Venice’s 20 must-see attractions

Are you planning to visit Florence? Here’s a guide to the must-see attractions and recommended activities in the cradle of the Italian Renaissance.

1. Doge’s Palace

How could we not mention it? This Gothic building was once the residence of the governors who ruled the Republic. It is a historic palace with famous paintings by Veronese, Bellini, Titian and Tintoretto.

It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe and is also a must-see on your way to the infamous Bridge of Sighs. We recommend that you book your tickets online in advance as there are long queues on site.

2. St. Mark’s Basilica

Built in the mid-11th century, the magnificent Basilica of St. Mark’s is filled with flowers and features the symbol of Venice – a golden lion with outstretched wings – on its facade.

The cathedral’s mosaics, dome, statues and altar are all must-sees, and the altar is said to contain the remains of St. Mark himself.

3. Gondola Ride

Gondola rides are a must-do in Venice. Despite the image of gondolas being a “tourist magnet,” they are still the most peaceful and soothing activity you can do in Venice. Most gondola rides start near Piazza San Marco, where your guide will tell you about the interesting history of gondolas. You will then board a shared or private gondola and drift peacefully along the canals. Gondola rides allow you to discover hidden corners and see the monuments from a unique perspective.

4. Piazza San Marco

Piazza San Marco is undoubtedly Venice’s most iconic attraction: it is the city’s main square and a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike.

It is truly the heart of Venice: you can’t miss it if you want to visit St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Campanile and all the other must-see monuments.

5. La Fenice Theatre

In Italian, “Fenice” means “phœnix”, the famous mythical bird that rose from the ashes. In fact, the Teatro La Fenice was built at the end of the 18th century to replace the Teatro San Benedetto, which was destroyed by fire. In 1836, it was also destroyed by fire and subsequently rebuilt.