Have you ever fallen in love with a place you were a little unsure about the first time around? That was Venice for us. The truth is, the first time we visited Venice we saw it as a tourist trap. We were on a backpacker budget. It was about 40 degrees and we couldn’t find any respite from the heat. And we stayed in a campsite that required a 20 minute bus ride to the edge of town that ran every other hour. Since Google Maps on your phone didn’t exist, if we got lost, we really got lost.
This time around we decided to fully embrace it. We learnt from our mistakes. We went a little above our budget and got an apartment right in the centre and close to many of the best things to do. It was a 2 minute walk to Piazza San Marco and right next to a canal. We could see and hear the gondolas ride past. It was our retreat from the madness. We’d get up early and explore. We visited the less touristy parts of town in the peak tourist hours. We avoided the day trippers. I researched the best places to eat in advance, so we weren’t stung with any nasty surprises.
This trip had us in awe of the beauty of Venice. It was the most amazing 3 days and I didn’t want it to end.
Side note: even a chance turn of events couldn’t dampen our spirits. First, a bee sting! And then our bag was lost for a good 3 hours. The lovely vaporetto driver handed it in at the end of his shift. Our passports and DSLR had done a lap of the Grand Canal. This re-affirmed our belief that there are so many good people in the world!
Below we’ve detailed our top things to do in Venice to help you make the most of your trip.
Things to do in Venice
1) Take a ride in a Gondola
The gondola is the symbol of Venice. If you go to Venice, this is a must do! It’s not cheap. A 30 minute ride costs €80 in the day, and €100 after 7pm when you book directly with a gondolier for an exclusive booking. We did this on our first trip and it’s definitely worth doing once.
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, you can take a walking tour of Venice which concludes with a 20 minute gondola ride. It may well pay to book in advance!
BOOK NOW: Walking Tour + 20 minute shared Gondola || 2.5 hours || From €56
One thing I noticed on this trip compared to my last was the number of gondoliers on their phones. It certainly took the “romance” out of the ride and I would be pretty annoyed if that happened to me. It may be worth asking your driver whilst negotiating if they will refrain from using their phone. I hope for your sake that works!
2) Get around on the vaporetto
The vaporetto are the public ferries that run down the Grand Canal. They are the main form of public transport in Venice, and views from the boat are out of this world. Best of all, they are good value. As we were staying in the centre we decided to get a 3 day unlimited pass, which cost €40 each. Tickets start from €7.50 for a 75 minute ticket. The longer the period you purchase for, the better the value.
3) Piazza San Marco and Saint Mark’s Basilica
The main square in Venice, Piazza San Marco is the hub of activity. You can’t miss the view of the imposing Saint Mark’s Basilica, one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world. The long lines you will see are for visiting Saint Mark’s. It’s worth the wait, but get there early to minimise your waiting time. The piazza can get very busy too, but we loved visiting late in the evening. Most of the crowds have left and you can stand around listening to the musicians playing at Café Florian, all for free!
4) Go to the top of the Campanile
Venice is a great sight to behold from up above. The best views can be had from the Campanile, which is the tall tower you see in Piazza San Marco.
Unlike many towers in Italy, this one has an elevator, so you don’t need to climb any stairs. It’s cheaper to pay at the door – €8, but you can bet there will be a line. Skip the queue and book your tickets below.
BOOK NOW: Skip the queue tickets for the Campanile || 30-60 minutes || From €17
5) Doge’s Palace
For centuries, this gorgeous architectural masterpiece has brought ship loads of people to Venice. Now packed with priceless works of art in its museum, you’ll want to add this to your itinerary in Venice.
BOOK NOW: Skip the queue guided tour of the Doge’s Palace || 1 hour || From €42
6) Bridge of Sighs
One of the most popular bridges in Venice, it’s small but packs a punch! The Bridge of Sighs was built in the 1600s. We learnt that it got its name from all the sighs from prisoners who crossed the bridge on their way to prison.
7) Admire the Grand Canal from the Rialto Bridge
If you’re travelling down the Grand Canal, it’s hard to miss the Rialto Bridge! It’s the oldest bridge in Venice and in our opinion, the most beautiful. The bridge has shops down each side of the bridge. Don’t miss the sunset views over the Grand Canal.
8) Jewish Ghetto
It’s a little far from the main tourist attractions, but it is worth visiting the oldest Jewish Ghetto in the world. We learnt that this was the area that Jewish people were ordered to stay in the 1500s. There are a few museums that were unfortunately closed when we were there. It was a really peaceful part of the city. We even enjoyed a long conversation with a local in the main piazza.
9) Libreria Acqua Alta
An Instagrammers paradise! This cute little bookstore houses books in gondolas. Walk to the back of the store, go outside, and you’ll find a wall of books you can climb and take a very unique photo.
10) Take a day trip to Burano
If you visit Venice, please take our advice and set aside a day for a trip out to Burano. Whilst it’s a 40 minute vaporetto ride, the island is filled with the most colourful of homes. I expected to find just a row of homes painted in colour. I was wrong. Every single home on the island is awash with colour. Bright pinks, royal blue and pastel greens to name but a few. We had so much fun wandering around. There is one main street filled with restaurants and shops. Enjoy lunch here before heading back to Venice in the afternoon.
I’d recommend this visit towards the end of your trip to Venice. After so much colour it’s hard to not look at the buildings in Venice and think they are a little drab!
11) Check what’s on whilst in town
Venice loves an event. Whilst we were there was the Biennale, Venice Film Festival and the Annual Regatta on the Grand Canal. It would be worth doing some research before you lock in your travel dates to see if you can enjoy an event or two! On the flip side, minimise your accommodation budget if something big is on!
Where to eat in Venice
When I think about restaurants in Venice, I recall stories of tourists being ridiculously overcharged. We didn’t encounter any such issues this time around, but we did our research beforehand. The hot tip we were given was to never dine in a restaurant where waiters are outside trying to entice you in. If it’s good, they likely don’t need to scout for customers. Below are our top tips for places to eat.
Best gelato in Venice
SuSo
This is some of the best gelato I’ve EVER eaten. It even makes our list of the best gelato in Italy. It’s that good. My favourite flavours were the Opera and Pistachio. At only €2 a scoop, it’s a bargain. Don’t despair at the line. It moves quickly and is worth it. It’s hidden away down multiple alleys, stick with Google Maps to arrive in gelato heaven.
Whilst you now know where the best is, be sure to avoid the worst. Venice is the biggest culprit when it comes to bad gelato. Make sure you avoid it by reading our article ‘How to avoid eating sh*t gelato’.
Best cheap eats in Venice
Tuttinpiedi
A small hole in the wall place cooking up fresh pasta right in front of your eyes. Very close to Piazza San Marco, in a tucked away corner. You can eat at a small counter in the store or takeaway. If you takeaway, be aware there is no picknicking in the nearby Piazza San Marco. Pastas start from 5.50€ for fusilli with tomato and basil. My absolute favourite (I had it twice on our trip) was the Gamberi e Zucchine (fusilli with Prawns, Zucchine and Tomato) which was only 8€.
Il Calice
You just know it’s going to be good when the gondoliers eat there. There is a range of food from sandwiches, pasta and salads to choose from. I enjoyed a Focaccia with prosciutto and rocket for just 4.50€. They heat it up and you can eat downstairs or go upstairs where there is more seating.
Best casual restaurants in Venice
Rosso Pomodoro
This was recommended to us by a local. We were surprised to find it a chain restaurant that we’ve subsequently seen in Bologna and Turin. Whilst it is a chain and everyone like’s to go ‘all authentic’ the food here was delicious and great value. The pizza was of the wood-fired variety with a lovely light base. Either go early or make a booking, since it can get very busy.
Il Paradiso Perduto
This restaurant describes itself as a “traditional neighbourhood tavern serving hearty Venetian fare.” I couldn’t agree more. We enjoyed a lovely night here with some friends. We sampled some of their best dishes, including a fried seafood dish and a few different pastas. It had a very lively and casual atmosphere. Make sure to book as it gets very busy.
Not sure how long you need in Venice?
Check out our guide to help you determine how many days in Venice you need.
Where to stay in Venice
Residence Corte Grimani
In Venice, your accommodation can make or break your stay. This aparthotel was perfect. The room is actually one big apartment, with a kitchen/dining area, a separate bedroom and bathroom. There are cooking facilities and a washing machine. The furniture is a little dated, but it’s comfortable and clean. The most amazing part of this hotel though is the location. You’re right by a canal which has gondolas riding past all day. We could hear them singing as they rode past. You’re also only a few minutes walk to the main attractions, being the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza San Marco. We really enjoyed our stay here.
BOOK NOW: Residence Corte Grimani || Rooms from €150
Other tips for Venice
Avoid the peak summer period if possible (July and August). In my opinion, it’s just too hot to enjoy. If it’s your once in a lifetime trip though, don’t skip it. Plan ahead and stay in the centre so you can enjoy an Italian siesta during the hottest parts of the day.
Get up early and enjoy the city without the crowds. Hopefully you’ll enjoy a killer sunrise whilst you’re at it.
Get lost wandering the streets. You’ll find some lovely little spots right by a canal, without the crowds. Get your phone out and use Google Maps when you need to find your way back.
Most of all, take in everything that Venice has to offer. Happy and safe travels!
Looking to plan some other Italian adventures? Check out our coverage of Tuscany, Puglia and Matera to help plan your trip.
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Great photos and obviously worth getting up early to nail that sunset. That 7.50 Vaporetto ticket almost cost you 7+ grand in camera gear I bet. Glad there are still honest people in the world.
Haha, very true! It sounds odd to people, but I was more concerned about my passport. The camera gear was insured, the passports with 8 years of stamps can’t be replaced. I’m a minimalist at heart, but that passport in particular is pretty much my prized possession 🙂