Things to do and see in Venice

15 June 2021

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Friendly disclaimer! We want to be as accurate as possible, but given these challenging times, we urge you to recheck that the venues are open when you decide to visit.

 

There is no other city like Venice. It has 180 canals and 450 bridges connecting 118 small islands and magnificent buildings. It is a city rich with museums and historical landmarks of great artistic and cultural importance. The beauty of it is truly apparent in the transient emotions it evokes and the buzz of everyday life.

Doge’s Palace

The Doge’s Palace, locally known as the Palazzo Ducale, used to be the residence of the Doge of Venice, and also a space where the government could lodge. Both the court and the prison were located within the palace walls, but since 1923 the building is better known as a museum.

 

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Saint Mark’s Basilica

The Italian full name is Basilica Cattedrale Patriarcale di San Marco, but you’ll be understood if you refer to it as Saint Mark’s Basilica. This cathedral church is the most famous in Venice, presenting five round-arched impressive portals as well as a striking marmoreal interior.

 

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Rialto Market

This fish and vegetable market has been around since the year 1097. The market is a site of frantic activity, especially early in the mornings. The fishmongers, the bustling scenes, the old facades, and the fascinating canal combine to create a great experience for all senses. The city’s best butcher shops are located nearby as well.

 

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Canal Grande

Canal Grande is the largest canal in town, almost 4 km long and 90-metre-wide in some parts, with an average depth of 5 metres. Public transport is available in the form of “vaporetti” (water buses), gondolas, and water taxis. There is plenty of famous buildings located along the river which is crossed by three stunning bridges.

 

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Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Peggy Guggenheim was the artist Max Ernst’s wife; the museum is housed in Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, which is her former home. Her art collection was opened to the public in 1951, and nowadays people can enjoy art from Europe and America dating back to the first half of the 20th century.

 

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St. Mark’s Square

St. Mark’s Square is the biggest and the most well-known square in Venice. If you truly want to comprehend the power of the former Venetian empire, this is the right place to visit. The square is full of striking and inspiring sights, like the bell tower, from which you can grasp a splendid view of Venice.

 

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  • Location: Piazza San Marco, Venice
  • Website: www.hofburg-wien.at/en
  • How to reach: Underground: U1, U3 (Stephansplatz), U3 (Herrengasse), U2, U3 (Volkstheater); Bus 48A (Dr.-Karl-Renner-Ring), 57A (Burgring); Tram: D, 1, 2 (Burgring).



Ca’ Rezzonico

Ca’ Rezzonico is one of the most magnificent buildings in the whole city, standing on the right bank of the Venice Canal. It was completed in 1756 and today it serves as a public museum with an interesting display of 18th-century Venetian artefacts.

 

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Ca’ Pesaro

Ca’ Pesaro is the city’s modern art museum, located in an old baroque palace facing the Grand Canal. The first floor houses 19th and 20th-century paintings and sculptures, while the upper floor is dedicated to the Oriental Art Museum, exhibiting 30,000 objects from Japan, China, and Indonesia.

 

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La Fenice

La Fenice is a world-renowned opera house and a symbol of the Italian theatre tradition. Its name means “the phoenix”, which suits the theatre very well, as it happened more than once that it burned down and had to be reconstructed. It was originally built in 1755 and witnessed several world-class performances, like the premiere of Verdi’s La Traviata. Nowadays, you can either visit the theatre, admiring its magnificent interiors and learning about its rich history, or enjoy a show there during the opera season.

 

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Palace Music

Located in Palazzo Barbarigo Minotto, Palace Music (Musica a Palazzo is the original name) is a cultural association started in 2005, created to transform the palace into an intimate environment where to meet and learn more about the Opera culture. Have a look at its website to know what is in the programme while you are there; it will surely be a unique experience.

 

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Interpreti Veneziani

Whether or not you are a fan of classical music, the Interpreti Veneziani is a welcome break from the city’s pulsating core. After its inauguration in 1987, its concerts have been performed all over the world, in countries such as the US, Japan, Canada, and across Latin America. Take one evening to enjoy the harmony brought to you by the orchestra.

 

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St. Mary of the Friars

St. Mary Basilica, usually called the Friari, was built in the 13th century and today represents an important landmark. Holding many masterpieces of Venetian art from the Renaissance period, it is simply a delight for the eye. Titian, the most renowned member of the Venetian school of painting of the 16th century, is buried there.

 

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San Giorgio Maggiore

Occupied in the Roman period, San Giorgio Maggiore is one of the several islands around Venice. At the beginning of the 19th century, after the Republic fall, the island became a free port housing Venice’s artillery. This is another perfect opportunity to capture a gorgeous panoramic view of Venice.

 

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National Library of St Mark’s

The National Library of St Mark’s (Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana) is located in a beautiful Renaissance building and takes its name after St. Mark, Venice’s patron. Being one of the most ancient manuscript depositories of the city, it is an exquisite place to become more familiar with the history of Venice.

 

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Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Let yourself be swept away by the beautiful renaissance paintings of this gallery. The Venetian painter Tintoretto was paid to provide art for the halls of the Scuola and his masterpieces are still there to be admired. Take the audio tour to get a deeper knowledge of the artist and his works.

 

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Santa Maria dei Miracoli Church

Santa Maria dei Miracoli is the most requested church for weddings in Venice, and if you step inside you will easily see why. It is said to be built from the leftovers of St. Mark’s Basilica, even if the latter is evidently bigger. Being one of the best examples of early Venetian Renaissance architecture, its nickname is “the jewel box”, due to its striking beauty.

 

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Gondola Ride

There are several tour operators offering different types of Gondola tours. You can choose between a more romantic style with serenades sung to you and your beloved partner or a more classical sightseeing tour with a guide telling you the history of all the beautiful buildings around. There are even tours where you can learn how to row the Gondola yourself.



Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is one of the several bridges crossing Canal Grande. Be prepared to meet many other tourists here since this is one of the most well-known landmarks of Venice. The architecture is amazing, especially considering that it was built on approximately 12,000 wooden pilings over 400 years ago.

 

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Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) has inherited its sad name from the condemned prisoners crossing it on their way to the execution. The covered bridge connects the prison to the interrogation room in the Doge’s Palace and crosses the Rio di Palazzo. If you happen to pass under it at sunset, at the time the bells of St Mark’s Campanile ring, remember to kiss your loved one: as the legend goes, your love will be eternal.

 

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Torcello Island

Torcello is a small island that does not lie on the typical tourist path in Venice. On this sparsely populated island, you will find the oldest Byzantine church of Venice, which is truly amazing during the sunset, after which it even gets a little spooky.

 

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Murano Island

Murano Island is a popular tourist destination renowned for its glassmaking industry, which is the fruit of a centuries-old tradition. You can learn more about it by visiting the Murano Glass Museum or any of the numerous glasswork studios on the island.

 

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Burano Island

Burano Island is famous for its brightly coloured houses, picturesque canals and peaceful atmosphere. Other attractions include the Church of San Martino with its leaning bell tower and the Lace Museum. Lacemaking is a fruitful industry in Burano and you’ll find many artisan lace shops on the island.

 

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Museum of Natural History

If your children are tired of walking around, then this is a nice place to visit. Here you will find a great collection of animals and botanical exhibits. The museum (Museo di Storia Naturale) houses an interesting display of fossils and preserved animals.

 

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  • Location: Santa Croce 1730, Venice
  • Website: www.msn.visitmuve.it
  • Timings: Every day: November 1st – May 31st: Tuesday – Friday 9 am to 5 pm. Saturday & Sunday 10:30 am to 5 pm. Jun 1st – October 31st: Tuesday – Friday 10 am to 6 pm. Saturday & Sunday 10:30 am to 6 pm.
  • More info: Closed on Monday.



Venice Lido

Venice Lido is a big island featuring the city’s only public beaches, as well as some private ones. It can be reached by ferry and the journey can last from ten minutes to half an hour depending on the starting point. The famous Venice Film Festival takes place here every year in September.

 

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