The floating city of Venice looks like a picture postcard, with canals, magnificent palaces, ancient museums, cathedrals, art galleries, churches, and public squares. These attractions are the most loved and best places to visit in Venice and cast a different charm on the tourists.
One of the most visited places by lovers, Venice is indeed a charming place that attracts millions of tourists throughout the year. With the Grand Canal flowing through the heart of the city and beautiful heritage monuments as its epitome, Venice is the place where you would love to enjoy the sunset.
1- Basilica di San Marco
The Basilica di San Marco or St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the most beautifully designed churches in Italy and one of the top attractions in Venice. The gold mosaics and the splendid decorations were done by Renaissance painters. Also, the Byzantine domes are incredibly attractive and make it one of the must-visit tourist places in Venice.
Don’t miss: the Pala d’Oro (golden altar), mosaics designed by Titian and Tintoretto, and the Quadriga of St. Mark (a set of four bronze horses)
Opening hours: 9:45 am – 5 pm
2- Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco is the most crowded public square and one of the most bustling places to visit in Venice, located in front of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. The square is separated from the palace by a small inland waterway called the Rio Battario. This is where all the government buildings and other offices in Venice are located. There is no doubt that this is one of the best places to visit in Venice.
Don’t miss: A city tour that covers all the major attractions of Venice would suggest a map. It includes places like St. Mark’s Basilica, Bell Tower, Doge’s Palace, St. Mark and St. Teodoro of Amasia Column, National Library of St. Mark, Archaeological Museum and Correr Museum.
Opening hours: 9:30 am to 5:15 pm. Monday-Saturday, 2 pm to 5:25 pm.
3- Santa Maria della Salute
The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute or Basilica of St. Mary of Health, popularly known as La Salute, is one of the largest churches and most important tourist destinations during a trip to Venice. This Roman Catholic church is located in Punta della Dogana between the Grand Canal and the Giudecca Canal.
The church is a huge octagonal structure that includes a bell tower, dome and a stunning façade decorated with statues of the four evangelists. In addition, the interior has eight radiating chapels and three altars adorned with paintings of the Virgin Mary. This magnificent church is definitely one of the best places to visit in Venice for free.
Don’t miss: The Baroque High Altar, The Marriage at Cana by Tintoretto, and St. Mark’s Enthronement by Titian
Opening hours: 9 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 5:30 pm
4- Murano
Murano is a group of islands in the Venice Lagoon – one of the most popular tourist spots in Venice. Connected by bridges and separated by eight canals, this group of seven islands is famous worldwide for glassmaking, glass products and mirrors; hence called the Glass Islands of Venice. It is one of the famous places in Venice.
Don’t miss: Glass factories, Glass Museum and glass shops, Basilica of St. Mary and St. Donatus, Church of St. Peter, Campo Santo Stefano and Palazzo da Mula
Opening hours: NA
5- Venice Arsenal
When someone mentions Venice, every visitor’s eyes fall on the calm waters surrounding the place. The Venice Arsenal has been a matter of pride in the entire country. It has been building ships since way back in history and the fabulous wealth and beauty of the country is defined by this mysterious complex. The place is filled with bars and a variety of informative displays.
Don’t miss: If you want to know a little more about the history of this place, explore this place and check out the displays.
Opening hours: NA
6- Museo Correr
Museo Correr is located around Piazza San Marco and is definitely a must-visit if you are interested in the art and history of Venice. This magnificent building bears the imprint of both Napoleonic and Hapsburg features. The wide range of collections of ancient coins, cannons and other features definitely makes a visit to Museo Correr a worthy trip.
Don’t miss: If you want to unravel the treasures that this place is known for, don’t miss visiting the local museum. Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana is another place you must visit.
Opening hours: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
7- Lido di Venezia
If you are tired of the monuments and rich historical sites around Venice, relax on the beach of Lido di Venezia. It has a long stretch of sandy beach and is one of the best places to find peace and solitude. The sandbar is located south and southeast of Venice, facing the Atlantic. Lido di Venezia is one of the places to visit in Venice Beach.
Don’t Miss: Spend a relaxing time on the beach, away from the hustle and bustle of chaotic tourist spots.
Opening Hours: NA
8- Ponte dell’Accademia
Opened in 1854, Ponte dell’Accademia is one of only four bridges around Venice that allow pedestrians to cross the Grand Canal. The bridge is made of wood and metal pieces and is located around the southern end of the canal. This bridge is often a popular spot for couples to stroll around and enjoy.
Don’t Miss: Go to the midpoint of the bridge for some great views from there
Opening Hours: NA
9- San Giorgio Maggiore
San Giorgio Maggiore is a quaint little island located across the lagoon from St. Mark’s Square. It was designed by the famous architect, Andrea Palladio, the beauty of the church lies in the facade made of gleaming white marble. The open and spacious interiors add to the beauty of the place even more. Paintings of “Las Supper” and “The Fall of the Manna” adorn the entrance.
Don’t Miss: Go to the top of the church using the elevator to visit the neoclassical bell tower and enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Opening Hours: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
10- Burano
Burano is quite picturesque, making it one of the top places to visit in Venice. The colourful fishermen’s houses make a great backdrop for clicking pictures here. Here you can also buy local goods like butter cookies called “Bussolai Buranei”, linen and other products.
Don’t miss: Clicking pictures with the colorful houses as the backdrop
Opening hours: NA
FAQs
Is Venice, Italy safe for tourists?
Yes, Venice is considered a safe destination for tourists. However, like many other popular cities, petty crime can occur here, so keep an eye on your valuables at all times, especially in public places. Also, keep in mind that Venice’s canals are extremely polluted, so avoid swimming or putting your hand in them (swimming in the canals is also illegal and carries a hefty fine).
What are the best things to do in Venice, Italy in two days?
If you only have 48 hours in Venice, don’t miss:
- The Grand Canal
- St. Mark’s Basilica
- Doge’s Palace
- Gallery dell’Accademia
- Bridge of Sighs
- Rialto Bridge
What are some unique things to do in Venice, Italy?
In addition to the classic must-do spots, consider:
- San Giorgo Maggiore
- Murano and Burano Islands
- Lido Island
- Carnival Celebrations
- Torcello Cathedral
What are some things to do near Venice?
Verona (75 miles away): One of the best places to visit in Italy, Verona is the setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”
Lake Garda (114 miles away): Of all the lakes in northern Italy’s lake region, Lake Garda is the closest to Venice. However, other lakes, including Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, are a reasonable distance away and worth visiting for a few days.
Milan (168 miles away): The most popular things to do in Milan include exploring the Duomo and shopping.
