Top 6 Things to Do in Venice

Not all canals are created equally in Venice. While certain places may offer more popular spots to board a gondola, the quintessential Venetian mode of transportation can be one of the most memorable experiences in the city. When traveling along the historic waterways, your perspective will change dramatically turning the opulent facades and lively piazzas into textured background as you wind beneath the authentic life of the city.

Best Neighborhoods to Visit for a Gondola Ride: San Polo | Campo San Barnaba | Cannaregio | Campo Sant Angelo

Best Time to Visit: May | October | November | December

It is not just the architecture and art of Venice that create the treasure trove of splendor but also the artisan craftsmanship that establishes part of the city’s elegant spirit. From music to masks, gondolas to gourmet cuisine, Venice continues in the tradition of crafting artwork by hand and highlighting the local creativity. The diversity of artwork offers glimpses into long-standing customs that represent the city’s deeper passions from glass to gold.

Best Places to Visit for Artisan Experiences: Murano | Cannaregio | Calle Larga Giacinto Gallina | San Marco

Best Time to Visit: May | June | September | October

Venice is the perfect city to dive deep into the culture and heritage with famous palaces, remarkable basilicas, and enticing history scattered across the cobblestone lanes. Famous monuments can cast a shadow over secret corners connected by charming canals with every turn another leading you to another place in which you can indulge in the city’s distinctive majesty. Artisan bridges, gilded mosacis, and imitable style showcase the spirit of the opulent city.

Best Places to Visit for Cultural Heritage: Saint Mark’s Basilica | Doge’s Palace | Bridge of Sighs | Jewish Ghetto | Ca’ d’Oro

Best Time to Visit: May | September | October | November

Venice itself is a museum that captures the former empire at its most opulent. Scattered throughout the cobbled lanes and overlooking the lapping canals are museum galleries that provide insight into the former and contemporary wonders of the city. From antique artworks to contemporary aesthetics, regal rooms to historic naval battles, Venice’s museums offer exploration, discovery, and cultural experiences meant to move you beyond the gallery walls.

Best Museums to Visit: Doge’s Palace | Museo Storico Navale | Scuola Grande di San Marco | Gallerie dell’Accademia | Ca’Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art

Best Time to Visit: April | May | October | November

Venice is impressive in its architectural grandeur and regal ambiance enhanced by the fascinating flavors of traditional cuisine. Influenced by the depths of the lagoon and neighboring foothills, Venetian cuisine emerges from the past and with outdoor markets still buzzing with life and piazzas lighting up around the specific flavors found in restaurants, cafes, cicchetti bars, and private kitchens.

Best Places to Visit for Food: Giudecca | Via Garibaldi | Campo Santa Margherita | Fondamenta alla Misericordia | San Polo

Best Time to Visit: May | June | October | November

Venice is a dynamic city with layers of flavor, including in the diverse tastes of the wine and wine culture that have shaped the local heritage. The wine of Venice informs the cuisine and also takes cues from the local ingredients creating a fascinating ecosystem of history, heritage, and flavor. Whether visiting the vineyards outside of the city or finding the wine culture along the canals, wine is an integral part of the Venice experience.

Best Places to Visit for Wine: Santa Croce | Cannaregio | Castello

Best Time to Visit: May | June | October | November

Italy has a rare and inviting elegance that has preserved through the centuries. Opulent palaces and stunning waterways converge for a unique ambiance where nature and culture converge. Whether you want a romantic couple’s escape a canal-side dinner or a family-friendly excursion to learn how to steer a gondola, Venice feels timelessly captivating. Our Italy Travel Guide can give you more helpful tips for your perfect style of trip. Planning a trip? Speak to an Italy travel specialist by filling out a Trip Request or by calling our team at 1-888-265-9707.