There is only one Venice.  Venice is a unique city filled with charm, charisma, romance, and curiosity.  There is a lot to do, see, explore, and eat in Venice.  I hope that this Bucket List will help you get started in this wonderful city!

1. Browse the Books at Acqua Alta Bookstore

This bookstore is amazing and so unique!  The books are placed in bathtubs, gondolas, and waterproof bins in case of flooding.  It is so charming and worth the stop!

2. Catch the Vaporetto

The Vaporetto is Venice’s Water Bus that stops at various points along the Grand Canal (lines #1 and #2).

Insider Tip: Buy a day pass and use the Vaporetto to get everywhere in Venice.  It is much better and easier than taking an expensive water taxi from point to point.

3. Cross the Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is Venice’s most popular bridge over the Grand Canal.  Enjoy another fantastic, iconic view of Venice.

Recommendation: If you want to learn more about this famous bridge and the architecture of Venice, take the Architecture of Venice tour by Context Travel.

 4. Climb the Campanile di San Marco

The Campanile di San Marco is the bell tower that dominates the skyline of Venice.  A short elevator ride will take you to the top of Campanile.  Here, you can enjoy the best views of Venice.

Insider Tip: The views at sunset are unbelievable!

5. Drink a Bellini at Harry’s Bar

Harry’s Bar is home of the Bellini.  Are the over-priced Bellinis worth it?  I think so.

Recommendation: If you want to learn about the Bellini and Italian aperitifs, take the Venice Aperitivo Tour by Context Travel!

6. Eat Gelato

Because, well, you are in Italy.  It is a requirement.

7. Eat at Ristorante Da Ivo

The meal here was absolutely DEVINE.  Furthermore, this restaurant is a small, quaint spot filled with Italian charm. No wonder it is George Clooney’s favorite (and where he, his friends, and the wedding party ate the night before his wedding).

8. Go Watch Glassmaking in Murano

Murano is famous for its glassmaking.  It is mesmerizing to sit and watch them sculpt the glass into little figurines.  While you are here, buy a piece of Murano glass — it is a great souvenir!

Recommendation: Learn all about Murano and what makes Murano glass unique through Murano Glass in a Global World by Context Travel.

9. Get Lost

It is very easy to do!  But, behind every twist, turn, and alley, there is something new and exciting to see and explore!

10. People Watch in the Piazza San Marco

The Piazza San Marco is filled with tourists.  So, the cafes in Piazza San Marco offer some of the best people watching in the entire city.  Order an espresso or lemonade, sit outside, people watch, and enjoy the atmosphere of Venice!

Insider Tip: If you sit down at some cafes, you may also have to pay for the music.  Just keep this in mind when choosing a cafe!

11. Ride in a Gondola

There is nothing more iconic than a gondola in Venice.  Yes, it may be “touristy” and over-priced, but it is the #1 things to do in Venice!  Extra bonus points if you get a gondolier who will serenade you! 😉

12. Ride Down the Grand Canal

Hop on the Vaporetto and ride down the Grand Canal.  This is a wonderful way to get your first taste of Venice!  I also stayed at a hotel on the Grand Canal, and it was very easy to get everywhere in Venice from here.

Recommendation: Take Introduction to Venice Boat Tour by Context Travel to explore the Grand Cabal and the “quiet back canals of the city with a local historian for an immersive, in-depth experience of this magical city.”

13. Ride in a Speedboat

There is nothing like having the wind on your face as you cruise around Venice.

14. See the Bridge of Sighs

Connecting the Doge’s Place to the prison, it was here where prisoners on their way to execution would have their last look at the city.

15. Shop at the Rialto Market

The Rialto Market has fresh seafood, meats, fruits, and veggies.  You can shop like a local!

Recommendation: Take the Rialto Market Tour by Context Travel to learn all about food, commerce, and the Rialto Market!

16. Take a Food Tour

Have an insider guide you around the city for the best options and places to eat.  This way, you will not have a bad meal and/or pay for a tourist-trap, overpriced “blah” meal.

Recommendation: My favorite tour company, Context Travel, offers several food tours in Venice.  There is the Rialto Market Tour (see above), the Annotated Lunch in Padova: Cuisine of the Veneto, and the Annotated Dinner, an Evening of Venetian Cuisine.

17. Visit Doge’s Palace

Doges Palace is located right next to St. Marks Basilica.  The Doge’s Palace served as the residence for the Doge and home of the government.   It was built to show off wealth and power. Spend some time here and admire all the beauty and opulence!

Recommendation: Take the Doge’s Palace Tour: Politics and Justice in Venice by Context Travel for “an in-depth look at the figure of the Doge, the complex and unique nature of the Venetian Republic’s political system, and visit one of the most iconic buildings in St. Mark’s Square—the Doge’s Palace.”

18. Walk inside St. Mark’s Basilica

St. Marks Basilica is located in St. Marks Square.  Both the inside and outside of this Basilica is filled with history and artifacts.

Recommendation: Take Context Travel’s St. Mark’s to Rialto: Venice and the East Tour to learn about St. Mark’s Basilica and “Venice’s rise to power and its unique link with the Eastern empires.”

19. Wear a Mask at Carnivale

The Venice Carnival occurs every late January to early February.  If you are in Italy during this time, you cannot pass the moment to don a mask and party!