All 80 Favorite Spots

31

Having fueled Venice's naval power for centuries, this historic shipyard now offers hands-on exploration for everyone: enter a Cold War submarine, get close to the giant sculpture of six pairs of hands atop a dock, and discover the stories behind the city's maritime legacy.

19

Escape the claustrophobia of crowds and narrow alleys into this expansive spiritual open space filled with art treasures and monumental mausoleums.

19

With its dazzling golden mosaics, profound history, and commanding aura, the so-called Church of Gold evokes a sense of overwhelming emotion. It stands as a lasting tribute to divine glory and the enduring power of Venice.

10

Enclosed bridge named for the sighs of convicts crossing it en route to the palace prison.

The Bridge of Sighs is simply one of the world's most famous bridges.

5

Fishermen's island known for its quaint, colorful houses and traditional lace-making.

A cheerful contrast to Venice, especially on sunny days, when the vibrant colors truly come to life.

14

Two distinct and captivating art museums, housed within a colossal canalside palace and accessible with a single ticket.

Even if modern art isn't to your taste and another grand palace feels like too much, the artifacts in the Oriental Museum are fascinating, with the collection considered one of the most important in Europe.

7

Museum showcasing the extravagance of 18th-century Venetian life, set within a grand palace.

Step back in time to Venice's Age of Decadence with a visit to this opulent residence, one of the few open to the public.

10

Exquisite Gothic palace housing a curated art collection.

Step inside one of Venice's most elegant palazzos, where direct, front-row views of Canal Grande are perfectly framed by graceful Gothic arches.

12

Basilica bell tower overlooking the square, tallest structure in Venice.

Enjoy spectacular aerial vistas over Venice and, on clear days, even the Alps, with effortless access by elevator.

6

A rare green corner of Venice - this irregular campo, wrapped around its namesake church, is shadier and leafier than most.

6

The city's liveliest square, buzzing with local energy and offering a great starting place for a night out.

7

Recharge at one of the inviting cafés on this charming square, framed by elegant historic buildings and their signature Venetian Gothic windows.

30

Only here, in this unique setting, can you admire some of the world's most exquisite palaces and architecture while simultaneously gliding past a vibrant array of boats.

10

Theatre museum in the former house of the renowned Venetian playwright.

Explore the history of Venetian theatre and admire the unique puppet theater, along with its displayed marionettes.

10

Located beside the very site where the famed Venetian composer once lived and worked, this waterfront church is best experienced during an evening concert, when an uplifting performance of The Four Seasons fills the church space.

9

Gothic church housing a series of evocative crucifixion scenes painted in an unconventional style.

After a peaceful break in the nearby square, curiosity may lead you inside to experience this unique take on a biblical scene.

7

Confraternity church housing the remains of the protector against the plague.

The beautiful art inside is a good warm-up before your visit to the adjacent Scuola Grande.

14

Get hands-on with Leonardo's mechanical inventions and be inspired by his genius at this interactive museum, which also features high-res digital reproductions of his masterpieces.

7

Former luxury shopping mall in a historical building, offering sweeping views from its rooftop terrace.

As of late April 2025, both the mall and its terrace are CLOSED, with no clear updates on if or when they'll reopen 😔

11

Renaissance palace showcasing the family's historical art collection alongside contemporary works.

Explore beautiful interiors and an art collection where ancient and modern intertwine, culminating in a journey to the 1700s with vivid scenes of Venetian private and public life.

11

Art museum documenting the evolution of Venetian art from the 13th to the 18th centuries.

Immerse yourself in one of Italy's finest art collections, featuring breathtaking canvases brimming with color, light and splendor.

13

The term “ghetto” originated right here, in the area where Jews were compelled to live in the 16th century. Even today, echoes of this incredible past are still palpable.

10

Napoleon's creation of the park marked Venice's first public green space, now a peaceful retreat offering sweeping lagoon views and serving as the heart of the Biennale art exhibition.

17

This historic, richly decorated opera house was reborn twice after fires burned it to the ground - just as its name (The Phoenix) foretold.

7

Quirky bookshop complete with resident cats and its own gondola.

Step into a one-of-a-kind book lover's paradise, where books rest in gondolas and charming resident cats keep watch.

9

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city with some proper beach time and peaceful seaside relaxation at Venice's coastal resort.

12

This graceful church, with its one-of-a-kind facade, preserves two of Tintoretto's greatest works and marks his final resting place.

8

Just a short water bus ride from Venice, immerse yourself in all things glass: its production, history, artistry, and indulge in souvenir shopping right at the source.

14

Prominent museum showcasing treasured artworks and Venice's history.

Included in the ticket to Palazzo Ducale, exploring the opulent interiors and rich collection is not to be missed.

12

Museum delving into the history of glassmaking, featuring glass items from ancient times to the present day.

You get to appreciate the artistry and decorative applications of this captivating material in the world's largest historical collection of Murano glass.

9

Museum dedicated to the art of Italian violin making, housed in a centuries-old deconsecrated church.

Few places in the world feature a church as the setting for a music museum, while also offering free entry.

19

Natural history museum featuring artifacts from Venetian expeditions.

Ideal for families with middle to older children, fostering a genuine sense of exploration among curious visitors.

24

Set sail through history in this fascinating five-floor museum packed with naval exhibits, model fleets, weaponry, and uniforms - plus a full ships pavilion in the legendary Arsenal.

6

Get dizzy climbing this snail-shaped (bovolo) staircase, built with defiance in the 1400s to showcase the wealth of one of Italy's oldest noble families.

26

Behind the elegant facade of this ornate palace, once home to Venice's political leader, majestic chambers coexist with a darker side creating a fascinating duality.

15

In the warm and inviting ambiance of Mariano Fortuny's former residence, the array of art is beyond words. With each display suggesting that the artistic work is still unfolding, you'll feel as though the artist could step into the room at any given moment, ready to continue his creative journey.

17

Contemporary art museum in a classical 17-th century palace.

Explore the lives and works of today's top artists inside Venice's last grand palazzo, where avant-garde contemporary art meets classical decor in a unique blend of past and present creativity.

20

Unusual Renaissance palace with theatrical frescoed halls adorned with intricate grotesques.

Get a sense of how the ultra-rich Venetians adorned their palazzos with out-of-the-ordinary decorations.

14

Museum that transports you into the everyday world of Venetian nobility during the Republic's golden age.

Be instantly transported to a bygone era with richly detailed decor, lavish historic garments and an interactive fragrance exhibition.

10

Tranquil park with shaded pine trees, a playground and stunning views over the San Marco basin.

Escape the city's narrow streets and crowds to open, green expanses and witness one of the best sunsets.

16

Modern art collection in an 18th-century unfinished palace.

Ideal for modern art enthusiasts and those seeking a respite from traditional Venetian art.

13

There's a reason most one-day visitors head straight here: Venice's grand central square, the city's social, religious, and political heart, is nothing short of spectacular.

5

Bridge famed for its historic tradition of organized fistfights between rival gangs.

Step into the stone footprints and picture the tension in the air, the roar of the crowd, and the chaos about to unfold. Fortunately, today the only battle is resisting another gelato.

24

Contemporary art museum in a former customs building, right beside a prime vantage point.

Along with thought-provoking exhibitions in a beautifully modernized historic building, you'll get to enjoy some of the finest views of the Venetian waterfront.

15

The first bridge over the Grand Canal, now one of Venice's most iconic landmarks.

7

Historic market with lively stalls providing a glimpse into authentic Venetian life.

A feast for the senses: delight in vibrant colors, immerse yourself in an array of intoxicating smells, and listen to the lively banter of stallholders speaking in Venetian dialect.

8

Indulge in glass souvenir shopping directly from the hands of the glassmakers in the artisan glass workshops lining this charming canal in Murano.

16

Walk Venice's monumental waterfront along the San Marco basin for unrivaled, postcard-perfect views of the city's most iconic landmarks set against the glittering expanse of water.

7

Sunny quayside south of Rialto with prime views of the bridge.

Take in some of the best views of Rialto Bridge - whether dangling your feet above Canal Grande or relaxing at one of the many terrace restaurants.

12

Find yourself involuntarily searching for Indiana Jones in front of the church's iconic facade - then step inside to get hands on with Leonardo's ingenious creations.

9

As you enter this beautiful Romanesque church, glance to the right: a painted miracle scene seems innocent - until you look closer.

6

Possibly the oldest church in Venice, this charming Gothic gem - with its rare portico and large clockface - once drew bankers and money changers who did business right beneath its arches.

18

Island church offering stunning panoramic views of Venice from its bell tower.

6

Just a short detour from St. Mark's Square, this church is well worth a visit for its dramatic altarpiece and over-the-top Baroque facade.

7

Veneto-Byzantine church with a history of aiding the less fortunate.

It's a beautiful and tranquil church, nestled away from the crowds in a characterful part of Dorsoduro.

10

Behind the unassuming facade lies a breathtaking ceiling, alive with a vibrant celestial scene and a mesmerizing sense of depth.

13

This monumental Baroque church houses the relics of Venice's original patron saint, beautifully restored art, and at least two hidden gems.

8

This was the three-decade 'workplace' of one of Venice's greatest painters. His dramatic works, combined with the church's serene atmosphere, create a captivating sense of peaceful harmony.

6

End your day of sightseeing with a moving classical concert in a sacred setting - where the atmosphere and acoustics elevate the experience.

11

Among the many treasures and curiosities of this Gothic-Renaissance church, none linger longer in the memory than its eerie, partially flooded crypt.

11

Nothing in the unassuming brick exterior hints at the vibrant mosaics inside Torcello's ancient cathedral.

8

With a name that raises eyebrows, this church invites you to admire two contrasting facades and a remarkable marble-framed polyptych inside.

8

Step inside to experience an unusually slender nave, richly adorned with 24 large friezes that vividly bring Carmelite stories to life.

6

Often called a 'Renaissance jewelry box' for its exquisite polychrome marble panels, supposedly crafted from leftover marbles from St. Mark's Basilica.

10

Beyond the Baroque splendor of the facade and its unique relief maps of Rome and other cities, step inside the treasury to uncover an unexpected painting from a distant land and style.

22

Towering at the mouth of the Grand Canal, the church's striking silhouette is one of Venice's most recognizable sights.

15

It's okay to feel small inside this art-filled Gothic giant - the upside is that its vastness offers endless exploration.

9

Old church with magnificent Byzantine mosaics and a dragon myth.

You'll be welcomed by an elegant exterior and then mesmerized by the mosaics inside. Kids will ask countless questions about the fabled dragon.

14

Archconfraternity building featuring lavish, luminous, art-filled interiors.

A hidden gem of a scuola that, with a bit of luck, you could have all to yourself while visiting.

12

Boasting one of Venice's most impressive marble facades, this former confraternity building now serves as the entrance to the city hospital - and fittingly houses a medical museum in its remarkable upper Chapter Hall.

13

The wealthiest of the seven confraternity buildings will impress with its breathtaking grand interiors, showcasing some of the most dramatic artworks in Venice - matched only by those of the Doge's Palace.

9

Once the seat of Venice's oldest confraternity, this historic scuola grande now hosts opera and classical concerts, where performers appear in full 18th-century attire.

8

At this historic boatyard, artisans continue the centuries-old tradition of crafting and repairing gondolas entirely by hand.

27

One of the lagoon's earliest settlements, now largely reclaimed by nature, yet still home to one of the oldest churches with remarkable Byzantine mosaics.

16

Instead of Venice's familiar rooftops, this bell tower offers a sweeping panorama of wild, beautiful nature - a glimpse of the landscape long before Venice was born.

12

Only by stepping inside can you truly appreciate this half-millennium-old technological wonder, crowned by superb panoramic views from the upper terraces.

9

While not a tourist attraction per se, it's the main access point for trips in and out of Venice.

7

Intimate jazz club featuring live music from the VJC quartet plus a full bar.

After a day of exploring Venice's historical charm, indulging in contemporary live music at this effortlessly cool club is the perfect way to return to the present moment.

13

This delightfully nostalgic collection of more than 6,000 toys sparks happy memories in adults and wins instant points with kids.

12

The second-widest waterfront promenade in Venice is a soothing spot, perfect for soaking up the local atmosphere, watching the sunset with an aperitivo in hand, and easing into the evening.

Consider getting a city pass