Are you going to Italy? Venice is a beautiful, ancient city with quite a long history. If you’re going to vacation in Venice, you’ll have a lot of activities from which to choose. Here is our list of 15 top things to do:

1. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica

This renowned landmark church is located on the famous piazza of the same name and is quite easily accessible from the popular Grand Canal. It was constructed in 1092 in honor of the evangelist Saint Mark whose remains were smuggled out of Alexandria in barrels of pork by two Venetians intent on burying them in Venice.

Even today this church is one of the most important religious structures in all of Northern Italy and the most popular remaining example of Italian Byzantine architecture. Don’t miss the artwork on the ornate domed ceiling.

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2. Check Out St. Mark’s Square

St Mark’s Square is the perfect place to begin your tour of Venice. It is perhaps Venice’s most famous piazza. Situated on the grand canal, across from the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, St. Mark’s Square is lined by Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, and St. Mark’s Campanile.

In fact, the square is framed by several impressive buildings with ornate archways. Check out the restaurants for a hearty plate of spaghetti carbonara and some wine. It’s also the perfect place to buy a souvenir carnival mask or gondola hat.

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3. Enjoy Canale Grande

The city has many canals that join the numerous islands that make up Venice. The monumental two-mile-long Grand Canal is Venice’s main “street.” Much like an actual river it snakes through the city in an “S” and crosses from one side to the other.

It is a favorite of photographers and couples can hire a gondolier for a romantic albeit expensive row on this famous canal. (Note: For a cheaper ride, hop aboard the vaporetto, or public water bus which will be discussed later in this list.)

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4. See Ponte di Rialto

The Ponte di Rialto or Rialto Bridge is one of the few bridges that actually spans the previously-mentioned Grand Canal. It is both a tourist attraction and an important pedestrian thoroughfare connecting the San Polo and San Marco districts. Centuries ago, the bridge was the only way to cross the canal.

Once little more than a wooden bridge, it collapsed back in 1524. The iconic, present-day incarnation was built by Antonio da Ponte. It is now made entirely of marble and is said to be an engineering marvel.

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5. Visit The Gallerie dell’Accademia

Situated across from the Ponte dell’Accademia on the Grand Canal, is the Gallerie dell’Accademia. Once an academy and convent, this building was converted into a museum by Napoléon in the mid to late 1700s. If you are into iconic masterpieces and Renaissance art, this is the place for you.

The Academy Gallery now holds a noteworthy collection of Venetian art ranging from the 14th to the 18th century. Works by such artists as Veronese, Tintoretto, Bellini Canaletto, and Titian. Its most famous piece is arguably Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man by Da Vinci.

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6. Kick Back At Venice Lido

If you need a break from a busy itinerary, this is the place to get away from the tourist crowds. This island separates the Adriatic Sea from Venice and includes a great stretch of beach to boot. The Lido features its own shops, hotels, and restaurants and is home to only about 20,000 people.

Unlike central Venice, this spot is significantly more calm, relaxed and laid back. No doubt it can provide you with a much-welcomed escape and a sharp contrast to the busy waterways around the famous Grand Canal.

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7. See Doge’s Palace

Next to the Basilica and Campanile, Doge’s Palace, located in St. Mark’s Square, is one of The city’s most renowned buildings. Doge’s Palace has a truly ethereal appearance when viewed from the Venetian Lagoon. It seems to be floating atop the water.

Looking out over the canals, this impressive palace is quite stunning. Its facade is highlighted by an ornate, white stone arch design. Historically-speaking it has been the home of the doge (leader), the center of the government, and “courthouse.” Don’t miss the immense decorated rooms, hidden doors, and secret passageways. Tours are highly recommended.

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8. Cross The Bridge Of Sighs

The famous Bridge of Sighs is small and yet it is one of the most popular and historic landmarks in Venice. This iconic bridge crosses over the well-known Rio di Palazzo. It connects Doge’s Palace to the Prigioni Nuove.

The bridge was once utilized to move prisoners from the courtroom to prison. It is named after the sad sighs that prisoners would let out as they took their final look at the outside world out the bridge’s windows. Locals say if lovers kiss on a gondola under the bridge they will receive “eternal bliss.”

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9. Take A Vaporetto Ride Through The Grand Canal

As noted elsewhere, a vaporetto is like a canal bus and is the main type of public transportation in Venice. Trains are available at the main station and it’s nice to stroll along the streets but when in Venice you simply must take it all in from the water. In fact, the vaporetto system is reported to be a highly efficient one. If you are there for more than a day, experts suggest purchasing an extended pass. They’re good for multiple uses and you don’t have to waste time buying individual tickets for each ride.

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10. Experience San Marco Campanile

The Campanile di San Marco was built in the early 20th century. This bell tower is a replica of the 9th-century original that collapsed in 1902. It is also the tallest building in Venice standing 98.6m high.

This tower features a simple but effective red-brick design. It marks the spot where Galileo Galilei’s presented the telescope and was a stage for tightrope walkers. The new structure has suffered damage from earthquakes, fires, and lightning. Don’t miss the beautiful gold sculpture of the Angel Gabriel at the top. The panoramic view is truly memorable.

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11. Visit San Giorgio Maggiore

San Giorgio Maggiore is one of the more noteworthy smaller individual isles that is not joined to Venice’s main canals. It is situated fairly close to the Grand Canal and the Venice Basin. You can get there via private water taxi or take a vaporetto.

There on the isle, you’ll find the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, the San Giorgio Monastery, as well as the big campanile that resembles the one found in St. Mark’s Square. After you visit the monastery and church, take in the view from the campanile and stroll through the harbor.

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12. Drop In On Murano

Another noteworthy island within the Venice district is Murano. This section is actually composed of a number of smaller islands that are joined via a group of bridges and canals. If you’re looking for a spot less busy than other areas but still charming then this island town is the place for you.

There are several things to see including the Palazzo Da Mula, the Campo Santo Stefano, and the Basilica dei Santa Maria. The town is famous for its glass blowers. You can go to the factories and even watch live demonstrations too.

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13. Visit The Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta

Also known as the Church of Santa Maria Assunta or I Gesuiti, this attraction can be found in Venice’s Cannaregio region. The front of the church is highlighted by ornate statues of Christian figures, stone columns, and a large bronze door which serves as the entrance. The ceiling is decorated with frescoes and detailed in gold.

Actually one of the newer churches in the city, it was built in 1729. Nevertheless, it is home to several significant pieces of art including Titan’s the Martyrdom of St. Lawrence. Furthermore, artwork, frescos and gold detail cover the ceiling of the church and some beautiful motif artwork lines the walls and columns.

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14. See The Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute

The Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute is arguably Venice’s second most famous place of worship. St. Marks is on one side of the Grand Canal and this church is located on the other. It really stands out from the other buildings there and takes center stage on the GC.

Opened in 1687, it features a Baroque design. The building’s exterior features dome towers above the skyline and statues of the apostles. The hexagonal design lets a lot of light inside too. The Roman Catholic Church declared it a minor basilica.

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15. Experience Torcello Island

Torcello Island is perfect for a peaceful respite. It’s a lot less crowded than the main sections of the city. Ensconced behind Burano, it’s a 45-minute ferry ride from Venice. Explore the main street here and take in the beauty of the canal. See the historic Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Finally, visit the museum and learn all about the island chain’s history.

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