Visiting Venice for the First Time? Here’s What To See and Do

The unrivaled star of Venice is St. Mark’s Square, where many of the city’s top must-sees are clustered. Stroll through the sweeping square, lined by elegant porticoes and classic coffee houses. Then, take in headliners like St. Mark’s Basilica and Bell Tower, the Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs just around the corner, and the square’s famed Clock Tower. You can join a tour of any one of these top-tier attractions or tick the top sights off your list with a combination tour.

There are three ways every visitor to Venice should take in the city—and the first is by water. The canals that crisscross Venice feed into the Adriatic Sea. Plan to cruise down the Grand Canal to marvel at ornate Gothic palaces that rise directly from the water and admire landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute. For a quieter ride, hop on a gondola and glide along the smaller canals for unforgettable views and even a traditional serenade.

After a romantic turn around Venice by boat, explore the city’s maze-like network of narrow alleys and pocket-sized squares on foot. Leave the crowds in St. Mark’s Square behind and get lost in the calli (pedestrian lanes) that fan out in all directions, opening up to charming spots like Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo, and Campo San Bartolomeo. If the thought of venturing into Venice’s twisting lanes on your own makes you yearn for GPS, join an off-the-beaten-track walking tour led by an insider guide.

Once you’ve scoured Venice by sea and by land, head to a sky-high perch to take in the city’s rooftops from a soaring overlook. The most famous is the bell tower in St. Mark’s Square, but that’s not the only spot where you can admire all-encompassing views. The winding Bovolo Staircase, panoramic terrace atop the Fondaco dei Tedeschi, and bell tower of San Giorgio Maggiore just across the Venetian Lagoon from St. Mark’s Square also offer unforgettable perspectives and once-in-a-lifetime photo ops.

Many of Venice’s most prized historic palaces now house excellent museums, with collections ranging from fabulous art to baroque fashion set against the backdrop of the city’s most lavish architecture. Check out works by Venetian masters in Ca’ d’Oro; historical clothing and perfume in Palazzo Mocenigo; Ca’ Rezzonico’s collection of paintings by Tintoretto, Canaletto, and Tiepolo; and The International Gallery of Modern Art and Museum of Oriental Art in Ca’ Pesaro to get a glimpse of how Venice’s glitterati once lived.

Central Venice is divided into six districts, or sestieri, each with a distinct history and unique sights. San Marco is the headliner, packed with must-see attractions and marking the city center. Neighboring Cannaregio is home to the Jewish Ghetto and excellent authentic bacari (wine bars). San Polo, across the bridge from the San Marco district, is the city’s foodie hub, while Castello, Dorsoduro, and Santa Croce are home to top-tier museums and art-filled churches.

Murano has been known for its hand-blown glass since 1291, when Venice forced the city’s glass workshops to move across the lagoon after a series of fires. Hop on a water taxi or water bus (known as a vaporetto) to Murano and watch as artisans form molten glass into stemware, chandeliers, and artwork. Many Murano tours also include a stop at colorful Burano, one of the most photogenic islands in Venice.

Eat like a local at a traditional bacaro (wine bar) where classic cicchetti (small appetizer plates and finger food) are served alongside an ombra, a glass of local wine. The best way to experience the city’s top gastronomic spots is with a guided food tour that stops at various wine bars in foodie hot spots where you can try a selection of classic and gourmet bites as you explore authentic Venetian neighborhoods.

Related: Cicchetti in Venice: What They Are and Where To Try Them

The Rialto Market has been where locals have stocked up on fresh fish and seafood, regional produce, and other gourmet treats for more than 1,000 years. This landmark outdoor market still bustles with vendors and customers bargaining (and exchanging local gossip) here each morning. Stroll through the stands to check out the wares and even pick up foodie souvenirs to bring home. For an insider perspective on the market, join a food tour or cooking class that includes a walk through this commercial and social hub with a local host or guide.

Venice has a history that stretches back thousands of years, but the city's cultural scene is firmly anchored in the 21st century as the home of La Biennale. Every two years, contemporary artists from across the globe gather at the Arsenale and other venues across the Venetian islands to showcase their works. If you can’t make it to the Biennale, stop at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection to admire an extensive collection of works by A-listers from Picasso to Pollock.