Choose from 58 Fun Things to Do in Venice
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Murano
Of Venice’s 100-plus outlying islands, the group that forms Murano is the most famous. This tight cluster of small islands has been the center of the Floating City’s historic glassmaking industry since 1291, when the city center’s glass factories were forcibly moved across the lagoon—just north of Venice proper—after a number of devastating fires. Today, travelers visit Murano to see how expertly trained artisans blow glass into exquisite stemware, chandeliers, vases, and sculptures. Those particularly interested in the history of glassmaking should stop by the Museo del Vetro, which traces the art back to ancient Egypt.
The Basics
The best way to visit Murano is on a boat tour of the Venice islands. These tours make stops on Murano to see traditional glassblowing the island of Burano, famous for its lace-making; and Torcello, believed to be the first populated island in the Venetian lagoon. Private tours let you enjoy a boat ride across the waters of the lagoon, visits to artisan workshops and factories accompanied by an expert tour guide, and a bit of free time for shopping and exploring without having to navigate Venice’s complex vaporetto (ferry) system between the islands.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Be sure to bring your camera, as Murano glassblowing and Burano lace-making demonstrations make for great photos.
- Murano glass and Burano lace are both famous for their impeccable craftsmanship and quality—and prices reflect that. Be wary of “bargain” prices, which often mean counterfeit goods.
- Murano’s glass shops are known for their hard-sell techniques, which can be uncomfortable. To avoid being strong-armed, always book your Venice islands tour through a reputable company.
How to Get There
From St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), take vaporetto (ferry) 4.1 from the San Zaccaria stop, or a private water taxi from the Grand Canal boat launch, just steps from St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
When to Get There
The Venice islands are most crowded in summer. From November through February, Venice is relatively quiet, though the temperatures can make for a chilly boat trip across the lagoon.
There Be Dragons
Murano’s seventh-century Basilica di Santa Maria e San Donato, one of the oldest in Venice, is famous for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics. It’s also known for what’s on display behind the altar: four massive rib bones said to be from a dragon slain by St. Donatus in Greece.
Address: Venice, Italy
Admission: Free
From $ 23
San Giovanni and Paolo Church (Santi Giovanni e Paolo)
Venice is home to many important churches, including the huge Basilica of Saints Giovanni and Paolo (John and Paul). Known as “San Zanipolo” in Venetian, this Basilica was the setting for every Venetian doge’s funeral from the 15th century on, and is the burial site for 25 of those doges.
Santi Giovanni e Paolo was built in the 14th century on land donated by a 13th century doge. The church is enormous - one of Italy’s biggest - and contains artwork by notable Italian artists as well as several tombs. Because the church also holds a piece of a saint - in this case, one of the feet of St. Catherine of Siena - it rises to the level of “Basilica.”
Artists whose work appears in Santi Giovanni e Paolo include Bellini, Veronese, and two generations of Lombardo sculptors. Not only does a painting by Bellini hang in the church, Bellini himself is also buried inside. Other tombs in the church include 25 Venetian doges and the 3rd Baron of Windsor, who died in Venice in 1574.
Santi Giovanni e Paolo was built in the 14th century on land donated by a 13th century doge. The church is enormous - one of Italy’s biggest - and contains artwork by notable Italian artists as well as several tombs. Because the church also holds a piece of a saint - in this case, one of the feet of St. Catherine of Siena - it rises to the level of “Basilica.”
Artists whose work appears in Santi Giovanni e Paolo include Bellini, Veronese, and two generations of Lombardo sculptors. Not only does a painting by Bellini hang in the church, Bellini himself is also buried inside. Other tombs in the church include 25 Venetian doges and the 3rd Baron of Windsor, who died in Venice in 1574.
Practical Info:
The Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo is located on a square of the same name in the Castello sestiere.
Address: Santi Giovanni e Paolo, Venice, Castello 6363 30122, Italy
From $ 21
Querini Stampalia Foundation (Fondazione Querini Stampalia)
Palazzo Querini Stampalia is one of Venice’s few noble palaces open to the public. Here you can tour the 18th-century ducal apartments as well as view the extensive collection of fine art—including works by Giovanni Bellini, Pietro Longhi, and Tiepolo—at the Fondazione Querini Stampalia (Querini Stampalia Foundation).
The Basics
La Fondazione Querini Stampalia was created by Count Giovanni—the last of the Venetian Querini Stampalia family—as a cultural center; today it houses a library and art collection, the original apartments, and exhibition areas for concerts and events. Architect Carlo Scarpa reworked the ground floor and garden in the 1960s, and Mario Botta completed a later renovation and expansion were completed in the 1990s. But the palazzo dates from the 16th century and the ornate stuccos, Meissen porcelain, and fine tapestries of the original noble apartments remain.
A stop at the Querini Stampalia Foundation is a highlight of any Venice walking tour that combines quieter, lesser-known sights with skip-the-line tickets to A-list attractions like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The foundation’s 700-year-old library, considered the most beautiful in Venice, is open to the public.
- The foundation often holds contemporary art exhibits in the Carlo Scarpa Area during Venice’s Biennale.
- The complex’s ground floor houses a bookstore and café.
- The palazzo is accessible to wheelchair users via a secondary entrance with a bell to alert staff.
How to Get There
Entrance to Querini Stampalia Palace is on Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Castello 5252, a short walk from Piazza San Marco and the Rialto or San Zaccaria vaporetto (water bus) stops.
When to Get There
Venice is one of the most visited cities in Italy, so less famous sights like the Querini Stampalia Foundation are a welcome respite from the summer crowds. The foundation holds regular events, so check their program calendar to experience a workshop, classical concert, or temporary art exhibition.
The Querini Stampalia Library
The Querini Stampalia Foundation’s library has a collection of over 350,000 historical and modern pieces, with a reading room of about 32,000 books, more than 350 magazines and journals, and 20 local, national, and international newspapers. Count Giovanni wanted the citizens of Venice to have access to culture, so he stipulated that the library be open on Sunday, on holidays, and late into the evening. The library is free for visitors aged 16 and up.
Address: Santa Maria Formosa, 5252, Sestiere Castello, Venice, Veneto 30122, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
Hard Rock Cafe Venice
Venice may look like it hasn't changed in hundreds of years, but wander behind St. Mark's Square and you'll find evidence to the contrary – the Hard Rock Cafe Venice.
This is the smallest Hard Rock Cafe in Europe, and it's located inside an historic Venetian building. One side of the restaurant overlooks a canal and what is typically a large gathering of gondolas – it's near one of the main pick-up points for visitors who want a gondola ride.
It's the place to go in Venice if you're craving classic American food and the only place to get those signature Hard Rock Cafe souvenirs. There's also a “Rock Shop” at the Rialto Bridge, if you just want to go shopping without eating at the restaurant.
Practical Info
The Hard Rock Cafe Venice is open daily from 11am-11:30pm, and the bar is open Sunday-Friday from 11am-12:30pm and Saturdays from 11am-1:30am. The shop at the restaurant is open daily from 10am-11pm, and the shop at the Rialto Bridge is open from 9:30am-11pm.
Address: Bacino Orseolo, Venezia 30124, Italy
Hours: Sun-Fri 11am-12:30pm, Fri 11am-1:30am
From $ 27
San Zaccaria
Just steps away from the hugely popular and bustling Piazza San Marco resides the 15th-century Chiesa San Zaccaria, one of Venice's most artistically dazzling and lesser known churches. Located on the site of a former, much older church, San Zaccaria looks over the quiet Campo San Zaccaria Square. Its layer-cake-like façade features a mix of styles: late Gothic on the lower levels and early Renaissance on the upper ones.
But it's the interior that is a veritable museum of noteworthy art, including one of Bellini's greatest works, La Sacra Conversazione. This magnificent altarpiece is made even better by a small donation that will illuminate the mural, taking it from impressive to altogether magical. Art by other Italian greats, from Tintoretto to Tiepolo, adorn the church's walls as well, making this relatively crowd-free spot the perfect escape while in the tourist-dense Italian city of Venice.
Practical Info
Note that the church closes for four hours during the middle of the day, between noon and 4 p.m. It is easily reachable by foot from central Venice, as it is located near Piazza San Marco.
Address: Campo San Zaccaria, 4693, Venice 30122, Italy
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon.; Sunday, 4-6 p.m.
Admission: Chapels and the Crypt: €1.50
From $ 21
Rialto Fish Market (Mercato di Rialto)
To get a glimpse into authentic Venice, a visit to the city’s historic outdoor fish market is a must. Venetians have been purchasing their fish and seafood, fresh fruit and vegetables, and other foods at the Rialto Market since 1097, making it one of the most long-lived aspects of daily life in the Floating City.
The Basics
At Venice's best-known local market, stalls stand cheek by jowl hawking familiar seafood as well as local specialties from the Venetian lagoon. Browsing the selection is a great way to get an idea of what's local and fresh before you peruse restaurant menus later in the day.
Many walking tours of Venice include a stroll through the Rialto Market along with stops at Piazza San Marco and the Doge's Palace and a gondola ride. An excellent way to visit is as part of a food tour of the city that combines the market with tastings of cicchetti, Venetian snacks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- As with any busy outdoor market in Italy, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your valuables.
- Be sure to bring your camera, as the stalls filled with artful displays of fresh seafood make for great photo opportunities.
- Tours through the Rialto Market are on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
- The Rialto Bridge is essentially a flight of stairs going up and down, so getting to the market from across the canal may be challenging with a wheelchair or stroller. Instead, take vaporetto Line 1, which is wheelchair accessible, to Rialto Mercato.
How to Get There
Cross the Rialto Bridge from the San Marco side of the Grand Canal to San Polo, then turn right and follow the edge of the canal to Campo della Pescaria, the open square where the Erberia (fruit and vegetable market) is located. Beyond that is the Pescheria, the covered fish market.
When to Get There
The Rialto Market is open Tuesday through Saturday, and the stands are usually closed up by lunch. To see them at their most interesting (and to pick up anything you'd like for a picnic lunch), be there in the early morning.
Food Markets in Italy
Before the recent rise of supermarkets, Italians shopped for their food and housewares in bustling outdoor markets for centuries. A visit to the local market is a fascinating slice of Italian life in any city or town you visit.
Address: 42 San Polo, Venice 30125, Italy
From $ 35
Grand Canal
Venice is a city built on water, and the Grand Canal (Canale Grande) is its bustling main street. Lined with sumptuous Venetian palaces and crowded with gondolas, water taxis, and vaporetti (public ferries), this thoroughfare is a feast for the senses. The Grand Canal winds its way through the central neighborhoods of Venice from the Santa Lucia train station to St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), passing under the iconic Rialto Bridge along the way, and functions as the scenic main artery for transporting both people and goods around the City of Canals.
The Basics
A sail down the Grand Canal is a trip through centuries of Venetian history, as historic palaces dating from the 13th to the 18th centuries rise out of the water along most of the route. Though stretches of the canal are lined with walkways, many of the important landmarks can be seen only from the water, so a small-group Grand Canal boat tour or combination walking-and-canal tour is by far the best way to go. For a historical tour of the canal, opt for a daytime sightseeing tour so you can see the ornate facades of Venice’s famous palaces. For a romantic journey, choose a moonlit gondola ride. And for a truly Venetian experience, opt for a gondola ride with a serenade!
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most Grand Canal gondola rides begin or end in St. Mark’s Square, home to St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, and include a few picturesque minor canals along the way.
- Alongside Rome and Florence as one of the most popular destinations in Italy, Venice can get extremely crowded. To avoid a long wait at the motor launch, book your Venice tour tickets in advance.
- The palaces along the Grand Canal have architectural styles that span from the Byzantine to the Renaissance, and are best appreciated with an expert tour guide who can explain their history and importance.
- Note that Venice and the Grand Canal feature a great number of bridges, many of which are not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Grand Canal snakes its way through the center of Venice from the train station to St. Mark’s Square. All of Venice is pedestrian only, so to get from anywhere in the city to the Grand Canal, you must either walk or take a boat.
When to Get There
Venice is lovely all year round, and the Grand Canal is spectacular both by day and night.
The Islands of Venice
Venice is made up of over 100 small islands, so for a different perspective of this unique city on the water, take a boat tour to one of the quieter outlying islands such as Murano, famous for its glassblowing industry; Burano, known for its lace-making artisans; or Torcello, thought to be the first populated island the in Venetian lagoon.
Address: Venice, Italy
Hours: Open 24 hours every day
Admission: Free
From $ 18
Prosecco Hills
Prosecco has grown world famous as the sparkling wine of Italy. Grown in the Prosecco Hills just north of Venice, a visit to the wine region is not only tasty but excessively scenic. As opposed to champagne which refers to a region, the name ‘prosecco’ refers to the grape itself, though it is also called ‘glera.’ It is grown in this lush valley of Italy, surrounded by green hills and framed by the Dolomite Mountains. Prosecco has been grown here for more than ten centuries.
Three main towns can be found in the region: Valdobbiadene, Conegliano and Vittorio Veneto. Mild climate and rich soils make this the Vineyards, tasting rooms, and local restaurants all offer opportunities to taste the dry, light sparkling wine at its source. Many of the vineyards have small terraces on steep slopes that offer great views of the surrounding countryside. Wine-centered events take place during the summer months.
Practical Info
The Prosecco Hills are roughly an hour’s drive from Venice. The closest airport is Treviso. It is advised to call ahead to check that a vineyard is open before visiting.
Address: Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy, Italy
From $ 179
Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)
The Rialto Bridge was the first to span Venice’s Grand Canal (Canal Grande) between its two highest points above sea level. The original 12th-century wooden bridge was replaced in 1592 by a stone structure resting on wooden pilings—a bold design by Antonio da Ponte featuring a single central arch over the water that allow ships to pass. Today, the bridge is among Italy’s most famous, carrying an endless stream of tourists and locals across the canal while countless gondolas and vaporetto water buses pass beneath.
The Basics
The Rialto is one of the most famous landmark bridges in Europe, and a popular and crowded Venice attraction connecting the San Marco district, home of St. Mark's Square, to the San Polo district, where Venice's famous fish market has stood for 700 years. The bridge is visited on nearly every walking tour through the "Floating City," along with other historic tourist attractions like the nearby Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale), Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri), and St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco). For a unique view of the bridge far from the crowds, consider booking a Venice gondola ride or Venice Grand Canal evening boat tour to see the bridge from the water.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The bridge is lined with tiny shops and leads to the San Polo neighborhood, known for its market and gourmet stores; it’s an ideal spot for souvenir shopping.
- The Rialto is a pedestrian bridge but has stairs on each side, so it is not accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get to There
The Rialto Bridge crosses the Grand Canal between the San Marco and San Polo districts, and can be reached by vaporetto water bus lines 1 and 2 via the Rialto stop. Along Venice's maze of tiny streets, there are signs and arrows painted on the walls at regular intervals pointing toward the Rialto.
When to Get There
The islands of Venice are crowded with tourists during the popular summer months, and it can be a challenge to navigate the crowds on the bridge. Take an early morning or late evening stroll if visiting between April and October, or book a private tour by boat along the Grand Canal.
The Grand Canal Bridges
The Rialto Bridge is one of four bridges that span the Grand Canal. The other three are the wood-and-steel Accademia Bridge (Ponte dell'Accademia), the modern Constitution Bridge (Ponte della Costituzione), and the marble ‘Bridge of the Barefoot’ (Ponte degli Scalzi).
Address: Ponte di Rialto, Venice 30125, Italy
Hours: Open every day, 24 hours a day.
Admission: Free
From $ 21
Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum)
The island of Murano in the Venetian lagoon is famous for its glass-making, but nearby Burano has its own crafty claim to fame - lace-making. The ancient tradition of hand-made lace is not nearly as common as it once was, but you can still see some women in Burano making lace the old-fashioned way, and you can get your lace education at the island’s Museo del Merletto - the Lace Museum.
The Lace Museum on Burano contains more than 200 examples of Venetian lace-making dating from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The collection is organized in chronological order over two floors, including a section on the Burano Lace School, which existed on the island for nearly 100 years. There are also special exhibits that are on display periodically, so check at the museum ticket desk to find out what extra collections are there when you visit.
In addition to the exhibits in the Museo del Merletto, you can also see traditional lace-making being done by hand by people who still maintain and practice the art form.
The Lace Museum on Burano contains more than 200 examples of Venetian lace-making dating from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The collection is organized in chronological order over two floors, including a section on the Burano Lace School, which existed on the island for nearly 100 years. There are also special exhibits that are on display periodically, so check at the museum ticket desk to find out what extra collections are there when you visit.
In addition to the exhibits in the Museo del Merletto, you can also see traditional lace-making being done by hand by people who still maintain and practice the art form.
Practical Info:
The Lace Museum is open April 1-October 31 from 10am-6pm, and November
1-March 31 from 10am-5pm. It’s closed on Mondays, Christmas Day, New
Year’s Day, and May 1. Admission is €5. The Museo del Merletto is part
of the Venetian Civic Museums, so it’s on the cumulative Museum Pass
(which costs €24).
Address: Piazza Baldassare Galuppi, 187, Venice, Burano Province of Venice 30142, Italy
Hours: Apr 1 - Oct 31 from 10am - 6pm, and Nov 1 - Mar 31 from 10am - 5pm. It’s closed on Mondays, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and May 1
Admission: 5 EUR
From $ 8
San Polo
San Polo is one of the oldest of Venice’s six districts, or sestieri, and home to many of the city’s most popular sites including the Rialto Bridge that connects San Polo to the San Marco side of the Grand Canal and the historic Rialto Market, a fascinating slice of Venetian life.
The Basics
The San Polo district lies at the heart of Venice, hugging one of the wide bends in the Grand Canal. Guided walking tours of the San Polo area generally include Campo San Polo, the largest public square in Venice after San Marco, and the Church of San Giacomo di Rialto, said to be the city’s oldest church. The neighborhood is also home to the works of Tintoretto in the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and in Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (the Frari Church), famous for its works by 16th-century painters Bellini and Titian. Private walking tours can easily be paired with a gondola ride and visits to Venice highlights like Saint Mark's Square.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The area around the Rialto is always busy, but walk a bit away from the Grand Canal and deeper into this charming neighborhood to discover the quieter streets.
- Be sure to bring your camera, as San Polo is a particularly picturesque area of Venice.
- San Polo tours are on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
- There are a number of excellent local restaurants and cafés serving cicchetti (Venetian tapas) in this district.
How to Get There
Cross the Rialto Bridge from the San Marco side of the Grand Canal to San Polo, or take vaporetto Line 1 to Rialto Mercato.
When to Get There
Venice is one of the most popular destinations in Italy and can be very crowded during the summer months. The best times of year to visit are early spring and late fall, when the city is less crowded but the weather is mild.
Venice's Sestieri
Venice has six districts, or sestieri: Castello, Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, San Marco, Santa Croce, and—the smallest—San Polo.
Address: San Polo, Venice, Italy
From $ 66
Santa Lucia Station
If you are arriving in Venice by train from another Italian or European city, you will likely catch your first glimpse of La Serenissima from the Santa Lucia Station (Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia), the city’s main train station and principal transport hub located in the Cannaregio district.
The Basics
The station’s mid-20th-century modernist building was designed by architects Angiolo Mazzoni and Virgilio Vallot, and is set directly on the north bank of the Grand Canal. If arriving for a day trip by high-speed train from Florence or Rome, you can catch the vaporetto (water bus) or a water taxi and float up the Grand Canal and under the Rialto Bridge to Piazza San Marco, where the city’s main sights are concentrated. Otherwise, you can also walk into the center of Venice either through Cannaregio—the largest and most populated of Venice’s six central districts (sestieri), and home to the historic Jewish ghetto and Ca' d'Oro Palace—or cross the Ponte degli Scalzi bridge into the Santa Croce district, where Palazzo Mocenigo, the Museum of Modern Art in Ca' Pesaro, and the San Stae church are located.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The train station has a baggage deposit, perfect if you are stopping in Venice for a day trip.
- The building is accessible for those with limited mobility, as are many of the city’s vaporetto water buses.
- There are a number of small cafés and coffee bars in and around the station for a light meal or snack.
- The public restrooms are located on the main floor of the station.
How to Get There
High-speed trains from Florence, Rome, and Milan arrive at the Santa Lucia station, as do international trains from across Europe. All cross the Ponte della Libertà bridge from the mainland to the Venetian islands.
When to Get There
Day trips to Venice by train generally arrive in the early morning hours; if you are coming to the Floating City to stay for a few days, time your arrival after sunset for a spectacular first view of Venice’s Grand Canal by night.
Mestre: Venice’s Second Train Station
The Mestre Venezia train station is the city’s second rail hub, located on the mainland. To reach the Venetian islands from Mestre, visitors must take the bus to Piazzale Roma located across the lagoon near the Santa Lucia train station.
Address: 30100 Venezia, Venice, Italy
From $ 139
San Lazzaro degli Armeni
The Venice Lagoon is hardly short on islands, but if you're eager to explore one of its most unique and lesser known destinations, then boat no further than San Lazzaro degli Armeni. At only seven acres (three hectares) in size, this square-shaped piece of land is home to an Armenian Catholic colony of monks and loads of curious cultural discovery.
It was here that the first Armenian monks settled back in the 1700s, when they began a multilingual printing press, translating various literary works and medieval transcripts into Armenian. Nowadays, San Lazzaro degli Armeni is often visited by travelers via boat tours along the Venice Lagoon. Visitors to the island can learn more about its language-rich history, as well as explore a collection of artifacts ranging from thrones and jewels to ancient manuscripts and Egyptian mummies. Before you leave, be sure to check the gift shop for the island-made rose petal jam.
Practical Info
The island is roughly a 20-minute boat ride from Venice. Before you set off on your adventure, consult the opening hours, which are very limited.
Address: Isola di San Lazzaro degli Armeni, Venice 30100, Italy
Hours: Daily 3:25-5:25 p.m.
Admission: €6
From $ 35
Ponte dell'Accademia
Spanning the southern end of the Grand Canal between the Galleria dell’Accademia in Dorsoduro and Campo San Vidal in San Marco, the Ponte dell’Accademia is one of only four bridges crossing the canal. It’s the perfect vantage point to view the church of Santa Maria della Salute and the canal or observe the city’s Carnival festivities.
The Basics
The Accademia Bridge has had several incarnations since the original steel structure was constructed in 1854. This was replaced by a wooden bridge designed by Eugenio Miozzi in 1933, later deemed unsafe and removed. Today’s version, erected in 1985, was crafted out of wood in a single arched span and is identical in construction to Miozzi’s but has additional steel supports.
The bridge is a highlight of skip-the-line walking tours that cover the Accademia Gallery and Dorsoduro district. For a unique view of the bridge, consider a Venice gondola ride or cruise by luxury motorboat along the Grand Canal.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The craze for lovers placing locks on bridges in European cities has taken hold on the Ponte dell’Accademia, but Venetian authorities fear for the structure and have imposed fines for attaching “love locks.”
- Though a pedestrian bridge, Ponte dell’Accademia has stairs on each side, so is not accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- The span offers sweeping views over the Grand Canal, so be sure to stop and snap a few pictures when crossing.
How to Get to There
The Ponte dell’Accademia crosses the Grand Canal between the San Marco and Dorsoduro districts. To get there, take vaporetto water bus line 1 or 2 to the Accademia stop.
When to Get There
Venice is crowded with tourists during the popular summer months, and it can be frustrating to navigate the crowds on the bridge. Between April and October, the best option is to take an early morning or late evening stroll over the bridge, or opt for a private gondola ride or boat tour along the Grand Canal. During the two weeks of Carnival, which ends 40 days before Easter, the bridge offers excellent views of costumed revelers in colorfully draped gondolas.
The Grand Canal Bridges
The Accademia Bridge is one of four bridges that span the Grand Canal. The other three are the iconic Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto), the modern Constitution Bridge (Ponte della Costituzione), and the marble Bridge of the Barefoot (Ponte degli Scalzi).
Address: Dorsoduro, Venice, Veneto 30123, Italy
From $ 29
Peggy Guggenheim Collection (Collezione Peggy Guggenheim)
One of the most popular and prestigious museums in Venice, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection of modern art provides a welcome contrast to Venice’s ornate Gothic and baroque art and architecture. A visit here is a must for any lover of 20th-century art.
The Basics
Peggy Guggenheim, an important New York art collector who spent the last 30 years of her life in Venice, amassed an important collection of early 20th-century European and American art. Upon her death in 1979, her home on the Grand Canal, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, became the Peggy Guggenheim Collection museum. The palazzo and sculpture garden include works by such artists as Picasso, Kandinsky, Magritte, Dalí, Calder, Giacometti, Marini, and Pollock.
Because of the scope and importance of the collection, it’s best to visit as part of a Peggy Guggenheim Collection guided tour, or take an after-hours private tour to enjoy the art without the crowds.
Things to Know Before You Go
- In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and retrospectives.
- Photography (without flash) is allowed inside the museum and sculpture garden.
- Both the museum and garden are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- The museum has a shop and a café serving lunch and snacks.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is by water: take vaporetto 1 or 2 to the Accademia stop.
When to Get There
Palazzo Venier dei Leoni was retrofitted as a museum after Peggy Guggenheim's death, so the rooms are small and the collection is best viewed early in the day before the crowds arrive. The museum is open daily except Tuesdays.
The Guggenheim Museums
Before her death, Peggy Guggenheim donated her palazzo and art collection to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, created by her uncle in 1937. It was this same uncle who commissioned New York's famous spiral-shaped Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1950s.
Address: 704 Dorsoduro, Venice 30123, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Palazzo Mocenigo
Palazzo Mocenigo in Venice was built in the late Renaissance period and was extensively rebuilt in a Gothic style in the early 17th century. It was once the home of the Mocenigo family, a prestigious family in Venice, and seven members of the family became doges between 1414 and 1778. The last descendent of the Mocenigo family left the palace to the city in order for it to become a museum, which opened in 1985 and became the Study Center of the History of Fabrics and Costumes.
Aside from large collections of ancient fabrics and clothes, the museum also has a library that houses books on the history of fabrics, costumes, and fashion. The exhibition area shows different aspects of the life and activities of a Venetian nobleman during the 17th and 18th centuries. There is also a new exhibit focusing on the history of perfumes and essences.
Practical Info
Palazzo Mocenigo is located at Santa Croce 1992. Entrance is 8 euros.
Address: Santa Croce 1992, Venice, Italy
Admission: Admission: 8 euros
From $ 9
Frari Church (Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari)
The modest Italian Gothic exterior of Venice’s Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (Frari Church) belies the wealth of Italian Renaissance masterpieces inside. Titian’s Assumption of the Virgin (1518) altarpiece is especially notable, its innovative emotional figures and bright colors marking the start of Venice’s High Renaissance.
The Basics
This plain brick church was built for the Franciscans between the 14th and 15th centuries, and the monks commissioned a number of renowned artists and sculptors of the time to decorate the interior—which became home to some of the city’s most important works of art. Significant works include Titian’s Pesaro Madonna; Giovanni Bellini’s Madonna and Child with Saints Nicholas of Bari, Peter, Mark, and Benedict; and Donatello’s St. John the Baptist, believed to be the Florentine artist’s first work in Venice. In addition to its glorious art and sculpture, be sure to admire the church’s ornately carved choir stalls by Marco Cozzi.
The Frari Church is located in Venice’s central San Polo district, home to the Rialto Bridge and market and one of the city’s most captivating neighborhoods to explore on a walking tour. Due to the scope and importance of the Titian painting behind the main altar—and other artworks inside the sacristy, nave, and side chapels—by far the best way to visit is under the guide of an expert. Join a private or small-group tour to fully appreciate these Venetian art masterpieces.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Frari Church is must-see for admirers of Italian Renaissance and religious art.
- This is a religious site, and proper attire and decorum are required to enter. Cover your shoulders and knees, and keep your voice low during your visit.
- The church is fully accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is on the Campo dei Frari, which you can reach on foot along a series of twisting lanes skirting the neighborhood’s quiet canals. The nearest vaporetto (ferry) stop is S. Toma.
When to Get There
Venice is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, and all of its sights can be very crowded in the high-season summer months. If visiting from May to November, try to schedule a Frari Church visit in early morning or late afternoon, when you can enjoy the sumptuous art and sculpture in relative peace. The church is open daily from 9am to 6pm (Sundays and holidays from 1pm); last entrance is at 5:30pm.
Notable Tombs in Frari Church
The Frari contains the funerary monuments of a number of important and wealthy Venetian doges and religious figures, including members of the powerful Pesaro family. The artist Titian is interred here, as is the sculptor Antonio Canova’s heart, preserved inside a pyramid-shaped monument the artist had originally designed for the remains of Titian.
Address: Campo di Frari, 30125, Italy
Hours: Mon - Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 1-6pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 3
Mazzorbo
If you are looking to escape the crowds in Venice, Mazzorbo is the place to go. With only 350 residents and located far off the main tourist track, the small island is home to hundreds of artichoke fields, vineyards and fruit trees. Connected to larger Burano by a wooden bridge, Mazzorbo makes a great day trip from Venice combined with stops in Burano and the nearby island of Torcello. It has a rich history that dates to the year 640 and the most notable building on the island, the Santa Caterina Monastery, dates to 1283.
If visiting in the summer, you may want to time your visit to coincide with the annual fair held in the yard of the monastery. There, you can get a taste of life on the island by sampling local dishes and red wine and enjoying live music and games.
Also worth a visit is Venissa, an ancient estate that has been restored by a family of winemakers and converted into an excellent restaurant with a menu that changes daily.
Practical Info
The only way to get to Mazzorbo is by boat or by walking across the bridge from Burano. From Venice, take the Laguna Nord ferry from the Fondamente Nuove stop on the northern shore. It operates every 30 minutes and the trip from Venice to Mazzorbo will take just over half an hour. Alternatively, you might join a day tour that visits Torcello, Burano and Mazzorbo.
Address: Mazzorbo, Italy
From $ 229
Marco Polo's House
In a quiet corner of Venice ,the Venetian palace (palazzo) believed to be explorer Marco Polo’s former residence is easy to miss. Stop by Corte Seconda del Milion, a square named for Marco Polo's travel memoirs, Il Milione, to honor Italy's most famous adventurer while visiting the Floating City.
The Basics
Marco Polo's House (Casa di Marco Polo), near San Giovanni Crisostomo Church and behind Teatro Malibran, isn’t open to the public, but there’s a small marble plaque on the wall commemorating its importance. The house, which faces a small triangular patch of sidewalk next to a canal in the Corte Seconda del Milion, can be quite difficult to find. Walk through a passageway (sottoportego) that cuts through what would be a building’s ground floor to reach it.
Marco Polo's House is best visited as part of a Venice walking tour or guided tour of nearby highlights, including Piazza San Marco and St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge. The building is set on one of Venice's quiet internal canals not far from the Grand Canal, so it can also be seen during a gondola ride through the city. Being near to the Rialto market, it’s an easy stop on Venice street food tours that include a walk through the market stalls and surrounding neighborhood.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If exploring Venice on a walking tour, wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen.
- The sidewalk facing the palace is accessible to wheelchairs, if approaching from the Cannaregio side; from the Castello side, there is a small bridge with stairs to cross the canal.
- Though you can’t tour inside the palace, its facade and surrounding neighborhood are particularly picturesque, so be sure to bring your camera.
- This is a memorable stop for history buffs.
How to Get There
Marco Polo's House is located on Calle Scaleta, on the border between the Castello and Cannaregio neighborhoods. Reach the building on foot from St. Mark's Square or the Rialto Bridge, or by water taxi from the Grand Canal.
When to Get There
Marco Polo’ house is one of Venice's quieter sights, located in a sleepy quarter of the city center. If you need a respite from the crowds during busy midday hours, this is a good spot to choose.
The Marco Polo House Plaque
The plaque marking is in Italian; the English translation reads: “Here was once the home of Marco Polo, who traveled to the furthest reaches of Asia and described his journeys. Placed by city decree in 1881.”
Address: Corte Prima del Milion, Venice 30100, Italy
From $ 3
Lake Misurina
Just over 106 miles north of Venice, high up in the Dolomites, sits a large natural lake that contributed to Olympic speed skating history. With its handful of hotels lining its shores, clear, fresh air and mountain backdrop, Lake Misurina is the spot to go to if you're looking for a scenic getaway from the canal city of Venice.
The lake is near the 1956 Winter Olympics host city of Cortina d'Ampezzo and served as the site of the last Olympic speed skating events that were held on natural ice. A 1.6-mile path runs around the lake, which has a maximum depth of 16 feet. Each of the several hotels on the lake offer views of the spectacular mountains. Behind each of the hotels on the lake are the spectacular mountain views.
Practical Info
Lake Misurina is accessible via public transit from Venice, but the easiest (and fastest) way to get there is by renting a car or booking a private tour that includes direct transportation. While you're in the area, don't miss a stop in the ski resort town of Cortina d'Ampezzo to see how the town’s Germanic influences combine with Italian heritage.
Address: Venice, Italy
From $ 179