6 Things To Do in Venice, Italy

Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It offers a variety of things to do ranging from visiting iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica to taking a gondola ride through the canals.

An Italian once told me that even locals get lost in the streets of Venice. Getting lost in this unique Italian city can already be a fun thing to do, since every narrow street has so much history and beauty. I have compiled all the must-sees in every Venice travel guide to help you plan your next trip to the most romantic city in Italy.

What to do in Venice:

#1- Visit Rialto Bridge

Ponte di Rialto is the oldest bridge across the Grand Canal. It was built in the late 16th century. This is one of the most photographed locations in Venice. My tip to get good pictures here while avoiding the crowds is to walk all the way down the bridge towards a restaurant called Riva Rialto and take pictures right at the bottom corner the bridge.

#2- Go to Saint Mark’s Square

Piazza San Marco is the main public square in Venice and it dates back to the 9th century. Some must-sees at Saint Mark’s Square are Doge’s Palace, Saint Mark’s Basilica and Saint Mark’s Bell Tower. Make sure to walk towards the water – by Doge’s Palace – to get my favorite view of Venice pictured above.

#3- Grab a snack at Cafe Florian

Before you leave Saint Mark’s Square, make sure to grab a coffee or a snack at Caffè Florian, which owners claim to be the oldest cafe in Italy and second oldest in Europe. Their live band adds an extra magical touch to Venice. However, it is pricey and you will have to pay a cover for the live band – €7 in May of 2025 – but it’s absolutely worth it. My bill came out to around €17 for everything in the tray and the band fee. It was delicious but definitely overpriced. You are paying for the overall experience here.

#4- Book a Photoshoot in Venice

You can get a professional photoshoot done in the streets of Venice for as little as €65. Getting professional pictures taken is always a fun thing to do and it guarantees you have great travel memories to look back at. Book your photoshoot here.

#5 – Take a Gondola Ride

Gondola rides have been around in Venice since the 11th century. It’s truly a magical experience and a must-do in Venice. The prices for the ride is set by the city. As of May of 2025, it costed €80 for a 25 minute ride, gondolas hold up to 5 passengers.

#6- Dine with a view of the Grand Canal

I had dinner at Al Buso by Rialto Bridge and it was one of the most beautiful “dine room views” of my entire trip. To be honest, it was not the best Italian food I had in Venice but the view made it worth it for me and the food was still better than any Italian food I have ever had in America. If you want more authentic Italian restaurants in Venice, these are the recommendations I got from a local: Taverna Scalinetto, Trattoria Pontini, Ristorante Bacarandino, Vineria all’Amarone & Rossopomodoro.

It’s impossible not to fall in love with Venice! Check out the incredibly talented live band at Cafe Florian: