Venice Tourist Spots: Top 10 Must-See Places for Your Venice Trip
Venice is a city like no other—filled with stunning architecture, historic canals, and an atmosphere that feels frozen in time. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying longer, these top 10 Venice tourist spots are unmissable. Plus, I’ll share tips on how to connect them efficiently based on how much time you have!
Venice: A City That Captures My Heart Again and Again
Venice is not just a destination for me—it’s a passion, a place I return to every year, at least once, drawn back by its timeless beauty, hidden corners, and enchanting atmosphere. No matter how many times I wander through its labyrinthine streets, glide along its canals, or sip an espresso in a quiet campo, Venice never ceases to amaze me.
Over the years, I’ve explored this city from every angle—beyond the famous sights, into the lesser-known treasures that make Venice truly unforgettable. In this article, I’ll share with you the must-see tourist spots—those places that no visitor should miss. But more than that, I want to show you why Venice is so much more than just a postcard-perfect city.
If you love Venice or dream of visiting, explore my other articles, where I share insider tips, hidden gems, and personal experiences from my travels. And don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel (coming soon), where I bring Venice to life through my videos, capturing its magic one moment at a time.
Now, let’s dive into the most unmissable spots in Venice—those that will make you fall in love with this city just as I have!
Top 10 Must-See Tourist Spots in Venice
-
St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)
The most famous church in Venice is known for its gold mosaics and Byzantine architecture. Don’t miss the terrace view for an incredible St. Mark’s Square panorama.
📍 How to get there: Vaporetto stop San Marco (Line 1, 2, or 5.1/5.2)
-
St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
Venice’s main square, home to the Basilica, the Campanile (bell tower), and the Doge’s Palace. It’s also the perfect spot for people-watching.
📍 How to get there: Walk from Rialto (10 min) or Accademia (15 min)
Disembark near Piazza San Marco, Venice’s most famous square. Here, you can:
✔️ Admire the golden mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica (entrance can be free, but the line can be long)
✔️ Visit the Campanile (Bell Tower) for an amazing view of Venice (€10 ticket). HERE you can read my blog post and find stunning pictures of the view from the top of the Campanile, and HERE you can watch my amazing video on YouTube (coming soon).
✔️ Walk around the Doge’s Palace and see the Bridge of Sighs
👉 Tip: If you want to enter St. Mark’s Basilica, try booking a skip-the-line ticket to save time!
-
The Grand Canal (Canal Grande)
The city’s main waterway is lined with palaces, gondolas, and historic bridges. A Vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal is a must!
📍 Best way to see it: Take Vaporetto Line 1 (slow) or Line 2 (faster)
-
Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)
The most famous bridge in Venice, offering a fantastic view of the Grand Canal. Nearby, you’ll find the Rialto Market, perfect for exploring Venice’s fresh produce and seafood.
📍 How to get there: Vaporetto stop Rialto (Line 1 or 2)
The Rialto Bridge is unique because of its single-span design, which was revolutionary for its time. Here’s what makes it special:
✔️ Material: Made of Istrian stone, a durable limestone used in many Venetian buildings.
✔️ Size: The bridge spans 48 meters (157 feet) across the Grand Canal and is 7.5 meters (24 feet) high at its peak.
✔️ Arch Shape: A dramatic single arch that allows gondolas and small boats to pass underneath easily.
✔️ Shops & Market Stalls: The bridge features two rows of covered shops, a tradition that dates back to the days when Venetian merchants sold jewelry, fabrics, and spices along the bridge.
Antonio da Ponte’s design has proven to be incredibly resilient, surviving over 400 years of floods, heavy foot traffic, and environmental changes.
Rialto Bridge Today: A Must-Visit Spot in Venice
Today, the Rialto Bridge is one of the busiest locations in Venice. It offers stunning views of the Grand Canal, making it a perfect place for photography. Here’s what you can experience at the Rialto today:
✔️ Breathtaking Views – Stand at the top of the bridge and admire the Grand Canal’s gondolas, vaporettos, and historic palaces.
✔️ Shopping on the Bridge – The small shops on the bridge still sell souvenirs, jewelry, and Venetian crafts.
✔️ Rialto Market – Just a short walk from the bridge, you’ll find the Rialto Market, where locals buy fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables.
✔️ Nearby Cafés & Restaurants – Enjoy a classic Venetian snack like cichetti or sip on an Aperol Spritz at a canal-side bar.
👉 Best Time to Visit: Early in the morning (before 9 AM) or in the evening (after 7 PM) to avoid the tourist crowds.
-
Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
Once home to the rulers of Venice, this palace is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Don’t forget to walk across the Bridge of Sighs!
📍 How to get there: Next to St. Mark’s Basilica
The Doge’s Palace: A Symbol of Venetian Power and Prestige
Rising grandly along the Piazza San Marco, the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is one of Venice’s most magnificent architectural treasures. A masterpiece of Gothic design, this historic palace served as the heart of Venetian political power for centuries, housing the Doge (the elected ruler of Venice), government offices, and even a formidable prison.
A Palace of Power and Justice
Built in the 14th and 15th centuries, the Doge’s Palace was the seat of Venice’s government during its golden age as a maritime empire. It was the place where laws were made, justice was administered, and foreign dignitaries were received. The palace’s design reflects both the grandeur and authority of the Venetian Republic, with its striking white and pink marble façade, delicate tracery, and grand arcades that seem to float above the waterfront.
Highlights of the Palace
Visitors to the Doge’s Palace can explore its lavish interiors, where gilded ceilings, massive frescoes, and historic artifacts reveal the splendor of Venice’s past. Notable sights include:
- The Grand Council Chamber (Sala del Maggior Consiglio) – One of Europe’s largest rooms, decorated with Tintoretto’s breathtaking Paradise, the largest oil painting in the world.
- The Chamber of the Council of Ten – A secretive and powerful governing body that controlled security and justice in the Republic.
- The Golden Staircase (Scala d’Oro) – A magnificent entrance designed to impress visitors with its opulent gilded decoration.
- The Doge’s Apartments – Lavishly decorated private quarters, showcasing Venetian craftsmanship and wealth.
The Infamous Bridge of Sighs
One of the most famous parts of the Doge’s Palace is the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to its former prison. This enclosed, white limestone bridge earned its name from the sighs of prisoners as they took their last glimpse of Venice before their imprisonment. The most famous inmate was Casanova, who managed a daring escape from the palace’s notorious Piombi prison in 1756.
A Must-See Venetian Landmark
Today, the Doge’s Palace stands as a testament to Venice’s rich history and artistic grandeur. Whether walking through its grand halls or standing beneath its elegant arches, visitors are transported back to an era when Venice was one of the most powerful and influential republics in the world.
-
Accademia Gallery (Gallerie dell’Accademia)
A must-visit for art lovers, featuring masterpieces by Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese.
📍 How to get there: Vaporetto stop Accademia (Line 1 or 2)
Modern art lovers will enjoy this museum, which showcases works by Picasso, Dalí, Pollock, and more.
📍 How to get there: Short walk from Accademia
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection: A Jewel of Modern Art in Venice
Nestled along the Grand Canal in the heart of Venice, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is one of the most remarkable modern art museums in Europe. Housed in the elegant Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, the museum showcases the extraordinary personal collection of Peggy Guggenheim, a passionate art collector and patron who played a crucial role in the development of 20th-century art.
A Visionary Collector
Peggy Guggenheim, an American heiress and art enthusiast, moved to Venice in 1949 and transformed the unfinished Palazzo Venier dei Leoni into both her home and a gallery for her extensive collection. She had a keen eye for talent and was instrumental in promoting avant-garde movements such as Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism. Her collection includes masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, and many others.
Exploring the Collection
Visitors to the museum are treated to an intimate and carefully curated selection of works that span the early 20th century. Highlights include:
- Jackson Pollock’s „Alchemy”, a vibrant example of his revolutionary drip painting technique.
- Pablo Picasso’s „The Poet”, a stunning Cubist composition.
- Max Ernst’s „The Antipope”, a surreal and enigmatic masterpiece (Ernst was also Guggenheim’s second husband).
- Constantin Brâncuși’s „Bird in Space”, an elegant sculptural exploration of movement and form.
The museum also features a sculpture garden, where works by Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, and Alberto Giacometti add to the enchanting ambiance of the space.
A Lasting Legacy
Before her passing in 1979, Peggy Guggenheim ensured that her collection would remain in Venice, becoming part of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. Today, the museum continues to celebrate her legacy, attracting art lovers from around the world.
A visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection offers more than just a glimpse into modern art; it provides a deeply personal look into the life of a woman who shaped the art world with her daring vision and unbreakable passion.
-
Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute
A stunning baroque church at the entrance of the Grand Canal, offering amazing views.
📍 How to get there: Vaporetto stop Salute (Line 1)
The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute: Venice’s Baroque Masterpiece
Standing majestically at the entrance to the Grand Canal, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks. With its striking white domes and elegant façade, it serves as both a symbol of faith and a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.
A Church Built in Gratitude
The basilica was commissioned in 1630 as an offering to the Virgin Mary after a devastating outbreak of the plague claimed tens of thousands of lives in Venice. The Senate vowed to build a grand church if the city was spared further suffering. Architect Baldassare Longhena, inspired by classical and Renaissance forms, designed the church in a distinctive octagonal shape, with an enormous central dome symbolizing Mary’s protective embrace over the city.
Architectural and Artistic Splendor
The exterior of the basilica is adorned with intricate sculptures and columns, while the vast interior is filled with light and space, creating an atmosphere of solemn beauty. Notable features include:
- The main altar, crowned by a dramatic sculpture of the Virgin and Child driving away the Plague, by Josse de Corte.
- Paintings by Titian, including The Pentecost and Saint Mark Enthroned, adding to the spiritual grandeur of the space.
- Works by Tintoretto, such as The Marriage at Cana, displayed in the sacristy.
The Festa della Salute
Every November 21st, Venetians celebrate the Festa della Salute, a procession of gratitude and remembrance for the city’s deliverance from the plague. A temporary bridge is built across the Grand Canal, allowing thousands of pilgrims to walk to the church and light candles in honor of the Virgin Mary.
A Timeless Venetian Icon
Whether admired from the Punta della Dogana, seen from a gondola on the Grand Canal, or explored up close, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute remains a breathtaking testament to Venice’s resilience, artistry, and devotion.
-
Murano Island (Glassmaking Capital)
Take a short boat ride to Murano to see how the famous Venetian glass is made.
📍 How to get there: Vaporetto Line 3 from Piazzale Roma
-
Burano Island (Colorful Houses & Lace Making)
This picturesque island is famous for its brightly colored houses and lace-making traditions.
📍 How to get there: Vaporetto Line 12 from Fondamente Nove
Burano Island: The Most Colorful Gem of Venice
Burano Island is one of the most enchanting destinations in the Venetian Lagoon. Famous for its vividly colored houses, picturesque canals, and rich artisan traditions, this small island is a must-visit for anyone exploring Venice. Whether you’re a photographer, a lover of handmade crafts, or simply searching for a tranquil escape from the bustling city, Burano offers an unforgettable experience.
Modern Burano still retains the charm of a small fishing village. Many families continue to live in the same colorful houses that have been passed down for generations. While fishing and lace-making are no longer the island’s main industries, Burano thrives as a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors eager to experience its unique atmosphere.
Walking through the streets of Burano today, you’ll feel the echoes of its past—a history of hardworking fishermen, talented artisans, and a community that has preserved its identity for centuries. Whether you come for the colors, the craftsmanship, or simply to relax by the canals, Burano offers a glimpse into a Venice that exists beyond the bustling crowds of the main city.
Read more about Burano Island HERE!
How to Visit Venice’s Top Tourist Spots in One Day?
If you have just one day, focus on these 5 main sites:
One-Day Venice Itinerary
- Start at Rialto Bridge (morning, less crowded)
- Walk to St. Mark’s Square – See the Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and Bell Tower
- Lunch near the Grand Canal
- Take Vaporetto to Accademia – Visit Accademia Gallery or Peggy Guggenheim Collection
- End at Santa Maria della Salute – Catch the sunset from here
🚤 Best Transport Tip: Buy a 24-hour Vaporetto pass (€25) to get unlimited boat rides.
VENICE IN A DAY- MISSION IMPOSSIBLE MADE POSSIBLE- HERE YOU CAN READ HOW!
How to Explore Venice Tourist Spots Over Multiple Days
If you have more time, here’s a suggested 3-day itinerary:
Day 1: Classic Venice
- Rialto Bridge & Market
- Grand Canal boat ride
- St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace
- Sunset at Santa Maria della Salute
Day 2: Art & Culture
- Accademia Gallery or Peggy Guggenheim
- Visit a hidden gem: San Pantalon Church (amazing ceiling fresco!)
- Explore Dorsoduro district
Day 3: Islands & Hidden Gems
- Murano (glassblowing workshop)
- Burano (colorful streets & lace shops)
- Sunset at Fondamente Nove
🚤 Best Transport Tip: Get a 3-day Vaporetto pass (€45) for unlimited access.
Final Tips for Visiting Venice Tourist spots
✅ Wear comfortable shoes – Venice has a lot of walking and bridges.
✅ Book tickets online for Doge’s Palace and museums to skip long lines.
✅ Try a traghetto – A cheap way to cross the Grand Canal for just €2 instead of a full gondola ride.
✅ Watch my YouTube videos for more insider tips and visuals of these places! 🎥
I hope you enjoyed reading this article!
Please follow me on my Social media channels (all coming soon)!
- Pinterest: coming soon!
- Youtube: coming soon!
- Instagram: coming soon!
😊 🚤✨