25 Magical Things To Do in Venice, Italy

Wow, just wow. Venice around every corner, every bridge, every step is such a dream city to visit.

It feels a little like stepping back in time, in the best kind of way. It’s a city that doesn’t just whisper romance… it sings it from the rooftops, dances it across the canals, and serves it up on silver trays.

With its age-old glamour, Venice feels like magic.

Which is why I’ve put together my ultimate list of things to do in Venice, Italy from our travels to this beautiful city. Some, a little touristy, but I promise, for your first time visiting this magical place, you want to experience it all.

Here are 25 of the most magical things to do in Venice, each guaranteed to cast a spell that lingers long after you leave.

25 Magical Things to do in Venice, Italy

1. Get Literary in Libreria Acqua Alta

If Venice had a scent, it would be old paper and salty air… and Libreria Acqua Alta captures that essence in every corner!

Touted as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, this literary labyrinth is filled with bathtubs, gondolas, and even full-size boats overflowing with books. There are kittens.

Most importantly… there are stairs made of hardback novels perfectly poised for a photo opportunity.

It’s chaotic in the best kind of way, and you’ll want to linger just a little longer, thumbing through Italian poetry and imagining a life where this is your corner bookstore.

2. Take a Gondola Ride Through the Canals (you simply HAVE to!)

Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s expensive. But it’s also unapologetically magical.

Gliding beneath the Bridge of Sighs, with the golden hour sun dancing off the water and a gondolier humming something old and romantic, well, it’s Venice at her most theatrical.

Tip: If you’re after something a little quieter (and cheaper), try a traghetto, a stripped-back gondola ferry that locals use to cross the Grand Canal.

3. Start the Day with Coffee at Caffè Florian

Time to savour a deliciously overpriced coffee – but it’s well worth the experience!

Caffè Florian isn’t a place to grab a quick espresso, it’s where you sit beneath crystal chandeliers, listen to the tinkling of a live orchestra in Piazza San Marco, and order an ice cold coffee that comes with silver service and just the right amount of decadence.

Truly, the fanciest iced coffee of my LIFE!

Founded in 1720, it’s one of the oldest cafés in the world, and yes, your coffee will probably cost more than your lunch (or maybe even dinner!) but it’s worth every luxurious sip.

4. Ponte di Rialto

Sure, you might say that the bridges around Venice are touristy… but I happen to think there’s quite a lot of magic in seeing the famous sites of a city alongside the hidden gems.

This is one you truly can’t miss, even without meaning to, you’re bound to stumble upon it!

The Rialto Bridge is also the oldest of the four famed bridges in the city. Connecting the sestieri of San Marco and San Polo, it has been rebuilt several times since its first construction which was 1173!!!!

5. Sunset from Ponte di Rialto

On that note, don’t miss magical sunsets from Ponte di Rialto!

The canal city glows as it comes to life each evening. Make sure to take a little detour here upon sunset one evening to take it in, even if it’s just for a moment or two.

6. Bridge of Sighs

Staying on the theme of bridges for a moment, make sure to also pay a visit to the Bridge of Sighs!

There are a few wonderful viewpoints to see the Bridge of Sighs for free, from both Ponte della Paglia (the larger area!) and Ponte della Canonica (smaller).

The iconic Bridge of Sighs connects Doge’s Palace to the New Prison (Prigioni Nuove) across the Rio di Palazzo. Access to the Bridge of Sighs is included in all Doge’s Palace tickets. You can book your tickets ​here…

7. La Terrazza Bar at H10 Palazzo Canova for sunset drinks

We stumbled upon this spot as we weren’t quite ready to head back to the hotel but we were seeking views so Joe found the closest rooftop bar nearest to where we were walking! La Terrazza Bar is perfect for taking in the scenery.

You’ll spot the Rialto Bridge right in your line of view too!

Sadly, we were here right as it was raining but we certainly did have our drinks on the terrace anyways!

8. Eat Gelato at Suso

This is the gelato that ruins all other gelato.

Hidden down a narrow alley, Suso Gelatoteca serves artisanal scoops that are as photogenic as they are delicious. You’ll likely be waiting in a bit of a long line for this, but ah, the things we do to try the famous spots of cities!

I think it’s definitely worth it. The “Manet” (chocolate, caramel, and salt crystals) is life-changing.

9. Take the Vaporetto to the Island of Burano

You’ll know you’ve arrived in Burano when the houses turn into a crayon box.

Fuchsia, lemon yellow, seafoam green, each building is brighter than the last.

This little fishing village is full of lace shops, quiet alleyways, and canals that feel far removed from the bustle of Venice proper. It’s slower, sweeter, and a perfect place for a long, lazy lunch of seafood and wine.

10. Have a Luxurious Lunch at Hotel Cipriani‘s Il Porticciolo

If you’re going to splurge, do it here.

Take the hotel’s private boat from St. Mark’s Square and arrive in James Bond style to this lush retreat on Giudecca Island. This is also a bit of a travel hack as you can take the boat for lunch or dinner even as a non-hotel guest!

Lunch should be a sun-drenched affair of Bellinis, garden-grown produce, and views that stretch out across the water at their Il Porticciolo restaurant.

Sadly, the weather was a bit meh on the day I booked in, so it’s a little lackluster in these shots.. but don’t worry, we’ll return again!

11. Marvel at St. Mark’s Basilica by Night

During the day, the square swarms with tourists and pigeons.

But at night? It turns ethereal.

Visit during an evening tour of St. Mark’s Basilica to see the golden mosaics lit up from within.

It’s quieter, cooler, and hauntingly beautiful, like walking through a glowing jewel box.

Bonus magic if you catch the basilica just after it rains, when the piazza becomes a mirror reflecting the entire cathedral.

12. Dinner at El Magazen

We actually had our anniversary dinner here! I can’t recommend this enough.

Joe found it and let me tell you, the food was delicious!! Definitely one of our best meals in Venice!

13. Sip Spritzes Along the Fondamenta della Misericordia

This canal-side stretch in Cannaregio is a local favourite. Far from the tourist crowds, full of cosy wine bars and canal-front trattorias.

Order a classic Venetian Spritz Select (the darker, slightly more bitter cousin of Aperol) and nibble on cicchetti, Italy’s brilliant answer to tapas.

As the sky shifts from soft blue to lavender to midnight, you’ll start to feel like you belong here.

14. Explore the Secret Itineraries of the Doge’s Palace

Sure, the grand halls and gilded ceilings of the Doge’s Palace are stunning, but the Secret Itineraries Tour peels back the façade and takes you behind the scenes.

Think prison cells, interrogation chambers, and the secret passageways used by the Venetian elite. It’s part history lesson, part mystery novel, and adds a darker layer to Venice’s glittering reputation.

15. End the Night with Live Music in a Hidden Courtyard

Venice’s magic lies not only in the major sights, but in its quiet corners. Keep your ears open in the evening—you might stumble across a string quartet echoing through a hidden piazza, or a jazz band playing in a tucked-away bar. These are the moments that stay with you long after you’ve left: a candle flickering in a wine glass, a violin soaring beneath the stars, the feeling that anything could happen next.

16. Stroll the canals

Honestly, it’s so refreshing to simply walk around the city and take it all in.

A little wander without an agenda does wonders for the soul.

17. Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Modern art with a view. This canal-side palazzo was once Peggy’s home—and now it holds works by Pollock, Picasso, and Duchamp, all framed by floating gondolas and garden sculptures.

18. Sunset boat ride

OK so we actually popped BACK to Hotel Cipriani for evening drinks…

And WOW!!

We were treated to the most magical sunset on our way back to the main square. Truly, I’d really recommend popping out to some of the hotels on their own little islands as you get these epic views!

19. Climb the Campanile di San Marco

From the top of this bell tower, Venice stretches out like a gilded dream. You’ll see rooftops, domes, and the sparkle of the lagoon. Go early or at sunset for the most magical light.

20. Watch the Sunset from Punta della Dogana

Where the Grand Canal meets the Giudecca Canal, you’ll find this peaceful spot with sweeping views of San Marco. Bring a bottle of wine and sit by the edge as the sky melts into the sea.

21. Eat Cicchetti at a Traditional Bacaro

Pop into a tiny bacaro, grab a plate of little bites (think: baccalà, stuffed zucchini, truffle sandwiches), and wash it down with a €1 glass of wine. It’s the Venetian way.

22. Glide Down the Grand Canal at Night

Take Vaporetto Line 1 after dark and watch the palazzos light up along the water. It’s the most affordable romantic boat ride you’ll ever take.

23. Visit Scala Contarini del Bovolo

Tucked away in a quiet courtyard, this hidden spiral staircase looks like something out of a Renaissance fairy tale. Climb to the top for yet another dazzling view of the rooftops.

24. Watch Glass Blowing at The Glass Cathedral

Housed in a deconsecrated church on Murano, this atmospheric space blends ancient craft with modern art installations.

It’s haunting, beautiful, and totally unexpected.

25. Stay Somewhere Worth Waking Up In

Venice is magical, but where you sleep adds to the story. A few stunning stays to consider:

Venice Hotel Recommendations

Palazzina Veneziana

So we LOVED staying at Palazzina Veneziana! It’s definitely a more affordable option and somehow we lucked out with our last minute booking because we got their rooftop terrace room for two nights!

Locanda Ai Santi Apostoli

We also stayed at Locanda Ai Santi Apostoli.

I will say this is quite a budget hotel stay, the rooms weren’t anything fancy whatsoever.

BUT they have a communal area and these were the views from the window! We bought a bottle of wine, pulled two chairs together and watched the sunset.

More things to do in Venice, Italy

How to Get to Venice from the Airport ✨

Landing at Venice Marco Polo Airport feels like arriving at the edge of a dream—and getting into the city is part of the magic.

🛥 Take the Alilaguna Water Bus

The most scenic way in. It’s like a floating slow introduction to Venice. Tickets are around €15 and take 45–60 mins, depending on your stop (perfect if you’re staying near San Marco or Rialto).

🚖 Private Water Taxi

Feeling a little bougie? Go for this Bond-worthy entrance. Pricey (around €100–120), but you’ll be dropped off directly at your hotel dock like absolute Venetian royalty.

🚌 Land Transfer

Take the ATVO or ACTV bus to Piazzale Roma (€8), then walk or grab a vaporetto into the heart of the city.

However you arrive, the moment you step onto the lagoon and leave the cars behind? That’s when Venice begins.

Kelly xoxo