More Than 20 Places to Visit in Venice for Free

Church concealing a vast ceiling painting that spans the heavens above, creating an extraordinary illusion of depth.

Don't let the unassuming facade fool you.

Enter, look up and you'll find a vast celestial scene that seems to burst through the roof into infinity, packed with saints, angels, and intricate details.

It took 24 years to create, and is made from 40 canvases sewn together into one astonishing illusion.

Historic shipyard that powered Venice's naval supremacy and played a key role in the Republic's maritime dominance.

This is where Venice's maritime power was built on an astonishing scale: at its peak, the Arsenal employed thousands of workers and could turn out war galleys with remarkable speed.

Most visitors see only the main gate, partly because much of the complex remains off limits as it is still an active military base.

But one section can be explored year-round: among historic docks and industrial buildings that reveal the sheer scale of this remarkable shipbuilding operation, there are unexpected sights including a Cold War submarine and Lorenzo Quinn's giant pairs of hands.

Museum dedicated to Italian violin making and historic string instruments, housed in a centuries-old deconsecrated church.

Rare violins and other string instruments take on a special presence when displayed beneath the frescoes and neoclassical architecture of a former church.

Add centuries of Italian craftsmanship, a connection to Vivaldi, and free entry, and this little museum is an easy stop to add to your Venice itinerary.

Striking Baroque votive church with a distinctive octagonal design and panoramic views over the entrance to the Grand Canal from its dome.

La Salute is a combination of experiences.

On one side, there's a vast church with a distinctive interior and an impressive collection of art.

On the other, the views from the dome are truly breathtaking.

And then there's the location, right at the mouth of the Grand Canal.

Island church with a bright, vast interior, offering sweeping views over Venice from its bell tower.

Reach the waterfront in front of the church with just one vaporetto stop from St. Mark's Square. As soon as you arrive, you're met with sweeping views across the San Marco Basin, with the familiar sights of St. Mark's Square visible across the water.

Want to see even farther? A short elevator ride takes you up the bell tower, where you'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping panoramic views across Venice.

And once you're back at ground level, the church's bright, spacious interior invites you to linger a little longer and discover Tintoretto's dramatic works.

Don't rush back just yet: take some time to wander around the island, where there's more to discover beyond the church.

Dedicated gallery showcasing the artistic possibilities of glass through rotating exhibitions of contemporary glass creations.

With free entry, a premium setting and constantly changing exhibitions, Le Stanze del Vetro is an easy stop for anyone curious about what artists can do with glass.

Eccentric bookshop where gondolas and bathtubs serve as bookshelves and cats rule the aisles.

Lose yourself among an eclectic collection of new and used books, from rare editions to volumes devoted to Venice.

A staircase made of old books invites you to climb up and see where it leads, while a covered gondola moored outside one of the entrances offers a memorable photo opportunity.

Few bookshops make browsing feel quite this much like an adventure.

Ancient Veneto-Byzantine church with a lavish interior that belies its humble surroundings and history of serving Venice's less fortunate.

Don't let the modest exterior fool you: inside, gold leaf, paintings, and ornate decoration create a surprisingly lavish setting that feels all the more remarkable given the church's humble roots.

Tucked away from the crowds, it's also a chance to wander through one of Dorsoduro's most atmospheric corners: quiet calli, characterful campielli, and picturesque bridges around every turn.

Roman Catholic church with an exuberant Baroque facade and an equally impressive altarpiece.

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.

Renaissance church near Rialto, home to important artworks, two overlooked treasures, and a long-standing connection to Venice's first patron saint.

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

Quaint Gothic church with a large, unusual 15th-century clock on its facade, once the epicenter of Venice's financial life.

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.

Historic food market filled with lively stalls, offering 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.

Marble church housing the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary.

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

Gothic-Renaissance church concealing an eerie, partially flooded crypt beneath its structure.

Among the many treasures and curiosities of this Gothic-Renaissance church, none linger longer in the memory than its partially flooded crypt, where the water forms a perfect mirror, reflecting ancient columns and tombs in a haunting subterranean pool.

Roman Catholic church with a remarkable Baroque Venetian facade featuring detailed relief maps.

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.

Catholic church with a curios name, nestled in a charming square lined with cafés and shops.

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

Carmelite church with an interior that creates the impression of striking length.

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

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.

Romanesque church containing a curious depiction of a miracle performed by the Virgin.

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

Church transformed by vibrant paintings by Veronese, who spent three decades decorating it and is buried here.

This was the 'workplace' of one of Venice's greatest painters. His dramatic works, set against the church's serene atmosphere, create a captivating sense of peaceful harmony.

The church is also a great starting point for exploring Dorsoduro's quieter lanes, little campi, winding canals, and picturesque bridges.

Gothic church adorned with major works by Tintoretto, who is also buried within.

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