Venice is a magical place! Coined as one of the most romantic cities in the world, this “Floating City”, is a group of over 100 islands separated by canals and linked together by bridges, where both tourists and locals alike use water taxis and small boats as the primary mode of transport. Whether you plan to travel to bella Italia with your partner, bestie, or solo, here are some expert tips on what to see, eat and experience in this fine Italian city.
Top 20 Things to Do in Venice
1. Hire a professional photographer to have an unforgettable photoshoot along the canals in the early morning sun before the crowds arrive. Check out Fearless Photographers or Flytographers.
2. Walk along the Grand Canal to the Peggy Guggenheim collection, the perfect sized collection for a great afternoon.
3. Take a ferry to Burano and wander through this colourful sleepy fishing village.
4. Finish the day at Trattoria da Romana in Burano for a romantic dinner (reservation recommended) known for their signature risotto dish (an Anthony Bourdain recommendation!)
5. Or stay in Venice and grab a bite at the Osteria ai Pugni then spend the evening nearby at the Venice Jazz Club
6. Either way, hire a water taxi (also called a motoscafi) to zip you back to the Rialto Bridge for a moonlight stroll along the Grand Canal (Venice at night is to die for).
7. Stay at 4* Ca' Nigra Lagoon Resort (on Grand Canal, close to train station) or 3* Hotel American-Dinesen (close to Guggenheim)
8. Spend the morning at the Rialto market wandering through the stands of fresh vegetables and famous fish stalls (open Tuesday - Saturday) to experience the fresh food that Italy is known for.
9. Skip the gondola ride and pay 2 EUR for a gondola “taxi” to cross the Grand Canal from the market.
10. Eat gelato – everywhere, at least twice.
11. Drink coffee, outside, before noon – Imagina is a great place to stop after wandering the streets.
12. Check out the Venice Biennale (art or architecture depending on the year)
13. Experience an Aperol spritz happy hour, with an olive and a big bowl of chips (4:00 pm until around 8:00 pm). Stroll until you find a bar with a great patio and lots of locals.
14. Experience a Cichetti Food Tour with Urban Adventures.
15. Stay at 3* Hotel Ca' Formenta (St Marks Square) or 3* A La Locanda di Orsaria (Train Station)
16. Although Venice is a very walkable city, bring a backpack instead of a suitcase as there is a bridge with stairs every fifty feet which makes it neither suitcase, stroller or wheelchair friendly.
17. Make your own Venetian perfume at the Mocenigo Palace-Museum. This makes for a truly one-of-a-kind gift or souvenir!
18. Drop by Santa Fosca to see the expert puppet master's 30-year-old quirky creations.
19. Book a fun afternoon in a Venetian chocolate shop, learning how to make tasty truffles, ganache, and mousse.
20. Hire a kayak and enjoy the world-famous canals at your own pace!
