Are you planning to spend your vacation in Venice? This article should help you decide what’s Must See In Venice, Italy 2024
Venice is the most stunning and ancient city in Italy. All the beautiful ancient palaces stand on the blue clear water of the city. The Megacity of Venice consists of 118 small Islands. Above all, More than 400 bridges connect the islands. And this city has 177 canals. It is one of the few cities in Europe where you have to travel either on foot or by boat.
The City of Water, City of Masks, City of Beaches, City of Bridges, City of Canals, and Venice have various names. Any Travel lover would like to visit this beautiful city at least once.
Must-See Places In Venice Italy
Fascinated by the beauty of this Historical city, tourists from different parts of the world as well as tourists living in different European countries come here to spend their holidays. The “Most Romantic City” in Europe is another name for Venice. So it will be a perfect place for couples who want to spend quality time.
When spending your vacation in Venice, you definitely fall in love with its History, Architecture, Beaches, Islands, Bustling Cities, Food, Wine, and lovely people.
In this article, we share Must See & Best Things To Do In Venice. So let’s learn more about the stunning city of Venice.
Also Read: Venice Islands
1. Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square)
Besides Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) is one of the most popular places in Venice. The Piazza San Marco is another name for St. Mark’s Square.
This church is completely different from any other church in Europe and decorated with golden mosaics. The Basilica, Doges Palace, and Bell Tower are some of the magnificent structures that surround the square.
You can visit one many times but you will find it new every time. So I would say, you should go once in your life to see the Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) beauty. Its grand nature inspired even Napoleon to call it “The Drawing Room of Europe”.
There are many shops at the base of the buildings surrounding the square. In the midday and afternoon, the piazza is active with live music and packed cafes. It is a very clean place with easy to get around, shopping for various budgets, and a variety of restaurants where you can try many local dishes.
Venice is a charming and atmospheric place. So you must visit this place when you visit Venice. It is one of the must-see in Venice.
2. St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)
Saint Mark’s Basilica is one of the most important religious churches in Venice. It is located in St. Mark Square (Piazza San Marco). It was initially built in 829 and later rebuilt several times.
The building’s beautiful architecture is exquisitely crafted, and the paintings are breathtaking. The mosaics on the walls and ceiling are mind-blowing.
It’s free to enter, but if you want to explore other areas like the roof or galleries, there is a separate but small admission charge which is optional.
The rooftop views over the square are lovely. The church does not permit the use of large bags.
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3. Rialto Bridge – Ponte di Rialto
The Rialto Bridge -Ponte di Rialto, which has stood over Venice’s Grand Canal for many years, is one of the most important symbols of royal Venice. It is one of the must-see in Venice that a trip to Venice would never be complete without.
More than four hundred bridges interconnect 118 small islands that make up the city of Venice, the Grand Canal has only four bridges along its entire length, and the Ponti di Rialto is one of them.
The bridge was designed by Antonio da Ponte and construction began in 1588 and was completed in 1591. Which are 48 meters in length and 22 meters in width. When this bridge was first built in the 12th century, it was not called the “Rialto Bridge” but instead was called the “Ponte della Monetta”.
There are various shops on both sides of the bridge as well as many gold jewelry shops in the surrounding areas.
You must visit and see from all angles including from the Gondola. It’s beautiful and has some of the best views of Venice. If you want to take pictures with nobody else in them, get there by 6 AM! It’s always crowded with tourists, shoppers, and picture-takers.
Just seeing the crowd on the bridge will make you realize how famous and eye-catching it is. just take a deep breath and go out to enjoy the beauty of this bridge.
4. Rialto Markets
The Rialto Market is a short walk from the Rialto Bridge. Located just north of the Rialto Bridge, the Rialto Market is one of the must-have-see effects to add to your Venice visit dairy. It is a large fruit, vegetable, and fish market in the center of Venice. A large fish market is attached, selling lots of fresh fish from the nearby sea.
It’s the place to find super-fresh fish and a variety of seasonal produce. Everything is fresh there. Those who want to experience the real market scene with the locals visit the central food market between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.
The Rialto Market is still the historic heart of Venice; it is a very popular market where Venetians and restaurant people go to buy their fresh food. The Rialto market is also known for the numerous small bars in the area. Basically, It is a meeting place for local people where they engage in various chats.
5. Doge’s Palace
Are you in San Marco’s Basilica but not visiting the Doge’s Palace? How does this happen If you don’t visit the Doge’s Palace, you’re missing a big part of your Venice tour. Doge’s Palace is a must-see place in Venice.
The Doge’s palace is one of the main landmarks of the city of Venice and is located in the center of the city next to the Basilica of San Marco. The Italian name for the Doge’s palace is Palazzo Ducale.
The leaders of the former Venetian republic had their official house in Venice. Doge’s palace as it looks now was not like that before. Because of fires, it was frequently rebuilt. Currently, The Doge’s palace is a three-story building with an internal, Renaissance courtyard.
There is a museum in the palace. The museum offers exhibitions of great historical interest and is open to the public offering a wide variety of itineraries, including Special tours of the “Secret Itineraries of the Doge’s Palace” and “The Hidden Treasures of the Doge”.
6. The Bridge of Sighs
This famous bridge also named Ponte Dei Sospiri, is one of the most famous Bridges in the world. This small bridge passes over a small waterway and connects the New Prison to interrogation rooms in Doge’s Palace.
The name was allegedly inspired by the idea that prisoners would sigh as they took in their final glimpse of Venice before being brought to their cells. For the prisoners who were unfortunate enough to cross this little bridge, it was their last opportunity to see free people on the outside.
Antonio Contino, who was a Venetian architect, created this stunning work of art in 1600. Its windows have stone bars and connect the prison to the Doge’s Palace. It is constructed of white limestone. The history is heartbreaking but the architecture is beautiful. Well if you visit Doge’s Palace, then you can see it from the inside and feel it.
While strolling around it, you can see the lovely bridge. There are no lines or tickets for this which is great.
Venice is full of surprises and photographic opportunities, this place looks beautiful especially when the sun is shining, and is a must-see in Venice. A perfect photo spot for photo lovers especially if there is a row of boats below.
Try to get as early as possible to this area, this way the place is going to be less crowded and you can have better pictures.
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7. The Canal Grande (Grand Canal)
The Grand Canal has been the central nerve of Venice. It is one of the most famous sights in the city and certainly in the whole of Italy. It is the main waterway in Venice and the only way to get around Venice if you don’t want to walk.
The Vaporetto, Gondolas, water taxis, and the occasional ship are great ways to travel the length of the canal. Traveling on a gondola is a must-do! It is such fun! If you share a gondola with others it’s not expensive.
The Canal Grande is the main sight of Venice and is extremely entertaining. It is a must-see in Venice to get a perspective of everyday life and witness the comings and goings.
There are also many beautiful palaces: luxury hotels and numerous public buildings/museums to see on both sides of the canal. It is extremely busy, beautiful, noisy, and equally meditative all at the same time.
It is a truly magical place. Try to see it in the daytime and after sunset to catch the differences in lighting.
The Canal Grande makes Venice Grande. The name suits it for sure it’s definitely grand.
8. Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower)
Torre dell´ Orologio 15th century Building is one of the City`s Famous Architectural Attractions, also known as St. Mark’s Clock Tower, or “the Moor’s Clock Tower. It is another gem of Saint Mark’s Square. The clock is more than 500 years old. The structure is filled with many fascinating elements.
The phase of the moon and the dominant sign of the Zodiac The clock displays the time and the clock face is blue and gold enamel with a twenty-four-hour dial and the Zodiac symbols. Above all, The lion sits proudly near the top and overall this is charming.
The beautiful clock tower dominates one side of the plaza next to the Basilica. Indeed You can see this from St Mark’s Square but the best view is from the Basilica roof.
9. Campanile
The Bell Tower or Campanile is one of the tallest buildings in the San Marco area. It is located in front of the exit of Doge’s palace and is one of the landmarks of St. Mark’s Square. The original tower was modified several times until it collapsed in 1902 and was rebuilt again exactly as before.
There is an elevator that takes you to the top and you can get to the top by riding up in the elevator, from there you can see the whole city and the surrounding islands. It will cost about 10 Euros. You have to wait in a long line to ride the elevator. You won’t be downhearted after waiting to ride the elevator.
Tip: Be careful when the bell rings. The sounds are incredibly loud.
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10. Basilica Santa Maria della Salute
Santa Maria della Salute was built in 1631 to thank the Virgin Marry for saving Venice from the Plague in the Middle Ages. The plague began in 1630 and killed a large number of the population in Venice.
One of the most noticeable churches in all of Venice is located on the opposite side of the Grand Canal. If you pass over the Grand Canal, the beauty of the church will make you go there.
This church is stunning and beautiful on the outside and the interior is just as lovely. The entrance is free, If you walk up here, do not leave without visiting the church. Above all, there are so many discoveries while you walk through the amazing building.
11. Scuola Grande di San Rocco
If you are in any way an artistry or art lover, a visit to Scuola Grande di San Rocco will be always memorable for you. The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is one of the most magnificent buildings, with large interior spaces, very impressively decorated with marble, gilding, carved wood, and mosaics. It was built in the 15th century as a sign of devotion to San Rocco protecting people against the great plague.
The interiors comprise treasures and artworks by Tiepolo, Tintoretto, and Giorgione giving a fascinating insight into the medieval life of the Venetians.
Scuola Grande di San Rocco has three halls: one on the ground floor and two on the upper floor. Mirrors may be found in the main room on the first floor, which is decorated with Tintoretto’s most magnificent and stunning paintings on the walls and ceiling. It makes watching the painting less stressful for your head and neck. This is one of the great treasures and must-see in Venice.
12. Teatro La Fenice – Opera House
It is one of the most popular Majestic, Incredible, Unique, and Beautiful destinations in Venice. It’s the most iconic opera house in Europe that attracts thousands of theatergoers. Due to its immense importance in the country’s theater history and in the history of opera as a whole, the Teatro La Fenice is an interesting landmark in Italy.
This famous theater is also famous for being burned down and rebuilt many times. After the fire in 1996, the theater had yet another reconstruction, and it reopened in November 2004. The interior and exterior of the opera are impressive. They give you audio guides which explain everything in the opera house.
13. Ca’ d’Oro
The Ca’d’Oro or Palazzo Santa Sofia is located on the Grand Canal in Venice. Due to its multicolored walls and golden balconies, this palace became known as the “Golden House.” It is one of the oldest and most elegant palaces on the Grand Canal. Ca’d’Oro was built between 1428 and 1430 and designed by Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bon. Now it is home to an art gallery.
The inside is full of numerous sculptures, tapestries, crafts, and paintings exhibited. The building is just gorgeous, with a lovely formal entrance courtyard and lots of interesting paintings and sculptures.
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14. Lido di Venezia – Venice Lido
It is one of the most famous summer destinations in Italy. It is a small island in the Venice lagoon with 7 miles (12 km) of beach. Just 10-15 minutes by water bus from St Mark’s Square which makes it easy to explore both Venice and other areas. It is known as the resort island of Venice.
The Venice International Film Festival takes place on the island of Lido from late August to early September.
The island has lovely cafes, restaurants, and shops, as a result, there are many options for relaxing. You can see the very beautiful sunrise and sunset on both sides of the island.
Summer is the best time to visit this island as a result It is very crowded during this time, which is not so much seen in winter.
The Lido can be a great place to stay for those who want to avoid the crowded streets of Venice.
15. Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
One of the largest and oldest churches Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is located in the Campo dei Frari at the heart of the San Polo district of Venice; Italy. It is also known by the name Frari.
There are many works of art by Titian, Bellini, and Donatello that are quite beautiful. “The Assumption of the Virgin” by Titian is a masterpiece that attracts everyone. The art was beautiful and each tomb is so fascinating.
There are concerts sometimes and it would be well worth attending in such a great venue. The church is full of symbols and the atmosphere is moving and must see in Venice.
16. Gallerie dell’Accademia (Fine Arts Museum)
The Galleria dell’Accademia is one of the greatest collections of Venetian art and the most popular tourist attraction museum in Venice. It mainly focuses on the pre-19th century and Venetian art of Northern Italy.
The museum displays a lot of great paintings and statues of Venetian artists like Tintoretto, Titian, Veronese, Canaletto, and Bellini. Tintoretto exhibition in Gallerie dell’Accademia is the most beautiful thing in Venice that takes your breath away.
It’s a pretty good museum with enough interesting pieces to make it well worth a visit.
17. Venetian Arsenal
The Venetian Arsenal (in Italian, Arsenale di Venezia) is the largest industrial complex in Europe. Its construction started in 1104.
The Republic of Venice built its entire naval force at the Venice Arsenal. it’s a military base, access is still limited. Various locations offer public access. You can visit its side and enjoy its beauty.
There is a Historic Naval Museum next to the Arsenal. Many people visit this interesting museum which has a great collection of old boats, naval weapons, and documents. So It is another must-see in Venice.