10 Unusual Things to Do in Venice
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Venice is a beautiful city known for its canals, ancient architecture, and amazing food. Chances are, there’s a lot of things you probably already know about this magnificent place.
Venice is one of those cities that you don’t really need a plan for. The city is so rich in history and culture that you can wander the streets and stumble across some of the most amazing things.
But it’s also a city of surprises, of hidden corners and secret treasures.
These are some of the cool and unique things you can do in Venice that you may not have thought about — or even knew existed.
Toss the guidebook aside, ’cause you won’t find these activities in there.
1) Visit St. Mark’s Basilica at Night
Venice is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. However, the city’s charm is not limited to its daytime attractions.
Every evening, tourists flock to the city’s famous landmarks to enjoy the beauty of Venice by night.
St. Mark’s Basilica is a highlight of the city, and it shines brightly in the darkness with its breathtaking architecture.
The Basilica is a Roman Catholic church located in the geographical center of Venice. It’s one of the oldest and most famous churches in the city.
Under the cover of night, St. Mark’s Basilica becomes a completely different place. The basilica is lit up in a thousand different colors thanks to the church’s stained glass windows.
2) Experience the Island of Giudecca
The island of Giudecca is a beautiful, tranquil island that offers gorgeous views of the lagoon and the other neighboring islands.
The island is only a convenient 10-minute boat ride from the mainland. Its laid-back vibe and stunning views make it a perfect day trip destination for those who want to escape the crowds.
Giudecca is covered in lush green vineyards, aromatic flowers, gorgeous countryside, and charming villages
This hidden gem still retains much of its former charm and has become a popular destination for those seeking a quieter, more leisurely pace of life.
3) Scope Out Some Incredible Banksy Street Art
There are a few things Venice is famous for: its grand palazzi, the bridges, canals, and the Gondolas.
But there’s something in Venice that is more elusive than any of these. It’s the Banksy graffiti that’s found around the city.
Street art can be found all over the place, but one artist is dominating the scene. Only a few people know his name, but everybody knows his work.
He’s called Banksy, a British street artist who chooses to remain anonymous. He’s known for creating masterpieces in the middle of the night to keep his identity a secret.
In the Dorsoduro district of Venice, you can find a small mural of a migrant child. The area is also known as “the real Venice” since it is outside the tourist areas.
Tip: Search Banksy Street Art on Google Maps, it will take you straight there.
4) Royal Gardens
In the heart of Venice’s historical center, the Royal Gardens are the city’s greenest area.
Located on the banks of the Grand Canal, amidst the imposing buildings of the Ducal Palace, the gardens are a tranquil and serene oasis.
Surrounded by the splendor of the Ducal Palace, the Royal Gardens offer a breath of fresh air in the city.
5) Hit up Skyline Rooftop Bar
The Skyline Rooftop Bar is one of the best places in Venice to grab a drink.
It has jaw-dropping views of the Venice canals, Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, the Doge’s Palace, and the Clock Tower from the Rialto Bridge. It’s the perfect place to have a drink and enjoy the view.
6) Ascend the Grand Staircase of Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo
Scala Contarini del Bovolo is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved Renaissance staircases in Venice, Italy.
It was constructed in 1589 for Doge Alvise Contarini and his family on the ground floor of their palace, which was on the Grand Canal in the parish of Santa Maria Formosa.
This grand staircase offers a majestic view of the Grand Canal. Marvel at the six statues of the mythical giants Campeadori, or Campeador, from which the name of the staircase is derived.
7) Climb the San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower
The Bell Tower of San Giorgio Maggiore is one of the finest examples of Venetian Gothic architecture.
It was built in the 14th-century by Pietro Lombardo, a great master of the art of sculpture, and was completed by Pietro Bellotto.
This tower is remarkable for the quality of its construction and for the rich sculptural decoration of its exterior, which is a synthesis of Byzantine and Gothic styles.
8) Marvel at Venetian Artwork at Accademia
The Accademia Gallery has long been a favorite destination for tourists in Venice.
The gallery’s collection is world-renowned for the strength of its displays of Venetian art, including paintings by the great Venetian masters of the 15th-century.
Nearly every palace in the city-state of Venice displays some art, and the Accademia has some of the best.
It’s housed in a 17th-century monastery and the rooms are filled with works from Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese.
You’ll also find paintings by Bellini, Tiepolo, and Giorgione, plus drawings and sculptures by Canova, and even a room dedicated to the work of Edgar Degas.
If you’re visiting Venice, it’s a must-see!
9) Take a Walk Through the Neighborhood of Dorsoduro
Venice is an iconic spot in Italy for a vacation. It’s a beautiful city, but can also be a bit of a tourist trap.
If you’re looking for a more authentic Italian experience, try going for a walk through the winding streets and canal-lined squares of Dorsoduro.
It’s not as touristic as other parts of the city and has a quieter atmosphere. It’s also not as expensive and is the perfect spot to grab a coffee and experience authentic Italian cuisine.
10) Visit the Crypt of San Zaccaria
The Flooded Crypt of San Zaccaria is located in the San Zaccaria Church on the south side of the Grand Canal, a very short walk from the Saint Mark’s Basin.
The church was originally built in the 11th-century but was rebuilt in the 17th-century in the baroque style. The crypt was added in the 16th-century.
It’s considered one of the most important monuments of this period in Venice because of its opulent decoration.
But the crypt is more than just a work of art, it’s a real-life “tomb” for those who died in Venice’s last great plague.
