IO things to do in Venice
Italy’s famous floating city is a maze filled with architecture, food, music and culture
I Explore the Grand Canal
This spectacular waterway is the spine of the city, so board a vaporetto (public waterbus) and enjoy the views as you chug gently from point to point down the length of the Grand Canal. It’s a great way to get your bearings in this famously labyrinthine destination and it’s also a costeffective way to tick off the biggest sites. Bring a camera, because public transport never looked so good.
2 Cross the Rialto Bridge
This famous stone bridge was completed in 1591 and is the oldest of the four structures crossing the Grand Canal. It’s free to cross and connects the neighbourhoods of San Marco and San Polo, right in the middle of the city. The Rialto Bridge is a very popular tourist attraction, so aim for an early morning or late evening crossing, but it’s worth it to trace the footsteps of history.
3 Marvel at St Mark’s
Known in Italian as Piazza San Marco, this famous square is said to be one of the finest in the world. It’s a must-visit, partly because it’s a great place to soak in the atmosphere and people-watch with an espresso in hand, and partly because it’s where you’ll find Saint Mark’s Basilica, which houses the apostle’s remains as well as shiploads of Byzantine treasures.
4 Visit the Doge’s Palace
Right next to the Basilica is Palazzo Ducale, the official residence of the doges, who were the people elected to lead the former Venetian republic. It’s an unusual but spectacular building, constructed in Venetian Gothic style with lots of domes, arches, and gorgeous mosaics. Don’t miss the golden stairway and keep an eye out for paintings by the likes of Bellini and Titian.
5 Eat fresh squid ink pasta
If you see lasagnette al nero di seppia (squid ink pasta) on the menu, order it immediately. This iconic Venetian dish is usually served as a main course and it’s known for its delicate, slightly sweet flavour. It’s a local staple and a great entry point to the local culinary scene.
6 Get Fenice Theatre tickets
This famous building has seen a lot of scandal and drama, so much that it burnt down twice. It was most recently rebuilt in 1996, but even though it’s relatively modern, it has remained true to its Baroque origins. Take a trip through history as you listen to some of the world’s best musicians perform some of the world’s most beautiful music.
7 Guggenheim Collection
Tucked away in the maze of laneways is an astounding collection of modern European and American art. The Peggy Guggenheim
Collection is housed in its namesake’s former home and it offers visitors a chance to see some of the world’s most important 20th century works.
8 Buy some Venetian glass
One souvenir every discerning tourist should take home from Venice is a piece of the city’s famous glass. The best place to do that is at the Original Murano Glass Factory and Showroom, which is located on a smaller island easily accessible by vaporetto. All of the stunning pieces are hand-blown, making it the perfect spot to find one-of-a-kind pieces you’ll keep forever.
9 Find some cicchetti
Venice’s winding canals and sunny streets are lined with restaurants, but if you want to dine like a local, keep an eye out for cicchetti, which is an expansive array of finger foods that give you the chance to try a range of seafood, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and breads.
IO Get lost and find
This happens to everyone at least once and it’s definitely part of the experience. Venice is full of winding streets, small bridges, and multi-story apartment buildings, so you may find you lose all perspective and feel like you’re walking in circles. Don’t worry though, it’s the best way to find tiny shops and eateries while getting a glimpse into what life here is like for the locals.