CityScrolls logo Explore Venice ›

Top 20 Spots Beyond the Classics

Top 20 Alternatives

With so many incredible sights to explore, narrowing down Venice’s must-sees from all our featured spots is no easy task.

Here’s our pick of 20 top spots — beyond the classic, famous ones you’ve probably already heard of.

See the Top 10 Classics


1

Scuola di San Rocco

Scuola di San Rocco : The first glimpse of the spectacular Sala Capitulare as you ascend the grand staircase

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.

Explore Scuola di San Rocco

2

Basilica dei Frari

Basilica dei Frari : Canova's mausoleum is perhaps the most distinctive monument among the many within this vast church

Imposing Gothic church housing art treasures and monumental mausoleums.

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

Explore Basilica dei Frari

3

San Giorgio Maggiore

San Giorgio Maggiore : On its small island as seen from across the lagoon from Punta della Dogana

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

Take in breathtaking views similar to those from Campanile di San Marco, but this time with the iconic tower also included in the frame.

Explore San Giorgio Maggiore

4

Ca' Rezzonico

Ca' Rezzonico : The throne room is draped in luxurious red velvet and it derives its name from the ornate gilded wooden throne adorned with cherubs, sea-nymphs, and sea-horses

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.

Explore Ca' Rezzonico

5

Ca' Pesaro

Ca' Pesaro : The first floor is reserved for modern art, such as this cast of 'The Thinker' by Auguste Rodin

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.

Explore Ca' Pesaro

6

Riva degli Schiavoni

Riva degli Schiavoni :  The monumental waterfront is constantly bustling with crowds, especially the closer you get to the Palazzo Ducale

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.

Explore Riva degli Schiavoni

7

Arsenale

Arsenale : The main waterway entrance

Historic shipyard powering Venice's former naval supremacy.

Perfect for boys of all ages, yet everyone will be amazed by the history of the complex and fascinated by the giant sculpture depicting six pairs of hands.

Explore Arsenale

8

Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Santa Maria dei Miracoli : The narrow, tall nave has a raised altar so that everyone can see the venerated painting of the Virgin

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

Explore Santa Maria dei Miracoli

9

San Pantalon

San Pantalon : The church is renowned for its vast ceiling painting

Church concealing a vast ceiling painting that spans the heavens above.

The breathtaking ceiling, with its vibrant celestial scene and mesmerizing sense of depth, is sure to leave you in awe.

Explore San Pantalon

10

Palazzo Grimani

Palazzo Grimani : The Tribuna is also known as the 'Chamber of Antiquities' because it once housed over 130 ancient sculptures

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.

Explore Palazzo Grimani

11

Palazzo Fortuny

Palazzo Fortuny : The Winter Garden is remarkable for its unexpected painting cycle on the wall, meticulously crafted by Fortuny over 25 years

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.

Explore Palazzo Fortuny

12

Ghetto Ebraico

Ghetto Ebraico : The main square, Campo di Ghetto Nuovo, early on a Hanukkah morning.

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.

Explore Ghetto Ebraico

13

Chiesa della Pieta (Vivaldi Church)

Chiesa della Pieta (Vivaldi Church) : The anticipation builds as everyone awaits the arrival of the musicians

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.

Explore Chiesa della Pieta (Vivaldi Church)

14

San Zaccaria

San Zaccaria : The flooded 10th-century Romanesque crypt

Gothic-Renaissance church with a mysterious flooded crypt.

While there is much to appreciate in the ornate decoration and art, it is the crypt that truly sets this place of worship apart.

Explore San Zaccaria

15

Palazzo Mocenigo

Palazzo Mocenigo : To evoke daily life as it was back then, rooms contain mannequins wearing ancient garments and accessories

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.

Explore Palazzo Mocenigo

16

Santa Maria della Salute

Santa Maria della Salute : The exterior is embellished with no less than 125 statues, which starkly contrasts with the solemn ambiance inside

Baroque votive church with a unique octagonal design.

Dominating the southern entrance of the Canal Grande, the church's silhouette has become one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Why not experience its dramatic Baroque up close?

Explore Santa Maria della Salute

17

Ca' d'Oro

Ca' d'Oro : The distinctive facade, as seen from the Canal Grande

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.

Explore Ca' d'Oro

18

Punta della Dogana

Punta della Dogana : The former customs house sits at the entrance of Canal Grande, next to Santa Maria della Salute (visible on the right side of the photo).

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.

Explore Punta della Dogana

19

Torre dell'Orologio

Torre dell'Orologio : The side of the clocktower facing Piazza San Marco

Renaissance clock tower topped with two giant statues that hammer out the hours.

Going inside is essential to fully appreciate this 500-year-old iconic building and technological masterpiece.

Explore Torre dell'Orologio

20

Campo Santa Margherita

Campo Santa Margherita : The lively mix of locals and visitors is even more vibrant as evening approaches, with cafes filling up and the square humming with conversation

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

Explore Campo Santa Margherita

Tip

Consider getting a city pass

In addition to saving on entry fees, the biggest advantage of the official city pass is skipping the lines and streamlining your admission to most of Venice's top attractions.

You simply show the pass and walk right in.


Keep discovering: