Top 10 Activities to Experience in Venice

Renowned for its unparalleled beauty and rich historical significance, Venice stands out as a remarkable destination. Comprising 117 islands linked by picturesque canals and bridges, you might ask: what are the must-see attractions in Venice, Italy?

Beyond the enchanting charm and romantic vibe of its islands and waterways, Venice offers a wealth of experiences for travelers. The city boasts numerous churches, piazzas, and museums that showcase the grandeur of the Middle Ages and the Italian Renaissance, periods when Venice flourished as a global power and cultural epicenter.

As one of Italy's top tourist destinations, Venice serves as a key starting and ending point for many European cruises with Dinogo. A cruise provides the perfect way to explore Europe; instead of navigating long drives or worrying about connecting flights, you can relax and enjoy the journey aboard a cruise ship as you travel between ports.

Whether before or after your cruise from Venice, take the opportunity to spend several days (or even a week!) in northern Italy, discovering the captivating attractions Venice has to offer.

Here’s our compilation of 10 essential experiences to enjoy while in Venice.

1. Enjoy a Serenade from a Gondolier

Venice is the birthplace of the uniquely shaped gondola, and you can still see these classic rowboats gliding through the city’s canals. This distinctive and elaborately decorated vessel allows the gondolier to stand at the stern and skillfully navigate the narrow waterways using a single oar.

A gondola ride wouldn’t be complete without a serenade from the gondolier. Delight in a live performance of beautiful, traditional Italian melodies as you drift past Venice’s stunning Baroque architecture and bridges.

2. Ride a Vaporetto Along the Grand Canal

To navigate easily between the islands of Venice, you'll need to use a larger vessel known as the Vaporetto. Taking this public water taxi along the Canale Grande, or Grand Canal, is an essential experience while in Venice.

The Grand Canal is Venice's largest waterway, resembling a river more than a typical canal. Over 170 buildings line its shores, some dating back to the 12th century. With only four bridges crossing the Grand Canal, Venetians prefer to travel along the water instead of walking over it.

3. Purchase Souvenirs on a Bridge

One of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, the Ponte Rialto is renowned worldwide. Linking the San Polo and San Marco districts, Ponte Rialto serves as a busy pedestrian walkway and a popular attraction for visitors.

Originally constructed from wood, this bridge fell down in 1524 and was subsequently replaced by the intricately adorned stone structure that stands today. Take a stroll across Ponte Rialto and browse the shops lining the bridge for souvenirs and mementos to bring back home.

4. Admire Ceiling Frescoes

Travel back to 1092 A.D., the year St. Mark’s Basilica was established. If there's one church to see during your Italian cruise, it has to be this one. Located just a short stroll from the Grand Canal, this stunning example of Italian Byzantine architecture captivates with its intricate façade artwork and beautifully painted frescoes adorning the dome's ceiling inside.

If time permits, be sure to explore other significant landmarks in St. Mark’s Square, including the Torre dell’Orologio, St. Mark’s Campanile, and the Doge’s Palace. This palace served as the residence of the Doge of Venice, the leader of the former Venetian Republic, for over a millennium.

5. Discover the Moon's Phase

Easily seen from the square and even from the Grand Canal, the Torre dell’Orologio is a magnificent 500-year-old clock tower that not only tells time but also reveals the current moon phase and the prevailing zodiac sign.

Above the large clock face, there is a statue of the Virgin Mary. On the third level, you'll find a relief depicting the winged lion of St. Mark, the patron saint and emblem of Venice. At the very top, two bronze figures representing giants strike the bell every hour.

6. Enjoy a Panoramic View

San Marco Campanile is an older and taller architectural marvel than the clock tower. Reaching nearly 325 feet, it was originally constructed in the 12th century as a lighthouse on the site of a previous 9th-century structure, likely a watchtower. In the 16th century, the campanile was renovated to include a balcony adorned with marble and bronze, a belfry, and a new spire topped with a statue of the Archangel Gabriel, which serves as a weather vane.

You can admire the campanile from the square and take an elevator up to the bell tower for one of the finest panoramic views of Venice.

7. Experience the City Center from a Different Island

Take another Vaporetto to San Giorgio Maggiore, which was beautifully restored in 1951 after serving 150 years of military purpose that began with Napoleon's occupation in the early 19th century. On this island, you can ascend another campanile that mirrors the one in St. Mark’s Square, offering you yet another stunning panoramic view, this time across the water toward the heart of Venice.

Enjoy a leisurely walk around the quaint harbor, admiring the boats. Don't miss the magnificent Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, known for its exquisitely carved wooden sanctuary, and the former Benedictine monastery, which now hosts a prestigious international cultural institute.

8. Be Enchanted by Murano Glass

A visit to the island of Murano is a delightful experience during your time in Venice. Renowned worldwide, Murano glass has earned its fame for a reason. For over a millennium, this island has been celebrated as the global hub for hand-blown glass and glassmaking.

While you're exploring this Venetian gem, make sure to stop by the Basilica of Santi Maria e Donato, where you can admire a stunning 12th-century floor mosaic featuring images of birds and various creatures, all made from Murano glass shards. Visit Murano glass museums to see remarkable examples of this art. Take a tour of a glass factory to witness live demonstrations of how this exquisite glass is crafted, and indulge in shopping for Murano glass to your heart's content.

9. Unwind at Torcello

The popular tourist spots in Venice can often be bustling with crowds. If you seek a more tranquil and relaxed atmosphere, the island of Torcello offers a perfect escape, allowing you to unwind while enjoying the stunning canals and historic landmarks of Venice.

In the village's main square, you'll discover Attila’s Throne, an ancient stone chair. Local legend claims that this chair was once occupied by Attila, the King of the Huns, following the Huns' conquest of Torcello.

At the end of the main thoroughfare lies the remarkable Santa Maria Assunta, a historic Jesuit church featuring a well-preserved 9th-century portico adorned with arches. This serene island is situated in the far east of Venice, approximately a 45-minute ferry ride from the city.

10. Relax at Lido Beach

Indeed! Venice boasts its very own beach. The island of Lido serves as a barrier between the rest of Venice and the Adriatic Sea, featuring a long stretch of beautiful sandy beach.

In Lido, you can shop, savor local cuisine at charming restaurants, and even reserve a hotel for overnight stays before or after your European cruise.

When you visit Venice, the city is filled with opportunities. Will you delve into its historical museums? Relish the exquisite cuisine? Or perhaps take a romantic gondola ride along one of the many canals? With Dinogo cruises departing from Venice, you can experience everything this enchanting city has to offer.

Whether you choose to explore the city with friends or venture out on your own, an amazing adventure awaits you. Don’t forget to tag your photos with #Choosefun and share your wonderful memories with us!