREFOOT BRIDGE
The Barefoot Bridge (Ponte degli Scalzi) is another bridge that spans the Grand Canal. Its name comes from the barefoot Carmelite monks who used to cross the canal from their nearby church (known as the Church of the Barefoot Carmelites), which is located right next to the bridge and is worth a visit for its Baroque style and ornate interior decor.
This bridge connects the districts of Santa Croce and Cannaregio. Unlike other Venetian bridges, such as the Rialto, which have commercial structures on them, the Barefoot Bridge is purely a pedestrian bridge, designed for foot traffic and to enjoy views of the canal.
It’s a city landmark, especially for tourists arriving by train, as the Santa Lucia train station is located nearby. For example, in our case, since we stayed in the Mestre area—an option with more affordable accommodations than central Venice—we would arrive at the station each day and cross this bridge to explore other districts.
11. GRAN CANAL - TAKE A GONDOLA RIDE
The Grand Canal is Venice's main artery, stretching approximately 3,8 km in length with a width that ranges from 30 to 70 meters, forming a winding inverted "S" shape from the Santa Lucia train station to St. Mark's Square.
There are only four bridges that cross the Grand Canal: the Rialto Bridge, the Academy Bridge, the Barefoot Bridge and the Constitution Bridge. As Venice is a city without roads or cars, the Grand Canal serves as its primary transportation route. There are three main types of transportation that navigate the canal: the Vaporetto, which are water buses offering various routes along the canal; the Gondolas, now a popular tourist attraction but once the main mode of transportation in the city; and the Traghetti, larger, unadorned gondolas that ferry passengers from one side of the canal to the other, functioning like floating bridges.
We highly recommend taking a gondola ride through Venice’s canals—it’s truly a unique experience. However, be aware that it can be quite expensive. The official rates for a ride lasting about 40 minutes are 80€ per gondola during the day, and 100€ at sunset or night. A gondola typically accommodates 4-6 people. Be cautious of unofficial or "pirate" gondolas, which tend to be more expensive, offer shorter routes, and provide a less comfortable experience. If you'd like to book this activity in advance, here’s the direct link to GetyourGuide.
12. ACQUA ALTA BOOKSHOP
The Acqua Alta Bookshop is a unique gem located in the heart of Venice, renowned for its extravagant and creative décor designed to store books. You’ll notice gondolas, bathtubs and other unusual containers used to house the books, which not only protect them from flooding but also add to the shop’s charmingly chaotic atmosphere.
One of the shop's most famous features is the staircase made of old books, leading to a terrace at the back of the store. Due to its rising popularity among tourists in recent years, an entrance fee has been implemented, which is refunded with the purchase of a book. When we visited, we found ourselves waiting in line for a photo on the book staircase (as seen below right), but the crowd made it difficult to fully enjoy the experience. We’re sure that a visit with fewer people would have been much more pleasant.
13. CONTARINI DEL BOVOLO STAIRCASE
The Contarini del Bovolo Staircase is a unique spiral structure resembling a snail, which is why it’s referred to as “Bovolo,” meaning "snail" in Venetian. This spot is not as touristy as others mentioned so far, but if you're willing to climb its five stories to a small observation tower, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Venice’s rooftops and notable monuments, including the Dome of St. Mark's.
This spiral staircase was built in the late 11th century as part of the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, the residence of the wealthy Venetian Contarini family. Originally intended as a decorative addition to the palace, it has undergone various restorations over the centuries and is now open to the public, inviting visitors to ascend the 80 steps and enjoy the panoramic vistas from the observation tower.
14. CANNAREGIO DISTRICT - JEWISH GHETTO
Cannaregio is one of Venice's six districts and the second largest after Castello. Located in the northern part of the city, it retains its traditional Venetian character despite the influx of tourists. One of the main attractions in this district is the Jewish Ghetto, known as the first ghetto in history. This area holds significant historical importance, showcasing the rich heritage of the Jewish community and its relationship with the Venetian Republic.
The Jewish Ghetto is a place of great historical and cultural significance, telling the story of a community that, despite restrictions and hardships, flourished and contributed to the cultural and economic development of Venice. Today, it serves as a memorial and a celebration of Jewish heritage. To learn more about the area's history, we joined a free walking tour through Guruwalk, which enriched our understanding.
As you stroll through the Cannaregio district, be sure not to miss Strada Nova, the main street that runs through the area, bustling with shops, restaurants, and local businesses. You can also discover several Renaissance and Baroque palaces, such as the Ca' d'Oro, the Gothic Church of Madonna dell'Orto, and the Needle Bridge, among other hidden gems as you wander through its charming streets.
15. BASILICA OF SANTA MARIA DEI FRARI
The Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, commonly known as Frari, is another site of great historical significance in Venice. Located in the San Polo district, it stands out with its Italian Gothic style and is one of the largest churches in the city.
For art lovers, this basilica is renowned for housing important Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces, many of which were commissioned specifically for this church or donated over the centuries. The church also features a chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist, adorned with significant works from the Venetian school. It is usually open for sightseeing every day, although hours may vary. Please note that admission is not free; however, the ticket price is modest, and the proceeds are used to maintain the building.
16. TEATRO LA FENICE
Teatro La Fenice is one of the most famous and prestigious opera houses in Italy and the world, renowned for hosting some of the most significant opera premieres and symbolizing Venetian resilience. Its name, "La Fenice," meaning "the Phoenix," reflects its history of rising from the ashes after several devastating fires.
Situated in the heart of Venice, the theater is open to the public for guided tours, allowing visitors to explore its architectural splendor and learn more about its storied past. During your visit, you'll stroll through the auditorium, the boxes and other interior spaces, as well as exhibitions that showcase the reconstruction process and the theater's history.
You’ll be able to appreciate the intricate details involved in restoring it to its original grandeur. The interior is stunning, featuring neoclassical and Rococo styles, with lavish gilding and beautiful frescoes on the ceiling.
17. MURANO AND BURANO
Murano and Burano are two of the most famous islands in the Venetian Lagoon. Although they are close to the main city, each possesses its own unique identity and charm, steeped in centuries-old traditions. Do you know what makes each of these islands famous? Read on to find out!
Murano is renowned worldwide for its exquisite glass production, a tradition that has been preserved since the 13th century. Due to the fire hazards posed by glass furnaces in central Venice, glassmakers were relocated to this island in 1291. From that moment on, Murano became the heart of glass production in the Republic of Venice, synonymous with artistry and quality.
When you visit Murano, don’t miss the chance to witness a live glass-blowing demonstration at a factory, where artisans skillfully shape glass in traditional methods—creating everything from delicate figurines in under five minutes to large sculptures. If you have more time, consider visiting the Glass Museum to delve into the history of glassmaking, as well as the Church of Santa Maria e San Donato or the Murano Lighthouse while strolling along its picturesque waterfront.
Burano, on the other hand, is primarily known for its brightly colored houses and its handcrafted lace production. According to legend, fishermen painted their homes in vivid colors to easily identify them from afar when returning from their fishing trips, especially in an area that often experienced heavy fog. You'll find houses in nearly every color, from vibrant blues and greens to sunny yellows and reds.
Regarding lace, although the craft has declined in recent years, you can still find a few shops selling authentic, handmade pieces. However, be aware that due to the time and skill required for production, the prices can be quite high.
Both islands are just a short boat ride from Venice, making them ideal for a day trip. If you prefer to explore independently, you can catch a vaporetto (the water bus), which takes about 10-15 minutes to reach Murano. From Murano to Burano, the journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
Alternatively, if you’d like a guided experience to learn about the history of these enchanting places, we recommend booking the tour we took through GetYourGuide. Our guide was delightful and provided us with a wealth of useful information and fascinating anecdotes about Murano and Burano.
In our case, we set off early in the morning on a private boat to Murano to witness a glassblowing demonstration and admire some of the stunning pieces crafted there. Afterward, we headed to Burano, where we wandered leisurely through its charming streets, taking in the colorful houses that make the island so unique.
These are just some of the most iconic places in Venice. We are sure you will be captivated by the city, whether you discover it on a weekend getaway or dedicate several days to explore it at a more leisurely pace and enjoy all its corners.
If you have any questions about how to organize your trip to Venice, feel free to leave us a comment or contact us through the Contact section. We will be happy to help you plan your adventure! <3
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