Visit St. Mark’s Square and Basilica
St. Mark’s Square is the centerpiece of Venice, boasting an expanse of 12th-century galleries and central access to some of the most iconic sights in Venice, including the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica.
This spectacular work of architecture with its signature domes and elaborate artistic touches is one of the most opulent churches you could ever hope to see. The interior is just as stupendous as the facade suggests, with ornate mosaics and plenty of gold covering nearly every surface. The square is a must-see for your time in Venice to appreciate the centuries of work put into these intricate displays of Italian history and culture.
Take an excursion to Murano or Burano
These two small islands are a reasonable boat ride away from the center of Venice, with Murano being a little closer for those seeking shorter transfers. This island is renowned for its blown glass, so catch a demonstration of this ancient fiery art in action or spend your time shopping for beautiful hand-crafted souvenirs to bring home.
Burano on the other hand is known for its distinctive rainbow-hued buildings, as well as for its intricate lace making. On both islands, be sure to shop around a bit before purchasing either blown glass or lace products, as some shops here can carry the same items at very different prices.
Go on a gondola ride
A highly recognizable symbol of Venetian culture is the sleek black gondola, piloted by a singing gondolier in a striped shirt and straw hat. It’s important to note that these gondolas are no longer a primary form of transport in Venice, and the water taxis have largely taken over for practical transfers.
The gondoliers now cater more toward scenic tours of the canals, romantic evenings, and historical experiences. Interestingly, the price of gondola rides in Venice is regulated as strictly as the iconic gondoliers’ uniforms, so you’ll want to focus on finding a route you’ll enjoy with a friendly gondolier rather than trying to hunt for a cheaper option.
Indulge in Venetian cuisine
It should be no surprise that the floating city specializes in seafood dishes, but there are a couple of standouts in the world of Venetian cuisine that you should sample during your stay, including Bigoli in salsa (a thick-cut pasta coated in a salty onion and cured anchovies sauce) or the notably jet black Risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto).
One of the best parts of Venice in the warmer weather is enjoying a leisurely Italian meal on a patio overlooking the canals. Just be sure to try and find smaller restaurants off of the main streets and away from the busiest squares—if you want to avoid a highly crowded meal, consider asking a local for their favorite place to eat.