Venice is a stunning city on the water with a rich history and an amazing architecture. Discover the Best 10 Things To Do in Venice. Visit the best and the most visually stunning sights in this romantic city.
Quick Facts about Venice
- Venice is the capital of the Veneto Region in Northeastern Italy.
- The city is located on a group of 118 small islands connected by multiple bridges.
- There are over 400 bridges in Venice.
- The main waterway of Venice is the Grand Canal.
- Venice is the birthplace of several famous people including Antonio Vivaldi and Marco Polo.
History of Venice
- Venice was historically a capital of the Republic of Venice. The Republic of Venice was a sovereign state that existed from the 7th century to the 18th century and included the lagoon communities of the city of Venice.
- For centuries, Venice was a powerful maritime republic and one of the most prosperous cities in Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Many wealthy merchants resided in the city and supported the development of arts and architecture.
The list of the best things to do in Venice includes beautiful landmarks, major sights and architectural gems of the city. Venice is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world and it carries a rich historical legacy.
10 Best Things To Do in Venice
1. St. Mark's Basilica
St. Mark's Basilica is a historic Roman Catholic Church located in the Piazza San Marco, next to the Doge's Palace. It has a Byzantine architectural style and dates back to the 11th century. The cathedral's main facade is ornamented with the gold ground mosaics. For many centuries, Saint Mark's Basilica has been the symbol of wealth.
2. St. Mark's Campanile
The bell tower of St. Mark's Basilica is located in the Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy.
The tower is about 99 meters high and is located next to St. Mark's Church. St. Mark's Campanile is visible from many points in the city.
3. The Doge's Palace
Doge's Palace is located close to the Piazza San Marco, near the bell tower of St. Mark's Basilica and close to the cathedral. It's one of the most notable buildings of Venice, Italy.
The palace used to be the residence of the Doge of Venice (the leader of the Republic of Venice between the 8th and the 18th centuries). The Doge was the title of the top elected official (the chief magistrate) of Venice.
One of the sides of this building faces the Grand Canal.
4. Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco is the main square in Venice, Italy. The notable structures located in the plaza are the bell tower and St. Mark's Basilica.
One side of the Piazza is the Procuratie Vecchie - an imposing structure that used to be the offices of high officers of the state of the Republic of Venice in the past. These days, this long arcade is lined with shops and restaurants on the ground level.
5. The Grand Canal
The Grand Canal is the main waterway in Venice. It divides the city into two parts.
It's about 3 km long. The canal connects with many smaller canals at various points. The vast majority of transportation around Venice goes through the Grand Canal. There is a public transit water transportation and private water taxis navigating the canal.
The Grand Canal is lined with beautiful buildings, hotels, churches, and restaurants on either side. Many of the buildings that line the banks of the Grand Canal date between the 13th and the 18th century.
6. Rialto Bridge
Rialto Bridge is one of the bridges over the Grand Canal, connecting the districts of San Marco and San Polo. The bridge dates back to the 12th century and is one of the oldest bridges on the Grand Canal.
The bridge is always busy with tourists.
7. The Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs is a small bridge over one of the smaller canals in Venice, Italy. It's enclosed and is made of the white limestone.
The bridge connects the New Prison and the interrogation rooms of the Doge's Palace.
8. Basilica di Santa Maria
Santa Maria della Salute, also known as Basilica di Santa Maria, is a Roman Catholic Church in Venice, Italy.
The church is located on one of the sides of the Grand Canal. The church is visible from many points, especially when traveling along the Grand Canal.
9. Ca d'Oro
Ca d'Oro also known as Palazzo Santa Sofia overlooks the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. It currently houses an art museum called The Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca' d'Oro.
This palace dates back to the 15th century and was built in the Venetian Gothic architectural style.
10. San Giorgio Maggiore
San Giorgio Maggiore is one of the islands in Venice, Italy. The most notable structure on the island is the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore. The church was designed by the Venetian architect Andrea Palladio.
Another imposing structure is a former Benedictine Monastery next to the church.
Yes I went To Venice In 1996? I Guess I Missed Alot ,Because I Did Not Appreciate What IWas Seeing After Spending Days In Rome -Campana Region. And We Did Not Go On Gondola Ride Hope It Spelled It Right.
I bet Venice was quite different in 1996 compared to now. 🙂
Venice has not real changed in any important way since I first visited 1967. Well the shops have changed
and the food with the changing more culturely mixed population. However Vence has always been influenced by other cultures. It was the trade hub of Europe. That's what created the City's hugh wealth in the past, and its incredible archicture. Vince's historic sites, water ways, and bridges still harcon you back in time to the day of the City State. That feel will never change.
Bob, great insights - thank you! 🙂 Venice is such a wonderful city with an incredibly rich history as you said. I am glad you stopped by and shared such an interesting and positive comment.