Activities in Venice: 11 things to do in the city

There are a lot ofthings to do in Venice.

Whether you're taking a gondola ride or discovering the city's delicious hidden restaurants, you'll never be bored here.

Together, let's explore the well-known and lesser-known activities to make your trip a unique one.

Activities in Venice: article summary

Activities in Venice: stroll along the Grand Canal

Visit Grand Canal is one of the top things to do in Venice, and for good reason. In summer, the light is reflected on the water, the gondolas float and the locals go out on the terraces for an ice cream. In the evening, palaces light up all along the canal.

To really get the full experience, you can book a gondola or water cab tour and travel on the water. looking at other tourists on dry land.

The Venice Biennale

Visit Biennial is the epicenter of its contemporary art scene. Every two years, artists, curators, critics and art buyers flock to the Venice Biennale to the "Olympics of the art world.

It's a worldwide art festival that brings together a large community in the city. If you can't make it, there are music and film events all year round in Venice. So you're bound to something to do on the spot.

Activities in Venice: San Sebastian

Millions of people stroll past San Marco every year, waiting their turn to catch a glimpse of the basilica. If you're looking for something more authentic, I recommend a detour to the church of San SebastianoSome of the most important works by the Venetian Renaissance master Paolo Tiepolo can be found here.

Tiepolo's ceiling paintings have recently been renovated. Conservators spent over a decade to repair and restore much of the church.

See you at the Carnival

Every February, the town welcomes the traditional carnivalThis is a festival where over three million people dress up in masquerade costumes and dance until dawn. The festival dates back to the Renaissance.

Venetians wear golden-white masks and theatrical outfits range from black capes to ball gowns and feathered hats. It's a spectacular show to see at least once in your life.

Activities in Venice: the Lazzaretto Nuovo

To escape the tourist crowds, take a private boat to Lazzaretto Nuovo. In the Middle Ages, the main building on this island served as a monastery. Today, it's a cultural center with exhibitions, events and guided tours. On site, you can enjoy the decor, which consists mainly of writing on the walls. that tell the stories of ancient merchants.

Lido Island

When the Venice Film Festival comes to town every September, the Riviera sur Lido Island is becoming the place to see the stars. But don't wait until early autumn for a trip here. It's a beautiful place all year round.

Activities in Venice: Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Visit Peggy Guggenheim collection is one of the world's first private art collections in the peaceful district of Dorsoduro in Venice. From the Grand Canal, this single-storey institution looks like an unfinished palace.

Guggenheim bought the unfinished building in 1949 and filled its rooms with his vast collection of XXᵉ century surrealism, abstract expressionism, avant-garde sculpture, cubism and more. Visit the museum's sculpture garden, filled with shrubs and flowers. An early-morning activity before the crowds arrive.

Visit Murano's glass museum

Take the time to visit Murano and marvel at the traditional art of glassmaking for which the island is famous. The magnificent glass creations are still made at the Fornace Ferro Murano glass factory.

You can visit the inside of one of the workshops, but you can also find out more about the history and craftsmanship at the Murano Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro). Find out more about this age-old traditional activity.

Activities in Venice: Burano Island

Burano is perhaps 40 minutes away vaporetto from the main island, but the day trip is well worth it. This island is filled with houses painted in every color of the rainbow.

Stroll past the XIIIᵉ century Santa Caterina church to discover local restaurants, such as Trattoria Al Gatto Nero, serving fresh seafood and homemade pasta (look for the bright blue building). On site, you can enjoy an exceptional dinner.

Torcello Cathedral

The cathedral of Torcello is a basilica church built in 639 AD and is the oldest building in Venice. This emblematic piece of Byzantine Venetian architecture is famous for its colorful mosaics.

On the altar, discover a masterpiece painted in gold leaf from the XIᵉ century, ornate icons of the Virgin Hodiguitria and an expressive mosaic called "The Descent into Hell".

This phantasmagorical church is decorated with the skull of Saint Cecilia, preserved here for hundreds of years.

Activities in Venice: Lace Museum

In medieval times, school Burano lace taught merchants how to make complex fabrics. The Venice Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto) describes the complex history of lace in a historic palace in Piazza Galuppi. Don't miss the famous church of San Martino, which boasts its own campanile.

There are lots of things to do in Venice. I recommend you do most of them to discover the wonders of the city!

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