10 Free Things to Do in Venice: How to Enjoy Venice Without Spending a Euro
Is there anything in Venice for free? Yes, and it’s more beautiful than you think.
Let’s face it — Venice has a reputation for being expensive. And while it’s true that some gondola rides and cafés on Piazza San Marco can stretch the budget, that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank to enjoy this magical city. In fact, some of my most treasured experiences in Venice didn’t cost a single cent.
As someone who visits Venice once or twice every year, I’ve learned how to slow down, look beyond the main tourist routes, and truly connect with the city. And I’ve discovered that some of the most meaningful things to do in Venice are completely free.
So whether you’re a budget traveler, a student, or just someone who prefers experiences over souvenirs, this guide is for you.
Here are my top recommendations for free things to do in Venice. The majority is based on my experience; the rest is on my bucket list. 🙂
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Explore some of the City’s Most Atmospheric Campos
Venice is made up of dozens of charming little squares called campos — each with its personality, local life, and hidden gems. These campos are the heart of Venetian life and offer the perfect place to rest, people-watch, or take beautiful photos.
- Campo dei Frari is a quiet, spacious campo that’s home to the famous Frari church. Even if you don’t go inside, the surrounding buildings and the nearby canals give the area a serene, timeless atmosphere.
I wrote about this peaceful square and its surroundings. Read more about Campo dei Frari here:
Campo dei Frari: Feel the Echoes of Centuries in Venice’s Quiet Heart
- Campo S.S. Apostoli (Campo dei Santi Apostoli) is another favorite. It has a vibrant yet relaxed vibe, with a gondola station nearby and a lovely mix of locals and tourists. My summer photo collection captured its colorful charm — you can see more in my article.
Read more about Campo S.S. Apostoli:
The Best Highlights of Campo S. S. Apostoli (Campo San Apostoli), Venice
- Of course, Piazza San Marco is the grandest of all campos. While it can be crowded, arriving early in the morning or visiting late in the evening gives you the space to truly admire it. Watching the light change on the basilica and campanile is pure magic.
Explore my Piazza San Marco insights:
Piazza San Marco Venice: Where History, Beauty & Magic Collide
The campos are free to visit in Venice, I have not experienced any time to pay just visiting campos. They offer a real sense of place that no guided tour or attraction ticket can match. Be lost in Venice (intentionally) and discover more hidden campos!
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Watch the Sunset from the Rialto Bridge
Sunset in Venice is something truly special — and it costs nothing but your time. One of the most beautiful free things to do in Venice is watching the sun go down from Rialto Bridge.
From here, you’ll see the Grand Canal bathed in golden light, with gondolas and vaporettos drifting below. It’s an unforgettable scene and one of my favorite spots for photography. While I haven’t written a dedicated post about it yet, I’ve captured many golden-hour moments in my photo collections.
If you prefer a less crowded viewpoint, try the nearby Fondamenta Vin Castello or the edge of Campo Erbaria, just a short walk from the bridge.
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Relax in Venice’s Green Parks: The Giardini
Most people don’t think of green spaces when they imagine Venice, but Giardini della Biennale (or simply Giardini) offers a refreshing break from the stone and water.
Feel the ambiance of the Giardini in Venice, during summertime, by watching this short video:
The park was created by Napoleon and is home to many of the Biennale art pavilions. When there’s no exhibition, you can wander freely and enjoy the peaceful shade, local families, and the view of the lagoon.
Bring a picnic, a book, or just your thoughts, and enjoy a few quiet hours under the trees. It’s also a great place to recharge before or after exploring nearby Castello.
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Visit Churches with Free Artistic Masterpieces
Venice’s churches are treasure troves of art — and many of them are completely free to enter.
One of my favorites is San Pantalon, which has a jaw-dropping ceiling painting covering the entire nave. It’s one of the most enormous oil paintings in the world, and seeing it in person is unforgettable. The church itself is free to visit, and it often surprises travelers who wander in.
Read my article about San Pantalon and its ceiling masterpiece here:
San Pantalon Venice: A lesser-known treasure in Venice & why you must visit -With video!
Other free churches worth a visit include:
- Santa Maria della Pietà, where Vivaldi once taught music
- San Zaccaria, which contains works by Bellini (note: some chapels require a small entrance fee, but the main church is often free)
- San Giobbe, a lesser-known gem near the train station, full of quiet beauty
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Wander the Narrow Alleys and Get Lost — Intentionally
Venice is a city made for walking. Getting lost is not only inevitable — it’s part of the fun. And it is completely free! 🙂
Some of my most cherished memories come from spontaneous walks through hidden passages, tiny bridges, and quiet courtyards. You don’t need a plan. Just let your feet guide you. You might find a hidden canal, an artisan’s workshop, or a little balcony overflowing with flowers.
If you’re visiting on a budget, this kind of aimless wandering is your best friend. Venice is a safe city, and you’ll never be truly lost — just trust the signs pointing to “San Marco”, „Via Ferrovia” or “Rialto” to guide you back.
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Visit the Fish Market at Rialto
If you’re in Venice early in the day, head to the Mercato di Rialto — the city’s historic fish market. You don’t have to buy anything to enjoy the colorful displays of fresh seafood, the lively calls of vendors, and the authentic atmosphere.
It’s a slice of everyday life that’s becoming rare in Venice and is 100% free to experience. Arrive early (around 7–9 am) to see it in full swing.
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Enjoy Free Art and Culture During (not only) Biennale Seasons
If you’re lucky enough to visit during the Venice Biennale, don’t miss the chance to experience free art around the city. While many exhibitions require tickets, several installations are displayed outdoors or in open pavilions — especially around Giardini, Arsenale, and Cannaregio.
Also, many churches and palazzos open temporarily for Biennale-related events and exhibitions, offering free entry and cultural immersion.
Check online or in local flyers for current free events — Venice becomes an open-air museum during this time.
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Admire the Bridges (and the Views)
Venice has over 400 bridges — some humble, some spectacular. Besides Rialto, don’t miss:
- Ponte dell’Accademia, with its wide wooden span and postcard-perfect views of the Grand Canal
- Ponte dei Tre Archi, one of the only bridges in Venice with three arches
- Ponte della Paglia, which gives you a stunning view of the Bridge of Sighs
Each one is a photo opportunity — and a unique way to see the city from a different angle.
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Window Shop (or Actually Shop!) at Artisan Markets
While buying artisan goods obviously costs money, browsing and window shopping is always free. 🙂 Venice has a growing number of pop-up artisan markets, especially on weekends and holidays, where you can admire handmade jewelry, soaps, bags, and food products.
I especially recommend exploring Burano, where shops display beautiful handmade clothes, lace, and hand-crafted soaps (however, to reach Burano is not free, but luckily not unpayable). In Burano, even browsing feels like an art gallery.
You can read more about my summer Burano adventure here:
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Listen to Church Bells
Venice is a city of sounds — the lapping of water, the footsteps in narrow alleys, and the echo of church bells.
Stand in Piazza San Marco when the bells ring the hour. You will see that you experience one of the most enchanted moments of your life!
Final Thoughts of free things to visit in Venice: Venice is generous, if you slow down
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean missing out — especially in Venice. This city has a way of revealing its magic slowly, generously, and often when you least expect it.
If you’re willing to slow down, walk without a plan, and let your senses guide you, you’ll discover a Venice that many visitors never see — and you won’t have to spend a euro.
If you enjoyed this list, feel free to browse more of my Venice tips, especially these free and peaceful spots: (coming soon).
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