Things to do in Venice

On the islet, opposite of Saint Mark's Square, you will find is a church called Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore. This church with a white facade offers beautiful views of Venice from the tower. The church is also clearly visible from Castello. There are also various works of art on display in the church and there is a sailing club on the island. The island does not receive many visitors.

Besides all the wonderful tourist attrations and activities in Venice itself, there is also much to see and do in the vicinity of the city. Visit the islands of Murano, Burano, Torcello or the beach island of Lido by boat. Take the train if you want to go to the cities of Padua or Verona for a bit of culture. The town of Chioggia in the south of the lagoon is also worth a visit by boat. More info Venice area and excursions.

This market is located on the Grand Canal and you can get all kinds of food at the Mercati di Rialto, such as vegetables, fruit, fish, meat, but also spices. All the goods are beautifully displayed so that you can take a good look. If you don't want to buy anything on the market, you will get a good impression of an Italian fresh market. Being able to observe how the locals buy fresh groceries for lunch or the extensive Italian dinner remains a unique experience.

In addition to the museums that are at the top of their list for many visitors, such as the well-known Galleria dell'Accademia with works of art from the 13th to 18th centuries, there are also lesser-known museums and places of interest in Venice Italy. Think of the Palazzo Mocenigo with information about clothing and perfume. Then there is the Museo Storica Navale, the maritime museum. At the Museo della Musica, all the string instruments on display are dizzying. More about Venice museums.

In shopping center 'T Fondaco dei Tedeschi' you can shop for clothes, shoes, handbags, souvenirs or wine. You will find many well-known and luxury brands and much more. Highly recommended is to reserve a free ticket for the rooftop terrace. It has one of the best views over Venice and you see the city with all its sights in a completely different way than from the small streets or from the water.

From the Grand Canal you can already see the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. The building looks sober because of a single floor, but it also makes an impression. The modern collection of paintings and the garden with sculptures behind the museum are worth visiting. You will find mainly European and American works of art. There is also a certain tranquility in this museum, which is sometimes a welcome surprise in a busy city like Venice.

Around Venice are several islands that you can visit with a tour. Murano is the closest to Venice and is best known for its glass art and related museums or shops. Burano is a little further. Here you cannot ignore the street with colored houses. Torcello is the furthest away of these three islands. On this island is the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta and you have a beautiful view over the lagoon. This island tour is an activity that should not be missed during your visit to Venice.

You don't have to be a theater lover to appreciate the beautiful interior of this property. The velvet armchairs, the richly decorated balconies, the lighting and the amazing ceiling will make a visit to this theater even without a performance special. However, in the Feniks theater, various kinds of performances take place, such as Venetian opera and ballet, as well as concerts. If you wish, you can do a tour or spend an evening in Teatro La Fenice and also gaze at all the colors and paintings during the intermission.

The Grand Canal – or Canal Grande – flows through the 6 districts of Venice. Many smaller canals eventually lead to this Grand Canal. This canal is beautiful to see from the shore, but a boat trip is even better to experience the Venice landmarks and sights from the water. You must have done this at least once in your life. About halfway along the Grand Canal is the famous Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge). This covered pedestrian bridge has many shops where you can buy your souvenirs.

The Doge's Palace – also called Palazzo Ducale – was home to the Doge, the leader of the republic that Venice used to be. This palace in Gothic-style used to house political institutions. Now the Doge's Palace is a museum, where you can visit the rooms of the Doge. From the Doge's Palace a bridge crosses the canal: the Ponte dei Sospiri ('Bridge of Sighs'). This bridge was used by convicts who had heard their sentences to enter the prison on the other side of the canal.