Experiences in Venice: Tours, Tickets and Useful Info
Quick Guide to Activities
On this page you will find a selection of the best experiences 🏆 we have picked for you in Venice, based on offers from major tour operators.
📌 For a more complete overview of each attraction (St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Guided Tours, etc.), you can click on the links to the detailed pages +🔗.
- Jewish Ghetto +🔗
- La Fenice Theatre +🔗
- Rialto Bridge +🔗
- Borges Labyrinth
- Ca’ Pesaro
- Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
- Leonardo da Vinci Museum
- Olivetti Store
- Querini Stampalia Foundation
- Natural History Museum
- Other Attractions
- Guided Tours in the Sestieri
Activities and Useful Services
- Venice Carnival +🔗
- Tastings and Workshops
- City Pass and Other
St. Mark’s Square
Piazza San Marco is the symbolic heart of Venice and the ideal starting point for understanding the history, art, and power of the Serenissima. This area brings together some of the city’s most representative landmarks, with monumental architecture and routes that tell centuries of Venetian life.
St. Mark’s Basilica
Visiting St. Mark’s Basilica means stepping into one of the most iconic places in Venice, a masterpiece of Byzantine inspiration that tells centuries of history of the Venetian Republic:
- St. Mark’s Basilica: Skip-the-Line Ticket + Venice History in 3D – Fast access and immersive 3D gallery to discover the city’s history. Top Reviews 🏆
- Venice: Guided Tour of St. Mark’s Basilica + Terrace Option – Full visit with access to the panoramic terrace. Top Reviews 🏆
St. Mark’s Campanile
The St. Mark’s Bell Tower, a majestic tower overlooking the famous square, offers an extraordinary panoramic view over the city, its rooftops, and the lagoon.
- Venice: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Campanile – Full Access – The most complete experience to discover Venice’s greatest landmarks with entry to the Campanile, the Basilica, and the Doge’s Palace. Top Reviews 🏆
Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace in Venice was the heart of power of the Venetian Republic, and visiting it allows you to discover one of the most fascinating historical complexes in the city.
- Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica with Terrace: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour – Priority access to fully enjoy the experience without waiting in line. Top Reviews 🏆
- Venice: Skip-the-Line Doge’s Palace Tour with Prisons – A full guided experience exploring halls, courtyards, and the historic prisons. Top Reviews 🏆
Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs is one of Venice’s most famous attractions: an elegant white stone passage linking the Doge’s Palace to the ancient Prisons, surrounded by legends, stories, and timeless charm.
- Venice: Guided Tour of the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs – Visit the Doge’s Palace with an expert guide and cross the famous Bridge of Sighs to the ancient Prisons. A complete experience combining art, history, and evocative settings. Top Reviews 🏆
Combined Tours
Discover all of St. Mark’s with these Combined Tours praised by thousands of reviews, to fully experience the magic, art, and history of Venice’s most iconic landmarks:
- Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica and Terrace: Guided Tour – Skip-the-line access and guided tour of the most iconic landmarks. Top Reviews 🏆
- Venice: Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica Tour – Explore the history and art of Venice with an expert guide. Top Reviews 🏆
- Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica: Guided Tour – A full experience of Venetian architecture and history. Top Reviews 🏆
- Venice: Main Attractions Tour with St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace – Skip-the-line and enjoy the most iconic sites easily. Top Reviews 🏆
- Venice: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of St. Mark’s and Doge’s Palace – Enter without waiting and discover unique treasures. Top Reviews 🏆
- Venice: Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs and Royal Palace Tour – Complete tour of Venice’s most emblematic landmarks. Top Reviews 🏆
- Venice: Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica Guided Tour – Premium guided experience to enjoy Venice at its best.
- Doge’s Palace, Basilica and St. Mark’s: All-Inclusive Tour – Everything included for a worry-free experience.
- Venice: VIP Tour of St. Mark’s and Doge’s Palace After Hours – Exclusive access for a unique experience.
Attractions in the Sestieri
Exploring the Venetian districts (Sestieri) means discovering the city’s most authentic side, beyond the iconic sights alone. Each neighborhood has its own identity, shaped by historic palaces, museums, quiet alleys, and lesser-known corners that reveal a deeper, more local Venice.
Jewish Ghetto
The Venetian Ghetto, the first ghetto in Europe and in the world, established by the Republic of Venice in 1516, is an unmissable experience: a district rich in memory where synagogues, museums, and centuries-old traditions intertwine among quiet streets and squares.
- Venice: Jewish Ghetto walking tour with optional synagogue visit – A fascinating guided tour through the heart of the Jewish Ghetto, with the option to visit the historic Venetian synagogues. Top Reviews 🏆
La Fenice Theatre
The Teatro La Fenice is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. Located in the heart of Venice, it hosts opera performances and concerts and allows visitors to admire elegant interiors that reflect a long musical and cultural tradition.
- Venice: Teatro La Fenice Entry Ticket with Audio Guide – Visit the theatre with a detailed and engaging audio guide to explore every corner and detail of its history. Top Reviews 🏆
Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is one of the liveliest areas of Venice overlooking the Grand Canal: a historic bridge filled with shops, markets, and picturesque views that reflect the city’s commercial soul:
- Venice: Walking Tour from San Marco to Rialto with a Local Spritz – An authentic guided tour through Venice’s calli and campi, ending with a spritz like a true Venetian. Top Reviews 🏆
Borges Labyrinth
The Borges Labyrinth and the Giorgio Cini Foundation offer a journey through art, culture, and mystery in one of the most evocative places in Venice:
- Venice: Giorgio Cini Foundation Visit with Audio Guide – An immersive visit to discover the history and art of the Foundation.
- Giorgio Cini Foundation, Borges Labyrinth, Vatican Chapels & Green Theatre – A complete experience combining labyrinths, art, and Venetian architecture.
- San Giorgio Maggiore Island: Borges Labyrinth – Explore the labyrinth and immerse yourself in a unique artistic journey.
- Venice: Borges Labyrinth Entry with Audio Guide – Discover the labyrinth with the help of a detailed audio guide.
Ca’ Pesaro
Visit Ca’ Pesaro to explore modern and Asian art in the heart of Venice:
- Venice: Ca’ Pesaro Museum of Modern and Oriental Art Ticket – Access the museum’s permanent collections.
- Ca’ Pesaro Museum: Fast Track Ticket – Skip the line and enjoy the collections without waiting.
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
One of Venice’s hidden gems is the famous spiral staircase of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo.
- Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo: Entrance Ticket – Access the historic staircase and inner courtyard.
- Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo: Entrance Ticket – Skip the line and admire the iconic spiral staircase.
Leonardo da Vinci Museum
Discover the Leonardo da Vinci Museum and explore the inventions of the Italian genius:
- Venice: Leonardo da Vinci Museum Entrance Ticket – Discover machines, inventions, and interactive models. Top Reviews 🏆
- Leonardo da Vinci Museum: Skip-the-Line Ticket – Fast access to the exhibitions without waiting.
Olivetti Store
The Olivetti Showroom in St. Mark’s Square is a refined hidden gem for lovers of architecture and Italian design:
- Venice: Olivetti Showroom Tickets – A guided visit focused on architecture and design.
- Olivetti Showroom: Entrance Ticket – Simple access to this iconic design space.
Querini Stampalia Foundation
Visiting the Querini Stampalia Foundation means diving into Venetian art, architecture, and culture beyond the main tourist routes:
- Querini Stampalia Foundation: Entrance Ticket – Explore collections and historic interiors.
- Querini Stampalia Foundation: Skip-the-Line Ticket – Fast access to the foundation’s spaces.
Natural History Museum
Visit the Venice Natural History Museum to explore nature and science in the heart of the city:
- Venice: Natural History Museum Entrance Ticket – Discover natural science collections and interactive exhibits.
- Natural History Museum: Entrance Ticket – Skip the line and access the museum with ease.
Other Attractions
Beyond the great classics, Venice hides many lesser-known yet highly valuable artistic and cultural gems, perfect for travelers who want to explore the city through original experiences away from the most crowded routes:
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection: Fast Track Ticket – One of Europe’s most important modern art museums, overlooking the Grand Canal.
- Palazzo Pisani: Venice’s Highest Rooftop Terrace – Climb up for one of the most spectacular panoramic views over the lagoon city.
- Ca’ Rezzonico Museum: Fast Track Ticket – A journey through 18th-century Venetian art and daily life inside a magnificent palace on the Grand Canal.
- Palazzo Fortuny: Entrance Ticket – A unique exhibition space dedicated to art, photography, and the creative genius of Mariano Fortuny.
- Palazzo Mocenigo (Museum of Palazzo Mocenigo): Entrance Ticket – A museum dedicated to the history of fashion, perfume, and Venetian elegance.
- Venice: Private Accademia Gallery & Dorsoduro Tour – An exclusive guided tour through artistic masterpieces and one of Venice’s most authentic districts.
- San Giorgio Maggiore Island: Wood and Vatican Chapels Tour – An immersive experience combining nature, contemporary art, and sacred architecture.
- Scuola Grande dei Carmini: Entrance Ticket – A remarkable Venetian confraternity adorned with masterpieces by Giambattista Tiepolo.
- Carlo Goldoni’s House – A museum dedicated to the famous Venetian playwright and the city’s theatrical tradition.
Guided Tours in the Sestieri
Check out our selection of the best guided tours around the Sestieri to experience the most authentic side of Venice beyond the traditional routes:
- Venice: sightseeing tour with a local guide – Panoramic tour to discover the Sestieri and main attractions with a local guide. Top Reviews 🏆
- Venice: guided walking tour of the historic center – Walk through the famous streets, squares, and landmarks of the historic center. Top Reviews 🏆
- Venice: private tour with a local guide – Personalized experience with a local expert, away from crowded tourist paths.
- Venice: morning walking tour – Start the day exploring the main points of interest with a local guide.
- Venice: ghost tour to Rialto and Piazza San Marco – Night tour through legends, mysteries, and fascinating stories of the city.
- Venice: private Accademia Gallery and Dorsoduro tour – Exclusive tour among masterpieces and the authentic Dorsoduro district.
- Venice: private walking tour of Castello district – Guided walk to discover the less touristy but historically rich Castello district.
- Venice: walking tour to discover Giudecca Island – Explore Giudecca Island with its art, architecture, and picturesque views.
Grand Canal and Islands
The Grand Canal and the Islands of the Lagoon represent the aquatic soul of Venice, a one-of-a-kind landscape best experienced from the water. Scenic routes and islands rich in history and traditions offer a slower, more evocative perspective on the city.
Venice by Gondola
- Venice: Grand Canal gondola ride with app commentary – An ideal experience for those who want to learn about the history of palaces and bridges with a clear and engaging audio guide. Top Reviews 🏆
- Venice: Grand Canal gondola ride with live commentary – An expert gondolier shares curiosities and Venetian stories as you glide through canals and Renaissance palaces. Top Reviews 🏆
Venice Cruise
- Venice: Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Jazz Aperitif – Enjoy a catamaran aperitif accompanied by jazz music while the sun sets over the lagoon, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Top Reviews 🏆
Murano, Burano and Torcello
The Islands of the Venetian Lagoon are among the most fascinating destinations in the lagoon: Murano, famous for glassmaking, Burano for its colorful houses and lace, and Torcello, a historic island immersed in tranquility.
- Boat trip: Murano, Burano and Torcello– The most popular tour to explore the three traditional islands, featuring glassblowing, lace, and ancient history. Top Reviews 🏆
- Venice: Murano, Burano and Torcello boat tour with glassblowing – A scenic cruise among artisan traditions and unique lagoon landscapes.
Activities and Useful Services
Beyond cultural visits, Venice offers a wide range of activities and practical experiences to enrich your stay and help organize your time in the city. From major seasonal events to services designed to make getting around easier, these options support a more complete and mindful way of experiencing Venice.
Venice Carnival
The Venice Carnival is one of the most enchanting events worldwide: a noticeable atmosphere made of elegant masks, historical costumes, and evocative settings that take the city back in time.
- Venice Carnival: Mask-Making Workshop – An authentic experience to create your own Venetian mask guided by expert artisans, learning traditional techniques and Carnival symbols.
Tastings and Workshops
Discover our tasting experiences and workshops in Venice, to savor the local culinary culture and learn ancient artisan crafts:
- Venice: street food tour with guide and tastings – Taste local specialties in the streets and squares with an expert guide. Top Reviews 🏆
- Venice: dinner on a galleon and Venetian lagoon tour – Typical dinner on a galleon with a guided excursion around the lagoon. Top Reviews 🏆
- Venice: gastronomic tour of Cicchetti, Spritz, wine and anecdotes – Discover typical cicchetti, Spritz, and culinary stories of the city.
- Venice: private glassmaking lesson with a local artisan – Learn the art of glassblowing directly from a master artisan.
City Pass and Other
The convenient Venice City Passes can include museums, churches, and public transport, allowing you to visit the main attractions and move freely around the Serenissima.
- Venice Museums Pass and Doge’s Palace Ticket – Fast-track access to major museums and the famous Doge’s Palace. Top Reviews 🏆
- Venice: San Marco City Pass with Doge’s Palace Entry – Complete city pass to explore St. Mark’s Square and main attractions with entry included. Top Reviews 🏆
- Venice: City Pass with Museums, Churches, and Public Transport – All-inclusive pass for museums, main churches, and use of the city’s public transport.
- Venice: Vaporetto and Bus Pass – Pass to move freely on vaporetti and buses. Top Reviews 🏆
- Boat Transfers in Venice – Private transfer service between main points of the city. Top Reviews 🏆
- Alilaguna: Boat Transfer between Venice Marco Polo Airport and Venice – Convenient connection from the airport to the city center by boat.
- Marco Polo Airport: Water Taxi to Venice City Center – Fast and private water taxi transfer from the airport.
- Marco Polo Airport: One-way Bus from Venice City Center – Budget-friendly bus transfer between the airport and the city center.
- Marco Polo Airport: Shuttle Bus to Venice City Center – Shared shuttle service between airport and city center.
- Vaporetto Pass: Venice Public Transport with Airport Transfer (ACTV) – Full pass for public transport and airport transfer.