Venice, Italy is much more than its views of canals and gondolas. Sure, these are immaculate but there is more to Venice than meets the eye. Here are some immersive things to do in Venice – from bàcari-hopping to fabulous day trips.
La Fenice Theatre
Teatro La Fenice is a true work of Italian art, and one of Venice’s beloved gems. Famed for its acoustics and interiors, this theatre is not just for those who are opera-lovers. It has been reconstructed twice in its lifetime (after two fires), with seats soaring five levels high.
Try the city’s local specialties
There’s no better way to try Venice’s cuisine than experiencing its cicchetti culture. Cicchetti are plates of snacks or side dishes, typically served at bàcaris (wine bars). Tempt your taste buds with sweet and savoury morsels, from Bigoli in Salsa (a salted sardine and onion pasta, one of the oldest in Venice) to Carnival Frittelle (sweet fried dumplings).
Visit Harry’s Bar
Drawn to this ‘goddamn wonderful city’, Ernest Hemingway adored Venice. It provided the perfect combination of a lively social scene with peace and inspiration for him to put pen to paper. Visit Harry’s Bar to stand in his footsteps – one of his favourite haunts.
Day trips
Venice’s location lends itself to a couple of excellent day trip options. Fair Verona is no more than one hour away by train; charming Padua is just 13 minutes away by train; and the Dolomites are a 2.5-hour drive north. Each offer their own unique attractions so do a little research into these places before you book.
St Mark’s Bell Tower
Who doesn’t love a panoramic view? Climb to the top of St Mark’s Bell Tower to witness dusty-red-coloured roofs, winding canals and landmarks like the Doge’s Palace. At almost 99 metres tall, the 360° views are unmatched.
Explore nearby islands
Whilst smaller, the nearby islands of Burano and Murano still hold their own against their bigger sister, Venice.
Burano is famous for its colourful houses, making it onto many postcards, paintings and pictures. It is also worth visiting for its exquisite lacemaking, a tradition since the sixteenth century. Visit local workshops, purchase some beautiful pieces and visit the Lace Museum.
Another creative island, Murano offers an insight into the art of glass blowing. For over 1,000 years, it has crafted various glass pieces in all shapes, sizes and colours. Don’t miss the Glass Museum, or a visit to Santi Maria e Donato – a church with a beautiful mosaic floor.
Museums
For the museum buffs, there are eleven to explore across a range of tastes. Pour over eighteenth-century Venetian furnishings and paintings at Ca’Rezzonico; learn about the Jewish community and its Ghetto at the Jewish Museum of Venice; or be inspired by local fashion and perfume at the Palazzo Mocenigo.
One of Italy’s prized cities, it comes as no surprise that there are so many immersive things to do in Venice. Explore Venice, and Italy, on a Globus or Cosmos tour.
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