The Floating City, the City of Canals, La Serenissima – whichever nickname you give Venice, it will rarely capture the true beauty of the world’s most romantic city. To truly understand what it has to offer, it’s best to explore all of the top attractions in Venice.
With so many sights to see in the capital of the Veneto region, figuring out where to start can certainly be daunting. That’s where this guide comes in handy. It’s narrowed down the best places to visit in Venice, Italy – from grand churches like the Basilica di San Marco to Renaissance art in the Accademia Gallery.
So, read on to discover all you need to know about how to see them.
READ: As an added comfort on your trip, here’s an informative Venice travel guide to make seeing these top attractions easier.
Public Spaces
Grand Canal
Over 150 different canals run through Venice, but none are as significant as the Grand Canal. The Grand Canal is the city’s main waterway, running around two miles long and 225 feet wide at its most significant point.
Along the sides of the Grand Canal, are incredible sights, from the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni to the Accademia Gallery. That isn’t even including the four major bridges that cross the flowing waters, which you can see for free. Accademia and Rialto Bridge are the most sought-after, but you can also cross over the Ponte degli Scalzi and Constitution Bridge.
If walking alongside the Grand Canal doesn’t suffice, consider a more immersive canal boat tour, where guides will tell you all about iconic historic sites.
Piazza San Marco and the Piazzetta
The Piazza San Marco, or Saint Mark’s Square, is in the San Marco district beside the Grand Canal and dates back to the 9th century. Much of its charm and beauty is owed to the Venetian architect Andrea Tirali, who designed the intricate paving of the square.
The best part is that the piazza is open to the public and surrounded by all the most impressive structures. The Basilica di San Marco and St. Mark’s Campanile stand out above all, but the Doge’s Palace, Torre dell’Orologio, and Museo Correr, are also remarkable to visit.
Also worth checking out is the Piazzetta di San Marco, a smaller open-air area connecting the main square to the canal. The Piazzetta features two large granite columns, one with a sculpture of Saint Theodore and the other with a winged lion, symbolizing Saint Mark.
Rialto Bridge
As far as bridges go, Rialto Bridge, or Ponte di Rialto, is by far the most well-known in Venice. It has withstood the test of time, being the oldest bridge in the city, and is now a symbol of Venice, crossing over the narrowest point of the Grand Canal.
The unique design of the Rialto Bridge is attributed to Antonio da Ponte and his nephew, who designed and built it in the late 16th century. The eye-catching bright white stone captures everyone’s attention and features intricate archways and railings.
While walking across this beautiful bridge, take in the sights of the Grand Canal below and take some lovely photos. Small shops and vendors line the bridge’s center, so you can browse for some trinkets or Murano glass creations to bring home. As a bonus, the bridge is near the Rialto Market in the San Polo district, another worthwhile attraction in the city.
Accademia Bridge
Of the four bridges that cross the Grand Canal, Ponte dell’Accademia is one of the more unique. Find it toward the south of the canal in the Dorsoduro district, near the Punta della Dogana in Palazzo Grassi and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
Unlike Rialto Bridge and others, Accademia Bridge is built entirely from wood, seemingly in complete contrast with the stone designs of the rest of the city. The bridge was first constructed in 1854 from steel. However, renovations in the 1930s replaced it with wood, making it one of the most unique bridges along the Grand Canal.
The intricate carvings on the bridge are gorgeous in their own right, but from there, you’ll see views of boats passing by, palazzos, and the distant view of the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute.
Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs is another impressive sight, built between 1600 and 1603 by Antonio Contino. It crosses a narrow canal connecting the Doge’s Palace with the New Prison building and was used to transport prisoners to their cells. Because of its initial function, it’s the only bridge in Venice that is completely enclosed.
Now, more lightheartedly, it is called “the Bridge of Lovers,” owing to the legend that lovers who share a kiss on or beneath it will be granted eternal love. Most choose to admire the bridge’s intricate Baroque designs and carvings from the Ponte della Paglia.
That said if you want to explore the inside of Doge’s Palace and walk through the bridge, take a guided tour like this one.
Riva degli Schiavoni
To enjoy a walk along the waterfront of the Adriatic Sea, visit the Riva degli Schiavoni. The promenade sits in St. Mark’s Basin between the Doge’s Palace and the Arsenale di Venezia. Its origins date back to around the 9th century when it was the site of the docks which received cargo from Slavic traders.
Now a lively and entertaining promenade, it is filled with market stalls, a vibrant atmosphere, and gorgeous views. Vendors sell anything from sweet pastries and snacks to cute Venetian souvenirs. There are also excellent restaurants and bars along the waterfront, like Trattoria Al Vecio Portal.
DISCOVER: What to eat in Delicious Venetian food to try.
It’s also worth seeing the Church of Santa Maria della Visitazione and the impressive bronze statue of Vittorio Emmanuel II. However, keep in mind that Riva degli Schiavoni can get very busy and crowded.
The City Overall
There are many specific places to see in Venice, Italy, but generally speaking, the entire city is great to explore. You don’t need to stick to well-known places along the Grand Canal.
Venetian neighborhoods, like Santa Croce or the San Polo district, are filled with picturesque spots to sightsee and keep busy. These include places like the Torre dell’Orologio and Rialto Market, which sell a range of fresh produce, clothing, and precious stones.
Visitors who are more history-focused can also visit the Cannaregio district. Inside is a Jewish ghetto neighborhood with great historical significance, restaurants, synagogues, and a Jewish museum, Ghetto di Venezia.
You can take a short walk through the narrow and small streets on your own to discover the nooks and crannies of every area. Why not try this Venice walking tour and gondola journey to see all the top sights or discover the more hidden side of Venice with these walking trails? Whatever you decide, there are plenty of Venice tourist attractions to keep you busy.
Cathedrals and Churches
Basilica di San Marco and Bell Tower
In the east end of the Piazza San Marco is the jaw-dropping Basilica di San Marco or St. Mark’s Basilica. The church is an amazing feat of architecture that blends Renaissance and Gothic styles and is truly one of the best things to see in Venice.
The basilica is covered in gold mosaics across its walls with domes and incredibly detailed sculptures inside and out. A separate section of the basilica houses historical artifacts related to the church in St. Mark’s Musuem.
Still in Piazza San Marco and just a few steps away from the front of the basilica sits St. Mark’s bell tower, also called the Campanile. Standing almost 325 feet tall, the top of the tower provides uninterrupted views of the piazza, the city, and the brilliant blue ocean.
Learn more about booking tickets from the official website, or opt for a guided tour that includes St. Mark’s Basilica and the bell tower.
Abbazia di San Giorgio Maggiore
Nestled in the waters surrounding San Giorgio Maggiore island is the Abbazia di San Giorgio Maggiore, another must-see church. The abbey’s construction started in 1566, designed by Andrea Palladio and later completed by Vincenzo Scamozzi in 1610.
The structure boasts a beautiful blend of white stone and red brick and has a stand-out green roof on top of the bell tower, which gives San Giorgio its characteristic look. The inside is equally impressive, with marble columns lining the pews and intricate sculptures throughout.
Be sure to take the elevator to the top of the bell tower, where you can marvel at the views of the city and the Venetian lagoon. There’s nothing like it.
You can catch a ferry to the island to see the church independently, but a guided tour is much easier. This San Giorgio Maggiore tour, for example, includes waterbus transfers to and from the island with access to the church and bell tower.
Basilica Santa Maria della Salute
The Basilica Santa Maria della Salute stands tall and proud at the entrance to the Grand Canal, with a stunning view of the San Marco basin in the Venetian lagoon. Construction began in 1631 and finished over 50 years later, becoming one of the most beautiful holy places in the city.
The exterior of Santa Maria della Salute is characterized by the two large domes and the intricate carvings on the facade, each themed around the glorification of Mary. Walking inside is equally grand, with the dome shedding light into the rotunda. Mosaic tile floors, statues, and crystal chandeliers all adorn the main altar.
The easiest way to visit the Baroque church is to visit the official website of the Santa Maria della Salute, which offers guided tours and entrance tickets.
Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo
The final basilica on the list is the incredible Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, or San Zanipolo, as the locals call it, located in the Sestiere Castello district. The medieval Gothic church now serves as a burial ground for influential figures, including Doge Jacopo Tiepolo, the basilica’s founder, and famous artist Giovanni Bellini.
The basilica was built in the 14th century and boasts a rustic brown brick exterior with white accents and a central round window in the center of the facade. Once inside, you’ll be greeted with impressive tall ceilings, grand columns, stone archways, and detailed sculptures.
Here is some general information about visiting San Zanipolo, but as always, it’s easier to go on a guided tour, as these include entrance and extra commentary. This tour, for example, takes you to some of Venice’s iconic churches, including San Zanipolo.
Galleries and Museums
Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
Undoubtedly, one of the most famous places in Venice is the Doge’s Palace, also called Palazzo Ducale, in Piazza San Marco. As the name suggests, the palace was built as the residence for the doges of the Venetian Republic. Doge’s Palace, as we know it today, dates back as early as the 14th century and features characteristics of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
Once entering via the Porta del Frumento, you’ll find a series of impressive exhibitions and galleries. The Museo dell’Opera, the Doges’ Apartments, and the Institutional Chambers are only some collections available. Doge’s Palace also does occasional temporary art exhibitions.
Remember the Bridge of Sighs from earlier? Buying tickets to Doge’s Palace will give you access to the bridge’s interior and prison cells. You’ll also have other opportunities to explore hidden tunnels, view the artwork in Doge’s Palace and much more.
Accademia Gallery
The Accademia Gallery in Venice, Italy, is in the three-building complex of Scuola della Carità, located in the Dorsoduro district on the edge of the Grand Canal. The first part of the building, which was a former church, is as old as the 13th century.
This is no small museum. It houses the world’s most extensive collection of Venetian art from the 14th to 19th centuries, making it a must-visit for all art enthusiasts. The museum has 37 halls, split between the ground floor and the upper hall. Some of the most famous artworks include Giorgio’s “Tempest” and Lorenzo Lotto’s “Portrait of a Young Man.”
The official website provides information on admission and how to book tickets, but a private tour is more recommended. This private Accademia Gallery and Dorsoduro tour is a fantastic choice.
READ: The Accademia Gallery is also featured among these main attractions in Florence.
Arsenale Maritime Museum
Officially named the Historical Naval Museum of Venice, this following location is quite a turn from the traditional museums you’d expect. The museum is owned by the Ministry of Defense and is deemed one of the most important naval museums in the country.
The Maritime Museum was founded in 1919 after World War I and is in a 15th-century structure that initially served as a granary. Its 42 rooms now hold relics, trophies, weapons from the Navy over the years, and full-scale boats and submarines.
A more recent addition to the museum is the Ships Pavillion, which was restored to resemble the 16th-century Arsenal galleys and holds an impressive historical boat from that time. Two additional exhibition areas display a World War II powerboat and the mighty Enrico Dandolo submarine.
To visit the Maritime Museum, check out the booking information on the official website or opt for a separate guided tour for a more informed experience.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is an incredible addition to your itinerary. It is the second most visited museum in Venice, just behind Doge’s Palace, and is housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni.
The building was once the private home of American art collector Peggy Guggenheim, who was passionate about art history and post-1910 pieces. Over her lifetime, she garnered the most impressive modern collection of European and American art in Italy.
Artworks on display include private commissions by Jackson Pollock and paintings from legends like Salvador Dali’s “Birth of Liquid Desires” and “On the Beach” by Pablo Picasso. Other collections include brilliant sculptures, mixed media pieces, and photographs, each portraying various modern art styles.
The official website offers entrance tickets, guided audio tours, and group tour options. Alternatively, you can try a private arts and culture tour like this, which includes access to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
Ca’Rezzonico
The Ca’Rezzonico Museum is housed in a three-story 18th-century palace adorned with bright white columns, railings, and sculpted details. The noble Bon family commissioned the brilliant Baldassare Longhena to construct the palace as their private home beside the Grand Canal.
The museum has several collections spread across the three floors. Upon entering via Giorgio Massari’s large ceremonial staircase, you’ll be on the first floor, consisting primarily of paintings, frescoes, and 18th-century furniture.
The second and third floors hold equally impressive displays, including rooms dedicated to specific artists, like Giandomenico Tieopolo, and a collection of paintings by Egidio Martini.
You can easily learn everything you need to know about visiting Ca’Rezzonico here on the official website.
TIP: The best way to visit is through the Venice Museum Pass. This provides access to Ca’Rezzonico and the city’s most notable museums, including Museo Correr, the Murano Glass Museum, and Palazzo Ducale.
Scuola Grande di San Rocco
The Scuola Grande di San Rocco in San Polo was originally a religious organization established in 1478. Over the years, several notable architects, such as Pietro Bon and Pietro Saccardo, guided the building’s construction. Today, it stands as one of Venice’s art museums.
The pristine white building is adorned with stunning carvings, columns, and arched windows. Yet, the beauty of the outside is nothing compared to what lies within. The museum, dedicated mainly to the work of the esteemed painter Tintoretto, holds some of his best works.
Inside the different sections of Scuola Grande di San Rocco, you can admire the walls and ceilings covered entirely in jaw-dropping large frescoes with golden detailing. However, the collection also includes artworks from other artists, including Antonio Zanchi and Pietro Negri.
To visit and admire the Renaissance works of Scuola Grande di San Rocco, visit the official website or try out this audio guide tour.
More Sights of Venice
Giardini della Biennale
Not all of Venice’s tourist attractions are well-known, and the Giardini della Biennale is a lovely example of this. It is nestled alongside a gorgeous seafront promenade at the very edge of the historic center and is one of the largest parks in the city.
The park was designed by landscape architect Giannantonio Selva between 1808 and 1812. It consists of the usual greenery, monuments, and seating areas, as well as two bookstores and two cafés. It also has a central building and 29 pavilions, each with a unique architectural style created by different architects from various nations.
The highlight of the gardens is that every two years, it is the host site for the Venice Biennale Art Festival, which showcases everything from artwork and architecture to Theatre and cinema.
The gardens are free to enter every day between 10 AM and 6 PM, but when the Venice Biennale Art Festival is running, it’s best to get tickets from the official website.
Teatro La Fenice
Thespians and music lovers will undoubtedly want to visit the Teatro La Fenice in Campo San Fantin. It’s the most important and popular theater in Venice, hosting spectacular opera performances and the best classical music showcases in the world.
Teatro La Fenice has withstood the test of time. It was first built between 1790 and 1792, then suffered from two major fires in 1836 and 1996, and was finally restored completely by the end of 2003. Now, the unassuming exterior is nothing compared to the grandeur of the theatre on the inside. The interior features Neoclassical architecture, ornate and golden balconies, intricate frescoes, and grand chandeliers.
The official website lists every upcoming event you want to witness and is the only place to purchase tickets to these performances. That said, if you want an in-depth tour exploring the architecture of Teatro La Fenice, try a guided tour.
Gondola Ride
Let’s be honest – whenever someone talks about Venice, Italy, they likely mention the iconic gondolas floating across the canals. The use of these little boats dates back to the Middle Ages and has since become a trademark of the city.
Whether along the Grand Canal or the Rio della Misericordia, there is a gondolier at every corner just waiting to provide a once-in-a-lifetime gondola ride. There are many ways to experience this, from a private and romantic gondola ride with your partner to a shared one with up to six people. Either way, it’s a great method to explore most of the city’s main attractions.
Now, an overwhelming number of tours are available to tourists wanting to experience a gondola ride. Just to make things simple, here are a few recommendations:
- Grand Canal by Gondola with Live Commentary
- Off the Beaten Path Private Gondola Ride
- Private Nighttime Gondola Ride
LEARN: About the history of the gondola in our podcast episode The Story of the Venetian Gondola.
Wrapping Up – Main Venice Attractions
By now, you’ve realized that when it comes to Venice, Italy, beautiful places aren’t hard to find. From admiring the opulence of the Palazzo Ducale to taking a gondola ride beneath Rialto Bridge along the Grand Canal or stopping by Rialto Market. These tourist attractions are bound to impress.
And once you’ve had your fill of the popular tourist attractions in this beautiful city, why not ditch your Venice map and head down more unknown paths to Venice’s hidden gems?
While you’re here, check out these other guides to help with planning your next vacation to Venice:
Our team of writers and creatives at Untold Italy are experts in keeping you informed and inspired about travel in Italy. Our team collaboration involves writers, photographers and editorial staff dedicated to sharing accurate Italy travel information.
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