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.
Scuola di San Rocco

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 RoccoBasilica dei Frari

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 FrariSan Giorgio Maggiore

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 MaggioreCa' Rezzonico

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' RezzonicoCa' Pesaro

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' PesaroRiva degli Schiavoni

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 SchiavoniArsenale

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 ArsenaleSanta Maria dei Miracoli

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 MiracoliSan Pantalon

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 PantalonPalazzo Grimani

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 GrimaniPalazzo Fortuny

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 FortunyGhetto Ebraico

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 EbraicoChiesa della Pieta (Vivaldi Church)

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)San Zaccaria

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 ZaccariaPalazzo Mocenigo

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 MocenigoSanta Maria della Salute

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 SaluteCa' d'Oro

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'OroPunta della Dogana

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 DoganaTorre dell'Orologio

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'OrologioCampo Santa Margherita

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