Top 6 Free Activities to Experience in Venice

A truly distinctive destination, Venice frequently appears on countless travel bucket lists, and rightly so.

Gondolas and canals, magnificent churches and palaces, lively festivals and Biennales – all play a role in keeping Venice among the world’s most popular tourist spots.

While being one of the most sought-after vacation spots often comes with a hefty price tag, there are still many free (or nearly free!) activities to enjoy. Here’s our guide to the best budget-friendly options in this enchanting city.

1. Marvel at the ornate splendor of historic churches

Naturally, any trip to Venice should start with a visit to Basilica San Marco and its lavishly adorned interiors. Admission to the Basilica is free (though there’s a fee to see its famous treasure), but unless you come in the off-season, you’ll likely need to queue before entering.

While St Mark’s Basilica is the city's crown jewel, don't let its opulence overshadow other remarkable religious architecture in the Lagoon. Consider visiting the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, a favorite among locals (with only a charge for the internal museum), or the historic Chiesa di San Zaccaria, where you can explore the flooded crypt for just €1.50.

2. Stroll through the many markets of Venice

Strolling through the historic Rialto market is truly a one-of-a-kind, quintessential Venetian (and Italian) experience. The market is split into two sections: one for fresh produce (in Piazza delle Erbe) and the other for seafood (in Loggia della Pescheria), nestled near the Rialto bridge in the sestiere San Polo. During the holiday season, this area transforms into a festive wonderland filled with Christmas stalls and quaint shops.

For an elevated shopping experience, visit the Fondaco dei Tedeschi – formerly a warehouse for German merchants in the Serenissima, it’s now a chic, modern shopping mall. Make sure to go up to the terrace for a breathtaking view of the city; just remember to book your time slot to ensure there’s enough space for everyone, and it’s free!

Local tip: The fresh produce at the markets is delicious and perfect for a picnic. Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch in one of Venice's lovely parks or gardens for an experience that feels anything but inexpensive.

3. Unwind in Venice's parks, squares, and gardens

While Venice may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of greenery, it offers plenty of parks and gardens where you can relax and take it easy. For an artistic touch to your park visit, consider the Giardini della Biennale, featuring thirty pavilions that typically host Biennale exhibitions.

For breathtaking views, visit the Parco della Rimembranza, overlooking the Lagoon. Explore history at the Giardini Reali, designed by Napoleon, and for a full day of outdoor fun, head to Parco San Giuliano located in Mestre on the mainland.

4. Experience the excitement of a regatta

What else would you expect from a city with canals as its streets than regattas everywhere? They offer a spectacular sight and are a wonderful addition to any visit, requiring just a bit of careful planning.

Arguably the most famous of all the regattas is the Regata Storica, held annually on the first Sunday of September. Taking place on the Grand Canal, it features two main events: a historical parade with numerous boats and participants in period attire, followed by the actual race, which is categorized based on the type of boat.

Every four years, Venice hosts the Regata delle Antiche Repubbliche Marinare – the regatta of the ancient maritime republics. The competing cities are Venice, Genoa, Pisa, and Amalfi, with each republic taking turns as host for this prestigious event.

Then there's the Vogalonga, which attracts over a thousand participants every May, along with the Regata delle Befane, celebrated on the Epiphany in January, where rowers dress as the Befana, a folkloric witch who brings treats to children on this special day.

Planning tip: If the Regata delle Antiche Repubbliche Marinare is a key highlight for you, be sure to plan accordingly, as Venice only hosts this event once every four years, with the next one scheduled for June 2023.

5. Discover Venice's quirky gems

It’s no surprise that a distinctive city like Venice hides some equally unusual spots. Take the Libreria Acqua Alta, for instance, where books are stored in bathtubs and gondolas to protect them from acqua alta (meaning 'high water' in Italian, a constant risk in a floating city). The store also features a staircase made of books, offering a lovely view of the canals from above. Afterward, wander to Calle Varisco, the narrowest street in Venice, measuring just over fifty centimeters wide. Don't miss the Ponte del Chiodo, the last reminder of Venice’s original bridge designs – with wider steps and no balustrade, a change prompted by too many inebriated locals taking unexpected dips in the canals.

If you’re intrigued by gondolas, seek out one of the few remaining squeri where they’re repaired, such as the Squero di San Trevaso. While you can’t enter, you can settle on the opposite bank of the canal and watch the artisans skillfully preparing the gondolas for their next journeys.

6. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of major festivals and events

Venice is, of course, renowned for its Carnevale. The specific dates vary each year, depending on when Easter falls, which influences Lent and thus the timing of the Carnevale. Regardless, it’s a spectacular time to visit, as the city becomes alive with colors, masks, and extravagant costumes. A highlight of the Carnevale is the Volo dell’Angelo – the flight of the angel – where a performer on a zip line gracefully descends onto St Mark’s Square from the Campanile.

Another wonderful celebration in Venice, which is free to enjoy, is the Festa del Redentore. Every third Sunday in July, the city comes together to mark the end of the devastating 16th-century plague epidemic with stunning fireworks illuminating the canals, particularly around the island of Giudecca.

The Biennale, an annual cultural exhibition held in Giardini and Arsenale, is a major attraction for enthusiasts of contemporary art and architecture.

Tip for planning: Utilize our guide to events in Venice throughout the year to help you focus on the celebrations and activities you truly want to experience.