Classic Venice
Best 20 Spots Beyond the Classics
Best 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 best spots - beyond the classic, famous ones you've probably already heard of.
01 |Scuola Grande 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.
02 |Frari Basilica
Escape the claustrophobia of crowds and narrow alleys into this expansive spiritual open space filled with art treasures and monumental mausoleums.
03 |San Giorgio Maggiore
Stunning panoramic views of Venice await you after a short elevator ride inside the bell tower of this island church, renowned for its radiant, spacious interior.
04 |Ca' Rezzonico
Magnificent palace museum revealing the art, luxury, and daily life of Venice's aristocratic golden age.
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.
05 |Ca' Pesaro
Two contrasting art collections inside a grand canalside palace, accessible with a single ticket.
From modern art to one of Europe's most important Oriental collections, Ca' Pesaro offers enough depth to justify a visit beyond its grand canalside palace setting.
06 |Riva 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.
07 |Venetian Arsenal
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.
08 |Santa 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.
09 |San Pantalon
Behind the unassuming facade lies a breathtaking ceiling, alive with a vibrant celestial scene and a mesmerizing sense of depth.
10 |Palazzo Grimani
Unusual palace with theatrical frescoed halls, intricate grotesque decorations, and rooms beyond imagination.
Get a sense of how the ultra-rich Venetians adorned their palazzos with out-of-the-ordinary decorations.
11 |Fortuny Museum
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.
12 |Jewish Ghetto
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.
13 |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.
14 |San Zaccaria
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.
15 |Palazzo Mocenigo
Museum that transports visitors into the everyday world of Venetian nobility during the Republic's golden age.
Immerse yourself in a bygone era through richly detailed décor, lavish historic garments, and an interactive fragrance exhibition.
16 |Accademia Galleries
Art museum tracing the evolution of Venetian painting from the 13th to the 18th centuries, home to some of the city's most important masterpieces.
Immerse yourself in one of Italy's finest art collections, featuring breathtaking canvases brimming with color, light and splendor.
17 |Ca' d'Oro
One of Venice's finest Gothic palaces, home to the Franchetti art collection and offering Grand Canal views from its upper loggia.
Step inside one of Venice's most elegant palazzos, where direct, front-row views of the Grand Canal are perfectly framed by graceful Gothic arches.
18 |Punta della Dogana
Contemporary art museum in a former customs house, set at the tip of Venice where the Grand Canal meets the open lagoon.
Enjoy rotating contemporary art exhibitions inside a beautifully restored historic customs house, along with some of the finest views over the Venetian lagoon.
19 |Clock Tower
Only by stepping inside can you truly appreciate this half-millennium-old technological wonder, crowned by superb panoramic views from the upper terraces.
20 |Campo Santa Margherita
The city's liveliest square, buzzing with local energy and offering a great starting place for a night out.
Consider getting a city pass
In addition to saving on entry fees, the biggest advantage of a city pass is skipping the lines and streamlining your entry to Venice’s top attractions.
You simply show your pass and walk right in.
The most comprehensive official option is the Venezia Unica City Pass.
Find your Venice
Tailored picks to match your travel style, mood, or interests.