Venice isn’t just a city—it’s a living, breathing work of art, and figuring out what to see can feel like an impossible task. You’ve got a city built on water, a labyrinth of canals, and a history that includes centuries of power, wealth, and mind-bending artistry. If you’re looking for the top things to see in Venice, this guide cuts through the noise to get you straight to the good stuff. From the iconic heart of San Marco to the quiet, artistic soul of Dorsoduro, these are the Venice highlights you can’t miss.
Use this map to easily find the top things to see in Venice as you plan your trip.
Top Things to See in San Marco, Venice
San Marco is Venice’s showpiece: the historic core of the Republic and home to the city’s grandest square. Expect Byzantine domes, Gothic lacework in stone, and enough crowds to wonder how the city stays afloat.
St. Mark’s Basilica
Why Go: To stand in the shadow of a truly unique and breathtaking cathedral.
Don’t Miss: The dazzling golden mosaics covering every inch of the interior.
Hours: Mon–Sat 9:30 am to 5:15 pm; Sun 2 pm to 5:15 pm
Admission: €3 for basic entry, with additional costs for the museum and treasury.
This magnificent church is a monument to the city’s wealth and power—and it all started with a heist. In 828 A.D., two Venetian merchants smuggled the body of St. Mark out of Alexandria in a barrel of pork. That act not only gave Venice a new patron saint but also inspired the construction of a cathedral to house his remains.
Inside, you’ll find endless gold mosaics, the Pala d’Oro glowing with Byzantine enamels, and the famous four bronze horses.
Why Go: To walk the halls of power where the Venetian Republic was once governed.
Don’t Miss: The Great Council Chamber and the stunning artwork by Tintoretto and Veronese.
Hours: Daily 9 am to 7 pm (April 1 – October 31); 9 am to 6 pm (November 1 to March 31)
Admission: €30
For centuries, the Doge’s Palace was the seat of Venetian power. It’s an architectural masterpiece, but don’t let its beautiful pink and white diamond pattern and delicate Gothic arches fool you. This building has seen its fair share of dark history that only a guided tour can reveal.
Why Go: To see one of the world’s most famous and photographed bridges.
Don’t Miss: The view from inside as part of your Doge’s Palace visit.
Hours: Same as Doge’s Palace
Admission: Included with Doge’s Palace ticket.
The Bridge of Sighs is a beautiful, enclosed walkway of white limestone that connects the Doge’s Palace to the New Prisons. The story goes that prisoners would sigh at their final glimpse of Venice’s beauty before being locked away. Whether this is true or not is up for debate, but we love the story as it’s baroque, romantic, and morbid—exactly the Venetian trifecta.
St. Mark’s Square
Why Go: To experience the political, social, and spiritual heart of Venice.
Don’t Miss: The clock tower, St. Mark’s Basilica, and the iconic bell tower.
Hours: Always open
Admission: Free
Napoleon once called this “the most beautiful drawing room in Europe,” and he wasn’t wrong. It’s a vast, open space lined with elegant arcades and historic cafés, but it can get ridiculously crowded. The best way to experience it is to either arrive at sunrise when the crowds are gone or to sit at one of the pricey cafés, order a drink, and enjoy the live music and fantastic people-watching.
Why Go: For the absolute best panoramic view of Venice.
Don’t Miss: The view of St. Mark’s Basilica from above, with the lagoon and islands in the distance.
Hours: Daily 9:30 am to 9:15 pm (summer); 9:30 am to 7:15 pm (winter)
Admission: €10
At 323 feet tall, the Campanile di San Marco has been keeping watch over Venice for centuries. The original tower collapsed in 1902 and was rebuilt as an exact replica. A visit to the top is non-negotiable for anyone looking for the top Venice sightseeing opportunities. An elevator whisks you to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree vista that puts the entire city and the lagoon on display.
Why Go: To sip a cappuccino in one of Europe’s oldest cafes.
Don’t Miss: People-watching from the outdoor seating with live music.
Hours: Daily 9 am to 11 pm
Admission: Free to enter, but expensive to order
Yes, a coffee here will cost you as much as a full meal, but you’re not paying for the coffee—you’re paying for a front-row seat to history. Since 1720, this cafe has hosted everyone from Casanova to Lord Byron to Goethe. The ornate, centuries-old rooms inside are a work of art, and the outdoor seating offers the kind of elegant, dramatic people-watching you can only find in Venice. It’s a splurge, but it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Away from the tourist swarms of San Marco, Cannaregio is Venice’s northernmost neighborhood. It’s where you’ll find locals, great food, and a more laid-back vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can wander and feel like you’ve stumbled on a secret.
Why Go: To see a quirky, one-of-a-kind bookstore famous for storing books in bathtubs.
Don’t Miss: The staircase made of old encyclopedias and the “Fire Exit” sign leading to a canal.
Hours: Daily 9 am to 7:30 pm
Admission: Free
Libreria Acqua Alta translates to “Library of High Water,” a nod to the fact that Venice floods a lot. To protect his books, the owner, Luigi Frizzo, devised a clever solution: storing them in bathtubs, gondolas, and buckets. The result is a charming, chaotic space where books are piled floor-to-ceiling. You’ll also likely encounter a friendly cat or two, who have made themselves right at home on top of the tallest stacks.
Why Go: For the best bars and restaurants in Venice, where locals actually hang out.
Don’t Miss: A classic Venetian aperitivo (spritz and cicchetti) at sunset.
Hours: Varies by establishment
Admission: Free to walk the street
If you’re looking for a good time without the tourist circus, head to Fondamenta Misericordia. This canal-front street is the hub of Cannaregio’s social scene, lined with cool, unpretentious bars and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to grab a spritz and some cicchetti (Venetian tapas) while watching the sunset.
Dorsoduro, which means “hard back,” is built on the most stable ground in Venice. It’s the city’s intellectual and artistic heart, home to major museums, a bustling student population, and some of the most serene views.
Why Go: For the most famous panoramic photo of the Grand Canal.
Don’t Miss: The view of Santa Maria della Salute in the distance.
Hours: Always open
Admission: Free
While the Rialto Bridge gets all the fame, the Accademia Bridge is where you go for breathtaking views with more room to breathe. It’s one of the only four bridges that cross the Grand Canal, and unlike the stone bridges of the past, it’s made of wood. Go for the classic postcard shot, with the majestic Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute at one end and gondolas gliding peacefully below.
Why Go: To see a massive collection of paintings by the Venetian artist Tintoretto.
Don’t Miss: The dramatic artwork covering the ceilings and walls of the main halls.
Hours: Daily 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Last admission at 5 pm.
Admission: €10
The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is a large building dedicated to the works of Jacopo Tintoretto. The artist spent over 20 years creating a series of large paintings for the building, which are displayed where they were originally intended to be seen. The collection is considered a masterpiece of the Venetian Renaissance.
Why Go: To admire one of Venice’s most important and beautiful landmarks.
Don’t Miss: The intricate dome and the views from the Grand Canal.
Hours: Mon–Sat 9 am to 12 pm & 3 pm to 5:30 pm; Sun 12 pm to 5:30 pm
Admission: Free (Donations appreciated)
The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Built in the 17th century as an offering to the Virgin Mary for saving the city from a plague, its towering white domes are an iconic sight on the Grand Canal. Its graceful, octagonal design is pure symmetry, and it stands as a testament to Venice’s resilience and faith.
Rialto is where Venice learned to do business; San Polo is where it learned to paint ceilings and compose choral thunder. Together they’re old-school Venice: markets, bridges, and masterworks.
Why Go: To witness the rhythmic and vibrant commerce of a centuries-old market.
Don’t Miss: The fresh-off-the-boat seafood and the banter of the vendors.
Hours: Tue–Sat 7:30 am to 3 pm
Admission: Free
The Rialto Market has been the city’s culinary heart since the 11th century. Today, the pescheria (fish market) remains the main event, with vendors shouting out prices and chefs arriving early to snag the day’s best catch. It’s a sensory experience, full of the smells of the sea and the sounds of daily life.
Why Go: To stand on Venice’s oldest and most famous bridge.
Don’t Miss: The view of the Grand Canal from the top and the shops lining the walkway.
Hours: Always open
Admission: Free
The Rialto Bridge is a marvel of Renaissance engineering and one of the most famous sites in Venice. After a series of wooden bridges collapsed, the city decided to build a permanent stone version in the 16th century. It’s a bold, single arch that feels solid and majestic. Today, it’s lined with small shops, but the real draw is the view of the Grand Canal from its peak.
Why Go: To see masterpieces by Titian and Bellini in an incredible Gothic church.
Don’t Miss: Titian’s Assumption of the Virgin, one of the most famous altarpieces in the world.
Hours: Mon–Sat 9 am to 7:30 pm; Sun 1 pm to 6 pm
Admission: €8
The Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, or Frari Church, is a towering brick basilica and a treasure trove of Renaissance art. It’s the resting place of Titian and Canova and houses one of the most iconic altarpieces ever painted: Titian’s Assumption of the Virgin, a work so full of energy and light it practically vibrates. This church is a must-see in Venice for any art lover.
The Venetian Lagoon is made up of over a hundred islands, each with its own character. Two of the most popular are Murano, famous for its glass, and Burano, known for its lace and colorful homes.
Why Go: To see the world-famous Murano glass being made by master artisans.
Don’t Miss: A live glass-blowing demonstration in a workshop.
Hours: Varies by factory/shop
Admission: Free to visit the island, but tour costs vary
Venice moved all its glass furnaces to Murano in the 13th century to prevent fire, and the island has been the world capital of glass blowing ever since. The Doge even gave glassmakers special status and wealth in exchange for keeping their secrets on the island. While there are plenty of tourist traps selling cheap imitations, a visit to a real workshop to see a master artisan at work is nothing short of mesmerizing.
Why Go: To experience an impossibly charming island with candy-colored houses.
Don’t Miss: The leaning bell tower and the local risotto de gò.
Hours: Varies by shop
Admission: Free
Burano is a fishing village straight out of a fairy tale. The houses are painted in a rainbow of bright colors, and the story goes that fishermen painted them this way so they could see their homes through the thick fog. Add a centuries-old lace tradition and swoon-worthy gelato shops, and you’ve got the most photogenic village in the Veneto.
Don’t overschedule your trip. Half the magic of Venice is getting lost. Don’t plan every minute.
Book popular sites in advance. Tickets for the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Bell Tower sell out quickly.
Go early or late. The main Venice tourist spots are much more pleasant in the early morning or late afternoon.
Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking a lot on uneven cobblestones and bridges.
Take a vaporetto. The water bus is an efficient way to get around and offers great views of the canals.
What to See in Venice FAQs
What is the number one attraction in Venice?
The top attraction is St. Mark’s Basilica, with its breathtaking golden mosaics and incredible history.
What are the must-sees in Venice?
Must-see Venice landmarks include St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.
What can you do in Venice for free?
You can walk St. Mark’s Square, cross the Rialto Bridge, wander through the Rialto Market, and see the outside of major churches and palaces.
Are 2 days enough for Venice?
Two days is enough to see the major Venice highlights but not enough to explore the city in depth.
Is it better to walk or take a boat in Venice?
Walking is the best way to explore the city’s small streets, but a water bus (vaporetto) is a great way to see the Grand Canal.
What are the best places in Venice to see art?
The Gallerie dell’Accademia, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and Scuola Grande di San Rocco are the best places in Venice for art.
What is the best month to go to Venice?
The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October offer the best weather and fewer crowds.
Final Thoughts
Venice is a city that offers a unique travel experience. Beyond the main Venice attractions, there are many hidden corners to explore. See the famous attractions in Venice, but also leave time to wander through quieter neighborhoods, find a small cafe, and experience the city at your own pace.
For more help planning your perfect trip to Venice, check out these itineraries:
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