In this article, we will show you the main Tourist Attractions in Venice. Firstly, we will focus on what to see, and secondly, we will focus on what to do in Venice. In the end, we will share some helpful tips with you. So, stay with us if you want to travel to this magnificent city.
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The main tourist attractions in Venice
Planning a trip to Venice? This guide highlights the essential sights, top things to do, and a few helpful travel tips. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, as a couple, or with family, Venice welcomes everyone—including LGBTQ+ travelers—with romance, culture, and unforgettable experiences.
Note: If you want to see the Perfect day trips from Venice, we suggest reading our related article.
LGBTQ+ Venice: Pride, Romance & Hidden Stories
- Queer Nightlife: While Venice itself has a subtle, integrated LGBTQ+ scene, you’re never far from a welcoming bar or friendly crowd—especially in Cannaregio or Dorsoduro. For more vibrant nightlife, Padova’s gay bars and clubs are just a short train ride away.
- Events: Venice often hosts queer art exhibits during the Biennale and occasional LGBTQ+ events, especially in summer.
- Romantic Spots: The Bridge of Sighs, quiet canals at dusk, and the wild dunes of Alberoni Beach (the city’s unofficial gay beach) are all perfect for couples of any gender.
Did You Know? Venice & Queer History
- Masked Liberation: During Venice’s historic Carnivals, masks allowed people to meet and love freely, regardless of class or gender—a tradition that helped foster the city’s reputation for tolerance.
- Famous Courtesans & Artists: Venice was home to the legendary courtesan Veronica Franco, and the city’s art collections include works by and about LGBTQ+ figures from the Renaissance to today.
- LGBTQ+ Film: The Venice Film Festival has premiered and celebrated many queer films, making the Lido a hot spot for LGBTQ+ cinema lovers every September.
- Modern Acceptance: Public affection—like kissing or holding hands—is common in Venice, and the city’s relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere makes it one of Italy’s safest and most open-minded destinations for queer travelers.
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St. Mark’s Square & St. Mark’s Basilica
St. Mark’s Bell Tower
Doge’s Palace
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Grand Canal & Rialto Bridge
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Copyright: Credit: Premium Stock Photography GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo
Jewish Ghetto in Cannaregio
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Island hopping
- Burano: Famous for its vibrant houses and lace-making tradition.
- Murano: Renowned for glass-blowing workshops—don’t miss a demonstration!
- Torcello: Home to one of Europe’s oldest churches and a tranquil, rustic vibe.
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Romantic Experiences
- Gondola Serenade: A sunset gondola ride is the ultimate romantic memory—perfect for couples of all identities.
- Bridge of Sighs: Stroll by this beautiful, historic bridge for a touch of Venetian mystery and legend.
Venice Events & Local Life
- Carnival: Enjoy the magic of masks and costumes during Venice’s world-famous Carnival.
- Historical Regatta: In September, watch traditional gondolas parade down the Grand Canal.
- Venice Film Festival: Each September, the Lido comes alive with international cinema.
Shopping streets and unmissable events
In all the narrow streets and alleys of Venice, there are illuminating shop windows and small shops; the main shopping street is Le Mercerie, between St. Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge; the most famous jewelers are under the arcades of St. Mark’s. The symbol of Venice, the Mask is sold almost everywhere throughout the city, from the most expensive to the simplest that only serve as souvenirs.
Take advantage of the famous Rialto Market with fruit and vegetables for food and wine products.
What makes it famous all over the world is its fantastic Venice Carnival, which dates back to the tenth century and is considered an essential Italian carnival event of the year, and the Historical Regatta, a parade of boats – including the splendid gondolas – that have made the history of the city.
The famous “Venice Film Festival” is hugely well-known, which takes place every year in September. It has national and international value and attracts many visitors and tourists.
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Where to Eat, Drink & Shop
- Food: Try Venetian classics like cicchetti (small snacks), risotto, polenta, and local seafood.
- Drinks: Sip a Spritz or local wines (Merlot, Cabernet, Riesling, Chardonnay).
- Nightlife: Head to Dorsoduro for lively bars and a youthful vibe.
- Shopping: Browse Le Mercerie for fashion, handmade masks, and artisan goods. Rialto Market is a must for food lovers.
Free & Unusual Attractions
- Free Sights: The Basilica of Saints John and Paul, Santa Maria della Salute, Marciana Library, and the Scala Contarini del Bovolo are all worth a visit—often with no entry fee.
- Hidden Gems: Explore the Castello district, the Arsenale shipyards, or the former vineyards of the Doges. Seek out the Ghetto area and the history of famous courtesans like Veronica Franco.
What to see in Venice in one day
A day trip to Venice can be the right opportunity to discover the main treasures of the city.
The obligatory stops on your tour are:
- Doge’s Palace (book in advance to avoid long queues);
- St. Mark’s Basilica and a walk in the square of the same name;
- Boat trip on the Grand Canal to admire the grand palaces that overlook it;
- Traditional photography from the Rialto Bridge;
- Visit the Accademia Galleries, which house the works of great masters.
What to see in Venice in two days
Two days is short, but you can admire several attractions if you optimize your time.
Day 1: The first fixed stops are the area of Cannaregio, which is home to the oldest Jewish Ghetto in Europe, and the Rialto Bridge; then move to St. Mark’s Square to get a closer look at the Clock Tower, the Basilica, and the Doge’s Palace. Continue to the Bridge of Sighs and head to the Accademia Galleries to contemplate masterpieces by Titian, Tiepolo, and Lotto. Cross the Ponte dei Pugni and linger on the Scalzi bridge that overlooks the Church of Santa Maria di Nazareth. End the day with a panoramic tour of about an hour by Vaporetto.
Day 2: On the second day, a gondola ride, a stroll through the shopping streets, and a visit to Palazzo Venier dei Leoni (Grand Canal) await you, which houses an extensive collection of paintings (some signed by Picasso). Your holiday is only complete if you taste some specialties of the local culinary tradition (sardines in saor, codfish) in a trattoria in the Canneregio area. Finally, we suggest you stay in the Castello area because there are several accommodation facilities at really affordable prices.
What to see in Venice in three days
A 3-day holiday can be enough to discover the many wonders of Venice.
- Day 1 – Start your tour with a walk in the city’s heart: walk towards St. Mark’s Square, cross the Scalzi bridge (in front of the train station), and continue towards Rialto to take the ritual photo on the Lagoon. Cross the Bridge of Sighs, look at the Palazzo delle Prigioni, and linger in the adjacent Doge’s Palace (book your visit online to avoid long queues). Then visit St. Mark’s Basilica, the Clock Tower, and the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore (reachable by Vaporetto in a few minutes). Before continuing, take a lunch break at the ‘Ristorante alla Basilica’ (Calle degli Albanesi); in the afternoon, a dive into the Venetian fashion of the ‘700 awaits you at Palazzo Corner Mocenigo (San Polo).
- Day 2: The next morning frees you to a complete tour of the islands (Murano, Burano, and Torcello), while in the afternoon, you can go to the Gallerie dell’Accademia to retrace the history of Venetian painting from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century.
- Day 3: On the third day, after taking a gondola ride, go to the Cannaregio district to admire palaces, churches, monuments, and the Jewish Ghetto. Finally, we suggest you stay in San Polo because it is near the most important tourist attractions and is not far from the train station.
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Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers
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Feature photo Credits: picjumbo.com
