Top 10 Venice Attractions
You Can’t Miss
Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world, and the top 10 Venice attractions show exactly why. It’s built on 100+ small islands with no roads. Only canals and walking paths. There is no other travel experience like it.
If your travels take you to Venice, there are many amazing sites you won’t want to miss. These top 10 Venice attractions include renowned landmarks, culturally rich places, and a few local favourites for a true taste of Venice.
Top 10 Venice Attractions
1. St. Mark’s Basilica
St. Mark’s Basilica is famous for being Venice’s most iconic church – arguably, one of the most spectacular in Europe. It’s in Piazza San Marco, essentially Venice’s centre. You won’t miss it for its gold accents, detailed facade, and domes.
It was built in the 11th century to house the St. Mark the Evangelist relics, which were stolen from Egypt by Venetian merchants. The story has it that they stowed away the relics in barrels of pork so that Muslim inspectors could not check them. All over Venice, you’ll see references to St. Mark, especially his symbol, the winged lion.
Must-See Highlights Inside
Pala d’Oro: This is the golden altar frontal made of gold and silver, plus thousands of sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and other gems. It was developed over centuries in Constantinople.
St. Mark’s Museum & Balcony: Head upstairs to the small museum, and you will be able to see original pieces of mosaics and tapestries. The highlight, without a doubt, will be the balcony to view the hustle and bustle of Piazza San Marco. You will also have a chance to get a nice view of the horses, bronze ones brought from the Hippodrome in Constantinople by crusaders.
Travel tip: Lines can be long, so book skip-the-line tickets in advance if possible.
Top 10 Venice Attractions
2. St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
Piazza San Marco is definitely one of the top 10 Venice attractions. It is the city’s biggest and most well-known square, and it is the only square called a ‘piazza’. In Venice, all other squares are referred to as ‘campo’.
What You’ll See Around the Square
The square is set amongst some of Venice’s most important landmarks:
St. Mark’s Basilica – The gold church that dominates the east side
The Campanile – The bell tower where you can see all around Venice.
The Doge’s Palace – Once, the home of the rulers of Venice.
The Clock Tower (Torre dell’Orologio) – With the two bronze Moors that strike the bell
The Procuratie Vecchie and Nuove – The beautiful arcades that are now restaurants, shops and museums.
Historic Cafes Worth Visiting
The cafes in St. Mark’s Square are some of the oldest in the world:
Cafe Florian (est. 1720) – This is the oldest cafe in Italy, and it’s expensive, but just sitting here is like stepping back in time. Notable guests include: Lord Byron, Casanova, Charles Dickens.
Gran Cafe Quadri is another historic favourite, with a beautiful interior and excellent coffee. Yes, the prices are high, but you’re paying for the view, atmosphere and experience. Get one coffee, sit back and take it all in. Even better, in the evening, there is live classical music.
The Campanile: View from the Top
The Campanile di San Marco (bell tower) is 98 meters tall. You can take the elevator to the top for stunning views over Venice, the lagoon and the nearby islands. On clear days, you can even see the Alps in the distance.
Top 10 Venice Attractions
3. Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
The Doge’s Palace is one of the most significant buildings in Venice. It’s not only amazing — it’s a building with a history, power, and several secrets. As one of the top 10 Venice attractions, this majestic palace sits right next to St. Mark’s Basilica. It once housed the Doge, the elected head of the Republic of Venice, and also served as a palace, government centre, courthouse, and prison.
From the outside, the palace is an outstanding example of Gothic-style architecture. The pink and white marble, the pointed arches, and patterns all help make it eye-catching from many angles.
What’s Inside the Palace?
Once you enter the building, it just keeps getting better with every space you enter. Here are a few highlights:
Sala del Maggior Consiglio: This is one of the largest rooms in Europe, and where Venice’s government used to meet. Look up – the ceiling is covered in paintings and gold.
Paintings by Tintoretto and Veronese: These artists were among the best in Venice, and their huge paintings are prevalent everywhere.
Staircase of the Giants: An elaborately carved staircase with statues of Mars and Neptune guarding it. Also, where the Doge was crowned.
Top 10 Venice Attractions
4.The Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs is among the most well-known tourist attractions in Venice. It might not be big and grand like the Rialto Bridge, but its story makes it memorable. The bridge is a small, white limestone bridge that connects Doge’s Palace to the old jail across the canal. It was constructed in the 1600s when the palace was expanded.
Why Is It Called the “Bridge of Sighs”?
It is said that when prisoners were led from the courtroom to their cells, they walked over this bridge. They saw Venice one last time through the small windows with stone bars. Legend has it that the prisoners sighed at their last view of the city, knowing they may never breathe free air again.
The Bridge of Sighs goes over the Rio di Palazzo, a narrow canal behind Doge’s Palace. As one of the top 10 Venice attractions, it draws visitors with its beauty and history. The best photo, however, can only be taken from the nearby Ponte della Paglia — the tiny bridge directly in front of the Bridge of Sighs.
Top 10 Venice Attractions
5. Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)
The Rialto Bridge is one of the most recognisable sights in Venice. It is the oldest of the four bridges that cross the Grand Canal, and the most well-known.
The stone arch bridge dates back to the late 1500s, but has been used since the 12th century, when it replaced a wooden bridge. The wooden bridge suffered from collapses due to its lack of sturdiness. Today, the bridge connects the neighbourhoods of San Polo and San Marco.
The design is simple yet stylish. It has a wide walkway supported by a single stone archway. In the middle are several rows of small shops. You can find souvenirs, jewellery and other small gifts.
Gondolas, vaporettos, and boats pass all day. It is a great place to stop and take pictures, especially looking at the colourful buildings along the canal.
Nearby: Rialto Market
Only a few steps from the bridge lead you to the Rialto Market. You will see rows of stalls stocked with fruits and vegetables. Walking through and watching locals haggle and converse is fun even if you’re not buying anything. It gives a little taste of real Venetian life beyond the touristy things.
Top 10 Venice Attractions
6. Grand Canal (Canal Grande)
The Grand Canal is the main water thoroughfare of Venice, running in a big S shape through the centre of the islands. In Venice, there are no cars or buses. Instead, they move by boat. And the Grand Canal is the main street, full of traffic, liveliness, and history. It’s no surprise it’s one of the top 10 Venice attractions, offering amazing views of historic palaces and daily life on the water.
A Living Museum on Water
The canal contains more than 170 buildings, primarily palaces from the 13th to 18th centuries. The wealthy Venetian families that lived in these palaces wanted to show their status and wealth through their homes.
As you go along the ride, notice how the architecture changes — the Gothic style gives way to Renaissance and then to Baroque architecture. Some buildings have weathered facades, and others are freshly restored.
Notable buildings along the canal include:
Ca’ d’Oro – a spectacular Gothic palace.
Ca’ Rezzonico – now a museum featuring 18th-century Venice.
Palazzo Barbarigo – adorned with vibrant mosaics.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection – a modern art museum housed in a historic residence.
Just a ride down the canal provides you with a visual history of Venice.
How to See the Grand Canal
The three main avenues for experiencing the canal are as follows:
1. Vaporetto (Water bus)
The easiest and cheapest method is the Vaporetto, Venice’s very own public water bus. Take line #1, which stops a lot, and move the canal length from Piazzale Roma to San Marco (and beyond to Lido). Sit or stand on the front or back, for the best views. It’s a slow ride, but that’s the point – you’ll see everything.
2. Gondola
Yes, gondolas are iconic and romantic- BUT they are also pricey! Prices start at around €80 for 30 minutes and go up, especially in the evening.
Still, it is worth considering if you are a first-time visitor to Venice or just want to create a special memory. Most gondola rides don’t go far at all on the Grand Canal – they typically zig-zag through the quieter side canals of Venice for a more peaceful experience.
3. Private Water Taxi
This would be the most convalescent way to see the canal. The private boats look like they came out of a James Bond movie, the price is high – think over €100. It’s an elegant option, but generally unnecessary for most travellers.
Main Bridges to Cross or View From
There are only four bridges over the Grand Canal, and one of them — the famous Rialto Bridge — is among the top 10 Venice attractions.
Rialto Bridge – the most recognisable.
Accademia Bridge – perfect for sites and photographs.
Scalzi Bridge – right at the train station.
Constitution Bridge (Ponte della Costituzione) – the newest and most modern.
Each gives a different view of the canal. Make sure to walk across at least one during your stay.
Top 10 Venice Attractions
7. Murano Island
Murano is world-famous for its beautiful glass and is only a short boat ride from Venice’s main islands. For over 700 years, Murano has been the centre of glassmaking in Venice. With their experience and talents, Murano’s glassblowers were so well thought of that the Venetian Republic gave glass creators privileges that protected their secrets.
Why Visit Murano?
Murano isn’t just a place to pick up souvenirs. It’s a vibrant workshop where artisans continue to make glass using ancient methods of craftsmanship, handed down from generation to generation.
Things to Do on Murano
Witness Live Glassmaking Demonstrations
Many factories allow visitors to see glass shaped, blown & decorated while it is still hot. It is amazing to witness the movements of a master in that medium; the glass seemingly changes forms right in front of you.
Visit the Murano Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro)
Located in a stunning old palace, the displays of beautiful pieces from various centuries are exquisite. You’ll learn about the history of glassmaking in Venice alongside some rare and prized works.
Visit the many shops
There is no shortage of shops selling Murano glass jewellery, vases, chandeliers, and art – some are made by hand while you visit the island.
If you’re staying longer in the city, learn all the needed information in this article about 3 days in Venice.
Top 10 Venice Attractions
8. Burano Island
Burano has to be one of the most colourful and charming of all the idyllic islands near Venice. Known for its vibrant houses and traditional lace-making, it’s no wonder Burano is often listed among the top 10 Venice attractions.
Why Visit Burano?
When you see the colours of the houses on Burano, it feels happy and energised, with brightly painted houses. In fact, the story goes, fishermen painted their houses these bright colours so they could easily see them from the lagoon and even in fog when searching for home.
What to Do on Burano
Walk Along the Canals
The island is quiet and small. Walking along the canals affords wonderful reflections of colourful facades in the water.
Visit Lace Shops and Workshops
Burano is known for its lace-making, which dates back to the 16th century. You can check out local shops selling handmade lace products such as tablecloths, scarves and clothing. Some also allow you to observe lace-making as it is happening.
Travel tip: Combine with Murano
Many who travel to Burano choose to bundle it with a visit to Murano (you can do half-day tours or take Vaporetto routes that connect both). This way, you get the two best Venetian crafts (Murano glass and Burano lace) in one trip.
Top 10 Venice Attractions
9. Peggy Guggenheim Collection
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is one of the best things for art lovers to do in Venice. The museum is located in an old palace (Palazzo Venier dei Leoni) right on the Grand Canal. The museum boasts one of the best collections of modern art in Italy and features works by well-known artists, including: Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Jackson Pollock, Joan Miro, Max Ernst. The collection is small and concentrated, making it easy to take time and enjoy.
Inside, there are paintings, sculptures, and surrealist artwork. It’s one of the top 10 Venice attractions for modern art lovers. Don’t overlook the sculpture garden — a peaceful outdoor space with modern pieces and a perfect spot to take a break.
About Peggy Guggenheim
Peggy Guggenheim is an American art collector who lived in Venice for many years. She had a part in introducing Modern Art to Italy and helped a number of well-known artists at the beginning of their careers.
Top 10 Venice Attractions
10. Teatro La Fenice
Teatro La Fenice is Venice’s distinctive opera house. Its name means “The Phoenix,” which is suitable because it has risen from the ashes several times due to terrible fires.
Why Visit Teatro La Fenice?
This is one of Italy’s most significant cultural sites. It has held world premieres of operas like Verdi and Rossini. Even if you do not attend an opera or ballet performance, the building is worth visiting. It’s decorated with beautiful and elegant gold decorations, frescoes, and magnificent chandeliers.
What to Do
Take a Tour
Tours will share the exquisite auditorium, the stage, and the behind-the-scene areas. You’ll gain insight into the theatre’s background and its place in Venice’s culture.
Go to a Performance
If your visit coincides with the show schedule, consider purchasing tickets to an opera, concert, or ballet performance! It is an unforgettable experience.
Investigate Rehearsals
Occasionally, the theatre will allow visitors to attend open rehearsals. This is an interesting opportunity to examine artists in practice and in a more casual atmosphere.
Bonus: Get Lost in Venice
One of the best parts of exploring Venice is simply wandering. While the top 10 Venice attractions are must-sees, stepping away from the crowds lets you discover the city’s quieter charm. You’ll wind down empty alleys, cross tiny bridges, and uncover peaceful canals that feel worlds apart from St. Mark’s Square.
Don’t be worried about getting lost. Getting lost in Venice isn’t a problem — in fact, it’s part of the experience! The city is small, surrounded by water, so you cannot get too far from where you started.
If you’re staying longer and planning take a short break from the city, check out these 8 day trip from Venice.
Final Tips for Visiting Venice
Any time in Venice is beautiful, but spring (April to the beginning of June) and fall (September to October) will offer you the best experience. Shoulder season usually means fewer travellers and pleasant weather, and you should be able to find better hotel rates than in high season.
If you plan on moving around the city on the water, consider getting a Vaporetto Pass. The Vaporetto is Venice’s public water bus system. A pass allows unlimited rides for certain days, which is much more economical than buying single tickets.
Venice is a city of bridges and alleyways, meaning you will walk a lot, often with stairs. Pack light, especially if you are staying at a hotel that is not next to a Vaporetto stop. Dragging a heavy suitcase across the cobblestones and over bridges is already tough enough.
For the major sites you are interested in (such as St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, or the Peggy Guggenheim Collection), always book tickets online first and go for skip-the-line where possible.
If this is your first time visiting, stay centrally located — hopefully in or around San Marco, Dorsoduro or Cannaregio. It might be a little pricier, but you’ll make up for it by saving time and energy on transport. More importantly, you’ll be near Venice’s famous sights and restaurants.
Venice is an incomparable city. The stunning location, rich history, and deep cultural roots make it truly special. Whether visiting an iconic site from the top 10 Venice attractions, like St. Mark’s Basilica, or finding quiet moments on colourful Burano Island, Venice will surprise and delight you in unforgettable ways.
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