The best attractions in Venice for 2025

Doge’s Palace is where Venice’s rulers once lived – part castle, part palace, part spooky prison. It mixes Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance styles, and has gone various renovations since it was built first as a fortified castle. Rising boldly from the water, this architectural wonder is a must-visit. 

Don’t miss: Head to Cantina Canaletto for lunch afterwards for locally-sourced, authentic Venetian food. 

This prestigious concert venue with red velvet seats and golden walls is an absolute must-see, even if you’re not going to catch the latest Beethoven. This nineteenth-century opera house is one of the most renowned landmarks of Italian opera. Built-in 1837, it boasts a gold-gilded ceiling and sculptures of mermaids lining the walls. Throughout, there are yellow-tinted lamps, which cast a sepia tone on everything. 

Don’t miss: The theatre hosts one hundred opera performances per year. Check their website for show schedule.

By far the most epic church in Venice, this Roman Catholic cathedral is set in the heart of San Marco Square. Its architecture is impressive, and the marble staircase is filled with incredible detail. Inside, the opulent Renaissance style, gold mosaics and stunning marble sculptures are trademarks of Venetian history.

Don't miss: Notice the Horses of Saint Mark that crown the main entranceway; they were stolen by Napoleon but returned in 1815.

Set at the heart of the San Marco neighbourhood, this bustling area is often packed with tourists, so visit early in the morning or late evening to avoid the crowds. It’s a place to peruse the small streets, poke through the shops, grab an espresso or watch a live jazz band on a restaurant patio.

Don't miss: It’s a perfect pit stop when planning to hit Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica on the same day.

It’s certainly not cheap, but it is pretty much the quintessential Venice experience to hitch a gondola ride, and one tourists rarely regret. There are plenty of ways to see Venice from the water, whether you want to hail down gondola riders in person at designated spots or book a guided ride online in advance. 

Don’t miss: these rides aren’t just for pairs. Group gondola rides can take up to five, so go with all your pals or share with others for a cheaper trip. 

In 1948, the famed art collector bought a palazzo facing the Grand Canal and moved in with her fleet of Lhasa Apso dogs. Today, visitors can see her elaborate modern art collection, which features artworks by Man Ray, Barnett Newman and Frank Stella. Alongside the vine-covered terrace and café, Guggenheim is buried in the garden with her six dogs.

Don’t miss: Did we mention that each of the six dogs has their own gravestone? 

Don’t stay stuck in Venice for your entire holiday. When it all gets a bit much (and trust us, it might), take a 40-minute Vaporetto straight to Burano – the views on the way are pretty worth it too. Once you get there, you’ll find a string of bold, brightly-coloured houses and plenty of shops to buy souvenirs. Guided tours and day trips can be booked online. 

Don’t miss: Many Burano tours include a glassblowing demonstration, one of the things this island is known best for. 

One will rarely stumble upon this museum by accident, as the historic venue is tucked away in a side street. Originally the home of a 15th-century Venetian doge, today it is a museum featuring more than 100 sculptures and paintings, including the famous sculpture "Abduction of Ganymede." The main Tribuna Room is the perfect selfie spot to take you back to ancient Venice.

Don’t miss: This museum is great for architecture nerds, as its decorative ceiling and creative stucco are one of a kind.

This low-key secondhand bookstore has piles of books stacked up on its floors in both Italian and English. This is also where one can buy notebooks, postcards and art prints at a reasonable price. Inside this cramped but legendary space, Acqua Alta Library has a gondola boat sitting in the middle of the floor and several cats wandering around. More than anything, visit for the unique character of this local hotspot.

Don’t miss: You have the option of adding a gondola ride to your itinerary. 

No trip to Venice is complete without a visit to this sprawling art museum, which features over 500 artworks from the Gothic to Rococo eras. The paintings here are laid out chronologically in 24 rooms, so expect to be taken through the entire illustrious history of Venice from the eyes of the city’s artists. Don't miss Carpaccio's St Ursula Cycle and Veronese's Feast in the House of Levi.

Don’t miss: This museum is a short walk from the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.