Don’t get me incorrect — gondolas are a captivating a part of Venice’s historical past and taking a ship journey in a single is an effective way to spend a day whilst you’re within the metropolis.
That stated, there’s so rather more to Venice than gondolas — the town is full of hidden gems and wonderful issues to do.
Fast Tip: If you happen to’re planning on visiting Venice as a bigger journey to Italy, try this Final two-week Italy itinerary! It’s also possible to browse my Final Italy Journey Information for common ideas that can assist you plan your dream trip.
Listed below are 10 of the most effective issues to do in Venice (moreover the gondolas) that you must add to your itinerary!
See the Bridge of Sighs
Venice has no scarcity of bridges — there are a number of hundred all through the town.
However the Bridge of Sighs stands out for being enclosed and constructed from vivid white limestone. It was inbuilt 1600 and connects Prigioni Nuove, a jail, to the Doge’s Palace, which is at present a museum.
Contained in the bridge, you could find a double hallway that was used to move prisoners between buildings with out letting them see one another. It’s price visiting even should you don’t go contained in the construction.
If you happen to’re touring together with your companion, take into account viewing it from the water — there’s a neighborhood legend that {couples} who kiss whereas using a gondola below the bridge at night time will keep collectively endlessly!
Attempt Conventional Venetian Meals
Italian meals is fashionable all over the world for a cause, however Venetian delicacies is extra of a secret. It options numerous seafood because of our bodies of water just like the Venetian Lagoon the place recent fish are caught each day.
One of the well-known varieties of Venetian meals is Baccalà mantecato, which is a sort of dried and salted codfish that’s served blended with herbs and spices in addition to potatoes and cream to make a savory mousse.
Tip: Venice can also be recognized for white wine, which pairs completely with fish!
images courtesy of Dal Moro’s
Get Contemporary Pasta To-Go
Considered one of Italy’s most well-known dishes is pasta, and you may get it like quick meals while you go to. Contemporary pasta is a dish that seems like a luxurious however eating places like Dal Moro’s make it a straightforward possibility.
This of this as quick meals…however Italian model. (And higher!)
You may decide from choices like carbonara and bolognese however it’s also possible to make your individual by choosing one of many base pasta and including your favourite toppings and sauces.
Your order will likely be served up in transportable containers so you possibly can get pleasure from it whilst you’re strolling round and having fun with the sights and sounds of the town.
Piazza San Marco
Also called St. Mark’s Sq., the Piazza San Marco is a historic central plaza and it’s stated that Napoleon as soon as referred to it as “probably the most stunning drawing room in Europe.”
Whereas there’s no proof that he truly stated it, the sentiment is spot on — it’s a primary vacationer attraction and is lined with shops, eating places, and notable historic websites such because the Basilica di San Marco.
Tip: Though you must go to, staying within the Piazza shouldn’t be advisable as it may be overly crowded and overwhelming. Try this information on the most effective locations to remain in Venice for alternate options!
The bridge with out a parapet
Ponte De Chiodo
Town of Venice has over 400 bridges that join the numerous islands to create a cohesive metropolis middle. You’ll most likely cross lots of the bridges throughout your time in Venice as you go about your days however the Ponte De Chiodo is one you must exit of your technique to see.
It’s considered one of two bridges in Venice nonetheless standing that doesn’t have guard rails…so that you’ll get an adrenaline rush as you cross.
It’s additionally an awesome photograph alternative because of the encircling picturesque buildings in terracotta tones.
Libreria Acqua Alta
The Libreria Acqua Alta is a e book lover’s dream!
Its format is gorgeous and chaotic and you’ll spend hours sifting via the stacks of used and new books which you could find not solely on cabinets but additionally in vintage gondolas, barrels, and bathtubs.
Along with a really spectacular assortment of books, you may additionally get to say whats up to one of many pleasant cats who stay inside the shop.
Enjoyable Reality: The shop’s identify, which suggests “bookstore of excessive water” will get its identify from the excessive tide. When the tide rolls in, the proprietor wears rubber boots to promote books!
Water enters at will and all books have to be not less than 6 inches off the ground.
Study How Venetian Masks Are Made
Elaborate and delightful masks are a well-known function of the Carnival of Venice, a multi-day competition that happens yearly earlier than Ash Wednesday.
You’ll find examples of those masks all through Venice however to stage up your expertise attempt your hand at making your individual at a masks workshop.
Ca’Macana affords programs the place you possibly can be taught concerning the historical past of the masks and the way they had been historically made. You’ll even have an opportunity to brighten your individual!
Eat at Venice’s Oldest Restaurant
Among the best issues to do in Venice so far as meals is worried is eat a meal at Antica Trattoria Poste Vecie.
Not solely is the menu completely to-die-for, nevertheless it has the distinctive standing of being the oldest restaurant within the metropolis. It dates again to the sixteenth century so it has an extended historical past of serving up some wonderful Venetian delicacies.
Whereas all the pieces you may get right here is unbelievable, ensure you get a seafood dish as that’s one of many restaurant’s specialties.
It’s situated throughout the well-known Rialto Fish Market so you realize you’re getting prime quality and recent substances.
Observe: The restaurant entrance is form of hidden so be sure to maintain a watch out!
Go to the Colourful Island of Burano
The island of Burano is thought for its vivid colourful buildings and vibrant artwork scene.
The colours of the buildings comply with a selected algorithm and if somebody needs to color their home right here, they really need to submit a request to the federal government.
This helps protect the custom and you’ll see the brilliant colours while you go to Burano to this present day.
Go to Murano for Glass Making
Along with masks making, glass making is one other beloved Venetian craft that you could study while you go to! There are guided tours you possibly can take the place you possibly can be taught concerning the historical past of glassblowing and see masters of the craft at work.
You’ll even be capable to attempt your hand at making mosaics utilizing genuine Murano glass.
Bonus: Take into account Exploring Exterior the Area
Whereas visiting Venice is a memorable expertise in itself, there are such a lot of locations to go to within the area that you simply don’t need to restrict your self to only this one metropolis.
Take a practice via Italy to get a extra grounded perspective of the attractive panorama.
If you happen to’re driving, it’s also possible to simply go to the town of Treviso to see extra picturesque canals or head north to Valdobbiadene, the place you possibly can take part in a singular wine tasting: a Prosecco Merchandising Machine!
That is simply the tip of the iceberg! There’s a lot extra to see and do within the metropolis — try my Venice journey information for extra concepts.
Have you ever been to Venice earlier than? What hidden gems did you uncover? What had been your favourite meals?
