10 Things You Must do in Venice: The Best Crowd-Beating Activities

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The magical floating city of Venice has beauty at every turn. There’s so much more to see beyond the gondolas and Piazza San Marco. Here are the top ten things you must do in Venice.

1. Arrive by Boat

Depending on your budget you can either take the Alilaguna, the public transport option at €15,00, or splash out on a private water taxi which can cost up to €110,00! Of course there’s a reason for the hefty price tag, it’s double the speed and ten times more glamorous- a must if you want to make an entrance in style!

Either way, seeing Venice for the first time by boat is magical, especially at night with the lamplight glittering on the water and the palazzos along the grand canal looming imperiously over you. It’s almost spooky! When you step out onto the dock everything feels so unreal, it’s like stepping into another world!

Useful Websites

Motoscafi Private Water Taxis

Alilaguna Public Transport

Venice Link

2. Wander with no Destination

It’s so easy in Venice to walk around constantly checking a map – whether physical or virtual. If you have somewhere you want to get to it’s inevitable! Venice is so easy to get lost and confused in. But the more you check and check the map, the less you see. Of course, there’s things you want to do and see – you can’t always wander aimlessly – but clear a little time to simply walk, look and take in everything and not worry about where you end up. Follow your feet and let Venice surprise you.

3. Get Away from the Crowds

Ponte di Rialto and Piazza San Marco have their attractions and you should take a look but seek quieter streets as well. It’s all beautiful so why not take it in without having to jostle in the crowds!

The grand piazza’s are great but there’s also slivers of narrow streets and quirky sotoportegos (covered streets) to explore. See both sides of Venice – the grand and the quaint!

4. Stroll the Ponte dell’Accademia

This bridge boasts one of the most stunning views of the grand canal and it’s also much quieter than Rialto. If you stay in accommodation on the far side of the bridge from San Marco you will find yourself making many trips across it! Perfect for snapping it in every light and having it all to yourself in the mornings!

In contrast Ponte di Rialto was so busy and crowded (even in February!) that it completely put me off. Instead, take a vaporetto underneath the bridge and see it without the crowds!

5. Visit Burano

After just one day in busy Venice the island of Burano was a blissful haven! Peaceful, charming and colourful, this island is a forty minute ferry ride from Venice and it’s so worth the trip! Be warned, it will have the side effect of making you want to live out the rest of your days in a pink house on the island! It features rows of neatly stacked, rainbow-hued houses that make your heart sing!

Ristorante da Forner is a relaxing spot for lunch on a quieter stretch of canal. You should also go to Panificio Pasticceria Garbo Giorgio and try the Essi biscuits – a Burano speciality! So yummy!

You could spend a good 2-3 hours in Burano, particularly if you want to relax or stop for lunch. Although it’s a quiet place it’s bigger than you might first realise and the beauty could keep you wandering all day!

Getting there

Take the No.12 ferry from Fondamenta Nove to Burano. If you’re at the other end of Venice it might be worth taking a vaporetto up the grand canal to Ca’ d’oro and then it’s just a short walk from there.

6. Find the Quirkiest Bookshop in Venice

Acqua Alta Libreria ‘The Library of High Water’, has the quirky thing down: think books piled up in gondolas, books in tubs, walls of old books and even steps made of old books leading to a cheeky view of the canal. Plus two resident cats!

Despite how difficult it was to find (one of those that when you’re looking for it it’s impossible!) it wasn’t the hidden gem you might expect! Word has spread about the quirkiest bookshop in Venice so don’t expect to have it all to yourself, but it’s definitely worth admiring, especially if you love cats and books (and who doesn’t?)

7. Take a Sunset Boat Ride

Whether you’re on a romantic trip or not, it’s the best way to see Venice at sunset. Take a vaporetto from San Basilio down the Venetian Lagoon to San Giorgio Maggiore island for a change from the grand canal views! It’s a much more open stretch of water so you can really enjoy the sunset.

8. Rise Early

If you’re a morning person it’s definitely worth getting up early – beat the crowds and see Venice in mystical pre-dawn light!

9. See the Carnival

Visit Venice in the days leading up to lent when the yearly carnival takes place for an even bigger slice of surreal beauty. Nothing makes Venice seem even more otherworldly than finding yourself face to face with someone in a full Venetian ball gown and mask!

It doesn’t matter if you can’t afford to go to a masquerade ball or hire a costume (many many euros) because the carnival will come to you. Eye-opening, jaw-dropping costumes are everywhere you look. Watch parades in Piazza San Marco or catch them off duty drinking spritz’s in bars like you’ve actually stepped back into Venice’s glorious past!

10. Buy a Venetian Mask

Even more of a must at carnival time! There’s so many incredible mask shops but make sure to find a traditional mask shop with handmade masks so you know it’s truely authentic Venetian! Even if you pay a little more it’s worth it. La Vetrinetta di Claudia Inchiostro has a selection of gorgeous handmade masks.

Where to Stay

Fujiyama B&B is the perfect budget friendly accommodation, located just a 20 minute walk from Piazza San Marco in the quieter Dorsoduro sestiere. All the main attractions are within easy reach but far enough to escape the crowds!

The Ca’Rezzonico vaporetto stop is only a three minute stroll away and there’s no bridges to navigate so getting to & from Marco Polo airport is very easy!

The B&B is small and quaint, with unusual Japanese decor. Rooms are unfussy and basic but have everything you need for a short stay.

Breakfast is a simple affair of croissants and bread. I was happy with that but I believe there were more options should you wish! Don’t expect a full english though!

The staff were all very friendly and keen to suggest things to do!

Just a heads up.. if you’re checking in late the entrance is down a small side street.

Fujiyama B&B on booking.com

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