Venice Attractions

Let’s start a journey together to discover the wonders and most beautiful attractions in Venice and its surroundings. attrazioni di Venezia e dintorni. Una città dal passato prestigioso che conta ogni anno più di 12 milioni di visitatori richiamati dal fascino dei ponti, della laguna, delle strette calli e delle tante attrattive di Venezia..

A truly unique place in the world: more than 120 islands, over 400 bridges, 6 districts, 3,000 alleys and more than 1,500 years of history. Planning your trip and wondering what to see in Venice? On this page you’ll find the attractions most visited by travelers from all over the world.

For art lovers or anyone looking for cultural inspiration, we also recommend visiting our dedicated page about Venice museums.

Le attrazioni di Venezia – la top 10

1 – St. Mark’s Square

It may sound surprising, but St. Mark’s Square is the only true square in Venice. All the others are actually called “campi.” It’s the favorite destination for visitors because this is where Venice’s main attractions are concentrated, along with the historic seats of power of the former Venetian Republic.

What to see? Elegant cafés, arcades, St. Mark’s Campanile, the Doge’s Palace, the Cathedral, the Bridge of Sighs, and the lagoon view toward the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute.

> Discover the charm of St. Mark’s Square

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2 - St. Mark's Basilica

Viene chiamata anche la Cattedrale d’Oro per la ricchezza dei mosaici che decorano gli interni. Una struttura unica che merita senza dubbio una visita per i tesori che nasconde: dagli antichi portali in bronzo e ottone ai monumentali cavalli in bronzo.

Inside you’ll find priceless works dating back to the year 1000, such as the Madonna Nicopeia, which became an icon of medieval art. The Basilica is a highly sought-after destination, so we strongly recommend booking your ticket online in advance.

Discover the wonders of St. Mark’s Basilica 

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3 – Doge’s Palace

Once the residence of the Doge and the political heart of the Venetian Republic, this is one of the most fascinating attractions in Venice for its striking contrasts: grand ceremonial halls where ambassadors and princes from all over the world were welcomed stand in sharp opposition to the prisons — the infamous “Piombi” — and the torture chambers. Only one man ever managed to escape this fortress and later became a legend: Giacomo Casanova.

Visitors often choose to combine the tour with nearby St. Mark’s Basilica, since a combined ticket usually helps save money.

Discover the lights and shadows of Doge’s Palace

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4 – Bridge of Sighs

One of the most beloved attractions in Venice, thousands of visitors stop here every day for photos and selfies with what is often considered the most romantic bridge in the world.

Actually, its history is far from romantic. The name refers to the last sigh of prisoners who, according to legend, caught their final glimpse of the sea before being led to their cells.

The interior can only be visited through a dedicated Doge’s Palace secret tour. Walking through the prison corridor behind its stone walls and iron bars offers a unique and atmospheric view over the lagoon.

> Discover all the curiosities about the Bridge of Sighs

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5 – Gondola Ride

In a city built on water, the most fascinating and memorable way to admire Venice is from the canals themselves. A gondola tour offers a privileged viewpoint and allows you to glide smoothly through the city’s narrow waterways.

It’s an experience we recommend not only for couples, but also for families and especially for anyone looking to capture truly unique photographs of Venice.

> Discover all the info about gondola tours 

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6 – Rialto Bridge

Without a doubt one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks, the Rialto Bridge is the first true bridge ever built across the Grand Canal and offers some of the most beautiful photo views in the entire city.

Originally constructed in wood, today’s stone structure is the result of an extraordinary engineering project that many locals initially doubted would ever stand. Want to know more? Discover the stories and curiosities behind one of the most photographed bridges in the world.

Discover the curiosities of the Rialto Bridge

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7 – Murano and Burano

Both islands are easily reachable by public water bus and each has its own unique charm worth exploring at a relaxed pace. The first stop is Murano, known worldwide as the “Island of Glass,” famous for its centuries-old glass-blowing tradition exported across the globe. The second is Burano, celebrated for its brightly colored houses and its long history of handmade lace.

The best — and often most convenient — way to visit Venice’s main islands is by joining a full boat tour. These tours usually last several hours and allow you to explore each island comfortably, with the convenience of having transportation already arranged.

> Join an organized island tour online and save 

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8 – Bacari Food Tour

Cicchetti are one of the most enjoyable and delicious culinary traditions in Venice. They perfectly represent how street food has become part of everyday lagoon culture. In traditional Venetian bacari — small taverns and wine bars — these bite-sized dishes are served not only for aperitivo, but also as a casual and authentic dinner experience.

Here you can taste excellent white wines and proseccos from nearby regions, paired with slices of bread topped with classic Venetian recipes: from salted cod to cured meats, fresh seafood, and local cheeses.

> Discover the flavors of Venice’s bacari culture

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9 – Accademia Galleries

The largest collection of Venetian art from the 15th and 16th centuries is displayed inside this extraordinary museum. It has been home to the Academy of Fine Arts since the early 1800s. Works by masters such as Bellini, Mantegna, and Giorgione’s famous “The Tempest” are just a few of the masterpieces you can admire here.

A highlight for many visitors? The chance to see Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man (when on display). That alone is often reason enough to plan a visit.

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10 – The Jewish Ghetto

Located in the Cannaregio district, this is the historic neighborhood where the Jewish community was required to live during the time of the Venetian Republic. Today it remains the cultural heart of Jewish Venice and, being surrounded by canals, it is accessible only by crossing a couple of small bridges.

Here you’ll find several historic synagogues as well as the Jewish Museum of Venice. It is an area that truly deserves a visit, as it has preserved much of its original character and still conveys the atmosphere of centuries past. Museo Ebraico di Venezia. Si tratta di una zona che merita senza dubbio una visita, visto che è rimasto intatto e conserva ancora oggi il fascino di un tempo.

> Discover the timeless charm of Venice’s Jewish Ghetto

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The complete list of Venice attractions

Non ti basta la nostra speciale classifica con la Top 10? Di seguito trovi tutte le attrazioni di Venezia Not enough with our special Top 10? Below you’ll find the full list of Venice attractions, with detailed information to help you plan the best possible itinerary through one of the most fascinating and romantic cities in the world.