Venice is a unique Italian city. It is a romantic city that attracts many tourists, but what can you do in Venice for a romantic weekend ?
What to do in Venice in 3 days ? This guide is designed to gather the must-do activities and good tips to visit Venice. Among them, the visit of various monuments, museums, attractions etc. all with walks in the streets and small alleys of this unique city. There are so many things to do in Venice, and if you want to visit Venice as a lover, you need to organize your trip well.
Best Things to Do in Venice
- Discover San Marco Square.
- Visit the Doge’s Palace.
- The quays of the Dorsoduro
- Reach the steps of San Polo by crossing the Rialto Bridge
- Tour the canals of Venice
- Visit the islands of the lagoon
- The Cannaregio neighborhood to find peace and quiet
- Participate in the Venice Carnival
- Visit one of the Palaces overlooking the Grand Canal
Discover San Marco Square.
Admire the Basilica of Saint Mark and the famous monuments that border it. Visiting Saint Mark’s Square is a must during a visit to Venice. You will also find stores, cafes, crowds and pigeons… The ideal time to visit is in the morning or early evening to appreciate the architecture of the square and take pictures of the Doges, gondolas etc… However, there is always a queue and the visit is free, except for certain parts of the basilica. However, you can buy a ticket that will always be useful, even for a guided tour.
Visit the Doge’s Palace.
Visiting the Doge’s Palace will allow you to understand how the city functioned in its golden age. The palace looks like a real museum and the visit begins in the inner square. This palace presents a beautiful collection of sculptures and frescoes, including the one representing paradise, made by Titian. After visiting this iconic building, pass over the famous Bridge of Sighs. In fact, the most famous pictures of Venice represent this bridge.
The quays of the Dorsoduro
The Dorsoduro is an ideal place for romantic walks. It is located between the Grand Canal and the Giudecca Canal and when you are there you will find the most beautiful museums of the city and breathtaking views of the Doge’s Palace. While you are there, don’t forget to visit the Basilica Maria Della Salute. This magnificent church was built around 1630 and is one of the most beautiful churches in Venice. Afterwards, you should visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia, it is the most beautiful museum of the city and it is dedicated to the artists of the Venetian Golden Age. Finally, pay a short visit to the gondola repair and design workshop before enjoying the beautiful view from the Accademia Bridge.
Reach the steps of San Polo by crossing the Rialto Bridge
San Polo is the oldest and smallest neighborhood in Venice and can be reached by crossing the Grand Canal via the Rialto Bridge. It is not possible to see Venice without crossing this famous bridge. Afterwards, you should take a walk around the main market of the city to see the atmosphere there, especially in Pescheria. While you’re there, pay a visit to the House of Carlo Goldoni to see what a typical Venetian middle class house looked like.
Tour the canals of Venice
Above all, you should know that the city has more than 170 canals and more than 450 bridges. Therefore, there are many possibilities such as gondola rides or boat cruises. But you can also opt for a crossing by vaporetto (a kind of cab boat or boat-bus). This is the boat used to travel around the city. However, a gondola ride is a typical tourist activity that is very popular and this is what makes the charm of the city. Just seeing the gondolier will plunge you into the romance of the city. If your budget allows it, a dinner cruise aboard a sailing galleon is also available to reach the lagoon from the canals.
Visit the islands of the lagoon
The Venetian islands are very touristy yet, there are fewer people here than in the center of Venice. They are small jewels that you must absolutely visit and you can also discover crafts that are typical of the identity of these small islands. Among them, glassware (Murano) and lace (Burano). But Murano, Torcello and Burano can be visited in a single day and you can go there by vaporetto. Burano is characterized by its colorful houses while in Murano it is mostly visits to glassblower’s workshops. Treat yourself to a little souvenir on the way. The last island is different from the other two. Indeed, Torcello is very wild and marshy and has only one hotel. However, there are many activities on the island, such as visiting various monuments like some churches and the Museo dell’Estuario for archaeology enthusiasts.
The Cannaregio neighborhood to find peace and quiet
This neighborhood is very quiet but like all neighborhoods in the city, you will pass by several churches. During your walk in Cannaregio, stop in one of the small wine bars that are there or, why not, stay for the evening in one of the small traditional restaurants to taste spaghetti or one of the pizzas on their menu.
Participate in the Venice Carnival
The city’s carnival lasts 10 days. The ideal time to visit Venice is at the end of January because carnival has usually taken place during this period since the Middle Ages. This event also makes Venice special and you can create your own mask. However, please note that during the carnival everything is very expensive. However, you can visit the mask making workshops at another time of the year or take a walk in the Castello district. You will find the costume workshops there. While passing through this neighborhood, take a look at the arsenal and its large basins. They symbolize the commercial and military maritime power of the Serenissima.
Visit one of the Palaces overlooking the Grand Canal
Don’t forget to visit the palaces of Venice. They were the homes of the city’s rich merchants. You will discover the collections housed in these palaces. There are still so many things to do in Venice but it is up to you to discover them.