Eight of the Best Things to Do in Venice

Venice has been in the headlines a lot as of late, mainly thanks to the fact officials have finally gotten round to launching its tourist tax, having first floated the idea back in 2022. The fee, which applies to visitors who travel only for the day to the ‘old city’ (that’s the entirety of the lagoon region) and not to those who are staying overnight, currently costs €5 (£4.30, $5.40) per person, and the new system issues a QR code upon payment, to help streamline the experience for visitors.

That said, we would never recommend visiting Venice just for the day. Think cicchetti, gondola rides and museums (oh my), the city’s romantic vibe and magical scenery are well worth setting aside a few days to explore, and here’s how you should make the most of them.

First things first – while it might be cliché, you can’t visit Venice without hopping on a gondola. There are various stands along the waterway (it gets extremely busy near the Grand Canal - you’re better off hopping into one at a quieter stop), so choose the one that catches your eye and be sure to pay only the regulated fare, which is determined by Ente Gondola and displayed at each stop. It’s also good to remember that you’re not restricted to the gondolier’s usual route - you have the freedom to choose your own path, with Bacino Orseolo a frequently favoured starting location. It’s an experience, so enjoy it!

2. Marvel at Doge’s Palace

Translating to ‘Duke’s Palace’, there’s no better way to while away an afternoon than perusing the immense meeting halls and formal reception rooms of this mainly 15th-century landmark. The Republic of Venice’s seat of power for around 900 years, its pink and white façade is a must-see for interiors’ fans, while even art aficionados may be easily overwhelmed by the mind-blowing art on display, with works by some of the greatest artists of all time plastering every single room.

Regularly dubbed the most picturesque town in Venice, the colourful buildings of Burano - part of the Venetian Lagoon and just a few miles from the city – attract visitors from far and wide who come to stroll its picturesque streets lined with low-cut fishermen's dwellings. Best reached via a 40-minute ferry boat ride across the lagoon from the main island, this is a place that affords a much slower pace of life, making it ideal for evening strolls or sunset aperitifs.

4. Venture Over the Rialto

The Venetian archipelago may have over 400 bridges, but the pearl-white, geometric Ponte di Rialto over the Grand Canal is the crème de la crème. It’s also one of the few bridges in the world to have artisan boutiques built onto it, including jewellers and silk shops selling handmade creations, as well as a farmer’s market that sells beautifully fresh produce. Our favourite way to see it is through a guided lunchtime tour where you can meet the producers and innkeepers to hear the stories behind the food, taste a variety of traditional Venetian specialties and shop plenty of gifts to take home to the family.

Harry’s Bar on Calle Valleresso is the birthplace of the Bellini, so it would be rude not to sample one during your travels. An intimate spot with seating for around just 30 people in the bar room and only six stools at the bar itself, this Cipriani hotspot serves up fluffy and light rose coloured cocktails that are definitely worth the price tag for a delicious pre- or post-dinner treat.

6. Take a Stroll Around Piazza San Marco

Perhaps the most famous square in Venice, Piazza San Marco is a must-see for first-timers. The social hub of the city, nearly all the Ca’ and calle (the traditional alleys) lead here, and it’s a charming place to sip an espresso in an outdoor café, admire the busy Grand Canal or simply watch the world go by.

Be sure to check out the Byzantine St. Mark’s Basilica while you’re there - an intriguing combination of architectural and art styles, it’s open every day for worship as well as the chance to admire its profusion of domes and more than 8000 sqm of luminous mosaics. You can visit from 9.30am (Sunday and Solemnities ‘of precept’ from 2pm) to 5.15pm (last admission: 4.45pm; ticket: €3; free for children up to 6 years of age), with the possibility to see also the Pala d’Oro (supplement: €5; free for children up to 6 years of age) and the Museum – Loggia dei Cavalli (supplement: €7; free for children up to 6 years of age).

The glass museum on Murano, Venice’s sister isle, highlights the centuries-old craft of glassmaking and the unique techniques that produce masterful creations. This skill has been passed down through generations of glassblowers, and visitors can admire the stunning handmade products, including rainbow-coloured lamps and beautiful earrings, all crafted within the local glass factory, which also offers tours. Be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

8. Indulge in Plenty of Cicchetti

Otherwise known as small snacks (similar to Spanish tapas), Venetians go mad for cicchetti, and it’s a custom we definitely recommend getting on board with. Best enjoyed with an ombra (the local name given to a small glass of wine) in a bacaro (otherwise known as a local wine bar), these finger food-style bar snacks generally consist of slices of baguette bread topped with anything from cheese to meat and fish, as well as more obscure ingredients like a hard-boiled egg with anchovies and sardines in a sweet-sour marinade. Make Osteria Bancogiro your first port of call.