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Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do in Metropolitan City of Venice [2025]
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Saint Mark's Basilica
4.7
/5
680 reviews
9.2
From VND 463356
Based on 29,340 reviews
Venice City Center | 2.1 km from downtown
Phone +39-041-2708311
Address: P.za San Marco, 328, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 hour
Featured in 2025 Europe 50 – Best Things to Do
Highlights:
Golden Sanctuary with diverse architecture
Church Terrace Overlooking the City
Saved by 397 users278 positive reviews
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It is recommended to buy tickets in advance. There is a long queue for buying tickets on site. Those with tickets can enter directly from another entrance. If you only visit the church, you can come out in ten minutes. It is mainly the dome and murals. There is a museum on the second floor. The ticket is 7 euros.
An absolute must-visit in Venice. The architecture is stunning, and the intricate mosaics inside are breathtaking. There’s a real sense of history and grandeur here. Even if you’re not into churches, the beauty and detail of this basilica are worth experiencing. It can get very crowded, so going early helps. Ticket fee is reasonable and not too expensive
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St. Mark's Square
4.8
/5
1356 reviews
9.0
Based on 37,882 reviews
Venice City Center | 2 km from downtown
Address: P.za San Marco, 30100 Venezia VE, Italy
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.1 of Night Attractions in Metropolitan City of Venice
Highlights:
Renaissance architecture surrounds the square
Climb bell tower for 360° square view
Saved by 285 users458 positive reviews
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## St. Mark's Square: Venice's soul living room, an open-air celebration that never ends **Definitely worth it! **Step into St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco), and you stand at the apex of Venice's beating heart and glory. Napoleon called it “the most beautiful living room in Europe,” and it is not just a geographical center, but an open-air theater that condensed millennia of history, art and life, the ultimate classroom for understanding Venetian temperament. ### **Strike the shocking highlights of the soul**: * ** The ring stage of the architectural epic**: The square itself is a museum without a roof. Look at: ** St. Mark's Cathedral** The golden dome and gorgeous mosaic facade, combining the Byzantine Eastern mysteries and the magnificent Gothic beauty; **Governor's Palace**Lace-like pink Gothic arcade, showing the majesty of maritime supremacy;** Bell Tower** towering into the clouds, such as red sceptres directly to the sky; **New and old Executive Officers' Corridor**(Procuratie Vecchie & Nuove) Elegant arcades are connected into giant curtains, framed to restore the skyline. Different times and styles of buildings resonate in harmony here, forming an unparalleled visual symphony**. *** Flowing daily and celebration**: The magic of the square is that it never solidifies. **Morning light micro**, the slate reflects the soft light of Wuhu, the sound of the water washed by the cleaners is the prelude to the city's awakening;**Daylight**, the pigeons circled like flowing clouds, tourists in the open-air coffee seat (such as the century-old store Florian) drinking Italian concentration, the band's classical melody with the sea breeze; **At the height of the tide, the water reflected the columns and the sky, and pedestrians stepped on the makeshift trestle bridge to become a unique magical scenery in Venice. Here is the best box for observing the 100 states of all beings**. ***Light and Shadow Magic and Space Poetics**: The square changes its appearance with the change of light. When the sunset melts gold, the cathedral's golden roof burns like fire, and the Governor's Palace is stained with honey; the lights are on at the beginning of the Hualien, the lights under the arcade are lit like star chains, and the silhouette of the clock tower sinks into the dark blue night. Its trapezoidal graphic design (82 meters wide at one end, At the other end, only 57 meters) cleverly created the visual depth of the church from the Piazzetta by the sea, the complex is propelled like a stage set, and the momentum is magnificent. ###**Don't miss the finishing experience**: ***Clock Tower - Panoramic view**: At 98 meters high, you can see the beauty of the red-tile maze, blue waterways and square geometry (detailed in the previous article). * **Night tour exclusive tranquility**: When the tide of people disperses, the moonlight is spilled on the slate floor, and the corridor column casts a long shadow, so that you can experience the sacred and poetic nature of the square**. * **Feel the "wonder of high tide"**: If there is a climax in the autumn and winter rainy season, the water is like a mirror reflection of the building, and it is a unique Venetian memory to walk in rain boots (see tide forecast!).
When you come to Venice, Italy, Piazza San Marco is a must-see attraction. Piazza San Marco is one of the most famous landmarks in Venice, Italy, and is famous for its unique architectural style and rich historical and cultural connotations.
Piazza San Marco is surrounded by buildings such as the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Bell Tower, the New and Old Administrative Residence Buildings, and the Napoleon Wing Building. It is about 170 meters long, about 80 meters wide on the east side, and about 55 meters wide on the west side. The buildings around the square combine various styles such as Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance.
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Gondola Ride
4.3
/5
244 reviews
8.6
From VND 1266506
Venice City Center | 1.6 km from downtown
Address: The boarding location of the cruise ship is different, please refer to the booking information
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 hour
Featured in 2025 Global 100 – Night Attractions
Highlights:
Ride a historic Venetian gondola
Experience 400+ bridges in water city
Saved by 322 users30% positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Our experience in Venice was unforgettable, thanks to the perfect combination of a serene gondola ride and an insightful walking tour. The gondola ride was peaceful and gave us a unique view of the canals, while our guide was fantastic—knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. We learned so much about the city's history and hidden gems as we walked through its charming streets. A truly memorable way to experience Venice from both the water and the land. Highly recommend this experience for anyone visiting!
Very good experience, the tour guide is also very responsible and the arrangement is reasonable. The overall activity is divided into three parts: introduction to the tourist area, then arranging a cruise, and finally a VR display. We did not participate in the VR activity, but even so, we felt very happy. It is worth recommending
No.
4
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Doge's Palace
4.7
/5
336 reviews
8.2
From VND 944445
Based on 27,308 reviews
Venice City Center | 2.1 km from downtown
Phone +39-041-2715911
Address: P.za San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Gothic arches blend with Byzantine style
9th-century building was power center
Saved by 276 users145 positive reviews
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## Governor's Palace: The heart of power of the Venetian Republic, a gorgeous shock through the millennium** is definitely worth exploring!** Step into the Governor's Palace (Palazzo Ducale), and you enter the core of the Venetian Republic's millennium glory and shadow. It is not only one of the most magnificent Gothic secular buildings in Europe, but also a super-machine palace of power, art and history, far more profound than ordinary palaces. Its shocking highlights hit the soul: * * * * Gothic architecture peak wonder: * * * the first facade is shocked ** light as lace pink marble * * constitute a huge arcade and carved windows, subverting the inherent weight of Gothic. The solidity of the stout colonnades on the ground floor and the elegance of the upper open corridors form a delicate balance, as if the entire palace floats above the water, perfectly interpreting Venice’s blend of strength and exquisite maritime empire. **Giant Steps (Scala dei Giganti)**The majesty of the giant statues of War and Sea on both sides indicates that you will enter the Temple of Power. ***The magnificent Power Theatre:**The internal space is the climax! Walk through the **Gold Ladder (Scala d'Oro)**, step into the **Grand Parliament Hall (Sala del Maggior Consiglio)** and be swallowed by its restoration in an instant. This was the largest political gathering space in Europe at the time**! Your eyes will be involuntarily attracted by the giant Paradise** of **Dintoretto (one of the world's largest oil paintings), covering the whole face The religious and authoritarian imagery of the wall is suffocating. Walking through the **ten-member committee hall**, **the old hall**, the ubiquitous **gilded ceiling, wet murals (Veronese, Titian masterpieces), and Venetian mosaic floor**, constitute the ultimate visual feast. These luxury is not only art, but also The Republic** deters the envoys and demonstrates the political tools of the state power**. * ** The sigh bridge and dark memories: * The Governor's Palace is not only gorgeous. Cross the sigh bridge (Ponte dei Sighi)**, and feel the cold touch of the stone bridge connecting the palace and the prison. Cross the narrow ** leaded prison roof cell**, Imagine the saga of Casanova's escape here. This "crossing journey" from the peak of power into the abyss of despair reveals the deep justice and secret cruelty of the republic's prosperity. * **Priceless art treasure:** The palace itself is a top art gallery. From the fine armor of the ** weapons library, to the luxurious furnishings of the ** consul suites; From the ceiling masterpieces of Veronese's "Robbing Europa" to the historical whispers on the wall of prisoners' graffiti...every detail tells the epic story of the rise and fall of the Republic. **Reality Tips:*** **Must buy a "Museum Pass" (Museum Pass)**: Covering major attractions such as the Governor's Palace and the Correll Museum, the price is very high. * **Reserve sufficient time: **
The Doge's Palace in Piazza San Marco was originally a defensive fortress built in the 9th century. Its current appearance dates from the 14th to 15th centuries. The magnificent architecture fully demonstrates the national prestige of the former Republic.
No.
5
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St Mark's Campanile
4.7
/5
382 reviews
7.6
From VND 463356
Based on 9,330 reviews
Venice City Center | 2 km from downtown
Phone +39 041 270 8311
Address: P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Golden angel atop 318-foot tower
5 unique bells echo thousand-year history
Saved by 121 users25% positive reviews
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## St. Mark's Bell Tower: The top of Venice, overlooking the Millennium Water City, the strongest sound is definitely worth the top!** This red brick clock tower (Campanile di San Marco) towering in St. Mark's Square, up to 98.6 meters, is the undisputed dominance of Venice's skyline** and the best viewing platform in the city**. It may not be the most complex of art buildings, but the stunning panoramic views it offers are enough to make it a must for experiencing the Venetian soul. Its core charm is breathtaking: * 360-degree panoramic picture: * Getting to the top (only 1 minute by elevator!) instantly, the eyes suddenly open ** The whole of Venice is spread out like a giant relief map at your feet. The blue lake surrounds the maze of orange-red roofs, the Grand Canal as a shiny ribbon through the city, and the outline of Lido Island in the distance is faintly visible. Clear recognition of the golden dome of St. Mark's Cathedral, the elegant arch of the serrated wall of the Rialto Bridge, and even the white crown of the Church of Our Lady of Ankang in the distance. This experience of taking a panoramic view of the entire water city and understanding its unique pattern is unique in Venice. Historical echoes and watch: The bell tower itself is a witness to the vicissitudes of life. The building is "rebuilt as it was" after the collapse of the original tower in 1912, but it perfectly continues the Renaissance style of the early 16th century. The simple and majestic red brick tower body forms a wonderful dialogue with the Byzantine gorgeousness of the square. The tower's gilded angel wind vane shines in the sun, guiding the return ship for hundreds of years. At every hour, the loud sound of the bells (the five ancient bells at the top of the tower) penetrates the hustle and bustle of the city, making it the most moving background sound in Venice. The decryption moment of space magic: standing at the commanding heights can truly unlock the visual code of Venice's "water maze". See how the narrow waterways are woven into nets, how the church bell tower becomes a block navigation marker, how the square becomes a city living room, how the islands are scattered like pearls in Wuhu. This cognitive leap from two-dimensional streets to three-dimensional three-dimensional is not possible on foot or by boat. Realistic considerations: queue and fare: As one of the most popular attractions, queues during the peak season may be as long as 1-2 hours. It is recommended to open the door in the morning or go before closing in the evening. There are few people and excellent light (especially dreamy at sunset). Tickets are about €10-15. Limited space: The viewing platform on the top of the tower is not large, and it will be slightly crowded when there are many people, but the view is unobstructed. Summary: The St. Mark's Bell Tower offers not subtle architectural details but an irreplaceable "God's perspective". It is the ultimate classroom to understand the logic of Venice's space and feel the nature of its water city. When the eyes look over the cascading red tiles, shimmering waterways and the endless blue sea, listening to the bells roaring beneath your feet, the Venice Millennium legend seems to be within reach.
St Mark's Campanile is definitely one of the most worthwhile attractions in Venice! This 16th-century bell tower rises high into the sky, with an angel statue on top. It is a landmark building in Venice.
P Address
P.za San Marco, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
•Excellent view
Climbing the bell tower, you can have a 360-degree view of the entire Venice water city, red roofs, winding canals, and islands in the distance... The beautiful scenery is in full view! It is absolutely great for taking photos and checking in
No.
6
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Grand Canal
4.8
/5
782 reviews
7.2
Based on 41,821 reviews
Venice City Center | 1.2 km from downtown
Phone +39-41-5298711
Address: 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 hour
No.3 of Night Attractions in Metropolitan City of Venice
Highlights:
Boat tour on 2.5-mile waterway
100+ ancient buildings along Grand Canal
Saved by 320 users236 positive reviews
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Venice Grand Canal: The epic, the ultimate experience of urban blood is definitely worth it! Experience Venice and miss the flowing Grand Canal (Canal Grande) is like missing the soul of this water city. It is not a “spot” but a lively lifeline, a flowing architectural museum and a never-ending stage in Venice. A boat ride is a necessary ritual to unlock Venice’s unique charm. Its shocking highlights are intoxicating: the water-building promenade: the Grand Canal is an open-air architectural epic. Nearly 4 kilometers of voyage, Byzantine magnificent, gothic towering, Renaissance elegance, baroque complexity. The eye is the magnificent facade of the Palazzo: faded pink, warm meteorites, quiet dark green, mottled colors tell the rise and fall of the ancient family. Pay attention to the exquisite lace carvings of Ca' d'Oro, the heavy majesty of Ca' Pesaro, the baroque colours of Rezonico Palace (Ca' Rezzonico), each of which is an artistic masterpiece. Dynamic life theater: The canal is not a static landscape painting, It is the beating heart of Venice and the busy streets. Seeing the Vaporetto shuttle as buses, garbage boats, express boats, police speedboats, gondola gracefully slide across the water, the black shadow of the boatman reflects the palace's glory. On the water terrace on both sides of the Straits, locals sipping coffee, tourists marveling by the railingsThe canal itself is the best window to observe the logic of Venice's Millennium Water City life, full of fireworks and magic. Light and shadow change magic mirror: the beauty of the Grand Canal changes with the light and time. In the early morning mist, the palace appeared like a mirage, and the water wave was gentle; under the noon sun, the water surface was shining like a broken drill, and the building color was saturated and strong; at dusk it was a golden hour, and the sunset melted gold, dyeing the palace, bridges, and boats into a warm orange, and the reflection swayed with the spark. It is breathtakingly beautiful. The lights on both sides of the Straits are lit up at night, and the reflection is like a dream, and it is another mysterious atmosphere. How to experience the best? You must take the water bus line 1: From the train station (Santa Lucia) or the Roman Square (Piazzale Roma), all the way to San Marco. This is the most cost-effective and widest way to see the view. Grab the bow or the window seat on the right (the palace on the right side of the outbound journey is more dense and magnificent), about 45 minutes. Gondola short-haul experience: Expensive, but the unique perspective of looking up at the palace when the narrow tributary turns is worth a try (not the whole journey). The pedestrian bridge overlooks: Rialto Bridge, College Bridge, Constitution Bridge
It’s so beautiful wow amazing views boats atmosphere even in November it’s no sobusy so much better to get about
No.
7
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Bridge of Sighs
4.6
/5
776 reviews
7.1
Based on 7,163 reviews
Venice Biennale | 2.2 km from downtown
Phone +39-041-2715911
Address: 30124 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Recommended sightseeing time: 15-30 minutes
Highlights:
Prisoner's last sigh through window
Visit "Before Sunset" filming location
Saved by 233 users176 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
The Bridge of Sighs is a bridge with unique charm and historical significance.
1. Geographical location
The Bridge of Sighs is located in Venice, Italy. It connects the Duke's Palace and the prison in Venice and spans the Palace River.
2. Architectural features
1. Exterior design
- The Bridge of Sighs is a Baroque-style bridge with exquisite shape. The bridge is closed, covered with a dome on the upper part, and white marble railings on both sides of the bridge.
- Its unique closed structure adds a mysterious and oppressive atmosphere.
2. Building materials
- It is mainly built of white marble and limestone, which is sturdy and durable, and still stands after years of baptism.
3. Origin of the name
It is named because the death row prisoners often sighed when they passed this airtight bridge when they were taken to the execution ground.
4. Historical and cultural value
1. Historical witness
- The Bridge of Sighs witnessed the historical changes of Venice, including the development of politics, law and society. It is a symbol of the judicial system during the Republic of Venice.
2. Literary and artistic inspiration
- The Bridge of Sighs has appeared in many literary works and artistic creations. It has inspired countless writers, poets and artists and has become a symbol of romance and mystery.
- For example, the British poet Byron vividly described the Bridge of Sighs in his works, making the bridge more famous.
V. Tourism significance
1. Unique landscape
- Today, the Bridge of Sighs is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Venice. Visitors can take a gondola under the bridge and enjoy the beautiful appearance of the bridge and the surrounding scenery.
2. Romantic legend
- Legend has it that if a couple kisses under the Bridge of Sighs, their love will last forever. This romantic legend has attracted many couples to check in, adding to the romantic atmosphere of the Bridge of Sighs.
Tips: It’s good to see during the day and during the sunset. on one side of the bridge where you are viewing from, can go on the side - there is a good photo point
No.
8
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Rialto Bridge
4.5
/5
336 reviews
6.4
Based on 17,990 reviews
Venice City Center | 1.7 km from downtown
Address: 30125 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Recommended sightseeing time: 15-30 minutes
Highlights:
Perfect spot for Grand Canal photography
Gondola ride to view Rialto Bridge
Saved by 204 users130 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Riato Bridge: The beating heart of Venice is worth stopping by. No doubt, the Riato Bridge is definitely worth your visit. It is not just a bridge, but a living totem of Venice's centuries of business and life, a landmark that the city cannot bypass. Its core charm is unforgettable: architectural legend: as one of the oldest bridges across the Grand Canal, this solid and beautiful Renaissance stone bridge (completed in 1591) is itself a masterpiece of architectural history. Its elegant single-arch design, neatly arranged white Istra stone colonnades, still exudes a sense of calm and elegant power over the years. The market that never ends: walk up the bridge and immediately blend into the unique atmosphere. The bridge is lined with traditional shops, ranging from the glazed Venetian glass jewelry to the exquisite handmade masks. Even if you don't shop, you can walk through it, and your ears are warm greetings from vendors and conversations with tourists, as if you touch the pulse of Venice as an ancient commercial republic, and the scene of Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice" has a real feeling in an instant. Postcard scenery: standing in the middle of the bridge, overlooking the railing, the most classic picture of Venice unfolded in front of you. The Grand Canal is like a shiny blue ribbon, and the colorful palaces on both sides of the river (such as the famous Wendela Ming Palace) reflect the water, the gondola lightly shuttles, and the melodious boatman's trumpet is faintly audible. This is a great viewing frame for the essence of Venice's waterways, especially when the morning light is shining or the sunset is melting gold, and the scenery is even more intoxicating. Of course, the reality is a reminder: As one of Venice's most popular attractions, the bridge is crowded all year round, especially during the peak hours of the day. It is recommended to go early in the morning or dusk, and feel its charm more calmly, avoid the noise, and take pictures of more pure scenery. All in all, the charm of the Rialto Bridge is irreplaceable. It carries history, gathers the present, and frames the beautiful scenery. Squeezing in the crowd to see the scenery is a vivid lesson in experiencing Venice's unique vitality. This bridge is worth your squeeze in and feel its heartbeat.
You definitely have to see this unique bridge when you are in Venice. it is divided into 3 sections. the middle one has shops on the bridge (both sides) and on either side of this are steps to go up and down. You can enjoy the beautiful view of Grand Canal from here. There are water taxi’s, water buses and gondola’s going up and down the canal. Best time to go is early morning or in the evening when it is less busy. There are hawkers selling red roses so you can have a romantic moment there and capture them.
No.
9
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Teatro La Fenice di Venezia
4.5
/5
63 reviews
6.2
From VND 416889
Based on 4,624 reviews
Venice City Center | 1.7 km from downtown
Phone +39-041-786654
Address: Campo S. Fantin, 1965, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Built in 1792, Baroque opera house
Premiere site of "La Traviata" opera
38% positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
The Phoenix Opera House is also quite interesting. There are many operas. The internal structure of the opera house is also quite grand. Every opera performance is quite attractive. Tourists who visit here are also very hungry for opera. The variety of large-scale operas is also very good.
The opera house is easy to find, the staff is super friendly, the theater lobby is very gorgeous, there was a performance being rehearsed at the time, I watched it quietly for a while and then quietly left to visit again, I didn't take any photos, it is the only must-see spot on Venice Island besides the Bridge of Sighs
No.
10
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Glass Museum (Murano)
4.3
/5
112 reviews
5.9
From VND 308904
Based on 1,391 reviews
3.7 km from downtown
Phone +39-041-739586
Address: Fondamenta Marco Giustinian, 8, 30141 Venezia VE, Italy
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 hour
Highlights:
Three halls detail glassmaking history
Top artisans create glass artworks
27% positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
It displays many exquisite glass products and is also a place with an elegant environment. The glass museum here looks quite good. There are a large number of glass crafts and many exquisite items can be seen in the museum.
Murano is not as famous as the "Glass Island" as tourists call it.
The Glass Island is rich in a variety of colorful glass products. From practical cups, lamps, vases, red wine bottle caps to decorative photo frames, fruit plates, earrings, pendants, etc., there is nothing that can't be done. There are glass crafts on the island, and more are small glass craftsman workshops. In the glass workshop, you can watch the craftsmen make glass products on the spot, and be amazed by their unique ingenuity and exquisite technology.
The Glass Museum is a relatively large venue for displaying glass products.
Through the window, admire those spiritual glass products, can't help but admire the masters' ingenious craftsmanship.
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