Best Things to Do in Venice: The Ultimate Budget-to-Luxury Travel Guide

Venice is known for being expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. This post breaks down the best things to do in Venice. Whether they are budget-friendly (free or affordable!) or luxurious and worth splashing a bit of cash on.

Best Things to do In Venice – That Are Free!

Even with Venice being an expensive city, there are still a bunch of things that you can do that cost absolutely nothing! Enjoy some of the best things to do in Venice without spending anything.

Get lost in the streets – Best Things to do in Venice

Venice is a city that is made for wandering. The streets, the architecture and the beautiful canals are stunning. You could easily spend hours meandering around and discovering your new favourite spot. Each time you think you’ve found it, I guarantee you will turn a corner and find a new place to love. There are also a lot of signs dotted around, pointing you to the main attractions. You might feel lost, but you won’t be for long. Plus, getting lost is the fun of it! Additionally, it is car-free, making it highly pedestrian-friendly (excluding the bridges).

Top Tip: One of the best free things to do is capture beautiful images. Here are the best places in Venice to take photos:
Best views in Venice to photograph

Wander through Piazza San Marco early in the morning

Piazza San Marco is the heart of Venice, so on your wandering, you will likely find your way to this spot. But, as this is such a popular spot, the best time to go is early in the morning. Not only will you find the place much quieter, but if you arrive just after sunrise, you will find the perfect light, which makes the buildings surrounding it almost glow.

Walk across the Rialto Bridge

It is busy and popular, but for good reason. Head there early to avoid the crowds and cross the iconic Rialto Bridge. At the top, take a moment to look out over the curve of the Grand Canal. Take your time browsing the small shops built into the bridge itself, or wander down towards the nearby market streets once you’ve crossed. Even though it’s one of the most photographed spots in the city, it still feels special. Don’t miss the classic photo stop on the north, San Polo side of the Rialto Bridge. You will find a small jetty to stand on just off the Riva del Vin area.

Browse the market at Rialto Market

Close to the Rialto Bridge, you will find the Rialto Market. This place really reflects the traditional and local side of Venetian life. It is semi-covered and has rows of colourful fruit and vegetable stalls alongside the famous Pescheria, where freshly caught lagoon fish and seafood are laid out on marble slabs. Set just beside the iconic Rialto Bridge, the market has been the city’s commercial heart for centuries. Make sure to head there first thing, as it is only open until lunch, and is busiest in the mornings.

Watch gondolas glide along the Grand Canal

Name something more ‘Venice’ than watching gondolas glide past? Nothing will make you feel more like you are in Venice, and also wonder how a city like this exists, than taking some time to watch these unique vessels pass you by. For some great places to watch out for them, head to:

• Rialto Bridge. Stand at the centre for a classic view down the canal as gondolas weave between vaporettos and water taxis.
• The waterfront near Ca’ Rezzonico. A slightly calmer stretch with beautiful palace backdrops.
• Ponte dell’Accademia. One of the best panoramic views over the Grand Canal.
• Along the quieter canals in Dorsoduro. Fewer crowds, more atmosphere.
• The promenade by St Mark’s Basilica – Especially magical in the early morning or just before sunset.

Visit Libreria Acqua Alta – Best Things to do in Venice

If you are a book lover, this is not only one of the best things to do in Venice, but a must-do! And, if you can resist picking up a bookmark or two to take home, they’re completely free. Often touted as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, Libreria Acqua Alta is even named after the Venice floods! The books are all raised off the ground, so they are prepared for rising water. Some of the books are even in a gondola! Head out to the back, where they have embraced the damaged books and created one of the most interesting photo spots. Find a stack of flooded books arranged and designed to be climbed on.

Explore the Jewish Ghetto in Cannaregio

A little away from the busiest tourist routes, you will find the Jewish Ghetto in Cannaregio. This was the world’s first “ghetto”, established in 1516. Walking through the square today feels very different from the bustle around San Marco. You’ll notice the unusually tall buildings (designed to house a growing population within a confined space), peaceful canals, and a handful of synagogues that still stand as reminders of the area’s history. Take some time to grab a coffee in the campo and read the memorial plaques.

Visit the best view of the Grand Canal

There are so many stunning views in Venice, but undoubtedly one of the best (and my favourite) is that from the Ponte dell’Accademia bridge. It is one of Venice’s most famous shots, but the bridge never feels as crowded as the Rialto. No matter the time of day, you will be sure to be stunned by the view. But at sunset it’s extra special!

Enjoy the view from the T Fondaco dei Tedeschi Rooftop Terrace

This is a 13th-century historic building that was restored over 12 years ago and converted into a luxury department store. The interior of the building is highly impressive. But if you take the ‘red carpet’ escalators up towards the top, you will reach the incredibly impressive t Fondaco dei Tedeschi roof terrace. It is free to enter, but you need to book your time slot in advance and arrive 5 minutes early. The views from here are among the best in Venice. You can see straight down to the Rialto Bridge, the Grand Palace, over towards St. Mark’s Square and out over the lagoon. Highly recommend. 

Join a walking tour – Best Things to do in Venice

These are a brilliant way to get to know a city and understand what you’re actually looking at. Several tours are technically classified as “free”. This means you don’t pay upfront; instead, you tip your guide at the end based on what you felt the experience was worth.

It’s a great option if you’re travelling on a budget but still want local insight, hidden corners and stories you’d likely miss on your own. Just remember that while they’re advertised as free, the guides rely on tips, so factor that into your plans and leave what you genuinely feel reflects the value of the tour.

Best Things to do In Venice – That Are Affordable!

If you’re ready to spend a bit of money but don’t want to blow the budget, here are some of the best things to do in Venice that are affordable. These should definitely be on your list to make the most of your time in the city.

Take a Gondola Ride!

Yes really! It has long been thought that while a gondola ride is a must-do, it is also a very expensive way to see the city. However, there are options for travelling on a budget. Did you know you can actually take a ride on a gondola for just €2? There are a few spots in the city where gondolas are used as shuttles to cross the Grand Canal. This type of ride is called a traghetto, and while not fancy, it gives you a chance to say you have ridden on one!

Top Tip: If you want a little longer on a gondola, but still don’t want to pay high-end prices, for around €35 you can join a group experience, such as THIS ONE, which gives you around half an hour ride

Visit Doge’s Palace – Best Things to do In Venice

No trip to Venice is complete without stepping inside the Doge’s Palace. Once the seat of Venetian power, this stunning Gothic masterpiece sits right on St. Mark’s Square and offers a rare window into the city’s glittering past.

Wander through gilded council chambers, marvel at Tintoretto’s vast Paradise, one of the world’s largest oil paintings, and cross the famous Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners once caught their last glimpse of the lagoon. The views from the upper loggia over the Piazzetta are worth the visit alone.

Climb St Mark’s Campanile – Best Things to do In Venice

After visiting the Doge’s Palace, why not pop over to St Mark’s Campanile to climb the tower for one of the best views over the city? This is the famous bell tower that stands in the middle of St Mark’s Square. Tickets generally cost between €10 and €15, but are often cheaper if you buy on site. There is a lift that takes you to the top. There you are treated to a close-up of the bells (which are LOUD when they ring) and stunning views over the city and the lagoon—one of the best things to do in Venice.

Take a vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal

One of the easiest ways to get around Venice is by vaporetto. The bonus of this is that they head down the Grand Canal, so if you purchase a 24-hour pass for €25, you could not only use it to get from the station to your accommodation, but also as a sightseeing tour.

Take a Trip To Burano and Murano

When staying in Venice, the islands of Burano and Murano are well worth a trip. The vaporetto passes include service to both of these islands. Burano is famous for its beautiful, colourful houses and its traditional history of intricate lace-making. Murano is the home of the stunning blown glass you see around Venice. There is even a glass museum you can visit to see the art in action.

See art at Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Venice is known for its incredibly impressive collection of art. There are plenty of museums and galleries you can choose from to see some of it. But if modern art is more your thing, then the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is well worth a visit. It is home to renowned modern art pieces and is set in a historic palazzo, complete with gardens and a terrace overlooking the Grand Canal.

Explore the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

Tucked away down a quiet side street not far from Rialto is thePalazzo Contarini del Bovolo. Its name means snail, and the moment you see the elegant spiral staircase climbing the outside of the building, you’ll understand why. With a mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Byzantine details, it is incredibly interesting to see. Climb to the top of the staircase, and you’ll be rewarded with a lovely rooftop view over the rooftops of Venice. It’s less crowded than the city’s main viewpoints, making it a calmer (and often more affordable) alternative for those seeking a panoramic photo without long queues.

Take a Food Tour

Finding some of the best Cicchetti (Italian tapas) Venice has to offer is a must when in the city. But with its popularity, many expensive tourist-trap restaurants don’t offer an authentic experience. The best places don’t actually even have a sign above! A lit lantern marks them. A tour gives you the chance to uncover these hidden gems!

Top Tip: If you are looking for a food tour in Venice, consider this tour, which adds a layer of local Venetian food history!

Looking for the best places to eat in Venice? Look no further!
Where to Eat in Venice: What to Eat, Where to Find It, and Why You’ll Love It

Best Things to do In Venice – That Are Expensive!

As Venice is a city that truly embraces opulence, there is no better place to indulge and treat yourself to some luxury. Here are the best things to do in Venice if you want to experience the city at its most lavish and unforgettable.

Take a private gondola ride along the Grand Canal

If you want the true, authentic gondola experience, then treat yourself to a private tour. These can accommodate up to five passengers (plus the gondolier), making them ideal for couples, families, or small groups travelling together. Gliding along the Grand Canal, passing beneath bridges and alongside centuries-old palazzi, is one of those once-in-a-lifetime Venice moments. Yes, it’s a splurge, but having that personalised experience truly makes the moment feel special.

Top Tip: If you are celebrating, consider THIS TOUR, which also includes a bottle of premium champagne. Perfect for a honeymoon or anniversary.

Dine at Osteria Alle Testiere

Dinner reservations at Osteria Alle Testiere are hard to get, so make sure to plan if you want to eat in Venice’s most sought-after seafood restaurants. It has just a handful of tables and a menu that changes daily based on the freshest catch from the lagoon—an intimate, special-occasion kind of place.

Stay on Giudecca

An alternative to staying in Venice, if you are after something a little special, is to base yourself on the little island of Giudecca. It’s a little way from Venice, but from the island, you have stunning views over the city itself. If budget is no object, then this is your chance to stay at the famous Hotel Cipriani, where rooms start from around €1,500 per night. If your budget isn’t stretching quite that far, then consider the lovely Hilton Molino Stucky Venice. A former flour mill with a stunning rooftop pool for special views.

Have a Bellini at Harry’s Bar

Venice is the birthplace of the Bellini cocktail, specifically invented by Giuseppe Cipriani, the founder of the famous Harry’s Bar. He named it after the artist Giovanni Bellini, whose distinct, rich, and sunset-pink colours in his artwork inspired the cocktails. Today, you can still drink the cocktail in the same place it was invented. At €22, it isn’t the cheapest, but it is iconic!

Where to stay in Venice

While accommodation in Venice may be expensive, I recommend staying in the city itself, as it allows you to see the city in the evening, when daytrippers have left. Plus, it helps support the city, which is suffering from overtourism from daytrippers. Venice is expensive for accommodation, but here are some recommendations for each budget:

BUDGET: Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo: A lovely, well-reviewed hotel in the Santa Croce district with cosy rooms and excellent value for money. It’s a short stroll from the Grand Canal and within easy walking distance of major sights, making it a great base if you want to stay central without paying luxury prices.

MID-RANGE: Palazzo Veneziano – Stylish and contemporary with comfortable rooms and great service, right along the Zattere waterfront.x

LUXURY: The Gritti Palace – One of Venice’s most iconic luxury hotels, overlooking the Grand Canal and offering timeless elegance, superb service and an unforgettable experience.

If you found this post on the best things to do in Venice for any budget helpful, please support me by saving it for later!