Things to do in Venice: activities and tours

Venice is unlike any other place in the world. A city floating on a lagoon, its shimmering canals, glorious, marbled palaces and resplendent churches packed with artistic masterpieces will simply take your breath away. Relatively untouched since its glory days as a financial centre and maritime power in the 14th century, wandering down an empty street at night is like stepping back in time. For those not sure where to start their exploration of this fairy-tale-like city, we’ve got you covered. From the awe-inspiring Doge’s Palace to the exquisitely mosaicked Basilica di San Marco, lulling gondola rides and feasts of cicchetti (delicious small local dishes), we show you the best the city has to offer. Top six things to do in Venice 1. Discover the Doge’s Palace The seat of Venetian political power, this waterfront palace is a Gothic masterpiece in white stone and pink marble. It served as both the residence of the Doge and the administrative centre. Highlights include lavish council rooms, Tintoretto’s swirling Paradise and a 24-carat gilded stucco staircase. 2. Stroll around St Mark’s Square This historic square captures the wealth, beauty and architectural splendour of Venice’s past. Admire famed buildings such as the Basilica di San Marco with its intricate mosaics and marble, along with the arcaded Procuratie Vecchie and Procuratie Nuove. Arrive very early or very late to escape the crowds. 3. Go on a gondola ride A gondola ride along the picturesque canals will give you a stunning vantage point on the city. Formerly a mode of transport for the Venetian upper class, now you too can glide down the main canal and hidden waterways (many of which can’t be accessed by foot), while soaking in the unique atmosphere of Venice. 4. Savour cicchetti (local snacks) Don’t leave Venice without stepping into a bacaro (wine bar) and indulging in some cicchetti, the city’s most famous snack. Like the Venetian version of tapas, these are small dishes to be enjoyed at the bar with a glass of ombra (wine) and include everything from polpette (meatballs) to open sandwiches. 5. A night at La Fenice opera Opened in 1792, La Fenice has a long and intriguing history. Not only was it mysteriously set ablaze more than once, but it also premiered the works of several renowned composers, from Verdi to Rossini, Donizetti and Bellini. Discover its magic over a heart-rending opera or glimpse its inner workings on a tour.6. Boat trip to Burano and MuranoThere’s more to the lagoon than just Venice. Of the dozen or so inhabited islands, two that are well worth an excursion are Burano and Murano. Each has its own special character. Burano is famed for its pastel-coloured canal-side houses while Murano-made glassware has been highly prized since the Middle Ages.