How to Spend Your Time in Venice
Introduction
While Venice is an incredibly popular tourist destination, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting. It is, actually! There are tons of things to do in Venice and if you’re smart about how you spend your time there, you can have a great time without spending all of your time near St. Mark’s Square or along the Grand Canal. Here are some ideas for things to do when visiting this historic city:
Visit St. Mark’s Square.
St. Mark’s Square is the main square in Venice, and it is the center of all tourism in Venice. With its famous Basilica di San Marco, this picturesque piazza has been a major attraction since the Middle Ages. It’s also one of the best places to people watch while you’re visiting this city!
If you visit St. Mark’s Square during your trip to Venice, be sure to take note of its architecture: there are many ornate buildings surrounding its perimeter that make up part of an extensive collection called “The Palazzi” (palaces). These structures were built between 1450 and 1750 by wealthy merchants as well as noble families who resided there during those times; they’re now used primarily as museums or offices for businesses owned by locals today–but tourists can still enjoy them from afar!
In addition to admiring these beautiful buildings from afar while walking around inside them (if allowed), visitors may also want take advantage of opportunities presented here such as buying souvenirs like postcards or trinkets made out wood pieces carved into animals’ faces–these items make great gifts back home because most people don’t know how much effort goes into creating something like this!
Walk down the Grand Canal.
The Grand Canal is the main waterway of Venice, which runs from the lagoon to the Adriatic Sea. It is lined with palazzos, churches and bridges that connect Venice’s many islands. The best way to see this beautiful city is by boat; gondolas are especially popular with tourists who want to get a different perspective on Venice than they would from land or by foot.
Take a gondola ride through Venice.
If you’re looking for a romantic way to spend an afternoon with your partner, a gondola ride through Venice is the perfect option. The gondoliers sing (and sometimes play guitars) while they row the boats through the canals of Venice, making it feel like you’re traveling back in time. The price tag may seem steep at first glance ($80-$150 per couple), but considering how expensive everything else is in this city–and how beautiful it feels when you’re gliding along on one–it’s worth every penny!
It should go without saying: don’t forget your camera!
Visit a Piazza San Marco church.
There are so many churches in Venice that it can be hard to decide which one to visit. But don’t worry! You won’t regret going to any of them. There are dozens of churches with beautiful art and architecture, including the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta (St Mark’s Basilica), which houses the tombs of some Venetian doges; San Giorgio Maggiore, whose bell tower has an amazing view of Venice; and Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (Frari Church), home to Titian’s masterpiece “The Assumption.”
If you’re visiting Venice on Sunday morning, try making your way over to San Marco Square around 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–that way, you’ll get there just as mass starts at noon. Everyone else will be milling around outside before entering too, so it will feel like less of a crowd inside the church itself!
Eat gelato from Venissa at Piazza San Marco.
If you’re thinking about eating gelato in Venice, Venissa is the place to go. This small shop has been making quality ice cream since 1926 and has multiple locations throughout the city. You can find their flagship location on St. Mark’s Square as well as another outpost near Rialto Bridge (they also have a third location in Piazza San Marco).
The best part about this place? They offer some unique flavors that aren’t available anywhere else! If you’re feeling adventurous, try one of their seasonal flavors like chestnut or pumpkin spice; if not, stick with something familiar like stracciatella (chocolate chip) or vanilla bean.
Walk along the water to Burano, Murano and Torcello Island for an off-the-beaten path day trip.
Venice is a city of islands, but if you want to get away from the crowds and see something different, head over to Burano, Murano and Torcello.
The colors on these three islands are amazing! The houses are brightly colored and they look like they’ve been painted by children. In fact, this is exactly what happened–in order to protect against malaria in the area (which was once common), local people would paint their homes in bright colors so that insects couldn’t hide there during the day.
You can also visit some glass factories on Burano where you can watch artisans blow glass into beautiful vases or jewelry pieces. If you’re looking for something more relaxing than being inside hot factories all day long though…there’s always Murano! This island has an awesome beach where locals go swimming during summertime months when temperatures rise above 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius).
Venice is full of things to do, but you don’t have to spend all your time in touristy spots like Piazza San Marco to see it all
Venice is full of things to do, but you don’t have to spend all your time in touristy spots like Piazza San Marco to see it all. You can do things like take a gondola ride and visit a church, or eat gelato at one of the many cafes around town. You can also visit Piazza San Marco, which is Venice’s main square and home to lots of shops and restaurants. If you want a different perspective on Venice without leaving land entirely, try seeing it from the water on a boat tour or from above by renting an apartment with an observation deck (or staying at one).
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten path day trip, try walking along the water to Burano, Murano and Torcello Island. These three islands are less touristy than Venice itself and offer great views of the city as well as delicious food!
